Courtney Gould has written another sapphic masterpiece, about strange towns, sisterhood, and the relentless hold of grief. Wandering the back� 5 stars
Courtney Gould has written another sapphic masterpiece, about strange towns, sisterhood, and the relentless hold of grief. Wandering the backroads south to Arizona, Gould draws us into the mind of Beck Birsching, a grieving young girl trying to piece together the legacy of her deceased mother while struggling to keep herself together. Where Echoes Die breaches the past to prove the longevity of grief upon generations, and the universal struggle of the human experience. Courtney Gould continues to amaze me and I'll be reading any and everything she does next.
Full review will be posted closer to publication on my ...more
On a fateful journey North to the Dark Queen. Guinevere is captured by enemies. Cut off with no allies, she must rely on herself to unlock th� 2 stars
On a fateful journey North to the Dark Queen. Guinevere is captured by enemies. Cut off with no allies, she must rely on herself to unlock the secrets buried deep within her past. As options wear thin and no chance of escape becomes known, she allies herself with Morgana and Mordred hoping that they can aid in her quest to discover the truth about how exactly she transformed into a queen. Her complicated feelings for Mordred still linger, and her loyalty to Arthur becomes complicated as she continues in her search. When Guinevere learns the harrowing truth about how she came to be, her entire perspectives shifts to righting a terrible wrong. Whether that means turning away from Camelot and the kingdom she loves, Guinevere is willing to do whatever it takes to rectify the past, even if it means unmaking herself in order to do so.
I took a chance on the Camelot rising series because I have always been a fan of Arthurian legend turned on its head. At its utmost, Kiersten White has remade a classic, centering the narrative around women and deconstructing the focal points to the original story. Guinevere has always been an overlooked character in my book, yet another reason why I picked up the first book originally. Where the first book lacked depth and the second one brought promise, the third left me wanting more from this world and all that it could offer. This has always been a story I wanted to continue following, but many times I felt as if the characters were not being utilized to their full potential. Guinevere and Lancelot are specifically called to mind here. These two were my favorite characters across all three books and their underutilization in the final installment made me want to put the book down. The revelation of Guinevere’s past was brilliant as were the implications on her future as queen. At the same time, the consequences via the reveal were drawn out far too much, impacting the resolution of the entire series. Though the plot naturally led to this discovery, Guinevere’s response was to isolate herself and become a martyr, virtually turning away from the potential to become something greater. Self-depreciation has never been my favorite, and Guinevere wallowed in it, taking time away from more important developments. The growing list of interpersonal conflicts between the characters also deteriorated the point of concluding the series. It all ended up rushed in the attempts made to resolve them while also bringing about a fitting end for all sides. There was so much potential to bring forth new meaning into these iconic characters, but something was lost in the quest to do so. A sadly unsatisfying ending for a series I had high hopes for.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
In a secluded estate far removed from the conflict on Yucatán’s peninsula, Carlota Moreau lives an isolated existence. The only daughter of t� 5 stars
In a secluded estate far removed from the conflict on Yucatán’s peninsula, Carlota Moreau lives an isolated existence. The only daughter of the venerable scientist Doctor Moreau, she spends her days surrounded by the beauty of the Yaxaktun property and the hybrid creatures held captive by their domineering creator. Backed financially by the wealthy Lizaldes, Doctor Moreau is sent a new overseer, the pensive Montgomery Laughton, to assist in his experiments. Six years pass and the fragile atmosphere at Yaxaktun is altogether upended by the arrival of two unexpected gentlemen, one being Eduardo Lizalde, the son of Moreau’s benevolent benefactor. With the sudden arrival of their unforeseen guests, the problems outside the bounds of the jungle loom ever closer, and as Carlota becomes more inquisitive, her father's secrets threaten to expose a truth far more harrowing.
