Tag: romance

Review: Stitches by Julie L. James

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Synopsis:

After an unpleasant experience getting stitches leaves her disenfranchised with doctors, Hero Atticus Taylor decides to be proactive. Capitalizing off of her literary-inspired name, she creates the Hero Atticus Taylor School of Manners for All Doctors, and uses both her prejudice toward doctors and her passion for Emily Post to educate medical students in all forms of etiquette. Her job has been a fulfilling and successful endeavor, until an agitating interaction with a former heart surgeon has Hero’s manner betraying her.

Doctor Lee Taylor is interested in enrolling the surgical students he oversees in Hero’s manners school but he can’t help himself from asking her on a date within minutes of meeting her. He is direct, decisive, and confident. Hero’s refusal and assumption that he is just like every other doctor who belittles her profession, only makes her more interesting to him. Even though he is completely smitten with Hero, Lee cannot see to gracefully reveal his secrets as their courtship continues.

Favorite Lines:

“If you leave this school having learned one thing, let it be this: Manners are the glue of society.”

“Don’t you all think she should have to go out to dinner with me to make up for the ruined sweater, and the permanent scar I’ll have on my stomach until I die?”

“Yes. My doctors permit me to have two cups a day. One with children so that I can scare them half to death, and one with a beautiful face for the evenings.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Julie L. James’s Stitches starts with what feels like a rom-com collision in a hospital corridor: Hero Taylor, etiquette coach extraordinaire, is determined to civilize doctors, while superstar surgeon Dr. Lee Taylor strides in convinced he needs no polishing. Their very first run-in—complete with an airborne water bottle—makes it clear the book will balance slapstick energy with a sharp look at professional pride.

Hero’s crusade for better bedside manners grew out of a childhood accident that left her literally stitched together and philosophically convinced that courtesy saves lives. The classes she runs at her “Madhatters School” offer endless comic fodder as she pits teacup drills and mock-patient role-plays against Lee’s arched-eyebrow scepticism. Their back-and-forth lands because both characters mean well; it’s just that one teaches polite small talk and the other performs trauma surgery.

Halfway through, the story pivots: Lee reveals a personal health crisis that suddenly makes Hero’s lessons feel less like window dressing and more like survival gear. The tension between keeping calm for patients and facing your own mortality gives the romance real weight, turning former sparring partners into reluctant confidants.

James keeps the mood light with zippy dialogue and meme-ready banter, yet she layers in enough medical detail and emotional honesty to ground the comedy. Late-night heart-to-hearts, a chaotic children’s tea party, and a surprisingly tender discussion of Greek myths all showcase writing that moves smoothly from laugh-out-loud to lump-in-throat without whiplash. The result is a love story that respects both the scalpel and the spoon.

Summary:

Overall, Stitches is a breezy weekend binge for readers who like their enemies-to-lovers stories sprinkled with hospital drama and anchored by genuine stakes. Expect quick laughs, a few gut-punch moments, and the feel-good reminder that a little kindness—delivered at exactly the right moment—can be as healing as any procedure. Happy reading!

Check out Stitches here!

 

Review: Below the Tides by S.R. Harris

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Synopsis:

Growing up in the inner-city ghetto of South Philly, eighteen-year-old River Matthews always felt different. It’s not just her biracial heritage that makes her stand out. In a neighborhood where most of the girls are too concerned with getting their hair wet, River’s love of the ocean makes her an enigma.

On a rainy night where she is saved by a handsome, albeit strange stranger, River finally learns the truth of her missing heritage.

Whisked away to the underwater world of Arcaccia, she finds the father she always wondered about, a brother she didn’t know existed, a love she wasn’t looking for, and a world she would do anything to save

Join this inner-city girl as she as goes on an adventure of a lifetime and finds love, and the family she didn’t know she was missing.

Favorite Lines:

“He loved the sea more than anything, it’s the reason why I named you River. I wanted you to have a piece of him even if in the end, he took another path.”

“After we saw Black Panther, she used to say maybe he was the king of a secret place like Wakanda, but for white people. “

“I mean, it really is like my life turned into a fucking book and if I am being honest, it’s not quite as fun as I thought it would be.”

