May Wrap Up

 All the books I read in May 2025

***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich - 4 ⭐

I ate this book up when I first read it and I have done so again on re-read. It is gripping, compelling and addictive. There is a large cast of characters to meet, snarky comments and witty banter plenty as well as a slow burn romance filled with tension. Scarlett was a fantastic character to follow - my favourite kind of FMC, one who has done and been through a lot, yet remains strong and sassy, she gives me Aelin vibes. She has many physical and emotional scars which are centred around some rather dark themes, which the author handles brilliantly in my opinion. This is a dark fantasy romance with themes that some may find triggering, so please search up trigger warnings before embarking on this one. I loved it and it is now also being traditionally published, so I am waiting to get my hands on the next instalments so I can continue my foray into this world. It will take some time to get through them all though as they are now being traditionally published and not all five books are out yet. 

Lady of Shadows by Melissa K. Roehrich - 4 ⭐

This was a fantastic continuation. Compulsively readable that I done it in 1 sitting. I couldn’t put it down. The direction the story went in opened up this world even more and introduced new characters with reveals on others back stories. It was incredibly enjoyable. Sorin is climbing up my rankings on the book boyfriend list. I wonder where he will fit once the series is over. Still not quite 5 star reads yet, but if they continue to build in the way I hope, I can see the next instalments reaching this.

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn - 4.5 ⭐

Book 2 of Bloodwing Academy. I had a very turbulent time reading this book, mostly because of Blake. As bully romances go, I found that Blake didn’t do much of the bullying in book 1. This seemed to be reserved for this one. Which if I’m honest was so frustrating as his actions did not align with his thoughts. This is not a criticism of the plot however, because I can see why the author done this. Blake was raised to think and act a certain way and that is not going to disappear over night. Seeing him struggle and question actions that should be normal to him was refreshingly realistic but as a fan of Medra, was incredibly frustrating to read. It was really difficult to root for him at times, despite that I wanted to. Aside from that, this book was amazing. The way the story developed from the first one. The interactions with Media and Nyxaris are great, I love a grumpy dragon. Also the ending! Wow, what a way to end a book. I need the next one now! Also side note. Neville is the best character in the whole series.

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti - 3.5 ⭐

I have put this off for so long that it was finally time to dive in. I remain on the fence as to whether this was a good idea or not. As per all the reviews I’ve heard, I will be going beyond the first book since I have heard it is the weakest. However, while I can absolutely understand the criticisms of this book, I had a good time reading it. I knew it was a bully romance, but I swear I was not prepared for just how brutal this bullying goes. This book made me so angry for a good portion of the time. To the point where it’s clearly the series that is a bully romance, since there was definitely none of the romance part in this one. I can see the breadcrumbs to some of it. Honestly though, the main reason I want to continue is because I really want to see just how we get to the romance part. As of the ending of this book, I’m surprised Tory and Darcy have the capacity to fall for any of these characters. Personally, I would just kill them all. The last few chapters were so hard to read. At this point I just want them to get revenge. I look forward to having my mind changed. 

April Wrap Up

 All the books I read in April 2025

***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez - 5⭐

Abby Jimenez is quickly becoming one of my favourite romance authors. How she writes these amazing love stories while also highlighting heavy and at times devastating topics is masterful. This is one that hit a little close to home for me, having watched dementia ravage a family member and see the anguish it causes to not only the person but to those closest to them. Abby Jimenez done a fantastic job of capturing this and the guilt the family feel as they struggle to cope as the disease progresses. It hurt my heart to read at times. My heart really went out to Samantha’s character navigating this loss and also trying to navigate a long distance relationship. Xavier was such a lovely MMC and I loved how the realities of life and their financial strain played a big part of their obstacles. Too often romance novels don’t have these realistic boundaries, but this is real life struggles and I really appreciated this element. To have them focus on overcoming these constraints and focus on what is important in life was refreshing. At the end of the day those we love and the memories we make with them is what life is all about.

