The Sirens by Emilia Hart🎧 Barrie Kreinik

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A story of sisters separated by hundreds of years but bound together in more ways than they can imagine.

2019: Lucy awakens in her ex-lover’s room in the middle of the night with her hands around his throat. Horrified, she flees to her sister’s house on the coast of New South Wales hoping Jess can help explain the vivid dreams that preceded the attack—but her sister is missing. As Lucy waits for her return, she starts to unearth strange rumours about Jess’s town—tales of numerous missing men, spread over decades. A baby abandoned in a sea-swept cave. Whispers of women’s voices on the waves. All the while, her dreams start to feel closer than ever.

1800: Mary and Eliza are torn from their loving home in Ireland and forced onto a convict ship heading for Australia. As the boat takes them farther and farther away from all they know, they begin to notice unexplainable changes in their bodies.

A breathtaking tale of female resilience, The Sirens is an extraordinary novel that captures the sheer power of sisterhood and the indefinable magic of the sea.

The Sirens was a nice change from the romance/fantasy I've been reading, and I thought Barrie Kreinik did a wonderful job as the narrator. I was even pleasantly surprised when she started signing! I did have to adjust the listening speed to 1.30x instead of my normal 1.10x because it's a slower paced book, and that speed honestly made the story flow a little better.

I thought the dual POVs and timelines were an interesting way to tell this story. However, I found them both to be pretty dull characters overall. Mary is trapped on a ship as a convict (not really guilty of doing anything other than protecting herself) and Lucy stays in a house for most of the book. We don't really learn much about their backgrounds or get much character development, but we do get a lot of information about Lucy's sister, Jess. Unfortunately, I was able to predict the "twist," so it wasn't the surprise I think the author was hoping for. 

We get Jess's POV from a diary that Lucy finds. Although, it didn't really read like a diary. It honestly just felt like another perspective for the story. When it does start being Jess's POV and not a diary entry, the transition initially left me a little confused (probably because I wasn't paying close enough attention to the title headings when she read them). Then we have three alternating perspectives that get shorter and shorter as everything comes together.

I also went into this one thinking there would be more sirens, but we don't really see how they play a role in the book until the end of the story. The author teases their existence and which characters might be one, but I wish they'd been more of a focal point. I think seeing them in their environment and learning from them why they did what they did, would have been an interesting perspective. Yes, we get information at the end, but the conclusion of this book really ruined it for me. 

All the men that have disappeared have been bad or corrupt in some way. There's definitely a big female focus in The Sirens and most of the men you come into contact with aren't great. So why would Mary choose a married man to conceive a child with? Does that not make him just as bad as the ones that were condemned and drowned for their actions? It contradicted everything about the story and purpose of the sirens. 

Overall, it was an okay read and I liked it enough to finish the book. I think the author fumbled with this one a bit though, which is disappointing because it had a really interesting premise. I just think she could have done a lot more with the story and the characters. (★★★☆☆)

Your Knife, My Heart (Dark Forces, #1) by K.M. Moronova🎧 Isabelle Turner & Walker Williams

Synopsis (via Goodreads): From NY Times and USA Today Bestselling author KM Moronova comes a brand-new compelling and addictive dark romance in her Dark Forces world.

Dark. Deadly. Irresistible.

Cameron Mortem has a problem―he can't stop killing his partners. Officially labeled clinically insane, he's also one of the most lethal assets in the Dark Forces, a brutal underground military operation built on obedience, survival, and silence. But an experimental drug has fractured his control, making him a liability whenever someone else is on the field. As punishment, he's thrown back into the Under Trials―a merciless boot camp designed to break the weak and sharpen the ruthless.

His one directive? Don't kill the new girl.

Emery Maves narrowly escapes a death sentence after her own brutal crimes, only to find herself forced into the same violent world. Assigned to Cameron, she's expected to survive the Trials and her partner's unstable nature. But Emery quickly realizes there's more to Cameron than bloodlust and body counts. Beneath the madness lies a terrifying allure―and a strange, dangerous tenderness.

