Romance

The Gilded Wolves

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“Make yourself a myth and live within it, so that you belong to no one but yourself.”

The Gilded Wolves starts out in 1889 Paris when the city is on the cusp of power and industry and the exposition universelle has breathed new life into the streets and dredged up ancient secrets. In the city, no one keeps tabs on the dark truths better than treasure-hunter and wealthy hotelier Severin Montagnet-Alarie. When the elite, ever-powerful Order of Babel coerces him to help them on a mission. A mission that will deliver Severin with the prize that he never thought he would able to get: his true inheritance. To make this mission successful, Severin recruits Lalia, Hypnos, Zofia, and Enrique as they embark on a journey that will change the course of their lives and test the bonds of loyalty that they to each other.

Ah rereading this book made me realize how much I love Chokshi’s writing and how much it’s improved. She has a way with words and how her world-building is developed is truly amazing. It makes you feel like you’re actually in the world that she’s created. The premise is what hooked me in as I’m sucker for heist stories just like Six Of Crows, but this is very different than Leigh Bardugo’s band of misfits. What I really loved about the book were the characters especially Zofia and Hypnos as they were unique, interesting, and well written. There was a lot of development with each of the characters so it’s hard to pick a favorite and the dynamics between the group was great with banter, flirtation, and realizing that they have more in common than they first thought. This is truly a delight but I will say that the pacing in the beginning is slow but it does pick up and you find yourself turning the page in anticipation of what will happen next.

I am reviewing the second book next so stay tuned!

Five Feet Apart

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“How long will I live my life afraid of what-ifs?”

Stella Grant loves to be in control except when it comes to her health, she has no control over her lungs that keep her in and out of hospitals for the majority of her life. The only thing Stella needs is to stay away from anything and anyone who may jeopardize her chance to get a lung transplant so she can be free do what she wants. That means staying six feet apart at all costs, no exceptions. Will Newman is exactly what Stella needs to stay away from. The only thing Will is concerned about is getting out of the hospital, he could care less about treatments, transplants, and anything medical related. Once, he turns eighteen he’ll be able to get out and experience the world and start a life of his own. They are exactly what the other needs to stay away from, if they get close to each other they could run the risk of death. But, six feet away doesn’t feel like safety but more like punishment.

I’m a sucker for love stories but this is one love story that I wish I didn’t read. There’s a lot to unpack here so let’s get started. First, let’s talk about the characters which Stella and Will who were one dimensional and stereotyped. Stella is a type A personality who has to be in control of everything and Will is the rebel and the two completely disregard their illness and risk everything over one chance meeting. They were so focused on getting better and staying healthy so they wouldn’t run the risk of something happening.Which is problematic in itself and doesn’t send a very good message to readers in particular those who are living with a life threatening illness. It’s also a dangerous message to send to readers that if you’re not able bodied then you can’t live the life that you want and that is utterly wrong. It’s a message that is portrayed over and over and I wish writers would stop doing it.

Please quit killing off POC/LGBTQ leads just for the sake of the story. It’s so overdone, this book was hot mess in my opinion. There was a lot of aspects that could’ve been handled in a much better way and maybe I would’ve liked it more.

Dating Makes Perfect

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“You want me to say that you’re stunning? That I wish I could take a photo, so that I can look at you all day? That the material is soft and touchable–and as skimpy as it is, it still covers way too much?” His eyes are black and furious and mesmerizing. I couldn’t look away if I tried. “Yeah, I could have said all that. No doubt, that’s what Taran’s going to be thinking. But I didn’t, because I have too much respect for you. Even after everything we’ve been through.”

The Tech Sisters don’t date in high school. Not because they don’t want to, not because they’re not interested but it’s all because their not allowed to do so. In a move that other Asian-Americans know all too well, six months after the oldest Tech sisters go to college and get asked by their parents about not being in a relationship or marriage. The sisters retaliated by saying that they won’t marry for ten years as they need to dating practice and that could take longer depending on other life events. But now things are different, the youngest sister Winnie must practice fake dating until her parents watchful eye. But as we all know, things don’t always go so easily and when Winnie’s parents pick the preferred match for Winnie to date, she could be less than pleased at the thought of dating her worst enemy.

This is probably one of the cutest ya rom-coms that I’ve read in awhile. The premise, plot, characters, atmosphere and writing really made this a fun and interesting story from beginning to end. Before I go into what made this book so wonderful, I did want to point how much I enjoyed learning about the thai experience. As someone who has been accustomed to privilege my entire life, I understand how important it is for #ownvoices and having their stories told so I appreciated learning more about the culture. Not only did I love the characters but the dynamics between especially within the family and between the sisters, it was hard not to feel for them especially with wanting to be respected for who they want to be and the struggle of choosing their own identity and how differing from that can cause conflict within the family. The romance was very cute and I did feel like it was well written and not forced like other romance books that I’ve read. Overall, this is super cute and fun rom-com so be sure to check it out if it sounds like something you want.

