Daniella

I've read the whole Witches of Thistle Grove series, and I have to say Rise and Divine is definitely in my top two. I've loved this series so much, so it was bittersweet that this was the story to say goodbye to Thistle Grove. One thing I will say about the romance, is that it was so nice to see that it was a given – like even with the heated past and everything going on, you could truly feel their bond. There are enough angsty stories out there, so it was nice that yes, there was romance, but it fed beautifully into the story/plot overall (that the focus wasn't them, but the them was very much a key to saving everything). I hope Lana Harper gives us something just as magical in the future.

I've had the Blacktongue Thief in my TBR list for ages, but just haven't found the reason to jump in (I admit, my mental capacity for non-fluff as of late has been non-existent, unless it's dark Warhammer novels). However, I read the description of The Daughters' War, saw that it was an introduction into the world, and obviously, the girlpower at the helm of the story drew me in immediately. It's been a long time where I've found a story where I had to force myself to put down so I can leave some bits for later- but then here comes the Daughters' War and I'm pulled into a whole new world. This story had me feeling so many different emotions. There was beauty. Darkness. Horror. Light. Beautifully written. A great entry into the series, and I do hope we haven't seen the last of Galva and her Queen.

Priory of the Orange Tree is one of my favourite stories which opened me up to the world of Samantha Shannon. I saw that her Bone Season was popular, and that the tenth anniversary edition was being released, so I thought when better to dive into a new (to me) series?

The story is beautifully written. The character development has you connecting and feeling every single one. I don't really care for master/lover tropes... but this was done, differently- allowing me to not get angry and losing interest in the story itself. The world building is brilliant. I am eager to continue further into the rest of the series.

This was a brilliant read that left me nodding and mmmhmming frequently. If you like history, and if you like being given the tools to apply history to everything that is happening in politics today, this is for you. I'm a lover of footnotes and research, and Richardson has a way of making sense of a puzzle so the rest of us can see the bigger picture. I've shared this with other friends and family who have wanted to understand the why in things — and I've always been one to try and express that you have to see and understand what happened before. Richardson has a way of explaining things in a way that even the non-legal/historian scholar will understand.

When I saw that J.S. Dewes had another story coming out, I became super excited. I love scifi/fantasy/military – but I'm especially a sucker when there's a female protagonist since it's something that just didn't really exist when I was growing up. I devoured the first two books in the Divide series and had hoped Rubicon would be something to hold me over until book #3 came out. I think it did/is doing the job!

Adrienne is a force to reckon with. She never stops leaning forward in the straps. She got the short end of the stick on many, many things- but she still puts her best foot forward. It was fun seeing her adapt to her Rubicon, and even more interesting to see how her Rubicon started showing its personality. Adrienne is a badass. Plain and simple. And somewhere along the way, even after all her deaths, she was given a chance with the 505 to start feeling again, and you find yourself cheering for her.

Her squadron are a hoot with very distinct personalities. I found myself caring for them more than I thought I would for a group of side characters. Oh sweet Kato,may he forever find a random place to sleep. But when they all die [not a spoiler, the whole point of the book is about rezoning live/dying/reboot/repeat] I was really sad and couldn't believe it until a second later when I remembered they all were going to reboot into another body. Big sigh of relief.

Needless to say I'm greedy and want more of this.

3.5 stars

This story is about allowing yourself to let go and allowing yourself to be vulnerable, and also about allowing yourself the space to heal. Both MCs have prior trauma in their lives (very different trauma, but still things that have effected their lives and how they live today).

I don't really feel the real connection with the main characters until the second half of the story. There just wasn't any real chemistry. The story is in the point of view of both MCs, but I felt there being a lack of real individual voice. The writing felt choppy at times, but that really didn't take away from the story. The story itself was amusing (the pugs were everything). There are topics that are definitely not discussed in any other lezfic that I have read, and I have read a lot. I appreciate fresh ideas and topics in these sort of stories.

If you are looking for a light read, with actual adult communication (I do appreciate that there weren't any overblown misunderstandings that could have been resolved with a simple conversation). While I had issues with the writing style, it's still a warm story and am glad to have read it.