Silvia Moreno-Garcia astounds with a gothic science fiction historical set against the background of late nineteenth-century Mexico. The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a fascinating reimagining of H.G Wells's novel “The Island of Doctor Moreau,� that completely extends upon the original with its themes of colonization, class, and subjugation. Stepping into this novel felt akin to wading into a crystalline pool, as main character Carlota slowly draws together a hazy picture of her world, one that is refined and sharpened as she begins to question her reality and gain agency. Similarly to Mexican Gothic, this novel seizes a quiet pace, bringing forth an enthralling expose into the obsessions of a mad doctor, and just who the real monsters are. Dual narrators Carlota Moreau and Montgomery Laughton are altogether delightful, providing the opposing perspectives necessary to relay the unsettling nature of the entire narrative. Where Carlota is the quiet lonesome voice in the darkness, Montgomery is the brooding moody tone in contrast. While it can be said that both characters captivate, Carlota is beyond a doubt the one who dazzles. Her escape from the clutches of her father’s influence, to uncovering the truth about his creations, and unleashing the monster within was absolutely earth-shattering. Moreno-Garcia interlays a gripping examination of possession, prejudice, and the relationship between creator and subject beneath it all. With an added afterword on the history of the Yucatán region and the caste war, the influence of historical events from the text is all the more apparent. It seems as if every time I find myself reaching for a new book by Silvia Moreno-Garcia, I have to prepare for the fact that it will surpass all of my expectations and leave me completely dumbfounded. Silvia Moreno-Garcia is a powerhouse, and The Daughter of Doctor Moreau is a startling addition, wonderfully romantic and intense in its resistance.
The Library of the Unwritten has erupted in all-out war and former librarian Claire, angel Rami, librarian Brevity, and dashing Hero must fac� 4 stars
The Library of the Unwritten has erupted in all-out war and former librarian Claire, angel Rami, librarian Brevity, and dashing Hero must face down Hell in the ultimate battle for its survival. Having learned the dangerous truth about the power contained within the pages of the books they have been sworn to protect, the group has accomplished what they set out to do, but the secret is out and now threatens the sanctuary they hold. To face down hell itself and its intent to harness the library’s power, all of the various wings must band together to fight back against a terrible onslaught. Searching for a way out of the war they now face, Claire is led back to the legacy of previous librarians and one who sought to create a separate realm. Surrounded by enemies on all sides, the group will turn to the past and to one another as they aim to find an unthinkable way to remake their world entirely.
The God of Lost Words is the pivotal finale to the Hell’s Library series, one that emotionally scarred me in ways I did not think possible. Ever since reading the first book close to two years ago, this series has laid claim to a place in my heart that it will never relinquish. While there were many ups and downs across all three books in the series, I am happy to say that the ending fit right into that. The previous two books appeared to be building up to an epic struggle between hell and the library, one that finally peaked in this finale. Relationships also grew here, taking root into something far more profound for our cast of characters. Found family has always been a trope that shone through in the story, but it took on a whole new level as the characters were called to fight for the library’s future. In conjunction with this, I loved the examination of the truth of the library and its potentially lasting consequences. A.J Hackwith has always been good at pairing the action and character-centric moments in step with one another, which was done exceptionally well here. The small kernels of romance incorporated throughout the story only uplifted this all the more. I really do love all the characters, and this felt like a fresh start for many of them, even though it was actually the end. My favorite character though will forever be Hero. His character arc completely took me by surprise and I adored all of his quips and jokes thrown into the melee. With the ending unveiled, it’s no surprise that this left me in a puddle of emotions. Hackwith has constructed a truly satisfying ending to this trilogy, full of all the wit, magic, and gravity that it deserves.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
A mysterious art theft strikes a match when the thieves leave behind their card for Harvard Senior Will Chen, an art history student working � 4 stars
A mysterious art theft strikes a match when the thieves leave behind their card for Harvard Senior Will Chen, an art history student working part-time at the Sackler Museum. The perfect student, artist, and son, Will has always strived to curate every aspect of his life, yet the mask begins to slip when he finds himself entangled in an impossible plot. At the behest of his mysterious benefactor, Will becomes the leader of a grand heist to steal back five Chinese artifacts stolen from Bejing centuries ago, scattered around the world. With fifty million dollars on the line, Will assembles a crew of his closest friends, all with something to gain if they should succeed and lose should they fail. As each of the crew members wrestle with their own complicated relationship with China, the chance to take back a piece of what was stolen long ago is too great to pass up. Willing to risk it all, they may just find a missing part of themselves in the process.