As the Trials push them to their limits, Emery must navigate the brutal demands of the Dark Forces while resisting the pull of a man who could just as easily kill her as protect her. And Cameron must fight the one urge he's never been able to overcome.

Their bond is intoxicating, chaotic, and born of violence. And if it doesn't destroy them both, it might just save them.

Your Knife, My Heart was such a fun read! I finished the audiobook in just a handful of days (a really big win for me), and immediately looked to see if there was a second book. This one definitely leaves you wanting more! I'm happy to report that there is a second book (My Blade, Your Back) and I can't wait to dive back into Moronova's world over the break. I'll also be listening to the audiobook since the narrators did such a phenomenal job with this one!

Cameron is dangerous and a little unhinged. He keeps killing his partners and isn't always aware he's doing it. It's a nasty side effect of the pills he takes, but he isn't about to give those up. He's the only test subject to survive taking them, and it makes him feel important and necessary. Not dying like everyone else makes Cameron think he's finally worth something to someone. His backstory is really sad, so I'm happy he finally has someone that cares about him and doesn't mind his jagged edges. In fact, it's his brokenness that seems to draw her to him like a moth to a flame.

Emery has never known love or had a family that cared about her. They only cared about what she could do for them. She's been trained from a young age to do the dirty work for her father, and she ended up being expendable. Now she's trapped in the Under Trials with a man that doesn't have the best track record with partners. The Dark Forces are doing everything they can to test their teamwork and ability to stay alive in very dangerous situations. 

I really enjoyed seeing Cameron and Emery get to know one another. It took them awhile to lower their defenses and admit their growing feelings, but their relationship felt authentic and believable. At first it was just about what they could do for each other, but then it became about keeping the other alive because they actually wanted the other person to survive. The Dark Forces may need Cameron, but that doesn't mean they were above putting him through hell to see if he'd break. Unfortunately, that always involved Em.

If you're looking for a dark, twisty romance with lots of surprises, definitely keep this one in mind! A friend of mine said it made her think of Suicide Squad and I think that's a pretty accurate comparison. There's also a LOT of spice (and not always when you'd expect it!). (★★★★☆)

Spell the Month in Books [1]

 

Spell the Month in Books is a monthly meme hosted by Reviews from the Stacks. Each month, you select books that correspond with the letters in that month’s name (for example, December) and create a list. You can also link your post on Jana’s site each month.

I saw this when I visited Lisa over at Bookshelf Fantasies! It looked like fun so I decided to give it a try.

Deal with the Devil (Mercenary Librarians, #1) by Kit Rocha

Review Snippet: I don't know about Orphan Black and Avengers, but Deal with the Devil definitely made me think of Ilona Andrews and their Hidden Legacy and Kate Daniels series (two of my all-time faves)! This book was full of adventure, steamy sex, and the unbreakable bonds of found families. I devoured this book and cannot wait to see what happens next! The story had a satisfying conclusion, but the last chapter left me feeling totally floored. It was just so unexpected (giving me hope while also destroying a piece of my soul), but really sets up the next book!

I love stories that start off with a bang and hit the ground running, and Deal with the Devil did not disappoint! I never felt like the world was foreign to me, because the authors explained it through conversations and character observations. There was no info-dumping, just information gained from being immersed in the world. It was brilliantly written and explained, and I seriously could not put this one down. It's been ages since I read a book in one sitting, but I easily could have sat on the couch with this one and not gotten up until I'd turned the last page. It actually took me two days to finish this book (#momlife), but the story was on my mind even when it wasn't in my hands - - that's a good book. *click here for the original post and full review

Empire of Night (Age of Legends, #2) by Kelley Armstrong

Review Snippet: I know I reviewed the first book on Monday, but I am zinging through this series! I'm already halfway finished with the third and final book, Forest of Ruin. It's crazy intense and wonderfully fantastical. I am in love with the characters and the world Kelley Armstrong has created. I feel like I'm on the long and arduous journey with them, and I'm increasingly worried about their safety. They no longer know who they can trust, and they keep finding bodies that are broken, shredded, or unrecognizable. Beasts from stories and lore are appearing with more frequency, so I'm pretty confident the dismemberments and disappearances will continue.

