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intomybookshelf_'s Reviews (152)
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-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:
Yes
I've been waiting for Gillig's next book since I finished Two Twisted Crowns last year. And when she teased this book on her socials, I got so pumped tbh.
I'm so so happy I got to read this one.
The whole gothic x medieval vibe was insanely well done, and I was so here for it. The lore was exquisite.
It was amazing watching Sybil grow into herself, figure out who she is and what she actually wants to fight for, instead of listening to the nuisances in her life.
So I'm just here, *not so* patiently waiting for the next book in this series.
I ended up doing the audiobook for this one, and it was definitely well done !
Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so so happy I got to read this one.
The whole gothic x medieval vibe was insanely well done, and I was so here for it. The lore was exquisite.
It was amazing watching Sybil grow into herself, figure out who she is and what she actually wants to fight for, instead of listening to the nuisances in her life.
So I'm just here, *not so* patiently waiting for the next book in this series.
I ended up doing the audiobook for this one, and it was definitely well done !
Thank you Netgalley, Little Brown Book Group and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
I loooove witchy cozy reads, and I enjoyed The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches so I couldn't wait to get my hands on this one.
I'm so so happy to report that this book was everything I hoped it would be, and more.
First things first, because this is me, but the romance was amazing. While not being the whole focus of the book, it still felt very well developed and I was here for it. Luke is the perfect grump and Sera just being Sera, they complement each other so well. We stan a healthy and supporting relationship.
I love the story, the whole lore. The school, the academia, the quest, the glass teapot, the potions, the enigmas. Honestly, this part of the story was so much fun. But also heavy at times, making you think about what people are really asking of you at times, how one can use others and just go about their lives.
The secondary characters in this book weren't just here for show or for the fluff. Each and everyone of them was beautifully written, had a uniqueness about them, and just added something extra special to the story. I was to give a special mention to Malik. He doesn't have a huge part in the book, but his addition was a nice surprise. What I love about his character is not only the reflexion Sera has about his feelings regarding his palestinian identity. It's also that in the world we live in, it was nice seeing a palestinian character just being happy, in a loving relationship with a kid. His character was more focused on his joy, his quirks and not just palestinian suffering as we see it so much every day.
Thank you NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
I'm so so happy to report that this book was everything I hoped it would be, and more.
First things first, because this is me, but the romance was amazing. While not being the whole focus of the book, it still felt very well developed and I was here for it. Luke is the perfect grump and Sera just being Sera, they complement each other so well. We stan a healthy and supporting relationship.
I love the story, the whole lore. The school, the academia, the quest, the glass teapot, the potions, the enigmas. Honestly, this part of the story was so much fun. But also heavy at times, making you think about what people are really asking of you at times, how one can use others and just go about their lives.
The secondary characters in this book weren't just here for show or for the fluff. Each and everyone of them was beautifully written, had a uniqueness about them, and just added something extra special to the story. I was to give a special mention to Malik. He doesn't have a huge part in the book, but his addition was a nice surprise. What I love about his character is not only the reflexion Sera has about his feelings regarding his palestinian identity. It's also that in the world we live in, it was nice seeing a palestinian character just being happy, in a loving relationship with a kid. His character was more focused on his joy, his quirks and not just palestinian suffering as we see it so much every day.
Thank you NetGalley, Hodder & Stoughton and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
I loooved this book. It was such a cute and enjoyable read.
The MCs were so endearing, and I loved Said's sister and need her to be my spirit character.
One thing I appreciated was all the cultural and religious references, and how acurate they were. I mean, there's something about a great book by Muslim authors that just hit different.
I loved seeing Tiwa and Said navigating life, family situations and their relationship. It just unfolded so naturally. And the center point of it all being them trying to save the Islamic Center was just sooo appropriate here.
I ended up doing the audio for this one and I definitely loved it. I'd recommend it for my audio people out there !
Thank you NetGalley, Usborne Publishing and the authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The MCs were so endearing, and I loved Said's sister and need her to be my spirit character.
One thing I appreciated was all the cultural and religious references, and how acurate they were. I mean, there's something about a great book by Muslim authors that just hit different.
I loved seeing Tiwa and Said navigating life, family situations and their relationship. It just unfolded so naturally. And the center point of it all being them trying to save the Islamic Center was just sooo appropriate here.
