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829 reviews
The Rivals of Copper County by May Archer
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
I'm going to rate this 4.5 stars just because nothing can top The Pretenders of Copper County for me.
The Rivals of Copper County is the second book in the newest small-town romance series by the author, and it's just as fun and entertaining as ever.
Jesper and Watt's second-chance, friends-with-benefits story absolutely stole my heart, and I enjoyed every moment of reading about them. Usually, I am not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but as they were still teenagers when they first drifted apart, it truly felt like a new beginning when they reunited 20 years later.
Watt is a Coppeetian for life with his own orchard, a son he's raising, and a life his content with. Up until his teenage crush, who left without a word 20 years ago, returns to Copper County. Watt's life turns upside down, and his feelings come rushing back for the man.
Jesper returns to the town after an awful divorce to take care of the house he inherited and to reconcile with his former best friend.
Their reconnection is intense and awkward and petty and exciting and confusing. The author managed to capture the jumble of emotions the two men feel when they finally have a chance to lay the past to rest and start something new. Their silly bets and dares pick up from when they left them at seventeen years old, and the sparks are flying everywhere.
They share many sweet, nostalgic, and new moments together while coaching the high-school hockey team together and clearing out Jesper's house. It's heartwarming and sweet at the same time.
Obviously, the small-town vibes bring the laughter and the cute moments. The hockey team is precious, the small-town characters are priceless, and the friendships are pure and honest.
This was literally the perfect read for November.
The Rivals of Copper County is the second book in the newest small-town romance series by the author, and it's just as fun and entertaining as ever.
Jesper and Watt's second-chance, friends-with-benefits story absolutely stole my heart, and I enjoyed every moment of reading about them. Usually, I am not the biggest fan of second chance romances, but as they were still teenagers when they first drifted apart, it truly felt like a new beginning when they reunited 20 years later.
Watt is a Coppeetian for life with his own orchard, a son he's raising, and a life his content with. Up until his teenage crush, who left without a word 20 years ago, returns to Copper County. Watt's life turns upside down, and his feelings come rushing back for the man.
Jesper returns to the town after an awful divorce to take care of the house he inherited and to reconcile with his former best friend.
Their reconnection is intense and awkward and petty and exciting and confusing. The author managed to capture the jumble of emotions the two men feel when they finally have a chance to lay the past to rest and start something new. Their silly bets and dares pick up from when they left them at seventeen years old, and the sparks are flying everywhere.
They share many sweet, nostalgic, and new moments together while coaching the high-school hockey team together and clearing out Jesper's house. It's heartwarming and sweet at the same time.
Obviously, the small-town vibes bring the laughter and the cute moments. The hockey team is precious, the small-town characters are priceless, and the friendships are pure and honest.
This was literally the perfect read for November.
10 Things That Never Happened by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
I started this book months ago and could not read more than a few chapters. I was just not in the mood.
And now I listened to the audiobook in literally one sitting.
This book is something else, and it resonated with me on a level I did not expect. I did not expect to burst out crying in the middle of the book, but I did. It got even me off guard. But there are emotions in this book that take you on a roller-coaster if you emphatise with the characters and their lives.
Yes, the faking amnesia plot is a tad ridiculous and maybe a little irresponsible, but it does make a wonderful plot. And it lays the foundations of a deeply touching slow burn. Sam and Jonathan go from employee and boss to people who slightly despised each other to friends to lovers in the scope of this book, which is no small feat. But it works so well.
The small moments they share, the freaking cat, Jonathan's family, preparing for the holidays, it all comes together into a slightly hilarious, mildly infuriating (because neither Sam nor Jonathan are perfect, far from it), and deeply emotional story.
I really love it, and I'm a it mad at myself for not picking it up sooner.
As for the narration... it's bloody amazing. The accents are spot on, and listening to the audiobook is an immersive experience.
Overall, Hall brought the humour and the romance, and I ate all of it up.
And now I listened to the audiobook in literally one sitting.
This book is something else, and it resonated with me on a level I did not expect. I did not expect to burst out crying in the middle of the book, but I did. It got even me off guard. But there are emotions in this book that take you on a roller-coaster if you emphatise with the characters and their lives.
