I had such a blast with this book! It was the perfect blend of steamy, sweet, and hilariously chaotic holiday charm. I started reading it on my KindleI had such a blast with this book! It was the perfect blend of steamy, sweet, and hilariously chaotic holiday charm. I started reading it on my Kindle and was instantly hooked by the chemistry between the grumpy-sexy single dad boss and the spirited, witty narrator. Then I switched to the audiobook during errands, and the performance made it even more addictive and the narration was full of playful energy and gave every character their own sparkle. I loved the holiday shenanigans, the popcorn-stringing competitions, fake dating awkwardness, and snowy wedding vibes felt like wrapping myself in a warm, slightly naughty Hallmark blanket. I laughed out loud more than once, especially during the scenes with the ex and the over-the-top Christmas contests. The romance built with the perfect amount of tension, and I totally melted when things turned from revenge-flavored fun to something real and emotional. Whether curled up with my Kindle or cracking up during the audiobook, I didn’t want it to end.
I recommend this book to anyone who loves festive rom-coms with spice, sass, and just enough heart to make your holiday glow.
Thank you to @atriabooks @simonmaverickaudio @netgalley and the author @laurenblakelybooks for an e-arc and an alc copy. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I really enjoyed this story—it had the perfect blend of humor, heart, and a whole lot of country charm. I loved being swept into Cassidy’s world, withI really enjoyed this story—it had the perfect blend of humor, heart, and a whole lot of country charm. I loved being swept into Cassidy’s world, with all its dust, horses, and quiet strength. I felt her hesitation and fierce independence, and I admired how she held her own even when life started to change around her. I was surprised by how much I grew to like Wilder. At first, I wasn’t sure what to make of a Hollywood heartthrob in cowboy boots, but I quickly found myself rooting for him as he traded scripts for saddles and started to see life differently. I smiled at the way their connection grew slowly and authentically—it felt earned, and it made their choices that much more meaningful. This book left me thinking about what it means to chase your dreams while still staying true to yourself.
I recommend this book to readers who love sweet, small-town romance with a dash of stardust and a whole lot of heart.
Thank you to @randomhousekids � Delacorte Romance @katrinaemmelauthor and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
From the very first twist this book had a grip on me. The emotional volatility between Imogen and Lev felt raw and unnerving, especially as layers of From the very first twist this book had a grip on me. The emotional volatility between Imogen and Lev felt raw and unnerving, especially as layers of their newlywed bliss were stripped away. I found myself drawn to Imogen’s fragile state of trust, understanding how suspicion can quietly spiral into something far more dangerous. The pacing was tense and intimate, keeping the focus tightly on the psychological unraveling of a marriage haunted by lies, memory gaps, and a past that refuses to stay buried. I didn’t just follow the mystery, I felt the dread creeping in with each revelation. Imogen’s growing fear of the man she thought she knew was especially chilling. I asked myself more than once what I would do in her place—how far I might go to find the truth, even if it meant confronting something I didn’t want to believe.
This book is a great pick for readers who enjoy psychological thrillers with a domestic twist.
Thank you to @amazonpublishing � Thomas & Mercer, @joe_hart_author, and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I was immediately pulled into the quiet unease of North Falls. I felt the tension simmering just beneath the surface, even before the fireworks lit upI was immediately pulled into the quiet unease of North Falls. I felt the tension simmering just beneath the surface, even before the fireworks lit up the sky and two girls disappeared. I connected with Officer Emmy Clifton’s guilt and determination, her emotional stake made me feel like I was right there with her, chasing shadows and secrets. I found myself questioning how well we ever really know the people around us. I was haunted by the idea that every teenage girl in the story had something to hide, because it made me reflect on how easily things can spiral behind closed doors. I couldn’t shake the feeling that the town itself was a character, cloaked in small-town charm but brimming with buried truths. I appreciated how the mystery unfolded not just through clues, but through emotional reckoning. I kept asking myself who could be trusted, and what role guilt plays in justice. I didn’t just want to know what happened, needed to know why!
Thank you to @williammorrowbooks @karinslaughterauthor and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I was excited about the premise of this book—the mix of academia, publishing, and a reality-blurring romance had so much potential. I went in expectin I was excited about the premise of this book—the mix of academia, publishing, and a reality-blurring romance had so much potential. I went in expecting sharp tension, layered emotions, and a whirlwind of media-fueled chaos, but I found myself struggling to stay engaged. The story had moments that kept me interested, and I liked the dynamic between Toni and Addie. Their history and the unexpected viral wedding made for an intriguing setup, but the execution fell flat for me. The writing leaned heavily into telling rather than showing, and I found myself wishing for deeper, more immersive scenes. I wanted to feel their emotions, the pressure of their circumstances, and the tangled nature of their relationship—but instead, everything was laid out too plainly, which made it hard to fully connect. I also felt like the pacing didn’t always work in the book’s favor. Some sections dragged, while others rushed past moments that could have been explored further. I loved the idea of Toni navigating the publishing world and Addie chasing her big break, but their individual arcs felt underdeveloped in ways that left me wanting more.
