 5 stars
A new favorite book!! Like a continued conversation of C.S. Lewis' Narnia but with some much-needed modern updates and encapsulating the most important bit: the joy of portal fantasy. Concept: ★★★★ Pacing: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Plot: ★★★★ As boys, best friends Jeremy Cox and Rafe Howell went missing in a vast West Virginia state forest, only to mysteriously reappear six months later with no explanation for where they’d gone or how they’d survived. Fifteen years after their miraculous homecoming, Rafe is a reclusive artist who still bears scars inside and out but has no memory of what happened during those months. Meanwhile, Jeremy has become a famed missing persons’ investigator. With his uncanny abilities, he is the one person who can help vet tech Emilie Wendell find her sister, who vanished in the very same forest as Rafe and Jeremy. Sometimes, there are stories that come out of nowhere and knock you back on your feet in pure joy. The Lost Story was one of those tales for me. I went into this novel with little to no expectations—it was my Book of the Month book club pick, and seemed like the best of the lot in a lackluster selection pool. So it was to my pleasant surprise that I found myself captivated by this fairytale of childhood escapades colliding with adult dreams. If you were a Narnia kid, you've got to give this novel a try. (And, if you weren't a Narnia person for the religious reasons, rest assured that this story is a safe space for you too as religion is not a factor in this remake.) The Lost Story is about two adult men coming together again after decades of separation and separate grief periods following a mysterious lost period of their childhood. It's also about an adult woman looking for her long-lost sister, who she never knew but has always mourned. And it's about "finding" in all of its forms. Finding your way, finding love, finding home, finding what was once lost. Like all the best fairytales, this story isn't that deep yet hits all of the deep notes. We're not excavating Christianity like C.S. Lewis, and we're not trying to take any moral stance on anything. But we are coming to the meaning of love, and acceptance, and overcoming childhood traumas to discover inner peace. I think it's best to go into this novel with little more than that as preparation—part of the magic is in the joy of experiencing this story for what it is. However, please note there are some trigger warnings: childhood abuse, parental abuse of father to child (not sexual), trauma from those experiences affecting the child as an adult, confronting your abuser, homophobia.
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 4.5 stars
Honestly, this is a huge growth leap for Hazelwood emotionally and narratively. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I am reinvigorated from my Reylo fatigue and excited for future Hazelwood books. Concept: not a silly rom-com Plot/Pacing: ★★★★ 1/2 Romance: ★★★★ Enjoyment: ★★★★★ Kind of bummed to see the lower reviews for this story, not gonna lie folks. I thought this was Hazelwood's strongest emotional narrative that she's traditionally published and marks a new turning point for her writing. The niche that Hazelwood has comfortably inhabited for several years now is an expected one: she was a Reylo fanfiction writer (Star Wars fandom, Kylo Ren + Rey) who seriously loved Adam Driver and wrote funny / witty romantic comedies starring an Adam Driver-variant hulking dude with brooding silent issues falling in love with a tiny anxious girlie in STEM. The blueprint worked, the books are hilarious, and it made her a romance reader household name. Not in Love is a departure from this blueprint. (I found this tidbit extremely exciting.) It's still a woman in STEM, and it's still a tall dude. But here are the differences: physically, they're actually unique people and the woman is normal proportions and quite tall (stated as 6 feet tall in moderate heels). The male love interest is not silent or broody—he's driven, communicative, and the emotionally mature pilot of this romance. And most important to me, this narrative is emotionally complex and extremely nuanced. Rue, our female protagonist, has some pretty serious childhood trauma that has affected her to this day. She's also very clearly spectrum-coded, or at least to me. With her trauma and her autistic aloofness cocooning her in a blanket of perceived coldness, Rue's had an interesting go of relationships all her life. She has rules, she follows them, and the only true constants in her life are her best friend and her boss. Eli is a confident businessman who owns a company with his friends. They're in investments, they buy out other companies and make them succeed under their leadership. When