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sarah_ae13's reviews
264 reviews
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Arthie and Jin Casimir are well known in White Roaring for their prestigious tea room that transforms into an illegal bloodhouse when the sun goes down to cater to vampires. But when Arthie and her found family are at risk of losing their home and establishment, the criminal mastermind must come up with a plan to save it. Striking deals with unlikely allies and an adversary, Arthie devises a plan to infiltrate the Athereum, the vampire society, to find what they need to achieve their goals. As the heist begins to unfold, conspiracies, secrets, and betrayals lurk in the shadows, and Arthie and her crew are forced to be prepared for the world as they know it to be turned on its head.
THIS BOOK! First off, the narrator did an excellent job, and I loved the slight differences that she used to be able to tell the difference between the POVs. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved the ride-or-die sibling relationship between Arthie and Jin. Their chosen family is incredibly important to them, and I couldn't get enough of how they supported each other. Following the separate steps leading up to the heist was like putting a puzzle together that had a twist waiting around every corner. Without saying too much, there was one vampire, in particular, I swooned over with his flirty quips, which has led me to several questions and a half-dozen theories about what will happen next. Suffice it to say, I need the sequel TODAY.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook!
Read if you love:
💰Ocean's 11 & Heists
⚔️ Dark YA Fantasy
💕Multiple POVs
🩸Vampires
THIS BOOK! First off, the narrator did an excellent job, and I loved the slight differences that she used to be able to tell the difference between the POVs. From the first chapter, I was hooked. I loved the ride-or-die sibling relationship between Arthie and Jin. Their chosen family is incredibly important to them, and I couldn't get enough of how they supported each other. Following the separate steps leading up to the heist was like putting a puzzle together that had a twist waiting around every corner. Without saying too much, there was one vampire, in particular, I swooned over with his flirty quips, which has led me to several questions and a half-dozen theories about what will happen next. Suffice it to say, I need the sequel TODAY.
Thank you to Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for this audiobook!
Read if you love:
💰Ocean's 11 & Heists
⚔️ Dark YA Fantasy
💕Multiple POVs
🩸Vampires
Brazen by Avery Samson
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Eliot Caraway feels like she's played it safe her whole life. With her birthday coming up, she's determined to check off every single right of passage in her small town she missed out on before she's another year older. After getting caught knocking one off the list, she finds that being chased by the handsome new sheriff's deputy makes this adventure all the more exhilarating. Even if she shot him during their first encounter, Owen Steele is smitten with the wild and mischievous Eliot. Chasing her around town as she does reckless stunt after stunt has him both infuriated and falling head over heels for him. Without a clue why she's going down this path, he grows closer to her to find out the why before either of them ends up in jail with the hope he might make her fall in love along the way.
This was my first book by this author and of this series. Despite not reading the first two books, I felt I knew the background of the previously featured characters without feeling overwhelmed with an info dump to know what happened. I LOVED ELIOT AND OWEN. Their first meeting was such a unique meet-cute moment. Eliot's tenacity and determination to knock these activities off her list makes me want to create a bucket list of my own. And Owen was such a sweet MMC even if he got frustrated with Eliot's antics, he was supportive of those closest to him dropping everything to make sure they were safe. I mean how can one resist a man who loves to read, has a library card, helps his elderly landlady with her groceries, and knows how to dance?? The answer is you can't help but fall in love with him. Their inner monologues during their POVs and witty banter had me laughing out loud constantly. A quick and swoony small-town romance read!
Read if you love:
📋Bucket List Adventures
🫠He Falls First
💕Dual POVs
🥰Cinnamon Roll MMC
🫶🏼Ride-or-Die Sisters
This was my first book by this author and of this series. Despite not reading the first two books, I felt I knew the background of the previously featured characters without feeling overwhelmed with an info dump to know what happened. I LOVED ELIOT AND OWEN. Their first meeting was such a unique meet-cute moment. Eliot's tenacity and determination to knock these activities off her list makes me want to create a bucket list of my own. And Owen was such a sweet MMC even if he got frustrated with Eliot's antics, he was supportive of those closest to him dropping everything to make sure they were safe. I mean how can one resist a man who loves to read, has a library card, helps his elderly landlady with her groceries, and knows how to dance?? The answer is you can't help but fall in love with him. Their inner monologues during their POVs and witty banter had me laughing out loud constantly. A quick and swoony small-town romance read!
