I read this book for our local book club and it was very much not for me, so I won’t leave a star rating.
The last 25% is pretty solid, but the first 75% of this 20-hour audiobook were incredibly slow. The main twist was obvious to the reader (and the other twist extremely hinted/foreshadowed as well), which made the MC not knowing pretty frustrating. I sent quite a few frustrated texts to my friend on this one waffling about whether I would finish.
But I know others in the book club loved it, so if you don’t mind a romantasy that takes its time, this might be for you. (no rating)
Big no thanks for me on this one. Maybe I’m just not a romantasy fan? Maybe book club really isn’t for me? The jury’s out.
I love Abby Jimenez’s writing style, but this one didn’t work for me. I felt like Xavier was doing all the work and making all the sacrifices for their relationship, and some of their choices as a couple & family, I felt like weren’t very smart. I was a huge fan of the early Jimenez books that felt more rom-commy, but these are also a little heavy for me. Jimenez books used to be an auto-read for me, but I think I’ve got to take a break for now. Life’s Too Short remains my favorite of hers! (no star rating)
My friend loved this one, but sometimes a book just isn’t for me.
So this book reads like vampires + Hunger Games. I liked the characters, it kept my attention throughout, the narration is great, and the twists, while not totally unexpected, were executed well. Honestly, I finished this book approximately five seconds ago, and I’m processing on my keyboard here as I try to figure out why this wasn’t a five-star read for me. I feel like it should be, but maybe I’m just in a reading slump? I don’t know, but I probably won’t pick up the sequel. I can only assume I’ve been broken as a reader somehow. That said, if you like vampires, dystopia, dark magic, and a little spice, you’ll probably love this one.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I’ll call this one the self-portrait of a broken reader.
I absolutely adored the Until the End of the World Series, and I love the realism and practicality Fleming depicts a zombie apocalypse with, but I struggled with the pacing on this one. Though I always love her found family vibes, for the number of words, we didn’t make quite the progress I’d hoped. The audiobook narration was awesome, but if you’re looking for a zombie apocalypse book, I still recommend you read Until the End of the World first. I’m not sure I’ll continue on with these.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
And since I’m updating my blog from my kid’s karate practice, you get a self-doodle reaction instead of a selfie.
Loved the dark atmosphere, heartwarming themes, sweet romance, and strong found family in this enchanting fantasy with super strong Howl’s Moving Castle vibes. Definitely recommend for fantasy fans looking for a mix of gothic and cozy! And the audiobook is narrated by Carol Beth Anderson who is just absolutely lovely!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Basically if it has Howl vibes, I’m already sold. Heart fingers!
I stopped everything so I could inhale this series, so that makes this a series review!
Book One:
So this was a 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, 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!
Book Two:
I loved the first book but then explicably forgot to download the second. I’m SO glad I remembered because this series is legit addicting and the audio narration I amazing. Reminds me of Dexter during the best seasons and I had to download book 3 immediately and took the dog for a walk so I could listen. 🤣 Definitely recommend!
Book Three:
The series continues to be amazing. I really need to read the other audiobook loans I have from the library that are about to expire, but I want to binge the rest of the books so badly.
Book Four:
Literally could not stop reading. The amazing binge continues as I immediately pick up book 5.
Book Five:
I loved very second of this series, and literally COULD NOT put it down. I have never been so glad that a series was complete and binged the crap out of this. Dexter + The Count of Monte Cristo + A Splash of Spicy. If that sounds like your thing, you’re going to LOVE this. Definitely going to go on my top reads of the year list, and one of the best series I’ve read in a while. Kept me hooked from start to finish. SIX STARS and recommended so hard.
Loved getting Haymitch’s point of view, but just as a rule, I’m not a huge fan of prequels since we pretty much know how it all turns out, and this one’s definitely not a feel-good sort of story. For that reason too, I don’t think I’d go see the movie. In general though, I’d recommend this for Hunger Games fans who are a still looking for more!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Prequels and Villain origin stories just aren’t for me I guess. But they might be for you!
This isn’t my favorite Emily Henry book, but I think this is the one that’s cemented me as a fan. I would describe it as Beach Read meets the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and I would describe the romance as sweet (though with moderate spice) and almost cozy in nature. Though there is some mystery to it, I wouldn’t say it’s a page-turner even though it certainly kept my interest throughout. At the end of the day, it was the lovable characters, the lovely, accessible writing, and the Georgia coast scenery that sold it for me. And I’ll definitely be picking up whatever Emily Henry writes next.
Which leads to my personal ranking of Emily Henry books: 1. Book Lovers (Adored) 2. Beach Read (Loved) 3. Great Big Beautiful Life (Enjoyed) 4. Funny Story (Liked) 5. People We Meet on Vacation (Did not Like) 6. Happy Place (Really didn’t like)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What can I say? Emily Henry is popular for a reason!
A little, emotional story about the realities of growing older and the ties between generations. Some beautiful thoughts here, but the story didn’t stand out to me overall. The narration is great though, and I recommend it to anyone looking for a short, thoughtful read.
A short read that had me chuckling more than once. It’s a rather hodgepodge of funny stories and quips from the perspective of a very relatable new parent, and the narration was excellent. Light and sweet, I’d recommend for any new parents looking for a read to give them a laugh and make them feel seen.
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If a book has me giggling aloud in my car by myself multiple times – easy 5 stars.
Hayley Reese Chow 