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanna Collins - 4⭐

I am shocked at my rating if I’m honest, which is crazy as 4 stars is a great rating. I just expected this to be a 5 star read. I’m not sure what I was expecting to be honest, but I expected to enjoy it more. I think my biggest issue is the underlying love story. I know that young love can be all consuming but I just felt the way Haymitch was so focused on her was grating. That being said, it was really enjoyable seeing his games and learning what happened to not only him but also other characters that we know (Beetee, Mags, Wiress etc). I’m glad we got to read the book and I hope she delves more into the other stories in the future.

The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez - 3⭐

Short stories are not usually my thing, I personally prefer to have more time with my characters. I made an exception for this one since Abby Jimenez is one of my favourite authors. I really enjoyed this story but I do feel the length let it down. I liked the characters and the plot was really engaging. I’d have loved if this was a full length novel. This felt very insta-love but that is understandable. It left me wanting more but in this case I’m taking that as a positive.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith - 4⭐

This was such a unique reading experience. I’ve read fantasy about trials and games before but this setting was so unusual. It was quite a spooky and gothic setting which I haven’t really read before. I also got the audiobook to do immersive reading and it really enhanced the experience. I loved the banter between Ophelia and Blackwell and while the twist at the end was somewhat predictable, I enjoyed where the story went and the journey to get there. 

Off to the Races by Elsie Silver - 3⭐

As a lover of Elsie Silver I decided to embark on her backlist. I’ve heard good things about this series. This one though was not my favourite. This is the worst MMC so far (fair since it was her first). However, entitled trust fund babies don’t do anything for me. I found Vaughan to be off putting. Billie however, I loved her, she was a fantastic character to read from. She definitely made the MMC better. As her debut this was enjoyable but I am so happy to already know her books get better as they go. I hope that’s the case with the rest of this series.

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn - 4.5⭐

This is a book club read, which I am really happy I participated in since I had never heard of this book. The start of this had me hooked from the beginning. I loved the setting and the interactions between the characters. I thought the enemies to lovers was done fantastically. I feel we were left with questions surrounding Medra’s past that I really hope we dive more into with future instalments. I’m not really sold on the bully romance advertised. The bullying didn’t really come from Blake but from Regan who is obviously not the love interest. I loved the slow burn and the tension between the characters. This one also ignited some strong feelings too when the sexism and classist behaviours were on page. The way Medra is treated as less, and an object to control and possess. This really ignites my feminist side. It was well done, so bravo to the author for this.

Magnolia Parks by Jessa Hastings - 4⭐

I have heard so many good things about this series that I had to try it for myself. I am really glad I did, this was really entertaining. It was like watching an episode of Gossip Girl but in London. Magnolia and BJ are so toxic but somehow I still find myself rooting for them, yet also wishing I could smack their heads together. I listened to the audiobook while reading this which really helped my enjoyment as well. I would recommend this and look forward to continuing the series.

Fave Quote - “How many loves do you get in a lifetime? I remember wondering that. How many people will look at me like he does, not just like I’m the sun but like I’m the whole god damn universe” - Magnolia - Page 62

The Strawberry Patch Pancake House by Laurie Gilmore - 3.5⭐

This is book 4 of the Dream Harbour series. It was enjoyable to read, just a silly fun time. I like the small town aspect of the book and the further we get into it, the more characters we get to know. I think this the a perfect palette cleanser book to read between heavier topics or bigger fantasy books. Also, its a side note but the covers on this whole series are so cute. I love them.

City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwards - 4⭐

Yet another series that I have heard a lot about. I couldn’t wait to start my journey with it. I have seen some comments around similarities with Crescent City and while there are some in terms of the setting and the creatures I feel this story stands on its own and is unique in its own way. I really enjoyed reading this. Darien is a really interesting MMC and I can see his potential to make the book boyfriend list. Loren our FMC I am not quite sold on. I prefer my FMC’s to be a bit more kick ass than damsel and while yes, humans in this world are at the bottom of the chain, she doesn’t need to be quite such a push over. Throughout the story it was nice to see her push back (especially with Dallas) and I hope that continues to happen as the books progress. I think this was really a good entry into the world and introduction to the characters and I am excited to continue on and see where it goes.

