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85 reviews
Christmas Criminal by Ally Williams
Taking a step outside her Love & City Lights series, Ally gives us an adorable small town Christmas story centering around two lovable characters with banter that's guaranteed to make you laugh. This is such a simple story, but it really checks all of the boxes romance fans want in a holiday read, so I highly recommend it!
Ever wanted a spicier Hallmark Christmas story? Look no further! This was such a cute story filled with every cliché about the holiday season you can think of: there’s a holiday fair, a school play, a town-wide tree lighting, parade float decorating, and more! I really liked the relationship between “Saint” Nick & Noelle because their banter is absolutely hilarious. And the fact her community service “punishment” was because she egged her dad’s house? HILARIOUS! This book has all of the small town cozy vibes you could possibly want from a cozy, holiday read. And, if you were curious if the Clark Kent look-alike math teacher could “match the criminal’s freak?” The answer is yes, yes he can.
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"... glance at Nick, who nods subtly at me. Like he's proud of me. And I beam back at him. I want him to be proud of me. I want him to look at me like this, all the time. He knows the story, but he doesn't truly know what I've been through. But he still looks at me like this moment has lit up his day. It has me all sorts of gooey on the inside. Nick tugs me closer, leaving a kiss on my forehead that has me jumping out of my skin."
Taking a step outside her Love & City Lights series, Ally gives us an adorable small town Christmas story centering around two lovable characters with banter that's guaranteed to make you laugh. This is such a simple story, but it really checks all of the boxes romance fans want in a holiday read, so I highly recommend it!
"'Keep talking like that and I'll show you what it means to be naughty.'
Her eyes flash. 'Oh, I like this side of the math teacher. Sweet and spicy, all in one.'
I shake my head. 'Drink your wine and fluff your branch.' ...
'Now all I can think about is every naughty tree euphemism I've ever heard. I mean, 'fluff your branch’? Mr. Monroe, the children!'
I can't help but laugh along with her. 'To be fair, every single time I mention 'putting up the tree' at this point, I have to stop myself from saying 'erecting the tree.'' She laughs harder, one hand over her chest... This is what I want my Christmases to look like. Laughter, red wine, and someone like Noelle fluffing my branch. It feels so easy."
Ever wanted a spicier Hallmark Christmas story? Look no further! This was such a cute story filled with every cliché about the holiday season you can think of: there’s a holiday fair, a school play, a town-wide tree lighting, parade float decorating, and more! I really liked the relationship between “Saint” Nick & Noelle because their banter is absolutely hilarious. And the fact her community service “punishment” was because she egged her dad’s house? HILARIOUS! This book has all of the small town cozy vibes you could possibly want from a cozy, holiday read. And, if you were curious if the Clark Kent look-alike math teacher could “match the criminal’s freak?” The answer is yes, yes he can.
"'Torturing me is your favorite pastime, isn't it?'
I nod... 'But afterward we get to enjoy the parade,' I say, in a mocking excited tone.
She rolls her eyes. 'The harder you work at your Cindy-Lou Who act, the harder I work at Grinching.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Bullying and Alcohol
Merry in Moose Falls by Emily Silver
Something I always do when reading a book is to read the entire acknowledgments & thank yous from the author. In this book, Emily gives us a peek behind the curtain with this book's inspiration. Honestly, I kinda want to spend a day with Emily & her friend because they sound like fun, haha. When you read this book, take a look at the story behind this story... it's great.
This is peak Emily Silver right here: a cozy & cute story, with characters that make you swoon, a fur baby to steal the show & a romance guaranteed to warm your heart. It’s basically everything you want & need in a holiday romance! Plus, Emily has given us a world that’s open & accepting of queer men, which is refreshing & feels like a warm hug. This book is filled with nothing but love, understanding, compassion, spicy spice, laugh-out-loud comedy & TONS of holiday vibes guaranteed to leave you clutching your heart, kicking your feet & maybe even decorating your own rainbow merman ornament while wearing a homemade “ugly” sweater. So, can we all live in Moose Falls now, please? Because I am totally ready to find a tree that speaks to me from the Naughty Pine Tree Farm & get my holiday season started in proper style!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
First, let me say, the chapter titles are super funny. And this cover art? It's perfection & means even more once you've read the story.😍 Speaking of the story, this one is a perfect blend of cozy, small town, Christmas & romance. But when the spice hits...🫠 whew...😮💨 dayum! Plus, Emily describes a drink, the Naughty But Nice cocktail, blending whiskey with orange & cranberry juice & ginger that sounds amazing! I think I'm gonna give it a try this season. I'm not normally a whiskey girlie, but I've officially been influenced.🥃
“If you interrupt me while I’m listening to my trees, I’m sending you home.”
