How Not to Fall in Love by. Jacqueline Firkins | ARC Review

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Title: How Not to Fall in Love

Author: Jacqueline Firkins

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 239

Publication Date: 12/21/21

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Friends to Lovers, Contemporary

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

A hardened cynic and a hopeless romantic teach each other about love in this swoony and heartfelt contemporary romance that’s perfect for fans of Tweet Cute and The Upside of Falling.

Harper works in her mom’s wedding shop, altering dresses for petulant and picky brides who are more focused on hemlines than love. After years of watching squabbles break out over wedding plans, Harper thinks romance is a marketing tool. Nothing more. Her best friend Theo is her opposite. One date and he’s already dreaming of happily ever afters. He also plays the accordion, makes chain mail for Ren Festers, hangs out in a windmill-shaped tree house, cries over rom-coms, and takes his word-of-the-day calendar very seriously.

When Theo’s shocked to find himself nursing his umpteenth heartbreak, Harper offers to teach him how not to fall in love. Theo agrees to the lessons, as long as Harper proves she can date without falling in love. As the lessons progress and Theo takes them to heart, Harper has a harder time upholding her end of the bargain. She’s also checking out her window to see if Theo’s home from his latest date yet. She’s even watching rom-coms. If she confesses her feelings, she’ll undermine everything she’s taught him. Or was he the one teaching her?

How Not to Fall in Love is a really quick, light hearted, young adult romance story. It’s about a girl named Harper who works at her mom’s bridal shop, helping her alter dresses for excited and stressed out brides. Being in the bridal industry has made Harper a cynic about love. It doesn’t help that her quirky best-friend and next door neighbor, Theo, falls in love easily and gets his heart broken often. So she tries to help him not fall so fast by giving him lessons in dating.

As for Harper she finally talks to Felix, her crush, and tries to show Theo how to keep things casual except it’s a bit challenging for Harper because Felix is perfect. Theo and Harper both date other people but it’s clear that the person Theo really likes is Harper. She’s pretty clueless about it until she thinks it’s too late for them.

I think I should note the boys in this book – cry! Yes, they both do and that’s rare to see in books. Theo is sensitive, very quirky, dorky, so smart and oh so cute. I can definitely see why Harper started falling for him – he seems to give really good hugs, emotional support and vocab lessons! They have such a cute friendship filled with affection. Felix, on the other hand is perfect as well, it just came down to who knew Harper the best, and that was Theo.

Harper has to pick between two boys so if you aren’t into love triangles then you might not be into this love story.

I think the “lessons” Harper was supposed to help Theo with was kind of lost in the story. I didn’t see too many lessons going on, just some advice she’d give him about when to call a girl back and such. Also I thought it was weird that Harper was giving lessons when she only had one ex-boyfriend and wasn’t the dating type – it took her awhile to talk to Felix. For awhile all she did was stare at him from the shop window.

It’s a sex positive book which was nice because yes, teens do have intercourse. I’m glad Harper’s mom was there for her to talk about her love life.

I’m not a fan of this book cover! I really think they could make it as cute as the story is, at least.

This one is a really quick read and I think it’s such a sweet love story between two best friends. I enjoyed Harper and Theo’s relationship a lot. I thought the love triangle was handled pretty well considering Felix was a good guy too and it was no fault of his that things didn’t work out – sometimes, that’s just the way it is in young love. If you like a friends to lovers romance story, you may enjoy this one.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Just Haven’t Met You Yet by. Sophie Cousens | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Just Haven’t Met You Yet

Author: Sophie Cousens

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 11/09/21

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Categories: Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Laura’s business trip to the Channel Islands isn’t exactly off to a great start. After unceremoniously dumping everything in her bag in front of the most attractive man she’s ever seen in real life, she arrives at her hotel only to realize she’s grabbed the wrong suitcase from the airport. Her only consolation? The irresistibly appealing contents of the case: a copy of her favorite book; piano music; and a rugged, heavy knit fisherman sweater only a Ryan Gosling lookalike could pull off. The owner of this suitcase is Laura’s dream man–she’s sure of it. Now, all she has to do is find him.

