Bianca

I feel like short stories can be harder to write than a novel sometimes (coming from a non-writer) just because you have to tell a story, develop a character, and get a point across in a concise manner. Many short stories I read, leave me wanting. Jane Green hit the nail on the head. Every woman in her mid 20s+ will be able to relate to the fast and fleeting friendship found in this book. As someone who went through a friend break up two years ago, the feeling of loss described was so accurately heartbreaking.

I have not read any Elin Hilderbrand before and thought a novella might be a good way to see if she is for me. I thought this story was just okay. I wished there was more introspection and female empowerment, it just felt really surface level and I didn't feel any real connection to the main character. I did enjoy the writing style and the pacing, and the dialogue between characters so I think I will give Elin Hilderbrand novels a try! I think novellas can be really challenging to write since they are so concise, there was just something important missing. I didn't really leave knowing exactly what this story was supposed to convey.

Wow! This was my first Megan Collins book and WILL NOT be my last. What a rollercoaster of a read! Cross Your Heart by Megan Collins is a 5⭐️ thriller read.

This story introduces us to a completely relatable yet unreliable narrator who you'll find yourself stuck between hating and loving. The narrative skillfully calls out toxic masculinity and offers a poignant commentary on how women are often perceived by men and even other women for being “too much”—simply for wanting to be loved.

One of the aspects I truly loved about this book is its depth. Beyond the thrilling plot twists, it offers multiple layers that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. I was so moved that I even shed a tear or two.

Overall, this is an outstanding read if you're looking for something to devour. The story is convoluted in the best possible way. I've already convinced a friend to pre-order this gem.

“Love Signals” by Melanie Summers is such a fun read, especially if you're into women in STEM rom-coms. As a Space Between Us fan, it was fun to see some of the characters come into this novel! As a second-generation Italian, I loved how Melanie nailed the Italian-American family dynamics in Love Signals – the Sunday dinners and the mom-daughter chats were spot on and super relatable. Fun little personal extra for me is that the FMC middle name is Bianca! Summers crafts a charming tale in the realm of women in STEM, with vibes reminiscent of Ali Hazelwood's work. The story's true gem is its cinnamon roll male lead, who is endearingly sweet and supportive. However, the female main character's irrational behavior during the third-act breakup tested my patience. I think the whole “I hate liars” thing went too far... While this drama detracted from my enjoyment toward the end, the overall story was engaging enough that I'll continue to dive into more of Melanie Summers' novels!

Thank you NetGalley and Melanie Summers for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I really enjoyed this book! The characters, the vibe, the romance 10/10!! I loved that the FMC comes from an Italian family like me

This was a cute and cozy read, perfect for cozying up by the fireplace and a cup of tea around the holidays

What an incredible story! Daniel Black's Isaac's Song dives deep into the complexities of a father-son relationship, showing how two people from vastly different worlds are, in many ways, not so different after all. Isaac's journey into his ancestry, his encounters with racism as an adult, and his exploration of the Black struggle—topics shielded from him during childhood as a form of protection—are masterfully portrayed. This journey not only deepens his understanding of his father but also beautifully mirrors his path toward self-discovery and self-acceptance. The story feels incredibly real, portraying forgiveness as something that takes time and reminding us that self-love can be a lifelong journey where the most important thing is to keep trying.

The second half introduces a moving metaphor through Isaac's written story of two enslaved brothers, reflecting his father's struggles and the inherited trauma of his people. While it slows the pacing a bit, it adds another layer of depth to an already powerful narrative. This book reads like a memoir—intimate, engrossing, and utterly unforgettable. There is so much to this story that I can't even begin to address it all here. A must read. I'm inspired to pick up Don't Cry For Me next. Add this to your 2025 TBR!

Thank you, @htpbooks, for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. #hiveinfluencer

I received an ARC from NetGalley for this honest review.

This did not live up to my expectations but I can see potential with this writer. My opinion is similar to many others in that the world building truly needs to be fleshed out. So many questions left unanswered or unclear history. I did like the banter and the book read at a great pace (I don't think adding in more details about the world and character backgrounds would negatively affect this). I'd definitely be interested in obtaining a final copy to see if the author implemented any positive changes and if so, would read more of her books.

I enjoyed Ella's story so much! The book moved at a perfect pace and includes some very pretty writing. The plot twists were NOT predictable and I loved the whole friend group. It did give Fourth Wing vibes, in that same found family, young warrior way, but the world and story are so different. The ending was perfect without an annoying cliffhanger. We know what book two will encompass while being satiated by this ending. Also- unicorns.