February & March Reading Wrap Up

 February Reads

All the books I read in February 2025 - ***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Caught Up by Liz Tomforde - 5 ⭐

I really enjoyed this instalment of this series. I was really invested in the relationship between Kai and Miller. The dynamic with Max was also an added bonus. There were some issues with the characters more specifically with Miller. At times her insistence that she has to be successful to repay her dad is misguided. I feel the story went a little too hard on it, but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I loved the relationships within this more than just Miller and Kai. I loved that the others made an appearance in the form of the Sunday dinners and also being able to see Ryan and Indy’s wedding was a real treat. I am especially excited to read the next instalment since this one set up Isiah and Kennedy’s story so well.

Swift and Saddled by Lyla Sage - 3.5 ⭐

This is book 2 of the Rebel Blue Ranch series. This one centres around Weston and Ada. I’ve not seen much about this one, but the few opinions I have seen are a little negative. I can see why to be honest. For me personally, I loved Weston, but wasn’t a big fan of Ada. Being in her head helped me see why she was acting certain ways, but I sadly can’t relate. The fact she responded to situations by being mean really bothered me. It made her unlikeable and at times difficult to root for. However, I must say that the third act breakup was one of the better ones I’ve read. Everyone has lapses in their life, so the fact that Ada came to her realisation so quickly and turned around instantly was so refreshing. It felt more realistic and not just done as a plot point. Overall a fun and enjoyable read which fills my need for cowboy romances.

Take a Hint Dani Brown by Talia Hibbert - 3.5 ⭐

This was a bit of fun. I definitely enjoyed it more than the first book in the series. These characters and their interactions were just more enjoyable. Watching them both help each other both face and work to overcome their past trauma was endearing. I really enjoyed their dynamic with each other. Dani’s inner monologue of denial/refusal to acknowledge or accept her feelings for Zafir was really funny at times. She was definitely an interesting character and I enjoyed her growth along the way. It was a good time.

The Problem with Dating by Brittany Cherry - 3.5 ⭐

I feel conflicted with this one. Overall, I enjoyed the reading experience but I can’t help but feel something is missing which prevents me from giving it a higher rating. The problem is I don’t know what that something is. It was a cute and fluffy fun time. It wasn’t insta-love by any means, but I do feel in some ways we got to the love part really quickly. It felt sort of surface level which is also a little crazy since I feel both characters had quite deep development arcs. Despite this feeling though I did enjoy this book. The match-making plot line was a bit much but the characters are likeable and I found myself invested in their journey. I also loved that there was no 3rd act break up drama. The characters approach the fake relationship in a great way, even communicating with each other and admitted when they realised their feelings were real. It was really refreshing. A good solid, small town romance.

Lost and Lassoed by Lyla Sage - 5 ⭐

Oh this book! This is the one I have been waiting for since we first met Teddy and Gus in book one and it definitely didn’t disappoint. I had such a good time reading this one that I couldn’t put it down. From start to finish I loved the reading experience. Gus is now one of my favourite fictional cowboys. This is also another romance that doesn’t have som dramatic 3rd act breakup. Both characters are refreshing and they know what they want. Yes, it takes them a day or two to sort it out, but the reason why is sweet. I really liked Riley’s character, and I feel she added so much to the story. Reading it made me feel genuinely happy. The care that Gus shows for Teddy is so endearing , especially since she is the one who usually taking care of everyone else. It is lovely to see him do things for her, to show he cares. I will absolutely be re-reading this one in the future. 

Favourite Quote - “Men who are that good looking should not be allowed to be such assholes. It was false advertising’ Teddy, page 5.