Portrait of a Thief is a book that really stole the show with what it was trying to impart to its readers. Debut author Grace D. Li writes effortlessly, baring the deepest parts of her soul to all those experiencing the long-term effects of colonialism and the diaspora. Through an impossible heist with stakes beyond imagine, Li illuminates the complexity of Chinese identity against a profound yearning that lives inside those that have had to surrender a part of themselves in growing up elsewhere. With a catching comparison to Ocean’s Eleven, Portrait of a Thief brings the action up close and center, alongside an unlikely group of friends deciding to take something back for themselves. Out of all the aspects of this debut, one of the most poignant parts is the multitude of identities that are explored within. Although all of the heist members are Chinese American, their views on the mission were incredibly divided as they had all found their identity in different ways. Each of the characters had their own complex relationship with China, which was drawn out with each heist and created an interesting conflict between the group. These relationships were a stark contrast to the conversation happening around the heist and colonization, which I really appreciated as a reader. The diaspora affects all people differently, and that was really evident through the individual relationships and unique connections with China. Rather than have the crew get along, I liked that there was some conflict, both on an identity level and the heist itself. Also the little rivals to lovers storyline we were given made my heart soar. With her debut, Grace D. Li has created a novel equal parts thrilling, and critical. Portrait of a Thief examines the diverse parts of Chinese identity, diaspora, and the ways in which an identity can be in conflict, through a group of people determined to leave their mark on a flawed world.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Once upon a time, Prince Ambrose and Princess Imelda fell in love, and that would have been the end of the story if they did not forget. Afte� 4 stars
Once upon a time, Prince Ambrose and Princess Imelda fell in love, and that would have been the end of the story if they did not forget. After one day and one night of marriage, Imelda is poisoned, and the two forfeit the love between them in order to obtain an antidote to save her life. One year passes and not much has changed between the two rulers, yet a chance quest arising from the very witch that took away their love offers a possibility to reclaim what they have lost. Ambrose and Imelda may not know what that is, but together they will brave badgers, magical landscapes, and encounters with cannibals to try to restore what was taken from them.
With a story full of wit, magic, and romance, Roshani Chokshi has once again struck a chord deep inside my heart. Once More Upon a Time is riveting, exactly the kind of story I needed to kick off October and bring a smile to my face in the process. This was such a heartwarming read from start to finish, imbued with adventure and danger at every turn. Alongside a romance so frustrating at times, this novella is typical Roshani Chokshi, and I adored every exasperating moment in the rediscovery of love between Ambrose and Imelda. The alternating chapters present were such an added bonus to the narrative, switching up the points of view and contrasting the perceptions of the quest’s purpose. As with most novellas, my main criticism with this is that it was much too short. This is really just a personal preference, because of the degree to which I got drawn into the story and how fast it concluded. While I may have been left wanting more, this is absolutely a fantasy novella worth reading for the story alone. Once More Upon a time is swoon-worthy, a heartfelt take on a classic fairytale that attempts to reconcile what is lost with what is found and reclaimed.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Enter the glittering world of Old Hollywood, where the very fabric of stardom is rife with dark bargains and sacrifice. To those that dare at� 5 stars
Enter the glittering world of Old Hollywood, where the very fabric of stardom is rife with dark bargains and sacrifice. To those that dare attempt fame, they must navigate a complicated system, competing for the limelight, and inevitably paying the ultimate price. For Luli Wei, a young Chinese American coming of age in this tumultuous time and desperately seeking stardom, the dark truth to the movie industry is inconsequential. She is more than willing to offer up her soul for the chance to shine and burn, even if it means becoming someone else entirely. In a system where the studio heads have all the power, and blood and ancient ritual is second nature, to yield is to begin. The silver screen beckons her forth, and to succeed in an industry determined to push her to the sidelines she may have to take on the role of the monster itself.
