I want to start this review off by praising the author for including a recap of the first book, Mistress of Lies, in the beginning of Lord of Ruin! AsI want to start this review off by praising the author for including a recap of the first book, Mistress of Lies, in the beginning of Lord of Ruin! As someone who reads over 200 books as year, thank you!!! It helped me remember a few points I would've been piecing together mid-read, so I greatly appreciate it. I liked Lord of Ruin a lot! The first book was a little slow at times, but I didn't see that issue at all with this one. The plot was very action heavy and I always love an addition of vampires - especially various forms that differ across cultures. Lord of Ruin was also waaaayyy sexier than I expected and I was absolutely here for it. I want Shan, Isaac, and Samuel to all live together happily, but alas, they all have to suck in their own ways and take a journey through some traumatic character development before we get there. At times, I found myself frustrated with how forgiving and naive Samuel was, especially when it came to how Shan acted and treated him. I believe Shan needs to face a true reckoning before she's redeemed in my eyes, so I hope to see more self reflection and growth from her in the next book. However, at the same time I adored how understanding Samuel was when it came to Isaac and Shan. I think he is definitely the missing piece in their throuple dynamic and I have some (possible) delusions that there will be a happy ending eventually.
Thank you to Orbit, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Rebekah is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, especially when it comes to sapphic romance! She does such a wonderful job creating anRebekah is quickly becoming one of my favorite romance authors, especially when it comes to sapphic romance! She does such a wonderful job creating and building characters I find myself identifying with and feeling seen. Cadence felt like a love letter to all the awkward, introverted girls who grew up not exactly fitting in but eventually finding where they can exist without a filter or mask. The dynamic between Sydney and Cadence was adorable and really brought on the warm, fuzzy feelings watching two opposites work perfectly for each other. They were each exactly what the other needed and I adored witnessing their relationship develop over a silly, shenanigan filled weekend sprinkled with parental trauma on top. I can't wait to see more from this author, she's definitely an auto-buy for me now!
Thank you to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Listen, whenever I read the blurb of The Good Boy, I just KNEW it was going to be absolutely hilarious, and I wasn't wrong! I rarely laugh out loud atListen, whenever I read the blurb of The Good Boy, I just KNEW it was going to be absolutely hilarious, and I wasn't wrong! I rarely laugh out loud at full force when reading a book, but I did multiple times throughout Rory's shenanigans. He's literally a golden retriever goofball and I would die for him!!! I enjoyed the slow reveal of Genie's past trauma, as it felt like we, as the reader, earned her trust over the time spent reading this book. The Goody Boy is very Ashley Poston coded, but is definitely it's own unique premise and plot that I had such a fun time reading. My only complaint is in regard's to Genie's hesitance to confess to Miles. It felt very obvious to the reader that he had long standing feelings and Genie's reasoning behind not acting on anything didn't really pass the sniff test. It felt frustrating most of the time, but I did like how things played out in the end.
Thank you to Avon and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I can't believe we're three books into the Guardians of Dawn series! I've thoroughly enjoyed the friendships between the main girls and the nostalgic I can't believe we're three books into the Guardians of Dawn series! I've thoroughly enjoyed the friendships between the main girls and the nostalgic Sailor Moon vibes - we're only missing a magical girl transformation (kidding but not). I didn't expect Yuli to end with a cliffhanger, but I'm definitely invested in this series so I'll absolutely read the next book. I think S. Jae-Jones's writing has improved with each book she's released, so I want to commend her for continuing to advance her craft. I really liked that this book was more action heavy than the previous ones, but the romance just never hit for me. I would argue that there really isn't a romance at all for Yuli and the romantic interests of the other guardians were gone most of the book. Another thing I want to point out is the overwhelming number of POVs. The book is written in third person, but the POV bounces between four characters and since it's third person, the narrating voice between the characters doesn't differ, so it was too much for me. I still had a fun time learning more about Yuli and the developing story, so I can't wait to see who the next guardian is!
