I've known Kelsea on IG for a while now and I was beyond thrilled to see her getting published with Bloombury, especially seeing the topics of her shoI've known Kelsea on IG for a while now and I was beyond thrilled to see her getting published with Bloombury, especially seeing the topics of her short stories.
I loved Marina and this core group of characters. All four of them are smart and loyal and a great example of found family. There are a lot of characters here and they all serve a purpose.
Plot wise, it was fast paced and a slow unfolding all at the same time. The past and present chapters helped bring the backstory while the "game" provided the present mystery. I loved having so many twists that just when I thought I had it figured out, something shifted.
Overall, it was an intriguing story that kept me captivated from the start. I can't wait to see what Kelsea does next.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved Tess and Justin. They're both in an interestingly new situation and can use the other to get out of it. I loved readWell, this was fantastic.
I loved Tess and Justin. They're both in an interestingly new situation and can use the other to get out of it. I loved reading their banter and chemistry. Hands down, the best scenes were of Tess with her friends and partners. The three of them together was delightful.
Plot wise, it was good. I would have liked a bit more conversation, but the way the story unfolded really worked. It's low angst, low tension, and really a lot of fun.
Overall, this is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what Ellie and Daisy get for their stories.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
Well, this is the last of the RLS books that I need to read and NGL, I’m a little sad that I don’t have any others.
I loved Barrett and Miles. They’reWell, this is the last of the RLS books that I need to read and NGL, I’m a little sad that I don’t have any others.
I loved Barrett and Miles. They’re both so different and so alike and it was loads of fun reading them transition from acquaintances to friends to more more more. I loved how Miles made Barrett come at things in a different way and how Barrett made Miles let loose. Together they had so many fun adventures. There are a few other characters here, but the story is firmly about B & M.
Plot wise, it was interesting. I loved the way they worked through staying in the library for research to flying to adopting a pack of dogs. It was fun reading how they were going to decide to change things up for every same day that they were in. Of course, I nearly screamed at the last few chapters and easily could have done with an epilogue, but I’m probably just being greedy.
Overall, this was a fun take on time loops and it was way too easy to get invested in these two. I can’t wait to read whatever RLS puts out next.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I've enjoyed all of Jen's other books, so I was so excited to see what she was going to do with a ghosty book.
I really liked Cassie and Nick. They'reI've enjoyed all of Jen's other books, so I was so excited to see what she was going to do with a ghosty book.
I really liked Cassie and Nick. They're both such good people who are alone and working through a feeling of loneliness. Together they find a friendship and it slowly morphs into more and I loved reading the organic shift.
Plot wise, it's good. It is sort of a slow meandering, but it gives a good amount of time to set up the story and the background on the town, which I appreciated. There are a good amount of town characters and I'm excited to see who else gets a story.
Overall, it's a great set up and I can't wait for more.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
Well, I came into this story because I had read a lot of Jesse’s other book and was eager to see what she would do in the thriller genre. Sadly, this Well, I came into this story because I had read a lot of Jesse’s other book and was eager to see what she would do in the thriller genre. Sadly, this was not for me.
Jane is sort of a dull character who thinks she’s a sociopath. Her entire POV (and life really) is stuck in a semester in Oxford where she meets Thalia. As Thalia is tempered through Jane’s perspective, she comes across as other worldly and the Best Thing Ever. I just couldn’t see these two actually becoming friends or even acquaintances. There are a few other characters, but they are not really important.
Plot wise, it was not the tension filled set up I was expecting. Instead it was a mish-mash of Jane wondering if she was attracted to Thalia or just obsessed. And when we do get Thalia’s POV, it didn’t sound too differently from Jane’s (aside from the “i’m so amazing” narrative she has.) The story has a slow meandering towards the reveal behind the reason they meet up again and it was just as lackluster as the rest of the story.
Overall, the epilogue was by far the best part of the story and the only reason I gave this 2 stars instead of 1. I am intrigued about Jesse’s other thrillers, so I might give one more a try, otherwise, I’ll be sticking with her cozys and romances.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved the previous book in this sort-of series and really liked the sound of this one...sadly, it was disappointing.
I really liked Rachel. She's smI loved the previous book in this sort-of series and really liked the sound of this one...sadly, it was disappointing.
I really liked Rachel. She's smart and has a good head on her shoulders. I really like her POV because she's reckless without being painfully stupid about it. There are a lot of characters in this one and a good portion of them felt like the same person, but perhaps it was done on purpose.
Plot wise, it's boring. There's a slow unfolding (which I was here for) and then it just never caught any tension. I don't know if it was getting a particular person's POV that ruined it for me, but I was able to figure it all out before the ending and then had no real interest in how it ended.
