Andie
Not sure what to say about this one, except I expected much more.
I was intrigued by Alicia's story at first. But as the story progressed, I started picking up some details that lead me to suspect someone. And I was hoping the story didn't go in that direction. Unfortunately, it did. And even though I didn't guess exactly what happened, I guessed too much of it. (if that makes sense)
Very middle of the road for me. The first half of the book had me hooked. The second part of it wasn't my favorite. So, it ended up being a 3-star read for me.
What's better than a second chance romance? An emotional second chance romance written by Sarina Bowen! Sarina Bowen is one of my favorite romance authors and she did not disappoint with A Little too Late.
Reed and Ava had me at hello! They dated in college, but things didn't quite work out. However, even though it's been years, they never moved on from each other.
Reed comes back to his home town, after his father informed him and his two brothers that things would be changing in his life. As soon as Reed steps into his father office, he runs into Ava and everything in him comes alive.
Ava has been working for Reed's dad for years. Running into Reed was never a concern of hers because he never came to his hometown. So, she's stunned when he suddenly materializes in front of her desk. And the spark is definitely still there.
This story was super emotional! I loved how Sarina Bowen set up Reed and Ava's history together and their backstory. Their fears and dreams, their feelings for each other, and I loved how they opened up to each other. It felt natural, inevitable. These two belonged together!
It was really interesting how both of them were aware that they didn't move on from each other. There were some very steamy moments too (bathtub... Whoa!) their chemistry was fantastic! But I think the strongest aspect in their story was their emotional connection. Perfection! The setting was amazing too! I wanted to go skiing after reading it. The secondary characters, especially Ava's coworkers and friend and Reed's assistant were funny and interesting too.
Overall, A Little too Late was a perfect opening to this series. It was an emotional romance, with great characters, steamy moments, so much love, and very interesting secondary characters. I loved this one! Highly recommend it. Can't wait to read the next one in the Madigan Mountain series.
This was a very informative book.
I enjoyed listening to interesting details about some structures in America (I'm not American, so there's that), not only politic-wise but also educational (the history of SATs, for example).
It ended on a hopeful note, and I appreciated it.
We have so much to do.(...) We have to start now.
Overall, it was a great read.
4.5 stars
I loved this series. V.E. Schwab's writing really works for me.
I was invested in the story, the action (there was a lot going on!), and the characters. Especially the characters! Kell, Rhy, Alucard, Lila, and Holland were excellent characters. I really enjoyed the ending.
At some points, this book didn't feel like the last book.
(Apparently, there's going to be another book(s) in this series which is intriguing. Excited for it!)
Still not a fan of the “not like other girls” vibe that Lila maintains throughout the series.
I had a lot of fun reading it.
Violet was a great character! She was funny, stubborn, and unapologetic about putting herself first.
I also enjoyed her relationship with the prince. Their interactions were hilarious, and the banter was so good! The romance was my favorite part.
I enjoyed the mystery too, especially trying to figure out Violet's visions. The ending was a little rushed, though, and some things weren't wrapped up smoothly. It might have been on purpose, considering it's not a standalone book.
I'll definitely read the next one.
The Blade Itself is my newest obsession. I loved it!
After the first 50 pages, I didn't want to read any of the other books I was reading. I only wanted to reach for my copy of this book.
Joe Abercrombie's morally grey, witty characters were fabulous. Glotka and Logen's inner monologues were done so well.
This was a slow burn, very character-driven story and I loved every second of it.
A favorite of the year. Can't wait to read the second book in the trilogy.
2.5 stars
Very middle-of-the-road story to me.
It was entertaining, I'll give it that. The mystery was interesting but it became repetitive, the pacing was off, and Hannah's stupid decisions started to annoy me from a certain point and I started to lose interest. The twist was interesting, but the motives were lacking.
I was expecting much more from this one.
4.5 stars
Nora Stevens is a city girl, a workaholic literary agent, and a career woman to the core, with housekeeping service, a giant shoe closet, great skincare, and underwear. Basically, the anti-heroine of every small-town romance story, she specifies that herself, and I freaking loved her! Nora was hilarious, brilliant, relatable, and unapologetic about who she was, and she became my favorite Emily Henry heroine so far.