I ended up doing the audio for this one and I definitely loved it. I'd recommend it for my audio people out there !
Thank you NetGalley, Usborne Publishing and the authors for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I could kick myself for waiting so long to read this one. But maybe it was a blessing ? cause it's going to be so hard waiting for the second book already!!!
I really enjoyed this read. I didn't really know what to expect with pirates + a 40 yo woman + a muslim coded world, but I was so excited. Turns out, I did not disappoint, and I ended up loving this one ! The characters were amazing, and I got myself attached to wayy too many of them, and I can just predict my heart will inevitably get broken in the next book.
The world building was amazing, and I loved all the references.
I ended up doing the audio for this one, and I did NOT regret it. Honestly, the production and the narrator were just so good. It made the book feel even more alive and made the experience even better.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and the author for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this read. I didn't really know what to expect with pirates + a 40 yo woman + a muslim coded world, but I was so excited. Turns out, I did not disappoint, and I ended up loving this one ! The characters were amazing, and I got myself attached to wayy too many of them, and I can just predict my heart will inevitably get broken in the next book.
The world building was amazing, and I loved all the references.
I ended up doing the audio for this one, and I did NOT regret it. Honestly, the production and the narrator were just so good. It made the book feel even more alive and made the experience even better.
Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins UK and the author for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
DNF at 40%
I wanted to love this one so much, so I persevered for that long. But honestly, I just couldn't get into it. It felt like nothing happened, and I did get attached to the characters.
I did love the worldbuilding, the magical system here truly has depth and potential.
The writing was also amazing.
I truly think this is a case of wrong wrong wrong time. A lot of people I trust loved it, so I might give it another shot in a few months.
Thank you NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group and the author for this eARC, in echange for an honest review.
I wanted to love this one so much, so I persevered for that long. But honestly, I just couldn't get into it. It felt like nothing happened, and I did get attached to the characters.
I did love the worldbuilding, the magical system here truly has depth and potential.
The writing was also amazing.
I truly think this is a case of wrong wrong wrong time. A lot of people I trust loved it, so I might give it another shot in a few months.
Thank you NetGalley, Little Brown Book Group and the author for this eARC, in echange for an honest review.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Favorite quote : "I think I'm ready to carry that hope now."
Little disclosure before I really get into it : I love Nikki's books. I'm sucker for them. I've read all of them, and some multiple times *5 rounds and its 4 rereads side-eyeing me*
This is her first novel outside of the Fight Game series and I was so so very excited to read it and discover what new world Nikki was creating for us.
It was absolutely no surprise to me when I read this romance and absolutely loved it *swoons*.
The story centers around Roman, a former MMA profesional fighter, on his way (maybe?) to recovery after a brutal injury. Liliana, an adorable and fun but tough PT will try her very best to help him. But between Roman's foul moods, stretch bands, and Lily's unwillingness to give up, an incredible relationship blossoms.
This book was just raw emotions all the way. Roman figuring out who he is, how he's going to get there and even whether to change at all. Lily caring and trying so hard for her patient, testing the lines between professional and personal.
It was the best feeling, witnessing them grow as individuals but also seeing how they worked together to create such a loving and supportive and healthy relationship.
Little side note : as a doctor, I'm always wary of stories centered around health in general, and the smallest thing will take me out the story. But here, you can really tell that the author put in the work, and did her research.
So if you enjoy sports romance (with a twist), a broken hero on the mend, a tough but caring love interest, and healthy dynamics, this book is for you !
A huge thank you to Nikki Castle for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
Little disclosure before I really get into it : I love Nikki's books. I'm sucker for them. I've read all of them, and some multiple times *5 rounds and its 4 rereads side-eyeing me*
This is her first novel outside of the Fight Game series and I was so so very excited to read it and discover what new world Nikki was creating for us.
It was absolutely no surprise to me when I read this romance and absolutely loved it *swoons*.
The story centers around Roman, a former MMA profesional fighter, on his way (maybe?) to recovery after a brutal injury. Liliana, an adorable and fun but tough PT will try her very best to help him. But between Roman's foul moods, stretch bands, and Lily's unwillingness to give up, an incredible relationship blossoms.
