justreaditalreadypod's reviews
474 reviews

First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

 
I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
 
 
I read B.K. Borison's "Lovelight Farms" a couple of years ago and enjoyed it. I've meant to go back and read the other books in that series, but I just haven't had the time. When I saw that she had a new series coming out, I jumped at the chance. While I didn't love it as much as others seem to, I appreciated its feel-good energy, endearing characters, and moments of genuine connection.
 
The story begins with Aiden Valentine, the jaded host of Heartstrings, Baltimore's romance hotline, accepting the fact that he has fallen out of love with love. This is a bit of a problem for someone whose career revolves around giving others advice on finding love. Things take a turn when a young girl, Maya, calls into the station seeking dating advice for her mother, Lucie. The call quickly goes viral, and Aiden and Lucie are thrust into the spotlight, with everyone in Baltimore suddenly invested in Lucie's love life. In an attempt to capitalize on the success of that episode, the struggling radio station brings Lucie in to temporarily join Aiden's show as she looks for the love of her life. As Aiden and Lucie grow closer behind the scenes, sparks fly, but is it worth chasing when both are looking for different things?
 
Overall, this is a cute read, but I found the book's first half much stronger than the last. The dynamic between Aiden and Lucie is playful yet emotionally charged, and their chemistry feels natural. After Aiden and Lucie start hooking up, the earlier spark fades somewhat, causing the story to lose momentum once the "will they, won't they" tension is resolved. While their intimate moments are written with care, the shift in dynamics made the latter half of the book less engaging for me. Another thing that felt underwhelming was the expected third-act breakup. We all know these are coming, so I wasn't surprised by it, but it felt a little underwhelming here. The conflict seemed trivial and lacked the emotional weight necessary to make their reconciliation feel satisfying.
 
Despite these minor issues, Borison's writing is easy to enjoy. She has a talent for creating relatable characters and infuses the story with warmth and humor. The dialogue is sharp, the family dynamics are heartwarming, and the premise is both unique and fun. 
 
One of the things that works well is the dual points of view. Alternating between Lucie and Aiden's perspectives allows us to get a full picture of the situation. Lucie is chill and relatable. She would love to be in a loving, committed relationship but doesn't really know how to date. She's been so focused on Maya and the needs of others that she doesn't know where to begin. She was hopeful yet cautious, and I could relate to her. Aiden, on the other hand, is a bit grumpy and emotionally guarded, which contrasts nicely with Lucie's warmth and resilience. Seeing the story unfold from both sides gives the romance more depth and lets readers feel invested in their journey.
 
The side characters add an extra layer of charm to the story. Maya's clever schemes and genuine care for her mother bring humor and heart to the narrative. Grayson, Lucie's gay best friend, and Maya's father, provides a refreshing take on co-parenting. His friendship with Lucie is one of the book's most touching elements, showcasing a deep bond rooted in love and mutual respect. Aiden's coworkers, Maggie and Jackson, are also notable highlights, providing a few comic moments. 
 
While it didn't completely blow me away, I still found this to be an enjoyable and sweet read. The characters are engaging, the premise is fresh, and the moments of humor and heart make it a worthwhile pick for fans of contemporary romance. If you're looking for a low-stakes romance with lovable characters, a touch of humor, and a focus on family, this might just be the book for you. 
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

The Bones Beneath My Skin by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I received an advance galley of this book courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts are my own.
 
TJ Klune has once again proven why he is an auto-buy author for me. Departing from his more fantastical works like "The House in the Cerulean Sea" and "Under the Whispering Door," this novel ventures into a gripping sci-fi narrative reminiscent of "Stranger Things" and "Escape to Witch Mountain" (a movie I loved as a kid). It carries Klune's signature warmth, wit, and exploration of found-family dynamics while wrapping it in an action-packed, emotionally resonant story that is impossible to put down.
 
Set in 1995, the novel follows Nate Cartwright, a man who has always been somewhat adrift, but when the book begins, he feels especially alone. Nate recently lost his job as a reporter, lost both his parents to a murder/suicide, and has no meaningful connection to his estranged brother. After his parent's death, Nate inherited the family's old cabin in the remote mountains of Roseland, Oregon, along with his father's old truck. Nate flies back to Oregon to spend some quiet time alone, but when he arrives, he finds a couple of unexpected visitors squatting in the cabin. A mysterious man named Alex and an extraordinary young girl who calls herself Artemis Darth Vader are hiding out and, at first, are convinced that Nate is part of a group that has been chasing them. However, they're not especially clear as to why. From there, the story launches into a whirlwind of danger, adventure, revelations, and - as expected in a Klune novel - a fantastic, found family dynamic that'll tug at your heartstrings.
 
