I wasn't sure what to think about this one but the title and cover was enough for me to give it a try. While it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I still I wasn't sure what to think about this one but the title and cover was enough for me to give it a try. While it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I still enjoyed the concept of it and the inspiration that was used to create it. If someone is looking for dark humor inspired by Lovecreaftian monsters and concepts, then this would likely be up their alley. I did definitely appreciate the theming and creativity that went into this.
Merged review:
I wasn't sure what to think about this one but the title and cover was enough for me to give it a try. While it wasn't exactly my cup of tea, I still enjoyed the concept of it and the inspiration that was used to create it. If someone is looking for dark humor inspired by Lovecreaftian monsters and concepts, then this would likely be up their alley. I did definitely appreciate the theming and creativity that went into this....more
I enjoyed a previous short story I read by this author, so I definitely wanted to check out this one. Though it was short I really enjoyed the snippetI enjoyed a previous short story I read by this author, so I definitely wanted to check out this one. Though it was short I really enjoyed the snippet of this setting and world that was revealed. I would definitely enjoy reading more stories in this world as I felt the author really crafted the small look at it really well. It was an interesting mix of different elements and I really liked it. The plot itself is a simple storyline, but it was all the elements that went into it - from the description of the main character's past to the different locations described.
Merged review:
I enjoyed a previous short story I read by this author, so I definitely wanted to check out this one. Though it was short I really enjoyed the snippet of this setting and world that was revealed. I would definitely enjoy reading more stories in this world as I felt the author really crafted the small look at it really well. It was an interesting mix of different elements and I really liked it. The plot itself is a simple storyline, but it was all the elements that went into it - from the description of the main character's past to the different locations described....more
I'm always looking for books like these, especially when they concern mythical beings or myths/legends. This book is a wonderful cross between a pictuI'm always looking for books like these, especially when they concern mythical beings or myths/legends. This book is a wonderful cross between a picture book and a reference book and it was so fun to read. It was divided into the different areas of the world and the specific mermaid myths that are included in those areas. In between each area there are also pages with general lore or information about mermaids in general. This was a pleasure to read and provided clear and concise information on the different myths and beings in the mermaid realm and the art was a delightful compliment to the lore....more
*I received this book from the publisher through NetGally.
First and foremost I really enjoy Naima Simone's writing style,, it instantly sucks me into*I received this book from the publisher through NetGally.
First and foremost I really enjoy Naima Simone's writing style,, it instantly sucks me into the story and she always seems to create a great setting. I haven't read the first book in this series, but after having picked this one up I definitely want to. The characters are well crafted and I really liked the relationship between Nessa and Wolf. What did detract a bit from the romance and kept it from simply being a cute Christmas romance was the drama created by the relationship issues with Nessa and her sister as well as her search for her birth father. Still, it was a great romance and a wonderful Christmas story that hit the spot!...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
When I picked this book up I was definitely looking for something that would keep*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
When I picked this book up I was definitely looking for something that would keep me engaged and make me smile, and this one fit the bill! I loved the fact that it was a retelling with a few twists, such as being queer, including a treasure hunter and real depth while still maintaining that fun adventure/fairy tale vibe.
I loved that in this world treated different sexual orientations as normal, it's always such a nice thing to see, especially in genres other than contemporary. I also appreciated that the story wasn't all fun and adventure, it dealt with a lot of other issues such as trauma from past relationships (including some pretty toxic behavior that caused that trauma).
Also, I really enjoyed the writing and world building in this book. I felt like it was a great set up for the world and will serve as a great foundation for the series. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store!...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
First off, Polly Crosby has a beautiful writing style that can draw you in. I fou*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley.
