Review: Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin

Wild is the Witch by Rachel Griffin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received an ARC via Netgalley, all opinions are my own.  This book releases on August 2, 2022.

I loved The Nature of Witches and was so excited to see that the author had written another book. This is not a sequel, the magic system is different and there is no character overlap between this book and the previous book. You can read them both independently, however if you have read and enjoyed The Nature of Witches, I think you will very much enjoy this one as well.

The book is set in current times where witches are a part of society and not hidden away. They have a governing body that dictates the rules and laws regarding the use of magic. People are still hesitant to welcome witches into their lives because they have seen what some of the rule breakers have done. Our main character Iris was present when her best friend cast a spell that broke tons of rules and it did not end well. Iris was unable to stop her friend from performing that spell and it changed her life forever. Now Iris and her mom run an animal sanctuary, and life is good. No one knows that they are witches and Iris gets to do what she loves. The only hiccup in her daily routine is Pike, an annoying intern working at the sanctuary. As a way to vent her frustrations, Iris performs a ritual where she casts spells and curses giving them to the earth never to be unleased. Well as you can imagine Pike finally gets on her nerves and she casts a curse for him, but it gets cast onto an owl instead of dispelled into the earth. The owl is a sacred bird that can amplify magic, and Iris will be in a whole world of trouble if her curse in unleashed on Pike.

In an attempt to undo her mistake, Iris and Pike set out to collect the owl from the forest. During their time together they have to learn to work together and put some of their differences aside. With nothing to do other than to get to know each other, they quickly realize that there is more to the other person than they thought.

This was a fun YA romance with witches. It is also fairly clean with no sex and only a bit of kissing. I thought the character development was good. Iris was constantly worrying and in her head, and Pike was constantly trying to get her out of it. It touches on what it is like to live with anxiety and fear of losing everything. Pike was constantly trying to be Mr-Know-It-All, when Iris had to correct him without letting it slip that she was a witch. Their dynamic while frustrating at times was fun to watch develop. I enjoyed their banter. The worldbuilding was great, I really enjoyed the time spent in the forest, as I also enjoy that setting myself and felt like I was there with them. The magic system isn't overly complex and I thought the author did a good job explaining how it works.

I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more from the author!

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Blog Tour: Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills

 

Skyscraper cheekbones, lush lips, and magnetic topaz eyes.
I’m talking about Eric Hansen.

Boyfriend Material, an all-new enemies-to-lovers sports romance full of heat and chemistry from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is available now!

#1 Amazon Bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new, enemies-to-lovers sports romance, a breathtaking tale of passion, heartbreak, and love…

Skyscraper cheekbones, lush lips, and magnetic topaz eyes.

I’m talking about Eric Hansen.

Rich prick.

Glorified hockey star.

Thinks he’s amazing.

The Golden Boy and I are well acquainted. In prep school he trampled on my heart then kept right on going.

Now, he’s living the high life with frat parties and puck bunnies at Hawthorne University. On the other hand, people barely notice me—unless I’m on stage taking my clothes off. I’m the nobody, surviving in the seedy part of town as I fight to keep my head above treacherous waters.

I’ve snubbed him for three years.

The avoidance game we’ve been playing was working—until he rescues me from a bad guy and claims he wants to help me more.

Hello. I don’t need a knight in shining armor. This girl saves herself.

Yet, I’m not sure how long I can ignore the undeniable spark between us. (It’s not even a spark; it’s a full-fledged, blazing fire.)

Can this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material, or will our past get in the way?

This steamy romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers or second-chances. Boyfriend Material is a new adult college romance.

Grab your copy today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mD2FjK
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/boyfriendmaterialIMM

Keep reading for a look inside Boyfriend Material!

