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Romance
Latest Book Reviews
3.5
A sweet fake dating (and close proximity) slow burn romance novel. I loved the plot and found both Jack and Hannah very lovable. Biggest struggle for me was the dialogue fell flat for me and I wanted more action (although I loved the slow burn). The ending also seemed rushed although I was satisfied with the result (not sure that makes sense). Would be a great book for those looking for closed door!
Romance
Latest Book Reviews
4.0
READ VIA:
Libby audio and my physical copy.
ABOUT:
Serena recently discovered that she’s half-were-half-human and is suffering from a bit of an identity crisis and is unsure of her new place in the world. When threats from humans, weres, and vampyres abound, Serena finds herself under the protection of her mate, Koen, the alpha of the Northwest Pack.
However, while he seems to be willing to do anything to keep her safe, he seemingly wants nothing to do with her otherwise. They banter, they have tension, but they do not seem to touch. As Serena worries that her half-were biology will keep her from ever feeling normal, she begins to desire Koen more and more. it seems inevitable that he will need to give in.
MY THOUGHTS:
I’m a bit conflicted in my thoughts (perhaps I am comparing this too much to my experience with Bride), but overall I really enjoyed this book, and having read it in less than 24 hours, I can’t help but recommend it.
I loved the return to the world set up in Bride (the scenes with Misery were excellent). I loved Koen’s broody, bad-boy attitude. I loved that Serena didn’t care that he was the alpha; she was gonna say what she wanted and do what she wanted, and everyone else would have to deal with it. She was a kick ass FMC.
I think I struggled a little bit with the romance here, and it felt more like an obsession than true romantic love. I found their banter top-notch, and I loved seeing Serena slowly come to terms with her feelings for Koen. I just wish it had been slightly less of a slow burn, because I think that would’ve added to the connection.
That said, Ali Hazelwood continues to deliver complex, fully developed characters, side characters that add dimension to the story, and a plotline that kept me on my toes from the beginning. While I wish we had had a little more interaction between the weres and the vampyres, there were so many elements I loved!
Also, this book is spicy, and by the time we got to the spice, I was yearning for it almost as badly as Sernea and Koen. True to Ali form, these scenes were integral to the plot. I loved the way they opened up to each other and the way Koen’s alpha tendencies melted away when he was alone with Serena
AUDIO:
Teddy Hamilton absolutely knocked it out of the part. This is a duet narration Ellie Gossage and it flowed wonderfully. One thing that I found a bit confusing is that Koens POV as a chapter header before transitioning back into the main scene.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This is for lovers of Bride and those who want omegaverse vibes with Ali style banter.
SHOULD YOU READ:
Here’s a thing I think that this book is a really good book , I just don’t think it’s the the best of Ali books. However, if you’re a diehard Ali fan and you liked Bride, you will still enjoy many elements of this book. I do hope Ali continues to write in this universe and I will be picking up whatever she gifts us next.
Non-Fiction
Latest Book Reviews
4.5
This nonfiction work that reads like a thriller, explores the power of the K*K in 1920s Indiana. Egan tells an incredible story of the power of one individual to change history and fight against corruption . He weaves the tale of the rise and power of the KKK into a twisting narrative that draws you in. In a chat with my book club he was engaging and the detail process with which he researches his books was enlightening. Amazing parallels to the fear of the “other” and the power of individuals to fight against injustice.
Fantasy, Romance
Latest Book Reviews
4
READ VIA:
libby ebook
ABOUT:
Owen Mallory, scholar, reluctant soldier, and lifelong fan of the legend of Sir Una the Everlasting, the hero of Dominion. He finds himself part historian, part time traveler and quickly falling for the lady knight he spent a lifetime studying. As history both changes and repeats itself, Una and Owen fight to find a time when their love can flourish and survive.
MY THOUGHTS:
I approached this book with huge expectations, and unfortunately, it fell short.
This is a slow burn in every sense. I felt the world-building was slow, the romance was slow and drawn out (mostly complimentary), and the action was reserved for the last third of the book.
Personally, I had a really hard time with the second-person voice of this story, so much so that I almost put the book down around 30%. While I can appreciate a unique approach, the initial investment required to reach the action was almost too much.
That said, I think I might be the only person who did not love this book, and man, that’s a weird feeling.