Although dark and dangerous, Armstrong has written a story that has completely captivated my mind. She has given the characters a rich history and an authenticity that makes me feel as if I've known them my entire life. I cannot wait to see how everything ends! *click here for the original post and full review

Circe by Madeline Miller

Review Snippet: Madeline Miller has surpassed my expectations, and they were pretty high after The Song of Achilles. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book, and jumped at the opportunity to read Circe. I've always loved stories about Greek mythology, so her books have been perfect for me!

I've heard about Circe, but I wasn't really familiar with her story. I think I would confuse her and Calypso, though now I can see there is no comparison. Circe wasn't like the other gods, or even the other members of her family. She was soft-spoken, didn't draw attention to herself, and was mostly left to her own devices. She wanted to find love and be loved, though her efforts tended to backfire or not work out. *click here for the original post and full review

Emerald Blaze (Hidden Legacy, #5) by Ilona Andrews

Review Snippet: I am obsessed with this series! I wanted to start Emerald Blaze as soon as it arrived (preordered this as soon as I could) but knew I'd need an entire day to read it. Once I start something by Ilona Andrews I'm incapable of putting it down! Thankfully there was a day when my husband was home and I could disappear for a few hours. I'm not saying there weren't interruptions - - because there were - - but I still managed to get through this entire book within 24 hours. It may have been 2 AM, but it still counts! ;)

This author duo is phenomenal and I will forever read whatever they write! The characters, world-building, and storytelling are always amazing. I can pick up the next book in a series (after waiting roughly a year for a new one) and immediately fall back into the story like I'd never left. There's a larger, looming goal that the characters are steadily moving towards, but each book can stand alone and comes with its own set of problems to solve. I really love how they're able to tie everything together, yet still make each book something that's unique and captivating. *click here for the original post and full review

Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, #1) by Ilona Andrews

Review Snippet: I love the Ilona Andrews duo, which is what led me to this series after reading their Hidden Legacy books, and I'm happy to report that I enjoyed this book immensely! Stories like this are my kryptonite -- magic, snarky female characters that kick butt, shifters or shape-changers, and other paranormal creatures. I also really liked the mystery surrounding Kate, and the subtle threads that were woven into the larger story. Kate is someone or something special, and she is adamant about keeping her blood a secret. If she is injured during a battle, everything has to be destroyed before she can leave. For some reason Kate cannot leave a single trace of herself behind, but she's also unwilling to share that secret with her companions.

While we don't get definitive answers about Kate and what she is, there are clues and conversations that address the mystery. I'm curious to see what's so special about her, and why her blood is so powerful. Her secret is going to come out eventually, obviously, but I liked that it wasn't the main focus of the book. She's trying to figure out who killed her guardian and friend, which leads her all over the city and puts her in contact with the different factions. *click here for the original post and full review

Bitter Spirits (Roaring Twenties, #1) by Jenn Bennett

Review Snippet: I thought this would be an excellent book to read during October--and I was right! It was wonderful!  It's like the green eggs and ham of books. I would read it in a house, with a mouse, in a box, with a fox-- I would read it anywhere! I honestly could not get enough of this book.

I really enjoyed Aida's character. She's confident, determined, and unafraid of sex and the more risqué things in life. She is okay with who she is as a person, and she isn't looking to change something about herself. It was really refreshing. She may have gotten a little flustered at times, but she still maintained her flirty, daring attitude. I also liked that she knew what she wanted and went for it, even if that meant attacking making a move on a more than willing bootlegger in the back of a taxi. *click here for the original post and full review

Every Last Breath (Final Hour, #1) by Juno Rushdan

Review Snippet: Every Last Breath was an enjoyable read that exceeded my expectations. I felt like a kid chasing an ice cream truck, only it was my mind that wasn't moving fast enough. I wanted to know more about Maddox and her history with Cole, what he's been doing for the last nine years, her work at the Gray Box, the threat they faced and why, and additional details about Maddox's team and Cole's family. It took a few hours, but I finally got my ice cream.

