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!
For background, The Innkeeper Chronicles is one of my favorite series of all time, but I didn’t get into the Kate Daniels series, so when I saw a new Ilona Andrews Graphic Audiobook pop up on Libby, I feel like I went in with an open mind.
And I’m so mad at myself that I didn’t find this series earlier.
I love it, your honor.
And if you like fun banter, a lovable FMC, great action, twisting plot, and some serious swooning chemistry, this is for you. It will definitely be on my favorite books of the year list, and although I have book 2 on hold, I know I’ll be throwing money at this so I can have it faster.
Also, this makes me want to go back and read the first Kate Daniels book again and also try out Ilona Andrews other series because I def need more of this in my life.
Also the Graphic Audio production is fantastic. I mowed the lawn, worked out, took the dog for a walk, and did laundry so I could keep listening.
Bring on Book Two. 5 stars.
White Hot (Book 2):
Inhaled it. Loved it. If you liked book 1, book 2 does not disappoint. Fantastic expansion of this world and development of the characters and romance. Fast-paced with excellent action and dramatic tension. Bantery with sassy main characters you can’t help but love, and side characters I want to know more about. Can’t wait to read 3 and highly recommend the graphic audio production! 5 stars.
Wildfire (Book 3):
I stayed up 2 hours after bedtime on a work night to finish this book, and I have no regrets. Totally addicting in the best way. I immediately downloaded the novella (3.5), and honestly hope this series goes on forever. Great characters, mystery, action, banter, romance, fun, humor… what more could you want? Also, I was a little nervous because for the first two, I listened to the graphic audio production, but I listened to the single narrator for this one.
Happy to say it didn’t take away my enjoyment at all. I still prefer the graphic audio, but the single narrator was wonderful too. 100% recommend. 5 stars.
Diamond Fire (Book 3.5):
A nice, fast-paced novella to give Rogan and Nevada some closure and introduce us to Catalina’s POV. Her powers are super interesting, and I’m totally ready to jump into the next one! 5 stars.
Sapphire Flames (Book 4):
I love this world sooooo much and book 4 was just as addictive as the first trilogy. While Catalina & Alessandro have great chemistry, I’m not obsessed with them quite as much as I was with Nevada/Rogan… but I’m totally hooked for the next book. 5 stars.
Emerald Blaze (Book 5):
I am legit obsessed with this series and I’m going to have such a bad book hangover when I’m done with these books! Action, romance, banter, humor, mystery, and a world you can fall into. Will definitely be recommending these to literally everyone. 5 stars.
Ruby Fever (Book 6):
A great end to Catalina’s trilogy (though I wish we’d seen more of Alessandro in the first half.) ALL fingers crossed for an Arabella trilogy though. Honestly, I think she may be my favorite of the 3 sisters and I love her POV! 5 stars.
Overall Series Rating:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Yes, that was six stars. This series was a huge win for me and went in my “all-time favorites” list. Fingers crossed for the series to continue in the future!
So I enjoyed The Love Hypothesis, but wasn’t really into Love on the Brain, and it’s been a *long* time since I’ve read a vampire or werewolf book, but this was so fun! Definitely my favorite Ali Hazelwood book so far. Misery’s voice totally pops—both light and relatable, and I found the dynamics of this world to be super interesting. I also really liked Lowe’s character and enjoyed watching them grow together. Overall, just a light, fun read (with werewolf-flavored steam, so beware) that I would definitely recommend to romance fans, and I’m totally hoping for a sequel!
I heard great things about this one through the Twitterverse, and when I saw it pitched for my little free library contest, I knew I had it grab it. It totally did not disappoint!
Everlong is a whimsical paranormal that follows Lily as she walks to “her bench” every night to write. There, she runs into sweet Sam, and they strike up an easy friendship. From there, things get a little more complicated for the pair as they come to learn more about each other.
The writing is beautiful, and the relationship that grows between the two feels incredibly natural. If you like friends-to-lovers, this story gets it exactly right. It is sweet, and poignant, and though we are in the mysterious world of paranormal, this story uses it to cast a light on the human side of it.
After the things I’d heard about this book, I was braced for the end, but honestly I found it a wonderful, poignant end to a great love story. (No tissues required over here, but if you’re a crier you might want to be armed in case.)
This story hits right in the feels, capturing our humanity in a little jar of whimsical paranormal. I’m so glad I picked this one up and can’t wait to share it with our little free library. Highly recommended to anyone who wants paranormal romance that goes beyond the surface.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love adding wonderful books to our little free library!
Hayley Reese Chow 