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
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.
Ian, a pro-hockey player, is facing a PR crisis. He’s shocked to learn that his friend’s little sister, a baker, could be the answer to what he needs.Ian, a pro-hockey player, is facing a PR crisis. He’s shocked to learn that his friend’s little sister, a baker, could be the answer to what he needs. Delilah has a cooking show, and her numbers are falling, so she’s in need of a lifeline as well. So, the two pair up in a mutually beneficial relationship. Delilah’s hoping Ian’s fame gives her numbers a boost, and Ian is hoping Delilah’s image gives his tarnished one a boost.
Turns out the viewers love them together and it isn’t long before they’re spending a lot of time together. As the line between fiction and reality starts to blur, Ian and Delilah begin to wonder if there’s more to their relationship than what’s shown on TV.
This is a lighthearted fluffy romcom that pairs a hockey star and a baker. While I enjoyed it, there really wasn’t a ton to sink my teeth into. I think that the author tried to add some substance to the book, but for me it felt stilted and a little off the mark because it hinged on miscommunication. Not between Delilah and Ian, but between Ian and his mom. But the whole family drama portion of the book is what fell flat for me. There was also a little bit of protectiveness from Delilah’s brother, and that was fun. My siblings usually react the same way to new relationships, so it felt relatable to me. The relationship that progressed between Delilah and Ian was sweet and very cute. They flirted so nicely with each other, and it worked nicely on audio. I enjoyed how well the narrators did brining the characters to life. It was sweet that Delilah had a childhood crush on Ian, and I like how the author portrayed this in a sweet way instead of what could be rather odd. The spicy scenes were well done, and I think that this author does a good job with them. This wasn’t as steamy as the last book I read by this author, but I still enjoyed.
If you’re looking for a sweet hockey romance with a little well-done spice, then check this one out.
Thank you to @prhaudio and @berkleyromance for this audiobook. All thoughts are my own. ...more
Jo Segura is back with their sophomore novel and it is spectacular, just like their first but in some ways even better. I really enjoyed being back inJo Segura is back with their sophomore novel and it is spectacular, just like their first but in some ways even better. I really enjoyed being back in the archeology world, which I didn’t realize was quite so entertaining. Okay yes Indian Jones, but that’s a movie. I think that this adventure was more captivating and really drew me in. The romantic pairing in this one was spot on. Dr. Miri was so much fun. She was a strong female main character and so intelligent while still having some humanistic type flaws. I loved her quirks as they were a lot of fun and helped add depth to her character. Rafa was also entertaining but above all his admiration with Miri was what drew me in. Even though he was supposed to be steering her on the wrong path he wanted her to succeed, and he was so conflicted. The reveal was also a lot of fun and the tie to the first book was a nice touch. While you don’t have to read the first one to understand the book, those who have read the first book will appreciate and understand the reference, it was great.
If you are wanting an action-adventure novel set in the jungles of Brazil with a little spice thrown in, then you need to read this book!
Thank you to @berkleyromance @berkleypub @netgalley for this e-arc, all thoughts are my own. ...more
I have really enjoyed Kiersten White’s other novels so was super excited to see she had a new book coming out, and this time a Dracula retelling, but I have really enjoyed Kiersten White’s other novels so was super excited to see she had a new book coming out, and this time a Dracula retelling, but sapphic. Sign me up. I jumped on the opportunity.
This book is, like the author’s previous works, deeply atmospheric, and dare I say slow moving. However, in this case the book is almost 500 pages, and really not a whole lot happened over the course of the book. I would categorize this as a character driven book, because again, not much happens of significance with the plot, but we do get to know the characters immensely well.
I enjoyed the different points of views including Lucy’s diary/journal, therapist discussions, and Iris. It was a fun way to get to know the characters in an intimate and natural way. I also enjoyed the authors writing style which did draw me in, however I felt that the book was too long for what it was, and I found myself not wanting to pick it up.
I think I need to stick to these books in audio because they really immerse me more in the atmosphere that way. Some books just work better for me in that medium, and in this case, I believe this author is that way for me.
3.5 stars rounded to 4
Thank you to the author, Del Rey, and Netgalley for the arc. ...more
This was an interesting small town YA contemporary romance with strong neurodivergent representation. The neurodivergent rep was spectacular and reallThis was an interesting small town YA contemporary romance with strong neurodivergent representation. The neurodivergent rep was spectacular and really represented how others can treat those who are not the same as them. However, I found the side characters to be a bit too mean in general to Jasper. I would expect that her family and close friends would be more accepting and kinder to her but in the book, they are just horrible, and it felt too unrealistic and over the top. However, Jasper having to mask her symptoms seemed on par with how those of us with neurodivergence have to cope. The whole dynamic was just so ridiculously frustrating that it hindered my ability to truly get into and enjoy the story. In the second half of the book, the romance was a nice addition and I started to enjoy the book a little more, but I couldn’t get past my distaste for how everyone treated Jasper. I just wish the author would have given Jasper more people in her corner and not so many spiteful and truly awful people so I could have enjoyed the story more.