This book was just raw emotions all the way. Roman figuring out who he is, how he's going to get there and even whether to change at all. Lily caring and trying so hard for her patient, testing the lines between professional and personal.
It was the best feeling, witnessing them grow as individuals but also seeing how they worked together to create such a loving and supportive and healthy relationship.
Little side note : as a doctor, I'm always wary of stories centered around health in general, and the smallest thing will take me out the story. But here, you can really tell that the author put in the work, and did her research.
So if you enjoy sports romance (with a twist), a broken hero on the mend, a tough but caring love interest, and healthy dynamics, this book is for you !
A huge thank you to Nikki Castle for this eARC, in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-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:
Yes
Dedication: "For past me, who didn't give up, and for future me, who will look back on all of this and be so proud."
Favorite quotes :
~ "Time is a miracle. It shows you what you had, and sometimes it brings it back to you. different. Better."
~ "It is a truth universally acknowledged that people who use the phrase "no offense, but" are the most offensive people on the planet."
This book is probably one of my favorite reads of the year, and one of my favorite romance of all time.
It's my first novel by Jessica Joyce. I was excited to discover her work and tbh, had a lot of exceptations. The bar was sky-high tbh after all the hype surrounding You, With a View last year. And boy did she live up to it. This book was everything. It is now my life, my entire personality and my time reading this book is already a core memory (yes the whole 24 hours it took thank you very much).
I read this book during a difficult day, when I was so stressed out and anxious I needed an outlet. I poured everything, all my emotions into this book and it carried me to the other side.
I swooned, I laughed so hard, and cried just as much.
Eli and Georgia. Eli and Peach.
Eli, and his need for stability in his life and financial safety. His ability to love so hard, to be THE most romantic man out there and the swooniest.
Georgia. Her vulnerability, her difficulty to lean on her friends, her feelings of being to much and expecting too much from others ; but also her fierce love, how she moves heavens and earth for the people she cares about, and her lists (obviously).
Together, they form the most beautiful and authentic couple I've read about. Witnessing their journey back to one another felt like a real privilege.
I see bits and pieces of myself in the two of them. Feeling seen in a book is the best thing ever. It reaches down to your soul, shaking you at your core. It was such a beautiful and profound experience.
Just now, getting back into this world, reading all the quotes I've highlighted and writing down my thoughts, I'm emotional all over again. And I already want to go back and read the whole book again. It hasn't even been a week and I already miss Eli and Georgia so hard <3
This book deserves all the love. Please read it, thank you.
Read this if you love :
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- vineyard setting
- LOTS of pining, the perfect burn and incredible spice
- the swoon
- Eli.
- hey peach
Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Favorite quotes :
~ "Time is a miracle. It shows you what you had, and sometimes it brings it back to you. different. Better."
~ "It is a truth universally acknowledged that people who use the phrase "no offense, but" are the most offensive people on the planet."
This book is probably one of my favorite reads of the year, and one of my favorite romance of all time.
It's my first novel by Jessica Joyce. I was excited to discover her work and tbh, had a lot of exceptations. The bar was sky-high tbh after all the hype surrounding You, With a View last year. And boy did she live up to it. This book was everything. It is now my life, my entire personality and my time reading this book is already a core memory (yes the whole 24 hours it took thank you very much).
I read this book during a difficult day, when I was so stressed out and anxious I needed an outlet. I poured everything, all my emotions into this book and it carried me to the other side.
I swooned, I laughed so hard, and cried just as much.
Eli and Georgia. Eli and Peach.
Eli, and his need for stability in his life and financial safety. His ability to love so hard, to be THE most romantic man out there and the swooniest.
Georgia. Her vulnerability, her difficulty to lean on her friends, her feelings of being to much and expecting too much from others ; but also her fierce love, how she moves heavens and earth for the people she cares about, and her lists (obviously).
Together, they form the most beautiful and authentic couple I've read about. Witnessing their journey back to one another felt like a real privilege.
I see bits and pieces of myself in the two of them. Feeling seen in a book is the best thing ever. It reaches down to your soul, shaking you at your core. It was such a beautiful and profound experience.