I did have some small issues while reading this one, so we'll get those out of the way first. There's a pretty big cliffhanger. Yes, I understand it's there to set up the next book. No, I don't care. We spend a good portion of the book trying to determine something, but it's left unresolved. It's a big something, too. I kept waiting for the answers to click into place, but the book ends and we're left with a clue that makes zero sense. The story itself wrapped up the main conflict, but I don't like feeling like a baited fish when I finish a book. *click here for the original post and full review

The Raven and the Dove (The Raven and the Dove, #1) by Kaitlyn Davis

Review Snippet: I cannot stop thinking about this book! Once I reached certain point, there was no stopping. I had to know how this story would end, and if my lovebirds would be okay. I have no idea how similar this book is to Tristan and Isolde, because for the life of me, I cannot remember that tale. I'm sure I could Google it, but what's the point? The Raven and the Dove was better than it could ever hope to be! (No offense to Tristan and Isolde fans, I just really loved this book!) ;)

My one teeny, tiny complaint would be the cliffhanger. I knew it was coming, I braced for it to happen, but I still felt frustrated when the story concluded. I wanted to know how people felt, what they were thinking, what might potentially happen in the next book! Instead we're left with a lot of questions and only promised answers. Our main characters are left in less-than-stellar situations, and my heart is still breaking for them. Why do authors have to be so cruel to their creations?? *click here for the original post and full review

Top Ten Tuesday [13]

 

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together!

This week's topic: Books on My Winter 2025-2026 TBR

When the Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

The Notorious Virtues (The Notorious Virtues, #1) by Alwyn Hamilton

Nightbane (Lightlark, #2) by Alex Aster

Bittersweet in the Hollow (Bittersweet in the Hollow, #1) by Kate Pearsall

Heartless Hunter (The Crimson Moth, #1) by Kristen Ciccarelli

Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1) by B.K. Borison

My Blade, Your Back (Dark Forces, #2) by K.M. Moronova

The Bone Queen by Will Shindler

The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan

Once and Again by Rebecca Serle

These are some of the books I have queued up for December and January. I recently finished Your Knife, My Heart by K.M. Moronova and loved it! It's a dark romance with two very compelling characters and an interesting plot. I'm so glad the second book is already out, because I NEED to know what happens after that ending! Nightbane is another series I'm continuing after somewhat enjoying Lightlark. I'm hoping book two is better! 

Good Spirits is one I recently stumbled across and it had a synopsis I couldn't resist. It also seemed perfect for the holiday season! I'm trying something new and actually reading it during the holidays and not in the middle of summer. 😅

Have you read any of these? Did you like them? Are any currently on your TBR? Let me know!

Bull Moon Rising (Royal Artifactual Guild, #1) by Ruby Dixon

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In a world of magical artifacts and fantastical beings, a woman determined to save her family joins forces with an unlikely partner in this captivating special hardcover edition of USA Today bestselling Ruby Dixon’s new steamy romantasy. 

As a Holder’s daughter, Aspeth Honori knows the importance of magical artifacts . . . which is why it’s a disaster that her father has gambled all of theirs away. Now in danger of losing their hold—and their heads—if anyone finds out the truth, Aspeth decides to do something about it. She’ll join the Royal Artifactual Guild and the adventurers who explore ancient underground ruins to retrieve the coveted arcane items.

It’s a great plan—with one big problem. The guild won’t let her train because she’s a woman. Aspeth needs a chaperone of some kind. The best way to get around this problem? Marry someone who will let her become an apprentice. Who better than a surly guild member who needs a favor of his own? He’s a minotaur (it’s fine) who is her teacher (also fine) . . . and he’s about to go into rut (which is where it gets tricky). He also has no idea she's a noble (oops) and will want nothing to do with her if he finds out the truth.

