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Fontamara by Ignazio Silone
challenging
medium-paced
4.0
Disclaimer: Italian review ahead; university reading.
Un altro libro che ho dovuto leggere per l'università e che ho inaspettatamente amato. Che dire però? Quanta sfiga questi poveri fontamaresi.
Ho amato moltissimo questo libro: è brillante, amarissimo, deprimente ma anche divertentissimo, esasperante, geniale. Che sfiga però eh!
Un altro libro che ho dovuto leggere per l'università e che ho inaspettatamente amato. Che dire però? Quanta sfiga questi poveri fontamaresi.
Ho amato moltissimo questo libro: è brillante, amarissimo, deprimente ma anche divertentissimo, esasperante, geniale. Che sfiga però eh!
Secrets and Sake by C.J. Ravenna
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.5
Well, where do I start?
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
There were so many things I enjoyed about this book, from the compelling main characters, to the wonderful atmosphere and the fabulous writing, but I think something was probably missing for me: maybe it was a smidge too insta-love for my tastes?
Anyway, first things first, this was my first C.J. Ravenna romance and I can already see it won't my last. I really enjoyed the writing! And the way this author writes steam was *chef's kiss*
The two main characters were fabulous. I adored Jinta, and his insecurities were so damn relatable. And Raiden! Gah. He was a surprise! I was expecting a hunk of a werewolf, an uber protective and possessive one at that, and I was right, but oh god, his more vulnerable and hurt side left me nearly sobbing more than once. I hope Jinta treats him right! And vice versa too. Both MCs, despite one of them being a violent criminal and the other a reporter with a slightly skewed morality, are sweethearts and they deserve all the happiness.
The plot was fantastic too, it left me hooked, and that ending! How am I supposed to wait now?!
Unfortunately, like I said, this book was a smidge too insta-love: as a trope, it rarely works for me, as fated mates. I think it's just too lovey dovey for my tastes? Idk, it's jarring and it takes me right out of the book. I probably would have loved this book more if it had a more slow-burn vibe. Also, Jinta's characterization at times felt a bit flakey. I wasn't too impressed with a few twists at the end, but like I said, all in all it was a enjoyable read and I really cannot wait to read the conclusion to this duet!
That ending was CRUEL, and the blurb for the second book is already making me want to scream and/or cry.
TWs/CWs: emotional abuse, grooming (and hinted at domestic/sexual abuse), torture, death, violence.
Thanks GRR for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Torture, and Violence
Con gli occhi chiusi by Federigo Tozzi
challenging
slow-paced
3.0
Disclaimer: Italian review ahead; university reading.
Probabilmente non dovrei nemmeno dargli un voto perché come si fa quando è un classico? Federigo Tozzi è un visionario, sicuro, ma non credo di avere il cervello adatto per comprenderlo fino in fondo. O dovrei rileggerlo con più consapevolezza, non so. Non è che ci abbia capito moltissimo, quindi l'unica cosa che mi sento di dire, a livello di trama e di godimento nella lettura è: che palle Pietro.
Probabilmente non dovrei nemmeno dargli un voto perché come si fa quando è un classico? Federigo Tozzi è un visionario, sicuro, ma non credo di avere il cervello adatto per comprenderlo fino in fondo. O dovrei rileggerlo con più consapevolezza, non so. Non è che ci abbia capito moltissimo, quindi l'unica cosa che mi sento di dire, a livello di trama e di godimento nella lettura è: che palle Pietro.
Missed Steps by L. Sherleen
challenging
dark
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
ANOTHER ONE, THANK YOU *grabby hands*
L. Sherleen plucked this book straight out of my dreams. THIS is my jam, I need another dozen books just like this one now.