Just now, getting back into this world, reading all the quotes I've highlighted and writing down my thoughts, I'm emotional all over again. And I already want to go back and read the whole book again. It hasn't even been a week and I already miss Eli and Georgia so hard <3
This book deserves all the love. Please read it, thank you.
Read this if you love :
- second chance romance
- forced proximity
- vineyard setting
- LOTS of pining, the perfect burn and incredible spice
- the swoon
- Eli.
- hey peach
Thank you NetGalley, Random House UK and the author for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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:
No
Nikki Castle is my go-to sports romance author. I've read all her books, multiple times for some and so I literally screamed when I got the ARC for this one.
4th Degree is probably my most anticipated read of the year, and now that I've read it, I need another Nikki book asap to fill in the void!
It's the fifth instalment in The Fight Game series, centering on Skylar and Coach's relationship.
I honestly didn't think we'd get a book about Coach when I started the series and boy am I glad Nikki did it!
I had an incredible time reading this story. Skylar and Coach's banter was everything, but I think I loved the way they take care of each other the most. How they both show up for one another.
The way their love blossomed was incredible, and moving more often than not.
This book felt like the completion of the series somehow. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited for the next 2 boosk to come out. BUT Coach's story hit different. Him getting his story made me so happy. Seeing his idea behind the gym, the gym that is such an important place in the series that it's almost its own character. And the cameos!!!! We got to see all our faves and I'm so happy. It really showed that Coach and the gym are the center of the series, that everyone is attached to him and to this place; and how they all show up for him.
I'll never not gush about Nikki's books. She deserves it, this book deserves it.
Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
Thank you Nikki Castle for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
4th Degree is probably my most anticipated read of the year, and now that I've read it, I need another Nikki book asap to fill in the void!
It's the fifth instalment in The Fight Game series, centering on Skylar and Coach's relationship.
I honestly didn't think we'd get a book about Coach when I started the series and boy am I glad Nikki did it!
I had an incredible time reading this story. Skylar and Coach's banter was everything, but I think I loved the way they take care of each other the most. How they both show up for one another.
The way their love blossomed was incredible, and moving more often than not.
This book felt like the completion of the series somehow. Don't get me wrong, I'm so excited for the next 2 boosk to come out. BUT Coach's story hit different. Him getting his story made me so happy. Seeing his idea behind the gym, the gym that is such an important place in the series that it's almost its own character. And the cameos!!!! We got to see all our faves and I'm so happy. It really showed that Coach and the gym are the center of the series, that everyone is attached to him and to this place; and how they all show up for him.
I'll never not gush about Nikki's books. She deserves it, this book deserves it.
Do yourself a favor and pick it up!
Thank you Nikki Castle for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
informative
reflective
sad
I find it appropriate to start this review with the words of Refaat Alareer, in this chapter : Gaza Asks: When Shall This Pass? :
"Listener, as you peruse these chapters, what can or will you do, knowing that what you do can save lives and can change the course of history? Listener, will you make this matter?"
To be honest, I don't even know what to write here, so I'll just go with my gut and wipe the tears away.
This book is one everyone should read. It's a collection of life stories, poems and essays written by Palestinian authors and centered around the Gazan experience.
It's a read that will shake you to your core at times, will make you reflect on your place in this world and what you can do to leave it better place. It's also a book that will educate you, on the daily lives of Gazans, on their traditions and their culture - their relationship to the land, the olive trees, the agriculture. On how they have to fight for their education. On what it feels like to consistently see drones in the sky. On what it's like to live as a Gazan.
This was a hard read, especially considering the genocide happening right now. But it makes it even more important.
"Knowledge is Israel's worst enemy. Awareness is Israel's most hated and feared foe." - Refaat Alareer
We have a duty to pick a book, to listen to a podcast, to watch a documentary. ANYTHING to educate ourselves and do our part. It's the least we can do.
Refaat Alareer was murdered months ago, but his words and legacy live on.
"Gaza needs life" ~ Basman Alidrawi
Free Palestine. End the occupation.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the authors for this audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
"Listener, as you peruse these chapters, what can or will you do, knowing that what you do can save lives and can change the course of history? Listener, will you make this matter?"
To be honest, I don't even know what to write here, so I'll just go with my gut and wipe the tears away.