While I didn’t completely dislike the book, it didn’t leave much of an impression.
Thank you to @brambleromance and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I was immediately captivated by this story. From the moment Jae-young boarded that train, I felt the weight of her escape—the urgency, the desperationI was immediately captivated by this story. From the moment Jae-young boarded that train, I felt the weight of her escape—the urgency, the desperation, and the sheer unpredictability of what was coming next. Every moment felt charged with tension, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. I loved how layered Jae-young’s journey was. And when she arrived at the imposing estate, I could almost feel the walls closing in, the weight of secrets pressing down. The writing kept me hooked, balancing suspense with sharp emotional depth. I felt deeply connected to Jae-young’s inner turmoil, her need to survive, her reluctance to trust—and the growing realization that she was stepping into something far darker than she ever imagined. The tension built masterfully, keeping me guessing about who she could trust and what lurked beneath the surface.
This book was tense, emotional, and utterly addictive. If you love sharp suspense, complex characters, and stories where danger lurks behind wealth and luxury, this one is worth every moment.
Thank you @randomhouse and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I had an absolute blast reading this book! From the very first page, I felt like I had been dropped right into the chaos of S*x Island, complete with I had an absolute blast reading this book! From the very first page, I felt like I had been dropped right into the chaos of S*x Island, complete with shady producers, over-the-top contestants, and wild plot twists. I laughed, I gasped, I mentally screamed at certain characters—this book had me fully invested like I was watching the messiest reality TV marathon of my life. Marie-as-Luella is everything—hilarious, determined, and just the right amount of reckless to keep me on edge. I loved following her undercover adventure, watching her navigate the ridiculous drama while actually trying to solve a mystery. Every new reveal had me dying to know what happened next, and the humor? On point. I felt like I was in the show, caught up in the tension, the ridiculous antics, and the over-the-top relationships. The pacing was fast, the drama was delicious, and the entire story was just plain fun.
If you love messy reality TV energy mixed with sharp humor and a bit of danger, this book delivers. I loved every second of it!
Thank you to @randomhouse � Bantam and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I found this book absolutely fascinating. I felt completely immersed in the brutal beauty of the Himalayas and the incredible challenges faced by the I found this book absolutely fascinating. I felt completely immersed in the brutal beauty of the Himalayas and the incredible challenges faced by the Roosevelt expedition. I appreciated how the author brought history to life with vivid descriptions and gripping storytelling—I could feel the danger and desperation in every twist and turn. I loved learning about the search for the panda bear and how it tied into larger themes of exploration, survival, and conservation. I was surprised by how much I didn’t know about this historical journey, and I felt like I walked away with a newfound appreciation for both the natural world and the perseverance of those early explorers. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself eager to turn each page. By the end, I felt completely satisfied with the journey this book took me on.
The blend of adventure, science, and history made for a compelling read, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys nonfiction that reads like a thrilling story.
Thank you to @atriabooks @nathaliaholt and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I absolutely devoured this book! As a huge fan of this author, I knew I was in for a gripping, twist-filled ride, and it did not disappoint. From the I absolutely devoured this book! As a huge fan of this author, I knew I was in for a gripping, twist-filled ride, and it did not disappoint. From the very first page, I was hooked by Mercy’s story—her trauma, her resilience, and the impossible situation she finds herself trapped in. I loved how the tension kept building, with every new twist making the stakes feel even higher. The survivalist reality show premise was brilliantly executed, and I felt completely immersed in the eerie, unpredictable setting. The pacing was razor-sharp, keeping me constantly guessing who could be trusted and what would happen next. By the end, I was completely satisfied, yet I still found myself thinking about the characters and the chilling reveals long after I finished reading.
This book is an absolute must-read for fans of Karen McManus and Holly Jackson—if you love clever mysteries, high-stakes thrills, and unforgettable protagonists, you’ll love this one too.
I found this book to be an insightful and engaging exploration of queer history and identity. I really appreciated the warmth and humor throughout, whI found this book to be an insightful and engaging exploration of queer history and identity. I really appreciated the warmth and humor throughout, which made even the heavier moments feel deeply personal and relatable. The stories of the women who called and volunteered for the Lesbian Line were fascinating, and I loved how they highlighted the complexities of everyday queer life.