I just finished “The Space Between Us” by Melanie Summers and wow, absolutely loved!!! Summers' ability to blend laugh-out-loud humor with deeply touching moments is nothing short of masterful. The book is a blend of slow-burn romance and deep-seated emotional themes, gracefully tackling grief, family conflict, self-discovery, and professional pride/growth. The novel stands out not only for its engaging storytelling but also for its thoughtful approach to reader sensitivities, with Summers providing guidance on chapters that might be less suitable for those preferring a milder spice level. Highly recommend for readers looking for a story that balances heartfelt depth with romance, humor and some fun spicy scenes.

A heartfelt thank you to Melanie Summers and Gretz Corp for providing me with an ARC of this book!

5 stars for the captivating atmosphere and my inability to put this down - I finished it within 12 hours, which is VERY rare for this mood reader. I adored the flashbacks to the 1500s witch trial, Erin's badass mom, and the unique blend of mystery and true crime that sets this apart from other witch stories. The conclusion between family members was satisfying and heartwarming. However, I felt the ending had a few plot holes, the resolution of Erin's possession by Nyx was rushed and under-reflected upon by the present-day characters. The ancestral connections between past and present could've been fleshed out more. The epilogue felt lazy and tacked on, but I see it as the author's attempt to show the continued magical lineage. Overall, I would definitely recommend this especially during spooky season. I think all readers of all genres could enjoy this book!

A fun read and I can see why people like it. Not really my type of Romantasy. The degrading smut talk/slut shaming is not for me. There was really no romance in this book, just lust-driven toxic power dynamic and the overuse of the pet name “little traitor”. My review is not based on the smut because to each their own – my review is mostly based on the fact that the book needed more world building, we are given almost nothing. It's mentioned that they are fae twice (25% in!) and we hardly know the powers that they can yield. If you want a well-thought out fantasy book don't read. If you want an easy, enemies-to-hookup buddies (I refuse to use the word lovers here) smutty read, go for it!

As a feminist and mental health advocate- this is a hard review to write.

In “Men Have Called Her Crazy,” Anna Marie Tendler dives into her rocky relationships with men, but I found the story to be a bit disconnected. While her anger towards men is extremely intense, it often feels out of place. For someone who claims to hate men, she completely relies on them financially and emotionally. Even after her hospital stay and divorce, she seems to fall into the same patterns, which makes it hard to see any real growth in the memoir. I was also left wondering if her feelings stem more from her past and with her relationships with WOMEN, especially her complicated relationship with her mother, rather than just her experiences with men.

Tendler shares some tough dating stories, but I couldn't help but question what she brought to the table in those relationships. (No there is no excuse for a 30 year old to date a 16 year old — she also justifies this and is only starting to see that something “might” be weird about it... ick). She tends to lean on men for financial support and often jumps ship on careers at the first sign of trouble, which makes it difficult to view her struggles as purely the fault of others. It would have been great to see her take more accountability for her part in these dynamics.

That said, there are definitely relatable moments throughout, especially for white women navigating dating in today's world. Still, I felt like she left out some big pieces of her life—like her marriage/divorce and extremely privileged lifestyle—which made her story feel a bit incomplete. Overall, while she offers some great insights, the book could use a little more self-reflection and nuance about her relationships.

I don't even know where to begin with the eating disorder. Someone noted this as a memoir of someone who is completely unhealed and not ready to be writing these experiences and I feel that.

Catch and Keep by Erin Hahn definitely exceeded my expectations! The more I read romance, the harder I am to impress and I really enjoyed this. Usually, I find female main characters can have those annoying traits that drive me up the wall, but not Maren. She was great, and Joe was such a lovable character too! The dynamic between Maren and Joe's kids was just heart-melting to watch unfold. And props to Erin for tastefully including a child with autism spectrum disorder and showing how love and understanding can make all the difference. I usually don't reach for spicy novels on purpose, so I did skim through some of those parts, but if you like a spicy romance you WILL enjoy this! There are some very hot scenes.

Now, onto the little nitpicks. I felt like the whole “forbidden love” thing went on a bit too long and was so repetitive. Like, we get it, they can't date because of the whole brother's sister/best friend situation. And yeah, Maren's hot and men do disgusting things to her YouTube videos, we got it the first few times. A little too much fluff here and there, could have been shortened. But despite these small hiccups, it was still a solid read. Perfect for when you need something light and cute, like a palette cleanser or a beach day companion (that will still make you feel all the feels, bring tissues).