his company acquires Rue's STEM corporate company in a gentle takeover, Eli is taken aback to realize that Rue, the woman he'd just met the night before in a failed hook-up, is one of his new employees. He's shook, as the brief contact with her the night before was electric and he was hoping to pursue it. But now it's complicated. Eli and Rue are quick to discover that their chemistry cannot be denied—no matter the stakes. And as the two of them spiral deeper and deeper into obsession, they realize that their pasts are each others for the discovery...if only they can get over their hang-ups to reach for it. Not in Love is, well, NOT a rom-com. It's a catharsis. Something that will either deeply resonate with you or deeply turn you off, depending on your personal triggers and your ability to step into the shoes of these two flawed characters. Rue's autistic-coded aloofness reads as extremely cold, and she's blatantly unapologetic about it in a way that I can see being off-putting to prior Hazelwood readers looking for the "cute quirky" variant of the spectrum girlie. And Eli's brand of sexual obsession and soft dominance is also a little different from the previous Hazelwood leads, in a way I personally found refreshing but others might not. Given this departure from Hazelwood's comfort zones, I'm very excited to see where she goes next. Don't sleep on this one if you're looking for a deeper emotional read!  4.5 stars
Guess who's back?? You know it's summertime when a new Riley Sager hits the shelves. His perfect blend of atmosphere, twists, and propulsive narratives are always a hit with me. Come, join us for a deep dive into the dark pasts of suburbia in Middle of the Night... Concept: ★★★ 1/2 Pacing: ★★★★★ Mysteries/Final Reveals: ★★★★ Enjoyment: ★★★★ 1/2 At this point, you might as well call me a Riley Sager review plant, seeded to guarantee a positive review in the mix no matter the content. It feels that way to me, anyway--I seem to have an addiction to his stories and pacing structures. They're so perfectly paced for me. Middle of the Night takes place in the most Americana of locations: the suburb. And not just the suburb, but the microcosm: the cul-de-sac. Bonded by location and forced into tragedy by a disappeared boy in the late 1990s, this small group of cul-de-sac neighbors has weathered the decades with grief, life, and ever-present neighborly status. Who took Billy from his tent in the backyard one summer night? Why did they leave Ethan, the other boy on the scene, sleeping peacefully in the tent? Why has Billy never been found? Now in his 4os, Ethan is an adult haunted by the incident of his missing boyhood friend. He has recurring dreams and chronic insomnia and a bone-deep paranoia that doesn't seem to abate with his adult wisdom. At the start of the novel, Ethan's back in his cul-de-sac recouping from marital strife and housesitting for his parents. It's stirring up ghosts of all kinds in the sleepy—yet vigilant—neighborhood. And then they find Billy. Things are about to bubble to surface of this sleepy community whether the neighbors want it to or not... AH. Another winner from Sager. I said it at the beginning of this review and I'll say it again—I just really, really like his stories. The formula works for me and if you're a fan of his earlier books, let's just say you're going to love this one too. It's spooky without being a paranormal-driven narrative. It's split-timeline with the 1994 events spliced between Ethan's modern-day dramas in the neighborhood to create such perfect tension. And most of all?? It has some red herrings and distracting elements that make you feel like you're on top of the twists...and then it gets you. Even if you get some of it, there's enough nuance to the final third act that I bet you'll be pleasantly surprised by at least something. (Always a treat to be partially surprised by a mystery when you've previously read/watched so many twist formulas in media.) I am very pleased to have this join my Sager shelf. And I'm already ready for the next one!  3.5 stars
