Past Due Reviews [8]

 

Have you ever read a book and then forgotten to review it? Yeah? Well, that happens to me all the time! That's how I got the idea for Past Due Reviews. They won't be long posts, they'll likely contain a lot of comics, and my memories of the books themselves probably won't be that great (some of them were read months ago, and I didn't sit down and review them for this or that reason). Hopefully the content is still relevant and helpful! 

In a Holidaze by Christina Lauren

Synopsis (via Goodreads): One Christmas wish, two brothers, and a lifetime of hope are on the line for hapless Maelyn Jones in In a Holidaze, the quintessential holiday romantic novel by Christina Lauren, the New York Times bestselling author of The Unhoneymooners.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for Maelyn Jones. She’s living with her parents, hates her going-nowhere job, and has just made a romantic error of epic proportions.

But perhaps worst of all, this is the last Christmas Mae will be at her favorite place in the world—the snowy Utah cabin where she and her family have spent every holiday since she was born, along with two other beloved families. Mentally melting down as she drives away from the cabin for the final time, Mae throws out what she thinks is a simple plea to the universe: Please. Show me what will make me happy.

The next thing she knows, tires screech and metal collides, everything goes black. But when Mae gasps awake…she’s on an airplane bound for Utah, where she begins the same holiday all over again. With one hilarious disaster after another sending her back to the plane, Mae must figure out how to break free of the strange time loop—and finally get her true love under the mistletoe.

Jam-packed with yuletide cheer, an unforgettable cast of characters, and Christina Lauren’s trademark “downright hilarious” (Helen Hoang, author of The Bride Test) hijinks, this swoon-worthy romantic read will make you believe in the power of wishes and the magic of the holidays.

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 Any quotes I use are from an unpublished copy and may not reflect the finished product.

Sadly, In a Holidaze didn't wow me like other Christina Lauren books I've enjoyed in the past (The Unhoneymooners, Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating, Autoboyography). I think it was supposed to be a warm and fuzzy romance, but it was very light on both. Romance-lite? Diet Romance? The story and characters were mostly meh (think Roomies and The Honey-Don't List). I believe this book would have benefitted from a duel POV, but we only get Mae's perspective. When she finally admits her feelings for Andrew, he just seems to go with it. There wasn't any tension or buildup to their relationship. It was kind of like she said, "Hey, I really like you," and he said, "Cool." 😴💤

Uncle Benny was easily my favorite character and I wish he'd been given more page time. (Obviously, we need a Benny spinoff now.) I liked his hippy vibe. The weird love-triangle-that-wasn't-really-a-love-triangle was unnecessary and really should've been left out. Mae ends up admitting to something that didn't actually happen in her current timeline (don't you just love time loops?), which starts a conflict with Andrew that didn't need to happen. It was also a really weird thing for them to "fight" about, to be honest. It happened, but it also didn't happen. I think this is why I dislike books that mess with time without fully explaining how everything works. You can't just scream at the cosmos every few pages looking for answers. WE need the information, too.  After a while, everything just started to feel repetitive (her days AND her relationship with Andrew). What exactly was Mae supposed to be doing? Finding her happiness? It was very vague, and some of her resets didn't really make sense. Why couldn't she be happy in any of the other versions of her life?

We're also told from the start (by Mae) how much she loves Andrew. She has always loved Andrew, but I never actually saw their connection. I wish we'd seen more affection (and not the brotherly kind) between the two of them instead of simply being told over and over again that it was there. They only saw each other once or twice a year, so when did she have time to fall deeply and madly in love with him? Why was his affection immediately returned without anything really leading up to it? It was a little corny and a lot unbelievable. I also hated that she avoided Andrew's brother (can't even remember his name) instead of smoothing out the weirdness that only she was aware of. He felt avoided and didn't know why, and then she dismissed his feelings without a second thought (remember the love-triangle-that-wasn't-really-a-love-triangle?). 

Additionally, there were a lot of secondary - very flat, one-dimensional - characters, which made it hard to keep up with who was who at the start (so many family members and their many children). Overall, In a Holidaze was a quick read that wasn't terrible, but it also wasn't memorable. (★★★☆☆)

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Narrated by Ramon de Ocampo

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A big-hearted romantic comedy in which the First Son falls in love with the Prince of Wales after an incident of international proportions forces them to pretend to be best friends...

First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations.

The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince. Alex is busy enough handling his mother’s bloodthirsty opponents and his own political ambitions without an uptight royal slowing him down. But beneath Henry’s Prince Charming veneer, there’s a soft-hearted eccentric with a dry sense of humor and more than one ghost haunting him.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. And Henry throws everything into question for Alex, an impulsive, charming guy who thought he knew everything: What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

I REALLY loved this book! Red, White & Royal Blue was one of my favorite reads last year, and I cannot wait to read the author's next book, One Last Stop. Alex and Henry were amazing characters, and I enjoyed their family dynamics (though they did have completely different experiences and lifestyles). Seeing a female President was the icing on the cake - bonus points for Alex being of mixed heritage and from Texas - and the fully fleshed out secondary characters were the sprinkles lovingly tossed on top. They really came alive in my mind, and most of them were people I wanted to be friends with. Casey McQuiston has written a brilliant, thoughtful story about impossible love and what it means for different people.

