Andie

An ok read.
This is a dark MC romance, so I wasn't expecting flowers and hearts. The age gap didn't bother me at all but the execution of it wasn't great. The fact that Lou and Zeus meet when they are 7 and 26, respectively, wouldn't have been an issue IF the author handled it well. It wasn't handled well at all. There were some disturbing and avoidable lines that made me cringe. (“I have been waiting 10 years to do this.” -SERIOUSLY??? She was 7!) Also didn't love the fact she was 17 when they start their relationship.
I didn't enjoy Lou's character when she grew up and her relentless pursuit of Zeus felt forced.
Again, the secondary characters seemed more interesting than Zeus and Lou together.
I'm still tempted to read the next one, just because it's a romance between Zeu's daughter and a cop.

Not for me.
Too instalovey, immature characters that lacked depth, cringe dialogue, too many “babe”, over-the-top drama on multiple fronts that became too much and unnecessary.
The secondary characters seemed more interesting than Cress and King. The steamy moments were great, though.
Maybe I should give up on MC books but I'm curious about the third book in the series. I might give this series another shot.

I've been loving the Seasons series and this book was my most anticipated book in it. I wanted to love it, but sadly I didn't. I liked it, I enjoyed it, it was entertaining but I didn't love it. It might have been the crazy expectations that I had for these characters or the expectations I always have in K.A. Linde's books, I don't know.
The buildup to Camden and Katherine's story was incredible and at first everything was perfect: the game between them, Camden's darkness, Katherine's backbone, their chemistry. These characters were multi layered, complex, flawed, freaking amazing but at times it felt like their relationship was the weakest part in their story.
I loved Katherine's character growth, she was inspiring, strong and so much more than a socialite. There were amazing scenes regarding her character's growth story line and I loved this part of the book. I really liked how Camden grew through the story and the scenes with his family showed perfectly how much he changed and evolved. There were secrets revealed, family and health issues, and at times if felt too much to keep up with. I also thought that there was no need for that much drama regarding Pen and Fiona, during the previous books there was enough buildup of their influence in Camden and Katherine's relationship. I would understand if there were drama related to them at the beginning of the book but it was dragged through, at least until 65% I think, and in my opinion it was just over the top. The miscommunication served a purpose at first but it did get repetitive and annoying, I think there were many other aspects that could have been explored a bit more.
I still liked the ending because I loved these characters and of course I was rooting for Camden and Katherine. I loved the epilogue, it was so freaking perfect! Even though I didn't love The Breaking Season as much as I wanted to, I still enjoyed it. Can't wait to read Gavin and Whitley's story.

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.

Oh God, I'm in love with Court. That's it, that's all I can say. I love him, he's mine, back off Anna! He's hot, sexy, gorgeous, has a great heart aaaaand he's a book nerd aaaand he loves Harry Potter!!!!!!!!!!!! I. CAN'T. EVEN. BREATHE.

Loved Court, Loved English (yes, Anna) and loved their story. Couldn't put it down, read it in one sitting and can't wait for Katherine & Camden's story!

Coherent review coming soon.

UPDATED & COHERENT REVIEW

Recognition. He saw me. And for the first time... he was letting me see him, too. Not the Court Kensington he revealed to the public. The one that I'd read about. But the real person under that Upper East Side facade. The youth lacrosse coach, the book nerd, the gentleman.

These stories are important. I'm glad they're told here and that I read them.
I was expecting a nonfiction book but this was a mix between a memoir, nonfiction, and fiction. I think the author referred to it as “creative nonfiction”. I really enjoyed the “reporting” part, not so much the creative parts.
I'm leaving this one unrated.

I loved this so much!
Jack and Elena were so sweet together! Everything about them worked and I loved every second of it.

3.5 stars
I was expecting a cowboy romance but I got so much more in Southern Comfort. Casey and Olivia's story is packed with mystery and I wasn't expecting it. That was definitely my favorite part of this book: the mysterious plot.
Olivia is in a lot of trouble and because of that she's temporarily living in Casey's house, her best friend's brother. Casey is trying to protect her from the drama her ex fiancé dragged her into, when suddenly there's not only drama... Olivia is in real danger.
I was impressed by the fast pace and the suspense and that definitely won me over. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the relationship between Casey and Olivia. There was something missing in their relationship. Don't get me wrong, the steamy scenes were amazing and I was rooting for them. I just felt that with everything going on in the story, we didn't quite get to see the emotional connection between them. 
I loved Casey's family, how Olivia was figuring out Casey's many layers, the small town setting, their banter and the secondary characters. Southern Comfort is a fast paced, mystery packed with twists and turns, angsty slow burn romance that I enjoyed. I'm curious about what's going to happen next in Savannah and Beau's book.

