My first “encounter” with Makoto Shinakai was through his movie Your Name, which if you haven’t seen it, you must, because it’s brilliant. He is curreMy first “encounter” with Makoto Shinakai was through his movie Your Name, which if you haven’t seen it, you must, because it’s brilliant. He is currently praised to be the next Miyazaki, and I second this.
Suzume was a wonderful anime, well worth of all the praise and nominations it received. Having it in pocket size manga is almost as good, and I can’t wait for the next 2 books.
I would like to thank Kodansha Comics | Vertical Comics and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange of an honest review ...more
A few days have passed since I finished this book, and I still find myself at a loss for words beyond simply: I loved it. The ending left me speechlesA few days have passed since I finished this book, and I still find myself at a loss for words beyond simply: I loved it. The ending left me speechless, making it nearly impossible to gather my thoughts, let alone write a coherent review. How am I supposed to survive that cliffhanger?!
As I mentioned in my review of The Hurricane Wars, despite the mixed opinions on this series, it has become one of my favorite romantasy releases in recent years: • Thea’s writing is expressive, painting a vivid, lush world that feels both unique and immersive. Whether we’re in the Continent or Nenevar—two strikingly distinct settings—I can picture everything clearly. Her world-building is beautifully done, and though it subtly echoes Star Wars, it stands apart in its own right. And the food descriptions? Absolutely mouthwatering. My senses are always fully engaged when I read her books. • Enemies-to-lovers is a well-loved trope, but it’s often driven by miscommunication rather than genuine conflict. That’s not the case with Talasyn and Alaric. These two are true enemies, standing on opposite sides of a brutal war with vastly different perspectives. Their attraction, while quick, feels natural, deeply rooted in how they were raised and the things they have in common, which outweigh their divisions.
Monsoon Rising picks up immediately after the events of the previous book, and our beloved couple is now drowning in emotions they shouldn’t feel for each other, and that go against their families and allies. While there’s some political intrigue in the background, the focus here is primarily on their romance, their training, and the combination of their magic in preparation for the looming threat of the Moonless Dark.
The action scenes are intense, and the romance is beautifully developed. When they finally consummate their relationship (thank you, Thea!), it’s handled perfectly, and the intimacy feels right for their journey.
While I’m not usually a fan of long internal monologues, in this case, I found myself enjoying them. The internal struggles Talasyn and Alaric wrestle with add depth to their character development, and you can feel their growth with each chapter.
From start to finish, this book kept me on edge, anxiously wondering how everything would play out and how their fragile relationship could possibly survive, leaving me wholly unprepared for the ending.
The book only loses one star for me because the Moonless Dark didn’t fully meet my expectations, and I would’ve liked to see more political intrigue woven into the plot. Hopefully, the third book will dive deeper into some loose threads that need to be handled, and cannot be addressed if the story solely focuses on the romance. I am eagerly counting down the days until the next release (and this one is not officially out yet ...more
A song to drown rivers is a retelling of the story of Xi Shi, one of the legendary "Four Beauties" of ancient China, and known for her role in a tale A song to drown rivers is a retelling of the story of Xi Shi, one of the legendary "Four Beauties" of ancient China, and known for her role in a tale of espionage to weaken king Funchai and defeat the Wu kingdom.
The story is mostly aligned with what I know of it, except for the training time Xi Shi endured with Fanli (3 years vs 13 weeks in the book). I wish the author have kept the timeline, showing us more of Xi Shi training to become a spy. I believe this would have had a great impact on character development, which feels a bit poor in the book, adding layers and angst to the main characters storyline. Also, though her beauty was a great asset, only combined with other skills could she really tilt the balance. This could have also worked to give us more historical background, which I consider relevant in the genre.
I loved the writing style, which drew me in the story immediately after I started reading it. The ending was very emotional and it was my favorite part of the book. I’m sure it will break many readers hearts.
Though this book is marketed as adult, I really don’t feel this is accurate.
