TL;DR: What a fantastic single volume romance - I loved this. Source: Netgalley - Thanks so much to the publisher! Plot: Two neighbors meet during the covid lockdowns and slowly fall in love. Characters: The characters felt very grounded, and considering the length I knew and cared about them a lot. Setting: Most of the... Continue Reading →
The Twice-Sold Soul by Katie Hallahan
TL;DR: A very strong start that lost me a little at the end. I’ll probably continue the series as it shows a lot of promise. Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher! Plot: McKeena, who has been on the run for ten years, is hoodwinked by an ex to return home… and things... Continue Reading →
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer
TL;DR: Another great look at reciprocity that was first introduced in Braiding Sweetgrass Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher! I also did purchase my own copy as well. Premise: I really liked this as a short little essay to read at this time of the year (Thanksgiving to Christmas) I thought it... Continue Reading →
A Legend in the Baking by Jamie Wesley
TL;DR: Cute with some very good moments but overall nothing mind blowing. Source: NetGalley, thank you so much to the publisher! Plot: August ends up famous on Social Media for being a feminist and Sloane just so happens to need a job. It was very convenient. Characters: Interesting but nothing standout. I did like the... Continue Reading →
The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan
TL;DR: This one was a surprise in many ways, all lovely. Source: NetGalley and a physical copy via the publisher Plot: Sai ends up forced on a journey by the Emperor to find the last dragon and along the way he finds a lot more. Characters: I enjoyed all these characters and could see them... Continue Reading →
Feuds by Mercedes Lackey
TL;DR: I don’t know how this hit so good but I loved this one just like the last one. Source: NetGalley, thank you to the publisher - I also purchased my own copy so thanks to me too. Plot: Various plots but the theme of this collection was Feuds, fights between families or friends, small... Continue Reading →
Blood of the Old Kings by Sung-Il Kim
TL;DR: This was a sleeper hit for me - I loved it. Source: eArc via Netgalley and a physical book via the publisher - THANK YOU! Plot: Three PoVs each fight and rebel against the Empire that has conquered them in their own ways. Characters: I found myself loving each and every PoV character and... Continue Reading →
Family of Three Under the Tree by Traci Douglass
TL;DR: A cute and interesting setup that managed to avoid being too stereotypical. Source: An eArc via the publisher, thank you! Plot: Two doctors come together after the children in their lives become friends. Characters: Everyone felt very well realized for the length, though I did have trouble telling the two kids apart at times.... Continue Reading →
Lucy Undying by Kiersten White
TL;DR: A book for people who hate Dracula and love cringey instalove Source: NetGalley! Thank you for the eArc! Plot: A mess. Basically feels like the author writing some self-insert fanfiction in which she tells Lucy everyone was out to get her and they get to kill Dracula and have sex. Characters: No thank you.... Continue Reading →
Mistress of Lies by K.M. Enright
TL;DR: A big miss for me that’s neither dark or romantic (per the pitch line) Source: NetGalley! Thank you so, so much! Plot: Shan kills her father (the first chapter) and the book slowly slides into blushing in library corners. Characters: Honestly I didn’t really connect to anyone here. Setting: A dark city with a... Continue Reading →