I’m honestly at a loss for words in the best way possible - Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross completely swept me away. This story, set years before DiviI’m honestly at a loss for words in the best way possible - Wild Reverence by Rebecca Ross completely swept me away. This story, set years before Divine Rivals, feels like the mythic origin tale you never knew you needed. It's a luminous, aching love story woven into a celestial, brutal world of gods, war, and fate and I adored every second of it.
Matilda, the youngest goddess of her under realm, is utterly captivating. Her magic may seem humble, she carries words and messages, but her heart, her resilience, and the secrets she carries are anything but small. And Vincent, a mortal lord, irreverent and rough-edged, who once dreamed of a goddess on the darkest night of his life. Their love story is soft and slow, but burns with a quiet intensity. It’s one of those rare romances that feels cosmic, not just beautiful, but fated.
Rebecca Ross’s prose is, as always, exquisite, lush, lyrical, and alive with emotion. The world-building is absolutely stunning: divines born of stars, power measured in constellations, and magic that feels like it was plucked from the heart of a myth. I was enchanted by this celestial system, and even more so by the emotional depth it carried.
What makes Wild Reverence so powerful is how it embodies the divine and the human: the cruelty of gods, the tenderness of love, and the courage it takes to choose vulnerability in a world built on fear. There were lines that made me pause, reread, and feel my heart crack open. I definitely teared up more than once.
The subtle ties to Divine Rivals only deepened my love for this book. It's such a rich, resonant addition to the universe, epic and intimate all at once.
If you love stories that feel like they’ve been whispered down through time, that blend myth and magic with raw, human emotion, this is the book for you. Rebecca Ross has given us something divine.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Saturday Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
While I usually enjoy a fast-paced romance, this book didn’t completely click for me. I liked the premise, a driven English cheerleader thrown into thWhile I usually enjoy a fast-paced romance, this book didn’t completely click for me. I liked the premise, a driven English cheerleader thrown into the whirlwind of American high school football life, but I found myself struggling to connect with the characters early on. It felt like I’d missed some important introductions or context that would have helped ground me in Ella and Hudson’s world.
That said, I did really like both Ella and Hudson as individual characters. Their drive, competitiveness, and vulnerability made them compelling, and I loved watching them push each other to grow. Their chemistry was strong, even though I’m not the biggest fan of the “friends with benefits” trope, I could still appreciate the tension and connection between them. They had some genuinely sweet moments.
However, the book was very dialogue-heavy, and I felt like a lot of it could’ve been trimmed down. Some conversations didn’t add much to the story and at times it felt like I was reading the same lines or thoughts repeated across multiple chapters. A bit more editing would’ve really helped the pacing.
There were also some scenes where the dialogue or interactions didn’t quite feel natural, it pulled me out of the story. And while the ending aimed for drama, it didn’t land emotionally for me. It felt a little too forced and not entirely earned.
Still, Game On had fun, flirty moments and a good amount of spice, and the sports/cheer backdrop was enjoyable. It just didn’t fully deliver on the emotional depth I was hoping for. A solid, entertaining read, but not a standout for me.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and St. Martin's Griffin for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I devoured this book! It's the perfect blend of psychological suspense, locked-room mystery, and slow-burn emotional unraveling. I was hooked from pagI devoured this book! It's the perfect blend of psychological suspense, locked-room mystery, and slow-burn emotional unraveling. I was hooked from page one and couldn’t stop turning the pages once the secrets started pouring out.
Told through a seamless dual timeline, this story brilliantly ties together past and present with multiple layered mysteries. I was constantly questioning who to trust and just when I thought I had it all figured out, Mark Edwards threw in another jaw-dropping twist that left me reeling. The whole psychopath angle was sooo well done. Creepy, fascinating, and completely unexpected.
The characters are vivid and so well-developed. I loved the exploration of friendship, love, betrayal, and buried secrets. And the setting of a charming Notting Hill home surrounded by two mysterious buildings adds an eerie sense of isolation that just amplifies the tension. The pacing builds slowly but deliberately, and when it hits that final quarter, you just cannot look away.
I’m a huge fan of the locked-room mystery trope, and this book hit every single note. High stakes, emotional complexity, and a truly satisfying conclusion.
If you love twisty thrillers that leave you breathless and second-guessing everything The Wasp Trap is for you. I couldn’t recommend it more!
