I loved this book EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST. One of my favourite romance books of the year. Abby Jimenez fans would love this.
Why this book is perfectI loved this book EVEN MORE THAN THE FIRST. One of my favourite romance books of the year. Abby Jimenez fans would love this.
Why this book is perfect: - "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned" in a book. Soledad bodied this book. - Ahh Soledad and Judah are so hot. Two highly capable and successful hotties. Their chemistry in this book ...more
Wow all of the mafia books I read from now on will have to measure up to this duet.
Yeeeeessssss to all the groveling. Penny is phenomenal in this booWow all of the mafia books I read from now on will have to measure up to this duet.
Yeeeeessssss to all the groveling. Penny is phenomenal in this book. She really knows who she is and won't waver for anyone. This book focused on the emotional part of Rafe and Penny's relationship more than the first book. It was done really well. Just the right amount of toxic behaviours.
Rory is so much more tolerable in this duet compared to her own book. Very intrigued about Gabe and Wren. Love the sisterhood forming between these girls.
The duet is very romance-focused. So if you are expecting more of the business end of being in the mafia and all of the drama, you'll be disappointed. It didn't bother me because I loved every momement between Rafe and Penny. Having their story unravel in two books was the perfect decision. Well done pacing, with enough tension between the two characters so nothing felt rushed. I get the hype....more
This book cements T. Kingfisher as my favourite author. This book is on the same tier as Nettle and Bone.
She has such incredible range. In under 350 This book cements T. Kingfisher as my favourite author. This book is on the same tier as Nettle and Bone.
She has such incredible range. In under 350 pages, she gave us a huge cast of interesting characters, each with a distinct personality and depth. T. Kingfisher's devotion to include characters who are older is a godsend. Hester is 50 and she steals the show.
Not only that, the story was filled to the brim with tension. Evangeline is a terrifying villain and kept me on the edge of my seat.
And THE ROMANCE. So pure and full of pining. A believable friendship and so much love between the two characters. How does she do it?? How does she find the perfece balance between lovable characters, engaging plot, and sweet sweet romance? I would sell my soul to you.
(And the little nod to Nettle and Bone????? ...more
In the year of our lord Barbie (2023), I am so glad we get to embrace our hyper-feminine selves through the story of Evangeline and Jacks.
This one is In the year of our lord Barbie (2023), I am so glad we get to embrace our hyper-feminine selves through the story of Evangeline and Jacks.
This one is for all the maladaptive daydream girlies.
This is what this book feels like:
It's December 2005. You're 10 years old. It's lightly snowing outside but it's fine because you're cuddled up on the couch under a plush blanket with your sister. Your mom loads the DVD and Barbie in the Princess and the Pauper comes on. You're safe and warm. All was well.
It doesn't matter the year. The movie could be The Little Mermaid, Rapunzel, Frozen, or any other nostalgic movie. The sense of slow building warmth and comfort stays the same. This series perfectly captured that childhood magic.
I only wish that Jacks appeared more often so the angst could be dialed up to the max....more
Unlike Ama and Elliot, I only needed one chance to love this book.
Pros: - Maybe because I've had to run to the garden center 4 times in the last week Unlike Ama and Elliot, I only needed one chance to love this book.
Pros: - Maybe because I've had to run to the garden center 4 times in the last week for my wedding reception that this story about a wedding planner and a flower shop owner just ticked all of the boxes. Reading about all of the flowers was sooo fun. (I'm a basic hydrangeas betch). - From chapter 3, I knew I loved Elliot. He is the type of guy to silently and secretly love a girl through acts of service. The way he would remember details about her, or supported her behind the scenes? I ate that upppp. He really complements Ama so well. Ama is a driven, smart and fun character that was so likable. Although she lacks confidence at times, Elliot was always there to quietly cheer her on. It's clear they have chemistry, so their enemies to friends to lovers to strangers storyline felt believable. - It's very evident that Julie Soto is a seasoned writer. Weaving flashbacks with the present time was done really well. I felt them fall for each other, and the angst of having to work together again after a break up. I definitely need to read her dramione fics. - The spice was plentiful and well written.