Read if you love:
📋Bucket List Adventures
🫠He Falls First
💕Dual POVs
🥰Cinnamon Roll MMC
🫶🏼Ride-or-Die Sisters
Demons and Roses by Beka Westrup
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
My Rating: 4.75⭐️
Spice Details: Several Open Doors Scenes - Be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning (and check out The Spice List at the end after you finish if you need some extra spice in your day 😉)
Summary: Rose Burroughs always planned on marrying for money over love. Her husband needed a trophy wife. While it may not be happily ever after, Rose never planned on giving away her heart, so she's come to be comfortable with her farce of a marriage. A golf cart on a hill changes everything. Her prick of a husband is acting strange. With the oddest thing of all is that he seems to suddenly care about her. Did a near-death experience change her husband or has someone or more likely something taken his place?
My Thoughts: Whew... this book had so many layers. I could not put it down. It had such feminist vibes and the love between Rose and her friend Astra was a beautiful example of found family. Now, our heroine, Rose. I LOVED HER!! She knew what she wanted and did not apologize for it, and she had a heart of gold. Her compassion for others and her friends had me rooting for an HEA for her. And Levi... that man 😉 had me weak in the knees, needing to fan myself, and laughing out loud with tears in my eyes. I could not help but fall for him. Seeing the two work through their own trauma as they find who they are with each other had me incredibly invested in their relationship. This book also sparked two of my new favorite nicknames: little snake and menace. Absolutely loved when he used them.
A part that had me cackling 🤣
"I thought this would be more... terrifying."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, this looks like quite and elaborate torture room from the pictures on Google, does it not? The darkness and chemical soap and all of the wet whips."
Read if you love:
🖤 Dark Romance
❤️🩹Stories of Healing (grief, mental health, abuse)
❤️🔥Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice!!
💞”It's always been you..."
Thank you to the author Beka Westrup for a copy of this ARC!
Spice Details: Several Open Doors Scenes - Be sure to read the trigger warnings at the beginning (and check out The Spice List at the end after you finish if you need some extra spice in your day 😉)
Summary: Rose Burroughs always planned on marrying for money over love. Her husband needed a trophy wife. While it may not be happily ever after, Rose never planned on giving away her heart, so she's come to be comfortable with her farce of a marriage. A golf cart on a hill changes everything. Her prick of a husband is acting strange. With the oddest thing of all is that he seems to suddenly care about her. Did a near-death experience change her husband or has someone or more likely something taken his place?
My Thoughts: Whew... this book had so many layers. I could not put it down. It had such feminist vibes and the love between Rose and her friend Astra was a beautiful example of found family. Now, our heroine, Rose. I LOVED HER!! She knew what she wanted and did not apologize for it, and she had a heart of gold. Her compassion for others and her friends had me rooting for an HEA for her. And Levi... that man 😉 had me weak in the knees, needing to fan myself, and laughing out loud with tears in my eyes. I could not help but fall for him. Seeing the two work through their own trauma as they find who they are with each other had me incredibly invested in their relationship. This book also sparked two of my new favorite nicknames: little snake and menace. Absolutely loved when he used them.
A part that had me cackling 🤣
"I thought this would be more... terrifying."
"What do you mean?"
"Well, this looks like quite and elaborate torture room from the pictures on Google, does it not? The darkness and chemical soap and all of the wet whips."
Read if you love:
🖤 Dark Romance
❤️🩹Stories of Healing (grief, mental health, abuse)
❤️🔥Spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Spice!!
💞”It's always been you..."
Thank you to the author Beka Westrup for a copy of this ARC!