Thank you to Wednesday Books, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
The Book of Lost Hours was everything I loved in The Ministry of Time mixed with The Library Trilogy with a splash of unique story telling and an intrThe Book of Lost Hours was everything I loved in The Ministry of Time mixed with The Library Trilogy with a splash of unique story telling and an intriguing plot. I loved the nonlinear storytelling that gives the reader breadcrumbs as we learn more about Moira, Amelia, and Ernest so as the big reveals happen, the audience is starting to connect the dots. I loved this story so much! I was enthralled the entire time and almost couldn't put it down. This is a must read for essentially anyone with eyes (or ears) to read with! I don't think I'm going to stop thinking about The Book of Lost Hours for a long time. You can ask my husband, I rambled extensively about it when I finished. The book isn't even out yet and I'm texting friends and family, telling them to buy this ASAP. I can't wait to gush more about this book on social media so please take my word for it, you're going to LOVE The Book of Lost Hours!
Thank you to Atria, NetGalley, and the author for allowing this early copy to be used for Camp NetGalley 2025!...more
House of the Beast will be one of my top reads of 2025, easily. I don't think I'll ever get over the pining, rage, and tragedy I experienced in the eyHouse of the Beast will be one of my top reads of 2025, easily. I don't think I'll ever get over the pining, rage, and tragedy I experienced in the eyes of Alma and Aster. Alma's character was so complex and her driving force mixed with her lingering trauma and loneliness has catapulted her to one of my top favorite characters of all time. As far as Aster goes, you really start to understand his motivations towards the end, and not only was it devastating, but, honestly, I get it. Aster's story is heartbreaking and that's what makes a morally grey character like him so easy to identify with. Now that I've blabbed about how much the characters mean to me, I want to expand on the world building and writing of this book. The vibes?? Absolutely immaculate. House of the Beast is violent and gory, yet beautiful and gothic at the same time. I was fascinated with the world and lore the author has created and I haven't stopped thinking about it since. I could read this book again immediately after finishing (and crying), I cannot wait to pick it back up again. It's a special kind of story that sticks with you like this, and I'm so honored I got to experience Alma and Aster's story.
Thank you to Avon and HarperVoyager, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early and finished copy!...more
You Between the Lines was so cute! I really enjoyed reading Leigh's struggle with anxiety, self confidence, and people pleasing. Her mental health jouYou Between the Lines was so cute! I really enjoyed reading Leigh's struggle with anxiety, self confidence, and people pleasing. Her mental health journey felt very close to home and I loved watching her overcome and adjust her thinking with therapy. Will is such a simp and I love it!! Imagine being so down bad you embrace the lit bro image and apply to MFA programs to fit a narrative/description you think your long time crush wants (when really the whole time, she's been just as down bad). Once they work through both of their obvious trauma and struggle with insecurity, I think their relationship was precious. I was rooting for them from the beginning and I loved the ending! The only reason I didn't rate it five stars is because I'm not really a poem girlie, so I couldn't necessarily connect to Leigh and Will in that sense - but that is definitely a me issue, nothing to do with You Between the Lines. Overall, I think more people should pick this up and meet Will and Leigh while watching them grow and fall in love.
Thank you to Forever Publishing, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early and finished copy!...more
Do you enjoy having all the gossip? Are you always down for a yap session and discussing the tea even if you don't even know the people involved? Do yDo you enjoy having all the gossip? Are you always down for a yap session and discussing the tea even if you don't even know the people involved? Do you love angst that hurts your chest and a plot that stays on your mind 24/7 while you theorize what's next or how it will end? If you answered yes to any of these - pick up The Favorites immediately!! For a book that didn't have the absolute perfect ending (in my opinion) that I wished for, this was easily five stars based on the author's ability to take up space in my entire brain the days I was reading this. The emotional turmoil was DELICIOUS!!! I seriously loved how many things I felt while reading Katarina's POV and the unraveling of her career and relationship with Heath. Seriously, 10/10 on the angst scale. Basically everyone is incredibly MESSY and I freaking loved it. I wish there was one minor change regarding the ending but believe it's realistic and the appropriate conclusion for our characters. If you haven't read The Favorites yet, what's stopping you??