If you're looking for your next enemies-to-lovers romance, look no further. Alex and Henry hated each other, despite not always knowing why (so many laugh-out-loud moments). Their animosity at an event landed them in hot (international) water, which resulted in them being forced to play nice and go on outings together. They started off pretending to be friends (old chums from way back), but it quickly turned into something more. Their late night (or early morning depending on the perspective) phone calls melted my heart and made me love them both so much. They really opened up to one another, and I enjoyed seeing them grow together and on their own. There were some obvious roadblocks, but I thought they were handled well and thoughtfully resolved (even if the outcome wasn't always what they wanted). 

Everything about this book felt authentic and was so believable I wanted it to be real. I wanted these characters to exist so their story wouldn't end. Sadly, their story did come to end, but I was happy with where the author concluded things. Alex and Henry were left feeling hopeful about their respective futures, and McQuiston made me feel hopeful for ours. She showed us an America that chose to do better. Be better. Red, White & Royal Blue was such a refreshing read. It's definitely one to look for, if it's not already on your list! (★★★★★)

Past Due Reviews [7]

Have you ever read a book and then forgotten to review it? Yeah? Well, that happens to me all the time! That's how I got the idea for Past Due Reviews. They won't be long posts, they'll likely contain a lot of comics, and my memories of the books themselves probably won't be great (some of them were read months ago, and I didn't sit down and review them for this or that reason). Hopefully the content is still relevant and helpful! 

Magic Shifts (Kate Daniels, #8) by Ilona Andrews

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In the latest Kate Daniels novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Ilona Andrews, magic is coming and going in waves in post-Shift Atlanta—and each crest leaves danger in its wake…

After breaking from life with the Pack, mercenary Kate Daniels and her mate—former Beast Lord Curran Lennart—are adjusting to a very different pace. While they’re thrilled to escape all the infighting, Curran misses the constant challenges of leading the shapeshifters.

So when the Pack offers him its stake in the Mercenary Guild, Curran seizes the opportunity—too bad the Guild wants nothing to do with him and Kate. Luckily, as a veteran merc, Kate can take over any of the Guild’s unfinished jobs in order to bring in money and build their reputation. But what Kate and Curran don’t realize is that the odd jobs they’ve been working are all connected.

An ancient enemy has arisen, and Kate and Curran are the only ones who can stop it—before it takes their city apart piece by piece…

"One doesn't let her fiancé fight a hoard of ghouls by himself. Some things were just not done."

I hardcore love this series! Ilona Andrews is an amazing author duo, and I really hope the two of them write books together forever. I still have to read the last two books in the series, but I've been taking my time because I don't want this incredible journey to end. I want there to always be another adventure for them to go on, although I know that's not realistic. However, if I don't read the final two books, there's still something for me to look forward to (my logic is sound). I read Magic Shifts back in November, so I'm sure I'll finish the series soon. I've been away too long already!

Definitely read these books in order! The characters and friendships get better and better each book, and I've loved seeing how Kate and Curran's relationship developed over time. They go from bickering frenemies (Here, kitty, kitty, kitty.) in the first few books, to a hilarious courtship (werelions and their mating rituals, haha), to two people that deeply love and respect each other. They both have strong personalities, so obviously they clash from time to time, but they know they can always count on the other to be there for them. I've really enjoyed them as a couple, and how realistic their relationship has been. It might be hard, but they admit when they're wrong and acknowledge how their actions affect each other. A+ for being authentic and relatable!

I really liked that the authors chose to take the story in a different direction with this book, but still kept all of my favorite secondary characters around. Kate and Curran have left the pack and are no longer in charge of what happens to it. They're glad they don't have to deal with Pack politics anymore, but you can tell Curran is struggling with what to do with himself. He no longer has a direction or a focus for his life, since he's the one that made the Pack what it is today. It's all he's ever known, really. Although I missed the chaos and demands of Pack life, it was okay since my favorite people were still actively involved in the story. 

Even without the Pack to keep them busy, Kate and Curran are thrown into danger almost as soon as the story starts. I love the pacing for these books, and think the authors are fantastic storytellers. At the beginning, Kate and Curran are living in a suburban neighborhood (so weird to see them living normal lives), and they have kid (whaaaat). A daughter Kate picked up in a previous book, and someone that acts an awful lot like Kate herself. There's a whole thing going on with those two that would take too long to explain and would be slightly spoilery. The dynamics in these books... so good. They're layered and complex, yet totally believable despite all of the magic and mayhem. 