When the Moon Hatched was equally interesting and unwieldy. It was a very cool world concept and an interesting premise, but the story fell apart under the author’s meandering scene structures and overwritten length. However, I did enjoy the raw hunk of narrative within the mess, so….? It’s one of those series that I think will improve with later installments. Concept: ★★★★★ Pacing: ★ 1/2 Action vs. filler scenes: ★★ 1/2 World building: ★★★★ This is a reaction review, please see the book's description for the blurb. When the Moon Hatched is one of those independently published novels that got picked up by a traditional publisher because of the grassroots marketing and hype. I'm not trying to knock it or call it out for this reason, but for those who are not plugged in to the publishing world updates and/or read this review after 2024 when the hype dies down, I think it is relevant information to have. I have mixed feelings about independently published books. On the one hand, I LOVE THEM. It's a way for authors to publish books without the red tape, and it often leads to more freedoms and control for marginalized authors who can't get through the maze of the uptight publishing machine. It also leads to some really, really great books. But on the other hand... traditionally published books are vetted like nobody's business. They're ruthlessly edited for length, consistency, pacing, and more. They're shaped into final products, and there is (usually) a quality control element that ensures that the book you pick up in the store is going to work out for you on a mechanical level, if not an enjoyment level due to optional factors like tastes, writer's voice, and actual plot contents. I unfortunately do not think that When the Moon Hatched is a final product like those traditionally published novels or some of my favorite independently published authors. It has such a cool world: There's dragons in it, but dragon's aren't the be-all, end-all of the world building (something that tends to be the easy hook for other dragon books). Everyone is fae, with all the usual tropes that entails PLUS a fun elemental magic element that is truly unique involving the elemental gods. The customs, phrasings, and set up of this world is SO intriguing and immersive that I found myself immediately wishing for more fanart and spin-offs to the concept—it's a rich enough world to sustain that. It also has a pretty decent hook: Raeve, our female protagonist, is an assassin-for-hire in the rebel underground who has deep secrets and a revenge vendetta that fuels her motivations—and she's about to find herself in the middle of a huge quest plot involving a hot dude. Yes, it's been done by many of the titans of romantasy and fantasy, but it's a solid hook and I like reading that kind of story. So where did When the Moon Hatched fall apart?? Easy answer: the meandering length. This whopper 700+ page tome did not have enough raw plot/action to cover that kind of page count, so what could have been an unputdownable 400-500 page experience became a slog involving multiple sessions of "sigh, let me try to get through more of this today" energy that felt unfulfilling due to the sheer amount of filler content and repetitive scene structures in the novel. Too many scenes with Raeve being the "mentally traumatized yet outwardly tough assassin who can't trust anyone" mixed with Kaan, the male love interest w/ harsh kindness and unbelievable magical strength who clearly knows more than Raeve and yet doesn't tell her the facts. (Such an annoying dichotomy that only carries you for the first few hundred pages before you lose all patience with the concept and just want the truth already so that the real plot can progress). I was tolerant of this trope for the first 400 pages because a) it's in a lot of these stories and I don't mind it when it's done well and b) there was so much going on / getting explored in the world and plot that it wasn't a plot crutch, it was just waiting for its turn. That patience dissolved with prejudice when, in the second half of the novel, we sat in this loop of nonsense—repeated types of actions, repeated interactions with characters, odd side quests, barely fleshed out introductions of new POVs after an already established 2-POV structure—where the delays to information served...no real purpose. The weight of the payoff collapsed, and I was left frustrated, angry, and bored. Never a good combo for a reader! HOWEVER, all that griping and negativity aside, I thought this tale had that extra "something" to it that makes for a good story. I think, with editing, this series could really turn into something epic. I am looking forward to the sequel and will definitely revisit this world again.  4.5 stars
Another adorable win from Julie Soto. Her brand of funny + emotional + medium-stakes drama really works for me, apparently. (Even if I'm getting pretty tired of the 'published Reylo fanfiction' element of romance books these days.) Writing: ★★★★★ Characters: ★★ Plot/Pacing: ★★★★ Not Another Love Song is for us musician girlies. You know, the ones who were too involved in their high school band or orchestras—or maybe even those of us who made it to college-level bands or orchestras too, or even beyond that. If you don't love the lifeblood of being a concert musician, I don't think this novel will hit you quite the same. But for those of us who remember those days... Gwen Jackson is a early 20s violinist for the Manhattan Pops, an orchestra group