For readers familiar with Klune's previous works, the found-family trope is here in full force, and as always, it feels like a great big hug. But where many of his previous novels are tinged with whimsy, this novel is tinged with action and a sense of urgency and danger, which was a welcome surprise. While the emotional beats of the story are its backbone, this is a fast-paced and suspenseful ride. The sci-fi elements are subtle but effective, blending seamlessly into the grounded 1990s setting. This would make a fantastic movie. As I mentioned earlier, it was almost like a gay "Escape to Witch Mountain," and I loved that!
 
The main cast of characters is as loveable as you would expect in a Klune novel. Nate's inner turmoil, Artemis's infectious charm, and Alex's quiet strength create a trio of characters that balance each other perfectly. The bond between the three develops organically, with Klune taking his time to explore the small, tender moments that make their relationships feel authentic. Nate's journey of self-discovery and healing is beautifully woven into the narrative, and his growing attachment to Artemis and romantic attachment to Alex is both heartwarming and bittersweet.
 
The ending is as poignant as it is satisfying, delivering an emotional payoff that left me teary. Despite its sci-fi underpinnings, the novel is fundamentally about humanity and really speaks to LGBTQIA+ readers like me - especially those of us who have had to build our own family because we didn't get the support we needed from the family we were born into.
 
For longtime fans of TJ Klune, this book is a must-read. It showcases his ability to explore new genres while maintaining the heart and humor that make his writing so beloved. For new readers, this is an excellent introduction to his work, offering a story that is both thrilling and deeply moving. Whether you're drawn in by the sci-fi premise or the promise of a heartfelt found-family narrative, this book will definitely entertain you. It's a journey you won't soon forget.

A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I really enjoyed the last two books that I read by Kate Alice Marshall, so naturally, I had high expectations for this one. While it delivered on many fronts, sadly, it ultimately fell a little short for me when all was said and done.
 
The novel has an intriguing premise: Theodora Scott, swept up in a whirlwind romance with the charming and wealthy Connor Dalton, is invited to Idlewood, his family's exclusive winter retreat, for their yearly holiday outing. What starts as a meet-the-family trip quickly turns into a nightmare when Theo begins receiving threatening messages to stay away from Connor. Things get even more creepy when Theo discovers a childhood photo of herself in a long-abandoned cabin at the property. Theo doesn't remember much of her life before she was shipped off to live with a bible-beating foster family when she was four. The photo's discovery makes Theo question what really happened to her as a child and why the Dalton family seems to know more than they are letting on.
 
One of the highlights of the novel is the "rich people behaving badly" trope, which I love and which Marshall leans into with delicious abandon. The Dalton family members are as enigmatic as they are untrustworthy. Some of them seem nice enough, while others are downright awful, but those who waver in the middle are the real scary ones. This adds a layer of complexity to the story, as Theo not only has to unravel her past but also navigate the treacherous dynamics of a family that will cover their tracks to save face at whatever cost.
 
Theo's vulnerability and determination make her easy to root for, and her growing realization that she might be in over her head is relatable without veering into helplessness. Theo also holds a secret of her own - one that slowly unravels as the story progresses - making her more than just a standard damsel in distress. I often found myself wondering who was more dangerous - Theo or some of the family members.
 
The mystery surrounding the childhood photo is one of the strongest elements of the novel. The breadcrumbs that Marshall lays out are tantalizing, and I was fully invested in discovering how Theo's forgotten past intertwined with the Daltons' secrets. The pacing in the first three quarters of the book was perfect; I found myself flying through the chapters.
 
That said, the final act of the novel is where I started to get annoyed. The last 15% is jam-packed with twists - so many that their impact doesn't hit like it could have. What starts as a tight, suspenseful narrative becomes convoluted, with unnecessary redirections and revelations piling on top of each other at a dizzying pace. While I appreciate a good reveal in a thriller, the sheer number of them here left me feeling exhausted rather than thrilled. This lack of restraint undermined some of the excellent tension that was built earlier in the novel.
 
