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!

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!

Foul Lady Fortune

I rate this a solid 3.5

There is so much Chinese history in this book. I am impressed with the research Chloe did for this story. If you're after a historical mystery with fantasy elements and fake marriage, then this read may be for you.

Rosalind is a Chinese nationalist spy who used to be an assassin and experimented on in which she cannot age. There are mysterious deaths occurring in Shanghai and it's up to her to investigate. The Japanese imperialists are potential culprits as they start invading the land. But there's also the Chinese communists that Rosalind may have to contend with but also holds suspicion for. She's tasked to be married to another nationalist spy Orion, they get posted to a Japanese company and start to uncover more than they expected. At the same time they keep secrets from one another and are unsure if they can trust one another.

There was a lot going on in this book. You never know if someone is double crossing the other. There are different spies from all sides and you never truly know anyone's motives. Rosalind does seem to be the only one in my opinion who wants to do the right thing, but even she doesn't know if she's on the right side.

Some parts were very slow for me. It definitely ramps up with action within the last 10 chapters. I can see how you could get lost reading this book because there are many characters. On top of this, sometimes they interact with their enemy, so it's hard to tell if they are loyal or make exceptions based on who they are interacting with.

I'm interested enough to see where the story goes. I can only imagine what a lonely life it is for Rosalind if she can't age. So much happened in the end with different characters, you really do want the next book to carry on. I'm hanging to see what happens to Orion.

Coming Home

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Touré and Niomi had a moment during college but life had taken them on their respective journalist adventures and careers. Fate would have it that they would reunite at Touré's daughters graduation ceremony where the school invites their most famous alum to speak. Did they miss their chance or is this their opportunity to take a chance they didn't get?

I saw this as an inclusion for audible subscription, and because I love Kennedy Ryan so much, I had to check it out! It's a cute story and one of those what if moments. The two main characters could have had something during their college years but the timing wasn't right. I liked that they went to have their own lives, grew as people and then realised what they wanted in life.

Touré thinking he didn't have the best relationship with his daughter based on his sacrifice to work to provide, was very noble. Even though he felt like he missed out throughout his daughter's life, her telling him that she admired him was such a sweet and pivotal moment.

I like second chance stories and how Niomi and Touré got together. This was a very short audiobook and a nice story. There was a little bit of spice also.