This isn’t a bad book, I just couldn’t get into it because of the hangups. However, Jasper and Arthur were cute together and I’m sad that I didn’t get to enjoy their story more.
I would recommend this to those who can look past the hang-ups I described and are okay with a lot of small-town gossip.
Thank you to @Wednesdaybooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I did not realize going into this book that it was going to be a series, so you know that it’s going to end with me wanting more! Ah, I cannot wait toI did not realize going into this book that it was going to be a series, so you know that it’s going to end with me wanting more! Ah, I cannot wait to read what is next for Rowan and Holden. They were really good together. The first half of the book was intense with the will they won’t they game, but for me it was more interesting to try to figure out why Holden was going after Rowan’s family. I went into this book completely blind so I had no idea. I ended up having very strong suspicions and pretty much guessing the reason right before it was revealed, but it was still a good reveal. I appreciated Rowan as a character because she was such a strong woman and always striving for more. Once Rowan and Holden came together at about the halfway mark, the tone of the book shifted slightly, and I found myself enjoying it even more. It was hot and they were amazing together and their banter is top notch. The ending is making me conflicted because on one hand I wanted a little more because I am needy, but on the other it is leaving me wanting for more which makes me more likely to read the next book – so the author likely achieved their desired result (ha).
If you are looking for a billionaire romance with plenty of angst and hot moments, then check this one out.
Thank you to @brambleromance for this book and @netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own....more
I am a huge Emily Riddle fan so when I heard about her third book coming out, I was over the moon excited and jumped on the opportunity to be on her AI am a huge Emily Riddle fan so when I heard about her third book coming out, I was over the moon excited and jumped on the opportunity to be on her ARC team. Not only is she an amazing and wonderful writer, but she is also a very kind and delightful human.
I loved the concept for this book. Emily writes “clean” romance, or romance without explicit spicy scenes, and she has mastered the art of doing so. She always knows when to cut scenes to leave the reader with enough information to fill in the blanks, but not so much so that they are left guessing. This book focuses on a one-night stand, that ends in an unexpected pregnancy. I loved how she wrote the pregnancy and it still being a wanted pregnancy even though it wasn’t planned, because those things can co-exist. Emily handled the situation with care and balance which was needed and wanted.
Liz was a well rounded and wonderful woman. Just when she felt like she had everything in her life in order, she is hit with the truly unexpected and all her plans go out the window. I found her to be a strong character, but her flaws helped balance her out and made her well rounded and relatable. I also loved Michael and felt that he and Liz together balanced each other nicely. The reverse age gap is also nice to read about. Michael was also so wholesome and wonderful at dealing with the surprise pregnancy news, and I loved how present he was for Liz. Also, shout out to Liz’s aunt who may be my spirit human!
Emily’s writing is beautiful and eloquently done. I have always felt that her books draw me in and that I’m apart of the story. Pregnancy is not a trope I read often because of my own journey, but in this case, it was done with so much care, I am happy I trusted Emily to read it, it was worth it.
Please check this book out, it is so wonderfully done that you won’t want to miss it. This is part of a series; however, they are inter-connected stand alones. I highly recommend them all, but you do not need to read them all to have them make sense.
Thank you so much to @emilyriddlewrites for an ARC copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was a fun book and great on audio. There were a lot of side characters, so that aspect was hard to keep track of and might have been easier if I’This was a fun book and great on audio. There were a lot of side characters, so that aspect was hard to keep track of and might have been easier if I’d been reading a print copy. I enjoyed the reality tv show set-up of the book. I don’t watch a ton of reality tv, but I love reading it. There is so much drama (even though it’s usually made up) and that was most definitely present in the book. Cas and Ada’s romance just sizzled and I loved their chemistry. I could feel it radiating out of the book and it just came through beautifully on audio. The narrator did such a fantastic job. This book would have been awesome in dual POV or even glimpses into Ada’s POV, but just getting everything from Cas wasn’t horrible and I still really enjoyed – I’m just a sucker for dual POV books. Cas was an amazing character though I do have reservations about why she went on the show. It felt so icky to me to deceive everyone on the show for a promotion, but I loved how she grew and reflected over the course of the book.
If you love watching or reading reality tv, and want to read about an amazing sapphic pairing, then you need to pick this book up because it is top notch!
Thank you to @PRHAudio for the audio copy of this book ...more
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