I do think this book was a way for the characters to catch their breath before the final arc, but that doesn't mean the story was any less dangerous or action-packed. I love how the authors incorporate various mythologies into their books, and this one was no exception. A member of the Pack comes to Kate and Curran for help, and since they're no longer bound by Pack politics, they offer their assistance. It's never as easy as it sounds, and the multiple threads being woven are masterfully executed while still leaving a few loose ends for the next book.

Seriously, there is so much to love about this series, and I cannot recommend it enough. I laugh so much while reading these books, and I know the characters are people that will stay with me for the rest of my life. It's definitely a series I will read again and again. The characters, the story, the worldbuilding - phenomenal. (★★★★★)

Mistletoe in Paradise (Wildstone, #5.5) by Jill Shalvis 

Narrated by Erin Mallon 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Problem Number One – Getting There

Old childhood friends each fly separately to join their families on what’s been an annual holiday themed yacht adventure. Secret ex-lovers, Hannah and James are determined to make the best of things…

Problem Number Two – Getting Stuck.

When everyone but Hannah and James gets held up in an airport snarl, it leaves them stuck together for four days, making Hannah’s already problematic trip a whole lot harder to face. Especially because she comes bearing more than just gifts…

Problem Number Three -- Falling In Love (again)

As the former lovers try to make the best of the Christmas snafu, they soon realize that the best things in life can’t be planned and sometimes love is sweeter the second time around.

Mistletoe in Paradise was a very quick read (technically it was a quick listen) that I thoroughly enjoyed! It was short and sweet, and I immediately fell in love with Hannah and James. I've only read the first book in the Wildstone series, but the rest are on my list! Jill Shalvis knows how to write adorable romances, and this novella was no exception. I'm not sure which book Hannah and James belong to (are they repeat characters?), so I hope listening to this before reading the others doesn't spoil anything for me. I probably should have looked into that before, but oh well. 😅

I really loved that they were trapped on a yacht together, because there was literally no where for them to run. They had to interact with each other, which made them address their issues relatively early on. I liked that it wasn't something they waited until the very end to talk about, and enjoyed seeing them reminisce about their shared past. Not all of it was good, and Hannah has some bad news to deliver herself, but I thought Shalvis did a wonderful job of pacing the story and its revelations. (★★★★☆)

The Bromance Book Club (Bromance Book Club, #1) by Lyssa Kay Adams Narrated by Andrew Eiden & Maxwell Caulfield

Synopsis (via Goodreads): The first rule of book club: You don't talk about book club.

Nashville Legends second baseman Gavin Scott's marriage is in major league trouble. He’s recently discovered a humiliating secret: his wife Thea has always faked the Big O. When he loses his cool at the revelation, it’s the final straw on their already strained relationship. Thea asks for a divorce, and Gavin realizes he’s let his pride and fear get the better of him.

Welcome to the Bromance Book Club.

Distraught and desperate, Gavin finds help from an unlikely source: a secret romance book club made up of Nashville's top alpha men. With the help of their current read, a steamy Regency titled Courting the Countess, the guys coach Gavin on saving his marriage. But it'll take a lot more than flowery words and grand gestures for this hapless Romeo to find his inner hero and win back the trust of his wife.

The Bromance Book Club has received sooo much praise - and several friends recommended it to me - which is why I finally decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. To be perfectly honest, I thought Gavin and Thea were a little boring. Their problems felt authentic and they were characters I could relate to, but I didn't like that the story seemed to be based on whether or not Gavin could make her orgasm. I know there was more to it than that, but her lack of O's played a REALLY big role in their relationship. 

Thea faked her orgasms for three years and Gavin never noticed. His explanation later on was plausible, but still unlikely. It simply wasn't believable for him to have been oblivious for that long. Their "big night" was all about whether or not she would orgasm, and if Gavin would finally be able to get her there. They should've been able to work on their marriage without Thea's vagina playing such a prominent role in the equation. Do I think it was handled well? Sure. I thought the author explored that aspect of their relationship in a very unique way; I just didn't understand why that one thing seemed to outweigh everything else. Sex was the least of their problems, yet it was the one they focused on the most.

I did, however, really like the baseball team and Gavin's friends. The Bromance Book Club itself was interesting, and I wish there had been more page time for all of the guys involved. It was fun listening to them dissect romance novels and apply them to their daily lives. I think more men should read romance novels just to give them a better idea of how women think (and potentially give them some ideas for the bedroom.)

All in all, it was a fun book to listen to, just not one I was eager to dive into every day. I had to keep reminding myself to listen to a few chapters before my library loan expired (again (and again)). Thea and Gavin just didn't hold my attention, but I'm definitely interested in the tension brewing between Liv and Mack. I have a feeling their story will have a lot more steam and *fingers crossed* be more interesting overall. 

