Sable Thorpe
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Switched is a fun, cute story that weaves the whimsy of supernatural romance with a nerdy comedy. The novel is charming in its use of often funny technical diagrams, footnotes, and Star Trek references, bringing a relatability to the story that will resonate with fans of science and sci-fi alike.
The story follows Serena Otaki and Henry Joules, two physicists working at CERN with contrasting lifestyles (think chaos vs. order; coffee vs. tea) and outlooks on love, who are thrown together in a cosmic twist of fate. Serena, a Star Trek-loving American physicist, thrives in her independence. Henry is a serious, tea-loving Brit physicist who wants to find ‘The One' and settle down. Their worlds collide accelerated protons one fateful night at the local British pub.
Sarah Ready delves deep into the intricacies of understanding and accepting someone else's perspective, literally. When a bizarre electrical storm triggers their swap, they are thrust into each other's bodies. Their experiences force them to confront their preconceptions about love, life, and happiness from an entirely new vantage point.
The emotional and character development of both characters truly anchors the story. As Serena and Henry navigate their swapped lives, they embark on a journey of both self-discovery and mutual understanding. The inclusion of a spicy scene adds a touch of heat to their adventure, adding to the story's overarching themes of love and connection.
I didn't love the fourth wall breaking that occurred now and then, even though I must admit it was perfectly in keeping with Serena's character. Also, as a Brit who grew up in America, some of the tongue-in-cheek stereotypes of both countries were a little much at times, but never stopped me from enjoying the story.
Overall, Switched is a feel-good story that strikes the perfect balance between heartwarming romance and nerdy humour. It's a story about finding love in the most unexpected places, the magic of understanding another person truly, and the joy of discovering that what we think is a universal truth isn't necessarily universal after all.
This book is a must-read for those who enjoy a blend of romance, comedy, and a touch of the supernatural, all wrapped up in a narrative that's as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
I highly recommend this sweet, sci-fi read to anyone who loves rom-coms, slightly supernatural stories, or just wants to escape into a delightful world.
Let Sleeping Foxes Lie gets a 5-star rating from me, hands down my favourite in the Sleeping Foxes duology.
This second book expertly weaves together romance and mystery, creating an engaging story that hooks you from start to finish. Max's life in Welling is now full of love and unexpected obstacles, and watching him deal with personal struggles along with a thrilling murder mystery is just what I wanted after the first book.
The mystery adds interest to Max and Gentry's story without overpowering the heartwarming relationship. The characters are still well written, their interactions bringing both tension and humour. And the ending ties everything up nicely, leaving a lasting impact.
If you're into cosy mysteries or romance, this is a must-read for sure!
4/5 stars.
We Could Be Heroes” by PJ Ellis is a fun split timeline romance that jumps between two different timelines. The book follows the lives of Patrick and Will in present-day Birmingham, as well as Iris and Charles, comic creators in 1948 New York. The characters are all really well-written, from the shy but lovable Patrick to the outgoing and charming Will. The story mixes humour and deeper themes, touching on LGBTQ+ issues in a sensitive way that still keeps things light and interesting. My only complaint is that I wanted a bit more from the 1948 storyline and the side characters. Overall, “We Could Be Heroes” is a feel-good read that touches important issues with a lot of charm and cleverness.
As a casual beginner at Asian cooking, I am thrilled with this cookbook. I was impressed by the helpful list of tools and common ingredients, which makes it perfect for beginners.
Even if you are a more experienced cook of Asian cuisine, this book still offers plenty of great recipes and technique tips. The beautiful photography brings the recipes to life and makes me eager to start cooking. The layout is clean and easy to follow, making navigating the recipes a breeze.
I can't wait to try out all the delicious recipes in this cookbook, including the dessert recipes. Whether you're new to cooking or looking to improve your Asian culinary skills, this cookbook will be a valuable addition to your kitchen. I'm excited to start cooking up a storm with this wonderful resource!
Essential Crochet Starter Stitches is a wonderfully practical companion for crocheters of all skill levels. This compact guide showcases 100 beautifully photographed stitch patterns, each accompanied by clear written instructions and stitch diagrams. There were a lot of fan pattern especially that I haven't seen before, but will definitely try.
From basic solid stitches to elegant shells, openwork, and lace patterns, the book perfectly balances practicality and inspiration. The clear photography and stitch diagrams make new stitches approachable.
I would say that if you are brand new to crochet, this might not be the best place to start. This is more of a stitch dictionary, although it does have a lot of helpful basic stitch diagrams at the back of the book. In my opinion, many of the stitches, especially from the beginning section, would be perfect for making dishcloths or blankets to practice learning new stitches though!
Overall, this book is a lovely little reference to start you on your crochet journey.