Yes, the faking amnesia plot is a tad ridiculous and maybe a little irresponsible, but it does make a wonderful plot. And it lays the foundations of a deeply touching slow burn. Sam and Jonathan go from employee and boss to people who slightly despised each other to friends to lovers in the scope of this book, which is no small feat. But it works so well.
The small moments they share, the freaking cat, Jonathan's family, preparing for the holidays, it all comes together into a slightly hilarious, mildly infuriating (because neither Sam nor Jonathan are perfect, far from it), and deeply emotional story.
I really love it, and I'm a it mad at myself for not picking it up sooner.
As for the narration... it's bloody amazing. The accents are spot on, and listening to the audiobook is an immersive experience.
Overall, Hall brought the humour and the romance, and I ate all of it up.
Fool Hearts by Emmy Sanders
emotional
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? No
4.5
Cry Wolf by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
Wolf in Sheep's Clothing by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
Thrown to the Wolves by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love Cooper and Oliver's story. The way it grows through the series is kidna perfect, and I fell in love with these too over and over again.
Thrown to the Wolves challenges Cooper and Oliver's relationship on a brand new level. So far, we get to see them fall for each other, we get to see Ollie meeting Cooper's family, and now it's time to dig into Ollie's past and meet his wolf family.
To say the least, Cooper is nervous.
The book amazingly shows Cooper's insecurities and also implicitly Oliver's, too, through this grave and peaceful visit turned crazy adventure.
Because obviously Cooper cannot enter a new place without stepping right in the middle of a dramatic mystery (that usually includes murder).
The plot is wonderfully built with twists and turns and high stake situations. There is also an underlying plot of emotional and relationship growth for our MC and his love interest.
The murder mystery is intriguing and keeps the reader guessing. You can try to solve the mystery, but it's not easy with all the hidden agendas of several parties.
Cooper navigating the myriad of personalities that is the Park pack is admirable. Especially that his welcome is not the warmest as the human mate of Olliver.
We also finally get a glimpse into who Olliver was when he was still part of the pack. It's dark and hearttouching, but it also builds the trust between Cooper and him once he's brave enough to reveal it.
I could rave about this series forever, so I'm going to stop here. Trust me, the plot and character development are so worth it.
The audiobook narration is awesome!
Thrown to the Wolves challenges Cooper and Oliver's relationship on a brand new level. So far, we get to see them fall for each other, we get to see Ollie meeting Cooper's family, and now it's time to dig into Ollie's past and meet his wolf family.
To say the least, Cooper is nervous.
The book amazingly shows Cooper's insecurities and also implicitly Oliver's, too, through this grave and peaceful visit turned crazy adventure.
Because obviously Cooper cannot enter a new place without stepping right in the middle of a dramatic mystery (that usually includes murder).
The plot is wonderfully built with twists and turns and high stake situations. There is also an underlying plot of emotional and relationship growth for our MC and his love interest.
The murder mystery is intriguing and keeps the reader guessing. You can try to solve the mystery, but it's not easy with all the hidden agendas of several parties.
Cooper navigating the myriad of personalities that is the Park pack is admirable. Especially that his welcome is not the warmest as the human mate of Olliver.
We also finally get a glimpse into who Olliver was when he was still part of the pack. It's dark and hearttouching, but it also builds the trust between Cooper and him once he's brave enough to reveal it.
I could rave about this series forever, so I'm going to stop here. Trust me, the plot and character development are so worth it.
The audiobook narration is awesome!
The Wolf at Bay by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-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
5.0
The Wolf at the Door by Charlie Adhara
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I've been trying to come up with a meaningful review, but I can only say that this book, along with the whole series, is the most perfect paranormal/urban fantasy/murder mystery I've read in a long while. I can only compare it to TJ Klune's Green Creek series, and just because of the wolves.
The Wolf at the Door is an exciting, angsty, suspenseful mystery with wolf shifters, a slightly awkward agent and his temporary partner who happens to be a wolf shifter himself. The story is engaging and captivating. The characters are far from perfect but very very lovable and fun. The mystery is definitely mysterious and we are kept on our toes the whole time. The world building is slow but it suits the story (throughout the whole series).
Copper might be one of my favourite main characters. He's a complex person with heavy and substantial baggage, a chip on his shoulder, and an urge to prove himself competent and useful. But he's also smart, quick-thinking and a lot reckless. He's interpersonal skills are not the best and he's attmpts at romance need some work. Yet, I couldn't help but adore him.