Siren Queen is an alluring novel, laced with a ferocity that reverberates throughout every page. In typical fashion Nghi Vo creates a vivid picture, ingeniously depicting the glamorous world of Old Hollywood and its frightening underbelly. Through the eyes of a young woman looking back upon her journey to the limelight, this golden age of Hollywood is given new voice � one that dwells in the bottomless deep, luring you from the shore before dragging you down into its murky undertow. It's been awhile since I read a book that left me as epically stranded and desperate as this one and I’m sure I won't find anything like it again. Throughout the narrative, there is a luminosity that shines through even the darkest moments. Existing as a queer, Chinese American woman during the time of pre-code Hollywood is a poignant center for the entirety of Luli’s story. This landscape breeds a unique sort of desperation and a drive to break free from the predetermined roles set by these studios and the world at large. Luli Wei is such an incredible representation of that and a person willing to be flawed to get where she wanted. Knowing that Siren Queen was also giving a slice of Evelyn Hugo energy only led me further into the deep end of this novel. While I would have liked more with Luli and her future partner, there is a staggering beauty in this narrative being a kind of open letter penned to her past self and future relationships. For those looking for something in the vein of Evelyn Hugo, this is right up there thematically, but don't expect an exact comparison between the two. In her sophomore novel, Nghi Vo explores the realities of fame, what it means to pursue it on your own terms, and who you have to become in order to succeed. With razor-sharp teeth, Siren Queen shines like a beacon in the storm, bringing to light a truth far deadlier when realized.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Marlinchen is a witch, youngest of three daughters to a cursed wizard, living out her days in a city transforming from magic to industry. Las� 5 stars
Marlinchen is a witch, youngest of three daughters to a cursed wizard, living out her days in a city transforming from magic to industry. Last of the true witches in all of Oblya, she and her sisters cling to their gifts, which are little more than entertainment to the general populace and an asset to their father. Sequestered within the walls of their home, Marlinchen spends much of her free time placating the unending appetites of their authoritative father and utilizing her gifts to discern the truth from her clientele. The evening brings escape, as Marlinchen and her sisters creep into the city to partake in its revels and observe the captivating ballet theatre. These nighttime escapades offer salvation, but when Marlinchen captures the attention of a ballet dancer just as lost and isolated, her visits to the outside world become less uncommon. Entangled between the rage and hunger of her father, and her own desires, Marlinchen is caught in a snare, and the cost of freedom may be far more monstrous than she ever imagined.
When I heard that Ava Reid had written a gothic horror retelling of The Juniper Tree, there was nothing I wouldn't do to read it at the soonest possible chance. Having absolutely worshiped her adult debut, The Wolf and the Woodsman, this novel promised to ruin me without remorse as much as its precursor. True to the fact, Juniper & Thorn is utterly gruesome, vividly capturing a darkness and horror that lingers down dark halls and underneath floorboards waiting for the prime moment to sink in its teeth. Reid is masterful at their craft, seamlessly blending horror and fantasy together in a story completely grotesque and illustrative of a blooming rose clouded among thorny brambles. Every sentence in this novel is striking, with imagery and prose that threatened to devour me whole. In time with the story, lore and fairytales play an important part in the main narrative, intersecting the vein of Marlinchen’s character development and the understanding of her own situation. These sporadic fairytales were definitely some of my favorite parts of the whole book, getting after the core themes and relationships between the main characters. At this point, Reid's capability for writing complex relationships is unquestionable, particularly ones that are nuanced and not simply good or bad, yet those you cannot help but love all the more. Three characters that come to mind are Marlinchen and her sisters Undine and Rose, as they endured years of abuse at the hands of their father, and impacted one another in continuously damaging ways. In turn, Marlinchen’s love interest Sevas was entirely endearing and latched on to my heart as the two attempted to escape their situations. A captivating gothic horror with a brutal design, Juniper & Thorn is imbued with memory, an examination of abuse, and survivorhood in all forms.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: violence, emotional abuse, gore, blood, death, murder, body horror, cannibalism, eating disorder (bulimia), vomiting (graphic), sexual assault, antisemitism, xenophobia, drug use...more
Professional rescuer and part-time substitute Zinnia Gray has spent the last five years traversing the multiverse, saving every damsel in dis� 5 stars
Professional rescuer and part-time substitute Zinnia Gray has spent the last five years traversing the multiverse, saving every damsel in distress that she possibly can. After a dozen or so rescues, weddings, and burned spindles, Zinnia has begun to grow tired of her role in rewriting the narrative, yet duty awaits her hand on the spindle. At an afterparty one rescue later, when Zinnia glances into a mirror, she sees another woman staring back at her, and falls into the last fairytale she ever expected, Snow White. Coming face to face with the fabled Evil Queen, desperate to escape her own fate, Zinnia is tasked once again with saving someone trapped by their story. Eva is convinced that Zinnia is the way out of her predestined ending, and is willing to do anything to change her future, that is if Zinnia can be convinced to save the last person in this world she would want to.