Thank you Erin Hahn, NetGalley, and St. Martin's Griffin for the ARC!

finishes book stares at ceiling with tears in eyes processing what just happened immediately texts sister to tell her I just read the best book of 2024 so far pre-orders paperback   I devoured this book in 24 hours, I'm officially a fangirl for it.The Last Secret of Lily Adams is a masterfully executed dual point of view novel that focuses on the misogyny and abuse of old Hollywood, seamlessly intertwining the lives of three women and those around them, both past and present. This narrative is nothing short of a whirlwind, boasting a fast-paced plot filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. There's no unnecessary fluff (my ick)– just pure storytelling brilliance. And let's not forget the added charm of a second-chance romance and a delightful cinnamon roll of a love interest. The Last Secret of Lily Adams transcends genres, making it a must-read recommendation that I'm sharing with everyone I knowHowever, it's important to note that this book does touch upon sensitive topics such as sexual assault, domestic violence, divorce, emotional abuse, murder, and drugs. Despite these heavy themes, the author handles them with tact and sensitivity. I would add a TW or content warning, but wouldn't change anything else about this book. 5+++++ stars! Thank you Sara Blaydes, Lake Union Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This is the book I needed. THIS is a romantic comedy. To me, the best rom-coms are ones that can break you apart and put you back together - laughter, happy tears, heartwarming moments, and the joy of found family—all wrapped into one. That is EXACTLY what this book is. If a book can make me sob uncontrollably over an a cute old man it is automatically a 4-star read but that is just one of the many joys of this book. The premise is a little wacky and unbelievable, but that is the fun of it, and once you embrace it you will enjoy the ride! I would have liked to see more interactions with Jonah and less of the “can't find him goose chase” and some recognization that even though Delphie was staying away from people to protect her heart, she may also be an introvert and there is nothing wrong with that. Some normalization that not everyone feels comfortable or has the mental energy to be surrounded by friends and people 24/7. There were many modern day references to romance authors of our time and sometimes that might bother me, but it was done so well that I actually enjoyed it and it made it feel like a book written especially with avid romance/rom-com readers in mind. Besides the two minor things that I hoped would see more of in this book, the book is perfect rom-com. I laughed out loud, I cried, I smiled like an idiot. Read it!
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narrator

The Lost Story” by Meg Shaffer is a captivating and beautifully woven tale that transcends the traditional boundaries of fairy tales, inviting adults back into the magical world of their youth with a fresh and inclusive perspective. Shaffer's novel is a testament to the power of storytelling, love, and the bonds of friendship, making it a memorable journey for anyone who holds a special place in their heart for tales that transport you to another world .

I could not put this book down and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to read an advanced copy! The ending had me in tears, a testament to Shaffer's powerful storytelling. For anyone who cherishes fairy tales and appreciates meaningful representation, this is a journey you'll wish could go on forever. I can't recommend it enough!

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The God of the Woods completely captured me from the beginning and did not let go! Moore does an incredible job taking us on a journey through time - through two different mysteries - all while diving deep into each characters complexities, fears, dark sides, and motives. She does this while keeping the reader engaged and the pacing steady. She is able to tell a perfectly interwoven story that keeps you guessing, is clearly thought out, and is so much more than another “popcorn thriller”. Do not read if you hate multiple POVs and time hopping. My only gripe is that I felt there were too many loose ends at the conclusion of the book. To dive so deep into these characters, I felt the reader could have been offered a little more closure!

INFINITY STARS. Worth the hype! This is what I call a “slump breaker”. In a slump? Read this book! Even better on audio. I cannot wait for this show, it will become my entire personality. There are so many more layers to this book than “teen mom starts only fans” and the readers basing their one-star reviews on that alone need a re-read or a reading comprehension course. I said what I said.

This book was all over the place and therefore so are my thoughts.
- Maggie is the absolute worst character I have ever read.
- Ethan was cool at first, then gave me the ick. The fucking soliloquies about his undying love for Maggie was just too much and CoRnYyY and DrAmATiC
- I rolled my eyes so many times it's actually insane.
- this was wayyyyyy tooooo insta-lovey without any real connection?
- the entire enemies to lovers marketing of this book is a hoax- Maggie hates him for literally no good reason, and that's it....
- maybe I am new to the cozy mystery genre but like, there was no mystery? No real “detective” work? We'd get a little glimpse and then nothing substantial until the very end... I just felt lost.
- what a letdown. Bleh.