Thanks to Netgalley & Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for this ARC.

I have an Audible+ membership for my commute to work. I discovered early on that there wasn't a lot that interested me when it came to their ‘freebies,' or things included in the membership.

BUT. I saw that Layne Fargo was involved with this story, and I already love her as an author, so I knew this would be good.

This is a campy 1980s mobster story with heart, if that makes any sense. A plane crashes that forces four very different (but badass in their own right) women, to work together, and eventually really start to trust each other. They have to fix the mess their departed spouses left them with, which includes finding missing money (4 million), wolves, and toxic torts.
It was beautiful to watch (listen), and I was all in for the ride.

I had fun with this, and it made me actually look forward to my commute.

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.

If you like rom-comy stories, this is for you. I just couldn't really connect with the characters. Arthur started off as annoying, and as the story went on, he only became a little less annoying. I usually like knights and Arthurian tales, but there just wasn't enough growth/development. There wasn't much in the ways of creating the world around the characters, it was rather vague [I'm a sucker for detail and world building]. The story wasn't balanced, and I wished I could have enjoyed it more. If you like coming of age stories, you will enjoy this.

I was excited to re-enter the world of Thistle Grove (Payback's a Witch is still my absolute favourite of the series thus far) – and was excited to get into Delilah's head. The story itself (especially the ending) felt a bit rushed. You could guess the big reveal very early on into the story. The romance itself felt a bit forced. There were a lot of not so wise decisions, and insta-sapphic coupling (I suppose that's what we do), leaving me with a bunch of questions. If the romance was left out completely, I would have given it another star. I did love seeing Delilah opening up and her family coming together. Honestly, her conversations with her uncle and cuz are what kept me reading. If you've read the other books in the series, you should read this too. Not my favourite, though I know I will keep returning to Thistle Grove as long as the opportunity presents itself.

I had so many feelings reading this book. Dahlia Lithwick invoked a million different feelings, and so many memories – of what it took for me to become a law librarian. Not only that, but to help me remember my roots on why I became a law librarian- one that has devoted their life to public service.

Dahlia has broken down the stories of some bad a$$ women in the law who have taken a stand in the name of justice. She breaks down the law, along with their stories so any non-lawyer can understand and appreciate. But for those working in the law, I would guarantee that while reading this, there was a lot of nodding of the head, and loud commentary disrupting the slumber of the cats keeping the reader company.

For those that have fatigue from what has happened in the USA in recent memory- be it within the courts, justice system, or the halls of Congress, this story will grant you the second wind you didn't know you needed.

Fly with Me is a light and joyful read that dealt well with some heavy topics.
Sure, it wasn't exactly a slow burn, but the main character still had a lot to fight for and work towards to finally be on the same page. I started reading this on a long day of plane travel, which I thought fitting, and continued to read during my vacation. I did like that the story wasn't a wam bam boom the end allowing for growth between the characters.

This is a wonderful story, and I definitely will be looking for what's to come from the author.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Monica McCallan is one of those authors that I drop everything and read their latest for. So I was very excited to get a copy of A Life Worth Living. I thought this was a fun story. The obvious trope here is the melting of the ice queen that falls for the girl that gets along with everyone. I honestly don't think that Nora really is an ice queen, but rather just had her shields up to keep everyone at arm's length (she had good reasons). And that's probably why I liked this story so much – that she made the choice to not keep holding up this façade about herself (so, to me anyway, it wasn't a real personality makeover, but rather, just allowing for others to see her true self). I loved her, and how when she makes a decision, she executes and is all in– even when it's about herself living openly and true to herself.