Now Aspeth just needs to pass the guild tests, thwart a fortune hunter, and save her hold. Oh, and survive a rut with her monstrous, horned husband, who she might be falling in love with. It's time to dig deep. Literally.

I had a lot of fun reading Bull Moon Rising. I wasn't sure what to expect going into it, but I assumed it would bein the same vein as the author's Ice Planet Barbarians series. The MC is goofy and ridiculous, and the the MMC is stubborn and surprisingly sweet. I never would have imagined the two of them in a romantic relationship, but here we are. What starts as a marriage of convenience quickly turns into something that means a lot more to both of them. 

Aspeth was a unique character that I enjoyed reading about but struggled to relate to. She comes from money and it's apparent in the way she chooses to handle problems and difficult situations. She doesn't stop to think about the repercussions of her actions, or how her choices might impact the people around her. She simply decides to do something and does it. Being a noble has protected her all her life, and will continue to protect her even if the people around her are unaware of her true background. Her personality was also a little grating, but easy to look over. She's just so oblivious to what's happening around her, and I felt bad for the people she called her friends. She's very intelligent and highly educated, but her responses to real world problems weren't always believable.

Hawk is a minotaur that works for the guild and Magpie specifically. He helps her train all of the fledgling recruits and makes sure they have a decent chance at passing. He also goes on retrieval missions when there are cave-ins and other disasters the Taurians are uniquely qualified for (strength, speed, tracking, etc.). They're also seen as less than and disposable, so sending them into dangerous situations is preferred over humans. He agreed to Aspeth's plan because it was convenient for him, but he quickly developed feelings for her even if it took him a lot longer to acknowledge them. 

The story was entertaining and engaging, and I really enjoyed learning about all of the secondary characters. They were decently fleshed out and had interesting quirks and characteristics. I wish they'd gotten a little more page time, and I wasn't too thrilled with where the author left them, but I'm hoping their individual stories will be continued in the next book. They deserved better than that, especially with where Aspeth ended up. It seemed unfair and only goes to show that her upbringing played a much larger role than it should have. It also felt like the author rushed the ending just a bit.

All in all, Dixon created something new and interesting. The spice was spicy, and the characters were enjoyable and fun to read about. The bad guys were adequately awful, although not dealt with appropriately (more of that privilege mentioned earlier). Definitely give this one a shot if you enjoyed Ice Planet Barbarians or like the concept of a minotaur romance. I also found the archeological aspects really fascinating. I think there's something for everyone to like! (★★★⋆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

The Sunday Post [75]

 

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimberly at the Caffeinated Reviewer! It's an opportunity to share news, post a recap for the previous week, showcase books, and highlight what's planned for the week ahead.

News:

My kids are on the mend and just have lingering coughs. I'm so glad they're feeling better before the break! I just have to get through this next week of school and then I can read and relax for 18 days.

My daughter found a brand new Kindle Paperwhite at a garage sale a while back and it's been amazing! I like my Kindle Fire, but I appreciate the simplicity of the Kindle Paperwhite. The lady let us have it for $5! It was an absolute steal. We also left with a fairly new Wii for $10. (My son was thrilled with the find, but my husband wasn't as enthusiastic when we ended up spending way more than that on games. 😅)

The snow has melted and we've had fairly warm weather for December. I even took my students outside on Friday for lunch (which they loved). My girls have also had a chance to try out their new bicycles. We were worried they wouldn't get much use out of them until the spring, but they've gotten a solid week of riding in after the snow we had.