that plays non-classical orchestra arrangements. She's be a respectable member of the violin section, never standing out yet never flopping, for years. So when she is unexpectedly given the first chair / concertmaster seat, Gwen's floored. Xander Thorne is the bad boy of the Manhattan Pops, arriving late and barely practicing each piece. He's a musical prodigy and the headliner for a popular rock-strings ensemble (think Vitamin String Quartet) that tours the world. He's too good for the minor leagues, and the worst thing is he knows it. Obviously, Xander and Gwen are going to butt heads with Gwen's recent promotion and Xander's absolute fixation on Gwen's performances. There's something about Gwen's raw sight reading that calls to Xander in his blood, and he must know what it is. (Gwen has no idea what he's talking about, but she's pretty obtuse in this arena.) And the two of them find themselves fascinated by the other for various reasons. Fans of Ali Hazelwood and other "Reylo" fanfiction tropes will automatically recognize the arcs of this story. Aloof yet smart, hulkingly large dark-haired man with tiny, smart yet seriously situationally stupid pretty girl fall in love with the miscommunication trope. I'll be brutal, that's what this—and apparently every other Reylo story in the canon—is at its basic level. It either works for you or it doesn't, and for me, I'm in the "it works" camp for at least a little longer. I look forward to more Julie Soto—but I'm keeping my fingers crossed that her next read freshens up the tropes a bit. (Even someone who enjoys the Reylo archetype gets tired of it.)  5 stars
Enemies to lovers. Hate banging to love banging. Complex family and friend dramas. Addictive pacing. Realistic egos and flaws. What's not to love?? Concept: ★★★★ Characters: ★★★★★ Steam factor: ★★★★★ Drama: ★★★★ Sometimes there are books that are tailor-made for you. Things Amy likes to read: enemies to lovers with real dislike on both sides, intense sexual chemistry regardless of mental interest, secret dramas that cause angst to both people, and some sort of angst that both ties the characters together and viciously keeps them apart. Twisted Hate had all of those things in spades, y'all, and I am OBSESSED with it. I can already tell I'm going to read this story again, and again, and again—because that's what I do with these types of angsty HEAs. Jules Ambrose and Josh Chen hate each other. Jules is best friends with Ava Chen, Josh's sister, and she knows Josh hates her because she overheard him telling Ava that Jules was bad news back when Jules and Ava first roomed together in college. He's been a pain in her ass ever since, and she's returned the same energy back to him blow for blow. Josh Chen can't stop fixating on Jules Ambrose. She's fiery, a troublemaker, a spitfire with more balls than common sense. And he hates her. (He also knows where she is and what she's up to at all times, but that's just knowing your enemy. Right??) Both Jules and Josh find themselves stuck in eternal snarky orbit with their close relationships to Ava, and it all comes to a head when the universe decides to place them in a remote Vermont cabin... with only one bed. The seal breaks on their sexual chemistry and both Josh and Jules realize that there's no way out but through—so they decide to secretly bang it out of their system. Enemies with benefits always ends well... Add in a heavy dose of drama, some serious personal angsts, secret trysts, and high emotional stakes and we've got ourselves Twisted Hate. Like I said at the beginning of this review, I loveddd this story. No notes, I had such a good time and thought it was all great. However, a note on the reviews—it seems that many reviewers found this one difficult to love due to the third act conflict. Let me state for the record: I had zero issues with the third act here. Given Josh and Jules' dynamics and the hefty egos + emotional immaturities on both sides, I actually thought that conflict was extremely realistic. They're in their early 20s, they've never had a successful emotionally deep/communicative relationship before, and they're both glass castles of fragile ego. That conflict made TOTAL sense given those factors. But I guess some people have had healthier in-real-life relationships than me and/or never had something similar happen to them in their early 20s years (good for y'all).  4.5 stars
