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hopecobbledpots's reviews
460 reviews
Shades of Neverland by Carey Corp
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
This charming What If? story of Wendy Darling and Peter (Pan) Neverland is absolutely precious in its whimsical look at what happens to Wendy and Peter as Grown Ups.
The book follows Wendy as she is thrust into society after years of birthdays when Peter would visit her and give her a thimble - both a real one and what they called a "thimble" or a kiss. But Peter sees the young man who Wendy's Dowager Aunt wants to marry her off to "thimble" Wendy and is forced into a decision that leaves him bereft of his memories of Neverland except on the verge of his memory. And in both his and Wendy's dreams or rather nightmares.
This story captivated me with its charm and cleverness! I adored the way the author wove in so many details. Peter's rescue of an infant in Kensington Park. When Peter played the part of the swashbuckling D'Artanyan in The Three Musketeers so he could capture Wendy's eye as the theater patron in the first row. Griffin saluting Peter (subtle). Our Peter and Wendy are so immediately drawn to each other, and yet they keep having misfires. Wendy is scared of her feelings for Peter. Peter becomes frustrated and leaves. They have forgotten something very important, something their dreams are trying to convey to them - they need to remember their inner child. They would avoid miscommunication and pain if they had. I usually do not like the miscommunication trope. However, in this book, it was used in such a way that I didn't find it objectionable.
The ending, oh, the ending is superbly done. It was so satisfying. Thank you to the author and quill and flame publishers for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The book follows Wendy as she is thrust into society after years of birthdays when Peter would visit her and give her a thimble - both a real one and what they called a "thimble" or a kiss. But Peter sees the young man who Wendy's Dowager Aunt wants to marry her off to "thimble" Wendy and is forced into a decision that leaves him bereft of his memories of Neverland except on the verge of his memory. And in both his and Wendy's dreams or rather nightmares.
This story captivated me with its charm and cleverness! I adored the way the author wove in so many details. Peter's rescue of an infant in Kensington Park. When Peter played the part of the swashbuckling D'Artanyan in The Three Musketeers so he could capture Wendy's eye as the theater patron in the first row. Griffin saluting Peter (subtle). Our Peter and Wendy are so immediately drawn to each other, and yet they keep having misfires. Wendy is scared of her feelings for Peter. Peter becomes frustrated and leaves. They have forgotten something very important, something their dreams are trying to convey to them - they need to remember their inner child. They would avoid miscommunication and pain if they had. I usually do not like the miscommunication trope. However, in this book, it was used in such a way that I didn't find it objectionable.
The ending, oh, the ending is superbly done. It was so satisfying. Thank you to the author and quill and flame publishers for the review copy in exchange for an honest review.
No One Was Supposed to Die at this Wedding by Catherine Mack
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Review Pending
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood, Murder
When the Moon Hits Your Eye by John Scalzi
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
When The Moon Hits Your Eye
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Star Rating: ๐ง๐ง๐ง๐ง๐ง
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ถ
It's a really gouda book! The cheese jokes are going to be worse than cow flatulence. But, as I always say after reading a John Scalzi book, "Oh to be the mind of John Scalzi!". This entire concept, the moon turning to cheese and the ensuing effects it has on everyone from the President (USA) to NASA astronauts to 3 locals in a small town diner to a poor, to an unfortunate wheel of brie that now needs psychological counseling, is downright zany, brilliantly executed, even tender in places.
Written from multiple points of view, that at times coalesce, as people try to make sense of a phenomenon leaving them perplexed. NASA is trying to present a unified scientific response. A middle American pastor has to deal with the Christian response. Three friends in a diner work out their thoughts & plans. A Pseudoscience/Fiction Writer suddenly finds himself at the center of attention and in a fancy suit. All of this and more comes to a (cheese) head in such a brilliant way. I really appreciate the crafting of the story Scalzi quilled at his computer. I've already told several people to make certain they get copies of this book because I know that, without it, they camembert it (cheese joke).
I am looking forward to getting an audio version of this book. In fact, it would be great to have a blopper reel of Wil Wheaton making this recording.
I truly and thoroughly enjoyed this soiree into the alternative reality of what if and how the world would process it.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Tor Books for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. I was over the moon ๐ to be included.