Random thought: I wasn't really a fan of Gavin's "grand gesture" at the end. It just didn't sit well with me. What he did was EXTREMELY rude and selfish. There were so many other ways for him to declare his unending love for his wife, but he chose to overshadow someone else's big moment. #NotCoolBro

Lastly, I enjoyed the random chapters from the book Gavin was reading, and seeing how the parallels played out in his life. I would definitely be interested in reading that book, if only it were real and something I could actually do. 😉 Kudos to Adams for creating two very distinct-yet-similar stories in one book! I thought it was a brilliant concept that worked really well for this story, so hopefully all of the other books in this series follow the same format. (★★★☆☆)

DNF&Y [33]

 

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! If you would like additional information, please click on the DNF&Y tab at the top. If you want to join, you can link up at the bottom!

Stay Sexy & Don't Get Murdered: The Definitive How-To Guide by Karen Kilgariff, Georgia Hardstark

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Sharing never-before-heard stories ranging from their struggles with depression, eating disorders, and addiction, Karen and Georgia irreverently recount their biggest mistakes and deepest fears, reflecting on the formative life events that shaped them into two of the most followed voices in the nation.

DNF at 58%

This is a perfect example of me grabbing a book based solely on its hype. Even my library hold was roughly 6 months! Unfortunately, I was not the right audience for this book. I am not a "Murderino" and do not enjoy investigating or discussing the gruesome details associated with murders, car wrecks, etc. I don't stop to look when someone has flipped their car and paramedics are on the scene, and I don't follow murder investigations or voice my opinion on cold cases. However, I have enjoyed shows like Bones and NCIS in the past, so I didn't go into this book totally blind about its content. 

Additionally, I didn't think the authors were very funny. They would pause after jokes and punch lines (if they were reading in front of a crowd or an audience), like they were expecting people to laugh. I kept imagining someone holding up a sign that let people know when they were supposed to. I'm also not opposed to cursing, because I believe words are words and it's all about intent, but they dropped f-bombs just to see how they would land. The language served no purpose and didn't add anything to the story. 

It's been a while since I read this, and I honestly cannot remember much else about the story. I know they shared some of their childhood experiences (being a latchkey kid, trusting the wrong guy and being taken advantage of, saying yes and being amendable because that's what you've been taught to do as a girl in this world), but they weren't stories that really resonated with me. I could understand what they were saying - - have even experienced some of those things myself - - but their personal experiences weren't anything like mine. They had some pretty unbelievable stories, too. I kept thinking, "This was someone's life?" Even if those were truly their experiences, they were hard for me to relate to.

Paul Giamatti is one of the narrators! He has a small role (based on what I actually listened to), but I've always like him.

One thing I did like about this book was its positive spin on therapy. People believe they're broken if they seek out a therapist, but our mental health should be just as important as our physical health. Having a professional to talk to can really improve your relationships, including the one you have with yourself. (★★☆☆☆)

*this post has been backdated

*Share your DNF&Y post! Please leave the direct link to your DNF&Y post and not just your blog's URL. Thank you for participating and happy reading!

Britfield and the Lost Crown by C.R. Stewart Narrated by Ian Russell

 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Britfield & the Lost Crown is the first book in a thrilling seven-part series for middle school and young adult readers. It will inspire children to engage both their creativity and their critical thinking skills as they encounter actual places, authentic characters, and exciting but realistic events in seventeen action-packed chapters.

Based on family, friendship, loyalty, and courage, Britfield & the Lost Crown and its hero, Tom, take readers on an epic adventure across England – from the smoldering crags of Yorkshire to the heart of London and, finally, to the magnificent shores of Dover.

With help from his best friend, Sarah, and a hot air balloon, Tom flees Yorkshire, escaping from Weatherly Orphanage and the clutches of a relentless detective, in pursuit of the truth about himself and his heritage: Are his parents still alive? Is he the true heir to the British throne? As Tom and a memorable cast of both heroic and dastardly characters unravel a royal mystery that could change the course of history, readers are taken on a breathless journey to a surprise ending that will leave them clamoring for more.

Built on more than seven years of extensive research and development, Britfield & the Lost Crown creates a real world that readers can embrace as it weaves accurate geography, literature, architecture, and history into its fast-paced story. With stimulating language and active writing, Britfield engages the reader from the first pages and doesn’t let go until it reaches its exciting conclusion.

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I received an ARC of the audiobook 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.

Britfield and the Lost Crown was a story built on convenience. Tom and Sarah were runaway orphans that seemed to have an endless supply of good luck and favorable outcomes. They relied on the kindness of strangers and people's willingness to help two children they've never seen or heard of before. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it is extremely unlikely they would have made it as far as they did. Another thing: the synopsis gives away waaaay too much about the book, so it doesn't leave a lot for readers to discover on their own as the story unfolds. Very little imagination required. 