The third mystery romance from Kristen Ashley's Misted Pines series, and my personal favorite?? This was so adorable, sweet, and engrossing. Characters: ★★★★★ Setting: ★★★★ Plot: ★★★ 1/2 Writing style: It's a KA book, so keep this in mind as her writing style is Very Dramatic and she loves a good one-sentence paragraph (like, REALLY loves it) New to the Misted Pines series? I recommend readers start with book one, The Girl in the Mist, because this series of interconnected standalone romance pairings is best enjoyed in order. My review of The Girl in the Mist (Misted Pines #1) here. My review of The Girl in the Woods (Misted Pines #2) here. Nadia Williams is trying to recuperate and figure out her life in the wake of tragedy. When the cozy cabin shows up on her online search in the quaint small town of Misted Pines, Nadia has a gut feeling that it's the right spot for her. She abandons her high-rolling Chicago life for the woods. Riggs, a single-dad bachelor who works high-end craftsmanship commissions, lives on the small lake that Nadia's rental cabin sits on. He's a good time guy, a loner who's never wanted for temporary female company, and he's not pressed about Nadia living down the way. After all, no one stays in that cabin for long. But this good time guy and this healing woman with deep secrets are about to fall into each other in a big way, as Misted Pines is becoming known for one thing in particular: murder and drama. There's a legend of ghosts on Nadia's cabin property, with a long history of renters being run off the property in the middle of the night. People died on that land violently and the community has never fully recovered. Somebody has secrets to keep, and at the heart of the mystery is Nadia's small cabin property. Riggs and Nadia are caught right in the middle of it. With an attraction between them, individual baggage behind them, and an uncertain perpetrator in the woods, these two find that sometimes fate has a path in store for you—whether you're ready for it or not. The Woman by the Lake was a romance novel that took me partially by surprise. Which is probably on me, because I knew I was a huge KA stan and I knew that I had fallen in love, slowly, with this series. Why I was totally blown away with my love for this one in particular, who knows. For frequent KA readers like myself, the Misted Pines series is very unique. Kristen Ashley is known for her romantic and plot-based drama, her usually metropolitan settings, and her very large ensemble casts. Misted Pines has very little of those tropes—it's a minimal cast (single digits!), the drama is centered squarely on the plot and not the romance element, and it's so far into small town territory that it's in the literal woods. So that means all the "fluff" is scraped away from these stories, leaving the reader with what is at the core of all great KA tales: the romance itself and the character dynamics. If you're a romance reader, odds are that you love the character dynamics. That's what those stories are often about—the feel goods, the journey to love, the dialogue, the angst between the two leads, and the emotional core of the tales. (And for the smut readers, some seriously good times in the sheets too.) The Woman by the Lake shines with its romance dynamics and the sweet love story at its core. It's bottled up feel good, and I loved every second of it. Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for an honest review.  4 stars
Very interesting read. One of those "it's an underlying message" tales that usually drives me nuts—but this one? It worked. And it worked WELL, and it managed to keep the enjoyment factor at the same time. Concept: ★★★★★ Pacing: ★★★ Characters: ★★★★ Humor: ★★★★ I totally can see why The September House made it on to so many of my mutuals' lists... and after reading it, I now understand the really polarizing reactions to this read. Ranging from lukewarm "whatever, it was fine" to oh-my-god-this-was-so-freaking-cool to "what are people on about, this was dull and preachy"—yeah, it seems like this story incites a reaction. I had no idea where I'd fall, and the blurb from Grady Hendrix saying "just when you thought you'd seen everything there was to see about the haunted house story, there's this surprise" practically made me do it for that alone. As someone who loves haunted house stories, what do you MEAN this was something...new? I love new. So with my curiosity piqued, I dove in. When Margaret and her husband Hal bought the large Victorian house on Hawthorn Street—for sale at a surprisingly reasonable price—they couldn’t believe they finally had a home of their own. Then they discovered the hauntings that happen every September. Most people would flee. Margaret is NOT most people. The blurb sets us right off: there's a house, it's a nightmare to live in each September, and most owners don't make it to the next autumn before they flee into the night. But then, there's Margaret. Margaret has nerves of steel and an unwavering will to resolve all solutions through adaptability and compromise. She's had a lifetime of experience navigating challenges and she knows the truth: as long as one follows