I adore Beth O'Leary's writing and The Wake-Up Call was exactly what I expected! I love a good enemies-to-lovers and this one absolutely scratched that itch in the rom com category! Lovable mains and secondary characters with beautiful flaws that make them so easy to root for even if you don't experience the same difficulties. Izzy is 90% sunshine and seeing that 10% of vulnerability and struggle come through without overpowering the romance was *chef's kiss.* Lucas? I'm sure you can hear my swoony sigh no matter where you are. Lucas was an amazing MC, growly and grumpy while still being incredibly thoughtful and baffled by Izzy's behavior toward him. I love when a couple seems to pair just right! The banter was on point and made me laugh out loud constantly and my heart ached when Izzy and Lucas shared their pasts and difficulties.

I admit, I put this one down for a while because I couldn't handle the third act break up nonsense at the time and I was irritated with my beloved Izzy for not jumping on board the Lucas train as thoroughly as I did.

Overall, this was an absolute delight and has reminded me that I have a physical stack of O'Leary's books that are calling my name, ready to be devoured. I've already recommended this book to so many people and even convinced my book club to pick up another one of her books this year!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs

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adventurous emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I’ve found it difficult to categorize this book! A contemporary fantasy with a hefty dose of mystery and some suspense. Magical books tucked away in private libraries that are protected ruthlessly from unscrupulous individuals… Kinda. Also, these books require blood to activate and read and some don’t just stop at a little blood.

Törzs juggles three POVs: Esther, Joanna, and Nicholas. Each POV distinct and enjoyable, though I think Nicholas was my fav to follow around. Don’t jump into this read thinking it will be constant magic and tension. Truly, Ink Blood, Sister Scribe has a slow build up with a fantastical pay off! That slow start definitely has its draw back though.

I picked it up almost a year ago only to set it down and kind of forgot about it. When I finally picked it up again when I saw the audiobook was available and that helped me! Once the foundation was laid, everything picked up around 40% and by 60% I couldn’t put it down!

Overall? This is a great debut filled with magic, family, found family, and mystery. I would absolutely revisit this world if given the chance. After all, we all know the power of books. It was a delight to have them contain magical powers!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware

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emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren

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funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The Traitors by C.A. Lynch

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The Traitors was my first introduction to C.A. Lynch's books! Before I get to the story, the narration was on point though I did need to speed it up as some of the dramatic pauses grated on my nerves. With zero exaggeration, I binged this read in one session. Lynch really leans into the unlikable and flawed characters for this "locked room" thriller. You don't need likable characters to enjoy this story. Lynch crafted believable, and occasionally off-putting, thoughts and personalities that set each of the six guests apart. If I missed the character's name at the beginning of the chapter, I was quickly able to figure out who it was. That's how well Lynch differentiated their characters!

My only complaint is the ending skipped over a couple connections that would have helped thoroughly explain everything. I don't know how "predictable" the twist would be but Mr. B was listening and didn't have it completely figured out. To be fair though, he is just along for the ride when reading and I tend to dissect.

Ultimately, I'm not sure how to review this appropriately without giving anything away. Lynch really dials up the grim atmosphere and the ever-present anxiety of most the characters kept me on edge. There wasn't as much unreliable narration as I expected but it was a fun, twisty tale with an ending doused in red. I'll absolutely be seeking out more of Lynch's work because this was a thoroughly engaging thriller/mild horror!

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