Seoulmates by Susan Lee My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Seoulmates in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Seoulmates by Susan Lee is a sweet and sincere young adult romance with plenty of heart. It blends childhood friendship, K-drama glam, and questions of identity into a breezy coming-of-age story. At its best, the book feels like a warm summer drama—with just enough tension to keep you turning the pages. Still, it doesn’t always dig as deep as it could, and that keeps it from being truly unforgettable. The Details The…
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Rules of Arrangement
Rules of Arranagement by Maren Mackenzie My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Rules of Arrangement in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Rules of Arrangement by Maren Mackenzie is an addictively readable debut that blends romance and emotional tension with a twist of mystery. The story follows Adelaide Wright, a college senior juggling coursework, grief, and financial pressure. Her secret side hustle—writing papers for classmates—keeps her afloat, until Declan, a former flame and her art history TA, discovers the scheme. Instead of reporting her, he ropes her into a high-stakes…
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Pride and Premeditation
Pride and Premeditation by Tirzah Price My rating: 1 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Pride and Premeditation in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Format: Advanced Listening Copy – Audiobook Edition The Gist I was intrigued by Pride and Premeditation, a YA murder mystery retelling of Pride and Prejudice. The story follows Lizzie Bennet as an aspiring solicitor trying to solve a murder case. Mr. Darcy appears as her legal rival. This genre mix has a lot of potential, especially for Austen fans who enjoy fresh twists on classic characters. The Details However, my…
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A Fate Inked in Blood
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen My rating: 1 of 5 stars The Gist Oh, where to begin with A Fate Inked in Blood? It had such promise—Viking lore, a strong female lead, and a plot dripping with destiny and magic. Sounds epic, right? Unfortunately, the execution left much to be desired. The Details First, let’s talk about the characters. Our heroine, Freya, is supposedly a fierce, independent woman destined for greatness. Yet, somehow, she spends most of the novel embroiled in romantic drama that feels straight out of a soap opera. It’s hard to root for someone who is constantly torn between brooding love interests instead…
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The Book of Pearl
The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of The Book of Pearl in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The Book of Pearl by Timothée de Fombelle is a captivating and enchanting tale. It seamlessly blends fantasy, adventure, and romance. The novel is set in a world where reality and imagination intertwine. The story takes readers on a magical journey through time and space. It weaves together the lives of its diverse cast of characters in a tapestry of love, loss, and redemption. The…
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Women of the Dunes
Women of the Dunes by Sarah Maine My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Women of the Dunes in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Maine’s Women of the Dunes is a haunting and atmospheric novel that seamlessly weaves together the past and the present, exploring themes of family, legacy, and the enduring power of myth. The Details Set against the rugged backdrop of the Scottish coast, the story follows the intertwining lives of three women separated by centuries but connected by fate. In the present day, archaeologist Libby Snow…
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Aix Marks the Spot
Aix Marks the Spot by Sarah Anderson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Aix Marks the Spot in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Sarah Anderson’s Aix Marks the Spot offers a light and engaging read, ideal for fans of cozy mysteries. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Aix-en-Provence, the novel provides a delightful blend of travel, mystery, and a touch of romance, though it occasionally falls short in terms of plot complexity and character depth. The Details Anderson’s vivid descriptions of Aix-en-Provence are a highlight of the book, transporting…
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Terraformer
Terraformer by Colleen Houck My rating: 3 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Terraformer in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist The story centres around a young protagonist named Astra Meador, who is part of a pioneering team tasked with transforming a barren planet into a habitable world. As Astra and her teamwork against the clock to complete their mission, they encounter unexpected challenges and mysteries that threaten not only their mission but also their lives. The plot is fast-paced and filled with twists, as the team uncovers secrets about the planet and…
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Olav Audunssøn I. Vows
Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset My rating: 5 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Olav Audunssøn I. Vows in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Olav Audunssøn I. Vows by Sigrid Undset is a masterful historical novel that transports readers to medieval Norway, where love, honor, and ambition collide in a world of political intrigue and religious upheaval. Undset, a Nobel Prize-winning author, demonstrates her unparalleled skill in crafting richly detailed narratives and complex characters that resonate with depth and authenticity. The Details At the heart of the story is Olav…
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Radar Girls
Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman My rating: 4 of 5 stars Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of Radar Girls in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. The Gist Radar Girls by Sara Ackerman is a poignant and immersive historical fiction novel that shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women during World War II. Set against the backdrop of Hawaii in the early 1940s, Ackerman skillfully weaves together a tale of courage, resilience, and camaraderie amidst the chaos of war. The Details At the center of the story is Daisy Wilder, a spirited young woman who defies…