This series is so much more than a cowboy romance series. You need to read the previous books before reading this one, because there's a lot of backstory that is revealed through the other books. I'm pleasantly surprised by how well the suspense is paced through Savannah and Beau's story, I was expecting to be more focused on the romance but the danger Savannah was in and who was behind it all kept me guessing and invested in the story too.

I was a little afraid to read this book because I've read the previous two books and I disliked Savannah. However, I love best friends to lovers romance, so I was also excited to read this book.

Beau and Savannah's story is a true best friends to lovers romance, it has all the elements (typical “I can't tell him/her because I'll lose his/her friendship” and “He/She doesn't see me in that way”) and I loved it!

Beau is an amazing character, he's the sweetest guy ever, protective, caring and sexy. He's going through a lot and all he can think about is how Savannah is feeling and thinking and he really goes out of his way to make her happy. He's so selfless that sometimes it bothered me because that was one of the main reasons he never told her his feelings. Savannah was tougher to like, I can't really say that I love her character but I did warm up to her, she had her reasons to make certain choices, her life wasn't easy and she definitely went through a lot (A LOT!). There were a few things that still annoyed me about her even after the book's ending (mainly connected to what went down between her, Kallie and Jacob, and to some secrets that should've been out in the open sooner).
Beau and Savannah were in love with each other forever, but they never confessed their feelings because they were too scared to lose their friendship. I really liked how their relationship developed into so much more through all the mysterious danger Savannah was in. There were a few comic moments and a few that made want to yell at both, but it was a beautifully written slow burn. I think the plot regarding the mystery was good, even though there was a moment or two that felt a little far-fetched, but I was still very curious about who was behind all of it and I was surprised when it all was unveiled.

Southern Storm is a sweet, slow burn, steamy, emotional best friends to lovers romance with a hint of a fake relationship trope and a lot of suspense, danger and a dash of mystery that kept me enthralled in Beau and Savannah's story. After that ending, I'm excited to read Ethan's story in the next book.

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 didn't love the first half of this book, Naomi was a very challenging character to like. It got better and the story did stay with me for a while after I finished the book, that made me up my rating to 3 stars.
Full review coming soon

This book... I didn't have much expectations when I started this and maybe that's why I'm rating it just as ok.
Honestly, I saw vampires plus academy and jumped on board, even though after seeing the cover I was definitely worried about the similarities with Twilight and that's the reason why my expectations where low. It is similar to Twilight in a lot of aspects: Grace moving to a different town; Jaxon worried about being a monster; their first encounter; the first time Grace's in danger; 2 love interests from different factions/groups. But I think Crave was actually a weird mix of various best selling YA books or vampire TV shows: Twilight was all over the story; the academy description gave me vibes of Hogwarts/Vampire Academy; the way the “factions” or groups behaved gave me a very tiny vibe of Divergent (but it might just be me seeing stuff after 592 paaaaages!); also The Vampire Diaries (Jaxon and his brother's story just felt a spin of Damon and Stefan's relationship) and Legacies was very entwined here too.
It just felt like the author took something from several of these books/shows/movies, changed it in some way and put it in the story. I get that books and TV shows/movies can and will influence an author but there were too many elements entangled here in my opinion.
It bothered me that the academy aspect of the story wasn't fleshed out at ALL. So much potential thrown away and the book has 592 pages... I mean... there was definitely opportunity to flesh it out!
Oh, and The Order (Jaxon's faction or group or whatever) had so much potential too but none of them are developed... Annoying.
The insta-love/obsession came out of nowhere and they were obsessed with each other in two days... So, yeah, exasperating is an understatement.
There was diversity in the characters but most of these characters were underdeveloped. Also, the ones who were a little more developed were villains or were siding with the villain side. This rubbed me the wrong way. Some of these characters might have a bigger role in the next book, but that possibility doesn't make this less shady.

What I liked:

- Other supernatural creatures, besides vampires, in the academy (very, very interesting and again so much potential);
- Grace's character at least until she started obsessing about Jaxon because then she just went downhill (so this didn't last long);
- Some characters like Grace's uncle, Flint, Macy, Jaxon;
- The gothic castle setting;
- Hilarious scene with a book, I think you can guess which one;
- The ending was very interesting.

I don't know if I'll read the next book. It might depend on my mood and I might check the reviews to see if it got better and if the diverse characters are finally developed and play a role in the story. Or I'll just forget about it entirely. It can go either way.