The mix-up seems written in the stars. After all, what are the odds that she’d find The One on the same remote island where her mom and dad had first fallen in love, especially as she sets out to write an article about their epic romance? Commissioning surly cab driver Ted to ferry her around seems like her best bet in both tracking down the mystery suitcase owner and retracing her parents’ footsteps. And if beneath Ted’s gruffness lies a wit that makes their cab rides strangely entertaining, so much the better. But as Laura’s long-lost luggage soulmate proves difficult to find–and as she realizes that the love story she’s held on a pedestal all her life might not have been that perfect–she’ll have to rethink her whole outlook on love to discover what she really wants.

This is a fun story about a woman who takes a business trip to the Channel Islands, Jersey, to be exact, to hunt down information about her parents’ romance story. But she picks up the wrong luggage at the airport and comes up with this Mr. Perfect dream scenario in her head about the luggage owner so she decides to find him.

Laura is a wild woman! Haha, talk about concocting fantasies in her head about the mysterious luggage owner but she is funny, nice, romance obsessed and such a funny character. She goes to Jersey on a work assignment and finds out a lot about her family history and uncovers some truths that break her heart. But she also meets two men who become potential romances for her, but which one will she choose?

The whole cast of characters are fun as well from her best friends Dee and Vandy, who give love and life advice to everyone she meets on Jersey.

The men she meets on Jersey are quite different. Ted, her cab driver, is scruffy, older and going through a divorce. Jasper, the luggage owner is perfect, they like the same music and have the same goals and yet….Ted is who she keeps thinking about. She’s only known these men for a few days so it is almost an insta-love/insta-attraction kind of thing.

I liked the emotional parts of the book as well when it came to Laura and her memories of her mom. Ted also has moments with his dad who has Parkinson’s. There was a nice sense of family being important in the story and I love that.

I learned about Jersey! I never really knew anything about it or the Channel Islands so it was nice learning about the island.

Content Warnings: grief, marriage troubles

Ted is going through a separation and I think I would turned off by that but it really did seem like it was an ended relationship, the paperwork just needed to go through. Laura knew about it at least, it wasn’t secret.

Why you should read it:

cute rom-com story
sentimental and heartwarming
the cast of characters are funny and entertaining

Why you might not want to read it:

a little bit of insta-love/ or insta-attraction

My Thoughts:

This was a fun rom-com that was exactly what I needed for this holiday season. No it’s not a holiday romance but it gave me the romance feels and the sentimental ones especially when the characters were surrounded by family. I loved the setting of Jersey because I learned something new. Laura is a fun main character who finally gets the meet-cute, two guys to choose between, clarity about her family and a chance to stand up to her overbearing boss. I enjoyed this one a lot!

📚 ~ Yolanda

The Love Con by. Seressia glass | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Love Con

Author: Seressia Glass

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 320

Publication Date: 12/14/21

Publisher: Berkley Books

Categories: Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Cosplay, Friends to Lovers, Fake Dating

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

He’s cosplaying as her boyfriend but their feelings for each other are real in this romantic comedy from Seressia Glass.

Sometimes Kenya Davenport believes she was switched at the hospital–how else could a lover of anime, gaming, and cosplay come from STEM parents? Still, Kenya dreams of being able to turn her creative hobby into a career. She finally has a chance to make it big when she joins the reality show competition Cosplay or No Way.

There’s just one catch: the challenge for the final round is all about iconic pairs, and the judges want the contestants’ significant others to participate. Unfortunately, Kenya is as single as can be at the moment. Luckily her best friend, Cameron Lassiter, agrees to be her fake boyfriend for the show.
Roleplaying a couple in love will force them to explore what they’re hiding under the mask of friendship. Can Kenya and Cam fake it until she makes it, or will she be real about her feelings, knowing it could cost her the best friend she’s ever had?

This book caught my eye because of the very colorful cover and the synopsis about two cosplayers falling in love! I’ve never read a book about cosplayers before so this is a first for me and it was delightful!

I like Kenya a lot because she’s beautiful, fierce, unique, creative, plus size and confident! She has her insecurities, especially when her parents are grilling her about her future, but for the most part Kenya is mentally strong and she has to be because she is in a high stakes television competition and in the final round.

