Bianca
Wow! What a cute story. You know those reviews that say “this book was a warm hug”? Well, this one really was. Maeve inherits a pub in Ireland from her late father, and from there, the story unfolds into a beautiful journey of self-discovery, the bonds of found family, and of course, a new romance.
Two things I totally didn't expect from other reviews and the book synopsis. 1. Spice! Definitely a few more spicy scenes than I expected. The spice level and the age of the main character would definitely put this in the New Adult category vs. YA for me. 2. that i would BAWL my eyes out more than once. But what really makes this book shine are the characters and the charming setting of Innishglass.
Sure, there's a bit of the dreaded miscommunication trope, which can be a bit tiresome, but the backstory adds depth and reasoning that keeps it from becoming too much. There were a few instances of repetition and excessive inner monologue, but nothing that detracted too much from the overall experience. The love story between Maeve and Briggs felt a little rushed at the beginning bordering the line of “insta-love”. But if you're in need of an escape and just a feel good story, look no further. This book delivers. If you're after a read that'll tug at your heartstrings and leave you feeling uplifted and take you on a little vacation to Ireland, I'd definitely recommend giving it a go!
Thank you NetGalley, Skyscape, & Rebekah Crane for the ARC!
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting but it was definitely interesting. Any Swiftie who also loves English or majored in English would appreciate this and it would make a great gift! I think I was hoping for a little bit more of a theoretical breakdown than the very literal one presented here (examples of alliteration, etc. annotated). Definitely still enjoyable and a good break from my usual reading!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The Lie She Told was a fast-paced, enjoyable read. The plot was not as twisty as I expected it to be, but the pace and chain of events still kept me engaged and interested throughout. I loved Jack's character! Kate was pretty naive, but I guess that was the point? I did wish there was more background on Ryan and Kate's relationship, because it was sometimes hard to believe how naive she was being about him. I'd recommend this book to anyone dipping their toes into the thriller or true crime genre or anyone looking for a quick read to devour in a day or two!
I'm new to the YA horror, or horror genre in general but I feel like this is what a YA horror should be? The author does a great job writing a 16 year old character who has some edge. She's the appropriate amount of immature and feisty for her age but not annoying. The book itself was creepy, suspenseful, and thrilling- especially at the end. It was fast-paced, easy to read, and I loved the incorporation of the supernatural, as I learn that not all horror books actually do involve that! I'd definitely read another one of this authors books.
Thank you NetGalley and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Kitty Johnson steals my heart again ❤️ Prickly Company was one of my favorite reads of 2024 so I was so excited to get the chance to read and review this. I looked forward to reading Closest Kept every night, it was the perfect book to get cozy and completely engrossed in Lily's life and her struggles to overcome her traumatic childhood. I loved the characters, the story and relationships were real, raw, and complicated, and Lily's character developed beautifully. Kitty's writing also just doesn't miss.
I especially need to bring attention to something that meant more to me than anything else in this novel. Lily is child-free by choice and UNASHAMED. She is vocal and unwavering regarding her decision to not want kids. Not only this, but Kitty makes it clear through Lily's character that just because a woman does not want children for herself it does not mean she cannot be a nurturing person or that she is a selfish monster, and it doesn't mean that she cannot have a family. I've read 154 books this year and this is the FIRST time I felt truly and positively represented and in a book. THANK YOU KITTY JOHNSON.
Thank you to the author, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
As someone who doesn't read a ton of contemporary romance (I'm a rom-com girlie) and who isn't a huge lover of second chance romance, I actually really enjoyed this! Some parts dragged on and the narration/sentiments became a little repetitive but I definitely shed a tear or two and was happy with Dev's character development.
In Don't Cry for Me, a black father writes letters to his estranged, queer son as he spends his final days succumbing to cancer. Jacob Swinton tells his story from childhood to the present day in an effort to help his son better understand and hopefully one day forgive his history of violence, toxic masculinity, inability to show affection to his son, and refusal to accept his sexuality.
