Book Review: A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Gothic Fantasy Romance
Length: 378 pages
Author: Ava Reid
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release Date: September 19th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Effy Sayre has always believed in fairy tales. Haunted by visions of the Fairy King since childhood, she’s had no choice. Her tattered copy of Angharad—Emrys Myrddin’s epic about a mortal girl who falls in love with the Fairy King, then destroys him—is the only thing keeping her afloat. So when Myrddin’s family announces a contest to redesign the late author’s estate, Effy feels certain it’s her destiny.

But musty, decrepit Hiraeth Manor is an impossible task, and its residents are far from welcoming. Including Preston Héloury, a stodgy young literature scholar determined to expose Myrddin as a fraud. As the two rivals piece together clues about Myrddin’s legacy, dark forces, both mortal and magical, conspire against them—and the truth may bring them both to ruin.

ENJOYABLY DARK.

I didn’t know quite what to expect when I picked this up but I’m very glad I did! It ended up being a great dark academia read and the romance had me pretty smitten.

I loved the themes of being a survivor and the ups and downs that that journey can take you on. Things are never linear and this was a good example of those struggles. I appreciated seeing Effy find healing and love and someone to trust in her life that truly believed her. The romance was a slow sub-plot with a rivals atmosphere that I couldn’t get enough of.

The fae aspects were intriguing to me. I love seeing how different authors portray them in books. This was a twisted and haunting version that left me begging for answers until the final conclusion.

A really solid read and one I would not hesitate to recommend for the fall season!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Dark Academia
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: one brief open; low explicit
  • Violence: high
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: grooming by a teacher, sexual abuse (very little detail)

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Book Review: The Roaring Days of Zora Lily by Noelle Salazar

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fiction + Romance
Length: 416 pages
Author: Noelle Salazar
Publisher: MIRA
Release Date: October 3rd, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The discovery of a hidden label on a famous gown unearths the story of a talented young seamstress in this glittering novel of family, love, ambition, and self discovery by the USA Today bestselling author of The Flight Girls.

2023, The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American A costume conservator is preparing an exhibition featuring movie costumes from the 1920s to present day. As she gingerly places a gown once worn by Greta Garbo on a mannequin, she discovers another name hidden beneath the designer’s label, leaving her to wonder—who is Zora Lily?

1924, Poverty-stricken Zora Hough spends her days looking after her younger siblings while sewing up holes and fixing hems for clients to bring in extra money, working her fingers to the bone just to survive. But at night, as she lies in the bed she shares with one of her three sisters, she secretly dreams of becoming a designer like Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin.

When her best friend gets a job dancing in a club downtown, Zora is lured in by her stories of music, glittering dresses and boys. She follows her friend to the underground speakeasies that are at once exciting and frightening—with smoke hanging in the air, alcohol flowing despite Prohibition, couples dancing in a way that makes Zora blush and a handsome businessman named Harley. It’s a world she has only ever imagined, and one with connections that could lead her to the life she’s always dreamed of. But as Zora’s ambition is challenged by tragedy and duty to her family, she’ll learn that dreams come with a cost.

LOVING THIS AUTHOR.

This is my third book by Salazar and I can easily say I have genuinely enjoyed everyone of her historicals. I loooove that this was set in the 1920’s. The speakeasy’s, Hollywood, and all of the design content was amazing.

I was very much attached to the slow burn romance and watching it unfold. I adored Zora and Harley. They were this match you weren’t expecting but had fantastic chemistry and conversation from the get-go. I do wish I could have seen a little more conversation between them in those closing chapters so I felt like I had some deeper understanding of the third act.

Watching Zora find her place and get the things she had worked so hard for was inspiring. She was a fantastic main character and one that you wanted to see shine. I love the side characters and friends, I loved her big family and the story really kept me captivated.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical Fiction
  • Language: low
  • Romance: fade to black
  • Violence: moderate
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: racism, illegal alcohol consumption, loss of a sibling, depictions of alcoholism

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Book Review: A Cruel Thirst by Angela Montoya

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Historical Fantasy Romance
Length: 432 pages
Author: Angela Montoya
Publisher: Joy Revolution
Release Date: December 17th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

A fledgling vampire and a headstrong vampire huntress must work together–against their better judgment—to rid the world of monsters in this irresistible romantic fantasy.

