I fell in love with Molly the maid when the first book came out so I was very excited to get an early copy of this holiday novella. Coming in at aboutI fell in love with Molly the maid when the first book came out so I was very excited to get an early copy of this holiday novella. Coming in at about 130 pages, this is a quick and delightful read full of holiday spirit. This book set out to fill in a relatively piece of information and then fill in the novella about it. I ate this book up and devoured it in about an hour. To say I didn’t want to put it down is an understatement. Then I didn’t want it to end! I just love Molly and Juan Manuel so much. The holidays at the hotel seem magical and I think the author did a great job describing it so I felt the magic on the page. This was the epitome of holiday coziness. Of course, there was a little mystery and intrigue, but it felt very deliberate and I knew exactly what was going on. I don’t think the reader was supposed to not be able to guess the mystery in this novella, and that was ok, it was still just such a treat and delight to read.
Thank you to @prhaudio for the audiocopy which I followed along with my e-arc from @netgalley. ...more
Hm this book was something. While reading it my emotions were all over the place, and the ending left me dumbfounded. I think the pacing through me ofHm this book was something. While reading it my emotions were all over the place, and the ending left me dumbfounded. I think the pacing through me off a bit, it felt uneven and dragged at times. However, I really enjoy the grumpy/sunshine trope, and this book did a good job with it. I also enjoyed that both characters fell for each other at the same time. I feel that doesn’t happen very often at all in romance books, though I’m not entirely sure this one would technically be classified as a true romance. The setting was also amazing and just seemed gorgeous. However, I really didn’t like Aspen overall. She pretty much harassed Brick into dating her. He turned her down and she kept going and wouldn’t stop, and he gave no indication that he was interested at all. The book was also oddly and weirdly descriptive about things I wish it wasn’t (animals going to the bathroom etc.).
As far as a rating, I would recommend this book to certain people. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it, I just wanted more overall.
Thank you to @getredprbooks, @1001darknights_blueboxpress and the author for a copy of this book. While I received a free copy, my review is an honest opinion and was not influenced by receiving this copy....more
This book was a fun cozy mystery. This is always a genre that I am split on, I either love it or I hate it, and in this case, I loved it. Kathy, the mThis book was a fun cozy mystery. This is always a genre that I am split on, I either love it or I hate it, and in this case, I loved it. Kathy, the main character, was really relatable for me. Sure she was pretty pragmatic, but for someone who’s in her early 40’s, and pregnant by her soon to be ex-husband’s baby, I got a lot of where she was coming from. I also really enjoyed getting to know Conner, the smart mouthed teenager. He reminded me a lot of a typical teenage boy, and he was pretty funny. The relationship that developed between Kathy and Conner was beautiful. They learned a lot from each other, which is a lot to say when Conner is dead. I was a little confused by the ending, and that is the only reason this one wasn’t a knockout of the park read for me. I wish that the author would have explained this a little more, but I wonder if that will be done in the next book as this was the first in the series.
If you are looking for a spooky cozy mystery with some heartfelt moments, then you need to read this book.
Thank you so much to @berkleypub and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I enjoyed this book. I received a hardback copy, and followed along via an audio copy, sometimes switching back and forth between the two. This book hI enjoyed this book. I received a hardback copy, and followed along via an audio copy, sometimes switching back and forth between the two. This book has a lot of facts, so many facts. One of the things I grew frustrated with was how the author interwove his own political leanings into the book. I felt that because of this I couldn’t really rely on the facts that were being shared because they might be inflated to make them seem more grandeur or flashy in order to meet the shock factor of the book. I believe that had the author more evenly presented the story, and removed himself in a better fashion, then the facts could have spoken for themselves. It seems like some crazy outlandish stuff happened, but I didn’t fact check everything. I understand the sources were presented, and while I appreciate that, I’m not going to fact check everything, I want to have some level of trust in the author when reading a book and I lost that.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a finished copy. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This book was so good. I was so engrossed in Minnies story because it was so heartbreaking and captivating; just so raw and real. Normally it’s hard fThis book was so good. I was so engrossed in Minnies story because it was so heartbreaking and captivating; just so raw and real. Normally it’s hard for me to get into coming-of-age stories, but this one felt different. There was a little something special to Minnie and her story that I just didn’t want to put it down. At times this book had me crying because it was so heartbreaking. Things were tough in the 1920’s, especially for women, and especially for Minnie. She endured so much, and I loved her journey. It was very uplifting how she always got back up and kept fighting no matter what happened. The speakeasy aspect was a lot of fun. I enjoyed how Minnie had to step-up and take charge. She reminded me in a lot of ways to my grandma. She always was such a strong woman fighting or herself and her family no matter the costs. I just don’t have enough nice things to say about this book, it was everything I needed it to be and then more. I listened to this one on audio and it was fantastic. The narrator did a delightful job bringing this story to life and making it feel alive.