the Rules, any problem can be navigated. So Margaret deals with the walls dripping blood. The screaming and moaning. The dead children all pointing to the basement door saying "he's down there." She doesn't mind the housekeeper with the axed forehead who serves her tea. And she's even cool with the screaming demon boy with the biting habit. All things, after all, can be managed if done properly. But when Margaret's husband, Hal, runs off into the night and disappears... Margaret runs into problems. Her daughter, Katherine, wants answers. Where is Hal? Why did he leave? Why does Margaret want her to stay away? Margaret doesn't want to tell Katherine about the hauntings. Especially not in September. Katherine—like father, like daughter—doesn't listen. She arrives, and she's here for answers. In September. Margaret's going to have quite a time. (And she does.) This was a really, really cool horror novel. I think this is the kind of story I was expecting out of Sarah Gailey's Just Like Home, which disappointed me more than expected a few years ago. The September House has some layered family secrets and traumas that are boldly, and yet subtly, conveyed in this story. Margaret as a main character was such a clever choice. Her wry humor, her acceptance of all truths (no matter how dark), and her resolute will to continue on at all costs was so...singular. And I loved unpacking all of that over the course of the novel.  4.5 stars
You know what I love? I love being surprised by stories. When you’re a frequent reader, the surprises become fewer and farther between as you reread tropes and plot points. But Pam?? Pam always surprises me. And I love her for that. This story is so unique and so angsty and yes, I’m still obsessed. Plot: ★★★★★ Pacing: ★★★ Angst: ★★★★ Enjoyment: ★★★★★ This is the second book in the Frozen Fate series. You CANNOT start with this book, you must start with book one--Hills of Shivers and Shadows. Read my review of Hills of Shivers and Shadows here. Okay, now I'm writing this review for my fellow besties who have already read Hills of Shivers and Shadows. Y'all.... I'm convinced that Pam laces these books with something to make them this good. There's no other author in this subgenre that I read as obsessively as her. I don't read a lot of darker romance, but I'll always read Pam because at the end of the day, I know the characters are in love. There might be a hell of a lot of angst and pain in their journeys, but it's all coming hand-in-hand with their eventual love arc. So with that being said, let's talk about the propulsive sequel, Cage of Ice and Echoes. Frankie, Leo, and Kodiak are stranded in the Artic Circle. Their generator is broken. They've just killed their abuser, Denver, and he was the only one who knew how to fly the plane—their one source of escape from the wilderness. They're going to die out here in the dark, frigid cold without any help or way of escape. Leo and Kodiak are found-family brothers, raised in this unforgiving hellscape with Denver. They're grieving the loss of their fellow brother, Wolf, and are reeling from the fact that for the first time in their lives, they are free of Denver's abusive control. And they're both obsessively in love with Frankie. Frankie was abducted by Denver at the beginning of this series and brought to the Arctic Circle compound where it became clear to her that something very sinister lay at the heart of the compound. After a traumatic several months spent in Denver's control and orbiting around Denver's three adult "sons," Frankie finds herself entwined forever with these rugged Alaskan men. But with Wolf and Denver gone, the three remaining survivors have a lot to work out—not the least of which is their deep connections and love for each other. Can Kodiak and Leo share a woman when they both love her obsessively and see each other as brothers? Can Frankie navigate this unique romantic scenario while also dealing with the perils of surviving a starving, freezing winter? And wait, there's another wrinkle in this already crumpled story: Monty, Frankie's rich husband, isn't out of commission. Denver might have ruined Frankie's love for her husband by showing her a video of Monty cheating on her after she "left him" in her abduction, but that was Monty's one fumbling moment in months of endless pain. He's been a broken man since Frankie "left," and he's never given up. He's running himself and his fortune into the ground in an effort to find his missing wife. What will he do—and what will Frankie do—when and if he finds her? So many tangles. So many threads. So much pain, and beauty, and grace. The heart of this survivor's tale is deep in the frozen tundra, and it's time to connect some dots. Like all of Pam's stories that I've read so far, you come for that unique scenario that propels you to find out "why." And then you stay for the hard-won and emotionally fulfilling romance story arc that awaits you at the finish line. This sequel is in the middle of a trilogy with cliffhangers on both sides—there is no big closure moment here. It's the middle leg of the journey and it reads like one. A little softer, a little more focused on building the relationships vs. uncovering more secrets. After the pain and stress of the first book, I enjoyed this reprieve as a reader. And now I'm FERAL for that third book.  5 stars