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Atria Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I was on the edge of my seat for most of this story. Lisa Gardner knows how to build tension, and this book was no exception. I couldn’t believe how tI was on the edge of my seat for most of this story. Lisa Gardner knows how to build tension, and this book was no exception. I couldn’t believe how the plot twisted and unraveled—it kept me guessing the entire time, and that ending was really intense.
Frankie Elkin is such a compelling character. She's smart, relentless, and emotionally layered in a way that makes her feel so real. I loved watching her navigate a deeply complex and dangerous case with empathy and grit. Her connection to the people she helps really stood out here, especially with Zahra, the Ahmadis’ daughter.
The story itself was incredibly timely and emotionally charged. Sabera’s disappearance, the family’s hidden past, and the sense that danger was always just around the corner made this feel much more than your typical thriller. There’s also a deep emotional thread about motherhood, sacrifice, and survival that hit me hard.
The only reason I’m giving it four instead of five stars is that some parts of the investigation felt a bit too neatly resolved or required a little suspension of disbelief. But honestly, that didn’t take much away from my overall enjoyment.
If you're looking for a thriller with high stakes, emotional depth, and a strong female lead, this is a great one to pick up.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I was really excited going into this book. The premise had everything I usually love: old friends, a long-lost connection, and a second chance sparkedI was really excited going into this book. The premise had everything I usually love: old friends, a long-lost connection, and a second chance sparked by a hilarious mistake. The idea of someone listening to their long-lost love narrate monster romance audiobooks? Honestly, that setup alone sold me.
And there were definitely things I appreciated. I loved that the main characters were in their mid-thirties and living real, established lives. Karl running a bakery and Molly narrating monster romances felt fresh and specific, and I appreciated the representation of full-figured characters written with such body positivity. Their individual arcs, especially the emotional baggage they were both carrying, felt authentic, even if a little heavy at times.
That said, the middle of the book lost me. After the fun and engaging setup, the story just… stalled. The miscommunications between Karl and Molly, while believable at first, started to feel repetitive and dragged the plot down. I kept waiting for the momentum to pick up again, but it never really did.
Still, the ending was easily my favorite part. It wrapped up the story so beautifully and gave me that full-circle feeling I was hoping for. All the emotional threads came together in a really satisfying way.
In the end, this was a solid read, but not a standout for me. I appreciated the heart behind it, even if the execution didn’t fully click.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
There’s definitely a solid premise here, a determined reporter digging into a suspicious death tied to city hall corruption has all the makings of a gThere’s definitely a solid premise here, a determined reporter digging into a suspicious death tied to city hall corruption has all the makings of a gripping mystery. And I enjoyed the idea of Jolene trying to balance her passion for meaningful journalism with the pressure from her station to chase clickbait stories. There were moments where the stakes felt real, and it was entertaining to see her pursue leads while dealing with a frustrating boss and juggling day-to-day reporting.
But overall, this one didn’t quite deliver for me. There were just too many characters introduced throughout the story, and I found it difficult to keep track of who was who. It diluted the emotional impact and made it hard to stay fully engaged. The characters themselves, including Jolene, lacked the kind of depth that would have helped me connect with them.
Pacing was another major issue - things moved so slowly. At the halfway mark, Jolene had barely uncovered anything new, and I found myself wishing the plot would pick up. On top of that, I struggled to really like Jolene. She came across as whiny, arrogant at times, and too quick to delegate her responsibilities. It wasn't until the last few chapters that she started to show a more human, vulnerable side, which felt a bit too late to really change my impression of her.
The ending also felt a bit rushed, with pieces coming together in a way that seemed more convenient than earned.
All that said, the foundation is strong, and I appreciate what the book was trying to do. It just didn’t quite land for me in the end.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Minotaur Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I was really looking forward to this conclusion to the Blood and Tea duology. I loved being back with the crew from A Tempest of Tea, and the found faI was really looking forward to this conclusion to the Blood and Tea duology. I loved being back with the crew from A Tempest of Tea, and the found family dynamic was one of my favorite parts of the book. The world-building remained rich and immersive, and the fast-paced action in this sequel was a definite change from the slower burn of book one. Jin in particular stood out to me, he felt like the most grounded and consistent character across both books, and I found myself always looking forward to his scenes.
However, despite these strengths, I struggled with some aspects of the story. The romantic tension between Arthie and Matteo, which started off strong, became repetitive to the point of distraction. Arthie, who had been such a fierce and sharp presence in the first book, often felt dulled here, making decisions that didn’t always feel true to the character I’d grown attached to, especially when it came to her relationship with Matteo.