The Fractured Fables novellas draw to a close with A Mirror Mended, a sequel that ups the ante that A Spindle Splintered had previously left to be amended. Alix E. Harrow is back at it, drawing together an adventurous narrative crammed full of meaningful prose, and tied in with an expanded critique on storytelling and their villains. Where A Spindle Splintered previously intersected a conversation surrounding damsels in distress in folklore and their saviors, Harrow turns her attention to the villainization of women in her continuation of the series. More closely, The Evil Queen, a figure that has consistently captivated audiences with her jealousy and enacted rage against her stepdaughter for her supposed beauty. As a huge fan of evil women in the fantasy genre, the examined motivations, and background of a classic fairytale villain intrigued me, to say the least. Eva is a layered character, well-written and trapped by her own situation and predetermined role. Narrative agency is an issue that Zinnia has constantly battled, even from book one, and it was nice to see that transferred over to an iconic villain like the Evil Queen. Eva’s situation is very closely mirrored in Zinnia's, as they both are trapped by their role in the narrative of their story. The bond that grew between the two characters, as a result, made a lot of sense and was really satisfying to witness (falling for the hot villain was absolutely on-brand for Zinnia). I delighted in Eva and Zinnia’s back and forth snark alongside the deeper moments of multiverse chaos. The added tension from the multiverse fracturing and blending into one another propelled this installment to an entirely new level from the previous one in my mind. Once again I am left awed by Harrow’s storytelling ability and the complex twist in traditional fairytales. A Mirror Mended is a razor-sharp exploration of feminist agency and the weight of the roles we carry.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Heartbreaker marks the return of The Hell's Belles, caught up in a dangerous plot involving an eloping couple, and the vengeful family lef� 4.5 stars
Heartbreaker marks the return of The Hell's Belles, caught up in a dangerous plot involving an eloping couple, and the vengeful family left behind. Matchbreaker Adelaide Frampton is on the hunt, and armed with the indifferent Duke of Clayborn, will embark on a cross-country chase entangled with highwaymen, inns, and the treacherous secrets of her past. Although it took me several chapters to fully immerse myself in this, Heartbreaker is an excellent follow-up to Bombshell, the first book in the series. Side character's delight, and angst takes the center stage in classic MacLean format. Honestly, Henry and Adelaide completely outsold in every single way. With the added Thomas Imogen tease chapter, I cannot wait to see where the series continues. Heartbreaker pulls all the stops, and Sarah Maclean has once again delivered an impeccable romance full of wit, charm, and staggering adventure.
Four years after her moms uprooted her from their life in Southern California to attend school in Alabama, high school senior Chloe Green is � 5 stars
Four years after her moms uprooted her from their life in Southern California to attend school in Alabama, high school senior Chloe Green is closer to victory than ever before. Attending a conservative high school hasn't been easy, but competition with Willowgrove Academys it-girl, and her fiercest rival Shara Wheeler, has propelled her to success and all but tied them out for high school valedictorian. Chloe is so close to beating Shara, but on the weekend of the senior prom, Shara kisses Chloe and then vanishes. All that's left behind are a series of letters left for Chloe and the two other people she kissed, Rory, the boy next door, and Smith, her quarterback boyfriend. Drawn together by their ties to Shara, an unlikely alliance forms that will have them crashing parties, breaking and entering, and uncovering clues to Shara’s whereabouts in the most unexpected places. Holding out for the next pink envelope and Shara’s elusive clues, Chloe begins to realize that there's more to Shara than she initially thought and that maybe, just maybe, she can carve out a place for herself in this town after all.
In a self-fulfilling prophecy kind of way, I Kissed Shara Wheeler sat in my inbox for four months before I even dared to pick it up, simply because I knew it would consume my every waking thought for weeks after reading. If only I knew just how right I would be. A contemporary equally saccharine and explorative, Casey McQuiston’s debut into young adult has again proved their ability to craft compelling and heartwarming queer narratives, regardless of the genre. I Kissed Shara Wheeler is a renewing coming-of-age story surrounding the growth of queer communities in adversity and the friendships that develop during the critical points of our lives. Characteristic to its author, this novel had a cast of characters that made my heart swoon, and the witty repartee that has embodied all of Casey McQuiston’s past writing that I so adore. What stood out to me this time around, were the friendships that evolved between the three main characters Rory, Chloe, and Smith as they become entangled in the search for Shara Wheeler. Every character felt distinct, with their own determinations, flaws, and biases that were completely out in the open by the time the story concluded. There were so many sweet moments with our main trio, and it was such a joy to see each of them creating a space for themselves, in and outside of their queer identities. Chloe's journey, in particular, was fierce and messy in all the right ways. I loved seeing where everyone ended up by graduation, with happy endings, bittersweet ones, and everything in between. Casey McQuitson’s strength certainly lies in their ability to commit to the unexpected, while continuing to create the uplifting queer stories I have been longing for. The high school story I didn't know I needed, I Kissed Shara Wheeler is the unapologetic queer coming of age story we've been waiting for � elevating the complexity of youth and what it means to find yourself in unexpected places.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger warnings: racism, homophobia, bullying, outing of a past character (mentioned)...more
Love & Other Disasters first caught my eye with its promise of a queer romance centered on a reality cooking series, and by the first openi� 2.5 stars
Love & Other Disasters first caught my eye with its promise of a queer romance centered on a reality cooking series, and by the first opening line, I was hooked. The exploration of the connections between food and love join to create a beautifully written romance that sizzles and cracks like oil upon an open flame. While there were some severe issues that emerged that made me struggle to enjoy this more, for the most part, I had a relatively easy time reading this. Where this romance really fell into trouble was with the main relationship and plot points. Not only did I struggle to feel connected to the main couple and feel their supposed connection, there was so much emotional turmoil happening that ended up quickly derailing the entire plot. The characters switched between emotions so suddenly, and the story emphasized this, making the cooking show aspect fade far into the background. The transition from hate to love in particular, happened so immediately that it gave me whiplash. I was really looking forward to the focus on love in tandem with the cooking competition, but unfortunately, it was long overshadowed. Though there were some established cute cooking moments that occurred in the story, they just seemed filler in relation to what else was going on. Despite these things, Love & Other Disasters has fantastic queer representation and I loved the multiple conversations that occurred surrounding gender and non-binary experiences. There may have been several things that stopped me from enjoying this as much as I could have, but this is absolutely a story that will appeal to many people. Perfect for those looking for an escape via cooking and romance.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
In the simmering follow-up to It Happened One Summer, a former player helps his best friend land a guy, but ends up falling for her instead� 4.5 stars
In the simmering follow-up to It Happened One Summer, a former player helps his best friend land a guy, but ends up falling for her instead. Fox Thornton has a reputation around Westport as a flirtatious and easygoing player. Everyone assumes that he will never settle down, preferring attachments that can be easily severed as opposed to the real thing. When his best friend Hannah Bellinger arrives in town for work, his routine is put on pause with her staying right down the hall. In tow with a hopeless crush on a colleague, Hannah needs assistance, and Fox is more than the right person to help her get the guy. As the two spend more and more time together, their friendship begins to blur, yet neither of them are willing to cross that line. If they are to become something more, they will have to reevaluate what they mean to one another and what they owe to themselves.
Returning to Westport after the knockout that was It Happened One Summer made this secondary novel a tough act to follow. That being said, Hook, Line, and Sinker is friends to lovers at its finest, complete with a delicious slow burn that had my heart aching the entire time. With one of the most touching love stories I have read in quite a while, this quickly surpassed the previous book in my mind. From the start to finish of the Bellinger Sister series, Tessa Bailey has absolutely nailed the Schitt’s Creek vibe that she was aiming for. The authentic small-town atmosphere and character relationships portrayed here give homage to that wholeheartedly. What makes this novel especially memorable is the various conversations intertwined with the romantic development. Though there is obviously a main focus on the romance evolving between the main characters, I loved that there was an emphasis on personal growth outside of that. Fox’s development in particular was really wholesome and it was nice to see him challenged to be better. I certainly related to Hannah’s struggle in viewing herself as a side character in her own life and how she had to step away from that in order to move forward. The connections through music that were interwoven throughout the romance were also an added touch. Bailey has a knack for creating well-rounded romances, and Fox and Hannah’s story is evidence of that. It was just as easy to fall in love with this sequel as it was with the first book last year. It Happened One Summer may have hooked me from the beginning, but Hook, Line, and Sinker has established Tessa Bailey as the romantic genius that she is. This is an outstanding love story, complete with the angst, pining, and emotion needed to close out the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
Trigger Warning: death of a parent, slut-shaming...more
The gated community of Arcadia Gardens may seem perfect, but within the confines of the neighborhood, a poisonous truth begins to fester, thr� 4 stars
The gated community of Arcadia Gardens may seem perfect, but within the confines of the neighborhood, a poisonous truth begins to fester, threatening the very serenity promised to its inhabitants. At surface level, adoring housewife Sophia couldn't ask for a more perfect circumstance. Her life in Arcadia Gardens, her house, and her increasingly absent husband provide her with everything she could possibly imagine. Still, there are things that beg to be questioned, like the strange lock of hair decidedly not hers, or the sliver of bone expertly placed in her knife block. It seems that things might not be as splendid as they seem, and when Sophia goes digging she unearths something that could destroy her seemingly perfect life in seconds.
Comfort Me With Apples is a fantastically dark thriller that delighted and surprised me in unexpected ways. With a bit of The Yellow Wallpaper vibe interspersed throughout this strange mystery, Valente crafts a story made to be questioned at its core. A slowly decaying fruit of a novel that becomes harder and harder to ignore. While not everyone will love the twist of the knife designed, nor the lack of an accurate Gone Girl comparison, those that enjoy being unsettled will love where this novel takes them. Catherynne Valente has always excelled in her prose and Comfort Me With Apples demonstrates that clearly, with gloriously strange, and utterly imaginative language. The rules of the gated community, partnered against the actual storyline cultivates a sense of unease that preys upon the mind until right up at the end. An atmosphere that becomes increasingly more and more ominous. Where the story takes an unanticipated turn, is in the biblical elements included. These surprised me more than I thought they would, but thought they ultimately flushed out the commentary and made the reveal at the end all the more horrific. It really makes me want to go back and read the story all over again to see where the paving was laid. A lot of people have already commented on the incorrect marketing surrounding this book, and while I don't think this was anything like Naomi Novik's Spinning Silver, or Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, the domestic thriller and fantasy vibe is definitely present here. The only thing that really irked me with Comfort Me With Apples was the length. There was a lot of build-up in the first two-thirds of the novel, and then the confrontation at the end left me with so many questions that could have been avoided had time been taken to draw out the reveal. Key opinion with this one: I just wanted more. Catherynne Valente certainly knows how to write an idyllic story with otherwise sinister undertones, however, something that will be perfect for the upcoming Halloween season.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review.
All the Feels is the charming follow up in the Spoiler Alert series, chock full of road trips, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and only one bed trop� 3 stars
All the Feels is the charming follow up in the Spoiler Alert series, chock full of road trips, grumpy sunshine dynamic, and only one bed trope. With Olivia Dade’s delightful writing style and hilarity out in full force, it's no wonder I adored this almost as much as the previous book in the series. The characters felt entirely unique beside a romance that was so heartwarming. Where this lacked is while Spoiler Alert had me devouring its contents, I struggled a bit more to get through All the Feels. This was surely due to how much was happening in the plot. The relationship between the main characters was deeply explored, but there was so much going on off to the side that I wasn’t able to connect with them as much as I’d have liked. The length of the novel also hindered the relationship development, making it seem more rushed than it should have been. It’s clear what the characters felt for one another, and I loved their individual character arcs, but there needed to be more build up in my opinion. Besides that, this was an unbelievingly sweet and fun romance that many readers are sure to fall in love with.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this arc in exchange for an honest review
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