Brooks laughs. “Okay. No talking while you’re listening to the trees.”
“And no rolling your eyes at me if it’s taking too long or asking when we’re leaving.”
“Check and check.” Brooks makes two check marks in the air. “I’ll follow you around like a little puppy and tell Hunter when we’re ready.”
Something I always do when reading a book is to read the entire acknowledgments & thank yous from the author. In this book, Emily gives us a peek behind the curtain with this book's inspiration. Honestly, I kinda want to spend a day with Emily & her friend because they sound like fun, haha. When you read this book, take a look at the story behind this story... it's great.
“What meaning does a half-naked mermaid have?” Brooks laughs.
“Merman,” I correct, poking him in the muscular abs. “You just wish your abs were as good-looking as this.”
Brooks pulls his hoodie up, flashing me his stomach.
Fuck. Me. I should not have started this. How does Brooks not know the way he has me drooling over him?
“I think they are.”
This is peak Emily Silver right here: a cozy & cute story, with characters that make you swoon, a fur baby to steal the show & a romance guaranteed to warm your heart. It’s basically everything you want & need in a holiday romance! Plus, Emily has given us a world that’s open & accepting of queer men, which is refreshing & feels like a warm hug. This book is filled with nothing but love, understanding, compassion, spicy spice, laugh-out-loud comedy & TONS of holiday vibes guaranteed to leave you clutching your heart, kicking your feet & maybe even decorating your own rainbow merman ornament while wearing a homemade “ugly” sweater. So, can we all live in Moose Falls now, please? Because I am totally ready to find a tree that speaks to me from the Naughty Pine Tree Farm & get my holiday season started in proper style!
"... I love you, Charlie. More than I ever thought possible. I never knew this was a kind of love that I could have. It shocks me every day that you chose me. That you love me and that I, for some lucky reason, get to love you back.”
“I think I’m the lucky one...”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Alcohol
Powerless by Lauren Roberts
When I started reading this, I thought this was a copycat of The Hunger Games. Don't get me wrong, that series is one of my faves, but mirroring its formula feels unnecessary. That said, the more I kept reading, the more unique elements of this story emerged. The Trials are a series of challenges, there are less contestants, more than one survivor is allowed but there's only one winner. Plus, there's quite the variation in abilities people have without it being too confusing.
Okay, so I get it now… this is a great book! It’s very “The Hunger Games” but with a unique twist. The relationship dynamic between Kai and Paedyn is amazing (some of their scenes are my absolute favorite). Plus, the way the Trials are set up leaves me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what’s going to happen next. And it’s interesting to have so many different kinds of enabled people that society can’t keep track of all the different power types, allowing Paedyn to fake an ability in order to blend in. Some moments broke my heart, some made me laugh out loud, but all of them were entertaining and engaging. Highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series!
As for the audio, I'm a bit spoiled & have only listened to duet or full cast audiobooks, but dual narration makes up the majority of the audiobook space. And this book is narrated in dual form: the male POV chapter is read entirely by the male narrator & vice versa, meaning he reads female parts & she reads some male parts that occur within their specified chapters. So, this is not my favorite style because when the narrators switch genders, it takes me out of the performance a little bit. That said, it didn't make me hate the narration or take much away from the story's impact because both of these narrators did a fantastic job (especially with the banter moments).
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"'I’m tougher than I look, I assure you. The strongest weapon a woman has at her disposal is that she is often underestimated,' I answer with a small smile. 'And I wield that all the time.'”
When I started reading this, I thought this was a copycat of The Hunger Games. Don't get me wrong, that series is one of my faves, but mirroring its formula feels unnecessary. That said, the more I kept reading, the more unique elements of this story emerged. The Trials are a series of challenges, there are less contestants, more than one survivor is allowed but there's only one winner. Plus, there's quite the variation in abilities people have without it being too confusing.
"... we are trading off blows and blocks as we toy with one another. It’s like a dance, and she is a fierce partner... One minute we’re flirting and the next we’re fighting—possibly even both at the same time. I can’t seem to figure this vicious girl out."