Eric’s large frame and rugged handsomeness takes the air from my lungs. His hair is pulled back in a man-bun, my fav look on him.
No. I do not have a favorite look for him, but it does show off his ridiculous cheekbones and aristocratic, slightly bent nose.
He’s wearing jeans, gold Converse, and a HU shirt. The lion on the front seems to glare at me—much like he is now.
I lean against the doorjamb. Be cool, be cool. “Howdy, partner.”
He doesn’t smile. “That guy at the laundromat is scary. Stay away from him. I mean it.”
I huff. The nerve of him to tell me what to do.
“That’s what I told you. I repeat, you could have been hurt. Let me handle Connor.”
His arms cross. “How did you get involved with him? Are you on drugs?”
I tuck my hands in my pockets and dip my head so he can’t see how much his words hurt. I know I strip, no one has to remind me, but in prep school, I was the goody-two shoes who never wavered. I had to keep my grades up to keep my scholarship—not that I was ever invited to parties. I wrote poetry. I drew. I daydreamed about him. “Do I look like an addict?”
His golden eyes roam over me. Assessing. “Maybe.”
My throat tingles with words I want to say but know I shouldn’t.
The less he knows, the better.
His nose flares. “I’m trying to help you and you’re giving me the cold shoulder. What’s wrong with you?”
I swallow thickly as I gaze at him. “Eric. Please. Being around me will only smear your good name—”
“Stop,” he calls out, then rubs his face, his anger seeming to deflate like a popped tire. “Don’t put yourself down like that. You’re a person, Julia. One that people care about.”
And I want to protect those people.
I chew on my bottom lip. “You shouldn’t have interfered.”
He lets out a long sigh, gives me a searching look, goes to leave, then stops. He reaches into his pocket and holds something up. “This is yours, I assume.”
I stare at the ring, my lips parting. “How did you . . .?”
But he’s already out the door.

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/38ddqFU

About Ilsa Madden-Mills
Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Connect with Ilsa
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3trVP4K
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nY2pxT
Instagram: http://bit.ly/35xfNfo
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3xysQP1
Stay up to day with Ilsa by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2ZWaTYh
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Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GaR6cni
Website: https://www.ilsamaddenmills.com
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Release Blitz: Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills

 

I’m not sure how long I can ignore the undeniable spark between us.

Boyfriend Material, an all-new swoon-worthy new adult sports romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is available now!

#1 Amazon Bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new, enemies-to-lovers sports romance, a breathtaking tale of passion, heartbreak, and love…

Skyscraper cheekbones, lush lips, and magnetic topaz eyes.

I’m talking about Eric Hansen.

Rich prick.

Glorified hockey star.

Thinks he’s amazing.

The Golden Boy and I are well acquainted. In prep school he trampled on my heart then kept right on going.

Now, he’s living the high life with frat parties and puck bunnies at Hawthorne University. On the other hand, people barely notice me—unless I’m on stage taking my clothes off. I’m the nobody, surviving in the seedy part of town as I fight to keep my head above treacherous waters.

I’ve snubbed him for three years.

The avoidance game we’ve been playing was working—until he rescues me from a bad guy and claims he wants to help me more.

Hello. I don’t need a knight in shining armor. This girl saves herself.

Yet, I’m not sure how long I can ignore the undeniable spark between us. (It’s not even a spark; it’s a full-fledged, blazing fire.)

Can this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material, or will our past get in the way?

This steamy romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers or second-chances. Boyfriend Material is a new adult college romance.

Grab your copy today!
FREE in Kindle Unlimited
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mD2FjK
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/boyfriendmaterialIMM

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/38ddqFU

About Ilsa Madden-Mills
Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Connect with Ilsa
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3trVP4K
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nY2pxT
Instagram: http://bit.ly/35xfNfo
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3xysQP1
Stay up to day with Ilsa by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2ZWaTYh
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EESfM9
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GaR6cni
Website: https://www.ilsamaddenmills.com
Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up: http://bit.ly/37B6Nay
Sign up for phone alert for book releases (max of 4) Text ROMANCE to 21000
*Text message rates apply*

Review: Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is the second book set in the Hawthorne University universe, but it reads as a standalone. There is some overlap between the characters, but the focus is on a new couple. You do not have to have read book 1 to read book 2, but I do recommend Boyfriend Bargain because Sugar and Z's story is a good one! I will give some trigger warnings for sex, sexual assault (doesn't go to far), hazing, drug and alcohol abuse, and physical violence. It isn't over the top or graphic but it is there.

This follows Julia and Eric who are two unlikely people to couple up. They met in at a prestigious prep school, where Eric was the rich kid who ruled the school and Julia was a scholarship student trying to pave a better way for herself. Eric made Julia feel special, and even though he had a love em and leave em reputation, she thought maybe it would be different this time. She was wrong and left with a broken heart. Fast forward to college where Julia has been through the wringer. She is still down on her luck and trying to make ends meet. Eric has matured some, but he's got baggage of his own and a lot of pressure put on him by his family to keep up appearances. Eric helps Julia out of several tough situations, and they rekindle the friendship they once had. It quickly becomes evident that they still are attracted to each other and both need someone to lean on when things get tough.