Recommended for YA and new adult historical fiction readers.
I would like to thank Pan Macmillan | Tor and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Evie is a Vietnamese descendent who just lost her favorite aunt, and her last link to her father’s culture and heritage. Her writing and teaching careEvie is a Vietnamese descendent who just lost her favorite aunt, and her last link to her father’s culture and heritage. Her writing and teaching career is failing, her love life is a mess, and she’s far from whom she dreamed she would become. Her last aunt desire was for her to go on a matchmaking tour on Việt Nam, to give love and adventure a chance. Will she finally find herself?
In a world where Romances are mostly USA or UK centered, reading one happening in Việt Nam was a breath of fresh air.
I loved to read about some well know landmarks, and I appreciated the inclusion of heritage, legacy and cultural differences, as well as detailed and different perspectives on grief.
While the love story didn’t necessarily ressonate with me, I was still invested in Evie’s and Adam HEA and I will certainly check again this author in the future.
I would like to thank Quercus Books | Quercus and NetGalley the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
This book! The story! The ending! The epilogue! Carissa I need the 4th book immediately!
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone book consolidated Carissa This book! The story! The ending! The epilogue! Carissa I need the 4th book immediately!
The Songbird and the Heart of Stone book consolidated Carissa as my current favourite Romantasy writer. She writes the perfect blend of fantasy and romance, full of complex and layered characters, wrapped in a beautifully and imaginative setting.
Mische, alongside with Vincent, was my favorite character in this series and I had high expectations for her story. Still, I couldn’t imagine how complex her background story was going to be, and how emotionally engaged I would feel with her journey. I loved Mische before, and I love her even more now. This is a character full of hope, courage and kindness, and exactly the type of FMC I like to read about.
And Asar… what a perfect match for Mische he is! He’s the farthest possible from a Heart of Stone and I can’t wait to see more of him. It’s difficult to resist sharing some quotes by him (I have so many highlighted) but I refuse to spoil others the discovery of this character… Still, I’m obsessed with his heart and quiet, but fierce, love.
This is a story full of vulnerability, pain and love, and I loved every minute of it. Carissa Broadbent writes romantasies like no one else ...more
Tales from Tiressia is everything the title describes: A Collection of Spicy stories from the Witch Walker World, involving some of our most beloved cTales from Tiressia is everything the title describes: A Collection of Spicy stories from the Witch Walker World, involving some of our most beloved characters.
Even though I prefer the spicy side of life to be more tempered with plot, it was amazing to be able to reconnect with this world. Plus, I want any scraps I can get of Raina and Alexus until Kingdom of the Forgotten is released.
Thank you Charissa Weaks for the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review. My thoughs are my own...more
I’ve never read The Chronicles of Narnia because by the time I discovered the series, I was already too old for fairy tales. Fortunately, I’ve now reaI’ve never read The Chronicles of Narnia because by the time I discovered the series, I was already too old for fairy tales. Fortunately, I’ve now reached an age where I'm old enough to read them again, and while I keep saving Narnia for the future, I’m always drawn to books inspired by it.
The Lost Story has all the elements a fairy tale needs: princes and princesses, knights, magic, special animals, villains, unicorns, found family, romance, second chances, redemption, and, of course, a happy ever after.
This story has one of the most gripping beginnings I’ve experienced in a while, and I was ecstatic to dive into it. We follow Emilie, who, in search of her big sister, contacts Jeremy, a formerly lost boy with a special talent for finding girls in need. From there, we are introduced to a cast of lovable characters, learn their stories and secrets, and enter a magical world full of wonder and Fleetwood Mac.
For no particular reason, I was expecting this to be a fairy tale for adults and was anticipating something a bit darker. However, this is a fairy tale for everyone, which is exactly as it should be ...more
The Story Collector is a compelling and immersive novel about the transformative and healing power of stories. I am very partial to these types of stoThe Story Collector is a compelling and immersive novel about the transformative and healing power of stories. I am very partial to these types of stories, particularly when they have magical realism and incorporate Good Folk (I have Julliet Marillier to thank for this).