Okay, so I get it now… this is a great book! It’s very “The Hunger Games” but with a unique twist. The relationship dynamic between Kai and Paedyn is amazing (some of their scenes are my absolute favorite). Plus, the way the Trials are set up leaves me on the edge of my seat with anticipation of what’s going to happen next. And it’s interesting to have so many different kinds of enabled people that society can’t keep track of all the different power types, allowing Paedyn to fake an ability in order to blend in. Some moments broke my heart, some made me laugh out loud, but all of them were entertaining and engaging. Highly recommend this book and look forward to the rest of the series!
"I’ve never been looked at like it’s a privilege to be in my presence, an honor to hold my gaze, a gift to get a glimpse of me. Not until I met him. His mask slips, splinters, shatters, leaving only a boy beholding a girl like she is worthy of his wanting... I can’t help but long for this boy who has saved my life more times than I care to admit. This boy who is equally calculating and charming, equally cool and caring. The one who’s tended to my wounds, learned about my past, been my distraction when I needed it most. The one who understands me."
As for the audio, I'm a bit spoiled & have only listened to duet or full cast audiobooks, but dual narration makes up the majority of the audiobook space. And this book is narrated in dual form: the male POV chapter is read entirely by the male narrator & vice versa, meaning he reads female parts & she reads some male parts that occur within their specified chapters. So, this is not my favorite style because when the narrators switch genders, it takes me out of the performance a little bit. That said, it didn't make me hate the narration or take much away from the story's impact because both of these narrators did a fantastic job (especially with the banter moments).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Grief, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
While all of these warnings apply to the story, this book firmly remains in the Young Adult category. So even the graphic warnings are not at the New Adult or Adult level of description.
Wildfire by Hannah Grace
I felt like the addiction angle wasn’t handled as well as I would’ve liked (either get down into it or keep this a lighter, feel-good story), but it’s one way to give a little representation to people with addicts in their family without being a super heavy book. All of our experiences with addiction, mine included, are unique to the individual & this was Russ’s experience. Russ definitely wasn’t on my bingo card to get his own story so soon, having been a tiny character in book 1, but I’m so happy we got this glimpse into his life & love story!
While I’m not a huge fan of “insta-love” stories, this couple’s fast-developing feelings needed to be reaffirmed & earned throughout the narrative, which they made sure to do. I liked the change of scenery by shifting the setting to a summer camp (w/ nosy children), making the story unique. I also liked checking in with the hockey-housemates, especially re-integrating JJ because I love him. And I’m putty when the MMC is a cinnamon roll, which Russ totally is (plus, he’s got that shy nerdy thing, which is great too). His pep-talks to hype up his confidence, her finally feeling worthy of being doted on, their friends chuckling at the pining couple? All fantastic!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
As with the 1st book in this series, I really liked Wildfire. We went away from Maple Hills campus to follow characters as they were summer camp counselors & it all felt very nostalgic. The spice was more seamless & on par with the scene, the banter definitely delivered, we got to see more JJ & a dash more Henry (two of my faves), & I liked the relationship between Russ & Aurora.
“I’ve always known I need validation like I need air and, although I don’t think he’s exactly the same, we are very similar. People have made us feel like we’re less than we are, and those opinions are buried deep in us both, like weeds. Every drop of self-doubt waters the soil, and once they start to grow it feels impossible to stop. But it isn’t impossible, it just takes someone to rip them out by the root, over and over if needed. We’re so different, and yet so similar, and part of me is starting to believe that’s the perfect mix.”
I felt like the addiction angle wasn’t handled as well as I would’ve liked (either get down into it or keep this a lighter, feel-good story), but it’s one way to give a little representation to people with addicts in their family without being a super heavy book. All of our experiences with addiction, mine included, are unique to the individual & this was Russ’s experience. Russ definitely wasn’t on my bingo card to get his own story so soon, having been a tiny character in book 1, but I’m so happy we got this glimpse into his life & love story!
“‘... you’re not going to scare me with your feelings or your experiences, I promise. I know it’s not going to undo the other stuff, but I’m choosing to be here, and nothing you say to me is going to make me change my mind.’”
