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 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
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
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
This was an interesting and creepy historical gothic novel about Russia. I found certain parts of the story rather intriguing. I listened to this one This was an interesting and creepy historical gothic novel about Russia. I found certain parts of the story rather intriguing. I listened to this one on audio, and it really drew me in. However, even on audio the story was rather slow, and felt like it was dragging. I understand that gothic stories are inherently slow, but I have listened and read a lot of them, and this was on the slower end of the spectrum. Because of the pace, it was hard to become fully engrossed as I felt my mind wandering and it prevented me from being truly engaged with the characters. The historical side of the book was fantastic. I loved all the details that were included and woven into the plot, this made me feel like I was part of the story (albeit a slow story). This book also had some fun mixed media format in the form of diary entries. While these were fun, I felt that they slowed down the already slow plot which was a bummer because normally I usually enjoy the inclusion of mixed media. I did enjoy the supernatural elements a lot, and they were probably my favorite part of the whole book and why I kept tuning in.
Thank you to @berkleypub, @prhaudio and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I really enjoyed how this book started out. The back-and-forth exchange between Bowen and Tamsyn was so much fun and it was so cute! Just delightful. I really enjoyed how this book started out. The back-and-forth exchange between Bowen and Tamsyn was so much fun and it was so cute! Just delightful. However, I do think that the love portion of this story was a little underdeveloped. It felt that after the beginning that was it, we were expected to believe those messages were all it took. I don’t know, it was just a little too much insta love to be believable for me, the connection was missing. However, despite the romance not being there, the spicy scenes were a lot of fun and well done. I also enjoyed the time travel aspect of the book. The nods to the other books in the series were nice, though if you haven’t read the other two it won’t ruin this one for you so you can read it as a stand-alone. Though it is a really cute series, I do recommend reading it. The mystery element of the story was also nice and well done. Overall and enjoyable read if you can get past the
If you are looking for the perfect light and witchy holiday romance, then this is the book for you.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @avonbooks and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was an interesting character driven romance novel. I really enjoyed both Cole and Maggie. Maggie was rather interesting because her character raiThis was an interesting character driven romance novel. I really enjoyed both Cole and Maggie. Maggie was rather interesting because her character raised some interesting topics. I think that you will most definitely think when you read this one because of her job in the beginning and why she was fired. I have a hunch that some people are going to be triggered by this and not like it. I, on the other hand, really enjoyed it. Diverse families exist, love is love and all types of families deserve to be normalized. I think that the author handled this topic in a very real and interesting way because it has played out this way before across the county. The writing was well done throughout the book, and I found it utterly relatable. However, things did drag for me in the middle, and I found my mind wandering. It was easy to put the book down and then I was a little hesitant to pick it back up. I liked the characters; I just felt the pacing slowed down so much that I wasn’t fully engaged.
Thank you to Montlake and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
After reading The Spite House I was excited to dive into Johnny Compton’s sophomore novel, Devils Kill Devils. However, I wasn’t prepared for the rockAfter reading The Spite House I was excited to dive into Johnny Compton’s sophomore novel, Devils Kill Devils. However, I wasn’t prepared for the rocky ride that was this novel. It was most definitely wild and intense, and quite graphic, so do be prepared for that. It took me a while to get into the story, and things were rather confusing at times. I also felt that the story was a little clunky at times and didn’t quite work for me. I also feel like we didn’t truly get to know the characters, things were kept at surface level and for being a short novel, there was time to dig deeper. The pacing was quick, and the book was short, so this is one that I read in one sitting.
I do generally think that this author is going to write some amazing horror books, this one just wasn’t my favorite. I will, however, be looking out for their next book.
This book is unique, and please be sure to take care if you are sensitive to gore.
Thank you to @tornightfire and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This was a fast-paced and engaging witchy book. I really enjoyed reading this book, the writing was so well done and really sucked me into the pages. This was a fast-paced and engaging witchy book. I really enjoyed reading this book, the writing was so well done and really sucked me into the pages. I felt so immersed and once I dove in I didn’t come up for air. I loved the dual timeline and how almost every chapter was alternating between past and present. It really kept the pace moving along at a nice clip. I did find myself caring about the current timeline more though, I was just drawn to it more, although there was some interesting information in the past as well. This book was also pretty suspenseful, and I was on the edge of my seat wanting to figure things out. This book was a great character deep dive while still having a fun plot. It was an interesting take on female friendships and took things to a whole new level for me. I do think that there were a few items that I wish could have been resolved more, and there was a big hole between the end of the book and the epilogue. Just a few minor things, but I really enjoyed this book a whole lot and the magic was a lot of fun.