As they were leaving the orphanage (where they were malnourished, overworked, and mistreated) everything just clicked into place for them. Sure, they had to struggle and overcome obstacles, but it did seem incredibly easy for them to evade numerous adults and the authorities. I was overly suspicious of everyone they met, but each encounter proved beneficial for the children regardless of their circumstances. They just seemed like "good kids" and people wanted to help. They were even willing to to help Tom and Sarah evade the authorities, which doesn't seem like something people would do.

They just kept running into good Samaritans and stumbling across things that would help them on their journey. For example, they're running through a field and find themselves next to a hot air balloon (not a spoiler; it's on the cover and in the synopsis). What twelve-year old knows how to fly a hot air balloon on instinct? Yes, they fiddle with knobs and levers until the balloon does what they want it to, but they were more likely to crash and explode than fly across the country. Also, they were in the balloon for like 15 hours, yet neither of them had to pee? They were constantly drinking water they found in the balloon, but potty breaks (or more specifically, the lack thereof) weren't mentioned. It caused the story to lose some of it's credibility, even with how easy their escape had been thus far. (Honestly, they should have died or been captured countless times, but managed to barely evade death and everyone else for the entire book.)

Additionally, I wasn't all that invested in Tom or Sarah as characters. They weren't relatable, and we also don't really learn very much about them over the course of the book. Sarah frequently mentions that she "wasn't always in an orphanage," but rarely reveals details about her life before Weatherly. Tom doesn't know what his life looked like before, because he can't remember anything except for the half-formed memories that pop up in his dreams. The detective, professor, archbishop - - they were all a means to an end and didn't really add anything to the story (other than helping hands). 

There's a reveal towards the end that I didn't see coming, but I also thought it's inclusion was taking things a bit too far. The person's behavior up until that point had been atrocious and unforgivable, so I didn't buy their sudden transformation/revelation. To their credit, Tom and Sarah didn't believe them either. As for Tom's big secret, it didn't take very long for me to figure out his history and what it meant (it's also IN THE SYNOPSIS). The clues were not subtle, although it took everyone else a VERY long time to put the pieces together. A Harvard professor and a renowned detective couldn't see what was going on? Really?

I also went into this book thinking it was a standalone (something I apparently missed from the synopsis), so I was miffed when the book ended on a cliffhanger. The other children at the orphanage don't know what happened to Tom and Sarah, but we do get to see how their lives and living situations have changed by the end of the book. Unfortunately, Tom and Sarah STILL don't have all of the answers, and their story was left unfinished. I feel like everything else was wrapped up, so they should have gotten a conclusion as well. Dragging this story out feels unnecessary, and like the author is trying to squeeze SIX MORE BOOKS out of nothing. It would have taken one or two more chapters to resolve everything, so making them work even more for the same goal they've been trying to achieve since the beginning, seems unfair and overly ambitious. Britfield and the Lost Crown isn't a series I will be continuing in the future. 

Audiobook review: The narrator was amazing! Ian Russell had very distinct voices for each of the characters, and I really loved how they were portrayed (especially his accent and cadence for Sarah). At first, I thought it was the same person who narrated The Night Circus, but it's not. (However, if you liked how that book was narrated, you'll probably like this narrator as well!) I look forward to listening to more books read by him in the future. (★★★☆☆)

Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust Narrated by Nikki Massoud

 

Synopsis (via Goodreads): A captivating and utterly original fairy tale about a girl cursed to be poisonous to the touch, and who discovers what power might lie in such a curse...

There was and there was not, as all stories begin, a princess cursed to be poisonous to the touch. But for Soraya, who has lived her life hidden away, apart from her family, safe only in her gardens, it’s not just a story.

As the day of her twin brother’s wedding approaches, Soraya must decide if she’s willing to step outside of the shadows for the first time. Below in the dungeon is a demon who holds knowledge that she craves, the answer to her freedom. And above is a young man who isn’t afraid of her, whose eyes linger not with fear, but with an understanding of who she is beneath the poison.

Soraya thought she knew her place in the world, but when her choices lead to consequences she never imagined, she begins to question who she is and who she is becoming...human or demon. Princess or monster.

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I received an ARC of the audiobook 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.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn was an okay read for me, and for some reason those are the hardest books to review! I thought it took too long for the story to flow from one thing to the next; however, the writing was lyrical and lovely. I would have preferred a quicker pace and less inner dialogue, and I also wasn't on board with Azad as a love interest. I thought the book would have benefited from a dual POV, because his backstory would have been more interesting coming from his perspective (rather than told to us through Soraya). He's been through sooo much, yet we only see a blip of his existence. 