Hana Khan Carries On

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“My father says that trying to stop hate is like trying to stop the tides,” Rashid said. “The best thing you can do is take advantage of it. Don’t stop the tide from flowing. Build a hydroelectric dam and make electricity instead, enough to power ten thousand houses. That’s how you stop hate.”

Sales are slow at Three Sisters Biryani Poutine, the only halal restaurant in the close-knit Golden Crescent neighborhood in Toronto, Canada. Hana, works part time as a waitress while she dreams of making it big with owning her own radio show but for the time being she’s stuck being a waitress and trying outshine her fellow interns at the city radio station. Hana is confident that things will fall into place and she will be able to succeed but all that crumbles when a new Halal restaurant opens in Golden Crescent threatening to shut down Three Sisters for good. Hana finds herself thrown into different directions while trying to figure out who she is and how she can finally use her voice for what really matters.

First, I’m glad that romance wasn’t heavily focused as I was really immersed in Hana’s personal journey and the changes that she went through during the book. I thought she was a very well written main character who had flaws and struggles that many people can relate to especially with trying to find her own voice. I think that’s something that many people can relate to and trying to figure what really matters to them. While this is one of the main theme’s of the book, this book also touches on serious and heartbreaking issues especially dealing with racism that Hana and her family deal with as Brown/Muslims experience in the modern world. This is why I’m glad that romance wasn’t the main focus because I think the way the experiences and Hana’s personal journey was done was more interesting and compelling than the romance.

Even with the serious and heartbreaking issues that were covered, this is a light-hearted novel that was very compelling and interesting from beginning to end and I strongly recommend it others even if romance isn’t your thing.

Book Of The Week: A Lesson In Vengeance

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“Once upon a time I found it so easy to forget the stories about Godwin House and the five Dalloway witches who lived here three hundred years ago, their blood in our dirt, their bones banging from our trees.”

A year after the tragic death of her girlfriend, Felicity Morrow is back at Godwin House trying to make sense of everything that happened. She still resides in the room that is rumored to be haunted by the five Dalloway witches died under mysterious circumstances. Felicity isn’t going to let some ghost story bother her and throws herself into her school work and leaves her dark past behind her or so she thinks. When the charismatic and lively, Ellie Haley arrives on campus for her first year, Felicity finds herself dawn to the eccentric girl who has already amassed a following. Ellie is working on her second novel and wants Felicity’s help with uncovering what happened to the Dalloway sisters. Felicity knows what dangers lurk in the shadows but she can’t help herself feel drawn to Ellie in more ways than one. But, history will reveal itself not only with the Dalloway sisters but within herself.

This is dark academia done right. This is a haunting and dark mystery thriller that will keep you turning the page in anticipation. It will also fill you with doubts about what is really going on and have you second guessing until the end. If you like mystery and suspense thriller, then you should check this out. I was blown away by the writing as Lee was able to craft an haunting yet beautiful atmosphere that made you feel like you were a part of it. The writing along with the characters were the best parts of the book as I felt Felicity, Ellie, and the other girls were well written with unique and interesting personalities. There were a few times I was annoyed by Ellie but I did enjoy her for the most part and I think it was part of her character as a budding novelist who has hundreds of people following her. Plus, she was young so I feel that was very in character although annoying.

I don’t think this should be considered as fantasy but more supernatural thriller, there really isn’t a fantasy element to it. Overall, a very haunting mystery that will keep you guessing from page to page so I would definitely recommend this.

Music and Mirrors by Candace Robinson

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The souls are inside you, as theirs are and now the reflections are all just that, reflections.

While the first book followed the adventures of Auden and Lark, this one follows the other side of mirror where Leni and Ridley, the antagonists who were tasked with getting rid of Lark and Auden and failed to do so. The two are facing punishment and in order to save them from a terrible fate, they must seek help from the two they tried to kill or Leni will end up dead and Ridley will become someone he truly hates.

Robinson’s follow up to Lyrics and Music was just as captivating, original, engaging, and full of twists and turns that kept me turning the page in anticipation. The big draw of both books are the characters, as they are all very unique, interesting, and so well written you feel like you know them. It was interesting seeing the other side of it and the perspectives from Leni and Ridley, it really helped you feel compassion for them and understand the plight they were under. The dynamics between the characters helped give the relationships more depth and the writing helped the story flow very well. I was surprised at how much I liked these books, they were very fun, mysterious, engaging, and exciting all in one and I hope that there will be more in this series.

