Daniella

I really wanted to like this story more. It was the ‘how' it ended that blew it for me. Sapphic fantasy romance with princesses and spies? Sign me up. I do understand why others wrote how there was a lack of spice between the two MC's. Honestly, I devoured the first 85% of the book. I forgave the lack of more, intimacy because this is a YA novel, and that perhaps the story bent more towards politics than it being a traditional romance. Which is fine. I was weaned on lesbian subtext, and there definitely was subtext in the first chunk of the story [if you blink, you'll miss it]- but after the climax of the story when things truly started to fall apart, it felt...even more sterile. The ending read more like a captain's log of daily events- and really wasn't satisfying. I finished the book a little annoyed. It bothers me when I invest my time to read something where most of it is really good, only for the last 10% of the story falling flat and is a completely different experience from how it started.

The premise of Some Desperate Glory intrigued me, and I had hoped it would live up to the hype. The story felt like it fit the YA genre with how it dealt with issues (way to simplistic/basic). And if it was actually marketed for YA, then I would have less issues with how the author dealt with race/gender/fascism. That alone turned me off. There's a seen later on in the story where I had a wtf moment, ‘did she really just do/ask that?' So. I feel like folks in different age groups and maturity will definitely comprehend this story a bit differently. This just had too many cringe moments for me.

What I did enjoy the world building and space odyssey feel. I liked the actual plot of the story, but there was just too much in the questionable actions of the MC and how the author handled it.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

2.5 stars

4.5

This one has definitely won it's way into my must read again pile. I loved this story, so much. I had to force myself to slow down/put it down so I could make the experience last longer.
For Her Consideration isn't your run of the mill Hollywood lezfic. There's more depth, and the writing itself – pulls you in immediately. We've all been heartbroken before, but what if the person that dumps you put all these horrible ideas in your head (an itemized list) of how you're an awful person, and that if your friends don't see it now, they eventually will. Nina catastrophize her life because of a breakup, and thought herself a ticking timebomb because of this. She removed herself from everything and everyone she cared about to move to the burbs. I had to laugh at this because my family mostly lives in LA, until some have started to migrate to Santa Clarita- (though we are all Midwesterners). The google says that there is still a TGI Fridays in Santa Clarita, and you best believe I will be making a visit. So many dates were had there in my youth, and I thought it sweet that Nina and Ari had their first Santa Clarita date at a Fridays. For those of you that live in LA, you're in for a treat with all the references that only the locals will know (and not just the touristy spots).

This story just left me happy.

You don't have to have everything figured out, but you can still get the girl.

Even with Nina having an inner downward spiral believing that her happiness with Ari is doomed, their story and relationship is a beautiful one, and their chemistry fills every page that they are together.

I do wish we had Ari's POV, but alas, I am greedy.

I am one of those people of whom as a baby gay, had to figure things out with zero representation in the media, and looked for lesbian subtext in every television show and movie with any whiff of sapphic love (Xena!), of which I still do since it's so engrained in me. So, a story like this – one that acknowledges that there definitely was a time that being out and proud in Hollywood wasn't a thing, nor blatantly gay characters in film. This story brought a sense of relief to me, and serves as an ode to all the Ari's out there. Also, to those that have given up on their own happiness – this story reminds us that with allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and letting those that care about you most in – you don't have to be alone, and that there IS a way forward.

Minor spoilers ahead


It was nice that the make-up scene wasn't extra broody. That people can F up, acknowledge that they f'd up, and that it's dumb that they broke up in the first place - allowing these two people to see each other from across the room, and just know that it's all going to be okay.

The only reason I didn't give 5 starts for this story is because it was extremely frustrating that it took so long (years, and with Nina disappearing a second time), for Nina's chosen family to say hell no to her disappearing again, and for Bianca to tell her exactly how it made her feel (and to call bullshit). One of the themes of For Her Consideration is Chosen Family, so if this group of awesome people are her ride or dies, then where were they? Giving her space to grieve a relationship is one thing, but to never try and track her down in all those years, and running into Phoebe is just happenstance? I don't buy it. BUT – they eventually did talk it out (fine), and Nina told them everything, which for me was very important.

I loved this story. The main characters, Nina's friends, Steve the Cat, Max the squirrely assistant. Every character had a role to fill to help this story become what it is.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

What a neat little story. An old school mystery (Sherlock and Agatha feels), with a chance of rekindling an old flame – and oh – it takes place on Jupiter! Literally, out of this world (Sorry for the dad jokes).

Here, you have the two main characters serving as the reincarnation of Holmes and Watson as Mossa and Pleiti — two, very socially awkward women. The (second chance) romance itself is soft and subtle. I found it rather sweet. Most of their communication happens without a single word being said, but rather based on actions and how well they know each other. This story made me think about how our reactions and responses to things change as we grow older, and how because of that, so will how you view actions within relationships. What once may have been dealbreaker before, you might actually have a better understanding for now.

The main focus of the story is the captivating mystery. There's a lot of running around and bouncing ideas off of each other. Truly fascinating world building in such a short time frame. You can knock this story out in an afternoon curled up on the couch with a pot of tea beside you. Ideas of Earth is still lingering in the background, and of what we left behind, but pointing towards the future and what we can create for ourselves.

I hope to meet Mossa and Pleiti again.

4.5

Thank you to NetGalley and Tor for sharing this ARC with me in exchange for an honest review.

I must admit, it took me a VERY long time to read this book. Not for lack of interest, but rather, the contrary. From its very first words, I knew this masterpiece deserved my full attention. That it wasn't going to be a feel good, happily ever after puff piece adventure to read starting an hour or two before shuteye- which I admit, since 2020, has been my easy go-to.

No. This story, is a brew some tea (or cozy beverage of choice), get comfy under some blankets, drag your cat to purr next to/on you, set the mood with a playlist, light a candle or two, hot-date with yourself, me-time kind of story. And with my work schedule, alas, being able to carve that kind of time for myself was few and far between. But when I was able to, it was worth it.

If you are a consumer of high fantasy, women badassery, dragons, magic, lore – this is for you. I grew up on tales of fantasy, and honestly, I don't think I've ever read a tale quite like this. Sure, there has always been strong women in the fray, but they always seemed to be secondary characters. This, on the contrary – has women at the forefront. Be it in the main characters, and the lore and history of the origins of the tale itself. I wish stories like this existed when I was growing up. Oh and yeah, women loving women made me feel a little more seen, so that was a bonus. [gosh and a beautiful tale of love- that was NOT the main story, but fit in perfectly/made sense to the storytelling].

For the first time, in a very long time – after I finished this story, I felt a little empty. Like my friends are gone, and what do I do now? After the final scene between two of the main characters, I clutched the tome to my heart and walked out to find my wife to even try and explain the feelings I had no words for. Also, during the final fight scene, apparently, I was being a bit vocal with the events that were happening on the page. Shannon just has a way of making everything feel so feel. Her writing is magic. She takes you on the grand adventure to a land far, far, away, and it doesn't even feel like it's a strange place. It feels like home.

A home I can't wait to return to when A Day of Fallen Night is released in a couple months.

Also, as a librarian, Shannon's acknowledgement about the importance of libraries means so much. As gatekeepers of knowledge, I can only hope author's like Shannon continue to use these sacred sanctuaries to find what they need to help create their masterpieces for the rest of us to enjoy.