Tuesday, October 31, 2023

"Such Sharp Teeth" by Rachel Harrison

⭐️ 4.5 🌶 0


I've been a fan of Harrison's writing for a while now, and let me tell you, her storytelling just keeps getting better. This one revolves around Rory and her twin sister Scarlett – a tale of broken family dynamics and childhood trauma that hits home in unexpected ways.


Returning to the hometown you’ve always dreamed of leaving is never easy, but when family calls, you answer. & that’s just what Rory did. In her sisters time of need and against Rorys better judgement, she leaves the city she’s come to adore to aid her now pregnant sister. The story unfolds with Rory getting attacked by an animal and having to deal with some odd changes, all while being faced with unresolved issues with her mother, her sisters growing tummy and glaring secrets, the stark reality of all of her friends’ (except her friend Mia, thank God) lives moving toward a family dynamic, an idea that she is NOT open to and reconnecting with a childhood friend, now a man who's always had a soft spot for her… Cue the heart flutters! 

Now, I don't usually go for werewolf lore, but if Rachel Harrison writes it, I'd probably read a grocery list. What struck me most was the raw portrayal of all of the characters and the unique approach to handling some pretty weird circumstances. Rory is definitely, in my opinion, one of the most relatable characters I’ve come across.

But hey, if I’ve gotten your attention thus far, it’s worth mentioning this fair warning: this one's heavy on trigger-worthy stuff, so check those trigger warnings before diving in. 

And about the spice level? Zero, my friends. Nada. Zilch. But don't let that deter you; the emotional intensity and relatability more than makes up for it. I'd give it a solid 4.5 stars.

So, if you're into gripping family dramas with a touch of the supernatural and a WHOLE lot of sarcasm, this one's a must-read. Harrison's done it again, weaving a tale that sticks with you long after you've turned the last page.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Ever picked up a book and after just a few pages thought, "Yep, this one's gonna be a winner"? I'm assuming the answer is yes or you wouldn't have stumbled upon this blog.

So, I'm knee-deep in a book right now that's got me all kinds of hooked. It's one of those books that you thought was just going to be a cute Halloween read but ends up having an incredible plot that you can't stop thinking about. Can anyone relate??

Now, I'm not saying my current read is going to hit this level but I am curious. What's YOUR go-to feel-good book? The one that you recommend to everyone and their grandma.

Stay tuned for the upcoming review on my current read. Until then, happy reading, pals! May your bookmarks always find the right page, and your bookshelves be ever-growing.

Saturday, October 28, 2023

The Seven Month Itch by Tanvier Peart

What's up, page crusaders?

My latest completed ARC was "The Seven Month Itch" by Tanvier Peart. This tantalizing "second chance" romance is set to hit the shelves on January 23, 2024, and let me tell you, it's a rollercoaster you won't want to miss.

The narrative dance follows Justice and Terrance, a couple on the brink of divorce, thrown together at a singles retreat in a twist of fate. The stage is set for a rollercoaster of emotions as they navigate speed-dating, awkward retreat activities, and the ever-looming specter of unresolved feelings.

Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty of it. The connection between Justice and Terrance is as real as it gets—no sugar-coating, no fluffy romance clichés. They come with their flaws, and boy, does it make the rollercoaster more exhilarating. I found myself caught in a love-to-hate and hate-to-love whirlwind, with every eye-roll and exclamation adding to the thrill.

However, (and there's always a "however," right?), there came a point where the story should've gracefully taken its bow. Instead, it trudged on, leaving me a tad less enchanted. The closure I craved was diluted as the plot continued beyond its peak, addressing smaller plots that could've been elegantly tied up in an epilogue. Nevertheless, credit where it's due—the character development and writing style were top-notch, making it a breeze to devour.

In a nutshell, if you're a fan of melodrama and quick-witted soap operas, this one's a must-read. Get ready for a ride on the emotional rollercoaster—you'll laugh, you'll cringe, and you might even shed a tear.

Where the Library Hides - Isabel Ibanez

** spoiler alert ** I went into this book so excited— but in the end, there were things I personally couldn't get past. As far as the pl...