Michelle WF

 If you are a fan of funny horror movies or dark comedies like Heathers or Lisa Frankenstein, this audiobook is the one for you!!

The performances are off-the-charts and I laughed out loud from the first few minutes! The chemistry is undeniable and the slow burn is the sloooooowest most agonizing torture that the author most sadistically enjoyed writing! (Seriously, half the book!!) But is it worth it!

Two serial killers hunting monsters bond as friends and into something more in this dark romance that will have you DETONATE! #IYKYK

I had this book on my dining room table for over a year...and then had the audiobook on hold for ages through Libby and then once it came through, I devoured it!!

Normally I don't like to jump on bandwagons but I guess #booktok strikes again because this book was well-written, lots of great details, fascinating side characters and backstories, and HILARIOUS dialogue! It has been so long since I had FUN with a book. I almost didn't want to return it but it is worth it for someone else to listen to it and be happy!

Already downloaded “Leather and Lark” and have to play the dreaded waiting game until “Scythe and Sparrow” comes out in February!! 

 Very cute short read with autumnal vibes with romance/spice! Like a little amuse-bouche of pumpkin spicy romance :) Love the settings of a Vermont scenic train ride to the idyllic town at the local bookstore and bed & breakfast. While the characters aren't nuanced, they are certainly engaging and the chemistry is undeniable.

The only thing is that the title doesn't make sense until the very end. 

 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I normally don't like enemies-to-lovers but this book totally converted me! It was a super sweet, cozy romance fantasy with nuanced characters in a humorous sitcom of sorts. Mariah is a strong character in her own right, as one of the rare humans living in a primarily monster society. Thorak, although Mariah's former school bully, is thoroughly likeable and their chemistry (love or hate) is undeniable. The ways he goes to earn not her love but her forgiveness means so much more than a simple seduction or declaration of love - this story delves beyond that and I appreciate it. I wish it had even more smut but that is just my dirty mind. And, of course, the thing about cozy books is that it can be a mite predictable; the relationship of convenience to convince an outsider investor to make business has been done over and over again and unfortunately, this book doesn't really add upon that or make it their own. Still enjoyable, though and I can't wait to read the rest of the series so I can stay in Elderberry Falls a little longer. 

 I had the privilege to be a beta reader for Cora and was able to see how her writing evolved from the uncorrected proof to the finished product. I am truly impressed how open Cora was to receiving criticism and I actually saw the changes she made!! (There was one particular spicy scene that is probably one of the hottest things I have read!! So glad that was included!!)

This second addition to the Elderberry Falls series would be categorized as cozy fantasy, when really it should be SOOTHING fantasy! It is hard not to fall in love with Ecco, and I think Graeme with his normally stone heart would agree! This opposites attract romance is truly magical and it does weave a spell for the reader. Ecco is a siren who is able to use her gifts to create a music career, but being a siren is more than just seduction. For Ecco, music is a love language and that theme truly does shine throughout the book. Music brings people together, it allows others to be present and enjoy, it allows comfort to those in need. What better metaphor can explain how colors finally enter Graeme's literally gray life? Her blue vibrant hair is just a precursor to what is in store for them both!

I don't want to reveal any more details for fear of spoilers - this book truly needs to be experienced for itself! Even though it is the second book of the series, this book could be a standalone (however, I also do highly recommend the Orc and the Innkeeper too!!).