Other issues I had with the book: lying and withheld information. Soraya made poor decisions, but she might not have made those same choices had she been given all the information from the start. Since she was a child, her mother has spun a pretty - - albeit sad and disturbing - - tale about how Soraya became poisonous to the touch. The truth was actually preferable, so I'm not entirely sure what her mother was trying to accomplish by keeping the most important details a secret (her eventual explanation was lame). She did a good thing for her daughter, yet only told half-truths and kept Soraya hidden from the rest of the world. Her actions created animosity and increased her daughter's isolation. Additionally, Soraya is hurt by the lies, but chooses to become a liar herself. *sighs with frustration*

I simply could not get behind or support the decisions of the secondary characters. Soraya's mother was doing her best (but not really). Sorush (her twin brother) was her constant companion until he became too important to spend time with her. Her only other childhood friend became preoccupied, apparently easily distracted by her overly protective brother. Azad and Parvaneh both used Soraya despite having "legitimate" feelings for her (still find this hard to believe). They were all super obnoxious. Although, I liked that the author chose to pursue both a M/F and a F/F relationship, and that it seemed totally normal for Soraya to have feelings for both. 

I also didn't feel like there was very much character development or story growth from start to finish. Soraya was more confident towards the end, but her overall changes were minor. She fell into the same habits and ways of thinking, and never really challenged herself to be or do more than she was accustomed to. She also flip-flopped (over and over again) between what kind of person she wanted to be. She understandably felt some resentment towards her family, so her selfish actions made sense, but then she immediately regrets her decisions and wants to make amends. She can't decide if she wants to be good, or embrace some of the darker aspects of her personality. It gave me mental whiplash. 

I really enjoyed the world Bashardoust created, and thought the explanations at the end were interesting. The author talks about what inspired her story, and even shares some of the tales her book was based on. Unfortunately, the characters didn't do her world justice, and I wish they'd been more worthy of their setting. The divs were supposed to be brutal and scary, but they were always restrained and on their best behavior. Potential spoiler: I'm also not sure how Azad made or convinced Parvaneh to attack Sorush, since she could have used that opportunity to escape. It wasn't explained very well.

Girl, Serpent, Thorn had the makings of an excellent story, but too many aspects fell flat for me. I couldn't relate to Soraya and her struggles, both romances were unbelievable, the actions of her friends and family felt false, the divs didn't act very intimidating or monstrous, and the main villain seemed too gullible. Soraya was able to easily manipulate several people, despite having little to no interactions with others for most of her life. It simply wasn't believable. (★★★☆☆)

*The narrator was okay. She didn't really sell the characters for me though.

Alpha Night (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #4) by Nalini Singh

Synopsis (via Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh returns to her breathtaking Psy-Changeling Trinity series with a mating that shouldn’t exist…

Alpha wolf Selenka Durev’s devotion to her pack is equaled only by her anger at anyone who would harm those under her care. That currently includes the empaths who’ve flowed into her city for a symposium that is a security nightmare, a powder keg just waiting for a match.

Ethan Night is an Arrow who isn’t an Arrow. Numb and disengaged from the world, he’s loyal only to himself. Assigned as part of the security force at a world-first symposium, he carries a dark agenda tied to the power-hungry and murderous Consortium. Then violence erupts and Ethan finds himself crashing into the heart and soul of an alpha wolf.

Mating at first sight is a myth, a fairytale. Yet Selenka’s wolf is resolute: Ethan Night, broken Arrow and a man capable of obsessive devotion, is the mate it has chosen. Even if the mating bond is full of static and not quite as it should be. Because Selenka’s new mate has a terrible secret, his mind surging with a power that is a creature of madness and death…

“Have you met Mr. Tall, Dangerous, and Smoldering before?" Margo put a hand on Selenka's shoulder, the contact instinctive between packmates. "It's a serious breach of the girlfriend code to hide snacks like that.”

Nalini Singh took insta-love to a whole new level with Alpha Night. Normally, I'm firmly against anything that even remotely resembles love at first sight, but Singh made it work by placing the blame squarely on Selenka's animal instincts. Her human side was very surprised by the shotgun mating, and it took that part of her a while to develop feelings for Ethan naturally. She wanted to know what he was like as a man (other than tall, dark & handsome), and it was nice seeing them slowly learn new things about each other. It was both sweet and intense, since their mating also made them crave close physical contact. 

I really, really love this series! The audio is amazing, and it's so easy to lose myself in the world Singh has created. Every character has value and ends up being incredibly important to me by the end of the book. I also like it when there's a pack or clan focus, since we'll frequently see younger changelings running around the adults and acting adorable. It just makes everything feel more realistic and gives this series a charm that I've found lacking in other books. 

Selenka is dealing with issues both inside and outside of her pack, and I enjoyed seeing Ethan seamlessly become a part of her life. He had no idea how to be an alpha to a pack of wolves, but he could guess what Selenka needed by watching and mimicking some of her behaviors. He never tried to be her equal - - even though Selenka thought of him as one - - but quietly supported her from the sidelines. He was quick to use his powers to protect her and others, but he would never try to overpower or outrank her place within the pack. They maintained an effortless balance despite barely knowing each other.

Selenka's father can rot in hell.

Ethan's previous jailor (both mentally and physically) can also rot in hell.