Thank you to Random House, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I'm going to be honest, I don't really completely understand what the heck was going on during most of this book. Were Jesse and Alice mentally ill, hI'm going to be honest, I don't really completely understand what the heck was going on during most of this book. Were Jesse and Alice mentally ill, hallucinating, and/or actually experiencing absolutely bonker things?? Even after finishing I have no clue. Did I still have a decent time reading Red Rabbit Ghost? Yes! I think there's just enough to keep the reader invested and entertained that I finished this book pretty quickly. I don't read a ton of horror, but believe this is a speculative horror with a fever dream seasoning and deeply flawed characters that represent real life people well. If the blurb catches your attention, you should definitely pick this up!
Thank you to Run For It and Orbit for sending me an early copy!...more
I was so happy to be back in Galway!! I loved Moridbly Yours, so I was absolutely looking forward to Cielo and Aidan's story. The second chance romancI was so happy to be back in Galway!! I loved Moridbly Yours, so I was absolutely looking forward to Cielo and Aidan's story. The second chance romance was the perfect amount of angst and I adored seeing Callum and Lark's wedding. I think Heart Strings is very good, the heat between Cielo and Aidan was very present and had me blushing consistently. I still think Morbidly Yours is the best of the two in this interconnected series, but there is definitely an abundance of things to love about this book. Cielo's struggle regarding her past cancer diagnosis and fear of remission was realistic and something so many people have in the back of their minds, so thank you to Ivy for doing her research regarding the subject. I can't wait to read Saiorse's story next!!!
Thank you to Putnam's, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
DNF around 30%. I think the premise is super unique and definitely piqued my interest. Unfortunately, it the execution ended up not necessarily being DNF around 30%. I think the premise is super unique and definitely piqued my interest. Unfortunately, it the execution ended up not necessarily being my cup of tea. I think there is definitely an audience out there for this and the author had very strong bones for this story. If Mistress of Bones sounds like something you'd enjoy or you also find the story to have potential, definitely give it a try!
Thank you to St. Martin's Press, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy....more
This series is so much fun! I've really enjoyed the slow burn, wholesome romance and the actual plot regarding Morgana's missing grandfather and her uThis series is so much fun! I've really enjoyed the slow burn, wholesome romance and the actual plot regarding Morgana's missing grandfather and her unruly magic is starting to pick up. Oz is definitely the best character, he's such a soft bean and his character development is a delight. More mysteries have been introduced and the stakes seem to be getting higher. Lastly, can we also get more cat form Oz?? He's just too cute!!I think the third volume is easily my favorite so far and I can't wait to see where the story goes!
Thank you to Webtoon, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
CHLOE LIESE!!! So far, this author can do no wrong in my eyes! Every book I've read by her has been such a touching, beautiful story with fleshed out CHLOE LIESE!!! So far, this author can do no wrong in my eyes! Every book I've read by her has been such a touching, beautiful story with fleshed out characters I find myself identifying with. I absolutely adored the relationship and character development between Juliet and Will - seriously they're both complete wholesome beans with hearts of gold! The slow burn was just the perfect amount and the tension was artfully executed. I loved that we didn't get a third act breakup, as I find them to be more frustrating that a worthwhile addition to the story. I have zero notes, Once Smitten, Twice Shy was perfect!