My Opinion:

S.R. Harris plunges readers into a richly imagined undersea world with Below the Tides, a young adult fantasy that deftly weaves urban grit with aquatic magic, family legacy, and self-discovery. River, a biracial girl from Philadelphia, always felt drawn to the water. But when she learns her father is the ruler of a hidden underwater kingdom, Arcaccia, her fascination transforms into a destiny that will upend her world—and possibly save it.

River is a strong, layered protagonist: grounded, witty, vulnerable, and brave. Her journey is full of twists—from discovering the truth about her lineage to confronting betrayal and love beneath the waves. The depiction of her tight bond with her best friend Mecca adds warmth and humor, while her evolving romance with Sylas brings moments of intensity and tenderness.

What makes Below the Tides stand out is its blend of voice and world-building. Harris gives us everything from tight-knit friendships to political intrigue, from immersive battle scenes to tearful reunions. The tone moves effortlessly between laugh-out-loud funny and soul-piercingly emotional.

The underwater kingdom of Arcaccia feels alive—complete with shimmering domes, magical communication through water, and a rich mythology built on ancestral duty and magic. The themes of identity, chosen family, and empowerment are threaded throughout without feeling forced.

While the novel leans heavily into romance and adventure, it’s the deeply personal stakes—River’s struggle to define herself amidst chaos—that resonate the most.

Summary:

Overall, if you’re looking for a story that’s part Aquaman, part Black Panther, with a dash of The Little Mermaid and a healthy scoop of Philly grit—this is the one. A must-read for fans of fast-paced fantasy with heart. Happy reading!

Check out Below the Tides here!

 

Review: Some Kind of Hell by Evelyn Hyde

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Synopsis:

In a war-torn world where secrets reign, what doesn’t kill you will always try again.

Frelia Valerius has lost too much.

Her kingdom, her family and friends, her noble title—gone. The only things left are her sword skills and the blood in her veins. But now the Unseen, a secretive dark magic cult, are hunting down the ancient magic that runs in families like Frelia’s, and she’s running out of places to hide.

Vendrick Caecillion has too much to lose.

He’s the former imperial spymaster, Frelia’s former crush, and now, her new boss at the Silverwood Military Institute. He’s the mastermind behind the spy network thwarting the Unseen’s plans, but he’s losing this silent war, and Vendrick knows it.

It will take every skill in their combined arsenal to root out the Unseen—and maintain Silverwood’s standard of academic excellence. For the only thing more merciless than the Unseen are the Silverwood students’ parents—and some of those might just be one and the same.

First in an all-new dark fantasy series where The Wolf and the Woodsman meets Attack on Titan, Some Kind of Hell is part Norse- and Roman-inspired, part second chance romance, part epic battles, and all binge-worthy. Grab your copy of this epic saga of world-ending proportions today!

Favorite Lines:

“She had served, in no particular order, as a general (twice), a Grand Duchess, a mercenary, and a garmr-killer. She was not stupid enough to pick a fight with a goose, least of all the ones that lived around Lake Silverwood.”

“In the liquid, golden light filtering in through the windows, he was breathtaking when he smiled.”

My Opinion:

Some Kind of Hell is a haunting, intricately woven tale that plunges readers into a world of magic, grief, and survival, where loyalty is earned through blood and pain, and redemption is as elusive as it is necessary. Evelyn Hyde’s debut novel offers a gritty blend of dark fantasy, second-chance romance, and slow-burn intrigue that lingers well after the last page.

Set in a realm where ancient Norse influences collide with institutional military power, the story follows two complex and deeply scarred protagonists—Frelia Valerius and Vendrick Caecillion. Years after their time as comrades-in-arms during the Great War, the pair reunite at Silverwood Military Institute under tense circumstances. Frelia, a disgraced duchess and a survivor of unspeakable trauma, now works as a swordmaster. Vendrick, once a cunning spymaster and now head of the prestigious military school, bears the weight of his past failures and choices.

Their reunion is anything but simple. Old wounds resurface, past betrayals simmer beneath every word, and Hyde handles their dynamic with refreshing maturity. There’s no rush into melodrama or romance; instead, the relationship unfolds slowly, layered with suspicion, unspoken affection, and unresolved grief. The tension between them is electric, not just in romance but in every quiet moment of recognition and regret.