I really enjoyed Eric and Julia's story. It had a bit of a slow burn feel to it as they started hanging out as friends before their relationship morphed into more. I liked that they started to get to know each other a bit before the romance aspect took off. The steam level in this is pretty decent. The book is well balances with some heavy, darker scenes and topics with lighter, sweeter moments. I also really enjoyed the side characters and hope to see more from them in the future. There are some angsty moments that will make your blood boil, but I'm pretty happy with the resolution. I don't want to spoil too much as this is kind of action packed which you don't usually see in a romance novel. This read pretty quickly as there was always something happening. If you like enemies to lovers, hockey romance, with a little bit of a slow burn feel, I highly recommend this one!

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RELEASE BLAST: THE CRUSH by Karla Sorensen

 

Release Date: July 21 

You know that girl from your past that you can’t quite stop thinking about? The one that you pushed away because you had a goal that seemed so much bigger, so much more important than any crush you might have had?

That’s Adaline Wilder for me.

Nothing came before football. Not in college, and not in my five years in the pros. All I wanted was to win games, win a championship, carve my own path out of the illustrious Ward family football legacy. And I’ve done all that. But something is missing.

I’ve never been wrong about what I want. Except with her.

She moved on to someone else, but that baseball playing moron just broke her heart. I don’t blame her for not trusting me, but even Adaline can’t deny the heat when we’re together. 

I have one shot at winning her back. And I intend to take it.

Grab Your Copy Here!

Free in KU

Meet Karla Sorensen

Well, let’s see ... I’m a wife and a mother. If the things that I write bring a smile to someone's face, then I've done my job.  

I am obsessed with Outlander (both the books and the show). I’m almost exclusively a romance reader, which means some people will never consider me a literary snob. 

If I could meet one historical figure, it would be Jane Austen. I received my Bachelors in Public Relations and worked in health care marketing before I had my babies. 

I hate Twitter. I do it, but I hate it. Also, if you want to get on my good side, bring me wine and I'll love you forever. 

Connect with Karla Sorensen

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads | BookBub    Reader Group

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Review: The Crush

The Crush by Karla Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via the author, all opinions are my own.

Keep a box of tissues handy, you are going to need them. It is the rare book that brings tears to my eyes but Adaline and Emmett's story almost had me ugly crying before the end of this story. This is also that book that will keep you up until the wee hours of the night because you have to know how it ends. I couldn't put this down once I started it!

If you've read any of the Ward sisters books you may be familiar with Adeline Wilder, she was Molly Ward's assistant and friend in Focused: A hate to love sports romance . She is also Erik's sister from The Plan. Now she has her own successful party planning business and has recently broken up with her long time boyfriend who happened to be a pro-athlete. Emmett is the son of Logan and Paige Ward, who if you have read the other books featuring the Wards, you know who they are, if not don't worry who any of these people are this book reads 100% as a standalone. Emmett and Adeline have always been attracted to one another but the timing was never right as he was making his way into pro football and put all of his focus into the game. Now several years later, after getting a reality check and wanting to reset his priorities Emmett can't stop thinking about Adeline and what could have been if he'd chosen her and football. Adeline is done with atheletes who can't put her first. She's tired of being overlooked and underappreciated. She wants love, respect, and romance. When Emmett walks back into her life she isn't sure what to do, they can't deny the chemistry between them but she doesn't want to get hurt or hurt him.

I loved Adeline and Emmett. There were times you wanted to shake both of them and tell them to do something because they were taking their sweet time to take action, on the other hand you knew that they were both trying to do right by each other and take things slow and not mess up a good thing. The chemistry between them was explosive and the steamy scenes were just right. Emmett never pushed too hard, even when you wanted him to be overbearing, he was patient and gave Adeline what she needed so she didn't run and hide or panic. This is going to take you on an emotional rollercoaster for sure, so be ready, but it is so worth it to watch these two characters grow and come together.

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Review: The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green

The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thank you to Celadon books for sending me a print ARC of this book.  Be on the look out for ARCs of this book in little free libraries all over the place on July 19th as bloggers will be dropping copies all over and posting photos with links to where you can find a copy.   This is a nation-wide event you can find a your closest drop here is http://bit.ly/kingdomslfl.  I dropped mine book off at Little Free Library #93070 if you are in the Gibsonia PA area. As always, all opinions expressed in my reviews are my own.