Carolina Fuentes has always wanted to join her family in hunting down the bloodthirsty monsters that plague her pueblo. But these days, her father wants her out of town with a husband of his choosing. That’s not happening. Carolina plans to show everyone that she’d make a better vampire slayer than wife. But when she runs into a sediento that is not only handsome but kind, she questions everything.

Lalo Villalobos doesn’t act on impulses. As the eldest of two, his duties were to carry on the family business, marry, and have children. But then he is turned into a sediento and must flee the city, taking lives as he goes north, where he believes the first vampire was made. Surely, the pueblo there will have the answers to reverse this curse or end sedientos altogether. Another unexpected turn? Lalo runs right into a beautiful young woman who’d gladly stake him.

Fortunately, mostly for him, they share a common enemy. They can stop these evil beasts. Together. And if along the way, Lalo and Fernanda discover what it is to truly live and love, then they’ll have won anyway.

Thank you to PRH Audio for the audiobook and Get Underlined for my gifted copy.

LOVED THE LORE.

This was a good sophomore book to follow up Sinner’s Isle. It made me an official fan of Angela Montoya and I will continue to look forward to her new releases because I love the concepts she comes up with for each book. I loved the deep lore and historical fantasy vibes that A Cruel Thirst had. All the vampire content y’all. The time period was perfect and set a haunting atmosphere listening for what was going to go bump in the night.

The romance was a little too rushed for me though. I was hoping for a bit more development and connection between them. The banter was good and they really were sweet on each other at least.

I liked how the story wrapped up and think this is absolutely a solid standalone. I love finding fast paced stories like these. There’s complicated family dynamics, strong sibling relationships and plenty of action. The audiobook was great too and I loved the narrators!

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Historical Fantasy Romance
  • Language: low – mild
  • Romance: one closed door
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content Warnings: loss of a loved one, murder

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Book Review: Wrapped with a Beau by Lillie Vale

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Contemporary Holiday Romance
Length: 366 pages
Author: Lillie Vale
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Release Date: September 26th, 2023
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

In its heyday, Piney Peaks and its beloved Christmas house were made famous by Sleighbells under Starlight, a romantic holiday movie. Fifty years later, the small town is ready for a new love story.As a successful film liaison, Elisha Rowe has her heart set on one thing and one thing putting her hometown back on the map. So, when she gets the chance to secure the long-hoped-for sequel to Sleighbells under Starlight, a beloved holiday movie, she’s willing to do whatever it takes to make sure everything goes smoothly. Unfortunately, that includes claiming to have already gotten permission to film at the historic Christmas house—permission she was very much denied by the gorgeous new owner.City boy Ves Hollins is only back in Piney Peaks long enough to sell the house he inherited from his great-aunt. The holidays have always been tough for Ves, and it’s not any easier when he’s distracted by memories of a Christmas long, long ago, and the irresistible charm of neighbor Elisha. He has no plans to put down roots or fall in love…even if Elisha unravels his hesitations like a bad Christmas sweater. There’s no question the two are opposites in every way. Ves is undeniably frosty. Elisha is brimming with warmth. He doesn’t do commitment. She never runs from a challenge. But as the two grow closer, they quickly realize that the growing spark between them may be just what the season calls for.

CUTE AND FESTIVE.

I thought this was a clever set up with holiday small town vibes and a bit of Christmas movie magic too. You’ve got that woman who returns from her big time job and a man with a bit of grumpy attitude that creates a match filled with sweet banter and some spice (though I admit that it became a bit much at times and felt some what fillerish).

I loved the opposites attract and getting to see Ves have some childhood holiday moments he never got to enjoy growing up. There were all of these cute local businesses and honestly I wish I could visit this fictional place myself.

A short read that I think will bring you the holiday cheer and if you’re a spicy fan, check this one out.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary Romance Holiday
  • Language: some strong
  • Romance: 3-4 open door
  • Trigger/Content Warnings: neglectful childhood

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