Hyde’s worldbuilding is both elegant and unsettling. The concept of Bloodrunes—ancient magic passed down through cursed bloodlines—is one of the book’s standout features. This magic is not a gift, but a burden, and Hyde explores how it affects not only the body but also the psyche. The Unseen, a chilling cult with unknown motives, provides an ever-present undercurrent of dread, giving the plot a steady, suspenseful heartbeat.

Mental health, particularly PTSD, trauma, and recovery, are central to the story. Hyde doesn’t shy away from the weight of war and its consequences. Instead, she centers it. These characters are not heroes in shining armor—they are broken, reluctant survivors trying to forge a path in a world that has no room for softness. Yet, in that darkness, there’s still space for growth, resilience, and a flicker of hope.

The writing is poetic but grounded, with dialogue that feels natural and characters that think and feel like real people. The pacing is deliberate, especially in the first half, but that patience pays off as the emotional stakes and tension build to a rewarding crescendo. Readers who enjoy character-driven fantasy, political intrigue, and high emotional stakes will find plenty to love here.

Summary:

Overall, Some Kind of Hell is a powerful debut—at once raw, lyrical, and unflinchingly honest. Evelyn Hyde has crafted a story that’s as emotionally intense as it is immersive, with characters who bleed, break, and strive to rebuild. This is a book about what it means to carry pain and still try to do right by the world and by yourself.

For fans of Tamsyn Muir, Leigh Bardugo, or Samantha Shannon, this novel will hit all the right notes. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just entertain—it lingers. Happy reading!

Check out Some Kind of Hell here!

 

Review: Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold: A Romantic Fantasy of Time Travel and Spiritual Awakening by A.B. Raphaelle

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Synopsis:

In a World Where Time is Fluid, Love is the Constant That Endures…

When Abbie, a modern woman with untapped spiritual gifts, crosses paths with Aroya, a man burdened by the technology of a dystopian future, their meeting ignites a bond that defies the boundaries of time and space. Drawn together by fate—and a mysterious pair of glowing stones—they find themselves thrust into a journey that spans centuries and challenges the very fabric of their identities.

From the shadowy streets of 1856 San Francisco, where vice and greed reign, to the shimmering promise of a reimagined future, Abbie and Aroya must navigate perilous timelines, confront haunting spiritual forces, and reconcile the broken pieces of their pasts. Along the way, they’ll discover that the key to reshaping the future lies not in changing history, but in finding faith, embracing love, and healing what’s here and now.

Part romance, part spiritual odyssey, and part time-traveling adventure, this is a story of transformation, resilience, and the power of love to transcend even the darkest of times.

Will Abbie and Aroya’s love be enough to overcome the trials of time itself? Or will the weight of their journey unravel everything they’ve fought for?

Step into a world where every choice ripples through eternity, and discover that even in the chaos, the most enduring truths are the simplest: love, faith, and the courage to begin again.

Favorite Lines:

“Love is the key, always.”

“Distance haunted her – the distance between lives, across time, even in death.”

“Perhaps, the future is not changed by great acts, but by the smallest connections – by the way we touch one life, or offer a kindness unseen.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold by A.B. Raphaelle is a mesmerizing blend of time travel, romance, and spiritual discovery. Set against the backdrop of historical and modern timelines, the novel transports readers through a richly woven narrative that explores the boundaries between past and present, reality and illusion.

The story follows characters entangled in a dual existence, navigating both the tangible and the ethereal realms. Raphaelle’s evocative writing brings to life the eerie beauty of ghostly encounters, the thrill of buried secrets, and the intensity of fated love. The novel doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses the reader in a deeply reflective journey of self-discovery, hidden truths, and the unbreakable bonds of love.

One of the most compelling aspects of Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold is its intricate world-building. The vivid descriptions of landscapes, both seen and unseen, pull the reader into a dreamlike experience where the past lingers just beneath the surface of the present. The characters, particularly the protagonist, face trials that test not just their courage, but also their perception of destiny and free will.

The novel’s themes of love and longing are accentuated by poetic prose and a haunting atmosphere that lingers long after the final page. It’s a story that asks profound questions: Can we escape the echoes of history? Do spirits walk among us, waiting for redemption? How much of our fate is truly within our hands?

Summary:

Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fantasy, time-slip narratives, and stories with deep emotional resonance. A.B. Raphaelle crafts a tale that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, leaving the reader both enchanted and contemplative. Happy reading!

Check out Shadows, Ghosts, and Gold here!

