Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
There's so much hype surrounding this book lately, so I had to check it out for myself. I'm happy to report that it's all well deserved. It was a beautifully written story about love, loss, and learning how to move on despite your grief. I thought Lou and Henry felt so real. They each had their vulnerabilities to work through, and it made them stronger, both individually and collectively. I adored Henry and the way he showed his feelings for Lou quietly, but in ways that were so impactful to her. Lou was also such a softie who cared deeply for others, and I just wanted to hug her. There are so many emotional moments, but O'Clover still managed to make the story feel hopeful. I’m excited to read more from her.
This one is for everyone shouting to bring back yearning in books. Vasti offers a full buffet here. I loved the dynamic between Georgiana and Cat. The premise of two Gothic writers being thrown into a (possible) haunted house while battling their feelings was *chefs kiss*. The tension is palpable, and I loved how each harbored a soft spot for the other for years. The romance between them felt tender and romantic, and their interactions were filled with Vasti's signature wit and banter. This almost felt like a love letter to every queer person throughout history, and it was beautifully done. The setting and plot were fun, and I liked seeing how everything played out. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers with a dash of forced proximity, then I recommend checking this one out.
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| Pub Date: 9-23-25 Adult - Romance |
The Heartbreak Hotel- Ellen O'Clover: Despite her rocky upbringing, Louisa Walsh has kept an optimistic outlook on life. But her resolve is tested to its limits after her rockstar boyfriend cheats on her, and she's left struggling to find a way to make rent on their home on her own. The smart move would be to find a smaller place, but Lou loves this cozy home nestled in the Colorado mountains, so she devises a plan. Henry Rhodes likes to keep to himself and not meddle too much in his tenants' affairs, so when Lou proposes her plan to turn the home into a B&B for heartbroken people, he's a little wary. As the Comeback Inn opens its doors, Lou and Henry keep finding themselves thrown together, and soon neither can deny their growing attraction. But with so much left unsaid between them, they'll both need to break down the walls around their hearts if they hope to make their relationship last.
There's so much hype surrounding this book lately, so I had to check it out for myself. I'm happy to report that it's all well deserved. It was a beautifully written story about love, loss, and learning how to move on despite your grief. I thought Lou and Henry felt so real. They each had their vulnerabilities to work through, and it made them stronger, both individually and collectively. I adored Henry and the way he showed his feelings for Lou quietly, but in ways that were so impactful to her. Lou was also such a softie who cared deeply for others, and I just wanted to hug her. There are so many emotional moments, but O'Clover still managed to make the story feel hopeful. I’m excited to read more from her.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 10-7-25 Adult - Fantasy |
Alchemy of Secrets- Stephanie Garber: Holland St. James has always believed that magic was real, and her belief only grew after taking a folklore class taught by an enigmatic woman known as the Professor. Most who stumble upon this class think the Professor's stories are fiction, but Holland knows better. When one of those stories leads Holland to the Watch Man, who can tell the date and time of your death, she's shocked to learn that she'll die by midnight the following day unless she can find an ancient object known as the Alchemical Heart. Soon, Holland finds herself on a magical treasure hunt throughout Los Angeles, and torn between two strangers who swear they have her best interest at heart. But with every clue she uncovers, Holland is left with even more questions, and with time ticking away, she's starting to worry that the Alchemical Heart might not be enough to save her.
I love SG's writing, so I couldn't wait to see what she would do with her adult debut. It had the same whimsical charm that her YA series had, but with a slight grittiness. Holland felt a lot like her previous FMCs in that she was so quick to trust those around her, which didn't always work in her favor. Even though her impetuousness was often frustrating to read, I still rooted for her the entire time. I loved following along on her search around LA, and learning how it tied into her father's past. I got a little worried that a love triangle might develop between Holland and our two MMCs, so I'm glad that wasn't the case. I found both Gabe and Adam interesting, and I still don't know who she was correct in trusting. I thought this was a standalone, but the ending left room for more, so I'm not entirely sure if Holland's story is over. If not, I’m excited to see what happens next.
I love SG's writing, so I couldn't wait to see what she would do with her adult debut. It had the same whimsical charm that her YA series had, but with a slight grittiness. Holland felt a lot like her previous FMCs in that she was so quick to trust those around her, which didn't always work in her favor. Even though her impetuousness was often frustrating to read, I still rooted for her the entire time. I loved following along on her search around LA, and learning how it tied into her father's past. I got a little worried that a love triangle might develop between Holland and our two MMCs, so I'm glad that wasn't the case. I found both Gabe and Adam interesting, and I still don't know who she was correct in trusting. I thought this was a standalone, but the ending left room for more, so I'm not entirely sure if Holland's story is over. If not, I’m excited to see what happens next.
Rating: 3/5
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| Pub Date: 9-23-25 Adult - Historical Romance |
Ladies in Hating- Alexandra Vasti: Lady Georgiana Cleeve has made quite a name for herself as an author, and it seems someone is trying to ride her coattails. When Georgiana discovers similarities between her books and those of the mysterious Lady Darling, she concocts a plan to uncover and confront the copycat. But her perfect plan goes out the window when she finds that Lady Darling is no other than Cat Lacey, daughter of her family's former butler and the object of all of teenage Georgiana's fantasies. Cat has spent years trying to pay off her family's debts, and she's not about to let Georgiana throw her off. When the pair find themselves thrown together at a crumbling manor, tensions rise and the line between rivalry and passion begins to blur.
This one is for everyone shouting to bring back yearning in books. Vasti offers a full buffet here. I loved the dynamic between Georgiana and Cat. The premise of two Gothic writers being thrown into a (possible) haunted house while battling their feelings was *chefs kiss*. The tension is palpable, and I loved how each harbored a soft spot for the other for years. The romance between them felt tender and romantic, and their interactions were filled with Vasti's signature wit and banter. This almost felt like a love letter to every queer person throughout history, and it was beautifully done. The setting and plot were fun, and I liked seeing how everything played out. If you enjoy rivals-to-lovers with a dash of forced proximity, then I recommend checking this one out.
Rating: 4/5
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