Destiny (howling libraries)

So sweet. We didn't get to see the tension build up as much between the two characters since they had known each other for a while before the story began, but that also gave it a sense of believability that I didn't mind at all. I LOVED the bits about Peyton's disability and how it affected her, especially how Joshua treated her - being unafraid to touch her stump, not treating her as a fragile thing, understanding her fears without pitying or trying to coddle her.

✨ Representation: FMC with an amputated arm

✨ Content warnings: trauma, brief mentions of shark attacks, anxiety/panic attacks, PTSD, explicit sex

I love Bree Paulsen's books so darn much, and this was just as precious and wonderful as I hoped it would be. It's definitely heavier than Bree's Garlic books, given that our sibling main characters have one deceased parent and one terminally ill parent and they are living in the aftermath of a terrible war. That said, the love that shines through this family of characters is truly something special. It's a tense read at times, but it's worth the ride. I'm forever in awe of Bree Paulsen's stories and can't wait to read whatever they release next!

I read a final copy borrowed from the library, but for the sake of disclosure, I was also gifted an early review copy. All thoughts are honest and my own.

✨ Representation: BIPOC and/or queer characters, transmasc side character, implied ace/aro character

✨ Content warnings: death of a parent, terminal illness, grief, war, violence

He’d dragged me out of the gray world I’d been living in and taught me how to see colors again.

Look, I didn't know what to expect going into this book because honestly, it felt like there was a really good chance it wasn't going to live up to the hype for me. I didn't even think I liked stalker romances that much! I guess Aly and Josh weren't the only ones learning new things about themselves here. 🤷‍♀️

Lights Out is literally one of the funniest, most delightful books I have ever read. There were times where I was listening to the audiobook after my family went to bed and literally was sitting there in the dark with TEARS streaming down my face from how hard I was trying to stifle my laughter, and I honestly don't know if that has ever happened to me with a rom-com. 10/10, no notes. I can't wait for book 2.

I read a final copy borrowed from the library, but for the sake of disclosure, I was also gifted an early review copy. All thoughts are honest and my own.

✨ Content warnings: graphic sex, BDSM, kinks, stalking, voyeurism, violence, murder, discussions of rape/assault, home invasion, spying, hacking, death of a parent, grief, mentions of serial killers, mentions of cannibalism, vomit, medical content/settings

"I'm someone who hurt you and I'm despairingly in love with you and I canna bear to be both those things at once."

I loved this book so much. Lochlann has such a special place in my heart! His rage and anguish over the way his holiday was being treated, both from within and by outsiders, had me so deeply in my feelings. Don't even get me started on how hard he fell for our little anxiety baby Kris. 😭

Kris, on the other hand, frustrated me in the beginning, but then I realized that it was because his lashing out and depression hit TOO close to home. Once I set that aside, I loved him almost as much as I loved Coal in book 1. 🥺

Sara Raasch, PLEASE give us a 3rd book from Iris' POV! I need it! 😭♥️

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy! All thoughts are honest and my own.

✨ Representation: bi/pan MC, queer love interest, queer side characters

✨ Content warnings: emotional/verbal abuse from parents, neglectful parents, alcohol, loss of parents, grief, explicit sex, anxiety/panic attacks

A cute, sweet, fun time. Heavy on the insta-love, but I've reached a point in my life where I don't mind it so much in fluffy romance novellas.