 

Monthly Features – February 2025

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Astronaut by Ali Rizvi

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: I dealt with mental health at many turning points in life and learned to mask my real-self at an early age but world wasn’t gentle enough for me to be accepted. I finally sought professional help and started treatment for Depression & some of its companions a few years ago. It has helped me to understand myself better, but not the cruel world.

The year 2024 made a mark in my journey with many surprises, and I decided to write again after many years.

This is a collection of poems from my recent & enduring pilgrimage to Depression & some other places.

Summary: Overall, Astronaut is not just a book of poems—it’s an emotional journey that invites readers to walk alongside Rizvi as he shares his battles and triumphs. Whether you’re seeking comfort in knowing you’re not alone in your struggles or looking to better understand the experiences of those who live with depression and/or other mental health disorders, this book is a compelling and heartfelt read.

See the full review here: Astronaut
Purchase here

 

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

Synopsis: This is a world divided by blood – red or silver.

The Reds are commoners, ruled by a Silver elite in possession of god-like superpowers. And to Mare Barrow, a seventeen-year-old Red girl from the poverty-stricken Stilts, it seems like nothing will ever change.

That is, until she finds herself working in the Silver Palace. Here, surrounded by the people she hates the most, Mare discovers that, despite her red blood, she possesses a deadly power of her own. One that threatens to destroy the balance of power.

Fearful of Mare’s potential, the Silvers hide her in plain view, declaring her a long-lost Silver princess, now engaged to a Silver prince. Despite knowing that one misstep would mean her death, Mare works silently to help the Red Guard, a militant resistance group, and bring down the Silver regime.

But this is a world of betrayal and lies, and Mare has entered a dangerous dance – Reds against Silvers, prince against prince, and Mare against her own heart.

Summary: I highly recommend this book if you want a story centered around danger, action and adventure with some romance thrown in. Like I said in my opinion, love isn’t the focus (as much as I would love for it to be) but I am strangely okay with that. This book is about how much sacrifice is needed to better society. How much will the characters have to give to see change in the world? You’ll fall in love with all the characters and crave more of the series by the end of this book; I suggest you just buy them all at once so you don’t have to wait to buy the next one. I’m so sorry for what I am getting you into but I also don’t regret it at all. It’s an excellent, well written series and I can’t wait to see what else Aveyard is going to throw at us. 

See the full review here: Red Queen
Purchase here

Review: The Price of Freedom by Michael C. Bland

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Synopsis:

It’s 2047. The rebellion has been crushed. The Agency is reestablishing control.

Rebel leader Dray Quintero languishes in his cell, struggling against his captors’ manipulations. His daughter Raven’s cries torment him at night. He has doomed them both.

When given an unexpected chance to escape prison, they break out–but they’re not safe. No one is. The Agency is still in power. And they’re tightening their grip. As dangers mount, Dray is haunted by an impossible dilemma: flee and survive, or gamble his last chance for freedom by taking a stand against impossible odds.

He tried running. He tried fighting. This time, he must try something radically different. Something no one will see coming.

The Price of Freedom is the adrenaline-fueled final installment in The Price Of trilogy from multiple-award–winning author Michael C Bland.

Favorite Lines:

“I’d fought out of necessity to protect my family. And, over time, I’d believed I had a moral obligation to fight for everyone.”

“I fought my emotions as they continued down the well-worn path.”

“Raven had wanted to be part of something great. She hadn’t realized she’d already been great. She’d been my inspiration her entire life.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

I wanted to start this review out by pointing out that this is the third book in Bland’s The Price Of trilogy and despite not having read the first two books in the series, I didn’t feel like I had to play too much catch up and still found this to be an enjoyable story. For the purposes of this review, I will do my best to keep spoilers to a minimum should anyone be interested in starting the trilogy from the beginning.

The Price of Freedom is a gripping, high-stakes dystopian thriller that delivers non-stop tension, emotional depth, and a chilling look at the power of technology in the wrong hands. As the final book in The Price of trilogy, it thrusts readers into a world where survival is anything but guaranteed.

Dray Quintero, once a rebel leader, now finds himself imprisoned, tormented by the knowledge that his youngest daughter, Raven, is also in enemy hands. The Agency, led by an old friend turned ruthless dictator, controls the country through weaponized technology, manipulating reality itself to keep citizens under its thumb. But when an unexpected chance at escape emerges, Dray and Raven must navigate a world where every move is predicted before they can make it.