Books, Coffee & Passion

Every time I read one of Meghan's books I fall even more in love with her, she's one of my favorite romance authors for several reasons but her ability to write great, sexy, swoony anti heroes and smart, strong, independent heroines never ceases to amaze me and she always makes me come back for more.
Moses and Magnolia are absolutely fantastic and their connection is so intense, it kept me glued to their story. I've been waiting for Magnolia's story for 2 years, my expectations were the highest ever and I started to read Creole Kingpin as soon as it hit my Kindle. I didn't put it down once! Couldn't stop reading! A captivating and addictive story, full of suspense, secrets, drama and angst with strong personalities, a lot of chemistry, some very steamy moments and so many feelings. Also, the New Orleans setting is so real and seductive, I couldn't get enough of Mount and Keira, the main characters in the Mount Trilogy. You can read Creole Kingpin even if you haven't read the Mount Trilogy but I recommend that you read it anyway, before or after, because it's my favorite Meghan March's trilogy and it's freaking amazing.
Creole Kingpin is a riveting second chance romance that kept me enthralled from the very first word to that usual cliffhanger. Yes, Meghan March is the queen of cliffhangers and I'm obsessed with her cliffhangers.
Can't wait to read Madam Temptress, the conclusion to Moses and Magnolia's story!

Recursion is brilliant!
I was enthralled, couldn't stop listening to it and several hours after finishing the audiobook I'm still thinking about it. This was amazing!
I'll definitely read more Blake Crouch's books.

I love this series. It's not perfect at all, it has its flaws but I love this world so damn much!
The formula of this one is exactly the same of book 1 and 2. There were a few odd choices during this journey, specifically regarding Rand, but that ending... EPIC!

Books, Coffee & Passion

Falling For My Brother's Best Friend is the fourth book in The Baileys series and it's the first book I've read in this series, it can definitely be read as a standalone even though I'm regretting not reading the first three books because I've fallen in love with the Baileys siblings!
Savannah and Liam's story is VERY bumpy but also very funny! I don't know why but I was expecting a different story after reading the synopsis, I wasn't expecting an enemies to lovers story, sort of mixed with friends to lovers, and I was pleasantly surprised by it.
Liam is Savannah's younger brothers, Rome and Denver, best friend, he's 5 years younger than her and he has a huge crush on her since he was a teen. Thing is Savannah is unattainable and completely out of his league or so he thinks...
Savannah had to take on huge responsibilities when she was only 19, she never regretted it but somehow she lost herself in a sea of never ending calls and fires to put out, she's an amazing business woman, a great sister and yet she struggles with her fears and her own identity.
I loved the banter in this book, not just between Liam and Sav but also between the siblings. There were moments when Liam and Sav's behavior annoyed me, yet I still found most of their bickering funny. There were moments that got me a little worried because sometimes it almost felt like they were bringing the worst in each other, which turned out not to be the case thankfully. I laughed a lot with some scenes, especially every time Sav's grandmother showed up, but there was also a lot of emotion in the second part of this book. The Baileys siblings suffered a heavy loss when Sav was 19 and I really loved how the story between Liam and Savannah also showed us how that loss impacted their lives and changed their personalities. I also loved Liam and Sav's chemistry, even though at the beginning they were also behaving like small children, their chemistry was off the charts and there were so many feelings! Sav's tattoo story is one of my favorite moments, it's beautifully written and it's so emotional that I found myself hurting along with Savannah and Liam, in addition it's a perfect example of even though Sav wasn't ready for Liam at that time, she did trust him with something that meant so much to her and we got to see how he was so in sync with what Sav needed and wanted. I was completely engaged in this book and I wanted more from the epilogue which felt a little rushed. Anyway, it was a very enjoyable, emotional, witty book that had me captivated. I'll try to read more books in this series because I loved so many characters in this story, therefore I definitely recommend this book.

This was the most unique memoir I've ever read. Powerful. Heartbreaking.
I'm still speechless.
I'm sure I'm going to think about it a lot in the future.