The trip to Bermuda was sweet. Pulling Gray and Nora together setting up a foundation, and really allowing themselves to see the other person bit by bit. I think that one of my favorite things about this story is that there was no real pulling teeth with the MCs exposing themselves to each other. Be it the dark, or of storms. Or of them acknowledging their attraction to each other versus tiptoeing around it because they work together and it's ‘such a bad idea.' This definitely was a breath of fresh air. Sure, Gray had a freak out or two (and with her backstory, it wasn't surprising)— but when she asked for mea culpa, it wasn't an instant ‘it'll never happen again' – but really an acknowledgment that she f'd up, that Nora deserves better from her, and would earn her trust instead of an instant HEA. I love that Nora doesn't take Gray's sht. Sure she obviously feels for Gray, but knows what she needs in a partner and a lover. Gray's pushing Nora away anytime there was conflict got a bit annoying, but being someone that used to do that, having someone see through the sht and making you want to open yourself up more and trust- well, that's life changing. Nora allowed Gray room to breathe, but didn't forget about herself and her needs. It's funny how I imagined Nora would be the one retreating. I think this is the first time in a long while, I didn't make correct predictions about a storyline, which is something because a lot of lezfics definitely follow a formula.

The secondary characters were great and didn't take away from the story. I love how much of a mother figure Nora's boss is to her, and how Callie and the crew embrace Nora (even if hesitant at first). I hope to never experience someone warming up fish at work. And I do wish that Nora had hunted a certain someone down and punched them in the face for starting/promulgating a rumor about Gray, but I suppose things got resolved the proper way. Let's be honest, Nora can throw down, and I think she definitely would for those she loves.

Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Merged review:

Monica McCallan is one of those authors that I drop everything and read their latest for. So I was very excited to get a copy of A Life Worth Living. I thought this was a fun story. The obvious trope here is the melting of the ice queen that falls for the girl that gets along with everyone. I honestly don't think that Nora really is an ice queen, but rather just had her shields up to keep everyone at arm's length (she had good reasons). And that's probably why I liked this story so much – that she made the choice to not keep holding up this façade about herself (so, to me anyway, it wasn't a real personality makeover, but rather, just allowing for others to see her true self). I loved her, and how when she makes a decision, she executes and is all in– even when it's about herself living openly and true to herself.

The trip to Bermuda was sweet. Pulling Gray and Nora together setting up a foundation, and really allowing themselves to see the other person bit by bit. I think that one of my favorite things about this story is that there was no real pulling teeth with the MCs exposing themselves to each other. Be it the dark, or of storms. Or of them acknowledging their attraction to each other versus tiptoeing around it because they work together and it's ‘such a bad idea.' This definitely was a breath of fresh air. Sure, Gray had a freak out or two (and with her backstory, it wasn't surprising)— but when she asked for mea culpa, it wasn't an instant ‘it'll never happen again' – but really an acknowledgment that she f'd up, that Nora deserves better from her, and would earn her trust instead of an instant HEA. I love that Nora doesn't take Gray's sht. Sure she obviously feels for Gray, but knows what she needs in a partner and a lover. Gray's pushing Nora away anytime there was conflict got a bit annoying, but being someone that used to do that, having someone see through the sht and making you want to open yourself up more and trust- well, that's life changing. Nora allowed Gray room to breathe, but didn't forget about herself and her needs. It's funny how I imagined Nora would be the one retreating. I think this is the first time in a long while, I didn't make correct predictions about a storyline, which is something because a lot of lezfics definitely follow a formula.

The secondary characters were great and didn't take away from the story. I love how much of a mother figure Nora's boss is to her, and how Callie and the crew embrace Nora (even if hesitant at first). I hope to never experience someone warming up fish at work. And I do wish that Nora had hunted a certain someone down and punched them in the face for starting/promulgating a rumor about Gray, but I suppose things got resolved the proper way. Let's be honest, Nora can throw down, and I think she definitely would for those she loves.

Free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars

This was a fun read with serious trust/just talk to each other woes that made it a bit less fun, story.

I usually don't like reading in first-person (especially since it makes it difficult to truly know what the other MCs are thinking/motivations). But, from the start, this read like a narrated Netflix RomCom which pulled me in immediately. There were some laugh out loud moments (the bathroom scene especially), but the lies just got to be a little much, and that these relationships (between Lizzie/Cara/James), are simply put, unhealthy.

I've read many, many lezfics- and I have to say, I haven't read one with a gym aspect. I do appreciate a fresh idea!