The Dark Fable by Katherine Harbour
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Evie Wilder, an orphan, has walked through life unnoticed after losing her family. One night changes everything. In a moment of panic, she learns of her ability to become invisible and attracts the attention of a legendary group of thieves, led by a ruthless leader. Discovering a place in a newfound family, she is drawn into the magical and dangerous world of the Dark Fable. But there are secrets and skeletons in the Dark Fable's cryptic history that are waiting to be uncovered. As Evie finds her place in this new world, she has to learn who she can trust and be prepared for what betrayals are hiding in the shadows.
This book was intriguing and rife with misdirection. The world-building was stunning, and I could truly picture the locations though at times the detail (mostly focused on the wardrobe of the characters) was a
little distracting. It was interesting to feel pulled between time periods, which helped to separate the modern world and the world of the Dark Fable. As we follow the group through different heists, the plot jumps a bit, which does make it feel disjointed at times, but given some of the twists I can see why it was structured this way. There are still a few points I am uncertain about, so I would be interested in rereading if there was a sequel or a book that dives deeper into the other characters.
Read if you like:
💎 Heists
💞 Found Family
🗡️ Cryptic & Deadly Secrets
✨ Magic
Thank you, NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an ARC copy of this book.
Evie Wilder, an orphan, has walked through life unnoticed after losing her family. One night changes everything. In a moment of panic, she learns of her ability to become invisible and attracts the attention of a legendary group of thieves, led by a ruthless leader. Discovering a place in a newfound family, she is drawn into the magical and dangerous world of the Dark Fable. But there are secrets and skeletons in the Dark Fable's cryptic history that are waiting to be uncovered. As Evie finds her place in this new world, she has to learn who she can trust and be prepared for what betrayals are hiding in the shadows.
This book was intriguing and rife with misdirection. The world-building was stunning, and I could truly picture the locations though at times the detail (mostly focused on the wardrobe of the characters) was a
little distracting. It was interesting to feel pulled between time periods, which helped to separate the modern world and the world of the Dark Fable. As we follow the group through different heists, the plot jumps a bit, which does make it feel disjointed at times, but given some of the twists I can see why it was structured this way. There are still a few points I am uncertain about, so I would be interested in rereading if there was a sequel or a book that dives deeper into the other characters.
Read if you like:
💎 Heists
💞 Found Family
🗡️ Cryptic & Deadly Secrets
✨ Magic
Thank you, NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an ARC copy of this book.
To Woo and to Wed by Martha Waters
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
The final installment of the Regency Vows series follows the Marquess of Weston and Lady Fitzwilliam Bridewell as they reunite after events involving meddling father's and near fatal accidents seven years prior set their love story off course that results in her marrying another. Now years later, widowed Sophie is concerned her widowed sister, Alexandra is holding herself back from love. And Sophie is the reason why. Determined to ensure that her sister follows her heart, Sophie concots a scheme and proposes her plan to West--a fake engagement. If Alexandra believes that Sophie is settling down again, then she too will move on with the earl she is fond of. It's a simple plan. They announce their engagement and then break it off after Alexandra is happily married. But it's not like they will fall for each other again after all that has happened?
Sarah's thoughts: Sophie was a strong and independent FMC, who did not apologize for being who she was. West was adorable! I swooned over his inner thoughts while he tried to convince Sophie of his true love. The banter between them was addicting, which made rooting for their happy ending easy. The snippets of Harriet made her my favorite of Sophie's sisters and would love a book for her because I could only imagine how much I would laugh during it especially if people wouldn't be surprised if she would challenge someone to a duel.
While this is a part of a series, the book can stand alone. I did not once feel lost or as though I was missing as the author does an excellent job of weaving little pieces of the previous books into this one, which makes me all the more excited to read the rest of them. But I highly suggest reading the entire series!
Read if you like:
💕 Second Chance Romance
🥰 He Falls First
👯♀️ Scheming Sisters (& adorable sister bonding moments)
🕰️ Dual Timelines
😉Witty Friends that are more like family
Thank you Atria and NetGalley for this eArc copy!