Historical fiction really takes a toll out of me and puts me through the emotional ringer, so I am choosey with which I pick. In this case I am so happy that I read it, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you so much to @getredprbooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was an interesting book and one worth the read. The struggles that trans people face is real, and this book highlighted just a few of them. I donThis was an interesting book and one worth the read. The struggles that trans people face is real, and this book highlighted just a few of them. I don’t think that any book anywhere will ever be able to do justice to the injustices that they face, but this book sure tries. The part that didn’t work so well for me was the pacing in the beginning. I felt like I was reading a slow paced, gothic horror, and couldn’t understand why everyone was raving about how fast paced and amazing it was. But I was determined to keep going, so I set it down and picked it back up later, what do you know about 10% later in the book, it was almost as if a switch had been flicked and I was reading a whole new book. Things took off and I was hooked! This was about the 50% mark of the book, and at this point I didn’t want to put it down. I loved reading about the monster, and everything Max and Erin were faced with. The ending was also great and I just loved it. I wish that the beginning would have been reduced by about 25% or more so it wouldn’t have felt like such a slog. I wanted the whole book to have the pacing that the second half did, had it been that way this would have been a knockout of the park for me.
Thank you to @delacortepress @getunderlined and @netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own and were not influenced by the gifted copy. ...more
This was my first time reading Kristen Ashley and it was a so much fun, I really enjoyed this one. This is the sixth book in the River Rain series; hoThis was my first time reading Kristen Ashley and it was a so much fun, I really enjoyed this one. This is the sixth book in the River Rain series; however, it is an interconnected series and can be read as a stand-alone. I think that I would have got even more out of the story if I’d read the entire series though.
I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. I felt the author did a nice job introducing them and really explaining who they were as people, they felt real to me. I always enjoy when characters feel more realistic because it really helps bring the story to life, and in this case, it was the billionaire romance. The romance between Nora and Jamie was fabulous. It was very complex and not insta love at all, just what I love in that they had shared history and knew each other before falling in love. It’s such an emotional journey and I loved every minute of it. This book was chalk full of wonderful heart felt moments. I feel that this author knows how to pull at your heart strings in the best possible way, and I am here for it!
Thank you to @getredprbooks, @1001darknights_blueboxpress and the author @kristenashleybooks for sending me a copy of this book. While I received a free copy, my review is an honest opinion and was not influenced by receiving this copy. ...more
I picked up this book because I received an ARC for The Sequel and wanted to catch this series from the start. I listened to this one on libby.
I thouI picked up this book because I received an ARC for The Sequel and wanted to catch this series from the start. I listened to this one on libby.
I thought that this was an intriguing book. I felt in quite a few ways, the book reminded me of another I read, however I’m not saying this one copied that one, as this one was actually published first. That would be ironic since the books are about stealing novels. While this was a good listen, I did have a few hang ups. It was as if the author felt the need to overly describe almost everything – there were just so many details. The word choices also made me scratch my head at times and I would wonder if I heard the narrator correctly because it didn’t flow in a conversational type of manner, it felt stilted. However, the plot kept me engaged. I really wanted to find out what happened and find out the plot twist. Then it hit and yes! It was worth the wait but looking back there were enough breadcrumbs that had you been paying close enough attention you would have figured it out. I admit that I had slightly tuned it out and wasn’t fully paying attention so that is on me.
I am very curious to see where the author goes with The Sequel as it did not necessarily end on a cliffhanger or with unresolved questions, so that is a craft in itself if done nicely.