This story will resonate with folks that don't have good relationships with their parents, and how that effects their everyday relationships with friends and lovers. There were a couple moments that I really could relate to (yes there were...emotions felt), making it easier to understand why the MCs acted the way they did (as annoying as it became at times). I can appreciate that even though this is set up as a romcom, it shows the full mess of humans, and that it's not just a snap of the fingers to feel safe to let yourself be loved, and to love others.

You could truly feel the connection between Lizzie and Cara. And even though everything began as a hot mess, I'm glad they all, eventually, realized how messed up everything was, and although a bit of a rushed ending, did take steps to own up to their mistakes.

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

I have been on a bada$$ lady pirate kick as of late. This story did not disappoint. What a life. We get to tag along and see how Shek Yeung fights for control in her life. Yay, women not being taken seriously- a timeless story. Other reviewers compare this story to The Poppy Wars series, I admit, I DNF'd with those, I just couldn't get into the narration and writing. This, to me anyway, is beautifully written and kept me engaged, even with a few slower moving parts. I love strong women, I love reading about strong women taking life by the horns, and strong women at sea? Yes please.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands is yet another charming story from Heather Fawcett. I will always be a sucker for Emily's footnotes. But, the story itself is cozy. Fawcett's prose is beautiful, and you won't find anything written in this style anywhere else. Emily is a bad ass scientist learning about the fae and curious about anything and everything that she can learn about. Me, identifying as a grump myself, saw it rather cute to see lighter characters being her out of her comfort zone. I look forward to more in the series.

As a librarian, of course I had to read this. A fun thriller that I read on vacation. A little slow in the beginning, but definitely worth pushing through. The story kept my attention with the protagonists just being nuts. I laughed a lot even though it's a dark tale. But us librarians tend to be a little odd to begin with ;)

3.5 stars

This book read like a Greek tragedy. It was all just so very depressing and sucked the life out of me. I kept pushing on because I needed to hope something positive would happen. I saw all the hype on Instagram (for anyone that says it's sexy, hypnotic, complex, an obsession- it's not)- etc., and I just don't get it. The writing itself was very surface level. These are a trio of sad women, but you don't get much more depth. I was excited to have a lesbian main character... but the portrayal of lesbians in this story follows the trend of us just being miserable and cold. So that turned me off. My instant thoughts when getting to know the characters a bit more was, ‘this again?”

The story was short, so I'm glad I didn't waste too much time. But it was a good reminder that the hype and description of a novel can be wayyyyyy off.

2.5 stars.

As a librarian, I may be a little biased. The Little Wartime Library reminds us of how timeless a library is, wherever its setting. How a library is more than a place that just lends books to a community, but also serves as a safe space. A place where you can escape to, and still see the world.

Thompson transports you back to 1945 wartime Britain, and it's obvious that she has done her homework. The characters are likeable enough, but I think I enjoyed learning about everything happening around them instead of the MCs themselves. I think that's because there wasn't much depth to them. Even though a wartime story, this was a light read.

Thanks to Netgalley & Forever for this ARC.

If your like fairy tales on the darker side, this is for you. The story is a bit twisted, in a good way, and brought me back to movies I watched as a child in the ‘80s (we were witness to a lot of weird films!). The writing is beautiful, and I know I'm going to have to re-read it because it was a bit of a whirlwind and I wasn't prepared for the ending.

I received an advance review copy of Old Soul from the publisher through NetGalley.

Well. Leak did it again. Somehow she has made me feel every single emotion possible, leaving me with dread, and hope all at the same time. I really don't know what to say. I stumbled onto the first novel, only to binge read it into the second, completely falling in love with Jenny and Kathryn, and how different they are to each other, yet are just so good together, if they let themselves be.