Sarah's thoughts: Sophie was a strong and independent FMC, who did not apologize for being who she was. West was adorable! I swooned over his inner thoughts while he tried to convince Sophie of his true love. The banter between them was addicting, which made rooting for their happy ending easy. The snippets of Harriet made her my favorite of Sophie's sisters and would love a book for her because I could only imagine how much I would laugh during it especially if people wouldn't be surprised if she would challenge someone to a duel.
While this is a part of a series, the book can stand alone. I did not once feel lost or as though I was missing as the author does an excellent job of weaving little pieces of the previous books into this one, which makes me all the more excited to read the rest of them. But I highly suggest reading the entire series!
Read if you like:
💕 Second Chance Romance
🥰 He Falls First
👯♀️ Scheming Sisters (& adorable sister bonding moments)
🕰️ Dual Timelines
😉Witty Friends that are more like family
Thank you Atria and NetGalley for this eArc copy!
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.25
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25
While celebrating her 45th birthday, Alix Summers encounters an unassuming woman, Josie Fair, and learns that she too is celebrating her 45th birthday. The set of birthday twins paths cross again outside Alix's kids' school, which so happened to be where Josie's daughters went to school. After binging Alix's popular podcast, Josie proposes a new twist for her series to shift to following a person on the cusp of changing their life. As Alix learns more about the unsettling story that is Josie's life, Alix begins to wonder what is true and what secrets is Josie continue to hide within. With Josie integrating herself deeper into Alix's life, Alix is forced to uncover the truth before she becomes the subject of her own true crime podcast. Where does the line between fact and fiction lie and does it lie six feet under?
"Hi, I'm your birthday twin." Honestly, the audiobook made this phrase bone-chilling. Whether you read it in print or via the audiobook, the reader is immediately drawn into this thriller filled with cryptic life stories, shocking revelations, and deadly secrets. The mezmerizing feel of the story doesn't quit as the POV shifts from one character to the other intermixed with interviews of other characters. There were many times that it felt as though I was listening to a true crime podcast or documentary. I found myself picking at different threads and rereading parts in my hardcover to uncover the truth. And then the ending... just wow!
If you are on the fence between the book and the audiobook, I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. The narrators did such and incredible job. The audiobook was well-produced, and its an experience you don't want to miss!
Read if you like:
🔎Psychological Thrillers
👀 Multiple POVs
🎧Immersive Reading Experiences
🎙️True Crime Podcasts
🤷♀️WTF Endings
While celebrating her 45th birthday, Alix Summers encounters an unassuming woman, Josie Fair, and learns that she too is celebrating her 45th birthday. The set of birthday twins paths cross again outside Alix's kids' school, which so happened to be where Josie's daughters went to school. After binging Alix's popular podcast, Josie proposes a new twist for her series to shift to following a person on the cusp of changing their life. As Alix learns more about the unsettling story that is Josie's life, Alix begins to wonder what is true and what secrets is Josie continue to hide within. With Josie integrating herself deeper into Alix's life, Alix is forced to uncover the truth before she becomes the subject of her own true crime podcast. Where does the line between fact and fiction lie and does it lie six feet under?
"Hi, I'm your birthday twin." Honestly, the audiobook made this phrase bone-chilling. Whether you read it in print or via the audiobook, the reader is immediately drawn into this thriller filled with cryptic life stories, shocking revelations, and deadly secrets. The mezmerizing feel of the story doesn't quit as the POV shifts from one character to the other intermixed with interviews of other characters. There were many times that it felt as though I was listening to a true crime podcast or documentary. I found myself picking at different threads and rereading parts in my hardcover to uncover the truth. And then the ending... just wow!
If you are on the fence between the book and the audiobook, I HIGHLY recommend the audiobook. The narrators did such and incredible job. The audiobook was well-produced, and its an experience you don't want to miss!