Despite my disappointment with the too-twisty ending, this is still a highly entertaining read. Marshall's ability to craft an atmospheric setting and deliver a gripping mystery is undeniable, and the book's central premise is definitely chilling. Fans of psychological thrillers and family dramas with a dark twist will find much to enjoy here, even if the climax feels never-ending and doesn't quite stick the landing. If you're looking for a suspenseful story, this is worth the read, but be prepared for a finale that might leave you more exhausted than exhilarated.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

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dark emotional sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

When I was looking for a book to fulfill my "read a banned book" prompt, I had so many options, but I decided to go with this one because 1) it's one of the most banned books, and 2) I read (and loved) "Beloved" by Toni Morrison several years ago and have been meaning to read more of her work. While this one is rough, it is a novel of startling beauty and heartbreaking tragedy, and takes readers to the heart of a painful reality: how systemic racism, internalized oppression, and white standards of beauty devastate the lives of Black girls and women.
 
At the center of the novel is Pecola Breedlove, an eleven-year-old Black girl who longs for blue eyes and the beauty they symbolize. Pecola believes that with blue eyes, her life will transform. She'll be loved, safe, and cherished, just like the blond-haired, blue-eyed children idolized by society. However, her reality is the opposite: Pecola is subjected to abuse, ridicule, and unimaginable violence. Morrison shows us the insidious ways white supremacy distorts not only societal structures but also individual self-worth, pushing Pecola to internalize a sense of ugliness and worthlessness that defines and ultimately destroys her life.
 
What makes the book so powerful is how the author weaves together multiple narratives, introducing a wide array of characters who offer a broader context for Pecola's tragedy. The MacTeer sisters, Claudia and Frieda, serve as partial narrators of the story. Though they, too, are poor and marginalized, they are raised in a stable household. Their parents, strict yet caring, offer them a sense of grounding that Pecola's family lacks. This juxtaposition highlights a key theme in the novel: that love and stability, more than wealth or traditional morality, aid in determining a family's ability to nurture and protect.
 
Morrison also introduces us to Pecola's family. Cholly Breedlove, Pecola's father, is a man shattered by his own experiences of humiliation and abuse. His violence against Pecola is both horrifying and deeply tragic, a reflection of his own brokenness. Pauline, Pecola's mother, finds solace in the white family she works for, idealizing their home and their children while neglecting her own. The Breedloves are trapped in a cycle of self-hatred and dysfunction, and poor Pecola bears the brunt of their pain.
 
One of the things that really stood out to me the most was the author's use of the "Dick and Jane" primer before each section. Morrison begins the book with the iconic tale of white, middle-class children and intersperses it throughout the story, each time in a more fragmented and chaotic form. This technique starkly contrasts the glossy perfection of the Dick and Jane family with the chaotic, unstable lives of the novel's characters.
 
Colorism also plays a pivotal role in The Bluest Eye. The arrival of Maureen Peal, a light-skinned Black girl, underscores the privileges afforded to those who more closely align with European beauty standards. Maureen's treatment, compared to Pecola's or the MacTeer sisters, further illustrates the damaging hierarchy within the Black community itself, a result of internalized racism.
 
Perhaps the most devastating aspect of the novel is its exploration of innocence lost. Pecola's yearning for blue eyes is a child's desperate wish to be seen, valued, and loved. But in a society that equates whiteness with beauty and worth, Pecola's wish is unattainable. Her descent into madness, marked by her belief that she has finally achieved the blue eyes she's longed for, is a haunting conclusion that will break your heart.
 
This work is a book that demands to be read. Pecola's story will haunt me for years to come. Her story affected me just as much as Tangy Mae's from "The Darkest Child." I just want to wrap them both up in a great big hug. For anyone willing to confront the painful realities Morrison lays bare, this novel is an unforgettable and essential read. If you're looking to read more banned books, I highly recommend this one.

The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I first learned of Florida's Dozier School for Boys a few years ago and was horrified when I learned what had occurred there and how it went on for over 100 years without anyone doing anything about it. I then read Tananrive Due's "The Reformatory," which is set at a fictional reform school inspired by The Dozier School, and I absolutely loved it. While I found "The Nickel Boys" to be impactful, I think I wasn't as affected by it as I would have had I known nothing about The Dozier School and had I not first read "The Reformatory." That said, I still found this to be a profoundly affecting work of historical fiction.
 