I'm going to be thinking about these two for a while. My only critique is that the initial relationship felt rushed.
So far, there are some top-notch romance releases this year. - This book, - Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross - Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez - The Secret Service of Tea and Treason by India Holton.
Pros - Perfect balance between plot and spice. Probably one of the best written spice-heavy book that does not This book got me. Hook line and sinker.
Pros - Perfect balance between plot and spice. Probably one of the best written spice-heavy book that does not sacrafice style and story. The dialogues for were smart and the story seemed well researched. - The tension was off the charts. Ashley Cutler and Bennett's chemistry was so well done. They matched each other in intensity and are so fun to read. Bennett reminded me a lot of Tisaanah from the Daughter of No World by Carissa Broadbent. - The book was spicyyyy. Some dark themes so proceed with caution but I ate it up.
Cons: - I haven't read the prequel short story but Priest in this book didn't do it for me. As well spent a lot more time with Ashley, Priest feels underdeveloped in comparison. We get told a lot about his reputation and prowess but we don't get to see much of that. So it is kind of hard to believe Bennett's infatuation with him. ...more
This book slayed so hard that slay has lost all meaning.
I wish I can write like Tia Williams. Poignant, hilarious, and soul crushing. This book changThis book slayed so hard that slay has lost all meaning.
I wish I can write like Tia Williams. Poignant, hilarious, and soul crushing. This book changed my brain chemistry and made me believe in soulmates....more
Coming back to this review to tell you guys that THIS SERIES BE BUSSIN.
Series thoughts: - It's incredible the group of characters that K. A. Tucker haComing back to this review to tell you guys that THIS SERIES BE BUSSIN.
Series thoughts: - It's incredible the group of characters that K. A. Tucker has written. I love that the drama and tension in this entire series are realistic. Not stupid decisions made to advance the plot. - Didn't think I would fall in love with Alaska but this series made me feel so cozy. - Calla is incredible. She really isn't like any other main character I have read. She is the perfect blend of girly, strong, sensitive, fun, and smart. She is such a well-rounded character. - This whole series slaps so you don't have to worry about being let down. - Although this is a romance series, it's more slice-of-life This Is Us kind of romance. It's full of heart, sadness, and the ups and downs of life. - K. A. Tucker PLEASE write more books and novellas.
Book thoughts: This book became a 5-stars read after I stopped comparing it to It Happened One Summer. After falling so hard for It Happened One Summer last year, I've been looking to fill the void. This book was the most frequently recommended and I can see why.
Here is what they have in common: - City girl moves to remote Alaska and falls for rugged manly man (If you love Charlie Hunnam, then you should read this. - Grumpy x Sunshine - There is a family component to both stories (although this book does a way better job).
There are also major differences between the two stories, yet I loved both approaches.
This book is: - Far less steamy. I need a NSFW version of this book plsss. - More of a slow-burn. The tension was ...more
This book was freaking hilarious. The enemies-to-lovers banter was chef's kiss. I loved Anthony and Kate, and I love Anthony's lWow Anthony got HAWT.
This book was freaking hilarious. The enemies-to-lovers banter was chef's kiss. I loved Anthony and Kate, and I love Anthony's love for Kate. Cannot wait for the Pall Mall episode featuring the Mallet of Death.
Only thing stopping me from giving this 5 stars is the drama at the very end....more
Andy Weir and Blake Crouch have the blockbuster-Sci-fi category on lock.
There is just something magical with theFirst 5-star read of 2022 and I cried.
Andy Weir and Blake Crouch have the blockbuster-Sci-fi category on lock.
There is just something magical with the way Andy Weir writes books. - Unique concepts - Funny and entertaining - Fast-paced - Convey scientific topics in a digestible way - Well developed characters that are impossible not to like.
So when is the next book coming out?
(I highly recommend the audiobook, for reasons... ...more
Interrupting your scrolling to tell you that I emptied my bank account for this Wraithmarked special edition of one of my favourite books.
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[imagInterrupting your scrolling to tell you that I emptied my bank account for this Wraithmarked special edition of one of my favourite books.
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Original Review: Read as part of Asian Heritage Month.