It had everything I always look for in a contemporary romance. Possessive, dreamy jock and his snarky, insecure disaster of a rival? Disability rep, a truckload of hurt/comfort and an even bigger truckload of found family vibes? Enemies to lovers, pining, also, did I mention the boatload of hurt/comfort????????! ALLLLLLL the sweetness, the snark, the delicious (and lightly kinky) steam my heart can wish for? Gah. I was hooked from the start, and I managed to devour this book in literally two sittings. I need more NOW *stomps feet*
Sure, "Missed Steps" isn't perfect. There were a couple of slip ups, the setting is a bit vague as well, but yeah, that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
I loved Kyle and Mark to absolute bits; they had me giggling and blushing from start to finish. I found Kyle absolutely fabulous: he's snarky, quick to anger, a little porcupine who strikes out for fear and when he's feeling vulnerable, but I loved seeing him slowly get better and healthier. I was so proud of him by the end of the book! And Mark: a ridiculous, caring, uber possessive, golden retriever of a man, with a very protective streak as well. I loved how gentle he was with Kyle, how respectful but also how he wasn't any of those things when the mood struck? *swoons* I also found him absolutely hilarious too, with his ridiculously endearing, grumpy jealousy. Their romance was truly top notch; I never wanted this book to end.
I'm sooooooooo hoping that the author has other books planned for this series because a few of these characters (Tommy, Sebastian, Chris, Damien?!) had "MAIN CHARACTER" stamped on their forehead.
I had an absolute blast with this book, and I can already tell the book hangover will be devastating. I need more!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, bullying, homophobia, violence, mental health struggles.
L. Sherleen plucked this book straight out of my dreams. THIS is my jam, I need another dozen books just like this one now.
It had everything I always look for in a contemporary romance. Possessive, dreamy jock and his snarky, insecure disaster of a rival? Disability rep, a truckload of hurt/comfort and an even bigger truckload of found family vibes? Enemies to lovers, pining, also, did I mention the boatload of hurt/comfort????????! ALLLLLLL the sweetness, the snark, the delicious (and lightly kinky) steam my heart can wish for? Gah. I was hooked from the start, and I managed to devour this book in literally two sittings. I need more NOW *stomps feet*
Sure, "Missed Steps" isn't perfect. There were a couple of slip ups, the setting is a bit vague as well, but yeah, that didn't detract from my enjoyment at all.
I loved Kyle and Mark to absolute bits; they had me giggling and blushing from start to finish. I found Kyle absolutely fabulous: he's snarky, quick to anger, a little porcupine who strikes out for fear and when he's feeling vulnerable, but I loved seeing him slowly get better and healthier. I was so proud of him by the end of the book! And Mark: a ridiculous, caring, uber possessive, golden retriever of a man, with a very protective streak as well. I loved how gentle he was with Kyle, how respectful but also how he wasn't any of those things when the mood struck? *swoons* I also found him absolutely hilarious too, with his ridiculously endearing, grumpy jealousy. Their romance was truly top notch; I never wanted this book to end.
I'm sooooooooo hoping that the author has other books planned for this series because a few of these characters (Tommy, Sebastian, Chris, Damien?!) had "MAIN CHARACTER" stamped on their forehead.
I had an absolute blast with this book, and I can already tell the book hangover will be devastating. I need more!!!!!!!!
TWs/CWs: childhood abuse, bullying, homophobia, violence, mental health struggles.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, and Violence
The Unlikely Pair by Jax Calder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Absolutely wonderful!
I freaking loved this.
I've been excited for Harry and Toby's book since the first time I read the blurb of this: enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, forced-proximity? THAT'S MY JAM. And after finishing this, I can wholeheartedly say that it didn't disappoint; at all.
This second book in Jax Calder's "Unlikely Dilemmas" series was a fantastic, heart-stopping romp of a book: it had all my favourite tropes, the two protagonists had an unbelievably scorching chemistry (and their banter was damn entertaining! That slow build-up from hate to reluctant allies to soulmates was FIRE), and the setting was damned fabulous. I love a good ol' "stranded in the wilderness together" trope (ft. "I hate you so much, but I also need you like air"), and this book was absolutely packed with all the delicious moments you'd expect from that kind of setting: huddling for warmth, saving each other's lives, us-against-the-world (PLUS: now-I-can't-be-without-you), all the action you can wish for, plus a whole lot of hate sex that slowly morphs into love and pining? UGH, I was hooked.