While I’m not a huge fan of “insta-love” stories, this couple’s fast-developing feelings needed to be reaffirmed & earned throughout the narrative, which they made sure to do. I liked the change of scenery by shifting the setting to a summer camp (w/ nosy children), making the story unique. I also liked checking in with the hockey-housemates, especially re-integrating JJ because I love him. And I’m putty when the MMC is a cinnamon roll, which Russ totally is (plus, he’s got that shy nerdy thing, which is great too). His pep-talks to hype up his confidence, her finally feeling worthy of being doted on, their friends chuckling at the pining couple? All fantastic!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Abandonment
There are toxic relationship dynamics between each main character and their father (one struggles with addiction, one doesn't care much about their child).
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
In a world with many hockey romances, this one felt like it took a unique angle on a popular story. Yes, they are both athletes who skate, but there are conversations about emotional intelligence, toxic relationships, difficult relationships with food, working through challenging communication & therapy! But really, some of my favorite scenes involved the other teammates & friends… I loved the cast of characters Hannah’s created. And this book was funny! A true romcom which had me laughing out loud in many chapters. Overall, this was an easy, comfortable read with a bit of heart & a bit of laughs.
I honestly really liked this book & I know people seem to have strong feelings about it. If books are meant to be entertaining, then this is definitely that (with a side of heart & unique story elements). However, there was a character/storyline in this book that wasn't vital to the storyline, in my opinion, which contributed to the book feeling slightly longer than what I thought necessary. And the spice felt like it was on a level inconsistent with the rest of the story: here we were strolling along one path, humming a song & enjoying this entertaining romance, until BAM! ultra spicy scene coming atcha! While that may be some reader's cup of tea, it felt a little abrupt for me.
That being said, I'm not on the clock app & don't really know the conversations that happen over there. I do know people seem to love or hate this book. And that's simply not the boat I'm in. I really liked it. It isn't perfect, it isn't something I'm obsessed with & some parts of it gave me "the ick," so it's not a 5-star read. But with quotes like the ones I've shared here, it's easy for me to find this a likeable, entertaining story.
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"It's like being verbally abused by Tinkerbell."
In a world with many hockey romances, this one felt like it took a unique angle on a popular story. Yes, they are both athletes who skate, but there are conversations about emotional intelligence, toxic relationships, difficult relationships with food, working through challenging communication & therapy! But really, some of my favorite scenes involved the other teammates & friends… I loved the cast of characters Hannah’s created. And this book was funny! A true romcom which had me laughing out loud in many chapters. Overall, this was an easy, comfortable read with a bit of heart & a bit of laughs.
"… every time he looks at me, and the corner of his mouth tugs up, I forget every thought.
I’ve been totally and utterly unhinged by a man. I’m disgusted with myself, for being distracted, for knowingly letting every sliver of feminism shrivel up and die over dimples and thick thighs."
I honestly really liked this book & I know people seem to have strong feelings about it. If books are meant to be entertaining, then this is definitely that (with a side of heart & unique story elements). However, there was a character/storyline in this book that wasn't vital to the storyline, in my opinion, which contributed to the book feeling slightly longer than what I thought necessary. And the spice felt like it was on a level inconsistent with the rest of the story: here we were strolling along one path, humming a song & enjoying this entertaining romance, until BAM! ultra spicy scene coming atcha! While that may be some reader's cup of tea, it felt a little abrupt for me.
"… it’s cemented for me that breaking up is not a reality I ever want to live. I know it’s rare to meet someone who makes you feel like your whole life is brighter. I know I’m lucky that I have someone by my side who would go to war for the people she loves, and it’s made me realize, right now, she’s going to war for herself.
And I need to be by her side, not attacking her from a different spot on the field."
That being said, I'm not on the clock app & don't really know the conversations that happen over there. I do know people seem to love or hate this book. And that's simply not the boat I'm in. I really liked it. It isn't perfect, it isn't something I'm obsessed with & some parts of it gave me "the ick," so it's not a 5-star read. But with quotes like the ones I've shared here, it's easy for me to find this a likeable, entertaining story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
Moderate: Body shaming, Eating disorder, and Gaslighting
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
The MMC's mother died when he was younger (this is not described in detail, merely mentioned because it's a part of his life). There is a single instance of an unwanted sexual act, otherwise all sexual activity is consensual. The FMC has a difficult relationship with food & eating properly, this is the extent of her eating disorder.
Best of Both Worlds by Emily Silver
When we left Noah, he was struggling to recover from an injury from Graham Fisher, his poor performance caused him to be traded to the Nashville Knights (Fisher’s team), & he had to leave his hometown, his team, his friends without a proper goodbye. (No wonder why he’s alone on his book’s cover! 😢) So this book is a big adjustment for Noah… in more ways than one!