Bland masterfully blends action, psychological warfare, and ethical dilemmas, making Dray’s fight for freedom feel both deeply personal and terrifyingly relevant. Even as he battles for his family’s survival, he must decide whether to keep running or make one final stand against an enemy that always seems one step ahead.

Summary:

With relentless pacing, thought-provoking twists, and a futuristic setting that feels eerily plausible, The Price of Freedom is a must-read for fans of dystopian sci-fi. Whether you’ve followed the series from the beginning or are jumping in for the first time, this thrilling conclusion will keep you on edge until the very last page. Happy reading!

Check out The Price of Freedom here!

 

Monthly Features – January 2025

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Dear Pink by Michelle Angelle

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Do bears play polo? Can cats wear berets? Do happily ever afters exist? Often there are more questions than answers, and sometimes you find love on a bicycle.

Ever since Hannah caught her ex-boyfriend with another woman, she’s been stuck in a romance rut. When a hot guy in fancy bike gear corners her in the elevator, she lets him slip through her fingers, although his hard muscles and adorable grin never leave her thoughts.

Gabe is sick of plastic women who only see him as a piece of meat. Surprised by a funny woman in an elevator, he forgets to introduce himself and accidentally insults her instead. Convinced he’ll never see her again, he resigns himself to a life as a crazy cat man.

Will an unexpected bucket list change Hannah and Gabe’s life forever? Dear Pink is a romantic comedy where two lost souls collide with fate and find love in the most unlikely place.

Summary: If you like modern romances that are adorable with touches of humor this book would be for you. 

See the full review here: Dear Pink
Purchase here

 

 

Wicked by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Synopsis: Twenty-two year old Ivy Morgan isn’t your average college student. She, and others like her, know humans aren’t the only thing trolling the French Quarter for fun… and for food. Her duty to the Order is her life. After all, four years ago, she lost everything at the hands of the creatures she’d sworn to hunt, tearing her world and her heart apart.

Ren Owens is the last person Ivy expected to enter her rigidly controlled life. He’s six feet and three inches of temptation and swoon-inducing charm. With forest-green eyes and a smile that’s surely left a stream of broken hearts in its wake, he has an uncanny, almost unnatural ability to make her yearn for everything he has to offer. But letting him in is as dangerous as hunting the cold-blooded killers stalking the streets. Losing the boy she loved once before had nearly destroyed her, but the sparking tension that grows between them becomes impossible for Ivy to deny. Deep down, she wants… she needs more than what her duty demands of her, what her past has shaped for her.

But as Ivy grows closer to Ren, she realizes she’s not the only one carrying secrets that could shatter the frail bond between them. There’s something he’s not telling her, and one thing is for certain. She’s no longer sure what is more dangerous to her—the ancient beings threatening to take over the town or the man demanding to lay claim to her heart and her soul.

Summary: Wicked places us in a world where there is more than meets the eye and introduces us to the ship that is Ivy and Ren. I felt connections throughout the story in different ways, like how much Ivy likes variety in her cereal so much so that she has 12 boxes of cereal on hand at all times or like how despite having a job to support herself and a future seemingly laid out for her already, Ivy still strives to do more with her life; to be more.  The book takes you on an emotional roller coaster through the sad and the happy, through friendship and betrayal, uncertainty, and romance. I know it sounds cheesy and stereotypical, but I promise this book is definitely worth the read. All I can say is that I can’t wait to read the other two books in this series and that I will make no promises to not stay up until 4am to finish them.

See the full review here: Wicked
Purchase here

 

 

Monthly Features – December 2024

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Navigating Yesterday by Anthony Dean

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Banner Dawson spends seventeen long years in cryosleep aboard the damaged Valkyrie-198 as it limps along towards the small void just beyond the orbit of Saturn. During those years, back on Earth…

Jack works with relentless determination to develop the skills and knowledge needed to rescue Laura from the cryogenic pod under the mountain….

Alexis rises through the ranks of the Independent Order of Valkyries…

Maestro seeks to help and then heal a king…

The leader of the Society authorizes increased activities in the Borderlands, and Ranger Stone is lost as a result…

Ranger Stone’s son Brian, the boy with one blue and one brown eye, comes of age and learns a family secret that places him at the center of a great conflict…

And Bucky the horse continues to chew on nothing.