Thank you to Berkley Romance, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Relationship Goals was such a cute sports romance! I really enjoyed Abigail as a character and I could relate to her so much. I’ve always felt a littlRelationship Goals was such a cute sports romance! I really enjoyed Abigail as a character and I could relate to her so much. I’ve always felt a little strange/weird in social settings, so seeing a character have similar, silly quirks made me feel seen. Luke Wolfe is a soft bean and I kind of love that about him, especially since he uses his gruff nature as a way to protect himself. I loved Luke and Abigail together as a couple and their dynamic was so much fun and they had very intense chemistry. I found the third act break up a little silly, especially since Abigail had every reason to be upset. I did appreciate that both Luke and Abigail recognized they had hurt each other in different ways and both apologized. Their relationship is very healthy and I always want more depiction of those in romance novels! Overall, I think this would be a good choice for any romance reader out there.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
ELLIE PALMER!!!!! You're the absolute queen of emotional romance with a dash of angst and a big ole helping of beautiful Minnesota. This was such a deELLIE PALMER!!!!! You're the absolute queen of emotional romance with a dash of angst and a big ole helping of beautiful Minnesota. This was such a delight! I loved following Charley and Ethan's story. The childhood friends to long distance friends to strangers to friends again to lovers was fantastic. Ethan is such a good bean who absolutely deserves the world and I love him to pieces! I really enjoyed Charley as a character and her trauma felt accurately depicted and true to real life. I would love for a book focusing on Charley's sister, as I'm so curious about her story and romance!!! Please Ellie!! I'll give you my first born!! If you haven't read Anywhere With You or Four Weekends and a Funeral, what are you waiting for?? Preorder this one immediately!!
Thank you to Putnam, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
Ava Reid is so talented at weaving a dreamy, gothic world with creepy vibes and tragic characters. Her prose is very lyrical and flowery so reading A Ava Reid is so talented at weaving a dreamy, gothic world with creepy vibes and tragic characters. Her prose is very lyrical and flowery so reading A Theory of Dreaming is definitely an experience. I feel like the focus is so heavy on the writing style that the plot falls a bit flat for me here, but I'm also not the biggest fan of Reid's writing styles sometimes, especially when she leans so heavily into it. I overall enjoyed the events of this book and loved that it mostly focused on Preston's POV and his experiences this time. I've enjoyed Reid's other works much more, but I think this series just isn't for me. Essentially, I had a pleasant enough time with A Theory of Dreaming, but I never really breached the threshold into true enjoyment/escapism - which is 1000% a me problem. I think if you enjoyed A Study in Drowning or find yourself reaching for fever-dream fantasies with dark themes, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to HarperCollins, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more
I went into Save Me completely blind and didn't really know what to expect. The characters were younger than I would've liked but Ruby was realisticalI went into Save Me completely blind and didn't really know what to expect. The characters were younger than I would've liked but Ruby was realistically written as a 17-year old girl with big dreams. James and his friends didn't feel entirely age appropriate, however it's been a long time since I was 18, so what do I know?? James as a character wasn't ever likable to me and the development of his relationship with Ruby was more told rather than shown. I don't think the author did a good job moving them from enemies to mutual pining, they both just woke up one day and had feelings for each other with no transition period. There was just enough happening plot wise that kept me interested but the writing was very stilted and cringey, as if the translation wasn't well done. I'll probably read the next book out of pure curiosity, as I'm wondering how James will redeem himself (if that's even possible). Overall, this is definitely a book to read if you don't want anything more than surface level.
Thank you to Berkley Romance and the author for sending me an early copy....more
WHEN I TELL YOU ALL THIS WAS A WILD RIDE, I MEAN IT!!! The ending absolutely floored me and had me gasping, covering my mouth in shock, and hanging myWHEN I TELL YOU ALL THIS WAS A WILD RIDE, I MEAN IT!!! The ending absolutely floored me and had me gasping, covering my mouth in shock, and hanging my head in my hands with the twists, reveals, and unexpected deaths. Silvercloak absolutely blew my expectations out of the water and I need at least 3 business days to recover. I haven't had such a visceral reaction to a plot twist since A Forbidden Alchemy, and I didn't think I'd experience it again so soon. This is definitely a must read for any fantasy fans out there!! I also want to bring up the literal perfection of Saffron and Levan's dynamic. I adored getting to know Levan over the course of the book and their chemistry was off the charts. I cannot wait for the next book, especially with that insane ending. I'm going to be frothing at the mouth!!
Thank you to Del Rey, NetGalley, and the author for sending me an early copy!...more