I just love how vividly Singh has portrayed her world, and revisiting it never fails to amaze me. There are so many facets and people vying for peace and power, but it never feels overwhelming. She ties various threads from multiple books into one cohesive story (every book can stand on its own, but it's like they're all collectively building towards something bigger), will have character's crossover from one book to the next, and introduces new people in a way that makes you feel like you've known them forever. Valentin was around in this one (from Silver Silence), so I was thrilled! Because bears...

If you haven't read this series, I highly suggest giving it a shot! If you want a second opinion, check out the post Nick from The Infinite Limits of Love posted today! She also paired every book cover with a delicious-looking dessert, so it's really a win for everyone. I think I'm going to steal her idea and add a little twist! ;) (★★★★☆)

The Silver Arrow by Lev Grossman Narrated by Simon Vance

Synopsis (via Goodreads): Kate and her younger brother Tom lead desperately uninteresting lives. And judging by their desperately uninteresting parents, the future isn’t much more promising. If only life was like it is in books, where you have adventures, and save the world! Even Kate’s 11th birthday is shaping up to be mundane — that is, until her mysterious and highly irresponsible Uncle Herbert surprises her with the most unexpected, exhilarating birthday present of all time: a real-life steam locomotive called The Silver Arrow.

Kate and Tom’s parents quite sensibly tell him to take it back, but Kate and Tom have other ideas — and so does The Silver Arrow — and very soon they’re off on a mysterious journey along magical rails. On their way, they pick up a pack of talking animals: a fishing cat, a porcupine, a green mamba, a polar bear, and the sweetest baby pangolin in the world. With only curiosity, fear, adrenaline, and the thrill of the unknown to guide them, Kate and Tom are on the adventure of a lifetime — and they just might save the world after all.

"No. We're not worried because there is nothing more terrifyingly effective and resourceful than a human being. In all the four billion years that there has been life on Earth, you are the most successful animal there ever was."

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.

My monsters and I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of The Silver Arrow. We've been house hunting, so it gave us something to listen to while we were in the car (or waiting for our Realtor to show up). Simon Vance did an amazing job with the narrations, and I initially confused his voice for Jim Dale's (he narrated The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, which I listened to somewhat recently). A quick Google search set me straight! 😉 Both narrators are incredibly talented, and I look forward to listening to other books read by them in the future.

I've enjoyed Lev Grossman's The Magicians in the past, although I never got around to watching the television show. I've heard it's pretty good! Have you seen it? When I stumbled across The Silver Arrow, I was instantly curious about how his writing style would translate to a MG book. I was not disappointed! I loved the characters - - human and animal alike - - and thought he delivered the magic and whimsy I've come to expect from his work. What I wasn't expecting was the author's subtle inclusion of important topics, like climate change, deforestation, and invasive species. Additionally, he talks about how animals are going extinct, but through the perspectives of the animals themselves.

There were a lot of sad aspects to this book, but that's only because they're true. Climate change is affecting polar bears, deforestation is limiting where certain animals can live, killing animals for sport and food have severely decreased their numbers - - it's awful to think about. Kate and Tom are spirited away on a magical train, and they have to learn how to be conductors in addition to the unexpected Life Lessons taught to them by the train, animals, and nature itself. They spent some time as trees, which was very trippy but also incredibly thought-provoking. 

I also liked that the author didn't paint their parents in a negative light, but showed how time can desensitize and alter how people perceive the world. They get busy with their day-to-day lives and forget to look at what's happening on a larger scale. Additionally, adults will talk to children like they're too young to understand this or that, but they comprehend more than we think they do. It's a disservice to them to assume that conversations about the world would go completely over their heads. They might need some concepts explained, but they're very inquisitive and eager to learn.

"When you're a child the adult world looks so exciting, and it is, but it's also so much sadder and more complicated that you expect. And you can't just take the good parts, you have to take it all, even if it's not what you wanted."

I'm not going to lie, this book had me sniffling in the car. There were some really powerful moments there at the end, and Tom and Kate's experiences will likely stay with me for a very long time. There were so many teachable moments in this book, and it encouraged important discussions between me and my children. They're a little too young to fully grasp the scope of what they author was trying to convey, but they did get the gist and were open to learning more.

I thought The Silver Arrow was wonderfully written, and I think the author expertly conveyed important issues in way children will be able to relate to. Kate and Tom learn the value of hard work and determination, develop friendships with unlikely creatures, and achieve goals that exceed their own expectations. I loved watching them grow and cultivate their understanding of the world, and seeing their joy after overcoming seemingly impossible tasks. Lev Grossman has made magic with this story, and really highlights the importance of never giving up.  (★★★★⋆)

Wolf Rain (Psy-Changeling Trinity, #3) by Nalini Singh

Narrated by Angela Dawe

Synopsis (via Goodreads): New York Times bestselling author Nalini Singh takes us on a new adventure in this next novel of the Psy-Changeling Trinity series…

The end of Silence was supposed to create a better world for future generations. But trust is broken, and the alliance between Psy, Changeling, and human is thin. The problems that led to Silence are back in full force. Because Silence fixed nothing, just hid the problems.

