Mandi
“Welcome to Pennycress Inn” is an absolute gem of a book that had me smiling from start to finish. Sarah Hope masterfully crafts a story that's equal parts heartwarming romance and empowering journey of self-discovery. At 38, Laura is a refreshingly relatable protagonist who proves it's never too late to start over, even when that means buying a dilapidated inn in a picture-perfect Cotswolds village.
The author brings Meadowfield to life with vivid descriptions and a cast of memorable characters. From the not-so-welcoming locals to the wayward sheep causing chaos, every scene feels authentic and engaging. The crumbling Pennycress Inn itself becomes a character in its own right, and I found myself deeply invested in its transformation alongside Laura's personal growth.
The romance between Laura and Jackson, the charming chef, develops at a perfect pace. Their chemistry sizzles while remaining sweet and genuine, and Jackson's support of Laura's dreams adds depth to their connection. Hope expertly weaves together the challenges of renovating the inn with the blossoming romance, creating a perfect balance of personal and romantic storylines.
What sets this book apart is its honest portrayal of starting over in your late thirties. Laura's fears, determination, and moments of self-doubt feel incredibly authentic, making her eventual triumphs all the more satisfying. The mystery surrounding the villagers' resistance adds an intriguing layer to the story that keeps you guessing until the end.
A perfect read for fans of feel-good romance, this book offers everything you could want: a beautiful setting, endearing characters, sweet romance, and just enough obstacles to keep things interesting. Sarah Hope has created something special with this series opener, and I can't wait to return to Meadowfield for the next installment.
Highly recommended for anyone who loves cozy romance novels with substance, heart, and a generous sprinkling of humor.
This was my first book by Maxine Henri, and I can confidently say it won't be my last. I started this book promising myself I'd read just a few chapters before bed—and then I stayed up way too late finishing it. Oops. But honestly, I don't regret a thing.
The story is a beautiful blend of romance, spice, and the kind of found family dynamic that hits you right in the feels. The chemistry between the main characters was electric, and the emotional depth in their journey kept me hooked from start to finish. It's the perfect mix of steamy and heartfelt, balancing swoon-worthy moments with a genuine exploration of love and connection.
If you're looking for a book that will sweep you off your feet and leave you feeling warm and happy, this is it. Maxine Henri just gained a new fan in me.
I'm officially a Katie Cawood fan for life! Yesterday's News is my first dive into her work, and wow, I couldn't have picked a better starting point. This book feels like it was written just for me.
The writing is fresh, authentic, and so incredibly relatable. From the first page, I felt like I was sitting in on real conversations with real people—not characters but friends I'd instantly clicked with. The way the girls talk about sex as just a natural, unapologetic part of who they are? Chef's kiss. It's not performative or out of place—it's just them, and it's perfect.
Now let's talk about Chase and Meghan. Adorable doesn't even begin to cover it. Their chemistry jumps off the page in such a genuine, grounded way that I couldn't help but root for them from start to finish. Their relationship isn't drenched in drama for drama's sake—it's real, it's messy, and it's absolutely swoon-worthy.
This book has it all: heart, humor, and characters you just want to hug (or grab a drink with). If this is Katie Cawood's standard, I'm 100% hooked. I already can't wait to devour more of her stories. Yesterday's News is an absolute must-read. 💕
“Hunger Pangs: True Love Bites” is that rare gem that manages to be both a sweeping paranormal romance and an intimate character study. At its heart are Nathan, a disabled werewolf war veteran, and Vlad, a vampire noble whose chemistry ignites the page. But what sets this book apart is how it handles their relationship with extraordinary tenderness and authenticity.
The romance between Nathan and Vlad unfolds with beautiful complexity. Their first intimate scene is written with such artistry that it feels less like spice and more like poetry. The author shows particular skill in portraying Vlad's journey of vulnerability, with Nathan's gentle guidance through feelings of shame about submission being one of the most touching character arcs I've read. It's refreshing to see LGBTQ+ relationships and power dynamics portrayed with such normalcy and depth.
Beyond the central romance, the book delivers a rich tapestry of political intrigue, adventure, and found family dynamics. The introduction of Lady Ursula adds fascinating layers to the story, opening the door to polyamory themes that are handled with the same care as every other relationship in the book. The world-building is seamlessly integrated into a story that manages to be both epic in scope and deeply personal. This isn't just another vampire-werewolf romance – it's a thoughtful exploration of love, acceptance, and finding one's place in a changing world.
Perfect for readers who want:
- Beautifully crafted intimate scenes
- Complex, emotionally mature characters
- Rich world-building with political intrigue
- Authentic LGBTQ+ representation
- Found family themes
- Adventure mixed with romance
This one had a lot of potential, but it didn't quite come together for me. Considering it's self-published by an 18-year-old, there's definitely raw talent here. But I can't help thinking a good editor would have made all the difference.