I've never been to Savannah, but I felt like I visited after reading this.  The author does a wonderful job describing the scenery and almost making Savannah a character in the story.  This book has a bit of everything, mystery, suspense, great atmosphere, and some historical elements woven in.  Be sure to read the notes to gain some insight into the actual fictional events and what was fictionalized.  I always find that information fascinating.  

This story mainly focuses on the Musgrove family who are fairly well to do in Savannah Society, but they are highly dysfunctional.  When the family is retained for their private investigator services in relation to a murder, the Musgroves find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and lies they weren't expecting.  The investigation takes them deep into the underbelly of Savannah's past and the Musgroves find that there is some dark history that the elite have been trying to hide for a very long time.

I enjoyed this gritty tale.  There are alot of characters and alot going on, so I did find myself losing track of things at times, but overall I recommend it.  It takes you from swanky southern parties to homeless encampments.  The characters are flawed, but they work together for a united cause to solve the murder of their friend and find their missing friend.  The plot was interesting and pulls you in with the Musgrove family dynamics and scheming and the various investigations happening surrounding the murder.  This is the kind of book you need to read a second time to get all of the details you missed the first time.

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Review: What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

If you enjoy gothic horror, I highly recommend this. This book is on the shorter side, but Kingfisher does a great job packing all of the creepy punches into this unique story. This is a retelling of The Fall of the House of Usher: An Edgar Allan Poe Short Story, which I listened to right after finishing this, and while this is longer and has it's own unique spin it does keep faithful to the original work.

The Usher house is in complete disrepair much to Alex Easton's surprise when they come to visit childhood friends Madeline and Roderick. Easton received word that Madeline had fallen ill and may not have much time left in this world. Easton is not prepared for what they find on the Usher property from strange wildlife, oddities in the lake, as well as Madeline and Roderick's conditions. Easton is aided by Roderick's friend an American doctor and a woman who studies fungus. I enjoyed all of the characters, which is rare in a horror novel. Easton is a wonderful character who takes center stage trying to figure out what is wrong with Madeline and Roderick and a way to save them both. Ever a soldier, Easton always keeps their wits about them despite the strange happenings in and around the Usher house. I don't want to give too much away because it would spoil the story but this weird little book is great! I loved the dark, ominous feelings I got from the descriptions. The world building is excellent, Kingfisher does a great job describing things.

If you are looking for some other creepy books with a similar feel I also recommend Sorrowland and Mexican Gothic.

I was provided both a print and audio arc of this book via Netgalley, thank you to the publishers for allowing me to read this in advanced. As always, all opinion are my own.

View all my reviews

Sneak Peek: Boyfriend Material by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Can this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material, or will our past get in the way?

Boyfriend Material, an all-new enemies-to-lovers romance from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is coming July 25th, and we have your first look!

#1 Amazon Bestselling author Ilsa Madden-Mills delivers an all-new, enemies-to-lovers sports romance, a breathtaking tale of passion, heartbreak, and love…

Skyscraper cheekbones, lush lips, and magnetic topaz eyes.

I’m talking about Eric Hansen.

Rich prick.

Glorified hockey star.

Thinks he’s amazing.

The Golden Boy and I are well acquainted. In prep school he trampled on my heart then kept right on going.

Now, he’s living the high life with frat parties and puck bunnies at Hawthorne University. On the other hand, people barely notice me—unless I’m on stage taking my clothes off. I’m the nobody, surviving in the seedy part of town as I fight to keep my head above treacherous waters.

I’ve snubbed him for three years.

The avoidance game we’ve been playing was working—until he rescues me from a bad guy and claims he wants to help me more.

Hello. I don’t need a knight in shining armor. This girl saves herself.

Yet, I’m not sure how long I can ignore the undeniable spark between us. (It’s not even a spark; it’s a full-fledged, blazing fire.)

Can this hockey player prove he’s boyfriend material, or will our past get in the way?

This steamy romance is perfect for fans of enemies-to-lovers or second-chances. Boyfriend Material is a new adult college romance.

Reserve your copy today!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mD2FjK
Amazon Worldwide: http://mybook.to/boyfriendmaterialIMM

Keep reading for a sneak peek inside Boyfriend Material!