This was such an unique take on high fantasy. First, the best part about this story is that it featured an "older" female character who is a housewife. I've never read anything like this, especially someone who shows pride in her identity. For once, we don't start with a young (male) main character who was orphaned. Wang definitely doesn't fall victim to lazy writing and kill off the parents for convenience. Major props.
Second, although the world built by Wang is extensive, the story stayed focused on a small town. I was so ready for the story to progress out of the small town, as every fantasy story goes. This new take is so refreshing.
Third, this story had a very imaginative interpretation of East Asian cultures. Although at times the story reminds me of The Poppy War, there are major differences that this story felt new. Especially because this story had Japanese, Chinese and Korean elements woven into it. Also, having read The Empress of Salt and Fortune this month, certain elements of that book also show themselves here too.
I only has a few nit-picky things, hence the 4.5 stars. - A heavy dose of new vocabularies introduced at the very beginning. Almost every paragraph had a new word, which made things hard to follow. I kept flipping back and forth between the story and the glossary. However, these new words show up so often that by the middle, I could guess the meaning of words based on the context. - The only vocabularies that I struggled with throughout the book were the different ethnicities, and different types of powers. So be prepared to make some notes on what a person with water powers is called and what a person with fire powers is called. - Huge cast of characters that takes a long time to get used to. - The first 30% of the story focused heavily on the 14 year old main character. Because of that, the story almost read like a middle grade. It takes a long time to have a more mature voice in the story. - Although this is a stand-alone, I still have lots of questions at the end so it wasn't as satisfying of an end as I had hoped.
Despite the minor issues I have with this book, I loooved Misaki's character and story so much. I really think everyone one should pick up this book just so you can get to know her....more
This book is best described as a dull ache that makes you feel numb until the big ache hits you.
The story is funny, sad and everything in between. ItThis book is best described as a dull ache that makes you feel numb until the big ache hits you.
The story is funny, sad and everything in between. It reminded me a lot of The House in The Cerulean Sea, with its witty dialogues, and supportive group of friends. Ove would be so mad at me for making such a big fuss about this book....more
The Queen does it again. How can Taylor Jenkins Reid make me care about 8 people os much in the span of 350 pages? Hey Google. Play Fleetwood Mac.
The Queen does it again. How can Taylor Jenkins Reid make me care about 8 people os much in the span of 350 pages? This book is so wistful and melancholic. I feel for Daisy. I feel for Camilla. I feel for Karen. The women in this book are fascinating and incredible (even though I hate them all at the same time).
I read this book along with the audiobook and its the best thing ever.
More (positive) words: - Perfect blend of romance, mystery, unique setting, interesting side characters. - I love the Wow wow wow.
One word: Balanced.
More (positive) words: - Perfect blend of romance, mystery, unique setting, interesting side characters. - I love the setting of 1920s Shanghai. The opulence and glamour was everything. - The story progressed at a good pace with a mystery driving the plot. - The tension of the romance was chefs kiss. Enemies to friends to lovers to enemies to lovers? - Juliet and Roma both felt like fleshed out characters. Each had clear motivations and goals. - Although this is marketed as YA, it follows the lead of Six of Crows, in which the story still feel adult enough to be enejoyable for older readers. Hard to believe Juliet and Roma are teenagers.
Few (negative) words: - My only complaint is that the surrounding characters (especially Roma's side) felt less developed. Also the heads of each gang were surprisingly absent for most of the book. So the whole turf war didn't really feel all that present....more
I did not anticipate the tone of this story. This book was much more of a romance novel than a science fiction novel. This is no way to say the story I did not anticipate the tone of this story. This book was much more of a romance novel than a science fiction novel. This is no way to say the story was not my cup of tea. I did appreciate how easy it was to immerse myself into the story, and the sci-fi elements are gently sprinkled in. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to dip their toes in the science fiction genre.
In terms of the plot, I've seen a lot of people discribe the premise as mind-blowing, but I found the concept quite generic. After then original big reveal about the multiple timelines was revealed, the story lacked additional twist and turns further along the story. Overall the story was a nice easy read, perfect for getting out of a reading slump....more
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