I didn’t dislike this book, I just didn’t love this book. ...more
One of my favorite parts of this book was that it was written with multiple POV’s and one of them was our villain, Ryder. I think that adding this reaOne of my favorite parts of this book was that it was written with multiple POV’s and one of them was our villain, Ryder. I think that adding this really added a nice balance to the story without being distracting. I always love reading a good villain point of view and this book delivered it so nicely. I will say that it is a tough read because of the subject matter, so do be prepared for that, but I also think it is important to read books like this. Throughout this book we got to see how strong Blaise was. With the contrast of Ryder’s point of view, it really showcased her personality and strength overall. This was my first book by this author, but they have written many books, and their refinement shows in their words. I appreciated the care they took with the topics at hand and just how they approached the topic in general. I was hesitant to dive in but ultimately, I was glad that I did. The ending was predictable, but I didn’t feel that it took away from my enjoyment. I’m a believer that predictable endings don’t equate bad endings, but it is something to note.
If you are looking for a book that covers some heavy topics delicately then you should look no further than this one.
Thank you @getredprebooks @marieforceauthor and @1001darknights_blueboxpress for a gifted book. This review is left freely and voluntarily without coercion....more
This was a super slow burn YA paranormal read. While the blurb indicated that I would love this book, I didn’t quite appreciate it. I normally love a This was a super slow burn YA paranormal read. While the blurb indicated that I would love this book, I didn’t quite appreciate it. I normally love a good gothic story, however in this case I found the book bogged down with too many mundane details and irrelevant information that I tuned out most of it. I kept waiting to find out what the point of certain things were, but I was left waiting for so long that I eventually thought about what I was waiting for and just gave up. I get so sad when I look forward to a book, and then it doesn’t hit the mark for me, it is disappointing in so many ways. I just felt so disconnected from this story that I never was able to immerse myself in it that way I usually am. It compares itself to some of my favorite books, yet I did not find it similar at all. That too is disappointing when it happens.
Now that is just how I felt, I have read some really positive reviews for this book and those reviewers loved it. They felt that the comparisons made to The Cruel Prince and Ninth House were accurate (I don’t but to each their own). They appreciated the lore and how unique it was.
One thing I did really enjoy was the Ethiopian mythology that was interwoven into the pages. That was a nice touch and not something I have encountered often, so in that regards I will say this book is unique.
Thank you to @tbrbeyondtours for a copy of this book....more
Thank you to the author for providing me a no-strings attached copy. All thoughts are left freely and of my own volition.
This is one of those books tThank you to the author for providing me a no-strings attached copy. All thoughts are left freely and of my own volition.
This is one of those books that I didn’t want to end, but didn’t want to put down. It has a different feel than the rest of the series in a way I will attempt to put in words. Sometimes it is hard to describes vibes and feelings for me, but I’m going to give it my best. I will be upfront that I have become friends with this amazing author since the first book in the series, however, I aim to provide honest reviews, just providing that disclaimer for transparency.
I adored this book so much, it was everything I needed it to be. I really enjoyed that in this book we got more of all the characters back story. I loved hearing about Rakell’s origins in Australia, and consequently Jake’s in Texas. Getting to know Melissa, Jake’s sister was also a nice treat. I liked how her life was the opposite in many regards to what Jake and Rakell were at, and it provided a nice balance to the story. Jakes family was also everything I envisioned them to be.
The food scenes were on point and made my mouth water. In fact, all the talk of sourdough made me want to figure out how to revive my starter, though it’s so moldy I’m probably better starting fresh! The descriptions in the book made me want to go to all the places from the book because I know they are based on real life places. I love when authors do this when writing – base their books on real places. It’s so fun. I would love to make a tour of a book one day for a book and visit all the food places. Delicious. This book would take me to some amazing Texas eateries to some delicious wineries.
I especially appreciated how the Amari interwove her daytime occupation into the story. I think the author’s note, which is placed in the beginning of the book, really helped put me in the right frame of mind to read the story. It allowed me to go into the story with an open and clear mind and not one clouded by my own experiences.
I love sports romance, and as a football fan, I greatly appreciated the football scenes. This is not one of those books where it is a sports romance in name only, with no reference to the sport. However, even if you hate football, you will still enjoy. Amari thoroughly explains the concepts, and why they matter to the story, and characters.
Over the course of the series, Amari has proven herself a wonderful storyteller and skilled writer. This book is a deeper dive into the characters psyche’s and will give you a greater appreciation for who they are, and what they’ve overcome. Oh, and as always, the spicy scenes are on point. I am not confident, but I think this might be the steamiest of the series yet.