However, I am not a true hater; I did appreciate the ethereal illustrative nature of the writing. It felt like an epic romantic poem. I found the time-travel portion of the plot fascinating, and the eventual reveal both shocking and satisfying. I also loved that Owen was “weaker” of the two, not trained in battle, and one who expressed more emotions, yet he was the one wielding the pen (likely more important than strength).
The last 40% of this novel had me riveted as I (and our hero and heroine) desperately searched for a solution to prevent their fate. It was the construction of the final act that ultimately redeemed this book for me and helped me to see why so many others were obsessing over it.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
This is part Outlander, part knight in shining armour fairy tale with yearning that rivals The Second Death of Locke.
SHOULD YOU READ:
Honestly, you should probably ignore me and listen to the hundreds of five star reviews, but my DMs are open for those that also in the “I don’t get the hype club”
Historical Fiction
Latest Book Reviews
5
READ VIA:
Libby Audio
ABOUT:
Set in the winter of 1789-1790 in Maine, we follow Martha Ballard as she becomes entangled in a murder and assault trial in her town of Hallowell. Throughout the winter, we also get the day-to-day experience of her life. midwife, her experiences of being middle-aged with adult children, and a look into her passion and trust-filled marriage.
MY THOUGHTS:
Martha Ballard a woman of honesty, multiple layers and a fierce protector of other women. I found her frankness refreshing and her approach to patient care highly relatable. I enjoyed that she stood her ground for what she believed in. The discussion of midwifery was fascinating, and I enjoyed how Lawhon incorporated so much about medicine and motherhood.
At the core, this is a story of believing women. Believing that the work they do in the home is important, believing them that bearing children and raising them ins work, and believing them when they state a man has hurt them. Finding value in their existence.
I think that speaks to the essence of womanhood for so many. The invisible force sustaning so many.
While there are many challenging themes (read the CW if you need them), Lawhon handles them with care while also remaining true to the attitudes around women, sex, and the power of men that prevailed in the 1790s.
Finally, I adored the relationship between Martha and her husband Ephraim. The intimacy and passion between them helped soften the edges of this otherwise raw story.
A sensational portrayal of winter and womanhood, this is not to be missed.
AUDIO:
Jane Oppenheimer absolutely nailed the audio. I found the characters easy to distinguish, and her emotionally charged performance enhanced my entire reading experience.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
I absolutely loved Lawhon’s book Code Name Hélène, which offered gripping storytelling, heartbreak, and a woman not afraid to challenge the status quo.
SHOULD YOU READ:
This an outstanding historical fiction. I also think this would make an incredible book club pick!
Romance
Latest Book Reviews
4.0
READ VIA:
Libby Audio
ABOUT:
When her career begins to implode following the poor reception of a magazine cover, Avery Fox escapes to her grandmother‘s ranch. However, due to an estranged relationship between her mother and her grandmother, she has never even been to Oklahoma, let alone met her grandmother.
Accepting ownership of her past actions and native identity, Avery experiences significant growth and love, from learning about horses to falling for a handsome cowboy.
MY THOUGHTS:
Overall, this was a really enjoyable, fun, flirty, cowboy romance. I appreciated Avery’s journey and felt that the found family, learning about one’s roots, was set up well. I sometimes wished the author had been bolder in the facets of native life she decided to include.
Avery and Lucas had great banter, and I loved his inability to deny his attraction for Avery. I also felt his backstory was compelling and added a lot of depth to the narrative.
At points, the writing felt like we were doing more telling than showing, and so at specific points, the story dragged a bit for me.
I appreciated how this book addressed some of the more challenging aspects of being a performer, including the difficulty in expressing oneself in the way one desires.
Altogether, I had a good experience reading the book.
AUDIO:
True to form, Kyla Garcia knocked this one out of the park. She had to cover voices for a variety of genders and ages, and I felt like she was able to give each a distinctive tone. Additionally, Avery‘s frustration, happiness, and warmth came across through her endearing performance.
SIMILAR BOOKS:
I have seen this compared to the Hannah Montana movie, but I have never seen that. This celebrity learns about real life on a ranch theme.
SHOULD YOU READ:
Danica is definitely one to watch, and I look forward to what she writes next. I definitely recommend this for fans of cowboy romances!