The tension between him & Graham is wonderful, but watching it develop felt like a reward. With callbacks to several characters from the Colorado sports romance world Emily’s created, Noah & Graham’s story sucked me in from the very beginning. Feet kicking definitely took place. Lots of giggling happened. And I may or may not have avoided “adulting” so I could keep reading because I am obsessed! The way this story unfolds feels authentic & their love story felt earned in a satisfying way that’s guaranteed to add this to your list of fave reads!
Simply put, I LOVED this story! It grabbed ahold of my heart & still hasn't let it go. Graham's exploration, Noah's open acceptance, their non-judgmental relationship dynamics & the moments with characters we've loved from other books are just some of the things that make this story wonderful. (Plus, Emily uses the title in the story in 2 distinct, & entertaining, ways.)
But I think my favorite part was how Emily approached the queer identification angle. Noah being an out hockey player wasn't an issue. He even made a comment about how he assumed no one on the team would want to go with him to gay bars, but was surprised when they said that wasn't the case. Even as Graham starts to explore his new queer identity, his journey feels unique to his character & largely accepting. Queer identities are celebrated in this world because people are living their authentic selves, but the simple fact someone loves another of the same gender is not a big deal otherwise. It's a beautiful thing & it makes me love this story (& Emily) even more!
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"His dark brown eyes are filled with nothing but hate right now. No doubt the same as mine. I’m seething. If fire were coming out of my ears, I wouldn’t be surprised. Who does this guy think he is?" ...
"Fake it ’til I like Graham Fisher is going to be my new motto. I can make it work. Right?"
When we left Noah, he was struggling to recover from an injury from Graham Fisher, his poor performance caused him to be traded to the Nashville Knights (Fisher’s team), & he had to leave his hometown, his team, his friends without a proper goodbye. (No wonder why he’s alone on his book’s cover! 😢) So this book is a big adjustment for Noah… in more ways than one!
The tension between him & Graham is wonderful, but watching it develop felt like a reward. With callbacks to several characters from the Colorado sports romance world Emily’s created, Noah & Graham’s story sucked me in from the very beginning. Feet kicking definitely took place. Lots of giggling happened. And I may or may not have avoided “adulting” so I could keep reading because I am obsessed! The way this story unfolds feels authentic & their love story felt earned in a satisfying way that’s guaranteed to add this to your list of fave reads!
"My parents and their friends, Dad’s old teammates, are the biggest gossips in the world... 'Noah Jackson Fields. You shouldn’t be fighting with your teammates,' Mom chides. I wince at her admonishment. Doesn’t matter how old you are, there’s nothing like getting told off by your mother."
Simply put, I LOVED this story! It grabbed ahold of my heart & still hasn't let it go. Graham's exploration, Noah's open acceptance, their non-judgmental relationship dynamics & the moments with characters we've loved from other books are just some of the things that make this story wonderful. (Plus, Emily uses the title in the story in 2 distinct, & entertaining, ways.)
"Noah Fields is the sexiest person in the world, and it should scare me how quickly I’m becoming addicted to the man. I don’t want anyone else but him... Being with Noah, just the two of us, pushes every thought out of my head. This is all that matters. The two of us connecting. The rest will come however it comes. And I’ll worry about it when it does."
But I think my favorite part was how Emily approached the queer identification angle. Noah being an out hockey player wasn't an issue. He even made a comment about how he assumed no one on the team would want to go with him to gay bars, but was surprised when they said that wasn't the case. Even as Graham starts to explore his new queer identity, his journey feels unique to his character & largely accepting. Queer identities are celebrated in this world because people are living their authentic selves, but the simple fact someone loves another of the same gender is not a big deal otherwise. It's a beautiful thing & it makes me love this story (& Emily) even more!
"'No regrets?'
'Not one.'
When it comes to this man? I don’t think I could regret anything."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Alcohol and Injury/Injury detail
Wordhunter by Stella Sands
This wasn’t a book I expected, but I was captivated from start to finish. The world Maggie, our FMC, lives in isn’t a glamorous one, far from it. But its seedy characters & disheveled structures add so much flavor to this story. Coupled with Maggie’s dry humor, IDGAF personality, & her wicked intellect, I was completely sucked into this story. Plus, her relationship with Detective Jackson & the other townies made me laugh at their quirky banter.