Her love interest is her best friend and fellow cosplayer, Cameron. She doesn’t know he’s been into her for a long while now, but he’s hoping the fake dating will help her imagine him as a something more and a potential real boyfriend. This boy is crazy about her and I love how he helps her make her dreams come true. Cam is there to defend her, help her, calm her down, protect her and he even lets her grow. He is a keeper!

If the best friend vibes is the sweetest, then let me tell you that the physical attraction between them is the hottest. Problems arise when Kenya’s parents get involved, Cam’s ex and the show trying to cause drama but they navigate it with an awesome communication session.

As for the cosplay stuff, I thought it was a cool competition and different! There is so much work that goes into cosplay so I’m glad it got a spotlight in this book.

Content Warnings: microaggressions

Kenya is black and plus sized and she deals with a lot of microaggressions from one of the judges on the show, a producer from the show and Cam’s ex. Kenya has to rise above it all or else they paint her as the angry black female on the competition. She is strong and I can see why Cam is deeply in love with her. Kenya really is a queen.

This is a quick read and the fake dating starts almost right away, there is no build up at all – so I had to get my bearings a little but we get lots of information later about Cam and Kenya’s relationship and get a good feel for their friendship.

Why you should read it:

diverse
cosplay
friends to lovers, fake dating romance
Kenya is fabulous

Why you might not want to read it:

needs more build up to their attraction, it’s instant

My Thoughts:

I like that this was something different for me, in that the two main characters are into cosplay. It was fun to see them in the process of building the costumes and seeing their friendship turn into physical attraction and love. I enjoyed Kenya’s character a lot! She is amazing and I can see why Cam is in love with her, and vice versa. This one is a light read and left me feeling happy for the couple at the end.

📚 ~ Yolanda

BLOG TOUR} You Can Go Your Own Way by. Eric Smith | ARC Review

Welcome to the blog tour for You Can Go Your Own Way by. Eric Smith!

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: You Can Go Your Own Way

Author: Eric Smith

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 272

Publication Date: 11/2/21

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Categories: Young Adult, Grief, Romance

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Inkyard Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

No one ever said love would be easy…but did they mention it would be freezing?

Adam Stillwater is in over his head. At least, that’s what his best friend would say. And his mom. And the guy who runs the hardware store down the street. But this pinball arcade is the only piece of his dad that Adam has left, and he’s determined to protect it from Philadelphia’s newest tech mogul, who wants to turn it into another one of his cold, lifeless gaming cafés.

Whitney Mitchell doesn’t know how she got here. Her parents split up. She lost all her friends. Her boyfriend dumped her. And now she’s spending her senior year running social media for her dad’s chain of super successful gaming cafés—which mostly consists of trading insults with that decrepit old pinball arcade across town.

But when a huge snowstorm hits, Adam and Whitney suddenly find themselves trapped inside the arcade. Cut off from their families, their worlds, and their responsibilities, the tension between them seems to melt away, leaving something else in its place. But what happens when the storm stops?

I’ve read one other book from this author and what I love about his work is that he writes about young adults and gaming. In You Can Go Your Own Way, we have old school gaming – pinball machines and on the opposite end we have the esports cafes that are overtaking these gaming arcades from the 80’s. As an 80’s kid myself the pinball machines are nostalgic, along with the many 80’s/90’s music references.

Adam and his mom are trying to keep their dad’s pinball arcade alive, but the dad of his ex-friend Whitney, who is now an esports cafe owner wants to buy their place and turn it into another cafe location. Adam and Whitney both run the social media accounts for their family businesses and constantly get into a twitter war. But through a series of events, Adam and Whitney find themselves talking again and making up in a deeper way.

Adam is dealing with a lot of grief from his dad’s passing and it was heartwarming how he wanted to keep the pinball arcade because of it. He goes through an emotional journey because he knows he will have to let go of the arcade soon, but does that mean he has to let go of his dad too? I think it’s wonderful how Adam comes to the decision to let go in his own time and his own way.

Whitney is the popular girl with her clique and she goes through some changes as well. She realizes with her dad’s new fame and wealth, people only want her for her connection to him. She has to navigate some of her feelings and work up the nerve to tell her dad how she feels. I liked seeing how she and Adam befriend one another again and confront the issues between them.