The narrative follows Sarah Harper and her spontaneous travel to Ireland, where she ends up discovering a diary from 1910, written by Anna, who volunteered to help an American translate fairy stories to English. From this, we get to two timelines, and two different self-discovering journeys.
Evie’s writing is captivating and beautiful, and while I did prefer Anne’s storyline (I really can't resist fairies and fairytales), I appreciate how flawlessly intertwined both timelines were.
Similarly to The Lost Bookshop, I wasn’t in love with the romance in this book, which is mainly what made me drop one star. There are stories that need, and benefit, from the existence of romance, and others that the central focus needs to be introspection, self-understanding, and self-healing. In my perspective, Sarah was nowhere near ready to be in a new relationship. We need to stand firm on our own to be able to be in a good relationship, and I wish we were shown this more often.
I’m certainly going to keep following Evie’s career, and I feel honoured to have been an advance reader to both of her books.
Please be aware of trigger warnings: loss of child, grief and alcoholism.
I would like to thank HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review....more
I’m always fond of novels with old characters doing things and finding enjoyment in life. Add to these some quirky and sweet characters and the found I’m always fond of novels with old characters doing things and finding enjoyment in life. Add to these some quirky and sweet characters and the found family trope, and I have the perfect feel-good read to help me balance and improve my moods.
The Phoenix Ballroom couldn’t fit better this description! We get to know Venetia, a 74 year-old and recently widowed who decides to live her life as the fullest, Liberty, a 45 year-old who is still figuring out her life, Kite, the most wonderful grandson ever, and several other endearing characters that warmed my heart.
This was my first experience reading Ruth Hogan but I will certainly read more from her.
I would like to thank Atlantic Books | Corvus and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review. ...more
Older couple, friends to lovers, and glitter spitting dragons? Sign me in! The MMC has acne scars? I’m not sure my heart can take all this normalcy! MOlder couple, friends to lovers, and glitter spitting dragons? Sign me in! The MMC has acne scars? I’m not sure my heart can take all this normalcy! Megan Bannen, are you telling me that real people can find love as well??
The undertaking of Hart and Mercy is one of my favorite fantasy romances and I was ecstatic to be back to Eternity and Tarnia. Hart and Mercy remain my favorite couple, and I wouldn’t be honest if I didn’t say that seeing them get married was my favorite part of this book. However, Twy and Frank are beautiful characters and I loved every single minute I spent getting to know them.
I loved to see Twy navigating through her life and job, overcoming her fears in love and relationships.
Frank is everything that is good in the world. He has such tenderness in him, I just wish he had more voice in the story and more time to show his steady and quiet love.
I’ll be anxiously waiting for more books in this world.
I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
- - - - - - - - Pre review:
I got it and I'm ecstatic!
Thank you, thank you, thank you Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Netaglley for the eARC!...more
I was lucky last year to be invited to read Julie's Soto debut Forget me not and even more lucky to be approved to read this year release, which was nI was lucky last year to be invited to read Julie's Soto debut Forget me not and even more lucky to be approved to read this year release, which was not only one of my most awaited releases, but also the one I was convinced it would end my romance slump.
Not Another Love Song is a beautiful story about two musical prodigies, that had faced many challenges, and are lucky to find love, and companionship in each other. The main characters are too young for my preference, particularly Gwen who is 23, and I'm a strong believer you should not make life altering decisions before 25, when the brain is fully developed. However, Gwen and Alex do belong together and read as they were made for each other, and I LOVED their romance.
This book reads like a symphony, with rhythm changes, tension and resolution. I can see Julie loves and understands music, and that passion was transcribed perfectly in this story.
I was very anxious while reading because I could feel the sheer amount of things that could trigger a 3rd act breakup, which I always hate, and in this particular case I knew it would break my heart almost irreparably. I made peace with it because, as I said before, the characters are very young, and stupid decisions are unavoidable at that age.