At times, though, I felt like there was a lot happening in the book. While the blend of memoir, history, and cultural analysis worked, it occasionally felt a little scattered. Some sections felt deeply immersive, while others seemed to skim the surface instead of fully diving in. I found myself wanting more depth in certain areas, especially when it came to the historical and ethical discussions.
Despite that, the book’s emotional core was strong. I loved Lovatt’s reflections on her own journey and the way she tied it into the broader themes of queer community, activism, and legacy. The pop culture references were a fun addition, grounding the book in a way that made it feel both nostalgic and current.
Overall, this was a thought-provoking read that offered a celebration of queer resilience and history. While some moments felt a bit rushed or disconnected, the book still had plenty of powerful insights that stuck with me.
Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I absolutely loved this book! I didn’t think I needed a story about Robbie, but I was completely wrong—this book was perfect. I felt fully immersed inI absolutely loved this book! I didn’t think I needed a story about Robbie, but I was completely wrong—this book was perfect. I felt fully immersed in the playful yet emotional journey between Robbie and Skylar, and I loved how their dynamic evolved throughout the story. I found myself laughing at their banter, swooning at their chemistry, and completely invested in their slow-burning connection. The fake dating trope was executed so well, and I felt like every challenge they faced brought out new layers to their characters. Robbie surprised me in the best way—his charm, his vulnerability, and the way he showed up for Skylar made me love him even more. By the end, I felt like I had gone on the emotional ride right alongside them. The romance, the tension, and the growth between these two were everything I could have hoped for.
This series continues to be a favorite of mine, and I will read anything this author writes!
Thank you to @avonbooks @tessabaileyisanauthor and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
This is a captivating YA thriller. I love how it started and was captivated right from the start. I just got sucked in and couldn’t take a break. The This is a captivating YA thriller. I love how it started and was captivated right from the start. I just got sucked in and couldn’t take a break. The writing was just so good. I loved the characters; they were great kids without being too ridiculous. I feel that sometimes writers make teenagers seem wild or unruly, but in this case, the author did a great job of making them just feel like kids, nothing too extra. That’s not to say the book wasn’t farfetched, but it was fun. I feel that with most books I read you have to suspense belief a little, and that was true here. It wasn’t too out there, but enough that I just went “hmm�. This one kept me guessing until the end as well, and it was a wild ride that I really enjoyed. The pacing is quick, and it’s a very bingeable book. I finished over the course of a few hours in one sitting.
I would recommend this one to a little older end of the YA spectrum as it does deal with some heavy topics and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Thank you to @delacortepress @amychristineparker and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.
Merged review:
This is a captivating YA thriller. I love how it started and was captivated right from the start. I just got sucked in and couldn’t take a break. The writing was just so good. I loved the characters; they were great kids without being too ridiculous. I feel that sometimes writers make teenagers seem wild or unruly, but in this case, the author did a great job of making them just feel like kids, nothing too extra. That’s not to say the book wasn’t farfetched, but it was fun. I feel that with most books I read you have to suspense belief a little, and that was true here. It wasn’t too out there, but enough that I just went “hmm�. This one kept me guessing until the end as well, and it was a wild ride that I really enjoyed. The pacing is quick, and it’s a very bingeable book. I finished over the course of a few hours in one sitting.
I would recommend this one to a little older end of the YA spectrum as it does deal with some heavy topics and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
Thank you to @delacortepress @amychristineparker and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own....more
I absolutely loved this book! As a longtime fan of this author, I felt completely drawn into the haunting atmosphere and gripping tension that built tI absolutely loved this book! As a longtime fan of this author, I felt completely drawn into the haunting atmosphere and gripping tension that built throughout the story. The historical setting was rich and immersive, making every scene feel alive with detail, and the slow unraveling of Alba’s terror kept me hooked from start to finish. I found the dynamic between Alba and ElÃas incredibly compelling—their tension, their forbidden connection, and the way their fates intertwined had me fully invested. The supernatural elements were chilling, and I appreciated how the horror crept in gradually, making every moment of dread feel earned. By the end, I felt both satisfied and utterly captivated.
This book delivered everything I hoped for—gorgeous writing, intense emotions, and a beautifully eerie story that lingered long after I finished. I can’t recommend it enough!