First off, Polly Crosby has a beautiful writing style that can draw you in. I found that with her other book as well as this book. The island featured in the book was wonderfully crafted and felt like a real place that had depth and richness. Through the different timelines you could see shifts and changes in the island and the people on it, which was really a great thing. Also, the characters were pretty compelling and definitely made you want to find out what was going to happen to them. There were some aspects of the story that felt a little flat. There were moments where it was clear that they were crafted to elicit a response, such as emotional, but they didn't quite get there for me. I was still happy to finish the book and felt it was still solid, simply because of how well crafted the other elements of it were....more
Having read Khaw's novella and enjoyed their writing immensely, I was excited to see this short story available and I really enjoyed it. It's a prettyHaving read Khaw's novella and enjoyed their writing immensely, I was excited to see this short story available and I really enjoyed it. It's a pretty short story, but a lot is packed into it. I really enjoyed the internal commentary the main character was having as she went about her task, and the little snippets of backstory she gave. This is one of those short stories that I felt didn't need further expanding on the world or story, it was great the length it is. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This is not my first Brenda Jackson, but it is my first book in this series and *I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This is not my first Brenda Jackson, but it is my first book in this series and it is the fifth book. This book can definitely be read as a standalone, but I feel like it would be more robust if you have read the other books in the series as I believe characters from previous books show up and you get an updated look at their lives. This story is great if you're looking for a cozy and heartwarming story about relationships, family and friendships. It has that wonderful Christmas setting and vibe, while also being a great story about Sierra and Vaughn. It was pretty low on the angst, but that doesn't mean it skimped on the roadblocks that they came up against. All in all it was a really enjoyable read and I may just go back and check out the previous books in the series. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Let me preface this review by saying that I cannot speak to the representation i*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Let me preface this review by saying that I cannot speak to the representation in this book, or some of the finer nuances referenced in this book. I know there are some things referenced/talked about that are not the most sensitive to current events and that is affecting a lot of people's enjoyment of this book. That being said I went into this looking for a fun rom com feel and second chances/hate to love holiday romance and for me it totally met that brief.
I enjoyed the story itself and the relationship between Rachel and Jacob. Yes there were misunderstandings and messy bits, but seeing them both working through their issues and their relationship. I did feel that the talk about Rachel's illness and the representation there (as someone who has chronic illness/invisible illnesses) was well done. As a rom com with a holiday touch I did really enjoy the story and found it to be a fun read. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I was definitely ready to pick up a book to get me in the Christmas spirit and th*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I was definitely ready to pick up a book to get me in the Christmas spirit and this one absolutely fit the bill. I loved the small town setting that Mallery created for this series, it felt like a place I would love to visit and enjoy. I was a little worried with dual romances happening that one would far overshadow the other but I was pleasantly surprised at the balance between the two and how the stories wove together. Each relationship had real issues and believable scenes and just felt very organic. I also really enjoyed the characters themselves and how they balanced off of each other, there were unique personalities with depth, especially with the sisters. All in all a great holiday book to kick off the season....more
I did enjoy this poetry collection as it was in the same vein as some that I have recently liked, but a lot of it felt too similar to other poets thatI did enjoy this poetry collection as it was in the same vein as some that I have recently liked, but a lot of it felt too similar to other poets that I read from. There were a few poems that definitely felt poignant and new, but many were very similar to those using the same subjects. The language used is definitely beautiful and there is a good development of imagery in the poems themselves. For a poetry collection it was good and enjoyable, but again was too similar to other collections I have read to be a stand out for me personally....more
I absolutely loved the premise of this story, I'm always up for a haunted house story, but I was a little disappointed by th3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
I absolutely loved the premise of this story, I'm always up for a haunted house story, but I was a little disappointed by the final product. This was one of those novellas that left me wanting more. I wanted more backstory on the relationships between the five main characters as well as on the house itself. We are given the bones of the story behind the mansion and little tidbits here and there but I definitely wanted more.
I did really enjoy the writing style and all the details about the house itself. The descriptions of the house as it changed over time and the things that happened were suitably creepy and easy to imagine in the mind's eye.