Content Warnings: grief

I did sympathize with Adam but Whitney does come off as the popular girl who dissed people. She has remorse over how she used to act when she was her clique of friends – but I don’t know that I saw a major change in her except being friends with Adam again.

The romance was a bit lacking for me. It’s supposed to come off as a friends to enemies to lovers kind of thing but the “lovers” part comes so fast. I just didn’t feel it between them but then again, I like my enemies to be really hating one another. The way they get together eventually is sweet and cute, but I just wanted more passion.

Why you should read it:

story has a good message
nostalgia – pinball machines, 80’s
quick read

Why you might not want to read it:

needs more romance

My Thoughts:

I wish I connected more to the characters and story but my lack of connection didn’t take away from the message of the story. This book is a look into the past and how to move on into the future with Adam dealing with his grief over his father and losing the pinball arcade they loved as a family. It gives some great lessons about appreciating what is important, being present in the moment and learning to let go in order to let other blessings in.

About the Author:

ERIC SMITH is an author and literary agent from Elizabeth, New Jersey. When he isn’t working on other people’s books, sometimes he tries to write his own. He enjoys pop punk, video games, and crying during every movie. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife and best friend, Nena, and their son, Langston. WWW.ERICSMITHROCKS.COM

Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

The Best Laid Plans by. Cameron Lund | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Best Laid Plans

Author: Cameron Lund

Format: eBook (borrowed)

Pages: 368

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication Date: 4/7/20

Categories: Young Adult, Coming of Age, Romance, Contemporary

High school senior Keely Collins takes on firsts, lasts, and everything in between in this sweet, sex-positive rom-com for fans of Meg Cabot and Jenny Han.

It seemed like a good plan at first.

When the only other virgin in her group of friends loses it at Keely’s own eighteenth birthday party, she’s inspired to take things into her own hands. She wants to have that experience too (well, not exactly like that–but with someone she trusts and actually likes), so she’s going to need to find the guy, and fast. Problem is, she’s known all the boys in her small high school forever, and it’s kinda hard to be into a guy when you watched him eat crayons in kindergarten.

So she can’t believe her luck when she meets a ridiculously hot new guy named Dean. Not only does he look like he’s fallen out of a classic movie poster, but he drives a motorcycle, flirts with ease, and might actually be into her.

But Dean’s already in college, and Keely is convinced he’ll drop her if he finds out how inexperienced she is. That’s when she talks herself into a new plan: her lifelong best friend, Andrew, would never hurt or betray her, and he’s clearly been with enough girls that he can show her the ropes before she goes all the way with Dean. Of course, the plan only works if Andrew and Keely stay friends–just friends–so things are about to get complicated.

Cameron Lund’s delightful debut is a hilarious and heartfelt story of first loves, first friends, and first times–and how making them your own is all that really matters.

First times are so awkward and I think the author captures that perfectly in this story. Keely is a virgin, and she thinks she’s the only one left at school who hasn’t done it. But when she meets a college guy who she wants to lose her virginity to, she doesn’t know how to go about it and asks her best friend Andrew to help her out.

Keely has a pretty good high school life. She’s part of the “in” crowd and gets invited to all the parties. Andrew’s best friends even consider her one of the guys. Her group of girlfriends are varied, Hannah, she totally clicks with, and Danielle not so much. These kids party, hook up a lot (except Keely) and they are soon going to graduate and get out of there – they definitely have that last hurrah vibe going on.

Keely and Andrew’s relationship is super cute. They are best friends but when things get hot and heavy, they try and go back to being best friends but it’s hard because Keely is starting to have feelings. It doesn’t help that Andrew is liking a new girl every week!

I like how the story shows how different everyone’s first time experience is with sex. It’s also awkward, and hopefully not humiliating (like Danielle’s experience), but no one wants to seem inexperienced even though they are! Also the story delved into the double standards of what happens when a girl loses their virginity, versus a guy losing theirs – totally not fair that right away a girl can be called a slut and a guy a stud.

Content Warning: slut shaming, underage drinking, misogyny

I wished Andrew and his friends stood up for Danielle more when someone was writing stuff about her on school walls. Or when Ryder was mouthing off and saying stupid things. It doesn’t seem like the girls at that school did much to defend her either, which was interesting so both guys and girls were slut shaming her. A lot of the guys in this book got away with being players and boy behaviors, which was annoying but I guess that was the point – to show the double standards between guys and girls.