(I mean, this is how she handles unruly diner patrons:)
This book focuses on Maggie’s life: going to grad school for linguistics, working at a diner, riding her motorcycle around town & working with the local police to help solve cases. Stella gives us a unique, rich, multi-layered storyline, but never leaves us confused about what’s happening & leaves us with an open ending for future books.
This was my first time reading a mystery, which is typically a genre I don't take a lot of interest in (I'm not a Dateline girlie). But there's something about Stella's writing & characters that drew me in, making it challenging to put down the book & be a responsible adult. I genuinely didn't know where the book was going & was surprised many times, which kept it interesting.
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
In all honesty, this book was not what I thought, and I'm not mad at it. I was at the store, saw this cover & was captivated by it. Assuming it had something to do with technology (b/c of the cover design), I read the back & learned it's a mystery. Then I flipped through it & saw these cool word tree diagrams, so I assumed those were the notes our FMC was deciphering as she worked with the police to solve a single case. Now that I've read the book, all of these assumptions are more or less wrong. However, I couldn't put the book down! It felt a little like a storyline we would see portrayed in a season of the True Detective TV series.
"Once away from buildings and strip malls, she hammered down—fifty, sixty, seventy, eighty—and passed miles of sawgrass, wetlands, abandoned farmland, billboards for Jesus, billboards for gator meat, billboards for free vasectomies. She passed single-wides flying the stars and bars, an occasional junkyard-slash-gas station, possibly even some dead bodies." ...
"Anyone whose middle name is part of his identity is either a serial killer or planning to become one. For sure, that included most of the men in Florida... Maybe she was suffering from a form of Stockholm syndrome. If it wasn't the crawling bugs, fluttering bugs, swarming bugs, stink bugs, no-see-ums, and kamikazes, it was the in-your-face, ever-present assortment of hustlers, rednecks, pedophiles, and mass murderers—all of whom, she was certain, lived on her block—not to mention the strung-out dropouts high on meth or heroin. Not to mention the dealers. The pimps. The..."
This wasn’t a book I expected, but I was captivated from start to finish. The world Maggie, our FMC, lives in isn’t a glamorous one, far from it. But its seedy characters & disheveled structures add so much flavor to this story. Coupled with Maggie’s dry humor, IDGAF personality, & her wicked intellect, I was completely sucked into this story. Plus, her relationship with Detective Jackson & the other townies made me laugh at their quirky banter.
(I mean, this is how she handles unruly diner patrons:)
"By now, several other regulars had filed in. In no time, they were acting in their customary Neanderthal manner... Maggie stood in the middle of the diner and spoke so everyone could hear her: 'The louder you hoot, the smaller your dick. It's a fact.' No one said a word. Maggie could always count on her potty mouth, perfected over years of living on Royal Palm Court, to garner respect."
This book focuses on Maggie’s life: going to grad school for linguistics, working at a diner, riding her motorcycle around town & working with the local police to help solve cases. Stella gives us a unique, rich, multi-layered storyline, but never leaves us confused about what’s happening & leaves us with an open ending for future books.
"She made herself stop and forced herself to repeat what was on the mug she drank from everyday: Keep calm by focusing on compartmentalizing. Yup, compartmentalization has its advantages. Ask any serial killer."
This was my first time reading a mystery, which is typically a genre I don't take a lot of interest in (I'm not a Dateline girlie). But there's something about Stella's writing & characters that drew me in, making it challenging to put down the book & be a responsible adult. I genuinely didn't know where the book was going & was surprised many times, which kept it interesting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Alcohol
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement, and Drug use
Minor: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Death of parent
While this story deals with kidnapping & rape police cases, the details of taking children & their treatment is not described in depth. There is also substance abuse, but none of the characters really acknowledge their addiction or work to improve their quality of life by getting sober. The actual act of using substances isn't described in much detail either.
Rose Moon by Heidi Adams
This book is unlike anything I've read, yet, it still feels familiar. Like watching an episode you haven't yet seen of a series you love; the story feels like a fresh, new take on this genre. I haven't read a lot of paranormal romance since becoming a reader again, but as a millennial, Twilight was my jam in high school. This story gives off similar vibes: a cozy small town (this one is in Maine), paranormal creatures living in the modern world (this one has mermaids), a complicated history in the paranormal world (instead of the Volturi storyline, there's a different conflict in the mermaid world, but I won't spoil it), and a love story is at the center of it all (but this first story covers 10 years of Karter's life instead of just his high school years... and there may or may not be a complicated love story thrown in there too 😉).