Both MCs are lovely protagonists. I admit, I had to suspend by disbelief for the duration of the book (I wouldn't trust a politician with a cactus, especially considering the absolute shameful political landscape of the world at the moment), plus the patriotic drivel and the "you can love someone despite their beliefs" were a smidge too much for me (hence, my suspended disbelief), but yeah, once I re-framed this universe as a sort of utopia Great Britain, I managed to love them both to bits. Harry (the Tory, HA!) was my favourite out of the two, because I found him more interesting in the sense that he's full of contradictions, and I love a messy, closeted disaster gay with a complex past and a truckload of ambitions. Toby was lovely as well, and I loved their dynamic to bits. Their romance was fantastic, packed with tension, hate-to-love, pining, and the forbidden aspect was the cherry on the top of an already delicious cake.
I also LOVED how slow-burn their dynamic felt: I loved seeing them slowly trust each other and I loved seeing them open up about their past and their families. Each of them becoming the most important person for the other was absolutely priceless: it's one of the reasons why I love forced-proximity romances so much, and I can only thank Jax Calder for delivering.
I loved the ending SO SO MUCH. It was iconic and I was damn proud of these two complicated, lovable, bickering men. I loved this book, and I can't wait for book three.
Thank you GRR for the ARC.
I freaking loved this.
I've been excited for Harry and Toby's book since the first time I read the blurb of this: enemies-to-lovers, opposites-attract, forced-proximity? THAT'S MY JAM. And after finishing this, I can wholeheartedly say that it didn't disappoint; at all.
This second book in Jax Calder's "Unlikely Dilemmas" series was a fantastic, heart-stopping romp of a book: it had all my favourite tropes, the two protagonists had an unbelievably scorching chemistry (and their banter was damn entertaining! That slow build-up from hate to reluctant allies to soulmates was FIRE), and the setting was damned fabulous. I love a good ol' "stranded in the wilderness together" trope (ft. "I hate you so much, but I also need you like air"), and this book was absolutely packed with all the delicious moments you'd expect from that kind of setting: huddling for warmth, saving each other's lives, us-against-the-world (PLUS: now-I-can't-be-without-you), all the action you can wish for, plus a whole lot of hate sex that slowly morphs into love and pining? UGH, I was hooked.
Both MCs are lovely protagonists. I admit, I had to suspend by disbelief for the duration of the book (I wouldn't trust a politician with a cactus, especially considering the absolute shameful political landscape of the world at the moment), plus the patriotic drivel and the "you can love someone despite their beliefs" were a smidge too much for me (hence, my suspended disbelief), but yeah, once I re-framed this universe as a sort of utopia Great Britain, I managed to love them both to bits. Harry (the Tory, HA!) was my favourite out of the two, because I found him more interesting in the sense that he's full of contradictions, and I love a messy, closeted disaster gay with a complex past and a truckload of ambitions. Toby was lovely as well, and I loved their dynamic to bits. Their romance was fantastic, packed with tension, hate-to-love, pining, and the forbidden aspect was the cherry on the top of an already delicious cake.
I also LOVED how slow-burn their dynamic felt: I loved seeing them slowly trust each other and I loved seeing them open up about their past and their families. Each of them becoming the most important person for the other was absolutely priceless: it's one of the reasons why I love forced-proximity romances so much, and I can only thank Jax Calder for delivering.
I loved the ending SO SO MUCH. It was iconic and I was damn proud of these two complicated, lovable, bickering men. I loved this book, and I can't wait for book three.
Thank you GRR for the ARC.
The Weight of It All by N.R. Walker
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.75
Very, very cute!
I think I might have been expecting something a smidge more complex, gritty and thoughtful, but all in all, this was very lovely and it made me smile so damn much.