Charlie is a book editor, that had some less-than-stellar interactions with Nora, he's broody, perceptive, funny, and intelligent. He has to return home, to a small town, to deal with some family issues. Unexpectedly, he ends up bumping into Nora that was convinced by her sister to take some time off her hectic work life to spend some time together on vacation. Charlie was the best! His witty conversations with Nora were so much fun! Nora and Charlie's banter was EVERYTHING I didn't know I wanted and needed!
Everything about Nora and Charlie clicked perfectly, and they hooked me from the start. But I also loved Nora's relationship with her sister Libby, the exploration of the reasons they were so close, their past, what they went through together, and everything that impacted their current bond.
The balance between the romance and Nora's relationship with her sister was a little off sometimes, and that's the only reason this was not a 5-star read for me. I wish we had more time with Nora and Charlie!
I loved Book Lovers, the emotional moments, the fun ones, the banter, the relationships, the small-town atmosphere, everything about it! I had a great time listening to this audiobook.
Highly recommend it!
You can check this review and other stuff @ Books, Coffee & Passion
I don't usually enjoy poly romances, so I was prepared to struggle with this one even though I really wanted to read it. Guess what? I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it!
Helen is tired of being used like a pawn, by her family, in the Olympus game. However, Helen's brother after assuming Zeus' mantle is doing it again. But now, for once in her life, she stands up to Zeus and the Thirteen by going after what she wants: Ares' role. However, that puts her competing against others that will do anything to win. Achilles has wanted a bigger role since he was a child. As soon as Ares' spot is available, he doesn't hesitate. Patroclus, his boyfriend, enters the competition too, but he only wants to help Achilles win. When Zeus announces that he'll offer the new Ares Helen's hand in marriage, after the competition ends, everything gets a little convoluted, particularly because there's a powerful attraction between all three of them. But when Helen enters the competition too... everything goes up in flames!
It was heartbreaking to see Helen dismissed as a potential candidate during the first half of the book, even by Achilles. Patroclus, as the true strategist he was, saw way more in her than her beauty. Their connection was immediate from the start. Achilles caught up, eventually, and started to see the fierceness in Helen. Even though Patroclus and Helen had a deeper connection from the beginning, it was interesting how Achilles was the one that could read her so effortlessly and understood deeply how badly she was dismissed and mistreated by others. It was fun to see how their dynamic slowly changed and deepened. Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus complemented each other perfectly! I also loved the forced proximity aspect of the story. And one of my favorite aspects in this was how the trials ended: pure GOLD!
These 3 characters had me hooked as soon as we got their first interaction. I was invested in the story, plot, character's goals and fears, and chemistry between all three of them... hot, hot, hot!
The pining, the angst, and the steamy scenes made this story a fantastic read. I also really enjoyed the trials and the Olympus politics.
I'm enjoying this series a lot. Super interested to see where it's going to go next.
Please, don't go into this book expecting a retelling, it's very loosely inspired by greek mythology (hence it doesn't feature Briseis and Paris takes an entirely different role here).
You can check this review and other stuff @ Books, Coffee & Passion
3.5 stars
Unpopular opinion alert!
I expected to love this one, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book in the series.
The story felt a little rushed, and there was a lot of self-loathing, regret, and struggle with forgiving specific past actions and choices. I get why the characters were stuck in that cycle at the beginning of the book, but it felt repetitive as the story progressed. Unfortunately, Aren gave me whiplash through most of the story. I felt like the romance wasn't my favorite part of the story for more than half of the book.
I loved Lara and her sisters' scenes! Badass female characters! I also enjoyed the ending, and I still love the characters.
https://bookscoffeeandpassion.wordpress.com/2022/08/22/book-tour-review-belladonna-by-adalyn-grace/
4.5 stars
Belladonna is a gothic, atmospheric, paranormal, mystery YA story.