Dark Eternity by Nimueh Virago is a beautifully written but sometimes challenging dark fantasy that weaves together the unique pairing of a butterfly goddess and mothman. The poetic, whimsical prose is undeniably gorgeous, with many quotable passages that showcase the author's talent for poetic description.
The premise is refreshingly original, and the magical elements - particularly the butterfly goddess Sorra and her dynamic with Rowe - offer something new to the fantasy genre.
However, while beautiful, the ethereal writing style can obscure rather than enhances the story. The plot can be difficult to follow, requiring frequent re-reading of passages to understand what's happening.
While the world-building and magical elements are detailed and intriguing, the narrative flow sometimes gets lost in ornate language. This book will likely appeal to readers who prioritise atmospheric, poetic prose over straightforward storytelling.
Those who enjoy untangling complex narratives and don't mind working a bit harder to follow the plot will find a gem here. However, readers who prefer more direct storytelling may struggle to stay engaged.
I recommend this novel for fans of lush, lyrical fantasy who don't mind sacrificing some initial clarity for beautiful prose.
“The Soulless King” is a dark paranormal romance that draws you in from the first page.
The story follows a PR expert and an enigmatic ancient vampire king working together, blending suspense, passion, and supernatural elements beautifully. With its slow-burn romance and spicy moments, the book strikes a wonderful balance of tension and release.
While some aspects of the plot might feel familiar, the overall narrative remains enchanting. Readers should be aware of the high spice level and read trigger warnings for violence, but most dark romance fans will be familiar and feel comfortable.
“The Soulless King” presents a unique and compelling beginning to a series that will leave fans of dark paranormal romance excited for more.
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley for my eARC copy for review.
Hot Girl Crochet is a fantastic guide for new crocheters.
The designs are beautiful, and the book inspires you to get creative with your colour choices. The instructions are easy to follow and focus more on techniques than just patterns, making it great for beginners. It includes a variety of projects, from items for your home to clothing.
I like that many of the clothing patterns are based on sizes of clothes you already have, but I wish there were more options for mid to plus sizes.
Overall, this book is sure to capture attention thanks to its fun title and lovely patterns.
Katie Young, a middle-aged woman who's been divorced three times, has moved to Occoquan and is in a new relationship with Deke, a local scientist. When Deke plans to work during the holiday season, Katie struggles with feeling left behind. Throughout the story, Katie relies on her female friends for emotional support. The book explores her personal growth, learning to be vulnerable and not self-sabotage her current relationship.
A gentle warning: Set in 2021, the narrative references to the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the characters' lives. It is mentioned more frequently than I believe most readers would enjoy, especially if it is a sensitive topic. Overall I enjoyed a lot about this book - more mature main characters, her friends, and honesty about navigating life after having your heart broken. It wasn't super Christmas-y, so if you're looking for something that is focused on Xmas, this might not be your favourite.
Maria Marquis does a great job narrating, with different voices for male characters and a good Southern drawl!
Thank you to Make Waves Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this audiobook for review.
5/5 Stars!“The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King” is an entertaining and sweet first book that's as funny as Bridget Jones, but appropriate for teens. Harry Trevaldwyn gives us Patrick “Patch” Simmons, a gay (and out) teenager navigating complicated friendships while looking for his first boyfriend.This book is full of queer teenage joy, offering a refreshing escape from typical coming-out narratives. The supporting cast is well-crafted, each bringing their quirks and humour to Patch's world. Trevaldwyn's writing is clever, with great lines like “Patrick, it's only bloody cake!” that show (or remind one) what it's like to be a teenager. There is a wonderful twist on the classic big romantic gesture that I absolutely adored. You really can't help but root for him and his dramatic ways.Patch's journey is full of laugh-out-loud moments. Whether he's chatting too much with a favourite teacher, plotting with friends, or being a bit too full of himself, he's always entertaining. His big personality and confidence make him fun to follow, even when he's being over-the-top (which is always). This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys a good laugh, a cute romance, and characters who aren't afraid to be themselves. It's bound to be a hit, and I can't wait to see what he writes next!Thank you to Macmillan Children's Books First Ink & NetGalley for an eARC copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Sarah Chislon's prequel novella introduces you to Jessa Caldwell, a heroine dealing with a tricky world full of fae drama and societal rules. Set in a gaslamp fantasy world, this story mixes mystery, magic, and some real-life issues.
Jessa's battle with her secret fae side adds tension, and her drive to protect her aunt while finding the truth keeps the story moving. Chislon creates a compelling seting that blends mystery, magical realism, and character growth. Some people might find the style of the prose a little fragmented or slow, but it doesn't strongly affect my opinion.
With its rich world and complex heroine, “Whispers in the Waters” is the start of an exciting fantasy series that I want to continue reading.