Prologue
Before

Julia

Meet me at my locker. Can’t wait to c u.
OK, I reply back to the text with a grin.
Five minutes later the bell rings, and I hand in my essay and dash out of class. A sea of maroon and green uniforms greet me in the hallway, girls in crisp pleated skirts and knee socks, guys in khakis and blazers. Welcome to Bellemeade Prep, a private school for the rich.
I avoid a cluster of students, stumbling and nearly losing my backpack as I hurry. Giddiness races over me, and for a second, I feel goofy for the excitement, then shove it away.
He’s a piece of nirvana in a world I don’t belong in.
It’s okay to feel as if I’m floating.
I’m in love with him.
And today is the day.
We’re going to do it.
It’s been weeks of hot glances, erotic kisses, and his fingers in my panties in every private place we could find. The gym. The drama room. The yearbook room. Once in the cafeteria while I sat in his lap with a coat over my skirt.
The crowd parts and I see him leaning against his locker.
My breath catches.
Dark red hair frames a face that angels carved. Angular jawline, lush lips, piercing topaz eyes.
His lashes are long and dark and dramatically thick.
He’s not a pale redhead. His skin is golden. Like a lion.
He could have any girl here.
I’m not the pretty cheerleader.
Or the social butterfly.
Or rich.
“Hey, gorgeous. Finally.” He smiles as he curls his arms around my waist and gazes soulfully into my eyes.
“Hey,” I breathe.
“School’s over. Wanna go take a ride in the Aston Martin? We can put the top down and go wherever you want.” His eyes lower. “Do anything you want.”
I don’t even have to think about it. “Okay.”
His fingers playfully untie the black ribbon around the neck of my shirt. He tugs it off, then unbuttons the top two buttons. His hand snakes in and presses against my sternum as we move closer and breathe each other in. We need to touch each other. It’s been this way since he sat next to me in poetry class after Christmas.
He dips his head to my neck, then bites my ear. “I want to fuck you in that car.”
I gasp as tingles erupt over my skin.
I’m new to this school, but I’ve heard the rumors about him. That he’s the king of breakups. That he has sex with girls, then moves on.
But they don’t know him like I do.
He’s perfect boyfriend material . . .

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/38ddqFU

About Ilsa Madden-Mills
Wall Street Journal, New York Times and USA Today best-selling author Ilsa Madden-Mills is best known for her angsty new adult romances and romantic comedies.

Eight of her eleven novels have placed in the Amazon Top 10 Best-seller List: Dirty English #1; Fake Fiancée and I Dare You #2; I Bet You, Filthy English, and Very Bad Things #6; Boyfriend Bargain #8; The Last Guy, her collaboration with Tia Louise, #4.

A former high school English teacher, she adores all things Pride and Prejudice, and of course, Mr. Darcy is her ultimate hero.

She's addicted to frothy coffee beverages, cheesy magnets, and any book featuring unicorns and sword-wielding females. Feel free to stalk her online.

Connect with Ilsa
Facebook: https://bit.ly/3trVP4K
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2nY2pxT
Instagram: http://bit.ly/35xfNfo
Twitter: https://bit.ly/3xysQP1
Stay up to day with Ilsa by joining her mailing list: http://bit.ly/2ZWaTYh
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2EESfM9
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/2GaR6cni
Website: https://www.ilsamaddenmills.com
Join her Unicorn Girls Group on FB, the best way to keep up: http://bit.ly/37B6Nay
Sign up for phone alert for book releases (max of 4) Text ROMANCE to 21000
*Text message rates apply*

Review: The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova

The Inheritance of Orquídea Divina by Zoraida Córdova
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This book has alot going on and alot of characters to keep track of.  I found it to be mainly character driven, which is not my personal preference.  I prefer something that is a bit more plot driven, and I found the plot to be lacking here.  Not to say there isn't a plot, but this mainly focuses on Orquídea's life and her family after her death.  The magic is creative and the writing is lyrical.

This book is interesting and well written but it didn't appeal to my personal tastes.  I think if you really enjoy magical realism and character driven books, you should give this a read.  

I was provided a print ARC via Edelweiss+ and I also listened to the audiobook.  As always, all opinions are my own.

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Review: Be With Me by Samantha Young

Be With Me by Samantha Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC via the author, all opinions are my own.

