TL;DR: An engaging story about finding your place and community, even in the darkest parts of your life. Source: NetGalley, thank so much to the publisher! Plot: Nichiko returns to her home island, a tiny place, to find herself. There she meets Chimaki and their stories blends. Characters: I really enjoyed these characters, especially Nichiko.... Continue Reading →
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
TL;DR: This is one of those books I have to recommend if you love vibes - but also a twisty mystery. Source: Netgalley - Thanks you to the publisher! Plot: Lorelei and Sylvia set out on an academic quest which quickly turns into a murder mystery. Characters: I both loved and hated these characters in... Continue Reading →
Barbarian’s Heart by Ruby Dixon
TL;DR: Another installment in the ICP series - this is the one that’ll probably make you cry. Source: NetGalley and I have pre-ordered my own copy! Plot: This takes place almost immediately after the end of the last book follow Stacy and her mate who has amnesia. It’s very melancholy for a good portion of... Continue Reading →
Immortal by Sue Lynn Tan
TL;DR: A completely unpredictable fantasy with a complex and lovely world. Source: Netgalley - Thanks you to the publisher! Plot: This one, like the setting, went all over the place. We started out with one task and ended up with another and it was a ride. Characters: At times infuriating, and other times fantastic. The... Continue Reading →
The Relationship Mechanic by Karmen Lee
TL;DR: Very cute, and an improvement on the first book for sure! Source: Netgalley, many thanks to the publisher! Plot: Jessica breaks down outside Peach Blossom and ends up at Vini’s shop. She’s visiting friends in town and the two strike up a relationship. Characters: My biggest gripe with this is with the characters Setting:... Continue Reading →
Confession by Kaiji Kawaguchi, Nobuyuki Fukumoto
TL;DR: A dark and twisty story, very atmospheric and dark. Source: NetGalley, thank you to the publisher! Plot: Two men are stranded together after a mountain climbing accident. One confesses a dark secret to the other, but circumstances change… Characters: You aren’t in this for these characters, both of them are horrible, but a well... Continue Reading →
Home Office Romance by Kintetsu Yamada
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 →