Thank you to @berkleypub @isabelcanas_ and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
**spoiler alert** I had so much fun reading this book! I’ve always admired Amelia Earhart, but I didn’t realize how much I needed a deeper dive into h**spoiler alert** I had so much fun reading this book! I’ve always admired Amelia Earhart, but I didn’t realize how much I needed a deeper dive into her relationship with George Putnam. I found their dynamic fascinating—both their support for each other and the pressures that shaped their partnership kept me hooked from start to finish. I loved how the book balanced adventure, ambition, and personal struggles, making Amelia feel more human than ever. I appreciated the way it peeled back the layers of myth surrounding her life and revealed the compromises she made to fit into the world around her. The writing was cinematic and immersive, and I felt completely transported into their era. By the end, I felt both inspired and emotionally invested in this amazing duo.
This book added a whole new dimension to how I see Amelia, and I will read anything this author writes!
Thank you to @vikingbooks @lauriestories and @netgalley for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
How do I review this. I’m going to try my best. This book will certainly stand out amongst the books I’ve read this year, but not because it’s a favorHow do I review this. I’m going to try my best. This book will certainly stand out amongst the books I’ve read this year, but not because it’s a favorite. Quite the opposite actually. This is probably the worst book I have read this year, and I’ve read about 250. The writing was so…embellished to the point that I didn’t trust a word that the author wrote. Early on I struggled with his believability and it only went downhill as I kept reading. I normally finish a book in the matter of a couple of hours, but this one, I just couldn’t.
If you’re a lover of unrealistic books that have unreliable and unbelievable narrators, then this book would work for you. ...more
I thought this book started off strong, but the second half completely fell flat. The first part had solid insights, breaking down manipulation tacticI thought this book started off strong, but the second half completely fell flat. The first part had solid insights, breaking down manipulation tactics and common red flags in an engaging way. I was interested in how con artists operate and felt like I was actually learning something useful.
Then the second half happened. Instead of building momentum, it dragged, becoming repetitive and unfocused. It felt like the book was just stretching itself out rather than delivering anything new or worthwhile. I lost interest, and by the end, it was more frustrating than informative.
While there are some decent takeaways in the beginning, the book overall didn’t deliver the strong finish it should have. I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it.
2.5 rounded
Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I had mixed feelings about this book. I found the premise really intriguing, and I liked the way it explored fame, perception, and the gap between pubI had mixed feelings about this book. I found the premise really intriguing, and I liked the way it explored fame, perception, and the gap between public image and reality. The twists kept me engaged, and I enjoyed seeing how the mystery unraveled through the lens of Naomi Barnes. That said, I struggled with parts of the execution. I felt like the pacing was uneven, and some sections dragged while others felt rushed. I also had a hard time fully connecting with Naomi as a narrator—some of her choices didn’t make sense to me, and I wished she had a little more depth.
Still, I found the story compelling overall, and I appreciated how it tackled the darker side of celebrity culture. While it wasn’t my favorite thriller, I think fans of high-stakes mysteries and investigative narratives will find a lot to enjoy.
3.5 rounded
Thank you to the publisher for the e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I absolutely adored this book! I felt completely drawn into Molly and Robin’s journey, captivated by their history, their tension, and the undeniable I absolutely adored this book! I felt completely drawn into Molly and Robin’s journey, captivated by their history, their tension, and the undeniable chemistry that lingered between them. I appreciated how the story balanced humor and heart—their escalating pranks had me laughing, but their deeper emotions kept me fully invested. I found myself rooting for both of them, even when they were at odds. Their stubbornness made the dynamic so entertaining, and I loved watching their relationship evolve as they worked to restore the inn. The setting added an extra layer of charm, making Eureka Springs feel like its own character in the story. By the end, I felt warm, satisfied, and completely swept up in their romance. The slow burn, the emotional depth, and the second-chance aspect all worked beautifully, creating a story that lingered with me long after I finished.
I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who loves heartfelt romances with humor, warmth, and just the right amount of spice.
Thank you to the publisher for my e-arc. All thoughts are my own. ...more
I thought this book was alright. The premise was fun, and I liked the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but I struggled with the writing style—it just didn’tI thought this book was alright. The premise was fun, and I liked the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, but I struggled with the writing style—it just didn’t fully work for me. Some of the humor felt a bit over-the-top, and the narrative voice wasn’t quite my preference. That said, I did enjoy the tension between the main characters, and their back-and-forth kept things entertaining. There were moments that made me smile, and I appreciated the lighthearted approach to romance. I just found myself wishing for a little more depth in certain areas.
Overall, while this book wasn’t my favorite, I can see how others might enjoy its humor, chemistry, and banter-filled romance.
Thank you to the publisher for my e-arc. all thoughts are my own. ...more
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