I love historical fiction, or at least for a loose setting. Don't expect this story to go deep into war/Nazi details. Just accept that it's going on. I learned from the last installment to not expect the author to really allow for Jenny and Kathryn to have any real happiness- because a war is going on and a LOT is happening. And Kathryn, the soldier that she is, can't let go of her duties. In Shadow of Truth, you really get to see what's going on in Kathryn's head. The focus is more on her, and even though I wished that there was more time spent with her and Jenny, together, I see why Leak wrote it this way, as much as it hurt. Gosh, it hurt, to watch Kathryn go through everything she does, and how she rationalizes her actions, and what she needs to do to protect Jenny. I do think that some things are unforgivable regardless of intentions, and I don't know how they will survive what Kathryn has done (she does A LOT), because you best believe there will be a book 4. But here I am, with hope – because of course Jenny understands, or will understand, because she's the only person in the whole world that understands Kathryn and her actions, even more than Smitty.

The last quarter of the novel was to say bluntly, depressing. It was really hard to swallow everything that Katheryn did. Sure you can say it has to do with survivor's guilt, or that she's following the mission. You basically witness Kathryn hit rock bottom. I may not agree with all of her actions, and am not pleased with the current company she keeps at the end of the novel– but I see a Jenny turning into a one woman platoon going to fight to get her woman back. That's me hoping anyway- because regardless of all the ugly there was in this novel- Leak has written both characters in such a way (including ALL their flaws (yes you, Kathryn) that you can still see the light within them and hold on to hope. Don't let this romantic down!

An ARC was given to me for this honest review.

I tend to be a sucker for pirate tales with strong lasses at the helm. The story itself is a bit repetitive, but I found it quite the adventure. The protagonist took care of business, and is very efficient about keeping the story moving. I love pirate stories as a general rule, but it's always special when you unexpectedly find yourself immersed in a story that builds its world around diverse cast of characters on all fronts.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

3.5 stars

I was excited to read this, and promptly dove in... but I was bored. I didn't feel chemistry between the main characters (to me, it felt more sisterly... and of course they had to become step-sisters). Without chemistry, it made it difficult to figure out what I was reading (and the tone of each character doesn't really change – there's nothing uniquely theirs). And the plot, just didn't go anywhere. I think my biggest issue with the story is that it was meant to be a period piece... but it didn't read as one. Go in without any expectations, and you'll probably enjoy it more than me!

Oh how I've waited for this one to be released. I absolutely adore The Divide series, and Dewes does not disappoint with this latest installment. I mean, the book begins with a dedication to Garrus Vakarian – that should explain it all. I began reading the story with my heart full because of it.

Of course you should have read the first two books for things to make sense. The author gives us so so much, so yeah, you should have already been along for the ride to be able to make even more connections. I love an intergallactic space odyssey, but I also do enjoy the politics behind it – which there is more of in this entry.

These characters means something to me. I really, really hope there is more to come.

5

This read wasn't an easy one, and I know I'm in the minority here. Usually with most things by Georgia Beers, I binge read it in a night. This one, I struggled to get through. It's an okay story, I just didn't feel a real spark between the main characters. We are introduced to Frankie, and she's the grinch of the camp. It baffles me how she can be upset that someone is going to stay at her camp. She's an employee OF the camp, not it's owner! I think that's where it started to go awry for me. There was no need to be such a grump. But - the second Frankie learns that Cassidy was a foster kid that had stayed at the camp way back when, that means instant love, and the melting of Frankie the Glacier and instant love. Everyone deals with grief differently, but I just don't buy that these two finding each other like this, finding immediate comfort through loss without really knowing each other at all, is the foundations of everlasting love. Perhaps in stereotypical lesbian fashion, uhaul/I love yous now, figure things out later—which is fine, if I actually felt real chemistry between these two.

A bigger issue for me was how subtle the reference to Cassidy being black. If you blink, you miss it. At first I was happy for some diversity. But then after thinking about it, it felt like you really had to look for the clues that she really is black, and it's not my brain inferring something wrong. I am a Latina woman, and I love seeing increased diversity in the kinds of stories I like to read, but this just left me a little unsettled in how it was done.

I liked the dog in the story, the dog's dad, and the neighbor kid. The scenes with them definitely made things more interesting. I liked Cassidy right away (at least with how she dealt with Frankie's crankiness), but Frankie never really grew on me.

This isn't my favorite Beers story, but I'll still be checking out whatever else she publishes, because more often than not, I do really enjoy her stories.