Overall, I kept reading more because I felt like I had to. If there is another Rachel book, I will read it.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
I am a sucker for a fake relationship so that plot thread coupled with the cover had me really excited for this story.
I really liked Violet 3.5 stars
I am a sucker for a fake relationship so that plot thread coupled with the cover had me really excited for this story.
I really liked Violet and Xavier. I loved their history and how that played out in the current versions of themselves. They’re both loyal and loving people who work hard and it was fun reading them find their way back to each other. I loved Violet’s sisters and Xavier’s mom was so sweet.
Plot wise, it was good. There are a lot a lot a lot of passages of inner monologues and descriptions of fashion choices for each character, so that did get a bit repetitious. I enjoyed how often Violet and Xavier had open conversations and admitted their actions were wrong. It really showed how they were growing, both as a couple, as well as who they needed to be in order to make the relationship work.
Overall, it was a cute read with a cute epilogue and characters who were easy to root for.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
After reading and devouring the first book in this series, I absolutely had to read this (once I realized it was in the series.)
I loved Julie and ElleAfter reading and devouring the first book in this series, I absolutely had to read this (once I realized it was in the series.)
I loved Julie and Elle. Julie is all heart. She's loving and loyal and absolutely the person you'd want in your corner. Elle feels standoffish in the beginning and as things are revealed, we find she's a soft marshmallow. I loved reading these two figure things out.
Plot wise, it was good. I feel like I did miss out on some of the references because I didn't read the second book, but it was easy to see how the three are connected. I would have liked a little bit more from the ending for Julie and Elle, but I get how all of it needed to be wrapped up.
Overall, I love Anita's words and how they write relationships and the friend support system. I can't wait to see what they come up with next.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I loved Hallie and Hayden so very much. They're both so good together and it was fantastic to see the banter and the opennessThis was a damn delight.
I loved Hallie and Hayden so very much. They're both so good together and it was fantastic to see the banter and the openness between them.
Plot wise, it's some serious topics wrapped around a lot of fun. Hallie is dealing with an abusive past relationship and toxic ex. Hayden, a parental death. And yet, the way they work through these things together is wonderful.
Overall, I know this review is short and I've found when I don't have a lot to say it's because I love it too much. That definitely tracks here.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I wasn't sure about the influencer subject, but I do love a whodunnit, so I was eager to get into this one.
Meredith and Aspen are toxic friends. TheyI wasn't sure about the influencer subject, but I do love a whodunnit, so I was eager to get into this one.
Meredith and Aspen are toxic friends. They're both striving for notoriety and come across as fake the entire time. There are a few secondary characters here, but this story is firmly Meredith and Aspen's.
Plot wise, it was interesting. The mania of constant posting, the hold that social media plays, and the amount of work it takes really shone through. I really enjoyed the past and present chapters so we could read how it actually unfolded.
Overall, I don't want to give too much away, so I'll just say it went in a direction I didn't expect and I loved that.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I love the synopsis of the story and hello gorgeous cover.
I really liked Ember and Danuwoa. They're both really good people, loyal and lovin3.5 stars
I love the synopsis of the story and hello gorgeous cover.
I really liked Ember and Danuwoa. They're both really good people, loyal and loving. I especially loved Ember's BFF and Danuwoa's little sister. While there is a lot of chemistry between Ember and Danuwoa, the relationship felt really superficial. I would have liked more open conversations between Ember and Danuwoa instead of the half truths. And yes, yes, I understand that the lying is right in the synopsis, but there are so many lies.
Plot wise, it's okay. There are a lot of moving pieces here and I think that's where I struggled a bit. I get that the hectic pacing was to help illustrate how Ember has a lot on her plate; however, it read like it was more telling than showing. At times, things (for me) were disjointed and rushed.
Overall, I loved these characters, the community the story highlighted, and the Native culture shown. I look forward to Danica's next story.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I am so so so happy that I was able to read these back to back.
I love love love Rowan and Neil. They're smart and capable and absolutely lost at theiI am so so so happy that I was able to read these back to back.
I love love love Rowan and Neil. They're smart and capable and absolutely lost at their colleges. These two have chemistry and sweet banter and an understanding for the other. There's a good set of new friends (with cameos from hs friends) and it was wonderful to see both Rowan and Neil thrive.
Plot wise, it's good. It's sort of a slow meandering through the school year and how each of them find their place. The separate but together problems didn't feel so big when they were with each other, only for things to be magnified when they were apart. As always in a RLS book, there were healthy conversations about sex, anxiety, and mental health.
Overall, this was a heartfelt, heartbreaking, and some other word with heart in it sort of book with the best epilogue ever. I can't wait to do a binge reread.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
Sweet sparkling pandas, I forgot how much fun YA can be.