The final act delivered in terms of action, but the build-up didn’t feel as solid as it needed to be. Things wrapped up too neatly and too fast for the emotional and narrative weight the story had been carrying. I found myself wishing the resolution had more impact.
I enjoyed revisiting this world and these characters, but this book didn’t quite stick the landing for me. It had some memorable moments and solid emotional beats, but they were occasionally buried under uneven pacing and a romance that overshadowed Arthie’s arc.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Farrar, Straus and Giroux for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I had so much fun with this book! It’s quirky, heartfelt, and delightfully self-aware. While the plot had its predictable moments, the charm of the stI had so much fun with this book! It’s quirky, heartfelt, and delightfully self-aware. While the plot had its predictable moments, the charm of the story and the strength of the characters more than made up for it.
Brennan is such a lovable, vulnerable narrator, and I really appreciated how his struggles with mental health were woven into the story in a respectful and thoughtful way without making the book overly heavy. His “vampire puberty” arc had me smiling, and his dynamic with Cole was completely adorable. I couldn’t get enough of the slow-burn, respectful, and healthy romance between them. It was full of sweet moments, great communication, and just the right amount of awkward charm.
The found family element warmed my heart. I loved how each side character had their own distinct personality, making the “good” vampire clan feel real and layered. The blend of journal entries and text messages added a fun, modern touch to the storytelling, and yes—those Twilight references were perfection.
This book strikes a lovely balance between humor, heart, and fantasy. It’s easy to read, easy to love, and I’ll definitely be recommending it to anyone who wants a fresh, emotionally honest, and entertaining paranormal rom-com.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Wednesday Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
What a satisfying conclusion to this duology! Tempest’s Queen absolutely delivers, and in many ways, it surpassed the first book for me. It builds beaWhat a satisfying conclusion to this duology! Tempest’s Queen absolutely delivers, and in many ways, it surpassed the first book for me. It builds beautifully on everything I was craving more of - more world-building, more mythology, more political complexity - and delivers with fast-paced storytelling that kept me completely immersed.
Teia’s arc in this book is incredibly rewarding. She grows into a version of herself that is stronger, more self-aware, and willing to face the consequences of the choices she made in book one. Watching her wrestle with loyalty, betrayal, and leadership made for a compelling journey. I especially loved how layered the relationships became in this installment—messy, tense, and full of consequences. It felt earned.
Wang’s writing is wonderfully fluid and accessible. It’s sharp, vivid, and flows in a way that makes the dense world of Shaylan feel real without ever being overwhelming. The new characters were a great addition, and seeing familiar faces again, especially under these new circumstances, was a real highlight.
The added political intrigue and the mythology expansion really elevated the stakes this time around. Everything felt bigger, darker, and more urgent, yet Wang kept the emotional core of the story intact. I also appreciated the faster pacing compared to book one, it made it hard to put down.
If you’re looking for a high fantasy series with a strong female lead who will quite literally burn it all down to protect what she believes in, this duology is one to check out. A great finale, and a strong finish from a very talented author.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Violetear for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This book had an intriguing premise, and I was hopeful going in - it’s got all the elements of a compelling mystery: a missing sister, a decades-old cThis book had an intriguing premise, and I was hopeful going in - it’s got all the elements of a compelling mystery: a missing sister, a decades-old case, a return to a small hometown, and a mysterious diary. But while I did enjoy parts of it, the overall execution left me a bit underwhelmed.
The pacing is slow, like really slow. There’s a lot of introspection and very little in the way of active investigation. The main character, Claire, spends most of the book asking a few surface-level questions and reading an old diary. While the diary entries do provide important backstory, they’re often abrupt and disrupt the flow of the narrative. It felt like I was constantly waiting for something to actually happen.
There are some well-done moments, Willingham plants a few subtle clues that come together nicely at the end, and the atmospheric setting of Galloway Farm is vivid. But there are also plot holes that didn’t quite make sense, and certain characters barely introduced early on suddenly become central to the conclusion. It made the resolution feel a little too neat and convenient, rather than satisfying.
Also, I’m not sure this fits the thriller label, it’s more of a slow-burn mystery with minor suspense. There was nothing that made me feel like I had to keep reading just one more chapter. And honestly the romantic subplot didn’t add much and felt unnecessary.
This book has its moments, but it didn’t quite deliver the gripping, twisty story I was hoping for. Worth a read if you’re in the mood for a gentle mystery, but not something I’d rush to recommend.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Minotaur Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
This book was pure magic! B.K. Borison has once again created masterpiece and this time, she’s added ghosts, time travel, and generational healing intThis book was pure magic! B.K. Borison has once again created masterpiece and this time, she’s added ghosts, time travel, and generational healing into the mix, and somehow made it all work. I honestly didn’t expect to fall as hard as I did for this paranormal holiday romance, but Good Spirits exceeded every expectation I had.
Nolan and Harriet absolutely stole my heart. I adored them both separately, but together? They are everything. Harriet is so painfully relatable, the kind of woman who bends herself into knots trying to make everyone else happy, even if it means disappearing a little in the process. And Nolan? Swooniest. Ghost. Ever. Somehow charming, funny, gentle, and vulnerable all at once, he’s the kind of fictional man who makes your heart ache in the best way.
This book is so much more than just a cute holiday romance . It’s deeply moving, funny, heartfelt, even gut-wrenching at times. There’s a scene where Harriet’s confronting parts of her past and realizing the cost of making herself small just to fit in, and I swear, I wanted to climb into the pages and give her the biggest hug. The emotional journey she takes was handled with so much tenderness and insight. I felt stripped bare and rebuilt right alongside her.
The time travel element added a fascinating and emotional layer to the story, and I loved how it was used to explore personal growth, forgiveness, and connection across generations. Plus, the tension between Nolan and Harriet was incredible - spicy, tender, and so full of longing that I found myself slowing down to savor every word.
Borison has somehow crafted a story that’s whimsical, romantic, hilarious, a little bit sad, and filled with hope. It’s a holiday story with actual emotional weight, and I loved every second of it.
If you’re looking for a romance that will make you laugh, cry, swoon, and believe in love that transcends time and space - Good Spirits is it.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I flew through 25 Alive in one sitting - once I started, I honestly couldn’t stop. James Patterson’s signature short chapters and fast pacing made thiI flew through 25 Alive in one sitting - once I started, I honestly couldn’t stop. James Patterson’s signature short chapters and fast pacing made this such an addictive read. Each chapter felt like a mini cliffhanger, which made it ridiculously hard to put down.
This one kicks off with a major gut punch: Lindsay Boxer is called to a crime scene, only to find the victim is her former partner and mentor, Warren Jacobi. That moment hit hard. I’ve followed this series for a while, so I felt that loss right alongside her. From there, it turns into a gripping, twisty hunt for a killer who's been leaving the eerie message which alone was enough to keep me up reading way too late.
One thing I really appreciated was how easy it was to keep track of all the different threads. There are multiple storylines going on, but it never felt overwhelming or messy. The pacing was tight, the twists were smart, and the red herrings actually fooled me (which I always love).
My only real complaint is that there were hints of something bigger going on with Lindsay personally, something that could’ve added a really rich layer to the story, but it never quite got there. The case took the spotlight, and I get why, but I was hoping for a bit more emotional depth from her side of things.
That said, Lindsay continues to be one of my favorite fictional detectives. She’s smart, strong, and easy to root for, and I always enjoy seeing the Women’s Murder Club dynamic in action. If you’re into fast-paced crime thrillers with a great cast of recurring characters, 25 Alive won’t disappoint.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more
I really appreciated all the elements of Korean culture woven into this book; the setting, the food, the traditions, even the casual Korean phrases. TI really appreciated all the elements of Korean culture woven into this book; the setting, the food, the traditions, even the casual Korean phrases. Those aspects added a unique and immersive layer to the story. Unfortunately, the rest of the book just didn’t land for me.
The pacing felt off, too slow in the middle, then suddenly rushed toward the end, leaving important plot threads feeling underdeveloped or brushed over. The premise had so much potential, but I struggled with the execution.
The main characters, Lydia, Jenny, and Selene, are in their mid-twenties, but their dialogue and behavior often felt oddly immature and forced. Their romantic interactions in particular were difficult to connect with because they didn’t come across as emotionally grounded or believable. I found all three girls to be frustratingly self-absorbed in a way that made them hard to root for, and their decisions didn’t always make sense within the context of their age or supposed life experience.
Some moments were genuinely cringey to read, and the dialogue didn’t flow naturally. It felt like it was trying too hard to be clever or meaningful but often missed the mark. There were also pacing inconsistencies: some storylines moved too fast to feel earned, while others dragged with little payoff.
This had all the elements for something magical, Korea as a backdrop, a dreamy magical realism twist, and a story of female friendship, but unfortunately, it just didn’t come together in a satisfying way for me.
My copy of this book was provided by NetGalley and Tiny Reparations Books for review purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own....more