Reed and Henry were absolutely fabulous protagonists, as were allllll the badass side characters, and I think this cute-as-hell, sweetly steamy and funny romance was precisely what I needed after a few tough reads.
Weight loss propaganda and all the fitness-and-diet shaming always makes me feel uncomfortable, so I was a bit worried about that; and although I think the whole conversation about it could have been sliiiighly more nuanced and thought-through, I still appreciated how N.R. Walker made it all about feeling good with one selves and not about some high and mighty "fit and skinny is better" assumption.
Still, I'd recommend you procede with caution if you have ED issues or body dysmorphia of any kind. Be gentle to yourselves people <3
I could have done without the HP references (I know, this is an older book, but yeah, I'd still love it if every single author would purge that s**t out of their romances ugh!), but yeah, all in all, I really did love this, especially the second half of the book. Reed and Henry's romance had a delicious friends-to-lovers arc, and I adored seeing all the tension, chemistry and attraction build throughout the book. This was a very lighthearted book (angst free and near-enough conflict free!) and it was just what I needed.
TWs/CWs: fatphobia, diet talk, body image issues, self-hate about said body issues, ageism.
I think I might have been expecting something a smidge more complex, gritty and thoughtful, but all in all, this was very lovely and it made me smile so damn much.
Reed and Henry were absolutely fabulous protagonists, as were allllll the badass side characters, and I think this cute-as-hell, sweetly steamy and funny romance was precisely what I needed after a few tough reads.
Weight loss propaganda and all the fitness-and-diet shaming always makes me feel uncomfortable, so I was a bit worried about that; and although I think the whole conversation about it could have been sliiiighly more nuanced and thought-through, I still appreciated how N.R. Walker made it all about feeling good with one selves and not about some high and mighty "fit and skinny is better" assumption.
Still, I'd recommend you procede with caution if you have ED issues or body dysmorphia of any kind. Be gentle to yourselves people <3
I could have done without the HP references (I know, this is an older book, but yeah, I'd still love it if every single author would purge that s**t out of their romances ugh!), but yeah, all in all, I really did love this, especially the second half of the book. Reed and Henry's romance had a delicious friends-to-lovers arc, and I adored seeing all the tension, chemistry and attraction build throughout the book. This was a very lighthearted book (angst free and near-enough conflict free!) and it was just what I needed.
TWs/CWs: fatphobia, diet talk, body image issues, self-hate about said body issues, ageism.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
Nessuno torna indietro by Alba de Céspedes
challenging
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Disclaimer: Italian review ahead; university reading.
Bellissimo.
Iniziato a leggere di malavoglia per un esame universitario, ma mi sono dovuta ricredere sin da subito. Ho pure pianto; Alba de Céspedes ha saputo esprimere in maniera assolutamente devastante, già nei lontani anni '30, quella girlhood che credo ancora ci accomuni tutt*, quello stato esistenziale che ci fa ammattire e disperare, ma che ci costringe anche a spalleggiarci a vicenda, stringerci nella stessa barca di "E ora che gli studi sono finiti, che si fa?", con tutta la confusione, le incertezze e il terrore di crescere che credo tutt* noi almeno una volta nella vita abbiamo vissuto; tutte le ambizioni infinite che sfociano e vengono rimpiazzate e ridimensionate man a mano che il terzo decennio di vita scorre veloce e inesorabile, e la vita "fuori" si fa sentire.
L'ho amato moltissimissimo. Mi sono rivista in tutte le ragazze, dall'implacabile Silvia all'incerta, volubile Emanuela, dalla sfortunata Milly all'eterna studentessa Augusta. Non volevo mai lasciarle. Quel finale amarissimo, ma realistico, me lo tengo stampato nel cuore. Bello, bello.
Bellissimo.