At the end of Beyond the Lemon Tree Moon, Number One, Annabelle, and many from the Potato arrive in the Earth System. But what awaits them when they return to their ancestral home?

Find out in Navigating Yesterday.

Summary: Overall, this was another great addition to Dean’s The Voided Man series and I am excited to see where he takes it next. This book (and series) is for anyone who is interested in quirky and humorous science fiction, especially sci-fi that touches on space travel and what it means to be human. 

See the full review here: Navigating Yesterday
Purchase here

 

She Tames the Sea by E.M. Etheridge

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Synopsis: Men fear a woman on the sea. They say women bring about bad luck and anger from the gods who rule the waters. Estella Bohem fears being aboard Captain Eric Price’s ship, amongst the pirates who kidnapped her for her abilities. It was the Bohem family who used magic to tame the beast of the sea decades ago. They trapped it in an ancient spell to make the waters safe to travel, but it was the vagabonds of the sea who wanted to free it, tame it, and use it for their own ambitions. All her life Estella never had control of her future, but as the notoriously brutal Captain Edward Laggatt hunts her down for the key to the beast’s cage, she has no choice but to trust the same men who stole her away from her socialite life in Charleston South Carolina.

She Tames The Sea is an adult dark fantasy novel that delves into the complications of familial relations, magic and mythology.

Summary: Overall, I LOVED this book. A creative dark fantasy featuring witches, pirates, romance, action, adventure, and magic, I cannot recommend this book enough and am crossing my fingers that we will see more in this series in the future!

See the full review here: She Tames the Sea
Purchase here

 

Review: The Others by T.C. Weber

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Synopsis:

When a corpse with webbed feet and other aquatic adaptations washes ashore during a hurricane, the county medical examiner calls in marine biologist Will Myers for assistance. The deceased’s mysterious sister, Andreia, claims the body and asks Will to help figure out how her brother died. Will and Andreia bond over shared tragedies and a yearning to heal a dying ocean as they seek to learn how her brother spent his final days.

Andreia brings Will to her undersea home, part of a hidden civilization inhabited by smugglers, hackers, treasure hunters, and traders—all members of a different species, driven to the edge of extinction by human diseases and climate change. As feelings between the two grow, the investigation into her brother’s death leads to a sinister plot by a fanatical cabal. Together, Will and Andreia must find a way to save both humanity and the ocean without imperiling the existence of her species.

Favorite Lines:

“Everyone responds to death differently”

“If it takes near-death from a giant shark for a Land-Dweller to want to kiss, it’s a wonder there are so many of you.”

“To friendship, to love, to the kinship of all, and to our collective home, our world.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

When Weber requested a review for this book he mentioned that it beared some similarities to a couple of other works including the Avatar movies, which I loved so I figured I had to read and review this book and I was very glad that I did although I would perhaps compare this more with the tv show, Tidelands and I will be interested to hear what other readers think!

The Others is an engaging undersea science fiction thriller that masterfully intertwines mystery, romance, and environmental themes. The narrative begins with marine biologist Will Myers being called to examine a peculiar corpse with aquatic adaptations that has washed ashore during a hurricane. This event introduces him to Andreia, the enigmatic sister of the deceased, who seeks his expertise to uncover the truth behind her brother’s death.

As Will and Andreia delve deeper into the investigation, Will is introduced to a hidden civilization beneath the ocean’s surface, inhabited by a distinct species facing extinction due to human-induced challenges like disease and climate change. Weber’s portrayal of this underwater world is vivid and imaginative, offering readers a fresh perspective on the possibilities that lie beneath the sea.

The relationship between Will and Andreia evolves naturally, adding depth to the narrative as they confront a fanatical cabal’s sinister plot that threatens both their worlds. Weber skillfully balances the development of their bond with the unfolding suspense, keeping readers invested in their journey.

I was really interested to learn that Weber’s background is as an ecologist which I thought really lends itself to this story; enriching it while providing authentic insights into marine biology and environmental issues. His attention to detail and ability to weave scientific concepts into the narrative enhance the story’s credibility and engagement.