Signa, a 19-year-old girl, was an orphan since she was a baby. Every single one of her greedy guardians had an unpleasant end, which led her from one place to another without ever feeling like she belonged anywhere. Now, Signa is going to travel to Thorn Grove, a dark, depressing estate, where the Hawthornes live. Everything seems odd in Thorn Grove. Her cousin Percy and her uncle Elijah have an awful relationship, her cousin Blythe has the same strange illness that killed Blythe's mother, everyone is grieving, there's a mysterious stable boy and the manor seems haunted... Signa allies with Death, that has been in her life since she was a baby, to uncover the murderer.
This story gripped me from the start and it was so entertaining! I had a lot of fun reading it. I don't think it's necessary to know much more about the plot. The story was beautifully written and I was immersed in it. I needed to know what was going on! The characters were fantastic! Signa wanted to belong, to have a family and I loved to follow her journey between figuring out if she wanted a life following society's parameters or if she was truly meant for more. Her relationships with all of the characters were interesting and added an even more mysterious atmosphere. I had a few theories and I guessed a twist or two, but overall I was surprised by how the story progressed.
Signa's hate for Death and their relationship was intriguing and so well done. I also loved the way it ended, with a surprise appearance of a character that was mentioned here and there... I'm very curious about the next book. The pacing was a little off sometimes, but my interest in the story never lessened. Some of the story was predictable, but there were also some motivations and developments I didn't see coming.
Overall, Belladonna was pure enjoyment to me. I loved the characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere, the mysteries, Signa and Death's relationship, and the stellar writing.
Merged review:
https://bookscoffeeandpassion.wordpress.com/2022/08/22/book-tour-review-belladonna-by-adalyn-grace/
4.5 stars
Belladonna is a gothic, atmospheric, paranormal, mystery YA story.
Signa, a 19-year-old girl, was an orphan since she was a baby. Every single one of her greedy guardians had an unpleasant end, which led her from one place to another without ever feeling like she belonged anywhere. Now, Signa is going to travel to Thorn Grove, a dark, depressing estate, where the Hawthornes live. Everything seems odd in Thorn Grove. Her cousin Percy and her uncle Elijah have an awful relationship, her cousin Blythe has the same strange illness that killed Blythe's mother, everyone is grieving, there's a mysterious stable boy and the manor seems haunted... Signa allies with Death, that has been in her life since she was a baby, to uncover the murderer.
This story gripped me from the start and it was so entertaining! I had a lot of fun reading it. I don't think it's necessary to know much more about the plot. The story was beautifully written and I was immersed in it. I needed to know what was going on! The characters were fantastic! Signa wanted to belong, to have a family and I loved to follow her journey between figuring out if she wanted a life following society's parameters or if she was truly meant for more. Her relationships with all of the characters were interesting and added an even more mysterious atmosphere. I had a few theories and I guessed a twist or two, but overall I was surprised by how the story progressed.
Signa's hate for Death and their relationship was intriguing and so well done. I also loved the way it ended, with a surprise appearance of a character that was mentioned here and there... I'm very curious about the next book. The pacing was a little off sometimes, but my interest in the story never lessened. Some of the story was predictable, but there were also some motivations and developments I didn't see coming.
Overall, Belladonna was pure enjoyment to me. I loved the characters, the setting, the eerie atmosphere, the mysteries, Signa and Death's relationship, and the stellar writing.
4.5 stars
It took me a while to finish this one, but I can officially say that I'm obsessed with this series.
I love Kell and Lila. They're my favorite characters. But every single one of the characters in this book intrigues me: Holland, Alucard, Rhy, Lenos, the King, the Queen, Tieren. All of them are interesting characters that kept me invested in the story.
And that ending... it killed me!!! What a cliffhanger!!!
Not a fan of “not like most girls” vibe, though. I still loved it anyway.
The Thursday Murder Club does it again! This was such a fun, cozy read! I love this cast of characters so much.
Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, and Ibrahim are fantastic characters. They're crazy, witty, and quirky in so many ways! I'm always ready for their next adventure!
I also love Bogdan, Stephen, Donna, and Chris.