Overall I did enjoy the story as it was, but I would have loved to have so much more. ...more
This is a cute middle grade graphic novel about Effie, who is very awkward and a bit of an outcast among her peers. She feels out of place at school sThis is a cute middle grade graphic novel about Effie, who is very awkward and a bit of an outcast among her peers. She feels out of place at school so one day she skips and discovers a world that exists within the nearby forest, making friends with an odd group of ghosts and deciding to try out their school. She's sure she will fit in there, but learns some hard lessons along the way. This is great for younger audiences, especially if they are having a hard time figuring out where they fit in. Effie learns a lot about interacting with others and what friendship really is. It also teaches the lesson that sometimes you have to work to make friends and that it's give and take and not always easy. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I won't lie, since Eric's previous book Don't Read the Comments was my favorite b*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I won't lie, since Eric's previous book Don't Read the Comments was my favorite book of last year I've wanted to get my hands on pretty much anything he has a hand in writing. His writing style and the depth of his storytelling is something I really enjoy. There are no flat characters, everyone has a distinct personality to them. Adam and Whitney do have a couple well known tropes thrown at them (enemies to lovers and forced proximity) but it's not done in a predictable way. They each have their own issues they need to deal with whether it be with family, grief or other complex issues - then they have their own relationship to work through.
In fact, this book has a huge emphasis on family, whether it be Adam still working through his grief for his father, or Whitney striving for any kind of attention from her father. Just like in Don't Read the Comments, there are strong conversations on different family dynamics and roles.
At this point I will likely reach for anything Eric writes as I've loved everything so far. His writing and characters especially make the stories come to life and make you genuinely care about the outcome. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
After getting to read the first book in this series, I knew I wanted to pick up *I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
After getting to read the first book in this series, I knew I wanted to pick up the next book. I really enjoy Herrera's writing style as it gives a great flow and pace and makes these short, enjoyable reads. This book does have a good number of cliches and tropes, but the core of the story is a second chance romance, which I felt was done well. The setting definitely made the story cozy and sweet and I really enjoyed how the characters interacted and how their relationship progressed. I will definitely be continuing this series as well as more of Herrera's books. ...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I've been really enjoying the titles I've read from Harlequin Special Edition la*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
I've been really enjoying the titles I've read from Harlequin Special Edition lately and this one was no exception. It was a great example of an enemies to lovers that was done exceptionally well. I especially liked that Philip chose to be honest about who he was rather than lie about it.
If you like books that include food, then you should pick up this one. I loved the Val's restaurant and the talk about food throughout the book. I felt like all the characters were really well rounded as well, with actual personalities and unique traits that make them stand apart.
I really enjoyed this book even though there were some moments where the pace was inconsistent, the relationships and story made up for those moments and pushed the story on....more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
If you're looking for a Christmas romance to get you in the holiday mood, this on*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
If you're looking for a Christmas romance to get you in the holiday mood, this one definitely fits the bill. I loved the hate to love relationship, from their banter to their actual relationship and how they worked together. They both had their own goals, but it was great to see them come together.
I also really loved the setting and fell in love with the location created. I definitely see myself going back and reading the rest of the series. Thankfully this one can be read as a stand-alone without having read the other books.
Overall it was a super cute romance that was well paced and easy to devour in a single setting. It also is perfect to put you in the holiday mood!...more
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
If you're looking for a fast paced and thrilling romantic suspense, this one def*I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
If you're looking for a fast paced and thrilling romantic suspense, this one definitely fits the bill. While the connection between Hope and Gage was pretty instant, it wasn't instalove which was nice. Hope's dishonesty was understandable but also kind of disappointing but other than that I really enjoyed both of them as characters. Since this was so fast paced and kept moving it was easy to consume in one sitting and a great time. I liked the two different lines of suspense and how they worked against Hope and Gage while also helping them grow closer. Since this is the first book in a series I would be excited to see what comes in the future to connect to this one. ...more
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