Iniziato a leggere di malavoglia per un esame universitario, ma mi sono dovuta ricredere sin da subito. Ho pure pianto; Alba de Céspedes ha saputo esprimere in maniera assolutamente devastante, già nei lontani anni '30, quella girlhood che credo ancora ci accomuni tutt*, quello stato esistenziale che ci fa ammattire e disperare, ma che ci costringe anche a spalleggiarci a vicenda, stringerci nella stessa barca di "E ora che gli studi sono finiti, che si fa?", con tutta la confusione, le incertezze e il terrore di crescere che credo tutt* noi almeno una volta nella vita abbiamo vissuto; tutte le ambizioni infinite che sfociano e vengono rimpiazzate e ridimensionate man a mano che il terzo decennio di vita scorre veloce e inesorabile, e la vita "fuori" si fa sentire.
L'ho amato moltissimissimo. Mi sono rivista in tutte le ragazze, dall'implacabile Silvia all'incerta, volubile Emanuela, dalla sfortunata Milly all'eterna studentessa Augusta. Non volevo mai lasciarle. Quel finale amarissimo, ma realistico, me lo tengo stampato nel cuore. Bello, bello.
Twisted Shadows by Allie Therin
Freaking hell, what was that ending?! Allie, you cruel, cruel author. How am I supposed to wait for book three now?! *sobs uncontrollably*
"Twisted Shadows" was an absolute rollercoaster ride of a book. It's dark, it's action-packed, it's twisted yes, and it's fueled by tensions, cliffhangers, betrayals, shocking discoveries and a truckload of emotional gut-punches. It's also funny, delightful, even sweet at times, and the romance? I was HOOKED. Thoroughly obsessed from the very start; I never wanted to stop reading.
Allie Therin is such an amazingly good writer, and I swear, she keeps getting better and better with each book.
This series has become one of my favourites of the past few years: the world-building is absolutely fabulous, damned fascinating (the whole thing about empaths is GENIUS, and although I sooooooo wish they'd just stop getting corrupted and stay their normal, sweetie-pie selves to save my sanity and my heart from despair/hurt/uncontrollable sobbing, I know there's supposed to be conflict in books, I do know that *stomps feet angrily*) and the writing is fantastic. Brilliant, funny, emotional, perfection.
The plot was WILD.
We'd left Reece and Evan in a sort of an okay-ish place at the end of book one, but book two starts off with a bang. Reece's in a liminal state, drowning in anxiety and fear about his quite-possibly-imminent corruption, and Evan's on the other side of the country doing secret spy shenanigans, and while he's still the same mysterious, unfeeling empath hunter as always, he seems to have developed an attachment to a certain empath troublemaker. Betrayal's afoot though, and Reece and Evan can't seem to catch a break and they definitely can't (and won't!) stop thinking about each other as well.
The plot and the pacing were fabulous. It was a crescendo of tension and twist and turns from the very start to the very end; I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And that ending? I have nothing else to say except: whelp.
I love a multi-POV series, and although Reece (and now Evan!) are the two main POVs and characters, I still enjoyed following all the other characters around in this wild, complex story that Allie has created. All of the characters were fantastic, but Jamey and Aisha were my favourites, apart from the two leads obviously!
Speaking of which... needless to say, I adored them both, and their relationship had me in an even bigger chokehold during this book. Their sexual and romantic tension were TOP-NOTCH, delicious, no notes, just chef's kissing all around; and ALLLLLL that flirting? God, it made me blush and giggle. The best thing was how we finally get to see Evan's walls come tumbling down around Reece: I think I might have underlined half of their conversations. The sweet way both of them care for one another despite the insurmountable divide between them and the fact that they're supposed to be enemies? Gah, I loved them. Theirs is the slowest burn to ever burn, and I'm sure after all the turmoil and heartache, their HEA will be the absolute sweetest thing, but boyyyyyy does it hurt now.
< He owed Reece some choice words about the picture, but what he said was, “Hey, Care Bear.” Reece’s lips curved up. “Hey.” >
< Once upon a time, he might have looked at a person and thought I want to be with them because they make me happy. He didn’t think things like that anymore, but if someone hit him just right, his body still jerked. Still sat up and took notice and wanted. And Reece? Hit exactly right. >
< “So what’s my job?” Reece said. “Looking cute in that hoodie. And you’re already real good at it.” >
MY PRECIOUS BABIES.