A cozy mystery full of twists, surprises, and crazy moments. I loved every second of it!
4.5 stars
I loved this book.
Susanna Clarke's writing really works for me. I loved Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell when I read it years ago, so I was excited to read Piranesi. It didn't disappoint at all.
At first, it was a little bit confusing, but Piranesi's journey was absolutely captivating. There were wild theories swirling in my mind, about what was happening, and I enjoyed it so freaking much.
This is a masterpiece. A complex, unique, interesting, enigma that made my mind spin, and made me feel as confined as Piranesi was in this weird world. I loved every second of it, even when it made me doubt if I was smart enough for the ride.
I loved this book! The ending of this trilogy was PERFECT.
The Prison Healer series is now one of my YA favorite series EVER.
This was a very emotional ending. I couldn't put it down! These characters were everything, every single one of them was unique, even the ones that played a smaller role in the story until this book.
Lynette Noni did a great job with this cast of characters. The relationships, the bonding, the redemption arc, the fighting for what they believed in, and for themselves, even when they thought they didn't have any strength left in them... this story was amazing.
I loved the plot, the twists, the action, the themes, the drama, and the writing, everything in this was captivating, engaging, and unforgettable. It was epic.
A top favorite, high stakes YA fantasy!
Books, Coffee & Passion
Adaline and Emmett have history. The classic case of the right person at the wrong time. 5 years ago, they were attracted to each other and had a connection. When Adaline confessed about having feelings for Emmett, Emmett was about to be drafted so he put football first. The timing was off, so they ended up not getting together and Emmett moved to Florida to play in the NFL.
Now, after a certain scary event, Emmett realizes that maybe his priorities were wrong. After talking with Parker, his friend and Adaline's brother, Emmett finds out that Adaline is now single... And he wants his chance with her. Adaline is not ready for a relationship. She also promised herself that she would never get involved with another athlete. Will the timing be right for this two after 5 years? Or are they in different mindsets again?
Even though Emmett and Adaline didn't have a relationship when they were younger, their story felt like a second chance story. I guess it really was, just because they weren't involved, that didn't mean they didn't have feelings for each other. Their connection was very strong from the moment Emmett showed up in Adaline's life again.
I loved how Emmett was completely sure that he wanted a relationship with Adaline from pretty much the beginning. I also enjoyed how he held back at first for her sake. He gave Adaline the time she needed and it was amazing to see how he put her needs first. I loved how their relationship progressed and how Emmett slowly convinced Adaline that they would work.
Another aspect I enjoyed in it was the focus on the hard life an athlete like Emmett has. Sure, they make tons of money, but the hard work, the crazy hours getting fit, training, bonding with their teammates, playing, the press, the fans, the constant traveling, the possibility of getting traded and moving to another city without much notice... That takes a toll on their personal and family life. And their families can sometimes suffer from their absence. I definitely understood Adaline's worries about having a steady relationship with an athlete.
Emmett and Adaline were so sweet together, I couldn't help falling in love with both of them. I enjoyed the family moments in this one too. Their families were great. I loved to see Allie making a cameo too! However, I wanted a little more from their past together. We didn't get to see the beginning of their connection and how they fell in love with each other in the past. Both of them talked about it, but I still felt like something was missing.
Overall, a sweet, super entertaining read, with lovable characters, strong chemistry and steamy moments, great banter, a few emotional moments, and stellar writing.
I'm a huge fan of Dave Grohl. I knew I would enjoy this one, but I was surprised by how much I loved it.
If you're expecting dirty laundry, drama, or huge shocking revelations, this is not it. Also, do not expect much of his time in Nirvana. He joined Nirvana when he was only 21 and was with the band for only 3 years.
I think DG was very respectful of what he could and should share, and really considered the impact that the things he shared would have on the people he mentioned and their families. Even though there's a comment here or there about some stuff, it was all very drama free. That only made me respect him more.
In my opinion, he's crazy talented and incredibly humble. I loved how he shared that sometimes he thinks that his life isn't really his life and he feels like he's just watching it all from above.
Overall, this was pure enjoyment for me.