Fun, fast, and bloody, with a surprisingly sweet sapphic love story.

What a beautiful story!!! These couples are so strong. Getting to know the life and the people of the West was so interesting and my heart really went out to Adaira. Actually, my heart went out to everyone. There was a lot of heartache in this book, but it was all so worth it.

I would’ve loved a slightly tweaked ending. I understand why Jack can no longer play for the Gods, because of the potential power is dangerous, but why can’t he play for the people of Cadence? Music was his LIFE.

Solid debut romance, but there were definitely some structural issues, like the constant switching of POV’s.

I think it’s brave to write such deeply flawed characters. It’s honestly challenging to root for them, both as a couple and as individuals, at several points in the book. 

MMC (forgot name) was kind of an asshole. I think he had less growth than Ari. That being said, I almost DNF’ed because of Ari. I get that her sex-forward personality is a type of defensive mechanism, but her dialogue ranged from jokes a 12 year old boy would make to over sharing to the point of (imo) harassment.

The couple did have great banter and it was a quick read for me. I love the portrayal of NYC in the book, it was very atmospheric. 

Also if you live in America, PLEASE get married lol. It’s more than a piece of paper or a party, it gives you legal rights. 

I just love Rebecca Ross’s writing. I loved every single character and watching the two couples that we follow come together. These characters are deeply lovable. 

Honestly I didn’t think it was slow at all. I was engaged the entire time. There’s so much mystery and secrets held by the island.

Overall I did find this book really enjoyable and easy to read; however, the entire third act conflict left a really sour taste in my mouth.

Kamilah was by no means a perfect character (she would be boring if she was), but I understand all of the decisions that she made, even the wrong ones. I think EVERYONE came down way too harsh on her!! They shoved her in this corner where they infantilized her enough to discredit all of her ideas while also putting an insane amount of pressure on her. Then they got mad and completely iced her out when she tried to solve everything on her own. The only person justified in their anger is Sophie. I know her family loved her but the misogynistic family dynamics were very present (to be fair to the author, they were challenged). 

I thought Liam was okay but I never felt like he truly opened up and got off easy compared to Kamilah. I honestly have nothing to say about him. Boring.

I was never strongly invested in them as a couple, which is sad considering this is a romance. 

I really loved this! It’s a horror story with heart. All of the characters were so likable, and in such a short story I think Castro did a great job conveyed how deeply the girls cared for one another. 

Excellent social commentary on how Latina woman are treated in society and the struggles and stereotypes they face.

My first, but definitely not my last, bell hooks book. This book is borderline radical in 2023 standards, I cannot imagine the storm it caused when it was published.

bell hooks holds no punches and really evaluates and critiques on Black men and White women and their historical treatment of Black women.

I’ve read several intersectional feminist books but it was really refreshing to read a book entirely dedicated to Black women.

My first Ali Hazelwood book and I definitely ate it up. Definitely cliche, but very well-executed and all of the science makes it more unique.

This would’ve been closer to 5 stars if this book came out 10 years ago—literally all of the references are so old, so I found that a bit odd. 

Perfect if you’re looking for something cute and lighthearted.

A very beautiful story about the complexity of being human and exploring one’s sexual and gender identity in a repressive culture. 

Absolutely loved the writing will be checking out more from this author.

But…. Why the incest? ☹️

Manuela and Cora are very cute and had excellent banter and chemistry. I also loved how they each had such supportive friends and sweet moments with their respective chosen families. I love seeing positive female friendships in media. 

I’m not gonna lie though, I did get a little secondhand embarrassment at the climax but it’s okay we love her even when she’s messy lol.