Why you should read it:

sex positive
best friends to lovers
high school dating dramas

Why you might not want to read it:

high school dating dramas
the boys are so annoying 🤦🏻‍♀️
slut shaming and virgin shaming

My Thoughts:

The guys in this book are getting it way too easy. I liked how the story showed the double standards that girls face when it comes to sex. I thought Keely and Andrew’s friends to lover arc was cute. I found Keely’s concerns about being a virgin something that girls can relate to and all the other girl’s thoughts about sex was something I heard over the years from friends growing up as well. So overall I enjoyed the story and all the high school drama going on.

📚~ Yolanda

Year of the Reaper by. Makiia Lucier | ARC Review

My Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Title: Year of the Reaper

Author: Makiia Lucier

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 11/9/21

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Paranormal

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to HMH Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

The past never forgets . . .

Before an ambush by enemy soldiers, Lord Cassia was an engineer’s apprentice on a mission entrusted by the king. But when plague sweeps over the land, leaving countless dead and devastating the kingdom, even Cas’ title cannot save him from a rotting prison cell and a merciless sickness.

Three years later, Cas wants only to return to his home in the mountains and forget past horrors. But home is not what he remembers. His castle has become a refuge for the royal court. And they have brought their enemies with them.

When an assassin targets those closest to the queen, Cas is drawn into a search for a killer…one that leads him to form an unexpected bond with a brilliant young historian named Lena. Cas and Lena soon realize that who is behind the attacks is far less important than why. They must look to the past, following the trail of a terrible secret—one that could threaten the kingdom’s newfound peace and plunge it back into war.

I requested this book because the cover caught my eye! I love how dark it is and the title is great too. The aesthetics of the books matches the story – there is a plague ravaging kingdoms and it’s death out there.
Now I was very surprised with this book – I was expecting the fantasy but not the mystery aspect of the book. The writing is great and really kept me engaged in the story. It’s a quick read and I read it in one sitting.
I enjoyed Cas, the main character. He has escaped a slave camp, survived the plague, we meet him as a grave digger, and now he is back at home and searching for a killer. He’s the perfect person taking on the task because he has Lena (a historian apprentice) at his side, he’s smart, level-headed and can even see ghosts.
I thought it was lovely for Cas to have a supportive cast. He has a loving brother, the King and Queen has his back, Lena is a new friend and it just has a feel good vibe about it despite there being an assassin on the loose.

Triggers: death, violence

As great as the writing was in engaging me, the story was predictable. There were hints along the way and I figured it out early.
I’m not the biggest mystery fan so I was waiting for this to have more action, but that happens at the end. I was in it for the fantasy aspect for sure and the mystery was surprising to me but if you like mystery I think it was well done.
Cas being able to see ghosts was interesting and there’s no explanation for it. I was coming up with my theories which was fun but none of them panned out though.

Overall I enjoyed the Year of the Reaper. I was expecting something a little different but the end result was still a good story that kept me engaged until the very end. If you enjoy a young adult fantasy with a mystery at it’s core, you will like this one.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Kingdom of the Cursed by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Kingdom of the Cursed (Kingdom of the Wicked, #2)

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 10/26/21

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Categories: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance

From #1 New York Times bestselling author of Stalking Jack the Ripper Kerri Maniscalco comes the sizzling, sweepingly romantic sequel to Kingdom of the Wicked!

One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge…Welcome to Hell.

After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.

She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria…even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.

The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world…or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature?

Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves…

We are in HELL! Finally….lol…

Emilia is in the Seven Circles with Wrath and she doesn’t know what is going to happen when she is delivered to Pride, but she doesn’t go there right away. Wrath doesn’t seem to want her to leave his side and hello…if I was Emilia I wouldn’t want to leave either!

I got my fill of Emilia and Wrath in this one. And wow, are they hot! 🔥❤️‍🔥 This is straight up new adult so beware if that isn’t your thing. I expect nothing less since they are in hell. I love their chemistry and how you know they want each other but something is holding Wrath back. There are secrets he is hiding and Emilia wants him but she’s engaged to marry his brother. This is how I want my enemies to lovers romances to be like, full of conflict and tension.