March Reads

All the books I read in March 2025 - ***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Play Along by Liz Tomforde - 5 ⭐

This series! One of the few where I have loved every book. This one may be my favourite so far. How Isiah feels about Kennedy is so lovely. We got a hint of this in the previous book, but it was nice to get his POV. Kennedy’s story was also nice, especially learning her backstory. I haven’t read many marriage of convenience before. I like the way this one played out. The emotions this book sparked in me were really interesting. Any time there is sexism in books I get annoyed, but this one was so well dine that I found it rage inducing. What I love about this series is the maturity of the characters. I love that they know they are flawed and they work through it. They help each other with their trauma and they actually communicate. I look forward to Rio’s book next. 

Wild Side by Elsie Silver - 5 ⭐

At this point I no longer know what to say about Elsie Silver. Every book she comes out with is just as good as the last. I love the crossovers she includes in her books. How some scenes are in multiple books but are a little different since you get other perspectives. It is really well done. I wouldn’t say I liked this one better than Wild Eyes, but they are definitely equals. I was an enjoyable read and Rhys was an interesting character. I don’t know much about the world of wrestling so I learned a few things. I wasn’t expecting that element to be honest. I also didn’t expect the next trope to be revealed in this one. I am not a fan of ex-boyfriends dad, so I am intrigued to see if Elsie Silver can change my mind.

My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 5 ⭐

I have been putting this one off for a while. I’ve heard it’s fantastic but a difficult read. I would absolutely agree with that. This is a brilliantly written book which left me in a state of disbelief. The levels of manipulation Vanessa went through at the hands of her teacher were truly horrifying. The dual timeline made this book work so well. To see the abuse play out while also seeing the long term effects on the character really made her situation understandable. I’ve heard criticisms of this character, that she’s unlikable and annoying. While this is true, I feel it’s clear it’s the result of the grooming and just how far he got inside of her head. It’s a difficult read, but definitely worth it.

The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson - 4 ⭐

So this is my second Sanderson book and it took me a long time to read it, just like the first one did. I really don’t know what’s wrong with me. His writing is really good and his characters are interesting but it takes a while to get invested. I think it’s possibly that his books are big and I feel they could be smaller. I got the audiobook which I feel helped a lot with my enjoyment reading this. When I eventually got into it the reading experience went much quicker. Ultimately, I really enjoyed this first instalment and I look forward to reading the next one. 

January Wrap Up

 All the books I read in January 2025

***Please note that reviews may contain spoilers***

Quicksilver by Callie Hart - 4 ⭐

What a start to a new series. I went into this book with reservations given how much hype is surrounding it, but I am really glad I did. I feel like while we have seen fae books before, this one done something different with them. I really liked the characters as well. After reading so many stories lately that have really immature main characters, I found Saeris to be a breath of fresh air. I was interested in the story from the beginning and enjoyed the fast paced nature of the plot. I also loved that the romance was more of a slow burn. I enjoyed the different layers of Kingfishers character. To see him evolve slowly and reveal his story was well paced. I would recommend this to other fans of Romantasy and I am looking forward to getting book 2.

Wild Eyes by Elsie Silver - 5 ⭐

What can I say other than Elsie Silver has done it again. I’d say this one is now my new
favourite, finally knocking Heartless from the top spot. I love Cade, but wow did I love reading West. This story was fantastic from start to finish. I also loved the kids too. I feel they added to the story in a really good way. I also loved Skylar’s character and I really feel for what she went through. Elsie has taken a very niche and unique experience and somehow made it relatable. I love it. 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros - 5 ⭐

This was a re-read for me. Since reading this the first time, I have heard a lot of criticisms and I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy it as much on the second read. I am glad to know that this is not the case. While I can understand the negative opinions of this book and at some points I even agree, overall it did not negatively impact my enjoyment. That ending though! I still don’t know how to feel about it. I am both excited and hesitant to dive into Onyx Storm when it comes out. 