Read if you like:
🔎Psychological Thrillers
👀 Multiple POVs
🎧Immersive Reading Experiences
🎙️True Crime Podcasts
🤷♀️WTF Endings
Absolutely Not in Love by Jenny Proctor
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Gracie has two solid rules for dating. The man must love books and not love hockey. But Felix, a pro-hockey goalie for the local team that her entire family loves, lives next door and is determined to change her mind about her second rule. Gracie is shocked to see him at her symphony concert and the sounds of classical music floating through their shared wall. And she begins to wonder if she truly can judge a book by its cover. Her complicated history with hockey keeps her focused on keeping to her rule, but as she learns more about the bookish hockey star, will she find herself ready to let go of the past?
Give me a classical music-loving, bookworm, cooking, hockey goalie... and I'm sold. Felix's POV had me swooning constantly, and I love how thoughtful he was. The way he supported those around him was heartwarming. But I appreciated the representation of his anxiety and how it played into his need to be the one helping others as well as his self-awareness to be working through these challenges. But honestly, the scene of him at the bookstore was so sweet. Gracie's stubbornness was difficult at first but as we learned more about the negative impact hockey had on her youth, it was understanding of why she wanted to distance herself from the sport. I loved the situation that brought them together because it allowed Gracie to see the man behind the goalie mask. The narrators did an excellent job, and I loved the life that they gave to the characters.
Read if you like:
🥰Forced Proximity
📕 Bookish Characters
💕Dual POV
🏒 Hockey Romances
📚MMC Who Buys You Books
Give me a classical music-loving, bookworm, cooking, hockey goalie... and I'm sold. Felix's POV had me swooning constantly, and I love how thoughtful he was. The way he supported those around him was heartwarming. But I appreciated the representation of his anxiety and how it played into his need to be the one helping others as well as his self-awareness to be working through these challenges. But honestly, the scene of him at the bookstore was so sweet. Gracie's stubbornness was difficult at first but as we learned more about the negative impact hockey had on her youth, it was understanding of why she wanted to distance herself from the sport. I loved the situation that brought them together because it allowed Gracie to see the man behind the goalie mask. The narrators did an excellent job, and I loved the life that they gave to the characters.
Read if you like:
🥰Forced Proximity
📕 Bookish Characters
💕Dual POV
🏒 Hockey Romances
📚MMC Who Buys You Books
Dance of Stars and Ashes by Nisha J. Tuli
adventurous
challenging
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Zarya's journey continues in the second book of this incredible series. After falling for the man who helps unlock her power within her dreams, Zarya is reeling from the truth of who is and the sensations he makes her feel, even if she wishes she could forget them. With events converging at the same time to protect Dharati and its people, Zarya remains focused on her friends, protecting the city she now calls home, and figuring out the origin of the piece of magic she keeps hidden. But everything keeps drawing her and Rabin together again and again.
This series does not quit! Between the incredible banter between Rabin and Zarya and all of the events converging at the same time, I could not put this book down. Zarya is a force of nature in this book as she dives deeper into herself and research to discover more about her past and magic. The grouchy and deadly Rabin was a nice addition to the crew, and I loved learning more about who he is. I fell for him hard. Per usual, Yasen is my favorite, and the friendship between him and Zarya continues to grow.
Nisha is incredibly skilled at building and immersing readers in the worlds she creates. The way she weaves the story is spellbinding. The twists and turns in this second book had me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to see where the road leads Zarya in the next book!
This series does not quit! Between the incredible banter between Rabin and Zarya and all of the events converging at the same time, I could not put this book down. Zarya is a force of nature in this book as she dives deeper into herself and research to discover more about her past and magic. The grouchy and deadly Rabin was a nice addition to the crew, and I loved learning more about who he is. I fell for him hard. Per usual, Yasen is my favorite, and the friendship between him and Zarya continues to grow.
Nisha is incredibly skilled at building and immersing readers in the worlds she creates. The way she weaves the story is spellbinding. The twists and turns in this second book had me on the edge of my seat. I cannot wait to see where the road leads Zarya in the next book!