I do n0t always mention it, but in this case I absolutely have to: The spice was spicy, beautiful, and I loved it. THE CELLO SCENE... this book is HOT.
It was a privilege to read about this couple and I'll be waiting for more of Soto's books. ...more
”As long as you are alive, it is never too late to be found”
With Blue Sisters Coco Mellors tells us the journey of three entitled and privilege gi”As long as you are alive, it is never too late to be found”
With Blue Sisters Coco Mellors tells us the journey of three entitled and privilege girls through grief.
It is a testament to Coco’s writing that I still loved the book, despite not being able to relate to the characters for one single bit. Even so, I can appreciate how well the bonds of sisterhood between the sisters were described, and how heavy themes such as addiction were handled with care.
This was a beautifully written and engaging family drama, and I’ll certainly going to come back for more of Coco’s writing.
I would like to 4th Estate | Fourth Estate and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.
P.S – A huge appreciation to all authors writing about Endometriosis. Let’s not normalize pain. ...more
Knowing it’s a short story by Isabel Allende was enough to convince me to read it. If you need more than this, let me tell you it was enchanting and sKnowing it’s a short story by Isabel Allende was enough to convince me to read it. If you need more than this, let me tell you it was enchanting and sweet as only new love can be....more
When I read the blurb for The Ministry of Time I was immediately curious and it become one of my most anticipated releases of the year.
I was not disaWhen I read the blurb for The Ministry of Time I was immediately curious and it become one of my most anticipated releases of the year.
I was not disappointed! The ministry of time brings a new (at least to me) twist on the time travel books, as it focuses on the adaptation, assimilation of culture by people brought from the past. This is an absolutely wonderful set up to explore some very important issues - racism, colonization, feminism, gender equality, religion, climate crises etc - while also giving plenty of opportunities to do it with humor.
The writing was beautiful, engaging, and full of British humor that made me laugh out loud several times. The characters are interesting and sweet, and written in a way that made me absolutely invested in their successful adaptation and hapiness.
And Gore? I fell hard for this gentleman, and I’m not embarrassed about it.
This was a brilliant debut, and I’ll be looking forward for more books by Kate.
I would like to thank Hodder & Stoughton | Sceptre and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
It took one novella and one full novel to put Alexandra Vasti on my favorite Regency Romance writers list!
Ne'er Duke Well is full of wonderful charactIt took one novella and one full novel to put Alexandra Vasti on my favorite Regency Romance writers list!
Ne'er Duke Well is full of wonderful characters, strong leads, amazing chemistry (and spice), all wrapped up in an interesting story that surprises by escaping the traditional conflicts in the genre.
This was an absolute delight do read! Funny, light and heartwarming, but most of all, it felt like a refreshing take in the genre. I do hope Alexandra keeps writing in this world because I NEED more of it, desperately.
If you like regency romances, please make sure you give this one a try!
I would like to thank Atlantic Books | Corvus and Netgalley for the for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review....more
I had tons of fun with The foxglove king, and the exact same thing happened with its sequel, The Hemlock Queen. In an over saturated market of romantaI had tons of fun with The foxglove king, and the exact same thing happened with its sequel, The Hemlock Queen. In an over saturated market of romantasy, this story feels original to me, and I’m invested in the series.
The story picks up immediately after the events of the first book, and we immediately start learning more about the magic, the gods and their power.
The pace of this book was a bit slower than I would have preferred, but the worldbuilding and plot remain interesting, full of manipulation, scheming and twists. I must say Hannah Whitten is doing a great job regarding the character development. I care so so much for everyone (of the good guys) in this story that it’s almost unbearable.
For the romantasy readers, the tension and angst in this book is palpable and off the charts. I had so many feelings, particularly regarding one particular character who is making my heart ache. I’m devastated!
