Zodiac Academy - Ruthless Fae

This one is another 3.5 stars from me. It was slightly better than the first book.

The twins getting they’re revenge with their pranks was entertaining. Caleb showing a softer side was nice to read - like there is some decency underneath that exterior. The pool scene with Lance and Darcy was sad. I never tire of Tory’s sarcasm and quick witted comments. Darius’ circumstances with his betrothed cousin and abusive father are unfortunate. It’s clear he only bullies to keep his father happy but that one chapter with his POV clearly shows his affection for Tory. That scene with Tory and Caleb, I was thinking “yes girl go get some!”. I’m waiting for Tory to kiss Seth, so then she’s had a taste of all of them. The pack scenes with Seth opened us up to his sexuality and that was refreshing to read.

This book has so much happening in such a short amount of time. It’s still only just over a month in the timeline which I think is insane. Tory and Darcy continue to show how strong they are. They really know how to hold their own and it’s awesome to read them fighting back in their own way.

I rated this book slightly down because it was riddled with spelling errors, grammatical errors (which I’m not even an expert on, but if I noticed, then it’s bad) and I still find it annoying that they don’t study the hell out of Solaria’s history because if I were them, I’d spend every waking moment trying to figure what I’m up against. Also those end scenes with the nymphs just dragged on for me, but it gave us a little insight to how much Tory actually cares for Darius.

The Package

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

This one is a very quick read.

Forced proximity in an elevator.

Jules is having a bad run - lost her job and broke up with her boyfriend. She’s stuck in a lift with her soon to be boss Archer and they’re both instantly attracted to another. Archer has taken over his grandfather’s company and based on Jules’ not so subtle feedback, he does want to make it a better workplace for all.

I enjoyed it and would love more to the story because there was potential for it. Do like the representation of women of all sizes. It was lighthearted with a few funny moments.

Hooked

⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

All I knew about this book, was that it was a Peter Pan retelling. I go into books basically blind.

I can see why people might not like this story. I enjoyed the first half for sure and wasn’t entirely sold on the MCs Wendy and James falling in love. Definitely lust and obsession, but I would say it was more infatuation than anything. Plus it was very Stockholm Syndrome on Wendy’s part as she really didn’t know anything about James when she started liking him. I still don’t think we got much depth to him in the end.

It was obvious James was going to use Wendy as a means to get to her dad and that he would start liking her. I thought he was sweet when it came to her brother John. I didn’t see the twist coming at the end - like I thought this book was just going to be spice and some dark story, so I was pleasantly surprised how it unfolded at the end. The spice for me, was medium to high. It’s very important that consent was always present.

Do check your trigger warnings as there are morally grey characters in this book.

The Twelve Topsy-turvy Very Messy Days of Christmas

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🌟

I honestly didn’t know what I was in for with this book. James Patterson, in my mind is a crime writer and I know he’s co-authored so many books, so wanted to check this one out for Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised.

The Sullivan family have not had a Christmas in 5 years since Katie - their mum and wife, had passed away. Ella and Will want desperately for their dad Henry to celebrate or just have some joy in their life. They set up a dating profile for their dad and start chatting to a user named Ms Truelove. Henry finds out and is instantly mad. All of a sudden, gifts start arriving at their doorstep - each day for the 12 days of Christmas. Just like the song, they are greeted with animals and random humans coinciding with the lyrics. All the gifts seem to sent by Ms Truelove, this anonymous lady from the dating website. The questions are why and how? As they embrace these random gifts, it sends their household into disarray, but at the same time lifts them out of the funk every other Christmas has been.

This is definitely a sad story that with some literal Christmas cheer, ends up being a heartwarming ending. I can only imagine what a loss of a wife/mother would be like. It takes time to grieve and having Christmas celebrations can be a reminder of what is lost. It was a wake up call for Henry to truly bring happiness to his children and be a better father for them.

This was definitely a story that reads like a Christmas movie. There was a lot of Christmas spirit and realisations of how important it is to carry on traditions and be surrounded by love. Even though someone is no longer with you, doesn’t mean you discontinue celebrations that they would have loved or encouraged. It’s definitely a sappy read and I enjoyed it!

Welcome to Your Life

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

One conversation with a stranger can change your life… Serena is about to marry her one and only boyfriend Alastair, until a fateful conversation with a taxi driver on her wedding day, makes her realise that she can’t go through with it. Not the best timing, but she comes to terms with the fact that familiarity and routine in her relationship, isn’t what love is all about. She packs up, moves from her town to London to start fresh. With the support of her friend Lola, she has a place to stay and a new job to keep her going. It’s time for Serena to explore her needs and find herself in the process. So when Lola suggests Serena should get out there by having a date each week, she doesn’t feel ready, but Serena has to take the lead in her life in order to truly know what she wants.

I enjoyed this story. It was a breath of fresh air to read plus size representation in a book. Not only did Serena battle with the decision of leaving her partner of 10 years, but she doubted anyone would want to be with her because she was plus size. There was this raw personal struggle that she vocalised and if it wasn’t for her friends Nicole and Lola breaking those barriers, Serena may have not found her footing. There was a lot of life changes and it was a new chapter, but her demons surrounding weight had clouded what Serena deserved in life.

The closure with Alastair later on in the book felt mutually beneficial. As he came to realise they needed to break up also, it allowed for it to end on good terms. The “I love you” moment with Henry reminded me of How I Met Your Mother in that first episode. Henry was sweet and really did to fit well with Serena. When he sent that text, I was like nooo!

Really loved Nicole and Lola’s personalities. They were definitely the type of people that would support and encourage you through anything. That’s the great thing about living and learning - it means you can help others with life advice when you see someone else struggle through something you did.

Overall, I thought this book was a great read surrounding self discovery. It makes you think about what you want out of life and how your own mind can stop you from exploring experiences through your own fears and insecurities.