I'm grumbling a bit while writing this review, because I wanted to love it so much more than I actual3-3.5 STARS
"Intentions don't matter; actions do."
I'm grumbling a bit while writing this review, because I wanted to love it so much more than I actually did, but most of the reasons seem to be personal preference over actual discrepancies, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
I absolutely love how the author creates worlds that we can escape into that express queerness on a spectrum, rather than clunky, rigid titles dubbed to characters as an afterthought. The relationship at the focal point of Abel is a polyamorous triad, meaning that the three characters are equally involved with each other on a sexual level, as opposed to being connected via a pivot character. The transition between Abel and his former best friend/now turned enemy Eli becoming lovers is angsty, but we also get to witness Harlow's relationship with Eli rekindled, while viewing a new relationship between her and Abel. The steamy scenes in this novel are an 11/10, and if you are here for the smut, my friends, look no further.
"He's a monster, but he's a monster with a code."
My issues really stem from wanting more from the plot itself. We are immediately dropped in what feels like the middle of a scene from the second quarter of a story, and we are given very little world building into the setting and very little insight into a large cast of characters. I especially wanted more backstory on Harlow, as there were large chunks of her past that felt missing and I deemed necessary for further connection to her character, and there is a plot device used near the end that I felt was predictable, yet unnecessary. Overall, an enjoyable, quick read, and I look forward to seeing if there is more depth added to this world in the next installment.
Merged review:
3-3.5 STARS
"Intentions don't matter; actions do."
I'm grumbling a bit while writing this review, because I wanted to love it so much more than I actually did, but most of the reasons seem to be personal preference over actual discrepancies, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt.
I absolutely love how the author creates worlds that we can escape into that express queerness on a spectrum, rather than clunky, rigid titles dubbed to characters as an afterthought. The relationship at the focal point of Abel is a polyamorous triad, meaning that the three characters are equally involved with each other on a sexual level, as opposed to being connected via a pivot character. The transition between Abel and his former best friend/now turned enemy Eli becoming lovers is angsty, but we also get to witness Harlow's relationship with Eli rekindled, while viewing a new relationship between her and Abel. The steamy scenes in this novel are an 11/10, and if you are here for the smut, my friends, look no further.
"He's a monster, but he's a monster with a code."
My issues really stem from wanting more from the plot itself. We are immediately dropped in what feels like the middle of a scene from the second quarter of a story, and we are given very little world building into the setting and very little insight into a large cast of characters. I especially wanted more backstory on Harlow, as there were large chunks of her past that felt missing and I deemed necessary for further connection to her character, and there is a plot device used near the end that I felt was predictable, yet unnecessary. Overall, an enjoyable, quick read, and I look forward to seeing if there is more depth added to this world in the next installment....more
Incredibly fast paced, just like the author’s previous adult novels. I was a little disappointed that none of the twists surprised me, but that could Incredibly fast paced, just like the author’s previous adult novels. I was a little disappointed that none of the twists surprised me, but that could be due to the sheer amount of thrillers I’ve read and no fault of the author’s. Review to come!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing our review copies. ...more
When Harry Met Sally fans-assemble! Reading this book was like being wrapped in the comfort of a warm hug while sipping a hot cup of tea, if only for When Harry Met Sally fans-assemble! Reading this book was like being wrapped in the comfort of a warm hug while sipping a hot cup of tea, if only for the nostalgia of the aforementioned movie and millennial timeliness. While maybe a bit longer than necessary in page count, this one has delightful Jewish and bi rep, while also establishing a platonic friendship before the relationship turns romantic (we love to see it). If you’re looking for stories to add to your fall TBR, don’t forget to put this one on the list!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
Color me pleasantly surprised by this second chance, enemies to lovers, winter romance! Usually, a miscommunication trope is a h3.5 stars rounded to 4
Color me pleasantly surprised by this second chance, enemies to lovers, winter romance! Usually, a miscommunication trope is a hard pass for me, but this time it did seem at least remotely believable in why the couple hadn’t talked through their issues. The set up in the beginning was hilarious, and it does cover some deeper emotions that not many holiday themed books tackle. This one isn’t overly Christmas themed, and the setting definitely had me dreaming of the Scottish Highlands. If you’re looking for an angst filled romance that you can curl up with by the fire, give this one a try.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
”Tell me a secret, I hear Gram whisper to me, and my heart stretches in memory. I blink up at the sky, wondering where she is. Som4.5 stars rounded up
”Tell me a secret, I hear Gram whisper to me, and my heart stretches in memory. I blink up at the sky, wondering where she is. Someone’s going to tell me one of yours.”
Gorgeous cover? ✔️ Swoon worthy rivals-to-lovers romance? ✔️ A moving story about grief? ✔️
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These are three of my most important checklist items in romance novels, and You, with a View excelled in all areas. We all know that the cover is initially why I requested this book, but I found that the banter and steam were completely my taste once I dove in. I love books that feature a road trip, and the angsty enemies-to-lovers vibes between Theo and Noelle, alongside the modern use of technology to further their story, felt so contemporary, but not in a trying too hard sort of way. Also? Paul is the grandpa I never had, and he was an absolutely gem that furthered the story in a comforting way.
The reason why this book resonated so heavily with me though is that I had my very own Gram, except her title was Maw Maw. She was my biggest cheerleader, the person I could talk about anything and everything with, and the day she died left a hole in my heart that no one else on this earth will ever be able to fill. I could 100% relate to Noelle’s grief journey and the wide range of emotions she felt while untangling Kat and Paul’s love story. Is saying that this book hurt so good a thing? Because it did, and it does. And it will continue to do so.
I’m very impressed by this debut, and I cannot wait to read Jessica Joyce’s next release!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
”Well, find your own magic, I suppose. The magic way to give your kids the perfect childhood that will turn them into better adu3.5 stars rounded to 4
”Well, find your own magic, I suppose. The magic way to give your kids the perfect childhood that will turn them into better adults than you could have ever been. The magic way to undo whatever damage your parents did to you, to keep your kids happy and safe and protected forever.”
If you read Hide then you probably have an idea of what to expect with Mister Magic. Not that the plots are exactly the same, but the formula of mysterious build up to supernatural horror/thriller is present again, and I think that this genre works really well for the author. The less you know about this one going in the better, so my review is going to be brief and vague, but know that this is a dark, enthralling, suspenseful read that dabbles in how The Mandela Effect might have influenced elder millennial memories. What makes it even more meaningful is the author’s note in the back, explaining where the inspiration for this novel came from. If you’re looking for a lightning fast read where you may not understand everything by the end of the book, but have a ball of a time reading, this book is for you.
”You were always the best part of me. If I could take back even one second of waiting for other people and other places and just be with you, I’d do i”You were always the best part of me. If I could take back even one second of waiting for other people and other places and just be with you, I’d do it.”
I was not expecting this book to hit me squarely in the feels, but I am suing SFM for emotional damages, because this book was exquisite. Going in, I didn’t really have a clue of what to expect, as it is my first read from the author. Would it be dark, like a Stephen King, coming of age, battle the evil giant sort of way? Well, it definitely is a coming of age tale, but it is SO much more than your typical small town horror novel. While parts are dark, the overall feel is more suspenseful and surprisingly hopeful.
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The balance between the past tense narrative as the gang discovers the houses and what magic they hold and the present tense search for Brandi and the truth of the 15 years they have been gone from town is perfectly done, and the atmosphere of the Arkansas Ozark felt like a character all in its own. An unexpected touch was how lovingly this book wraps up, with a HEA in every way imaginable. If you enjoy books that break genre barriers with a compulsive feel, do yourself a favor and check out The Wonder State.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
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