Emilia is still on her quest for revenge. She wants to know who was responsible for her sister’s death, hence her marriage contract to the King of Hell, Pride. She’s getting somewhat closer to some answers but she also has to deal with being in Hell and being at the mercy of these Princes.

As for other characters – Prince Envy is such a trouble maker! Haha, I kind of wanted to know more about the other princes but I also wanted most of the time spent reading about Emilia and Wrath and I got my wish.

There are a few twists in the story but I was suspecting one of them from the beginning so it wasn’t much a surprise, still it was a nice reveal. The other was a cliffhanger!

Content Warnings: mind control/consent

I thought that it was interesting that when there were scenes that Emilia left Wrath’s home, I wasn’t as interested. lol…I just really loved Emilia and Wrath together. I know the story had to move forward but I also didn’t think it moved all that much. She’s trying to find out who was responsible for her twin’s death but she’s also trying to appear worthy to be Queen of Hell. Also her feelings for Wrath are distracting her. We get more information about her sister near the end of the book.

The one thing I missed in this book was the family she was around in book one and the cooking and food! Speaking of family, I’m bummed that Emilia is finding out that Nonna hasn’t told her the truth about many things. I just feel like she’s breaking from her family and family was what I loved about Emilia and book one. 😔 Of course her twin has added to the secrets as well…

There is a training scene between Emilia and Wrath that gets out of hand. Wrath compels Emilia to help train her in case one of his brothers tries to harm her but it becomes quite humiliating. 😒 I’m glad Emilia stood up to him but he should have groveled in apology a bit more haha. I had to keep reminding myself look – he isn’t some angel, he literally is a DEMON PRINCE and they are in HELL. According to him, he was being tame in comparison to what his brothers could do to her. He always says she has a “choice” but in this scene, he disregards it and controls her. Wrath was definitely being his pure demon, dangerous self in that moment.

Why you should read it:

steamy action between Wrath and Emilia 🔥
good story twist
we learn more about Wrath and his domain, Hell

Why you might not want to read it:

it’s New Adult now and you aren’t into super sexy scenes
felt like nothing much happened with the story (though a lot happens between Wrath and Emilia) until the end

My Thoughts:

I love when Wrath and Emilia are together, minus that humiliating scene but she stood her ground. Would have like to see Emilia do more in regards to exploring Hell and getting to know the other brothers. This one is steamy, and filled with enemies to lovers tension, which I enjoy a lot but I definitely wanted more of the story to move forward. This one definitely felt like a filler book but what filler it is! lol…I still sped through it. 🤷🏻‍♀️ I look forward to reading book three.

📚 ~ Yolanda

Within These Wicked Walls by. Lauren Blackwood | ARC Review

My Rating: 4/5 Stars

Title: Within These Wicked Walls

Author: Lauren Blackwood

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 336

Publication Date: 11/9/21

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Categories: Paranormal, Fantasy, Gothic Romance, Young Adult, Ethiopian Inspired, Jane Eyre Reimagined, Lite Horror

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Wednesday Books for giving me a chance to read an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Kiersten White meets Tomi Adeyemi in this Ethiopian-inspired debut fantasy retelling of Jane Eyre.

Andromeda is a debtera—an exorcist hired to cleanse households of the Evil Eye. When a handsome young heir named Magnus Rochester reaches out to hire her, Andromeda quickly realizes this is a job like no other, with horrifying manifestations at every turn, and that Magnus is hiding far more than she has been trained for. Death is the most likely outcome if she stays, but leaving Magnus to live out his curse alone isn’t an option. Evil may roam the castle’s halls, but so does a burning desire.

Forgive me for not knowing right away that this is an Ethiopian inspired, Jane Eyre reimagined story. The NetGalley blurb gave no indication of it but when I went to Goodreads after I read the book, I was surprised. In a way, I liked not knowing it was Jane Eyre inspired because as I read the book I kept wondering why it kept reminding me of one of my favorite books! So in that instance, it did it’s job in capturing the classic story.