Anyway, I don't know what to do with myself now; the book hangover is going to hurttttttttt. Ugh. It was worth it though.
I can't wait to re-read this book when it's out in December, but in the meantime: *sobs uncontrollably* HOW COULD YOU ALLIE 😭
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Freaking hell, what was that ending?! Allie, you cruel, cruel author. How am I supposed to wait for book three now?! *sobs uncontrollably*
"Twisted Shadows" was an absolute rollercoaster ride of a book. It's dark, it's action-packed, it's twisted yes, and it's fueled by tensions, cliffhangers, betrayals, shocking discoveries and a truckload of emotional gut-punches. It's also funny, delightful, even sweet at times, and the romance? I was HOOKED. Thoroughly obsessed from the very start; I never wanted to stop reading.
Allie Therin is such an amazingly good writer, and I swear, she keeps getting better and better with each book.
This series has become one of my favourites of the past few years: the world-building is absolutely fabulous, damned fascinating (the whole thing about empaths is GENIUS, and although I sooooooo wish they'd just stop getting corrupted and stay their normal, sweetie-pie selves to save my sanity and my heart from despair/hurt/uncontrollable sobbing, I know there's supposed to be conflict in books, I do know that *stomps feet angrily*) and the writing is fantastic. Brilliant, funny, emotional, perfection.
The plot was WILD.
We'd left Reece and Evan in a sort of an okay-ish place at the end of book one, but book two starts off with a bang. Reece's in a liminal state, drowning in anxiety and fear about his quite-possibly-imminent corruption, and Evan's on the other side of the country doing secret spy shenanigans, and while he's still the same mysterious, unfeeling empath hunter as always, he seems to have developed an attachment to a certain empath troublemaker. Betrayal's afoot though, and Reece and Evan can't seem to catch a break and they definitely can't (and won't!) stop thinking about each other as well.
The plot and the pacing were fabulous. It was a crescendo of tension and twist and turns from the very start to the very end; I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. And that ending? I have nothing else to say except: whelp.
I love a multi-POV series, and although Reece (and now Evan!) are the two main POVs and characters, I still enjoyed following all the other characters around in this wild, complex story that Allie has created. All of the characters were fantastic, but Jamey and Aisha were my favourites, apart from the two leads obviously!
Speaking of which... needless to say, I adored them both, and their relationship had me in an even bigger chokehold during this book. Their sexual and romantic tension were TOP-NOTCH, delicious, no notes, just chef's kissing all around; and ALLLLLL that flirting? God, it made me blush and giggle. The best thing was how we finally get to see Evan's walls come tumbling down around Reece: I think I might have underlined half of their conversations. The sweet way both of them care for one another despite the insurmountable divide between them and the fact that they're supposed to be enemies? Gah, I loved them. Theirs is the slowest burn to ever burn, and I'm sure after all the turmoil and heartache, their HEA will be the absolute sweetest thing, but boyyyyyy does it hurt now.
< He owed Reece some choice words about the picture, but what he said was, “Hey, Care Bear.” Reece’s lips curved up. “Hey.” >
< Once upon a time, he might have looked at a person and thought I want to be with them because they make me happy. He didn’t think things like that anymore, but if someone hit him just right, his body still jerked. Still sat up and took notice and wanted. And Reece? Hit exactly right. >
< “So what’s my job?” Reece said. “Looking cute in that hoodie. And you’re already real good at it.” >
MY PRECIOUS BABIES.
Anyway, I don't know what to do with myself now; the book hangover is going to hurttttttttt. Ugh. It was worth it though.
I can't wait to re-read this book when it's out in December, but in the meantime: *sobs uncontrollably* HOW COULD YOU ALLIE 😭
Many thanks to the author and Netgalley for the ARC. This is my honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Homophobia
A Guard and a Gardener by Adelaide Blaike
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.0
Very cute novella: I really enjoyed reading about Jiron and Wyatt. Jiron deserves his HEA so damn much, and I was so happy to see him take care of himself for once. Wyatt was adorable.
