Crazy Bao You

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Thank you NetGalley and the author for having this available as an ARC.

This book involves slight catfishing, a viral meme, an Etsy shop, instagram DMs, friendship, family, laughter, past trauma and individual growth. It’s a romance, but is also about one woman’s battle, to get over her own fears that have stopped her from evolving.

I was smiling so much during this read because the MC Kimmie had me laughing so much. Whether it was her random thoughts or witty retorts, she was a delight to read. Matt is a hot fireman that would pique anyone’s interest, but he was caring and down to earth. I liked how their relationship developed online and it was more than just looks. The connection was a genuine one.

This was such an easy read and well paced. I felt like I had some form of reaction within each chapter whether it was fun, cringey, heartfelt, awkward… and I remember having a few “oh no” moments. Definitely was a refreshing story - very lighthearted, but when those serious moments came, it was done with understanding and care.

Loved the author’s writing and want to check out her other work. Definitely recommend!

Child of Fear & Fire

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I’ve been wanting to read this book for some time. No idea why I put it off but I regret not reading it sooner!

We follow a young girl Eliza who is a servant girl at Norlane Hall. She is grossly mistreated and abused by the family. Eliza constantly lives in fear, though there is a darkness following her. The voices in her head feed off her dark thoughts and there’s a certain warmth to them. She doesn’t quite know if the voices are her own or something else. At the skirts of Norlane Hall lies a mysterious forest which remains untouched, until the young daughters of the house decide they want to explore it and manipulating Eliza to go. Little do they know, it’s about to change everything.

This is an atmospheric, dark and spooky read. Although it’s short in length, there is so much detail in the story telling. It’s definitely full of intrigue and anticipation. I was wondering if Eliza did have a mental illness, if there was a dark presence that wanted to interact with her or if it was a combination of both. This story definitely has impact because now I’m wondering if it’d be better to listen to the audiobook as it may take the story to another level.

I definitely want to check out more of this authors work.

Homecoming

Solid 4.5 from me

Thanks to Tandem Collective and Allen and Unwin for my review copy

The story follows a few timelines that are all interconnected. Jess’ grandmother becomes ill and she must venture back home to Sydney from England to be with her. Through some semi conscious ramblings, Nora speaks of a past in which Jess knows nothing about. Jess also doesn’t have the best relationship with her mother Polly as Nora had pretty much raised Jess to be the person she is today. Jess can’t shake the feeling that she must look into what Nora has spoken of and in doing so uncovers a dark family history that even her own mother wasn’t fully privy to.

Wowzers! The amount of twists at the end of this book as it all came together had my mind blown. I did not expect that much unfolding to occur. There was a few things I did guess correctly though don’t want to spoil it within my review.

As a result of this read, I will be reading other works by the author because this was such an awesome story, that I didn’t want to put it down most of the time! She’s a thick book but that comes with much intricate detail Kate was laying out for us. Some parts were slow for me, but didn’t overrule my whole experience.

It was nice to read about an area of Australia that I’ve travelled through. Even though the town itself was fictional, it wasn’t hard for me to imagine the setting. There were many nice characters in the scenes from the past. But each time I read about them, I couldn’t help but think “what are they hiding?” Appearances can only hold so much value. You didn’t know who might be deceiving who.

This is very much a story about relationships and the lengths people go to in order to protect themselves or others. Sometimes secrets have a way of delivering karma which can come back during your lifetime. When people think they’re in the clear, the universe will find a way to make you uncertain. I’ve learned it’s best not to lie and just to be honest, and this book really reinforces that message.

It was a thrilling read and I’m glad to have been part of such a whirlwind ride.

Triggers you should check before reading is: death (including murder), loneliness, lies, affairs, depression and unstable relationships.

Rise of a Dark Throne

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This author came up in my TikTok feed and I was immediately intrigued based on all the artwork on Ligia’s feed for the characters of this story.

The premise was interesting and I loved the world building that came with this story. It’s unlike any fantasy I’ve read and there were twists that I wasn’t expecting. That epilogue though! Now I must read the next book! It can’t come fast enough!

The story follows Sole who is thrust into the throne after a mysterious Darkness takes the lives of her people, parents, two sisters and her partner. She is then blessed with magick to heal and has the task of rebuilding her kingdom of the Mosa people. Word spreads that she possesses the power to heal and is summoned by a distant enemy of Sundom to help heal their king. Sundom’s second son, Prince Rivian comes to escort Sole to their lands and as they sail across the seas, they start forming a bond. Once in Sundom, not all is as it seems and the events that occur changes everything.

I love stories with strong female leads and Sole encompassed that energy. She never wanted to be queen but stepped up because she had to. It was all taken in her stride and I love her as a character. Her best friend Nisa was also a breathe of fresh air. As Sole’s most trusted advisor, she had a strong confident presence and stood up for herself or Sole when it counts.

Rivian is that prince we all want to love right? He’s hot, we’re there for it and I loved his caring nature. His intentions initially weren’t the best but spending time with Sole changed him for the better. The major twist with his storyline has me reeling!

Loved the BIPOC representation mixed with fantasy. There’s not enough of this rep in stories being promoted and they really should be! I am interested to read more from this author and see where this story goes as there’s elements at the end of the book which will open a can of worms.

Long Shot

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Honestly, Kennedy Ryan can do no wrong! I swear it! This is my second read of hers and she is an impeccable storyteller! Here I was thinking this was going to be a hot steamy basketball romance, but it’s so much more!

Do check your triggers as there is much DV throughout this book and it’s very much of a story surrounding survival but also triumph and justice. The amount of research Kennedy shows is above measure. She keeps it authentic without devaluing anyone’s experience. The light shed on this subject and the reality it is for some out there, really allows us as the reader to sympathise, as well as, wanting more for those that go through this without help nor support. This book may bring tears to your eyes as it did mine.

The story follows August, an up and coming NBA star about to get drafted. He meets Iris at a bar and they instantly hit it off, mostly because Iris can talk anyone under the table with basketball stats. They leave the bar when August wants a kiss and Iris tells him that she can’t due to having a boyfriend. As time rolls on, we find out Iris’ boyfriend is indeed August’s childhood rival Caleb who is also drafted to the NBA. August can’t let go of the connection with Iris. Caleb notices the interest August holds for Iris and takes any chance to rub it in August’s face. Behind closed doors, Caleb’s narcissistic behaviour keeps Iris tethered until one night, with the help of her cousin Lo, she gains an opportunity to get out of his control for her daughters sake. Iris takes some time away without contact with August, but then their timing aligns.

I am flawed by Kennedy’s writing. If I wasn’t convinced with Before I Let You Go, I now want to read everything she’s ever written! Just wow!

This book had me laughing, crying, happy, sad, emotional… but in the end when Iris got her justice, I was touched by her triumph. I thought August was sweet - he knew a connection of this magnitude couldn’t be ignored. He hung around hoping one day he’d be with Iris but never pushed it in an obsessive way. It was the ultimate test of patience. August knew Caleb wasn’t right and that his and Iris’ time would come.

You really connected with the characters. The whole time I was thinking, how will Iris get out of this? It was painful to read her journey and I really wouldn’t have guessed how justice would be served to Caleb. I loved her cousin Lo and the strong sister bond they had despite having a fall out. All it took was one word for Lo to come running to help. I loved that!

This book has definitely left an impression! I honestly cannot fault it. The writing, the spice level, the dialogue, the research, the storytelling is all high level! Can’t wait for my next Kennedy read!