The Gravity of Existence

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Thank you NetGalley for my ARC copy.

I didn't mind the darkness of the poetry. The science fiction section was probably my favourite with life outside of Earth. It felt to me a bit more relatable.

I did feel if some of the poems were longer, I would have appreciated it more. If it delved just a bit more deeper that would have been my preference, but I still understood the message that was coming across.

Definitely can see why this isn't for everyone.

Where Wild Peaches Grow

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Thanks NetGalley, the author and publisher for my ARC copy.

I definitely have mixed feelings on this book as I was close to DNFing purely because of the story. I’m giving this 2.5 stars.

Let’s start with the positives:

- I thought the book was well written

- The overall message about making amends and leaving the past behind is something we can all learn

- I was happy that the characters grew at the end

I don’t read blurbs and the cover intrigued me. As I read the opening chapters, I thought to myself, what grudge would you have to not talk to your family for 20 years? It’s got to be something particularly bad right? When it was about halfway through the book (or more), that we find out Nona’s grandmother and Ruby that meddled with Nona’s plan to elope, only for Nona to blame her dad and sister, I was like whaaat? I thought to myself, why wouldn’t Nona just take the time to listen to her dad when he came to Chicago? Why would she not talk to her family because of that? Also, why didn’t she contact Marcus and figure it out when he didn’t meet with her? It just doesn’t make sense. For grandma Opal to not reveal the truth over all the time they talked on the phone… it just all could have been avoided without miscommunication and misunderstanding. I’m not sure I particularly like this trope. It makes the characters come across as immature.

There was too much back and forth of - should I / shouldn’t I talk to her and should I avoid them between the sisters. Some parts of the story felt repeated because of it. The ending felt rushed and it was left open ended in parts. It would have been good for Julia to see Cat and for the sisters to meet their brother Ben together as I think it would have wrapped up the story a little better.

I’m still trying to get over the fact Nona wouldn’t speak to her sister for 20 years because she thought Julia revealed her elopement secret to their dad, which didn’t happen. It seems too far fetched to me. I definitely understand Julia’s point of view of feeling abandoned and that’s why she couldn’t pick up the phone, but because it impacted Nona THAT much, she could have unleashed her anger through a conversation and realised what she knew was wrong.

Maybe She’ll Stay

**ARC review**

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Available 28th February

Thank you Netgalley, the author and publisher for having this available as an ARC.

I read this in one day as it has a steady flow throughout the book. This book is really about self acceptance and knowing your self worth.

The MC Nancy clearly had self esteem and worth issues that stemmed from her narcisstic mother. I never had a parent who was a narcissist, though I do know what it's like to have a partner who is, so could really relate to what was happening.. This is where Nancy failed in her three marriages and every relationship after that. The toxicity of the commentary from her mother played on her own thoughts and feelings.

Even though Hank had it tough, going to jail twice, he never stopped appreciating his children and the beauty they brought to his life. With all the feeling of being unloved, it was Hank that uplifted Nancy to realise she was so much more to people and there were those that cared. I think because of her tumultuous relationship with her mum, Nancy held people at an arm's length because in some way she was always sabotaging those connections.

With all the self sabotage, it was evenly distributed to Ashish too. I don't think she fully believed that she could be his equal because she thought she'd lose him eventually. Hank's words cemented into Nancy's growth as a character.

Would love to see if Nancy's mum ever mellows out from her narcisstic behaviour with therapy or something like that, but since this seems like a stand alone, I won't get that answer.

Zodiac Academy - The Reckoning

This was a 4.5 star read for me. Definitely loved it more than the first two books.

Felt like the story is really progressing as the twins are coming into their own. Loved the magic trials and the girls evolution as fae. Relationships are expanding and I was relieved for Darius to come to his senses. Caleb is definitely cute as he struggles between being hard on Tory but he can’t resist her at the same time. Seth whimpering every other scene is adorable and you want to hold sympathy but also not at the same time. Didn’t feel like Max got as much air time but that’s okay! Geraldine is funny as always. Surprised at how Diego is turning out, so will be interested to see how the friendship with the twins continues.

I wasn’t expecting as much spice as there was in this book. I was prepared but not complaining either. Glad that Darcy and Lance are exploring what they have even if it’s against the rules. Tory is just one bad ass who just goes for what she wants, even if she knows it’s only temporary. I enjoy reading her outgoing nature and the hate (which will turn into love) with Darius.

With that cliffhanger, I’m wondering what’s in store for the next book in the series.

Destroy Me

I loved that we got Warner's perspective in this novella. We start to understand why he is the way that he is. He sees a similarity between himself and Juliette. Although it might come across as obsessive, I believe he wants to share his experiences through abuse with someone else that would understand, and that person is Juliette.

Warner has no friends and potentially no one that likes him based on who he is within the Reestablishment. His father's expectations reinforces the inadequacy Warner feels in himself. I think he yearns for connection and his feelings for Juliette are misguided.

Although he saves her out the asylum and gives her an opportunity at a proper existence, his love for her is also possessive. He doesn't really know Juliette, but reading her notebook feels closer to anyone he's ever come across in his existence.

I appreciated this POV and am addicted to finding out how it all transpires in future books in this series.