This is the first book in a stand-alone series, the prequel to Isaac's Song (released Jan 2025). I read Isaac's Song first, which is in the POV of Jacob's son and focuses on his relationship with both of his parents, but mostly the trauma inflicted upon him by his father during his childhood. I knew that I needed to read Don't Cry for Me immediately upon finishing. You definitely don't need to read these in order, but now that I have read both I do recommend reading Don't Cry for Me first to have a comprehensive understanding of the relationship that Isaac discusses with his therapist.
Don't Cry for Me had me in tears multiple times. The writing is beautiful and gut-wrenching at times as we journey with Jacob through his own traumas and regrets as a husband and father. The book is well-paced, with conversational, yet gorgeous prose. I was left grieving the relationship that Jacob never had with his son, but also hopeful that both men found, or will find, closure in their own ways. I will be recommending both of these books for a very long time.
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This book definitely challenged my views on parents not being accepting of their children's queerness especially in the 60s and 70s. I think this quote from the book really helped me grasp that it goes beyond the simple belief of accepting and loving people as they are.
“You wouldn't think ideas have geographical context, but they do. We teach certain things because of where we live. We like to think we're governed by some higher spiritual or philosophical motivation, but really most of our thinking comes from our environment. “
These feelings of shame and embarrassment amongst families and cultures is much more complex, and doesn't always mean that they are ill-intentioned, terrible people. Knowledge really is power and Jacob's mindset growth is a prime example of that.
I was also challenged to face some of my own childhood traumas through Jacob's character. The idea that someone growing up without love in the home, and only knowing pain and then passing on that pain to their children is definitely poignant.
Content Warnings
Content or TW Warnings include: Violence, Abuse (Physical, Emotional, Sexual), Death of a Loved One, Trauma, Mental Health (Depression, Anxiety, etc.), Substance Abuse, Racism, Homophobia, Graphic Content
Who I'd Recommend This Book To
I really would recommend this book to all adults for a few reasons.
It is easy to read and understand and the pace moves steadily so would be “easy” for a non-reader to get through (easy due to style of writing, not content). In addition, queer stories, especially queer black stories, need to be told and heard, from all points of view in order to better understand each other. Jacob's story can also provide white people with valuable insights and a deeper understanding of systemic racism.
This story offers something meaningful for everyone, potentially helping them heal in whatever way it resonates—whether it's processing the loss of a loved one, mourning an unfulfilled relationship with a parent, experiencing genuine personal growth, or learning forgiveness through the imperfections of a character.
Highlighted Quotes
“First snow fell yesterday. It came easy and unannounced, like a whisper, but once it started, it continued into the night. When I looked out this morning, everything was still, white, and gleaming. I wondered if you were somewhere safe and warm. I wondered if you were thinking about me.
“Memories reveal who you used to be, what you once thought important, what regrets you cannot shake.”
““I'm sorry, Rachel.” “I know, I know,” she repeated over and over. “No, I'm not just sorry for myself. I'm sorry for us. For our family, for black people—” “Yeah,” she whispered. “Me, too.””
“Knowledge is a funny thing, Isaac. It informs by exposing. It shows you precisely how much you don't know.”
“You don't know—I hope you don't know—the feeling of losing everyone you ever loved. You're left with only your own hurt and regret. All you do is relive mistakes and wish you could undo them. You never can.”
“If you get nothing else from this letter, understand that I never knew how to love. I dreamed of it, but I never experienced it. What I knew was pain. So that's what I gave you.”
Final Rating & Closing Thoughts
I absolutely loved this book and gave it 5/5 stars on Goodreads. Please, please, please READ THIS BOOK!
Where do I begin? I finished this book and immediately ordered Andrew's other book from my library. After page 128, I devoured the book in one sitting.