Thank you so much to Bantam, Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine, and @netgalley for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I love books about books, but sadly this one fell flat for me. The concept is really fun, passing notes back and forth by annotating in the margins ofI love books about books, but sadly this one fell flat for me. The concept is really fun, passing notes back and forth by annotating in the margins of books and slowly falling in love while doing so. It reminded me of some other books I’ve read about falling in love while passing notes. I expected a lovely romcom, but that is not what I got. Erin was pretty insufferable. The first few pages are her whining about her failing to do her job, and it describes how she failed at it, but then she expects her boss to praise her for doing a fantastic job. It was a whole lot right at the beginning and it really set the stage for how much I would come to dislike her over the course of the rest of the book because she was so self-centered. The book was also overly descriptive in such a mundane way. So many details that I didn’t need to know or care about, I need to be able to imagine something as a reader. The one thing that this book did well was cover some heavy topics, but there were so many that it moved the book out of romcom territory for me. I’m all for trauma, but trauma dumping when I want something light and fluffy just doesn’t work. I did enjoy all the references to classic books, I just wish I would have enjoyed the book more overall.
Thank you to the publisher and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This is the follow up novel to My Roommate is a Vampire which was released last year. It can be read as a standalone as the characters are different wThis is the follow up novel to My Roommate is a Vampire which was released last year. It can be read as a standalone as the characters are different with minimal overlap. Anytime I go into the next book of the series, I always have the first book to hold it up against as a judge. Will it be better? Will it be worse? In this case, I found myself not quite enjoying it as much as I did the first. I really didn’t enjoy our vampire character, Reggie, quite like I did the vampire of the first book. He was delightfully quirky, a little off, and that was fun, but just something about him wasn’t working for me. I waited a few days to try to sort it out but still can’t put my finger on it precisely. I also got a little annoyed that Amelia felt the need to remind us repeatedly that she was an accountant. Maybe the fact that I have an accounting degree just really turned me off to this, but I found it insufferable. However, I really enjoyed how the characters worked together. The communication between them was just top notch and truly to be applauded. The side characters were also loads of fun and added to this books charm.
I would recommend this to folks looking for a closed door, light vampire romance.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Thank you to @Berkleyromance and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I’m struggling with this review. I think a lot of the frustration comes from the mislabeling of this book by the publisher as a thriller, because it iI’m struggling with this review. I think a lot of the frustration comes from the mislabeling of this book by the publisher as a thriller, because it isn’t. It’s more like a family drama. I am a mood reader to pick my reads based on publisher genre identification and believe I should be able to rely on it. They also list that it is a romance, and this is romance adjacent at best. I strongly feel because this isn’t the type of book I was in the mood for, it lowered my enjoyment of the book, and after reading some other reviews, I am not alone in this frustration. Yes, I could have put it down, but I kept thinking it would change. I also really enjoyed the author’s last book, so thought this would be the same. Now this book wasn’t necessarily bad, just not what I wanted. The writing is solid and well done. I really did enjoy trying to uncover who killed Nora’s father (this isn’t a spoiler). It was also an interesting choice how the author gave some pretty big information away at the beginning of the book. I thought it was an interesting choice, though I did spend the rest of the book curious to see how all the pieces fell together so to speak.
I would recommend this book to those looking for a character driven family drama.
Thank you so much to @simon.audio for the audio version and @marysueruccibooks for sending me a physical copy. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I just finished this book and I am so mad. Why? Because it is the last in this series. If you’ve read my reviews you might be scratching your head becI just finished this book and I am so mad. Why? Because it is the last in this series. If you’ve read my reviews you might be scratching your head because I rarely read series, but when I do I am invested and never want it to end, and that is the case here. A tear was shed when I clicked off the last page.
Sunny and Issac were such a sweet couple. I really enjoyed their relationship and how it developed. I do think that this book is a little slower paced than the other two, but I was okay with it overall. This book does body positivity and intimate relationship positivity amazingly just like the other two books in the series. I think this is one of my favorite things about them. I also think that this book had more spice than the last book, and I really enjoyed how it all played out.
One of my favorite things about this book was that the characters from the previous books came back to make appearances in this book and we were given some closure on all the couples. This one did wrap up a little quickly for how the rest of the book was paced, but after 400 pages I was alright with it (despite wanting more – conflicting I know).
I love that the authors called this a raunch-com. I’d never heard that term but it totally fit.
I would recommend you read the entire series in order for this book to make the most sense.
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager, Avon Books @avonbooks and @netgalley for an e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
Keila (speedreadstagram)
>
Books:
netgalley-2024
(204)
Loading...