Heidi has also put emotions at the driving force of the narrative, which immediately raises the stakes. When you're acting out of love, sorrow, anxiety, and/or depression, your actions & their implications are more significant. And, because she's amazing, Heidi has given us an immersive playlist to go along with the story, which makes it more emotional. As I read, I listened to the relevant songs (Heidi gives us cues as to when each song applies to specific scenes... but to avoid too many spoilers, only read the next cue, don't read the entire detailed list ahead of time), & it made the whole experience more cinematic. If your brain plays constant music as mine does, then I highly recommend reading the story this way! I absolutely loved this experience!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
How do I even begin to talk about how much I liked this book? Do I talk about the characters & how much I loved their development? I mean, we follow our MMC across a decade, falling in love, focusing on his mental health, coming into his own as an adult & dealing with hard blows life throws his way. While the FMC is a mermaid dealing with an entire world’s worth of history & navigating the human world with her love. Or I could talk about how easy this book was to read because of the author’s writing. It’s true. Heidi’s writing felt cozy, yet explorative of emotional depth while navigating the formative years of the MMC & introducing the reader to the paranormal elements of another world. Toggling between the modern world & the mermaid one is challenging, but she did it beautifully. So yeah, I really liked every interconnected part of this book & how the paranormal world was brought into our modern one!
"We’re the only ones left out on the rocks, but I wouldn’t care if we were in the middle of a crowd. I’m kissing the one I love without restraint as my soul opens, and nothing in the world exists but us. I cup her face as I stop my kiss. 'I need you to know I love you, no matter what form you’re in. I love you for you. You never need to worry about that.'”
This book is unlike anything I've read, yet, it still feels familiar. Like watching an episode you haven't yet seen of a series you love; the story feels like a fresh, new take on this genre. I haven't read a lot of paranormal romance since becoming a reader again, but as a millennial, Twilight was my jam in high school. This story gives off similar vibes: a cozy small town (this one is in Maine), paranormal creatures living in the modern world (this one has mermaids), a complicated history in the paranormal world (instead of the Volturi storyline, there's a different conflict in the mermaid world, but I won't spoil it), and a love story is at the center of it all (but this first story covers 10 years of Karter's life instead of just his high school years... and there may or may not be a complicated love story thrown in there too 😉).
"'You’re part of me. Not just because of how in love with you I am, but because you are literally part of me. I need you to breathe—to function.'"
Heidi has also put emotions at the driving force of the narrative, which immediately raises the stakes. When you're acting out of love, sorrow, anxiety, and/or depression, your actions & their implications are more significant. And, because she's amazing, Heidi has given us an immersive playlist to go along with the story, which makes it more emotional. As I read, I listened to the relevant songs (Heidi gives us cues as to when each song applies to specific scenes... but to avoid too many spoilers, only read the next cue, don't read the entire detailed list ahead of time), & it made the whole experience more cinematic. If your brain plays constant music as mine does, then I highly recommend reading the story this way! I absolutely loved this experience!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Torture, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
There is a school bullying scene when the characters are in high school; this is the only bullying that happens in the book. There is a single moment when a man gets handsy with the female main character, who does not appreciate the action & the male main character protects her. There is another moment when a dog is attacked by a wild animal, the injury is detailed (with mention of blood), but the dog is healed & makes a full recovery.
Before Their After by Nelle Nikole
Will this story tug at your heartstrings? Yes. Are these novellas filled with devastating carnage? Also yes (I mean, it's a zombie apocalypse, duh.) But do these stories make the entire series sweeter because we're able to understand our favorite characters more? HECK YES!
I cannot recommend this collection more. I'd suggest reading it before diving into Rising & officially entering this world, because understanding the characters, where they come from, the grief & pain they're carrying when we meet them at The Compound, etc. makes the story richer. But no matter where you read this in your journey through this universe, you simply must add this to your collection!
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
"Forever is not infinite... Forever is practical... Forever has limitations, whereas infinite does not... Forever is foundational. You can build off it. Use it to power you. Infinite is limitless. Infinite love will have you burn the village down at the risk of your own safety."