As someone who is not neurodivergent or trans the way Andrew writes Silas's internal struggles and inner monologues was truly eye opening. He does a perfect job of describing what it feels like to be born into the wrong body. The societal and personal struggles are not only historically relevant, but I'm sure easy to relate to even now. As a YA book, I know that young people (and even old ones, like me... 34) will see themselves in these characters and find comfort whether they struggle with wanting to feel “normal” as a neurodiverse person or even someone with depression/anxiety. Despite all of the internal struggle that Silas goes through, he never wavers for more than a few moments about his true identity and his strength shines through this book from beginning to end. I loved the side characters of Daphne, Mary, and Isabella and felt sorrowful for many others. I love a book that can connect you to its characters in such a way that you don't want it to end. This book has everything- gothic vibes, romance, self-discovery, found family, suspense, historical basis, and beautiful representation. Many TWs but being YA I personally did not feel like anything was so horrible that I needed to put the book down. If you are VERY sensitive to sexual assault in books, probably don't read this, if you can handle some, you'll be okay.
I feel like there is so much more I want to write but right now all I can say is that this book is AMAZING and it will live rent free in my brain forever. <3
At first, this book felt like a whole lot of trauma dumping with no meaning other than to trauma dump. That slowly started to change. I still was like, “yeah, this is okay” until I found myself talking about this book to anyone who would listen. Got choked up multiple times the last 1/2 of the book. I loved watching Kathleen's growth as a feminist, friend, partner, and mother. Learned a lot of other fascinating things about her life- like her friendship with Kurt Cobain and interactions with Joan Jett, Sonic Youth, Fugazi. If you like punk music, the 90s, or feminism, read this book. Not for the faint of heart. TW: male violence, assault, r*pe, misogyny, drug use. You will go through a rollercoaster of emotions. I listened to it and highly recommend since it is narrated by the author. Saw Joan Jett in concert last night and her intro song was Rebel Girl by Bikini Kill. A nice full circle moment for me.
I had very low expectations going into this after being burned by some bookstagram famous indie enemies-to-lovers books. It took some getting used to the writing but once that started flowing all I wanted to do was read this book! It was a fun ride, I loved all of the side characters especially Celine and Sewell and the romance was top-notch. Erik is my new book husband. I've already downloaded the second book!!
I found ‘The Witches of Bone Hill' by Ava Morgyn to be an absolutely spellbinding read, deserving of my 5/5 rating. It struck the perfect balance between excitement and spookiness for me. Watching Cordelia's character evolve and come into her own was a highlight, and the banter between Eustace and the sisters added a delightful layer of humor and warmth to the story. The romance was beautifully integrated, enriching the narrative without dominating it, and while the plot twists were somewhat predictable, they still kept me hooked. Admittedly, I got a bit lost in the dense witch symbolism at times, but it never pulled me away from the story's core. Overall, this book was the ideal witchy, spooky read I was craving!
This was my second book read by Riley Sager and will not be my last. The Only One Left had me hooked with its eerie vibes, suspenseful and easy to read writing, and those chilling plot twists that just kept coming. The letters woven into the story added a unique layer that really pulled me into the setting and the overall creepiness of the tale. The suspense was top-notch, especially as the tension built up toward the end. However, I found the main character frustratingly naive for her age. She often acted without thinking things through, which felt unrealistic, especially when her life was potentially on the line. It made some parts of the story hard to believe, but despite that, I couldn't put the book down as I neared the end. It's definitely an engaging read that keeps you guessing, even if the protagonist's decisions leave you scratching your head. It was a little slower paced than I was expecting at times, but still a solid read.
This book evoked a lot of mixed feelings from me but ultimately I'm glad I finished it and will try book 2 for sure.
The setting/world: Olivia did a good job world-building albeit it did feel like it slowed the story down a bit in the beginning. I absolutely loved the world and the setting though. As a person of Italian descent, the Italian influenced culture had me vibing. I especially connected with Fallon's complicated relationship with her grandmother... and loved that she's called Nonna. I think a lot of girls with Nonna's will be able to relate to that relationship. I don't know if the author is of any Italian descent, so she may have not realized it, but Nonna's can be the biggest pains in the ass but also protective and loved no matter what shenanigans they pull.
Characters: Fallon is 50/50 for me. I like a strong-willed FMC but the naivety was almost overused as a character trait. I loved Antoni and Lorcan and the rest of the crew, so it was worth putting up with Fallon's annoying nature. I did enjoy all of the scenes portraying her connection with animals because that's always an epic plot line.