The story follows Elwood Curtis, an idealistic Black teenager growing up in segregated Tallahassee in the 1960s. Elwood is a bright, hard-working young man inspired by the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He has big dreams of attending college and making a life for himself, however, his life takes a devastating turn when he accepts a ride from a stranger who stole a car, resulting in Elwood being falsely accused of being an accomplice. This stroke of "wrong place, wrong time" lands him at the Nickel Academy, a juvenile reformatory. Just like The Dozier School, Nickel is a place where cruelty reigns, discipline is administered with savage violence, and the lives of the boys - especially Black boys - are deemed expendable.
 
Elwood's unlikely friendship with Turner, a more cynical and pragmatic fellow inmate, becomes central to the story. This is not Turner's first time here, and his worldview is shaped by a deep understanding of the corrupt and crooked systems they're up against, making him a foil to Elwood's stubborn idealism. Their relationship provides moments of tension, camaraderie, and heartbreak, culminating in a devastating twist at the end that redefines the story.
 
The book isn't that long, which makes it move quickly. Whitehead doesn't overindulge in graphic depictions of abuse, yet the horrors of Nickel are unmistakable and haunting. This understated approach is perfect for those who don't need or want details, but for others - especially those like myself who are already familiar with the real-life history of the Dozier School - it can feel like the narrative was missing something. I also felt like I wanted more development around the friendship between Elwood and Turner. I understood they were friends, but I didn't feel the closeness as deeply as I wanted. Their relationship forms the story's emotional core, and while their bond was compelling, it could have been fleshed out even more.
 
As I stated earlier, Tananarive Due's The Reformatory resonated more deeply with me. Due's novel delves further into the emotional and psychological toll of such environments, creating a visceral sense of dread and urgency. The friendships and camaraderie forged between the characters in her book also felt deeper and resulted in a more emotional outcome for me.
 
That said, this isn't a bad book. The novel's structure, which moves between past and present, adds layers to the story's revelations and builds toward an unexpected and heartbreaking twist. The twist recontextualizes much of what came before, forcing readers to grapple with the lingering trauma of Nickel and the ways survivors do their best to move forward.
 
Ultimately, this is a story about the loss of innocence, the enduring effects of systemic oppression, and the tension between hope and despair. It doesn't offer easy resolutions, which makes it all the more impactful. While I wished for a deeper dive into some aspects of the story, I appreciated Whitehead's ability to capture the essence of this dark chapter in history without resorting to sensationalism.
 
For readers who are unfamiliar with the real-life events that inspired the novel, this is a profoundly eye-opening and essential read. It may not have struck me as deeply as "The Reformatory," but in the end, it is an important and necessary book.

What Happened to the McCrays? by Tracey Lange

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emotional hopeful sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was almost perfect, and if I hadn't struggled so much with the ending, it would have been my first 5-star read of the year. Despite my issue with how it was all tied up in a pretty bow, I found this to be a deeply emotional and beautifully constructed novel that examines the complexity of relationships, the secrets we keep, and the weight of past decisions. Through alternating perspectives and dual timelines, the book offers an intimate exploration of a couple's fractured marriage, their shared history, and their journey toward healing.
 
The story begins with Kyle McCray reluctantly returning to his hometown of Potsdam, New York, after a two-and-a-half-year absence. Called back by news of his father's debilitating stroke, Kyle doesn't expect a warm reception - and he's right. His departure years earlier left a lot of unanswered questions and unresolved pain, not only for his family and friends but especially for his wife, Casey, who is still grappling with the fallout of his abandonment (or, at least, so we think).
 
Over the course of the novel, we flash back and forth between now - when Casey and Kyle are in their 40s - and then - when Casey and Kyle are teenagers and first started dating. We get the full picture of what brought them together and what ultimately broke their hearts and pulled them apart. By weaving together chapters from Kyle and Casey's points of view, the author has created a richly textured narrative. This structure allows readers to empathize with both characters, understanding not only Kyle's reasons for leaving but also what led to it and how it affected Casey.
 
The authenticity of the characters and how much the author makes you care for them is another strength. Casey is a dedicated teacher beloved by her community not only for how she is loved at school but also for her dedication to the junior hockey team she helps manage. At the same time, Kyle initially comes across as gruff and a bit of a grifter, but his return to his hometown and his reconnection with Casey reveals him to be much deeper than the standard, cliché macho man. Watching these two characters navigate their shared grief and anger is both heartbreaking and hopeful. Lange avoids casting blame entirely on one person, instead presenting a nuanced portrait of a marriage unraveling under the weight of something unimaginable.
 
