Abby

It took me over two months to listen to this book only because I loved it so much that I didn't want to finish it.

This would have been a thousand times better without the weird, forced sexual tension between Zafira and Nasir.

The story's basics were interesting - a mysterious quest to bring magic back to the world - but the characters were not engaging. At all. The people I did like and wanted to see more of were side characters. If I read the next book, I hope that we have more perspectives.

Also - smallest of annoyances, but I couldn't trust Zafira after the scene at the beginning of the book when she says she doesn't want ice cream because the area they live is always cold. Ice cream is delicious year-round, but especially in the winter.

I hated Nasir. All of his chapters were overly broody and dramatic and full of manpain (Yes, his backstory is explained later on, but he's still annoying)

This is my jam. Right up my alley. My cup of tea.

Every cliché about how perfectly this book includes all my favorite things and how even though I didn't think it was possible, I loved it more than the first book.

Namesake, while still having plenty of seafaring adventure, delved into the characters and relationships that were introduced in Fable.

While I'm disappointed it's only a duology, it also had a wonderful ending. I'm sure I'll be rereading the books many times!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mr. Malcolm's List was truly a middle-of-the-road read. Parts were very amusing, but not the characters weren't developed enough to truly engage with the story.

I didn't realize going into it that it was a novella, so it was a quick read! It was very tell-not-show, so the characters felt very flat. Motivations and actions switched without really building a groundwork why they would do that. After Julia's efforts at the masquerade party, she switches to rooting for Selina and Mr. Malcom after about 5 minutes of consideration. Her motives were always not great, but it still didn't make sense for her to change her mind so quickly.

If you're going to read Mr. Malcolm's List read it for the plethora of romance tropes and ridiculous situations it manages to squeeze into a relatively short time!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I could not stop listening to The Bodyguard by Catherine Center. Seriously, I just sat, worked on a puzzle, and listened to the whole thing.

The Bodyguard is a fun, cute read that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

I'm a sucker for a fake relationship, and the execution in The Bodyguard is wonderful! It lasts for a good portion of the book with the requisite awkward situations and “oh no, I'm catching feelings!” moments from both sides.

I loved the chemistry between Hannah and Jack, but I think I loved Jack's family even more. I instantly loved his mom; every scene with her was my favorite.

Throughout the novel, there are hints of dark secrets (aka trauma) in Jack's past. I didn't love this plot line, but it was necessary for the overall plot and character motivations.

I liked the twist to the bodyguard roles, but I could have used more bodyguard shenanigans. There are hints about Hannah's skills, but we don't see them in action too much.

The Bodyguard will be a great addition to our library collection!

Audiobook Review: I greatly enjoyed the audiobook! I think I would have equally enjoyed the story if I had read it, but it was a fun listen!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.