Writing: The writing was good, all things considered. A little repetitive especially overusing the line “I must have said it outoud because XYZ replies...” or similar. How many times can a person think something and not realize they said it out loud? I think it was used 5 times and I rolled my eyes after the first time. The dialogue and banter was well done.
Summary: All in all, it was a story worth reading and it was very well thought out. At first it all seems a little too convenient and a bit shallow especially between 25-45% (I almost DNFd at that point especially because the FMC pining over her love interest was getting to be too much) but it picks up and the last half of the book is nonstop action and uncovering of the plot and getting questions answered. I was happy with the ending because we weren't left wondering about much that happened in the first book and it set up for book 2 with a small cliffhanger, but nothing obnoxious or that left you scratching your head. I'd say this is most definitely a Romantasy, heavy, heavy on the romance the first half of the book.
I'd recommend to folks who enjoyed ACOTAR!
This was an absolute page turner. If you enjoy YA Romantasy, or just need something to get you back into your reading groove, I highly recommend this book. I would not call this enemies to lovers but rivals to lovers, as it's obvious they are drawn to each other from the beginning. Rebecca Ross's writing is beautiful.
Barbara Davis's “The Echo of Old Books” is more than just a novel; it's a captivating journey through a literary mystery that intertwines the past with the present. At the heart of the story is Ashlyn Greer, a rare-book dealer with a unique ability to feel the “emotional fingerprint” of books' previous owners. When she stumbles upon unpublished volumes with a tragic love story and incriminating inscriptions, her pursuit to unravel the truth behind the authors, Hemi and Belle, becomes an obsession. This quest not only brings her closer to solving a decades-old mystery but also to understanding her own life's unfinished chapters.
From the start, I was drawn into what I expected to be a cozy read, but it transformed into an incredibly beautiful and deeply engaging experience. Davis's exquisite writing and the profound connection I felt with the characters made it impossible to put down, especially beyond the halfway mark. The intensity of my reactions to the characters' journeys was unexpected, making this book unforgettable. Highly recommend this ultimately romantic story!
“Yours Truly” by Abby Jimenez was a total hit for me, capturing the essence of a realistic and heartwarming love story. The banter between the characters is hilarious and spot-on, making the book an absolute page-turner. I appreciated how the romance unfolded naturally, steering clear of those frustrating miscommunication clichés (it was very minimal when it did happen and resolved fairly quickly). The characters are incredibly likable and relatable, adding depth to the story. There's nothing I'd change about this novel! If you're looking for a romance that feels genuine, fun, and heartwarming, with a MMC who is LOVELY, this is the book for you.
Once I set myself straight and forced myself to not be a cynical bitch about the entire premise of the book (knowing someone for 24 hours and falling in love with them) I was able to enjoy it. This was my first Carley Fortune book and won't be my last- her writing is really beautiful and the story flows at a nice pace (I sometimes find contemporary romance to be a snooze fest without the rom-com aspect). The side characters were great which is something I love in a novel. After reading the authors note this went from a 3.5 to a 4 star read. Sometimes knowing a little background really helps put things into perspective. If you like Emily Henry, you'll definitely like this book. I'm not a huge EH fan, but I actually did enjoy this- especially as a beach read or palette cleanser from my heavier or more complicated fantasy books.
Okay, this was my first Emily Henry book and I am now being told that this wasn't her best so I am going to give Book Lovers a shot. That being said, I don't know why I thought this was going to be a second chance romance rom-com? Maybe the extremely bright and happy cover? Once I got over the fact that this is in fact NOT a fast-paced rom-com, I was able to appreciate it a little more. I enjoyed Emily Henry's writing, maybe a little flowery at times, but she is talented.
The book was just really sloooowwww and if you hate miscommunication tropes - this book will most likely irk the living hell out of you. I really did not become attached to any of the characters, Cleo was my favorite, Wyn was a little bitch for the way he broke up with Harriet in the first place, and Sabrina is the friend I hope I never have again - BOUNDARIES GIRL.