Within These Wicked Walls is a mash-up of everything I was craving! It is set in a very unique location where the cleansing takes place in a castle, but in a desert landscape and our main character Andromeda is a debtera. She is trained to exorcise households cursed by the Evil Eye. The house she is currently exorcising has walls that bleed and a Librarian demon that threatens people by leaving books open to a certain quote. Be still my heart! Then there is Andromeda’s conflicted relationship with the man who raised her and of course the new young man in her life, her employer – an eccentric, sometimes sweet, sometimes oblivious guy named Magnus. Put this altogether and for me, at least, it was a match made in light horror heaven.

I found the debtera and exorcisms unique. I liked how they used amulets for protection. I liked how the house is a horror show (and I’m a wimp with horror) with staff disappearing and residents getting hurt. Andromeda was trained to be a debtera by the man who raised her, Jember. Andromeda is a great character. She is tough and independent because how she was raised but still good at heart. A secondary character I loved as well was Saba who showed Andromeda love through action.

It’s because of Jember, Andromeda finds herself in a challenging spot with Magnus and this job to cleanse his house. She didn’t finish her training and is unlicensed, so patronage through Magnus is her best bet to make a living. It’s that or survive on the streets. Eventually she realizes cleansing the house would mean more to her than a patronage, it would mean helping the people she has come to care about.

I realized it was a Jane Eyre retelling when Andromeda and Magnus would interact. The banter between them is so good, and the longing made me swoon. They balanced each other out, Magnus trying to open Andromeda to fun and affection, and Andromeda grounding Magnus when he was losing himself.

Triggers: abuse, depression, blood, violence, death, gore, toxic relationships, kidnapped

I think some people will have a problem with the insta-love between Magnus and Andromeda. But I didn’t mind because it’s a Jane Eyre retelling, and the reason I love Jane Eyre was because of Jane and Mr. Rochester. So yes, give me the insta-love.

The abusive relationship is hard to swallow but Andromeda confronts Jember about it and makes her peace with him in the end. Could I be as forgiving as Andromeda? I don’t think I could but who knows if I were in her shoes?

I’ve been looking for something different to read and this was unique and familiar at the same time so it checked all the boxes for me! I read this book in one sitting. I loved how it was creepy enough but it didn’t scare me, it had a lot of action and the story was filled with all the romance drama I was craving. I love this reimagined story of Jane Eyre.

📚 ~ Yolanda

The Lucky Escape by. Laura Jane Williams | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Lucky Escape

Author: Laura Jane Willams

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 368

Publication Date: 11/2/21

Publisher: AVON

Categories: Romance, Contemporary

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to AVON for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

ONE CANCELLED WEDDING

When the day finally comes for Annie to marry Alexander, the last thing she expects is to be left standing at the altar. She was so sure he was Mr Right. Now, she has no idea how she could have got it so wrong.

ONE UNEXPECTED ENCOUNTER

After a chance meeting with Patrick, an old friend who reminds her of who she used to be, Annie takes a vow of her own: she’ll say yes to every opportunity that comes her way from now on.

ONE SPARE TICKET FOR THE HONEYMOON

Could a spontaneous trip with Patrick be the way to mend Annie’s heart? She’s about to find out as she embarks on her honeymoon – with a man who’s nother husband…

This romance story was pretty cut and dry – bride gets left at the altar, she meets an old friend from camp, and takes him on the honeymoon. They fall for one another but will her ex pull her back into their old relationship?

Annie seems like the girl who never made a fuss, not even in her relationship with her fiance who decides to leave her at the altar. She hooks up again with an old acquaintance, Patrick and they have a really good time being friends. She decides to bring him on the honeymoon she is supposed to have with Alexander and that’s when things get physical. Annie and Patrick are alike – they are easy going people, both have a connection through theater camp and they have both had a bad event happen to them. Patrick is much more of a free spirit than Annie, who basically likes a life with plans – but personality wise, they mesh well together. They become really good friends and then lovers. I like how light their relationship was, they were always joking and having a good time.

There is a happily ever after between them after Annie has to evaluate some things about herself and Alexander. She learns to make some big decisions on her own and that was nice to see.

This one is a light-hearted read and quick to get through. Felt a bit boring and predictable at times, maybe because I like tension between my lovers but if you like friends to lovers, this is perfect for you.