Mat and Ren and Luis and El's cameos as always left me with a huge smile on my face: the found family vibes of this series are impeccable. I'm so happy I finally managed to finish this series. I can't wait for Adelaide Blaike's next release!
TWs/CWs: torture, rape threat, violence.
Mat and Ren and Luis and El's cameos as always left me with a huge smile on my face: the found family vibes of this series are impeccable. I'm so happy I finally managed to finish this series. I can't wait for Adelaide Blaike's next release!
TWs/CWs: torture, rape threat, violence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Violence and Sexual harassment
Skies That Burn by Casey Cox
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
What a lovely conclusion to this thrilling series.
This is how I love my contemporaries! Romantic and funny, for sure, but also absolutely packed with feels, emotional upheavals and that right amount of angst to make everything feel more worthwhile.
I've been waiting for Luca and Travis' story for quite a long time, and I'm so glad Casey Cox decided to give us their romance, finally! It was as hot and romantic as I'd hoped. It was also fairly complicated, fraught with ups-and-downs, secrets and hidden fears; I'm really satisfied with how they finally managed to reach their HEA after so many years of push-and-pulls and second chances. Everything's finally come to the light, and each one of the Kings brothers can finally have their hard-fought-for HEA. And that epilogue? I swooned so hard.
I've loved Travis since the very beginning, and I loved him to bits here as well; same with Luca, although his personality felt less fleshed-out than Travis' or any of the King brothers' love interests; I still adored him. But Travis? God, that man. A flirty, surprisingly thoughtful, surprisingly anxious, mess of a man. I loved seeing his brothers take care of him for once, and I adored being in his head. The only thing I kinda wished had been dealt with differently was the whole subplot about his dad; I didn't love the fact that his father physically abusing him was kinda glossed over, and I'd have LOVED to see him finally get the comeuppance he so rightly deserved. But yeah, it was glossed over and it left me feeling slightly less satisfied; or maybe I was just missing that "everything comes to a heed, everything is revealed" scene that always make a series feel more complete.
Anyway, regardless, I loved this book, and I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to Kings of Airlie and their messy, but lovely found family. Also, how cool is kitesurfing?! Gimme all the unusual sport romances recs!
TWs/CWs: child abuse (SA, mentioned; physical abuse), murder, drug abuse, addiction.
This is how I love my contemporaries! Romantic and funny, for sure, but also absolutely packed with feels, emotional upheavals and that right amount of angst to make everything feel more worthwhile.
I've been waiting for Luca and Travis' story for quite a long time, and I'm so glad Casey Cox decided to give us their romance, finally! It was as hot and romantic as I'd hoped. It was also fairly complicated, fraught with ups-and-downs, secrets and hidden fears; I'm really satisfied with how they finally managed to reach their HEA after so many years of push-and-pulls and second chances. Everything's finally come to the light, and each one of the Kings brothers can finally have their hard-fought-for HEA. And that epilogue? I swooned so hard.
I've loved Travis since the very beginning, and I loved him to bits here as well; same with Luca, although his personality felt less fleshed-out than Travis' or any of the King brothers' love interests; I still adored him. But Travis? God, that man. A flirty, surprisingly thoughtful, surprisingly anxious, mess of a man. I loved seeing his brothers take care of him for once, and I adored being in his head. The only thing I kinda wished had been dealt with differently was the whole subplot about his dad;
Anyway, regardless, I loved this book, and I'm so sad to be saying goodbye to Kings of Airlie and their messy, but lovely found family. Also, how cool is kitesurfing?! Gimme all the unusual sport romances recs!
TWs/CWs: child abuse (SA, mentioned; physical abuse), murder, drug abuse, addiction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction and Drug abuse
Moderate: Child abuse, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Racism, and Rape