I have been waiting a LONG, long time for the Rock Chicks universe spin-off series. It's here. …and it was AWESOME. My heart is full. Characters: ★★★★★ Plot/Pacing: ★★★★ Enjoyment: ★★★★★ From the Blurb: Rachel Armstrong has a burning need to right the world’s wrongs. Thus, she becomes the Avenging Angel. And maybe she’s a bit too cocky about it. While riding a hunch about the identity of a kidnapper, she runs into Julien “Cap” Jackson, who was trained by the team at Nightingale Investigations in Denver. Now he’s a full-fledged member at their newly opened Phoenix branch. It takes Cap a beat to realize Raye’s the woman for him. It takes Raye a little longer (but just a little) to figure out how she feels about Cap. As Raye introduces Cap to her crazy posse of found family and his new home in the Valley of the Sun, Cap struggles with his protective streak. Because Raye has no intention to stop doing what she can to save the world. But there’s a mysterious entity out there who has discovered what Raye is up to, and they’ve become very interested. Not to mention, women are going missing in Phoenix, and it seems like the police aren’t taking it seriously. Raye believes someone should. So she recruits her best friend Luna, and between making coffees, mixing cocktails, planning parties and enduring family interventions (along with reunions), the Avenging Angels unite to ride to the rescue. When you've waited a long time for something, it builds up in your head. Expectations, memories, that nostalgia of the past growing in effect over time... The whole nine yards. That's why sequels and spin offs are so tough for me—both in my books and in television/movies. Based on that, you could definitely say I was nervous for Avenging Angels. How could a new spin-off give me that same rush of pure joy that the original Rock Chick series gave me?? Will the vibes resonate?? Can I let go enough of my old favorites and their memories and let in a new generation?? All of those questions and others made me anxious. But y'all--when in doubt, it's always best to trust the process. KA delivered. From that very first chapter, I was hooked. Rachel, or "Raye," leapt right off the page and into my heart with her drive, her shenanigans, and her Phoenix found family. It was like no time had passed and yet, still, something fresh and new unfolding on the page. Raye might be an Angel, not a Rock Chick, but dang does she stand mighty fine next to our original leading ladies. And then there's Cap. Who I was most nervous about—I'm being honest!--mostly due to the fact that I wasn't sure if I, as a reader, could make that transition from seeing him as a young teen named "Sniff" in the original series to the badass leading man energy of a KA love interest. Again, I don't know why I ever doubted... Cap, nicknamed because of his physical similarities to a yummy bearded Chris Evans, was perfect. Assertive without being an alphahole. Competent without being annoying. Supportive of Raye's journey without being a background wallflower. He just...worked. And that worked for me in a big way. There's no other way to say this: I felt like I was coming home to this novel after being away for several years. Home might look a little different for us Rock Chick fans—we're in Phoenix, not Denver, and the cast of characters is largely new—but it was still home. I thought the balance of old to new was done perfectly in Avenging Angels. It's a new cast, but the old cast is there too in a realistic way. And the shenanigans?? OH BOY, hang on to your hat. Ridiculous in that classic KA way. Lovable in that KA way. Just... home. (At least for this KA and Rock Chick mega fan.) Can't wait for more of the Angels to get their happy endings! Thank you so much to the author for my advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. |
Amy Imogene ReadsJust someone looking for her own door into Wonderland. Categories
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All reviews posted are my own and do not reflect the opinions of any other individual or entity. When applicable, reviewed titles sent to me by the publisher are noted at the bottom of each review.
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