I didn’t quite connect to the characters so I wasn’t very invested in the outcome – I kind of knew they’d end up together anyway.

Why you should read it:

light hearted romance
Annie and Patrick are fun and funny together
Annie gets her happily ever after

Why you might not want to read it:

predictable
wasn’t really invested in the characters

My Thoughts:

It was nice to see Annie get her happy ending after being jilted at the altar. She gets to let go and have with Patrick, and on a vacation her ex’s parents paid for which is a good deal to me! If you want to read something light hearted, you will enjoy this one.

📚~Yolanda

The Dark Bond by. Leia Stone | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Dark Bond (Vampire Hunter Society, #2)

Author: Leia Stone

Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited)

Pages: 242

Publication Date: 9/25/21

Publisher: Leia Stone

Categories: Urban Fantasy, Romance, Series, Paranormal

Everything I thought I knew was a lie. The evil vampire spawn I’d hunted my entire life have turned out to be my only allies. Hidden away in Magic City, I’ve promised to help support Luka as he competes to become King.

The problem? I’m falling for him and he’s engaged to be married.

To get my mind off of my boy problem, Liv and I band together with our allies to dig deeper into the betrayal of every hunter. What I find shocks me to my core.

With Luka’s fiancé breathing down my neck, and hidden truths bubbling to the surface daily, it will take every skill I have to stay alive.

Book two of the Vampire Hunter Society series is another fast paced ride. The story takes off from where it ended in The Dark Bite. Luka is engaged to Cassara, which seriously sucks and Aspen has to deal with it. Luka is trying to become king so he has to fight his way to the top. As for Aspen, she has to keep feeding him (or he dies) but he’s engaged to someone else and it hurts her. So Aspen tries to concentrate on freeing the women at the breeding farm instead, and hoping she can find out more about her mom.

I like the girl gang that’s coming together, Aspen and Liv – the hunters, and Demi and Sage – the shifters. Aspen needs the support since her heart is breaking over Luka. Also happy that Aspen is reunited with her mom and sister, she needs all the support she can get.

I hated Luka’s circumstances and honestly could have done without the surprise engagement – but I did like how with a lot of things on his plate he tries to balance things out and know what people need from him. He’s a crazy fighter in the ring, but he’s a softie when it comes to Aspen, which is really sweet.

The story moves forward with Luka trying to be king, and the rescue plan to free the women at the breeding farm. We even get to see a fight with Maz and learn about her story and the reason for the breeding farms. Looks like book three will be interesting with the hunters coming to Magic City.

Content Warnings: violence, human trafficking

Why? Why did Luka have to be engaged? I couldn’t get over it and hated that Aspen was pretty much the “other woman”. 😒 It was a big no for me. There was lots of angst and drama. But conveniently, it is resolved in the end. I was almost hoping Sterling would come back from the dead to make things even for Luka haha, I’m so petty.

I felt like Luka’s battle to be king was rushed. He would do his fighting while Aspen was trying to investigate the breeding farm but we don’t really get to watch him fight except for the last two important matches.

Cliffhanger ending again but yikes, what an ending. This book was about coming for Aspen – broken hearted for days.

Why you should read it:

it’s a quick read with lots of action
angsty paranormal romance
a fun girl gang vibe growing between the hunters and shifters

Why you might not want to read it:

the drama with Luka being engaged
story feels rushed, but the books come out quick

My Thoughts:

The series is flowing nice from one book to the other and they come out quick with a very short wait in between. It’s a pretty wild ride. My biggest issue with this sequel is that I loved Luka and Aspen in book one and hated that the man is basically about to get married to someone else in book two! Of course Luka and Aspen are bonded in some way so they were going to make it work but I thought it was too much drama for me and so full of angst. I wasn’t feeling it no matter how hot Luka is. Aspen was just getting pummeled emotionally in this book, which shows her strong character but still – I can’t get over what Aspen had to basically go through to get her man. 🤦🏻‍♀️ This one just made me feel bad for Aspen…she didn’t deserve all of that after what happened at the ending of book one. 😒 I guess I’ll read book three but I’m not too excited about it.

📚~ Yolanda