I’ve said on my first foxglove king review that I hate love triangles but that Hannah put me on board for a poli relationship between Lore, Bastian and Gabe. I’m even more on board for it now! I love them all and I just want to see these damaged characters healing and experiencing a bit of happiness. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced there would be a HEA in sight, but I’ll have to wait and see.
I can’t wait to see what Hannah is planning for the third book!
I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK | Orbit and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review....more
Happy medium was the perfect mix of funny, heartwarming, and enchanting, all wrapped up with an original plot for the seamless rom-com recipe. GrenchemHappy medium was the perfect mix of funny, heartwarming, and enchanting, all wrapped up with an original plot for the seamless rom-com recipe. Grenchem was raised to be a con artist and earns her living pretending to speak with ghosts. In an surprising turn of events, she ends up in haunted farm speaking with a real ghost, trying to convince a sceptic tattooed farmed that this time she is telling the true.
I was utterly charmed by Gretchen and Charlie! Their banter was great, and their chemistry was off the charts. I must admit that at some point I was a bit worried with Charlie’s behaviour, but he does have a wonderful heart that won me over completely.
Everett was the best character and absolutely steals the show!
I would like to Quercus Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.
P.S: As a former big4 consultant, I feel obliged to defend their honour and tell you that absolutely no one working in Deloitte, PwC, EY or KPMG would ever go to a bar wearing clothes with the company’s logo, much less bet $1,000 on whichever… everyone is usually too overworked, and value their hard-earned salary too much....more
I have enjoyed everything Kate Clayborn has written so far, and this was another win for me. However, I believe opinions on this book will significantI have enjoyed everything Kate Clayborn has written so far, and this was another win for me. However, I believe opinions on this book will significantly vary according to readers mood/ perception of the story.
Although The Other Side of Disappearing is a Romance, with traditional Dual POV, HEA and familiar tropes, the romance does not feel like the central issue of the Story. Instead, we are transported to Jess’s life to discover what happened to her mother and her con boyfriend, after they disappeared 10 years ago.
The mistery was interesting, the romance sweet, but the relationship that shines the most is the one between sisters. The Other Side of Disappearing is more of a journey of self-discovering, healing and family ties, supported by an achingly sweet and lovable MMC, with his own healing journey ahead.
I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK, Piatkus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest an honest review.
Side note: Most of this book happens on the character’s heads, and I think this was rather done well. However, I wish we could have seen the farm bits while they were happening, instead of being told. I think this would have made their love story more intense and believable. ...more
Before I let Go Was my favorite romance published in 2022, it was also the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan. To say I was impressed with her it wouldBefore I let Go Was my favorite romance published in 2022, it was also the first book I read by Kennedy Ryan. To say I was impressed with her it would be an understatement, she wrote everything I was missing in the genre: a story about about real life, family, healing, forgiveness and second chances. A story of adults that think about their life, the decisions they make, and the consequences that those decisions have for them and others.
In summary, I became a fan of Kennedy Ryan, and when I saw This Could be Us was being published, I couldn't pass on the opportunity to read it. Particularly, being Soledad's story, a character that I already admired from the first book.
What a wonderful story this was! It's again very raw, feels very real, and it's filled with important messages we tend to forget: how we can always start again, how we should value ourselves and be confident, and most importantly, how we need to learn and be comfortable alone, finding our own balance, prior to sharing a life with others.
I loved both characters, admired their strength and how they valued and prioritized their families. I'm also more than half in love with Judah!
I would like to thank Little, Brown Book Group UK, Piatkus and Netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review...more
Fathomfolk is a uniquely imagined fantasy novel, full of political intrigue and social commentary. The story happens in Tiankwani, a drowning city wheFathomfolk is a uniquely imagined fantasy novel, full of political intrigue and social commentary. The story happens in Tiankwani, a drowning city where humans and fanthomfolk live in a post-war environment. To aggravate the already existent tension between species, Humans have polluted the oceans (does this sound familiar? ...more
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