(Audiobook) – I went into this book without knowing much, expecting a lighthearted story about a wedding. The Wedding People turned out to be so much more than I anticipated. The book starts on a dark note (TW: attempted suicide) but quickly evolves into a hopeful and uplifting story about humanity, resilience, and fresh starts.

I loved nearly every character—even the frustrating Lila—because this seemingly simple story reveals how complex and multi-faceted people truly are. It's a reminder that things aren't always as they appear. The character development is some of the best I've encountered in a long time, with every arc feeling meaningful and earned. Written with simplicity and humor, the book allows readers to draw their own lessons, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

This was such a cute read. He falls first, bad boy turned cinnamon roll with a cowboy edge. Sign. me. up. Very spicy, especially the 2nd half of the book. Sometimes, subplots can feel lazy or just thrown in for the hell of it, but Clementine's struggles and friendship with Teddy fit in perfectly and helped move the love story along. 4 stars! Would have been 5, but I think I just needed a little bit more... of what, I don't know, but it didn't have that extra spark that made this spill into “OMG I'M OBSESSED WITH THIS BOOK” territory. Looking forward to book 2!

Okay, I am going to try to write this without totally comparing it to the first two books in this series because it is it's own work and that wouldn't be fair. Soooo... Just for the Summer was a great story, with emphasis on mental health, difficult parent relationships, and trauma and how those things affect our relationships. As expected, Justin fits the Abby Jimenez Cinnamon Roll male main character requirement (thank goodness). Emma was a little more of a difficult character for me, but that was the intention. I am learning that women who self-sabotage is not something I enjoy reading. I know, I know.. she is traumatized... it is still hard to read for me. The book was kind of slow, and the banter between Emma and Justin was really the only comic relief. I read a review that said this book reads more like an Emily Henry novel, and I agree. Justin definitely brought the romance, but this book was definitely more women's fiction than the other two in this series vs. romance. The plot fell a little flat, no major twists that you didn't see coming.

Now to the comparing - because I have to. I am not sure how folks love this more than Yours Truly and Part of Your World. Both of those books completely wrecked me, I didn't want them to end, I laughed, I cried, I felt every emotion, I felt severe attachment to the characters to the point where I actually cried when Jacob and Briana had one scene in this book LOL. On the flipside, I was ready for Just for the Summer to end, to be honest. I wasn't wrecked. It felt too dragged out, just like the two Emily Henry books I read and did not love. So if you LOVE Emily Henry, you'll love this book.

I would recommend anyone new to Abby Jiminez read something else first. I appreciated this because I love her and I love all of the other characters from the other books being intertwined, but I really was hoping for a little bit more drama. Also, the reference to being “small” was way overused.

Gosh, I really wanted this to be more positive but here we are. Can't win ‘em all.

Still 4 stars because Abby is an amazing writer, and just because the style and pace of this book were different, it wasn't necessarily BAD, it just wasn't my favorite of hers.

3.5 stars rounded up Thank you NetGalley and Kristyn J. Miller for a digital advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Given Our History is your pretty standard cozy second chance romance/friends to lovers story. Every other chapter (mostly) was flashbacks throughout the couple's history as best friends to a short FWB stint, to falling out and ultimately reuniting as college professors at the same school. I enjoyed learning about their story and thought that was done very well. The MMC was sweet. The FMC was pretty hard to like, so her sister Reagan was a breath of fresh air. I didn't feel particularly connected to the characters and thought the story could have used a bit more drama. That being said, I did appreciate that the author did not use a miscommunication trope after the couple reunites - that is the WORST part of reading some second chance romances. I was glad to see that their characters developed enough to know better than to not properly communicate as adults. Some of the career subplot of the FMC's story was a little too drawn out and repetitive. Romantically, it was a cute story and some really great romantic writing within the MMC's dialogue. If you like a sweet second chance romance, I'd recommend this.

In true Katherine Center fashion, I devoured this book in two sittings. The Rom-Commers encompasses the heart of Katherine Center's writing, it's a love story to the rom-com genre and why it's so important to her (and her readers... and the world!). The story moves at a fast-pace and the banter is pretty much non-stop. Likeable characters and heartfelt moments between family that will make you shed a tear. And of course, a HEA. I don't think I'm as obsessed with it as I was the bodyguard because I found the FMC to be kind of immature and I was waiting for the breakthrough moment of growth and didn't feel like I really got that. Another thing that bugged me was the repetitive rhetorical questions in the narration. It seemed like it was on every page and it became distracting and annoying. Both of those things are just me being picky