This book is one everyone should read. It's a collection of life stories, poems and essays written by Palestinian authors and centered around the Gazan experience.
It's a read that will shake you to your core at times, will make you reflect on your place in this world and what you can do to leave it better place. It's also a book that will educate you, on the daily lives of Gazans, on their traditions and their culture - their relationship to the land, the olive trees, the agriculture. On how they have to fight for their education. On what it feels like to consistently see drones in the sky. On what it's like to live as a Gazan.
This was a hard read, especially considering the genocide happening right now. But it makes it even more important.
"Knowledge is Israel's worst enemy. Awareness is Israel's most hated and feared foe." - Refaat Alareer
We have a duty to pick a book, to listen to a podcast, to watch a documentary. ANYTHING to educate ourselves and do our part. It's the least we can do.
Refaat Alareer was murdered months ago, but his words and legacy live on.
"Gaza needs life" ~ Basman Alidrawi
Free Palestine. End the occupation.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and the authors for this audiobook, in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
medium-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:
No
"Why save the world when you can have tea?"
When Hafsah Faizal started teasing about this book, stating it was "Peaky Blinders meets King Arthur with vampires and a heist", I knew I just had to get my hands on it somehow.
Such a description put the bar very high for me and I'm so happy to say, Faizal ate and left no crumbs.
February/March was really my vampire era because I was also reading An Education in Malice at the same time. And I just love how authors are able to take a mystical creature, add their personal touches and create a whole world around them.
The wordlbuilding here is incredible. You can feel how much research the author did to make sure she created such an authentic and meaningful. Everything is so vivid, especially with the audiobook. The narrator did such an amazing job, transporting me in White Roaring, making me feel all the feels and the vibes just right.
This story is one that shows how a band of misfits can come together and create a wonderful found family. In the words of Arthie, "Family isn't who we live with, but those we would die for." I loved seeing how they all interact with each other, the banter, the fights, how they showed each other love, how they fought for one another.
But most of all, this story is about colonisation and the actual impact it has on people. I feel like it's something that is glossed over in history books. Colonisation is presented as something that happened, a long time ago. Something that we should all get over because it's done, and there is no visible consequence today. Well no, colonisation is still happening everywhere in today's world and it's important to have these conversations.
Here Faizal tackles the issue brilliantly. She's not afraid to actually say the words; and it makes you reflect and ponder about how we deal with colonialism today.
Sidenote : I had read We Hunt The Flame but not We Free The Stars at the time of listening to this book, and I had zero difficulty understanding everything. While both series are set in the same world, they can be read in whichever order you prefer.
Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan UK Audio and the author for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.
When Hafsah Faizal started teasing about this book, stating it was "Peaky Blinders meets King Arthur with vampires and a heist", I knew I just had to get my hands on it somehow.
Such a description put the bar very high for me and I'm so happy to say, Faizal ate and left no crumbs.
February/March was really my vampire era because I was also reading An Education in Malice at the same time. And I just love how authors are able to take a mystical creature, add their personal touches and create a whole world around them.
The wordlbuilding here is incredible. You can feel how much research the author did to make sure she created such an authentic and meaningful. Everything is so vivid, especially with the audiobook. The narrator did such an amazing job, transporting me in White Roaring, making me feel all the feels and the vibes just right.
This story is one that shows how a band of misfits can come together and create a wonderful found family. In the words of Arthie, "Family isn't who we live with, but those we would die for." I loved seeing how they all interact with each other, the banter, the fights, how they showed each other love, how they fought for one another.
But most of all, this story is about colonisation and the actual impact it has on people. I feel like it's something that is glossed over in history books. Colonisation is presented as something that happened, a long time ago. Something that we should all get over because it's done, and there is no visible consequence today. Well no, colonisation is still happening everywhere in today's world and it's important to have these conversations.
Here Faizal tackles the issue brilliantly. She's not afraid to actually say the words; and it makes you reflect and ponder about how we deal with colonialism today.
Sidenote : I had read We Hunt The Flame but not We Free The Stars at the time of listening to this book, and I had zero difficulty understanding everything. While both series are set in the same world, they can be read in whichever order you prefer.
Thank you NetGalley, MacMillan UK Audio and the author for this ALC in exchange for an honest review.