September TBR

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I can’t believe Septmber is already here but I am so excited! Fall is my favorite season and I’m ready for it. I have a lot of good picks for the month and I’m excited to share them with you! Let’s start!

A Lesson in Vengance by Victoria Lee
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT, YA

The Bear and The Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Genre: Fantasy, Historical-Fiction, Romance

Before We Were Blue by E.J. Schwartz
Genre: Contemporary, LGBT, Young Adult

Bonded Fate by Beck Michaels
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

The Box In The Woods by Maureen Johnson
Genre: Contemporary, Thrillers, Mystery, YA

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig
Genre: Non-Fiction, Self-Help, Mental Health

Daughter Of Sparta by Claire Andrews
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult

The Extraordinaries by T.J. Klune
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT, Young Adult

Five Feet Apart by Rachel Lippincott
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA

How Moon Fuentez Fell In Love With The Universe by Raquel Gilliland
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, YA

Music & Mirrors by Candace Robinson
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

The Pan by Jenny Hickman
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult

Prince of Shadow and Ash by Selina Gonzalas
Genre: Fantasy, Magic, and YA

Strange Gods by Alison Kimble
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

The Things We Don’t See by Savannah Brown
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Young Adult

These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Two Dark Moons by Avi Silver
Genre: Fantasy, LGBT, YA

Wendy Darling by A.C. Wise
Genre: Fantasy, Retellings, Young Adult

When We Were Strangers by Alex Richards
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, YA

The Witch Haven by Sasha Peyton Smith
Genre: Fantasy, YA, Historical-Fiction

The Witch’s Tale by Genevieve Gornichec
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Retellings

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, YA

With The Fire On High by Elizabeth Acevedo
Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Young Adult

August Wrap Up

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Wow, I can’t believe August is over! This has been a very good reading month as I had a lot more time than I anticipated and enjoyed it. I’m excited to share with you the books that I read for the month! So let’s get started.

A Court of Honey & Ash by Shannon Mayer & Kelly St. Clare
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder by Holly Jackson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher
Genre: Fiction, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Better Than The Movies by Lynn Painter
Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Catch and Cradle by Katia Rose
Genre: LGBT, Romance, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Darling by K. Ancrum
Genre: Fiction, LGBT, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Fiction
Review: Here

Rating; 3.5/5

Forget This Ever Happened by Cassandra Rose Clarke
Genre: Young Adult, LGBT, Sci-Fi
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Into The Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
Genre: Fantasy, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson
Genre: Contemporary, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

Lyrics and Curses by Candace Robinson
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 5/5

Outrun The Wind by Elizabeth Tammi
Genre: LGBT, Romance, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 3.5/5

Some Girls Do By Jennifer Dugan
Genre: LGBT, Romance, YA
Review: Here

Rating: 3/5

The Girl The Sea Gave Back by Adrienne Young
Genre: Fantasy, Historical-Fiction, Young Adult
Review: Here


Rating: 3/5

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson
Genre: Mystery, YA, Contemporary
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Vanishing Star by Maureen Johnson
Genre: Mystery, Contemporary, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

We Regret To Inform You by Ariel Kaplan
Genre: Contemporary, Young Adult, Mystery
Review: Here

Rating: 2.5/5

What I Carry by Jennifer Longo
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction, Young Adult
Review: Here

Rating: 4/5

The Lucky Ones by Liz Lawson

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I’m a SURVIVOR. I’m the leftover. The lucky one. The only one in that room who lived.

The Lucky Ones is a gut wrenching and heartwarming story about coming to terms with grief, pain, and love relating to trauma. It follows May and Zach, who have both gone through so much and trying to work their trauma in their own way. A tragic school shooting changed their lives in ways no one could even expect as May lost her twin brother that day, and Zach’s life flipped upside down when his mother came to the shooter’s defense which made him lose all his friends, girlfriend, and ripped his family apart. But fateful night, the two cross paths and realize just so similar they are and maybe they both need one another to help come to terms with that tragic event.

It took me awhile to get through this book because of the material was very heavy as expected with topics like school shootings, violence, and how to process traumatic events. But, as difficult as it was, I felt the way it was written and how it was expressed was very well done. It was impossible not to feel for May, Zach, and everyone involved. This book felt very real and that was also why it was hard to get through but even with that said, I enjoyed this book and think others will enjoy it just as much. It is very important to cover topics like these and when it’s done well, I think people can gain a better understanding, compassion, and empathy for those who are impacted by the distressing events.