Previous Posts on the Blog:

• DNF&Y [46] 
• Top Ten Tuesday [12] 
• Roll for Romance by Lenora Woods *review
• The Sunday Post [74]

What I'm Currently Reading:

The Storm by Rachel Hawkins

🎧 The Sirens by Emilia Hart

What I Plan on Reading Next:

Wreck Your Heart by Lori Radar-Day

🎧 When the Bones Sing by Ginny Myers Sain

What I'm Watching:

We're still watching My Hero Academia together and the kids are catching up on Solo Leveling. I don't mind rewatching it with them because it's so, so good. We'll watch May I Ask for One Final Thing?, Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill, and My Status as an Assassin Obviously Exceeds the Heroes whenever new episodes become available, but I'm not enjoying those as much.

Challenge Updates:

• Audiobook Challenge: 26 / 30
• Goodreads Challenge: 30 / 100
• Physical TBR: 4 / 50
• NetGalley: 14 / 50

I've made significant progress with my Audiobook Challenge and NetGalley goal! I realized there were a lot of books I hadn't logged, and then my DNF&Y post helped with the NetGalley goal. I was able to post a lot of those reviews and get my number down. Slow and steady progress!

DNF&Y [46]

 

DNF&Y is used to explain why I gave up on certain books, and what about them just didn't work for me. What I disliked about a book might be something you love, so it helps to share your thoughts even when they're negative! 

Fan Service by Rosie Danan

🎧 Narrated by Aaron Shedlock, Brittany Pressley

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The truth is stranger than fan fiction in this sexy paranormal rom-com.

The only place small-town outcast Alex Lawson fits in is the online fan forum she built for The Arcane Files, a long-running werewolf detective show. Her dedication to archiving fictional supernatural lore made her Internet-famous, even if she harbors a secret disdain for the show’s star, Devin Ashwood. (Never meet your heroes—sometimes they turn out to be The Worst.)

Ever since his show went off the air, Devin and his career have spiraled, but waking up naked in the woods outside his LA home with no memory of the night before is a new low. It must have been a coincidence that the once-in-a-century Wolf Blood Moon crested last night. The claws, fangs, and howling are a little more difficult to explain away. Desperate for answers, Devin finds Alex—the closest thing to an expert that exists. If only he could convince her to stop hating his guts long enough to help....

Once he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, these reluctant allies lower their guards trying to wrangle his inner beast. Unfortunately, getting up close and personal quickly comes back to bite them.

I really liked Danan's The Roommate so I was super excited to get an early copy of Fan Service. Unfortunately, I DNF'd this one after an hour (roughly 10% of the audiobook). The MMC was too over-the-top for me and really got on my nerves. He didn't act his age which made it hard for me to wrap my head around some of his behaviors and choices. He's supposed to be in his forties, yet he acts like a hormonal, prepubescent teenager that treats people horribly. He gave me the ick. Some of the things he said were just gross (e.g. chub), and I can't get behind a love interest that's just a terrible person all around. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Exes & Foes by Amanda Woody

🎧 Narrated by Jeff Ebner, Kristen DiMercurio

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When two ex-best friends decide to hold a competition for the new girl's heart, they don't expect to fall for each other instead.

Emma has been a thorn in Caleb’s side since middle school. Having tarnished their friendship in eighth grade, she’s now little more to him than an unkempt, unruly, disastrous bisexual mess. Over the years, she’s gotten in the way of every romantic relationship he’s attempted to settle into, using little more than mischievous charisma to lure them into her clutches.

To Emma, Caleb sets the record for World’s Largest Stick in the Mud. Uptight, unbearably tidy, and a rule-follower, he’s exactly the kind of boring person her mother wishes she was. When she discovers they’re both after Juliet, the new girl, Emma proposes a competition to nudge him out of the way. Whoever can get Juliet to kiss them first wins, and the opposition must bow out with the promise of never talking to her again.

But plans go awry when Juliet seems mostly interested in hanging out with both of them together. Emma and Caleb just have to figure out whether winning Juliet’s heart is worth the torment of constantly dealing with each other, and the risk of reopening wounds from a past they thought they had left behind.