This time, the Psy have to find a real answer to their problems–if one exists. Or their race will soon go extinct in a cascade of violence. The answer begins with an empath who is attuned to monsters–and who is going to charm a wolf into loving her despite his own demons.

𑁋𑁋𑁋

I am loving the audiobooks for this series! I read a physical copy Silver Silence and own the entire Psy-Changeling Trinity series, but Angela Dawe is a phenomenal narrator. Every character has a distinct voice and I am never confused by who's speaking. She conveys their individual personalities so well, and never fails to amaze me with her conviction and creativity. I highly recommend this series on audio, if you like audiobooks!

Wolf Rain is currently tied with Silver Silence as my favorite book in the Psy-Changeling Trinity series. I enjoyed Ocean Light and Alpha Night, but I think I prefer when the changelings are the males. Don't ask me why, because I honestly don't know. There's just something about a growly, insufferable man that appeals to me. A little rough around the edges, somewhat possessive and a lot protective, animal instincts occasionally overriding the human ones - - it makes for good reading! Also, their sex drive is insane! They're like an oversized Energizer Bunny... They just keep going and going...

My mind is totally in the gutter right now remembering Alexei and Memory's romp in the woods. Nalini Singh knows how to deliver a good story and amazing character chemistry. Nothing feels like insta-love despite a character's animal "knowing" when someone is their mate. They still develop feelings and a friendship before knocking boots. I really loved how patient Alexei was with Memory, and that he wanted to give her time to understand herself before acting on their emotions. She knew she had the stirrings of something for him, but neither could be sure it wasn't just because he'd saved her from a horrible situation. We know they're going to be forever lovers, but it was nice they took the time to figure some stuff out before jumping into a super steamy relationship. *cough* Sexy Lexie! *cough*

Alexei is dealing with his own demons, and I loved that Memory was able to support and understand him in a way no one else could. Her abilities and her personal connection to him allowed her to heal some of his hurt and jagged edges. She was there for him as much as he was there for her, and I laughed every time she growled or poked him in the stomach.

I also really liked the secondary characters and how well they were written! It's fun when old favorites make an appearance, or when it's clear the author is setting up a future book for someone you already adore. Additionally, there were multiple mysteries woven into the story, and it was fun figuring out how they tied together and what they meant for the world as a whole.

Singh has delivered another amazing story with relatable and memorable characters. I've already finished Alpha Night and will hopefully find the time to review it soon. Slave to Sensation is the first book in the original Psy-Changeling series, and while it was enjoyable, I've already noticed some significant differences. More on that later! If you need a series to get lost in, this is definitely one to consider. (★★★★★)

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Synopsis (via Goodreads): In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.

𑁋𑁋𑁋

House of Salt and Sorrows was a haunting story that I'll likely never forget. I loved the seaside setting and the rituals the townspeople followed. They believed in and prayed to gods I'd never heard of before, and I enjoyed learning about them. Annaleigh shared a few stories that her mother told her as a child, and they were easily some of my favorite parts of the book. I only wish we'd gotten to learn more about the various deities that existed in their world.

This book was delightfully eerie, and I honestly had no idea what was actually happening most of the time. I started to second guess what was real and what was imagined. It reminded me of the movie Inception, because it really messes with your head! Are they dreaming? Are they dancing? Are they dead? Are they dangerous? Annaleigh is thrown into the middle of something inescapable, because it's her mind and memories she can no longer trust.

My one quibble would be the romance and how quickly they fell in love with each other. It wasn't overtly an insta-love, but their relationship did progress quickly and with some intensity. They didn't really know each other and both had secrets they were unwilling to share. Eventually those came out and they started working together, but they still fell hard and fast for someone they barely knew (and in a situation most people would've wanted to avoid). The lies were explained and understandable, but the YOU'RE MY ONE TRUE LOVE FOREVER was a tad too much for my liking. I don't think Annaleigh would have survived without him though, since he had information she needed and was willing to risk everything to keep her safe and alive.

I really loved how the author messed with my head, despite guessing who the real culprit was before the characters had figured it out. The explanation was unexpected, so the author still managed to surprise me at the end. It was also a lot more gruesome than I was expecting. People were left bloody, broken, mangled, and some of the descriptions were gross. Maggots crawling through carcasses, and the body parts of old fish being unknowingly consumed, nearly made me vomit.

If you're looking for a story that will make you second guess yourself and the characters you're reading about, then House of Salt and Sorrows might be a good fit for you! However, if you have a sensitive stomach, or an unwillingness to be disgusted by a book's content, you might want to look elsewhere. Craig delivers a mind-bending story that focuses on family and what they'll do to survive, whether they're battling grief, ghosts, or gods. (★★★★☆)