Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – And Maybe They Fall in Love

This was a sweet college romance with strong mental health representation and a dash of the fantastical. Both Elle and Christopher were easy to root for as they navigated the very beginnings of adulthood and navigated both family complications and their own challenges. I especially enjoyed the speculative concept of “Readers” and the extra dimension it brought to their story. Recommended for readers looking for a sweet romance with an almost cozy feel and a uniquely paranormal world element!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A sweet college romance with strong mental health rep!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – Moon Soul

A cozy, heartfelt sci-fi novella that perfectly explores the uncertainty of finding your way in new adulthood. With themes of navigating family, purpose, and connection on a peaceful, alien moon, this novella feels like a warm blanket one a cold day. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitely need a cozy read to recharge every now and then!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Graphic Novel Review – Free

Aww I loved this one! A story of a bodyguard looking to set aside a peaceful life to explore the galaxy again and reclaim a part of his old self learns that not all prices are worth paying, and perhaps a peaceful existence surrounded by friends isn’t so bad after all. Engaging and fast-paced, I thoroughly enjoyed this graphic novel and would definitely pick up the next one.

Recommended to those (8+ ish) looking for a sci-fi graphic novel with characters you can root for and deeper themes.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitely a thumbs up for this one – very sweet!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – A Killing Cold

What I liked:
– Audiobook narration is fantastic
– Descriptive imagery & narration that gives a tense sense of foreboding
– The idea of a mystery unfolding in a picturesque mountain cabin setting
– Some unexpected twists at the end

What I didn’t like:
– I couldn’t connect to the characters on this one and found nearly all of them to pretty unlikable, making it hard for me to get connected to the story. This could also have heavily impacted my thoughts on pacing and distinctiveness below
– Please keep in mind I like very fast-paced books, but this one felt too slow for me. Especially in the first half.
– I didn’t really feel like this one had that memorable spike that’ll keep me thinking about it. I almost felt like I’d read this story (or more likely, one that was very similar) before.

So, yeah, unfortunately, I don’t think this one wasn’t really for me, but if you’re looking for a tense, wintry thriller, this book may be for you! Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the audiobook!

⭐⭐⭐½

I do feel like I’ve had a weird string of 3.5 star reads. Maybe I need to start being pickier about my book choices.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Sweet Nightmare

This book left me feeling strangely conflicted.

What I liked:
– The premise. I love the idea of paranormals hanging out at (essentially) a reform school with monsters in the basement.
– I liked the idea of Clementine, Jude, & all of their paranormal friends
– I’m usually a sucker for monsters, time travel, & tons of action

What I didn’t like
– I think my main issue was that I felt like none of the elements I liked were fleshed out as much as I needed them to be. I feel like we barely scraped the surface of Jude & Clementine. And there was so much intense stuff going on (like their classmates dying) but we kind of breezed past it without giving them time to react.
– Also, at times, I found Clementine a little frustrating in what she was or was not sharing with others

Overall I really liked the concept and found this an entertaining paranormal YA read, but I’m not sure I’ll grab the sequel.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ve heard this is like a spin-off of the author’s more popular series, so I might check that out and see what it’s all about.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Dragon Shifter’s Mates

So I picked this at random from Audible as a complete series before a marathon of roadtrips. If they hadn’t been linked together, I don’t think I would’ve gone beyond book one, but I will say I was entertained on the drive. But please keep in mind, I’d never actually read a reverse harem before this, but I can now say that it’s not really for me. And honestly, I think I realized I’m not a shifter person either, so very obviously, I probably shouldn’t have picked this one up. That said! I liked all the characters individually, and I found the writing, narration, and plot super easy to follow. And though I found the spicy scenes somewhat repetitive, if you love shifter romances and reverse harem, I think you’ll enjoy this series.

This book was written for a very specific reader, I think. It was not for me, but it could be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Halfway to the Grave

Loved Bones but Kat drove me crazy sometimes.

What I liked:
– Lots of vampire killing vampire action
– Bones. He is pretty much everything you’d want in a vampire trainer / love interest
– Fun banter

What I didn’t like:
– Kat sometimes drove me a little crazy about her mom
– Not a huge fan of the ending. Definitely depends on a book 2 to be satisfying, and I didn’t feel like it was a great choice from Kat.

Still, I think I’m game to see what book 2 is all about! Recommended for those looking for a vampire romance with action and spice.

Update: I tried book 2, but it was produced by a different narrator and I could not *stand* Bones’s voice. Had to DNF.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I do wish Graphic Audio had also produced the sequel, so I could give it a solid shake, but what can you do?

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Best Thing You Can Steal

I’m pretty much always down for a heist in a magical world. The narration was fantastic, it had a quick pace to it and a satisfying end… but the characters didn’t quite pop for me. Not quite for me, but if you’re looking for a fast-paced magical heist, this one might be for you !

⭐⭐⭐½

Not quite for me, but it might be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Priceless (Rylee Adamson)

I picked this audiobook up from Audible because it was included in my subscription and it was produced by Graphic Audiobooks. (They include sound effects and a full cast and legit sound like a movie.)

And it was basically everything I could ever want from an urban fantasy. Bamf FMC, excellent chemistry with the MMC, a magical world that keeps you guessing, and some excellent fast-paced action. I am SO here for book 2 and recommend to basically everyone. *chef’s kiss*

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yep – this was perfectly for me. Highly recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Risk (Mindf*ck 1)

Another complete surprise! I stumbled on this book when I was on a road trip searching Libby for an audiobook to read and picked this one up at random without knowing anything about it. Based on the cover (not the one featured here… but the others), I honestly thought it would be too spicy for me, but it was so fun! It basically felt like Dexter except with more romance and if Dexter was a girl out for vengeance and also falling for the FBI agent that’s on her case.

Super fast paced with spice and some darkness, I’ll totally be looking for book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Love a book that surprises you!

Thanks for reading!