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Thahir - 4.5 ⭐

I have heard so many good things about this series, but I was hesitant to go into it because it is YA, and I don’t really gravitate to YA anymore. This one though surprised me. There was a level of brutality contained within the book that took me by surprise, but in a good way. The story was really fast paced and entertaining and I found I got really invested in the characters and what happened to them. I didn’t find it too predictable either, which I tend to find also unusual with YA books. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this one and look forward to continuing the series.

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - 5 ⭐

I am not ok! What a read. From start to finish I was engaged, which is impressive in itself as the story didn’t really get going until about 150 pages in. I found it quite slow to start, but I am so invested in these characters. I love that this gave us more of the squad and more specifically of Riddoc. It was also a pleasant surprise to get other points of view in Rhiannon and Imogen. I loved seeing their interactions with their dragons and the banter between them. It was especially interesting to see the difference between the way they interact and the way Violet interacts with Tairn and Andarna. It gave them so much more depth. There were so many moments that had my heart in my throat, particularly when Andarna left, which I did not see coming at all. I feel the way that Xaden’s Venin arc went in this was inevitable, but it was still heart wrenching. Also to have it happen saving Sgael rather than Violet was great and made the decision more understandable. Once again though, that ending! I thought the last one was mean, but Jeez! This one has left me with so many questions!!! I need the next one ASAP, but no doubt it will be another year of waiting. Best in series so far. Loved it!

Review

The Pumpkin Spice Cafe by Laurie Gilmore

Rating - 3.5 ⭐

Format - Paperback

When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spiced Cafe in the small town of Dream Harbour Jeanie see’s an opportunity for a fresh start away from her desk job and dull routine. Feeling overwhelmed and out of her depth she runs into Logan, the grumpy yet attractive local farmer. Logan likes to keep to himself and avoid the town gossip at all costs, but this is upended when he finds himself taken in by the charms of the new cafe owner. Add to that a slew of mysterious incidents that seem to be aimed at Jeanie, Logan takes it upon himself to help her out. 

This book is such a warm hug. It was cute and cosy, perfect for the autumn when the nights are getting darker and the colder days are rolling in. Not a perfect book by any means, there were a few things that bothered me by it, but if I’m honest, they did not take away from my overall enjoyment. The biggest thing that bothered me was a running theme throughout the book, but I can understand why it was there. That is the internal monologue in both the main characters which focused on how attractive they found the other, then the scolding they would give themselves when they realised what they were doing. It is not so much that this happened, given the circumstances surrounding these thoughts, it is understandable. My issue comes from the repetitiveness of it. I only got to page 78 and it was starting to get really annoying. Like I said though, there is a reason for it, and it did not overshadow my enjoyment of the book. There is so much to enjoy about this story. I loved the small town vibes, it is quickly becoming one of my favourite tropes in romance novels. I enjoyed this couple, if I’m honest it felt a little too insta love for me so I wasn’t as invested in them as I normally would be. The characters in this town are great as well. I know that there are more books in this series that follow some of these other characters and I look forward to continuing with them.. I’m not usually one for mysteries, but the one in here was so low stakes that I found myself invested in it and started looking at those in the town to see who it could be. Its not too complicated and I found the reveal to be quite obvious but it was fun none the less. Overall, I had such a fun time with this book and would definitely recommend it as a cosy, cute romance.

Review

 

Engines of Empire by R.S. Ford

Rating: 4.5 ⭐

Reading Format - Immersive (Audiobook and Paperback)

This story centres around an Empire which is run on the power of industry which is controlled by the Guilds. We follow the Hawkspur Guild, Rosomon and her three children, Conall, Tyreta and Fulren. Each have their own part to play in the Guild. Conall is sent to the distant frontier to gain experience in the military. Tyreta has the ability to connect to and control pyrestone, a key resource in the industry used to run the Empire. Much as she wants to run from her responsibilities to the Guild, she is sent to the Pyrestone mines to learn more of her trade. Fulren is a talented artificer, living in the Capital taken under the wing of his uncle the Emperor. Fulren is tasked with acting as guide to a foreign emissary and soon after is accused of a crime that could start a war. A crime he didn’t commit. Each of the Hawkspur's encounter threats and plots that not only endanger their lives, but ones that could spell disaster for the Empire they serve. 