Along with Oliver Park, his wolf shifter partner, they make an unlikely but very efficient (well, mostly) pair of investigators. Even though their friendship starts out haltingly because they're the first human-shifter partnership. And also because of Copper's mistrust, the bureau's mistreatment of wolves and their fledgling attraction.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to say that this is a really well-written book and series and it's definitely on my regular re-read list.
The narrator took a little but of getting used to, just because he's talking a bit faster than usual. However, I ended up liking him a lot.
The Wolf at the Door is an exciting, angsty, suspenseful mystery with wolf shifters, a slightly awkward agent and his temporary partner who happens to be a wolf shifter himself. The story is engaging and captivating. The characters are far from perfect but very very lovable and fun. The mystery is definitely mysterious and we are kept on our toes the whole time. The world building is slow but it suits the story (throughout the whole series).
Copper might be one of my favourite main characters. He's a complex person with heavy and substantial baggage, a chip on his shoulder, and an urge to prove himself competent and useful. But he's also smart, quick-thinking and a lot reckless. He's interpersonal skills are not the best and he's attmpts at romance need some work. Yet, I couldn't help but adore him.
Along with Oliver Park, his wolf shifter partner, they make an unlikely but very efficient (well, mostly) pair of investigators. Even though their friendship starts out haltingly because they're the first human-shifter partnership. And also because of Copper's mistrust, the bureau's mistreatment of wolves and their fledgling attraction.
Without spoiling anything, I just want to say that this is a really well-written book and series and it's definitely on my regular re-read list.
The narrator took a little but of getting used to, just because he's talking a bit faster than usual. However, I ended up liking him a lot.
Dead Serious Halloween edition by Vawn Cassidy
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This short halloween story for the Dead Serious series is just what I need after finishing the series. Our beloved characters are all here for a Halloween adventure, which is rather different than we're used to.
Letting loose a bunch of fairytale creatures in Whitchapel is not in Tristan's plans for Chan's Halloween party, but it does end up happening through a large, heavy and ancient book.
After that, chaos ensues and everyone needs to get involved to save Tristan and Aiden.
I loved this little snippet. It's a great transition to the author's new series which I can't wait to read.
Letting loose a bunch of fairytale creatures in Whitchapel is not in Tristan's plans for Chan's Halloween party, but it does end up happening through a large, heavy and ancient book.
After that, chaos ensues and everyone needs to get involved to save Tristan and Aiden.
I loved this little snippet. It's a great transition to the author's new series which I can't wait to read.
Rani Choudhury Must Die by Adiba Jaigirdar
lighthearted
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.0
I can definitely say that I am not the target audience of this book (I'm an adult), but I do think this is a solid contemporary YA read with great representation and cultural aspects.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Rani and Meghna are ex-best friends who reconnect when they find out their boyfriend is the same person and who cheated on them both. They team up to get revenge and beat him in a young scientist exhibition. They want to create an app that can be used to catch cheaters and provide mental health advice.
Unfortunately, Meghna's character is quite annoying. She hates Rani for a reason that is not explained enough to justify the level of hatred coming from Meghna.
Rani is a lovely character who tries to be the voice of reason in many situations to counteract Meghna's fire and stubbornness.
Their reconnection through the revenge plot is the main focus of the book. Their friendship needs healing, and they slowly start to trust each other once again.
The sapphic romance plot is a bit out of the blue at the end, but I did see some very subtle signs we're heading that way, mostly in Rani who's lesbian coded (it's not stated in the book) and who has a thing for Meghna from the beginning even if she doesn't recognize it.
A big part of the story is the Bangladeshi representation. Both Rani and Meghna are very proud of their Bengali origins, and their culture plays a significant role in how they act. The parental expectations, the common discrimination against them because they are dark skinned, and much more. These themes are significant but not overpowering in the book, which is still very much lighthearted.
There are great side characters in the book, too, who mostly try to be the voice of reason.
One thing that I couldn't really get behind is that two bright and talented young women decide to get revenge on a boy throwing away their great ideas about climate change and their culture. It's does not paint the best picture of women in STEM.
Overall, an entertaining read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infidelity, Racism, Gaslighting, and Classism