Wow, The Lying Season was quite a ride. I don't even know how to begin.
Larkin is an amazing character, she's passionate about helping people she respects get elected and she's a deputy campaign manager trying to get Mayor Kensington reelected. She works like crazy even though her family is very wealthy and she could have chosen a different life, an easier life that her controlling family wanted her to be living but that couldn't be further from what she wants. She treats her friends like family and she's been burned before when it comes to love. Including by Sam. They had a relationship 5 years ago that didn't end well. So, Lark is blindsided when she learns that Sam is now an attorney and he has been hired to work in the legal department. Sam is blindsided too since he always thought Lark would be working for her parents in their multibilion-dollar company. Now, they have to see each other every day...
I loved Lark's gang! They are the funniest, most dysfunctional gang EVER but their friendship certainly shines through, I laughed a lot in the moments they were together and there were a LOT of intense moments. I really liked Lark and Sam together, there's a lot of chemistry there but also a lot of misunderstandings and not so perfect moments that weighted between them. There were a moment or two when I was actually thinking they weren't very good to each other in the past which made me doubt a little about that second chance, but K. A. Linde didn't need much time to change my mind. I definitely enjoyed their story however I do feel there were a lot of “upper east side type of people” mentions in a depreciative way, I kind of get where Lark was coming from but it still felt a bit much at times. Still, I'm addicted to this Upper East Side world and I really, really NEED to read English and Court's story (so, so, so intense together!) and I can't wait to get my hands on Katherine and Camden's story too! 

Dear Girls was funny! I laughed a lot while I was listening to it. It was crude but I was already expecting it to be. Anyone who has watched Ali Wong's stand up shows knows what to expect.
If you don't like Ali Wong's humor, you won't like this book.
I found it entertaining, funny, hilarious at times and very genuine. I loved her husband's chapter, it was so sweet!
Overall, I had a great time listening to it.

Skye was such an amazing character. I really enjoyed the K-Pop competition TV show, the body positive messages, the friendships and the cute romance.
Loved it!

Loved this book! Wow, Troy is something else... Wasn't expecting so much drama but it was kind of perfect. ❤️

Books, Coffee & Passion

Gallant started slow. This is the story of an orphan girl: Olivia. She's living in an orphan house, she can't speak and the only thing she cherishes is her mother's journal. She doesn't remember her mother and she has no friends. She's a lonely girl that sees ghouls. Unexpectedly, she receives a letter from her uncle summoning her to their family home: Gallant.

Despite the slow start, Olivia's journey after arriving in Gallant, and her parents' story, were beautiful. V. E. Schwab's writing set a creepy, atmospheric, gothic vibe that hooked me. The mystery about her family and Gallant, Olivia's need to belong, to have a family, and to be loved were beautifully incorporated into the gothic manor setting. The secondary characters that lived in Gallant were interesting too. The build-up took a while and the ending felt a little rushed. I think this could've been a little longer. The illustrations included in the book were stunning and added a fantastic layer to the story.

Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot.

I have mixed feelings about this one.

Full review coming soon

A little predictable... I was interested in the story but I just knew “who done it”, too soon.
The setting was really great, though.

Books, Coffee & Passion

The Ravens had a promising premise: a sorority that is a coven of witches; the two main characters are Scarlett Winters, a legacy Raven, and Vivi Deveraux, a freshman that is pledging in it. Scarlett's purpose is clear: she wants to be the sorority's next president following her mother and sister's footsteps. Vivi is excited to be in college and away from her mother. She's not interested in sororities and she's shocked when she gets an invitation to pledge in the very exclusive Kappa.

I was excited about this book. The premise sounded amazing but the execution had its flaws. Apart from Scarlett and Vivi, the other characters weren't very fleshed out. The characters' descriptions were also a little weird. The story is told from Scarlett and Vivi's point of view. Scarlett was my favorite POV, by far. She was a great character and the only one who had significant character growth in this story. I liked her. She had a backbone and a strong personality. Her POV kept me engaged. Even when she wasn't nice, that happened a lot in the beginning, she was still the star of this story.

Vivi was the “Not like other girls” perspective. I didn't care much for her. She was too naive, boring and I didn't enjoy being in her mind. Her relationship with her mom was the only thing interesting about her. Her mom was way more interesting than her. It didn't help that she became infatuated with another character very early on. It came out of nowhere. Literally, after a 2-minute random encounter and a few words exchanged, she was daydreaming about this boy. The boy in question, Mason, was also annoying so maybe they do make sense together.

I appreciated how Jackson, another character related to a girl that used to be a sorority sister, was intertwined in the story. I wish his character had been more developed. Some of the other girls seemed promising characters but the character development wasn't there. I liked Mei, even though we don't get much of her in the story. I think that adding her POV would have been more interesting. The magic system was very uncomplicated. I enjoyed it a lot. The story had its mysteries which kept me intrigued. Especially Scarlett's secret. I guessed the big reveal a little early, so I wasn't surprised in the end, apart from some minor details.

The Ravens was an enjoyable read. I enjoyed the sisterhood and how the girls supported each other. I liked Scarlett and was intrigued by where the story was going. Vivi was the major letdown in it and considering that half the book was her POV, it did lower my enjoyment of the story. All that said, I'm still interested in the second book. I'm hoping that after everything these girls went through, Vivi will be less insufferable in the next book.