This is the fourth book in the Adair Family series, but I feel you could read it as a standalone.   I highly recommend the previous 3 books in the series, but you can read them all independently.  This is the long awaited story of the mysterious yoga and Pilates instructor Eredine at the very private Ardnoch Estates.  Ardnoch Estates is an exclusive vacation club for the celebrity crowd to come and relax and gain some privacy set in the Scottish Highlands.  The land is owned by the Adair family, with Arran being the youngest member of the family.  Arran has been travelling the world for the last few years, but he recently came home for his eldest brother's wedding and has decided to stay for a spell.  He has also caught the eye of a certain yoga instructor.  Eredine is a very private person, she's got some skeletons in her closet and doesn't let anyone get too close to her.  She is very attracted to Arran, and he is determined to slowly break down her walls and get to know the real her.  Arran also has some demons, and with Ery's help he's able to work through some of his feelings.

If you have read the previous books in the series this follows a similar prescription.  There is alot of emotion between our two main characters and an element of suspense.  As Eredine and Arran are working through their relationship and baggage from the past, there is something in the present that is threatening them and with the help of the entire Adair clan they are working to figure out who is sending them strange gifts and sinister notes.

I loved Eredine and Arran together.  Despite the fact that they wanted to push each other away, they kept fighting for each other and coming back and working it out.  Each time one of them tried to run, the other one stood their ground and fought for their relationship and open communication.  Their family and friends also called them out when needed, and they were always supportive.  This had a decent level of steam.  I'm so glad we finally got to learn about Eredine and got her entire backstory.  It is heartbreaking.  This is another smash hit addition to the series and I can't wait for Brodan's story.  

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Review: Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson

Drunk on All Your Strange New Words by Eddie Robson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was provided an ARC of this book via Netgalley, all opinions are my own. I thought the audiobook narrator did a great job with all of the various characters throughout the book.

I really enjoyed this sci-fi murder mystery. The story was unique and I didn't see the who-dun-it part coming until the reveal. That doesn't happen very often. This book was such a pleasant surprise. I was expecting more of a science fiction novel, which is how it starts out, but it quickly turns into the main character trying to solve the mystery of her patron's murder to clear her name.

This follows Lydia, a translator for the cultural attache for an alien race call the Logi. She is a bit aloof, and while she isn't the best translator her agency has to offer, she gets along well with Fitz (the attache), and he enjoys her company. The act of translating happens telepathically, and the act of translating makes the human feel drunk. If Lydia overdoes it, she often gets to the point of blacking out and is hungover the next day. With Fitz being invited to many social events in New York City, she is often working while attending official events. She feels herself buring out, but she wants to do a good job as she doesn't really know what else she would do with herself other than translate. After a particularly taxing evening of translating, Lydia wakes to finds Fitz murdered and all clues point to her being the culprit. In order to clear her name, she must launch her own investigation into his mysterious death or find herself in jail. As her investigation proceeds, she finds herself in the middle of a very strange and at time ridiculous plot.

I thought the world building was very well done. The book is set in a futuristic earth, after first contact with the Logi has been established. There are factions that accept there presence and those that do not. There is also a huge reliance on gadets and technology. People wear glasses and are plugged into everything much like people today are attached to their smartphones and have instant access to information. Much of their lives are recorded and streamed for entertainment and tracking purposes. I enjoyed the humor that the author weaved into the book.

This was a fun read, and I very much enjoyed it! If you are looking for something a little different I recommend it. This has light sci-fi elements and doesn't get very technical on the science or technology. The mystery was more on the cozy side with a little humor mixed in. This would be a great beach read or something to take to the pool.

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Review: The Return by Rachel Harrison

The Return by Rachel Harrison
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received an ARC of this book via Edelweiss, however I ended up listening to the final production version of the audiobook.  As always, all opinions are my own.

I've had the arc of this book on my shelf for quite some time, so when the audiobook came through via my library I knew I had to get to it.  This came out in 2020, and was nominated for several awards in the horror genre.  I thought the narrator did a great job with the audiobook, but unfortunately this was just OK for me.  It lacked the suspense and action I prefer in a horror novel.  The concept was interesting, but the paranormal elements were lacking and underdeveloped in my opinion.  There was too much focus on Elise and her issues and the lead up to the confrontation with Julie about what happened to her while she was missing.  Once the reveal occurred the ending felt rushed.

Overall, this is not my type of horror novel.  It was OK, but I never got the creep or suspense factor I'm looking for in a horror book.  

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