DNF'd around 45 minutes (7% of the audiobook). The characters in this book would definitely benefit from therapy. They're supposed to be teenagers in high school, and some of their behaviors didn't reflect that. The dialogue was also super cringey. It was honestly really painful to listen to. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

🎧 Narrated by Lauren Graham

Synopsis (via Goodreads): When Katy’s mother dies, she is left reeling. Carol wasn’t just Katy’s mom, but her best friend and first phone call. She had all the answers and now, when Katy needs her the most, she is gone. To make matters worse, their planned mother-daughter trip of a lifetime looms: two weeks in Positano, the magical town Carol spent the summer right before she met Katy’s father. Katy has been waiting years for Carol to take her, and now she is faced with embarking on the adventure alone.

But as soon as she steps foot on the Amalfi Coast, Katy begins to feel her mother’s spirit. Buoyed by the stunning waters, beautiful cliffsides, delightful residents, and, of course, delectable food, Katy feels herself coming back to life.

And then Carol appears—in the flesh, healthy, sun-tanned, and thirty years old. Katy doesn’t understand what is happening, or how—all she can focus on is that she has somehow, impossibly, gotten her mother back. Over the course of one Italian summer, Katy gets to know Carol, not as her mother, but as the young woman before her. She is not exactly who Katy imagined she might be, however, and soon Katy must reconcile the mother who knew everything with the young woman who does not yet have a clue.

DNF at 40%. I really liked Rebecca Serle's In Five Years (even though it broke my heart), but struggled to get through One Italian Summer. I thought Katy had an unhealthy view of her relationship with her mother, and it ended up negatively impacting her marriage. She saw her mother as her "great love," and it didn't leave much room for him. He was incredibly supportive of her and she dismisses his efforts and affection. When she gets to Italy, it's almost like he doesn't exist and she makes decisions that I didn't agree with. Highlight to view spoiler: There's only so much you can blame on the death of a parent, and choosing to have an affair is inexcusable, especially when he's done nothing to deserve it. Katy was really unlikable as a character, and I struggled with the story because of it. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Drunk on Love by Jasmine Guillory

🎧 Narrated by Heidi Franklin, Ryan Vincent Anderson

Synopsis (via Goodreads): An intoxicating and sparkling new romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

Margot Noble needs some relief from the stress of running the family winery with her brother. Enter Luke: sexy, charming, and best of all in the too-small world of Napa, a stranger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and Margot is delighted that she lucked into the perfect one-night stand she'll never have to see again. That is, until the winery's newest hire, Luke, walks in the next morning. Margot is determined to keep things purely professional, but when their every interaction reminds her of the attraction still bubbling between them, it proves to be much more challenging than she expects.

Luke Williams had it all, but when he quits his high-salary tech job in Silicon Valley in a blaze of burnout and moves back to Napa to help a friend, he realizes he doesn't want to tell the world--or his mom--why he's now working at a winery. His mom loves bragging about her successful son--how can he admit that the job she's so proud of broke him? Luke has no idea what is next for him, but one thing is certain: he wants more from the incredibly smart and sexy woman he hooked up with--even after he learns she's his new boss. But even if they can find a way to be together that wouldn't be an ethical nightmare, would such a successful woman really want a tech-world dropout?

Set against a lush backdrop of Napa Valley wine country, nothing goes to your head as fast as a taste of love--even if it means changing all your plans.

DNF after 3 hours (28% of the audiobook). A lack of communication totally ruins a book for me. I struggle to enjoy a story when a single conversation would solve the majority of the plot. It also felt repetitive and redundant even early on. This was my first book by Guillory and I don't think I'll be seeking her out again in the future. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

The Dangerous Ones by Lauren Blackwood

🎧 Narrated by Angel Pean, Jay Ben Markson

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A romantic historical fantasy from New York Times bestselling author Lauren Blackwood, set in the American Civil War with vampires and people with demigod-like abilities.

1863, Pennsylvania

War doesn’t scare Jerusalem—she’s a Saint. Thanks to powerful demigod-style reflexes, endurance, and strength, she’s fearless. And ever since the Confederates declared civil war, partnering with the vampires who benefitted off slavery, she and her battalion of Saints are essential to the Union army.