#scalzibooks #torbooks #netgalley #scifireads #whenthemoonhitsyoureye #thatsnomoonitscheese
*no wheels of brie were actually harmed in any way in this book - read it if you want to know more
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: March 25, 2025
Star Rating: ๐ง๐ง๐ง๐ง๐ง
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ถ
It's a really gouda book! The cheese jokes are going to be worse than cow flatulence. But, as I always say after reading a John Scalzi book, "Oh to be the mind of John Scalzi!". This entire concept, the moon turning to cheese and the ensuing effects it has on everyone from the President (USA) to NASA astronauts to 3 locals in a small town diner to a poor, to an unfortunate wheel of brie that now needs psychological counseling, is downright zany, brilliantly executed, even tender in places.
Written from multiple points of view, that at times coalesce, as people try to make sense of a phenomenon leaving them perplexed. NASA is trying to present a unified scientific response. A middle American pastor has to deal with the Christian response. Three friends in a diner work out their thoughts & plans. A Pseudoscience/Fiction Writer suddenly finds himself at the center of attention and in a fancy suit. All of this and more comes to a (cheese) head in such a brilliant way. I really appreciate the crafting of the story Scalzi quilled at his computer. I've already told several people to make certain they get copies of this book because I know that, without it, they camembert it (cheese joke).
I am looking forward to getting an audio version of this book. In fact, it would be great to have a blopper reel of Wil Wheaton making this recording.
I truly and thoroughly enjoyed this soiree into the alternative reality of what if and how the world would process it.
Thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Tor Books for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. I was over the moon ๐ to be included.
#scalzibooks #torbooks #netgalley #scifireads #whenthemoonhitsyoureye #thatsnomoonitscheese
*no wheels of brie were actually harmed in any way in this book - read it if you want to know more
Cupids Peak by Lee Jacquot
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Last Chance to Save the World by Beth Revis
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Last Chance To Save The World
Author: Beth Revis
Publisher: Daw
Publication Date: April 8, 2025
Star Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐(4.9999)
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ซ
So concludes the Chaotic Orbits Trilogy โฆor does it? If this story is overยน โฆ well, let's talk about the book.
When we last left them, Ada had kidnapped Rian to get him to help her reprogram the nanobots because our antagonist, Storm Feter, had messed with the code so that said nanobots would not help Earth but rather harm it and more money would have to be given to Storm and his company to the solve the problem of keeping the nanobot cleaners going and healing the planet. Though Rian wants to arrest Ada for the kidnapping of a government official (Him!), he knows they need to work together to save Earth. There is a heated attraction between Ada and Rian. Rian tries hard to resist Ada's flagrant flaunting in your face sensual banter even though he really wants to give in. This is a part of the book that really tickles me. Rian is so stoic. He could have had a "Gloryous" time with Ada but held back because she kidnapped him to save Earth. He knows she's right. But he can't let himself give it.
The whole caper is done in a series of well timed events and slights of hand (and earrings) that Ada carries out, along with help from her mysterious client who is revealed early on in the book and the identity is gobsmacking. The escape from the clutches of being arrested is another Ada Lamarr triumph.
It is the Epilogue that left me thinking "This story is hardly over, Beth Revis!".
Thank you to the author, #netgalley, and @daw for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
#bethrevis #lastchancetosavetheworld #scifireads #sciencefiction #daw #womenwritingscifi
1) No, I don't really think it is.
This book has more occurrences of the F word than the others. Just in case that bothers you.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny
Save Your Breath by Kandi Steiner
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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
4.5
Save Your Breath
Author: Kandi Steiner
Publication Date: March 20, 2025
Star Rating: ๐ ๐๐๐
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ถ๐ถยพ
A fake engagement of a Pop Star and a Hockey Bad Boy who have been friends since their teenage years when he came to live at her home. Mia Love and Aleksander Suter. Aleks. Both need this fake engagement to sell. To sell Mia's new album and her tour and to get Aleks off thin ice with his team and bring in sponsorships. To shut up a vicious entertainment reviewer with Mia in his crosshairs. To keep Aleks's GM delighted with ticket and merch sales. But all the sales and success don't settle the feelings that Mia and Aleks refuse to admit to each other.
I love Kandi Steiner and her Kings Of The Ice series. The tension between Aleks and Mia, watching them lose their minds over each other, it is insane. They light each other up physically. But what the other doesn't know is they are each pining the heck out of each other and if they would just open their mouths and honesty communicate, we wouldn't have a book. The spice, while not as spicy as Learn Your Lesson, was HOT when we got to it. Aleks knows how to bring Mia complete and utter satisfaction. (One bench!)
Both of these characters struggle with insecurities. Mia struggles with Imposter Syndrome as a Recording Artist. She has become the obsession of an entertainment reporter who writes heinous maladies about her music. Aleks suffers from low self-esteem, thinking he will never be good enough for Mia, and self-destructive habits. They face their demons and prove the world wrong.