This is an absolutely delightful idiots to lovers with MCs who are so so so easy to root for.Sweet sparkling pandas, I forgot how much fun YA can be.
This is an absolutely delightful idiots to lovers with MCs who are so so so easy to root for. I loved their rivalry, their banter, their slow morph into friendship and more.
I am beside myself that I get to go read the sequel now....more
Well, this is definitely my favorite of the series.
I love love loved Ben and Eleonora. He’s the softest, sweetest, and most anxious. She’s the crunchWell, this is definitely my favorite of the series.
I love love loved Ben and Eleonora. He’s the softest, sweetest, and most anxious. She’s the crunchiest, stabby-est, and most literal. Together they have instant interest and acceptance that deliciously morphs into friendship and more. I love this cast of characters and how they’re all ride or die for each other. And seriously, Lilith is the best. I want more of her.
Plot wise, it’s good. There are a lot of moving pieces and it just helps to illustrate how far Ben will go for his people, regardless of what it does to him. I absolutely adored how these two were exactly what they need from the other: he was a soft space for her to land and she stood up and made boundaries for him. The slice of time we got in the epilogue was just what I needed from the end of the series.
Overall, this series has been a lot of fun and I know I’ll be coming back to read these.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
This felt a bit different from other Tessa books, but especially in coming from Fangirl Down.
There are some serious topics in Tallulah's background thThis felt a bit different from other Tessa books, but especially in coming from Fangirl Down.
There are some serious topics in Tallulah's background that aren't even hinted at in the synopsis (cutesy illustrated cover hiding serious business strikes again) and her decisions and actions from that history play out in the entire book.
On the upside, Burgess is GONE for her and it's delightful reading him try to figure things out. I really enjoyed how these two talked and worked on their foundation before giving into the instant chemistry they had. Of course, daughter Lissa is fun and the set up for the next book is great, but seeing Wells and Josephine again was the best.
Plot wise, it's mostly good. There were some sections that felt disjointed and JFC, the push and pull at the end was annoying. They did so well with the communication until they didn't. I wish they would have stopped assuming facial expressions were actual words.
Overall, this was fun, but (for me) not as lighthearted as I've come to expect from Tessa.
FYI: stalking, drugging, kidnapping, and being restrained all talked about from the FMC's history
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
This didn't quite work for me and that is disappointing. Weird timeline jumping, weird pacing, weird pairing. This didn't quite work for me and that is disappointing. Weird timeline jumping, weird pacing, weird pairing. ...more
This is like a shot of glitter and endorphins. It's all fun and sweetness and I fucking loved it. This is like a shot of glitter and endorphins. It's all fun and sweetness and I fucking loved it. ...more
Well, I’ve been dragging ass on reading Nikki’s previous book and somehow I got to this one first and it was a damn delight.
I loved Nora and Bear. ShWell, I’ve been dragging ass on reading Nikki’s previous book and somehow I got to this one first and it was a damn delight.
I loved Nora and Bear. She appears crunchy, but is all heart. He appears to be the golden boy, but is struggling. Together they have chemistry for days and a glorious slow burn relationship that goes from business partners to friends to so much more. Of course, I loved Yanne and how free she was to be unapologetically herself.
Plot wise, it’s good. There’s a slow unfolding of secrets and full stories and even with all of the open conversations, I still wanted to take these two and mash their faces together at every scene. The way they yearn for each other is some of the best that I’ve read (and while I can’t remember much of S&S, I have to believe Jane would be proud.)
Overall, this was a delicious story with characters who were easy to root for. My only “complaint” is that I wanted more of them at the end, but I know I’m just being greedy.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge** ...more
I was pitched this book in comparison to The Blonde Identity and that's pretty much all I needed to know. I was low key obsessed with TBI and was readI was pitched this book in comparison to The Blonde Identity and that's pretty much all I needed to know. I was low key obsessed with TBI and was ready to jump back into a spy story.
I liked Dove and Mendez well enough. They both have some past hurts in the relationship area and have an instant interest in the other. For Dove, everything about Mendez and her attraction to him take over her thoughts. Yes, there is some concern about the spy stuff, but she always comes back to his shoulders, his hair, his kisses, etc. Everything felt superficial between them (perhaps it's just the slice of time); however, Mendez does seem to be as obsessed as she is, so I guess there's that.
Plot wise, it was okay. There's a good amount computer/hacking talk that felt way over my head and while that is the only time Dove's inner monologue is confident, it did make me skim sections. The story does seem to be fast paced (while also seeming to have nothing happen) and I was disappointed that it didn't have the tension or air of mystery that I was expecting. There are no real fight scenes, no spicy scenes, and even the explosion is off the page.
Overall, it was a quick read and I was interested in how it ended, but I probably could have set it down without finishing.
**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**...more
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