Each novella in this collection is a set of stories from the points-of-view of our main cast of characters: the “Band of Misfits.” With these glimpses, we get to see what life was like before “Day 0” (i.e., the day the world ended). And we learn what each character dealt with leading up to the first time we meet them in Rising (book 1). Nelle previously gave us the stories of her leading ladies, but she’s added those of her leading men to give us a complete picture. These POVs provide insight to the establishment of The Compound in Monterey (which is constructed in the first book) and the development of powers amidst the undead “Pansies” roaming the US now. These stories are beautifully written, give us insight to characters we love (or allow you to learn who they are before the story takes off in book 1) & add rich detail to the world Nelle has created!
"Life doesn't stop the moment the worst thing in your life happens. It keeps moving and you mold yourself into the person you need to be in order to survive."
Will this story tug at your heartstrings? Yes. Are these novellas filled with devastating carnage? Also yes (I mean, it's a zombie apocalypse, duh.) But do these stories make the entire series sweeter because we're able to understand our favorite characters more? HECK YES!
I cannot recommend this collection more. I'd suggest reading it before diving into Rising & officially entering this world, because understanding the characters, where they come from, the grief & pain they're carrying when we meet them at The Compound, etc. makes the story richer. But no matter where you read this in your journey through this universe, you simply must add this to your collection!
"If all we did was kill each other, then the dead would win. We needed to work together, play to each other's strengths. A group with a survivor's mentality would be a force to be reckoned with."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Death of parent, Alcohol, and Dysphoria
This is a prequel collection of novellas that deals with a post-apocalyptic world where zombies roam the United States. Pretty much all graphic depictions of zombie stereotypes typical in this genre, apply here. So ye be warned!
Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
The world Kate has created is filled with morally grey goodness (I’m serious, these characters are so lovable & I’m excited to see where else she’ll take us with the series) & the action—be it spicy or dramatic—DELIVERS!
The drama of Rook’s revenge plot, the relationship between the main couple, the quirky details of the story, the side characters… all of it… it’s fun & makes this book fantastic. There are obviously darker themes, but the comedic moments help balance it out to make it entertaining. There are so many lines that made me laugh & scenes that replay in my head. While I know this is not real, the storyline progressed in an authentic way that grounded this fun book. Love it & I highly recommend it!
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
"I had to find a way to show her I wasn’t just a monster—that there was more to me than the violence... I needed her to see the parts of me that were still good, still capable of something beyond destruction. I had to keep her in my life. So I went after her."
Oh. My. Lordy. This book is so freaking amaze-balls, I devoured it as fast as I could. Anyone who loves Brynne Weaver’s & Navessa Allen’s dark romcoms & hot bikers MUST read this!!! Not even kidding, this book is amazing & I'm so happy to have had the privilege of ARC reading this. Kate is a new-to-me author, but I am an instant fan & will definitely be diving into her backlist to read her first series.
"I had no ideations about love. There was never any dream of falling for it one day. But this felt like something it could be. Someone who wasn’t going to tell our secrets, the moments between us all our own. Someone who would always have my back and always face the world with me. Someone who would let me sit here in silence, posted up on my lap to warn me if there was a problem. Someone who would give me five fucking minutes of peace. I didn’t know how long I sat there, the party carrying on around us, but I didn’t care..."
The world Kate has created is filled with morally grey goodness (I’m serious, these characters are so lovable & I’m excited to see where else she’ll take us with the series) & the action—be it spicy or dramatic—DELIVERS!
"'You look so fucking pretty, Rebel,' he murmured. 'You look so good, dripping in blood and diamonds. I told you, you’re a fucking queen.'
'You find this attractive?'
'Yes, unfortunately. I find my girl putting a bullet in someone’s head to protect me sexy as hell. Sorry, buying me flowers or something doesn’t get me off the same way.'"
The drama of Rook’s revenge plot, the relationship between the main couple, the quirky details of the story, the side characters… all of it… it’s fun & makes this book fantastic. There are obviously darker themes, but the comedic moments help balance it out to make it entertaining. There are so many lines that made me laugh & scenes that replay in my head. While I know this is not real, the storyline progressed in an authentic way that grounded this fun book. Love it & I highly recommend it!
"'Every fucking time you surprise me, Rebel. Every time I think I’ve seen all you have to give, you do something like that and show me over and over how strong you are. You show me how much of a rebel you want to be.'"
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gore, Stalking, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Confinement, Terminal illness, Torture, and Toxic relationship
This is a dark romcom. While many scenes with dark themes are approached with comedy, they are still dark and true to the genre.