Of the 4 Kings Of The Ice Books, this one had two things in it that knocked it down to a 4.5 for me.
1) Miscommunication - I can only stand this trope for so long in a book. And it went on too long.
2) Ice Time - I need ice time in my hockey romance. It is important to me in this niche genre that the hockey player plays hockey in the book.
Thank you to Kandi Steiner and @valentine_pr for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Gaslighting, Alcohol
The Sublet by Greer Hendricks
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I saw the twist but it was still satisfying.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Vomit, Pregnancy
Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Star Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ซ
This slow burn, bumbling espionage romantasy, has gotten under my skin. I promised myself I'd read this book because it sounded so intriguing. Intriguing it was. Death, Deception, Double Crosses, Near fatal mistakes, and sloppy attempts at seduction make this story sink its teeth into you, wanting to know more.
Why wasn't Isy treated seriously as the Physician's Assistant?
Why did both Erik and Signey have chips on their shoulds.
Why Hans? Stephen? Katrina?
What magic do those special boxes really hold?
Many of the questions remain unanswered. It makes this book even more enthralling. Read this book if you love:
๐ One Horse
๐ช She threatens him and he leans into it
๐ฎ Soothsayers and other magic
๐ตโโ๏ธ She's spying on himโฆdoing a terrible job of it.
๐ I See You
Thank you, Sarah Page, for writing such a banger of a book. It is marvelous.
Scoville Spice Scale: ๐ซ
This slow burn, bumbling espionage romantasy, has gotten under my skin. I promised myself I'd read this book because it sounded so intriguing. Intriguing it was. Death, Deception, Double Crosses, Near fatal mistakes, and sloppy attempts at seduction make this story sink its teeth into you, wanting to know more.
Why wasn't Isy treated seriously as the Physician's Assistant?
Why did both Erik and Signey have chips on their shoulds.
Why Hans? Stephen? Katrina?
What magic do those special boxes really hold?
Many of the questions remain unanswered. It makes this book even more enthralling. Read this book if you love:
๐ One Horse
๐ช She threatens him and he leans into it
๐ฎ Soothsayers and other magic
๐ตโโ๏ธ She's spying on himโฆdoing a terrible job of it.
๐ I See You
Thank you, Sarah Page, for writing such a banger of a book. It is marvelous.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail
The Gilded Blood Series by Rachel Rener
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
You must listen to the audiobook version of this series! Holy FRACK! I was absolutely gobsmacked with how amazing Tara Novie's narration brought this to life! I've read the books. But now, having listened to the omnibus, woah, baby! This book comes through in technicolor sound. You have not experienced The Gold Blood Series until you've gone audio!
Zayn, Talia, Biscuit, and Mavros shine brighter.
What are you waiting for? Go! Get your copy!
Zayn, Talia, Biscuit, and Mavros shine brighter.
What are you waiting for? Go! Get your copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Outing
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Author: John Scalzi
Publisher: Tor Books
Narrator: Wil Wheaton
Star Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐
Scoville Spice Scale:๐ซ none
Summary in comments
Scalzi does it again. To be in his mind and just watch the ideas formโฆwhat a treat! I had a great time with this book.
Charlie is a likable character, in my opinion. He's not the sunshine, happy, positive person, but he rescues cats. If the cats like him, and, in this story, that really makes a difference because the cats are sentient beings with business dealings, you've got to be redeemable.
When thrown into his Uncle's world, yes, Charlie freaks out. But he also stands up for himself and doesn't fall for anyone's song and dance. He shows empathy, even if you are a swearing dolphin.
Wil Wheaton's narrates this book with flare and finesse. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. ๐ง
#startervillain #scalzi #wilwheaton #scalzibooks #worlddominationbycats
Publisher: Tor Books
Narrator: Wil Wheaton
Star Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐
Scoville Spice Scale:๐ซ none
Summary in comments
Scalzi does it again. To be in his mind and just watch the ideas formโฆwhat a treat! I had a great time with this book.
Charlie is a likable character, in my opinion. He's not the sunshine, happy, positive person, but he rescues cats. If the cats like him, and, in this story, that really makes a difference because the cats are sentient beings with business dealings, you've got to be redeemable.
When thrown into his Uncle's world, yes, Charlie freaks out. But he also stands up for himself and doesn't fall for anyone's song and dance. He shows empathy, even if you are a swearing dolphin.
Wil Wheaton's narrates this book with flare and finesse. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook. ๐ง
#startervillain #scalzi #wilwheaton #scalzibooks #worlddominationbycats
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence