en-US Sun, 27 Apr 2025 15:24:36 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg Friend1421184727 Sun, 27 Apr 2025 15:24:36 -0700 ReadStatus9239714622 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:38:02 -0700 /review/show/7440519728 Rue is currently reading Betting on You by Lynn Painter
]]> Review7348544326 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:36:14 -0700 /review/show/7348544326 Rue gave 5 stars to Nothing Like the Movies (Better Than the Movies #2) by Lynn Painter
]]> Review7320845176 Sat, 22 Feb 2025 14:09:40 -0800 /review/show/7320845176 Rue gave 5 stars to Better Than the Movies (Better than the Movies, #1) by Lynn Painter
]]> ReadStatus9001699220 Thu, 30 Jan 2025 13:40:32 -0800 /review/show/7273608517 Rue is currently reading Darling Daisy by Stacey Rourke
]]> Review7199271629 Mon, 27 Jan 2025 16:21:17 -0800 /review/show/7199271629 Rue gave 5 stars to All the Missing Pieces (Kindle Edition) by Catherine Cowles
]]> ReadStatus8887508679 Wed, 08 Jan 2025 13:33:19 -0800 /review/show/7191656253 Rue is currently reading Fight by Sloane St. James
]]> ReadingNotesCollectionPlaceholder3996063 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:06:17 -0800 Review7030774515 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:04:15 -0800 /review/show/7030774515 Rue gave 5 stars to Variation (Kindle Edition) by Rebecca Yarros
*Spoiler Free*

A truly masterful standalone book, finely crafted, lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. As a fellow author, I understand the immense challenge and effort involved in crafting a compelling novel. I’m happy to say that Rebecca Yarros’s Variation was a delightful surprise, exceeding all expectations with its emotional depth. With compelling characters, a solid plot, and meticulous attention to detail, she crafted a performance so magical that you could almost hear the thunderous applause.

Heart-stopping action kicks off the narrative, setting the pace and building the groundwork for Allie and Hudson’s story. Although polar opposites, they create a perfect, celestial-like harmony when together.

Right from the beginning, Hudson acts heroically, selflessly risking his life for strangers. Allie, a gifted ballerina with a sorrowful history, is a complex character whose story blossoms throughout the novel. The way these two characters desperately clung to each other, weaving around one another under extraordinary circumstances, had me rooting for them from the moment they reunited.

The supporting characters are equally compelling, possessing distinct personalities that enrich the narrative without eclipsing Allie and Hudson. Rebecca’s dedication to detail ensured each character action was logical and true to form. Managing numerous characters in a single narrative is a challenge, but her deft touch guided the reader seamlessly. I never felt lost or uncertain about any character’s choices or motivations.

That romance was breathtaking. I was captivated by the passionate and desperate tone. It was tasteful and understated sometimes, avoiding clichés or forced emotion. I truly appreciated the slow burn. This experience let me follow two people who had been inextricably linked for years, their bond so undeniable that it felt like a tangible force. I could sense their unspoken understanding, a quiet harmony only forged by time and shared experiences. It left a lasting impression on me. Tears fell. I gasped! I chuckled. My outburst while reading this book made my husband question my sanity in the best possible ways.

The villains in this story are so believable that their actions feel painfully real. The reveals are stunning. And the way it ended. GAH! Sheer perfection.

This story truly cemented my appreciation for Rebecca’s writing. Someday, I’ll reread this book, eager to rediscover its captivating narrative and the comforting familiarity she created.

I hope they adapt this into a movie because Rebecca Yarros is an amazing romance author. The emotional depth would translate incredibly well to film. I'll be the first to admit that she flew under the radar for me, but now that I've discovered her, I'll be reading the rest of her romance books.

Trust me when I say that she'll transport you to other worlds with relatable characters and realistic situations—all while delivering some of the most emotionally resonant lines I’ve ever encountered. I marked many passages on my Kindle. But beware. Your heart might be slightly broken.

Thank you, Rebecca, for this wonderful story. I'll never forget this beautiful Variation and the reminder that we don't have to dance alone. ]]> ReadStatus8859059787 Sat, 04 Jan 2025 06:01:05 -0800 /review/show/6113524087 Rue wants to read Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
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