The biggest issue is the lack of world-building. There's constant mention of the apocalypse, but we're never given any real insight into what actually happened. Rachel and Lota both have secrets about their parents, but those threads just... disappear. And the creatures? They had so much promise. Jeremy might've been human once, but then there are the floating giants with all the eyes—straight-up biblically accurate angel vibes. We even see one of them fight something from underground, hinting at an angel versus demon kind of situation, but we're left guessing.
The relationship between Rachel and Lota developed at warp speed, which felt a bit jarring. But I guess, if you've been alone your entire life, maybe falling for the first person you meet is realistic. Still, it doesn't explain why Rachel would leave a high-tech bunker and cross the ocean in a tiny boat to meet Lota after just two conversations. It's a pretty big leap without more context.
The ending felt rushed too. Lota's encounter with what might be God was over in a blink, and instead of any big revelation, she just gets a quick fix for her anxiety and that's it. There's definitely creativity here, but the story needed more depth. 3 stars.
This book is like a tantalizing appetizer that leaves you craving the main course. The central story and characters, particularly Thessa, show great potential, but the overall experience feels rushed and underdeveloped.
Lewis creates an intriguing world of witches, demons, and conflict, but much of it remains frustratingly out of focus. The plot moves at breakneck speed, often at the expense of crucial details and worldbuilding. Characters like Soren develop feelings seemingly out of nowhere, and supporting cast members fade into the background due to lack of page time.
Despite these shortcomings, there's an undeniable pull to the story. It's a quick, engaging read that hints at a much richer universe lurking beneath the surface. While it may not reach the “obsessed” level of a five-star read, it's definitely more than just “okay.”
For readers who enjoy fast-paced fantasy with promise, “Lies of the Wicked” is worth picking up. And like a “Fun Escape” book, it keeps you hooked enough to anticipate the sequel. Here's hoping the next installment expands on this foundation, allowing Lewis's imaginative world and characters the space they deserve to truly shine.
Cassie just can't catch a break. Dealing with a grumpy old witch determined to make her life hell and a cryptic fortune teller stirring up trouble, she's pushed to her limits. But it's in those moments of chaos that Cassie shines the most. The friendships are stronger, the challenges more intense, and the magic just keeps getting better. A perfect blend of humor, heart, and witchy drama that makes you cheer for Cassie every step of the way!
Cassie's back, but her dream life isn't quite what she imagined – running a magical bakery is tough enough without a moody pre-teen, an ex, and powers she barely understands. This book nails the messy, beautiful chaos of trying to do it all and still finding yourself. The magic feels more intense, the stakes higher, and the friendships? Solid as ever. A heartfelt, relatable read for anyone who's ever felt stretched too thin but still wants to believe in a little magic.
This book is the perfect blend of cozy vibes, midlife magic, and a sprinkle of humor. The main character is relatable and endearing, and the small-town, paranormal setting is a total treat. The story starts a bit slow, but once it picks up, you'll be enchanted by the baking, the mystery, and the quirky cast of characters. It's a feel-good read with just the right amount of magic and mischief – definitely worth adding to your TBR if you're craving some witchy fun!
Rebecca Yarros absolutely delivered with Iron Flame. If you thought Fourth Wing was intense, buckle up, because this sequel takes everything up a notch. The stakes are higher, the twists hit harder, and the characters? Even more badass. It's the kind of sequel that keeps you on edge and makes you yell at the book (in a good way). Fast-paced, fierce, and downright addictive – If I wasn't obsessed before, I'm officially obsessed now.
Y'all. This book. THIS BOOK. It was the perfect thing to read after my ACOTAR hangover. It's an absolute ride from start to finish. It's got dragons, badass characters, and just enough angst to keep you turning pages way past your bedtime. The world-building is epic, the tension is real, and the romance? 🔥🔥🔥 Every twist had me gasping out loud. This book is a wild, emotional journey that sinks its talons into you and doesn't let go. 10/10 would recommend – it's the kind of fantasy you devour in one sitting and then immediately want to read again.
I love the relationship between Illium and Aodhan. I love these characters! But I hate that this relationship did not get the same treatment as all of the other heteronormative relationships in the series.
Give me spice! Give me sex! Give me passion! I'm disappointed that Nalini shied away from portraying their relationship in the same way as all of the others.
Karin Slaughter is very, very good at writing two timelines at the same time. I hadn't read Pieces of Her before this, but I immediately went and got the audiobook when I finished this one.
Both were absolutely captivating. I was on the edge of my seat trying to understand what was happening now and how the past informed it.