I highly recommend you read this series in order, plus you won’t want to miss a minute of it. ...more
I only read a handful of romantasy over the year. It isn’t my least read genre, but it is far from my most. However, when I do read it I usually enjoyI only read a handful of romantasy over the year. It isn’t my least read genre, but it is far from my most. However, when I do read it I usually enjoy it because I tend to be very picky, and that was the case here. It did take me a while to get into this one. I struggle with world building and while this one did not have overly complicated world building, it still took me a while to get into the right frame of mind for the book. Once my mindset shifted, I really started getting into things and found myself getting lost in the writing. The author did a really good job of bringing their words to life and painting a vivid picture. However, as the book went on, I found myself bogged down in the middle of the book. There wasn’t a ton going on that felt relevant to the plot, and it felt more like filler information. I also kept waiting for the dragons to enter the book, and was a little disappointed with how this was handled. However, things did wrap up nicely and the ending was simply amazing. I hope that this is the start to a new series, or at the bare minimum a duology because I need to know what is going to happen next! The author certainly enticed me and made me want to keep reading.
If you are looking for your next romantasy with arraigned marriage, a little bit of dragons, and some witches, then check this one out.
Thank you to @avonbooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
Ah Maple Hills. Henry has long been my favorite character, and I couldn’t wait for his book. After what feels like forever, I was thrilled to get my hAh Maple Hills. Henry has long been my favorite character, and I couldn’t wait for his book. After what feels like forever, I was thrilled to get my hands on a copy. I immediately fell in love with Halle and her book loving ways. I can’t wait to hear everyone’s thoughts on this book because Halle is going to be a fan favorite among the book loving community, she’s so great! And Halle and Henry together! AH!!! It’s so good. I would be lying if I said I liked a different book in the series more because this one was perfect. Henry was so kind and caring with Halle. The way he helped her through her issues. When I heard that she was inexperienced in bed, I had momentary heart burn because I’ve seen that go wrong so many times. But nope. The way Henry handles things was shear perfection. He was so wonderful and patient with Halle, never pressuring her, and always supporting her along the journey. Halle’s author journey was also fantastic, and it brought a smile to my face. She was tenacious and brave, and I love how she grew as a character over the course of the book with Henry by her side.
If you have loved the Maple Hills series, you need to read Henry’s story. If you haven’t, you will still enjoy this one as it is an interconnected series, and prior characters only have a cameo in this book. You do not need to read them to understand this one, they only deepen your understanding.
Thank you to @simon.audio @atriabooks and @hannahgraceauthor for the audiobook copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I love romcoms, they can brighten even my darkest days. I read this one while I was on vacation, and it was a true delight. Right as I started readingI love romcoms, they can brighten even my darkest days. I read this one while I was on vacation, and it was a true delight. Right as I started reading, I knew I was going to love it because Andee has such an amazing job. She is a pyrotechnic engineer. How cool is that? I don’t think that I have ever read a book with a character with a job like this, so it was a treat.
I didn’t realize that this book was part of an interconnected series. Being interconnected, you don’t need to read the first one for this one to make sense. Adam is a supporting character in book one, and shines as a main character in this book. I fully understood everything that was going on without reading book one, though after reading this one I want to go back and read the first because this one was so good! I adored the writing. It was light and fun and easy to get lost in. I loved how much adventure there was in this romcom as well, just so great.
The author’s note was also a true delight. While reading I had a hunch that hearing loss might be personal to the author, and reading about how and why it was, was special. When you read this book I urge you not to skip this treat.
Thank you to @berkleyromance the author @tianasmithbooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own....more
Talk about a wild ride. I’ve been trying to figure out what exactly happened with the story since finishing it, and I’m still at a loss. I really enjoTalk about a wild ride. I’ve been trying to figure out what exactly happened with the story since finishing it, and I’m still at a loss. I really enjoyed reading this book, I’m just confused at what I read. The character development was lacking. I didn’t have a firm understanding of who Jack was, but he was the main character. He was running for some reason, what was the reason? I don’t know, but it was a fun ride. I enjoyed all the action, and it most certainly kept me on my toes, but again, I really needed more information. What was the big event that happened that caused everything to go to mayhem? There were references to some aurora, but nothing in detail. And then the book ended. The conclusion was not satisfactory in my opinion. I read afterward that this was an early novel by this author and that made a lot of sense, because it did not seem like his current works. As much as I enjoyed this journey, I’m still confused, and for that reason this book is memorable to me.
Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This book wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. With a character that was a ghost, I expected it to be more entertaining, however, I found it really…This book wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. With a character that was a ghost, I expected it to be more entertaining, however, I found it really…not. I think for a cozy mystery, this is way on the light end of that spectrum to the point it almost wasn’t, it was more literary fiction. The twists were so minor, I’m hesitant to call them twists at all. There was some humor in this book though, which was needed to keep me engaged. I kept reading to figure out what happened to Cordelia, but then was let down with the ending. There were so many questions I felt that the author should have answered more of them because it was just disappointing. I also felt that this book was repetitive to the point that I was annoyed at times. I understand reminding the reader of certain points, but the next page is not necessary and the whole “electronics are off limits” things, I could go without ever reading that again because it was used so much I think I’ve read it enough for every ghost book in my future. I know it seems like I hated this book, but I didn’t. I am just annoyed; I think the book would have been better with a few tweaks (looking at you electronics).
2.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @StMartinsPress @Minotaurbooks @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was a very touching and heartfelt book. I don’t think that you could read this one and not feel some immense emotion. My heart went out to some oThis was a very touching and heartfelt book. I don’t think that you could read this one and not feel some immense emotion. My heart went out to some of the characters, and I adored them. I really enjoyed the connection between the characters. However, I didn’t like how one of the storylines played out. While yes it felt realistic, I didn’t like it because it was based on miscommunication, and this is my least favorite trope. Had the characters simply listened to each other, they would have gained so much. In this case they would have gained a lifetime of togetherness, which is in itself heartbreaking. The fact that we can think so poorly of those we love the most, that they would turn their backs on us based on a simple misunderstanding makes my blood boil. However, at the heart of this story it is touching, it invoked strong emotions. I felt for the characters. They were so well written, and it was gorgeous and again, realistic. While I was not around for this point in history, I did take a class on the Vietnam War during college and this book reminded me of some of the stories I had heard, so it felt very well researched. I would highly recommend it but overlook the miscommunication and get lost in the story.
Thank you to @getredprbooks, the author @alysonrichman and publisher @unionsqandco for this book. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I read this book when I was on vacation, it was about 90 degrees but felt 100 out and the sky was clear. However this book transported me to Vermont iI read this book when I was on vacation, it was about 90 degrees but felt 100 out and the sky was clear. However this book transported me to Vermont in winters, and I was envisioning the snow falling. I swear I felt chills. It was amazing, and just what I needed. This book was just amazing. I don’t think that there are enough Jewish holiday books, and this one did a great job helping fill that gap. I loved how Abby learned to stand up for herself against the town bully and make the Jewish town festival actually authentically Jewish rather than what the bully tried to get (not a spoiler but it was a mess and made me cringe). Abby’s character growth was spectacular over the course of the book. I especially enjoyed how the Jewish cuisine, traditions, and culture were interwoven into the book so nicely. I never felt confused or overwhelmed because even though I am not the most familiar, things were well explained or explained with enough context I could figure it out. It was really fun. If this book wasn’t great enough with just that, there was also the fake dating with Abby and Seth. Their partnership was a true delight to get to see unfold.
Read this book if you want a truly wonderful holiday romance chalk full of Jewish traditions. It’s not one to miss.
Thank you to @berkleyromance the author @amandapanitch and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This book was very enjoyable and had some tropes I really enjoy. If you’ve followed my reviews for a while you will not be shocked to learn that this This book was very enjoyable and had some tropes I really enjoy. If you’ve followed my reviews for a while you will not be shocked to learn that this had friends to lovers, which is probably my favorite trope. The one that threw me for a loop was mistaken identify. I have never really wrapped my head around how this would work, especially when you knew someone so well ten years or so prior, so it always makes me question things a little and I need more explanation than what was given. One thing I really enjoyed about this book was how the MMC had OCD and we got to explore that throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the fake dating. This is another trope that I like a lot and think can be so much fun, which it was in this case. Hockey romances can also be entertaining, and this one was. I enjoyed the glimpses into the hockey world and Aiden was such a great character.
Keila (speedreadstagram)
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