What a great read to start the new year with! Someone recommended this to me on Instagram, & they were so spot on. A fun mystery, a light rivals-to-lovers, forced proximity, lovable characters, and holiday vibes – this audiobook had me walking the dog, doing chores, and doing an extra workout to find time to listen over the holidays. Definitely recommended for anyone looking for a cozy mystery with romance and strong Christmas flavor. (As a bonus, the audiobook narration is fab.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was like the book version of sweet Christmas candy, and I was so here for it. I need more romantic mystery in my life!
A friend recommended this one to me, so I read this novella without reading the others and can confirm that it works well as a standalone. Overall, this was a dark, well-thought-out fantasy novella. Maybe a little two gritty for me, but short and satisfying and beautifully written.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Not going to lie, the reality’s gritty enough as it is these days. I think I’m in my cozy joyful fantasy era.
So this was a very charming, cozy fantasy that I definitely enjoyed! I really liked the world-building, the array of characters told through 3rd-person omniscient, the character growth, the magical vibes, the concept and the narration. And if you’re looking for a cozy fantasy with a side of romance that doesn’t skimp on world-building, I totally recommend this for you. However, as this is a rather lengthy read (658 pages), I think I was expecting a little more plot progress/resolution at the end of the book. I feel like this reads more like a “part 1” then a complete book, and I don’t know if I was sufficiently hooked enough in the chemistry between the characters to invest in book 2.
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Not going to lie, some House Witch powers would be pretty sweeeeeet.
This was such a charmingly sweet adventure! I would honestly describe this book as a magically warm bubble-bath of a fantastical journey. Set in a fantastically quirky world, the story follows two heroes as they set off on separate journeys featuring giants, dragons, and other magical characters on a series of escapades through a coming-of-age-tale with a light sprinkling of sweet romance. Though this is lower YA, I’d definitely recommend this to anyone with a 10+ reader looking for a light, joyful escapade with likable characters and whimsically cozy capers. Thanks so much to the author for the ARC!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Everyone needs to go on a preposterous journey sometimes.
Sometimes you just want to read a fast-paced paranormal romance. I don’t make the rules. This was on my friend’s TBR and honestly was exactly what I wanted to read right now. Romance, interesting world, a framework of a serial-killer mystery. I have a few nitpicks on elements I wished had been fleshed out a little more, and the romance was very quick, but overall, it was a fast read that I enjoyed. I’d recommend for readers looking for some paranormal romance with a bit of insta-love and some spice (though I feel like not as much spice as indicated by the cover or title). It stands alone, but I could see myself picking up the sequel one day.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I mean, sometimes you’re just looking to have a good time in a book, and I’m so here for it.
This was another one I picked up from my friend’s TBR and I loved it! Interesting world, interesting characters, fast-pace, some Cinderella vibes, but with epic potential. Highly recommend for anyone looking for excellent YA Fantasy. (And the audiobook narration was fabulous.) 5 stars.
These Infinite Threads (Book 2):
Definitely enjoyed this sequel, although I was surprised because it felt like we had a lot less plot progress in this one than in the first. But I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the world, and the writing, so I’ve already picked up book 3 and would definitely recommend this one to any fans of book 1. 5 stars.
All This Twisted Glory (Book 3):
While I still enjoyed this book, I feel like the plot pacing has slowed drastically from book one, and I feel my impatience with the story’s progress growing. Every moment is dragged out, and while the writing is great, there’s actually very little that happens in books 2 & 3. I think I’ll still try book 4, but I wouldn’t be surprised if I don’t make it to book 5. 4.25 stars.
Overall Series Rating so Far:
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
I mean, it started out strong, and I’ll read number 4, but I’m not sure I’m feeling confident right now.
I should probably start by saying that Christmas Ghost Romance stories are usually not my thing, but I totally loved this one. Fun magic, lovable characters, great tension, romance that was both sweet & spicy. Possibly my favorite holiday-themed book I’ve ever read (though to be fair, I don’t think I’ve read that many.) Anyways, totally a win of a book club pick (and book club desperately needed a win) and I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a Christmas romance with a little magic and a little spice. (Also the dual-narrated audiobook was fab.)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*I tried reading some of B.K. Borisons other books: First-Time Caller from the Heartstrings series and Lovelight Farms but they didn’t grab me in the same way. I’m still totally looking forward to the second book in this Ghosted series with high hopes though
And since I’m at my kid’s basketball game, we have a doodle reaction instead of a selfie
John Green was one of my favorite authors as a teen, so I think it’s such a full-circle moment for me to fall for his nonfiction as an adult. I love how he can acknowledge the darkness of the world while still finding the hope and poetic beauty of it along with a dash of humor. I legit cannot remember the last time I cried in a book, but this one had me close. I thought Everything is Tuberculosis would be my favorite nonfiction of this year, but this one’s got it beat. And my 9yo also liked to listen to snatches of the audiobook in the car too. Can’t believe I’m so late to the “John Green writes awesome nonfiction” party and will definitely be recommending this one to everybody!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
And since I’m at my kid’s basketball game, we have a doodle reaction instead of a selfie
Loved it. Loved the characters. Loved the voice. Loved the world, the magic, the characters— Absolutely just *chef’s kiss.* Works as a stand-alone, but I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series ASAP.
The only two things I wasn’t crazy about were the cover and the narrator’s voice for Declan, but I will absolutely be recommending this one!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
*Update: I also read most of Book 2 of the Edge series (Bayou Moon), but it had a darker, grittier vibe and I didn’t connect with the characters as much so I DNF’d. But I also tried reading the Kate Daniels series again (which is Ilona Andrews’ most popular and is also on the grittier side), and I DNF’d as well. So if you like grittier stuff, you might prefer those!
I love engrossing nonfiction, and this was totally fascinating. John Green tells the story of tuberculosis through a multi-faceted lens but also with such humanity and compassion, and, though I’m a nonfiction person only by exception, I’m definitely adding John Green to my list of authors that writes it incredibly well. Totally recommend to anyone looking for any interesting, devastating subject to look at from many angles.
Hayley Reese Chow 