The last 5 chapters or so saved the book for me. I liked the way that it ended, with Harriet taking a stand and doing what she needed to do to find joy in her life, even if it meant walking away from a career she thought was meant for her. I could relate to that. I saw some other reviews saying Harriet left her career for a man, and I think those folks really missed the mark.
In conclusion, this book was just okay. Nothing to write home about. I'm still unsure about all the hype behind it. I am going to give Book Lovers or Beach Read a try but Emily Henry just might not be it for me!
“Maame” by Jessica George is honestly a breath of fresh air when it comes to tackling some really tough topics like grief and mental health, all while keeping you hooked with its humor and super relatable POV. I mean, Maddie's story is one of those that you can't help but see a bit of yourself in, especially with the way she deals with being a young woman trying to find her place in the world. The book does a fantastic job of blending the serious with the lighthearted, making you laugh one moment and then hitting you right in the feels the next. And I've got to say, the way it handles mental health is something special, not shying away from it but facing it head-on, which I think is super important for everyone, especially women in their late teens and early twenties, to see. Plus, the perspective on being the only black woman in certain spaces adds another layer of depth to Maddie's character and opens up some really important conversations for all readers, not just those who can directly relate.
That being said, there were a few parts where my attention started to wander a bit, and I felt like the story could've been tightened up. Don't get me wrong, the book is definitely a solid read, but there were moments where I thought it dragged just a tad. Maybe it's just a sign I'm getting a bit older, but I reckon if I'd come across “Maame” a few years back, I would've been utterly obsessed. Regardless, it's still a 4/5 for me because of how well it speaks to so many aspects of the human experience, from the laughs and the grief to the struggle of finding where you fit. It's a must-read, especially if you're in that 18-25 age range, and honestly, it's just as important for readers outside of that demographic to give it a go, too.
I couldn't put this down once I got through the first 20%! I grew to love the main character, I am assuming the main character was struggling with anxiety or ADHD or something similar, and Holly did a great job narrating what goes on in the head of a neurodivergent 16 year old. She also did a great job making me DESPISE a character... IYKYK. Part of the plot was pretty obvious from the beginning, but the PLOT twists were so much deeper than you expect! I loved this more than the Good Girl's Guide to Murder! Moved at a faster pace, less fluff. Great YA thriller!
Diving into “The Serpent and the Wings of Night” by Clarissa Broadbent was quite the whirlwind adventure for me. Right off the bat, I was drawn to the characters—the female lead was refreshingly non-irritating, and Raihn, our male protagonist, was downright likable. Their journey through the plot kept me hooked with its fast pace and intriguing twists. It's an easy read, perfect for those days when you just want to escape into a book without too much effort. However, I did find myself craving a bit more depth in the world-building department. The story introduces a flurry of houses and gods, but it felt like they were just thrown at me without much explanation, leaving me a bit lost despite the glossary's attempt to clarify things. On a brighter note, the spicy scenes? Totally well-executed. If you're looking for a quick, entertaining fantasy read, this is it—but if you're a stickler for richly crafted worlds and top-notch writing, you might find it lacking. Still, I'd say it's a solid 4/5 for its enjoyable storyline and characters.
Leigh Bardugo's brain is out of this world. I didn't know what I was reading 25% of this book and didn't even care. I love all of the characters so much. I have nothing profound to say besides this was a bad ass book and better than Ninth House so if you were 50/50 on Ninth House don't give up! I can't believe we have to wait for book 3...
I never want to read a book written in second person ever again. Holy shit. That was painful. Read 2 chapters, that's what the rest of the chapters are like. NOTHING HAPPENS. The way it's written looking back on her experience as a letter to her ex lover/abuser doesn't leave the reader any room for interpretation. This is a book that tells you, but doesn't show you, so much is off-page. Someone compared it to Addie LaRue in that every chapter is THE SAME and I FELT THAT. Education in Malice was perfection, most people like this book better and I have no freakin' idea how we read the same book. I think a lot of people are blinded by the pretty lyrical prose (like Addie LaRue) but even that got to the point of being cringy and overdone.