I’ll be honest, I was quite intimidated by this one. I enjoy fantasy, but I am more of a cosy fantasy and fantasy romance reader. Epic fantasy has always intrigued me, but I tend to find it intimating so tend to put off reading it. To help me overcome this I decided to get the audiobook and read along with it. I found this helped and I found myself really engaging with the story. The audiobook has multiple narrators which made it more entertaining as each character’s perspective had a unique voice. The intrigue in this book and the political scheming that takes place was very well done. Not knowing who can be trusted made for an interesting reading experience and I found myself on the edge of my seat a lot of the time I was reading. The characters were interesting, all flawed in their own way and Ioved that there was significant character growth throughout. How their experiences shaped the decisions they made made them feel very realistic. 

Personally, I enjoyed Tyreta’s storyline the best and look forward to where it will develop as the series continues. I feel her character had the most development throughout, clearly learning from her experiences and going from a character who wanted to avoid her responsibilities to stepping up when she needed to. I am very much a character focused reader and enjoy books where I can become invested in a character and this book has them in spades. 

Favourites of the Year Part 2

Highlights of the Year so Far

Romance

This year so far I have managed to read a total of 54 books. Which is good for me at this point in the year. It has been a good reading year for me, with a mix of genres, though most are romance and fantasy. I have decided to share some of the ones that have really stood out to me so far.

Say You Swear by Meagan Brandy - 5⭐

This book follows Arianna, her twin brother and her closest friends, beginning summer before starting college and goes from there. After a soul-breaking rejection during summer break Arianna goes into her freshman year down and determined to isolate herself from her friends and the one who broke her heart, That is, until she meets Noah, who slowly without her realising it, breaks down the barriers she created around herself and reminds her what living and having fun is all about. 

What can I say about this book…It’s been a long time since I’ve read a book that has gripped me so completely. It made me laugh, it made me cry and at times it made me furious. What a rollercoaster this book took me on. Not spoilers specifically (in terms of plot) but the twists and turns and emotional turmoil the author put me through was unlike anything I have experienced before. I literally threw it across the room several times. The pain was worth it though and I ultimately adored the story and Noah officially skyrockets to one of the best book boyfriends EVER.

The Right Move by Liz Tomforde - 5⭐

Ryan is the star player for the Chicago Devils basketball team. Despite his superstar status, he is somewhat of a recluse. Not knowing who to trust since he shot to fame, his sister Stevie is the only one he can really count on. Indy’s life is upended, just out of a relationship with her high school sweetheart, she has nowhere to go but possibly back to her parents. The last thing she expected was to move into her best friends brothers place. On top of it all, Ryan Shay has made it clear that she is not wanted there for long. This is a sequel to Mile High and the second in the Windy City Series. 

I really enjoyed the first book and had seen a lot of hype surrounding this one. It seems this is the favourite so far and there is so much love for Ryan Shay. Now that I have read it, I totally get it, I am on the bandwagon. Ryan is definitely in my new top 10 book boyfriends list. The development of his character from grumpy recluse to devoted partner is truly a delight to read. Despite his situation being so niche, it is still so relatable. I couldn’t imagine having his status and always having people want something from me, to not know who to trust. Indy was also a fantastic female main character. The effect her previous relationship and more importantly the way her friend dynamics changed once that relationship was over is so relatable. My heart broke for her during the interactions with her past friends, to see her in that position when she was the victim of the relationship sucks. It makes you root for her all the more, especially when Ryan goes out of his way to show her the value she holds, and that she shouldn’t have to change who she is for anyone. These two are total couple goals and I love them together. Five star read! One of my favourites of the year so far.

Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez - 5⭐

This book is about two emergency room doctors Briana and Jacob. Briana’s life is a struggle, her divorce is about to be finalised, her brothers kidneys new failing, and suddenly there is competition for the promotion that she was sure was hers. Said competition comes in the form of Jacob, who makes the worst first impression on Briana. To fix the terrible impression she has of him, Jacob writes Briana a letter and this leads to a series of letter exchanges and relationship growth. 

I loved this one, it is my favourite of the series. I found the characters so relatable, especially Jacob and his anxiety. I think the way the author handled Jacob’s anxiety was really well done. As someone who also suffers anxiety, it was nice to see it being normalised. Jacob’s inner monologue was so relatable to me, and I think really showcases exactly how I feel at times. If you don’t suffer anxiety and struggle to understand what goes through our heads, I feel this would be a good way to help others understand. The romance was believable and it was a fun and quick read. This one contains a lot of tropes, but it is predominantly the fake dating trope and in this it is done so well. As a fan of this trope, it can at times be handled poorly, but not here. I absolutely loved it from start to finish.

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez - 5⭐

Justin is cursed, every woman that he dates ends up finding her soul mate after they have broken up. When he posts a Reddit thread, he meets Emma, a travelling nurse who shares the same curse. Together they hatch a plan to break the curse. They will date each other for the summer and their curses will cancel each other out, so they will then find their respective soul mates. It’s a crazy idea, but it might just work.

Don’t be fooled by the lighthearted name and bright happy cover. This book tackles some pretty heavy themes, but as seems to be her gift Abby Jimenez does so with her usual brilliance. The premise is a bit goofy, but it is such an easy and entertaining read despite the somewhat heavy topics. I really enjoyed the connection to the other books in the series and the unexpected twists that this book takes. Without getting too much into spoiler territory, the main issue this book tackles is the profound affect that a caregiver can have on your life, and how their poor choices can shape and define who you become. I went through a lot of emotions reading this one, including rage at said caregiver. Overall though, despite its somewhat heavy themes, this was a really good read.

***This next part of the review contains spoilers so please proceed with caution***

What I enjoyed most about this book surprisingly was the third act break up. Generally I hate this aspect of romance books, but in this case I felt it was so realistic and carries an important message. The fact that Emma leaves to work on herself is massively important. Too many stories have their emotionally vulnerable characters be instantly fine because they have found the love of their life. Reality however, is not like that and yes I know reading is not necessarily supposed to showcase reality, but what the author has done here is important. Showing that it is not only ok to prioritise yourself and your own mental health is fantastic but on top of that essential for the relationship. If Emma did not take the time to step away and work on herself, I don’t think the relationship would have worked. Both her and Justin needed that time, and it is such an essential message to put out there. I applaud Abby Jimenez for this one, it was really well done. 

Wild Love by Elsie Silver - 4⭐

Ford Grant - World's Hottest Billionaire according to Forbes - wants nothing more than to escape the city and focus on opening his newest business venture, a recoding studio and artist haven. Focusing on the venture however, not so easy when a girl turns up at his door claiming to be the daughter he didn't know he had. Add to that his best friends sister coming back to town, the girl he hasn't been able to get out of his head despite not seeing her for 10 years and life in small town Rose Hill is not exactly as tranquil as he imagined. 

Elsie Silver does it again. I adored the Chestnut Springs series, and this new one is gearing up to be every bit as good. I enjoyed this introductory book. I was skeptical of the unexpected single dad trope, and to be honest, found it to be a tad far-fetched, but I actually really liked Cora's character. Harder to swallow was the situation that has Rosie leaving the city and returning home. It was so rage inducing and the reaction of her boyfriend just made it that much more irritating. I liked both Ford and Rosie, but at times I felt she was just a bit too immature. Also Ford's inner monologue at times was annoying. I get that he was trying to be respectful of what Rosie has been through but he just didn't read her very well. Overall though I enjoyed my time with this book and Elsie's writing is really easy to read. I can already tell that I am going to enjoy the next book more than this one. West was such a great character that I am excited to get to his book soon.