Jerusalem herself had been enslaved by a vampire, escaping North only after her family was murdered. She knows the enemy better, hates the enemy more than anyone in her battalion, and has been using it to her advantage since she joined the war a year ago. More than anything she wants revenge, but if she can help Black people gain freedom and equality without having to steal it for themselves like she had to, then all the better.

But she never expects to have to team up with a vampire to do it. Alexei is one of those handsome, arrogant Ancient Vampires. But he’s on the Union’s side, and in the year they've known each other, has never done anything but prove he’s on hers.

Together, they set out to change the course of the war and take down the vampire who destroyed everyone Jerusalem loved. But for her, it’s about more than justice.

It's about killing a god.

I can't remember where in the book I stopped, but I know I didn't make it very far. The story is supposed to take place in 1863, but the language felt too modern and out of place. The MC was also really unlikable and came across as being much older than described. The pacing was painful, the characters themselves were uninteresting, and the story didn't hold my attention. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Monsters Born and Made by Tanvi Berwah

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sixteen-year-old Koral and her older brother Emrik risk their lives each day to capture the monstrous maristags that live in the black seas around their island. They have to, or else their family will starve.

In an oceanic world swarming with vicious beasts, the Landers―the ruling elite, have indentured Koral's family to provide the maristags for the Glory Race, a deadly chariot tournament reserved for the upper class. The winning contender receives gold and glory. The others―if they're lucky―survive.

When the last maristag of the year escapes and Koral has no new maristag to sell, her family's financial situation takes a turn for the worse and they can't afford medicine for her chronically ill little sister. Koral's only choice is to do what no one in the world has ever dared: cheat her way into the Glory Race.

But every step of the way is unpredictable as Koral races against contenders―including her ex-boyfriend―who have trained for this their whole lives and who have no intention of letting a low-caste girl steal their glory. When a rebellion rises and rogues attack Koral to try and force her to drop out, she must choose―her life or her sister's―before the whole island burns.

She grew up battling the monsters that live in the black seas, but it couldn't prepare her to face the cunning cruelty of the ruling elite.

Perfect for fans of The Hunger Games and These Violent Delights, this South Asian-inspired fantasy is a gripping debut about the power of the elite, the price of glory, and one girl's chance to change it all.

I really liked the premise for this one, but I don't think it was executed very well. The first part of the story held my attention, but it really started to drag after awhile. The MC was very naive and far too trusting considering the world she lived in. I couldn't connect with her at all. There's also entirely too much telling and not enough showing, which is a bookish pet peeve of mine. (★★☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Where Shadows Meet (Where Shadows Meet, #1) by Patrice Caldwell

🎧 Narrated by Alexis Campbell, Khaya Fraites, Melinda Sewak

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The dark and thrillingly romantic debut vampire fantasy that questions what it truly means to sacrifice for love.

You have no idea what I’ve done for love. Just as you have no idea what you may one day do.

Once long ago, a girl named Favre sacrificed her wings for love. Thana, the young goddess she so willingly gave them up for, sacrificed that same love for power. But everything has a cost.

Favre never got over the loss of her wings. And Thana’s choices led to a life of eternal night, and later, their destruction. Favre has bided her time ever since, waiting for the chance to resurrect the girl she loves who turned her into the creature she hates.

Now, a thousand years later, Leyla, the crown princess of the malichora—an ancient race that survives on human blood —must travel to the Island of the Dead when her best friend is captured during an attack on her nation’s capital. Along with Najja, a fierce, beautiful seer, and the last person she expected to help her, Leyla forges down a dangerous path, intent on saving her friend. But nothing is as it seems. The closer she gets to her goal, the more she risks awakening an ancient evil and destroying everything she holds dear.

Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?

I only made it three minutes into this book. Opening with “He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life” (John 6:54) in a vampire novel is disrespectful and mocks religious beliefs. (★☆☆☆☆)

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own. Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.