Summary:

“The Others” is a compelling read that combines elements of mystery, romance, and science fiction, all set against the backdrop of pressing environmental concerns. Weber’s storytelling captivates the imagination, making this novel a must-read for fans of speculative fiction/science fiction and ecological thrillers alike.

Check out The Others here!

 

Review: Somewhere Along the Line by Mallory Thomas

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Synopsis:

Their marriage of convenience was supposed to exist on paper. Can these strangers act convincingly in love when the pressure’s on?

Piper Paulson’s life is finally on the upswing. She has a new job, a BFF roommate, and a commitment to avoid dating after an ex cost her her peace—and her former career. She may not have two nickels to spare, but that’s another day’s problem.

James Newhouse doesn’t have time or energy to deal with… well, anything. A hotshot banker with a complicated family, he’s determined to keep people at arm’s length. His attraction to Piper isn’t part of the plan, and neither is adding her to a Family Fares commuter pass as his “wife” to save her money on train fare.

Too bad their judgment is speeding away faster than their shared train.

Thrown together by chance (and a handful of Elvis impersonators), James and Piper find themselves witnesses to an incident on their commute—“married” witnesses, who may be asked to testify if the crime goes to trial.

Can they keep up the charade to avoid being outed for their lie? And perhaps more importantly, can they protect their hearts in the process?

Exploring the journey to build a future when the path you planned no longer exists, SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE is a heartfelt strangers to lovers spicy romance with a guaranteed happily ever after.

Favorite Lines:

“Get it together. Can you act like a normal human for once? One with a brain and the ability to stop the words from spilling out of your mouth at sixty miles per hour, word vomiting on this specimen of a man who doesn’t have the time or desire for this interaction? The answer is no, it turns out. I cannot. The spew continues.”

“That’s why they make the people on The Bachelor do those bungee jumping dates, right? Getting through something scary with another person makes you feel bonded. Stupid dopamine response.”

My Opinion:

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

Anyone who knows me and/or has been following this blog knows that romance in any form is my favorite genre so of course I couldn’t turn away the opportunity to read and review this contemporary romance; and I am so glad that I did!

Mallory Thomas’ Somewhere Along the Line is a poignant exploration of life’s unpredictability and the strength found in embracing its chaos. The novel seamlessly weaves the personal and the universal through the lens of its vividly drawn protagonist. Set against a richly described backdrop, the story artfully captures themes of resilience, love, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with readers who appreciate heartfelt narratives.

The book’s strength lies in its emotionally complex characters and the thoughtful pacing that allows their growth to feel authentic. Thomas paints scenes with carefully crafted detail, creating a setting that is both tangible and metaphorically reflective of the protagonist’s journey. While some moments may feel slightly predictable, the earnestness of the prose and the sincerity of its message ultimately leave a lasting impact.

As mentioned above, I thought a lot of the strength in this novel lies in its characters, particularly in Piper. Thomas does a fantastic job at taking us on Piper’s journey of self-discovery which I felt formed a beautiful, emotional core to the story. Her deep character development and the challenges she faced and how she overcame them felt entirely realistic and relatable, which I really enjoyed.

Thomas also delves into themes of human connection, exploring how relationships shape and redefine us over time. The novel’s supporting characters are as multifaceted as the protagonist, serving as mirrors, mentors, or challenges to their growth. These dynamics add complexity to the story, making it more than just a tale of personal evolution—it becomes a broader commentary on the interconnectedness of human experiences. The novel doesn’t shy away from addressing the messy realities of life, yet it does so with a sense of hope and optimism that leaves readers feeling uplifted.

While some aspects of the plot may feel familiar to fans of contemporary fiction, the sincerity of Thomas’ writing and the authenticity of her characters elevate the story beyond its premise. Thomas’ is also able to infuse this story with a sense of humor similar to my own that had me aggressively exhaling through my nose (you know what I mean) at a minimum of once per chapter which I think goes a long way at highlighting Thomas’ unique storytelling voice that truly lends itself to the story. 

Summary:

Overall, this was a fantastic contemporary romance and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in character-driven stories that balance introspection with hope. This book could be for anyone has ever felt lost and found themselves in unexpected places as this book offers a comforting reminder that growth often comes from the most surprising moments. Whether you’re a fan of heartfelt dramas or simply looking for an engaging and meaningful read, this novel is sure to leave a lasting impression. Happy reading!

Check out Somewhere Along the Line here!