As Kyle and Casey grapple with their shared past, the novel delves into the messy, imperfect process of healing - and trust me when I say they both have a lot of healing to do. It gets heavy, which is why I loved the subplot involving the hockey team. Kyle's involvement with the team as he reaclimates to his hometown adds a layer of warmth and humor to the story, balancing the heavier emotional themes.
 
While I loved a lot about the novel, as I mentioned earlier, I had an issue with the ending. While it provides a satisfying resolution to Kyle and Casey's journey, it does so in a way that I found to be a bit too tidy. After all they had gone through, I struggled with the way the final chapters veered into Hallmark territory. While it didn't diminish the emotional impact of the story, it did make the conclusion feel slightly at odds with the raw authenticity of the rest of the novel. I think I would have found it to be more realistic and more palatable had it ended on a hopeful yet less tidy note.
 
Overall, this is a poignant and beautifully written novel that hits you in all the feels. The writing is strong, the story is bittersweet, and the characters are perfectly constructed. Despite its slightly too-perfect ending, the novel is an emotional powerhouse that will resonate with anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with heart. If you like an emotional drama, you should definitely check this one out.

One Of Our Kind by Nicola Yoon

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is going to be a really tough one to review because the things I want to talk about all have to do with the reveal of what was actually happening, and I don't want to spoil anything.
 
When I read that this was reminiscent of "The Stepford Wives" I was intrigued. I remember seeing the original movie when I was far too young to really understand it, but I know I was creeped out that men were basically turning women into a sort of robot to make them behave a certain way. This novel evokes that same sensation but with a truth that is even more unsettling than I thought it would be.
 
The story centers on Jasmyn and King Williams, a young couple who move to Liberty, California, a gated community that promises Black excellence and utopian ideals for them, their young son, and the baby on the way. On the surface, Liberty is a dream come true: a community designed for Black families to thrive without the interference of systemic racism. Everyone who lives in Liberty - even the police officers - are Black, so a lot of their fears can be set aside. For Jasmyn, however, it quickly becomes clear that this utopia is too good to be true, and this unease is heightened when she goes to the local spa that everyone raves about and hears someone screaming.
 
The allure of Liberty is undeniable - the manicured lawns, the luxurious amenities, the promise of safety and success - but it's the community's apathy toward the atrocities happening to Black people in the outside world that raises red flags. The novel takes place alongside a recent event that claimed the life of a Black woman and put her baby in the hospital. Jasmyn expects a community of activists, people who understand the importance of pushing back against oppression, yet she finds neighbors more concerned with spa treatments and social climbing than the struggles of the world beyond the gates. This dissonance is the first clue that Liberty's promise comes with strings attached.
 
The author delves into themes of Black identity, cultural erasure, and the ways in which systemic racism adapts and persists, even in spaces meant to counteract it. The parallels to real-world issues, such as gentrification and cultural appropriation, are undeniable, and Yoon handles them with nuance and depth. She also does an exceptional job of building tension, layering subtle hints of the darkness lurking behind Liberty's polished exterior. Jasmyn's husband, King, quickly embraces the Liberty lifestyle, immersing himself in the community's mission and hanging out at the exclusive wellness center that sits at its heart. His transformation is both compelling and unsettling, a vivid reminder of how easily people can be seduced by comfort and belonging, even at the cost of their identity.
 
I mentioned earlier that the real power of the novel lies in its shocking final reveal. Without giving too much away, the twist flipped my expectations, offering a conclusion that was both thought-provoking and deeply unsettling. I somewhat expected the story to follow a trajectory similar to the movies Get Out or Antebellum, but the author flipped the script, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths about self-preservation and the cost of perfection. I couldn't help but imagine this book as a Jordan Peele film.
 
Nicola Yoon has crafted a modern-day parable about the dangers of utopia, the complexities of identity, and the ways in which systems of power perpetuate themselves, even in spaces designed to resist them. For anyone who enjoys unsettling, thought-provoking fiction, this is a must-read. It's the kind of book that creeps under your skin and stays there.

This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

 I read my first Kennedy Ryan book - which just so happened to be the first book in the Skyland series - last year and absolutely loved it. While I thoroughly enjoyed "Before I Let Go," I loved this book even more. If you read the first book and if you were drawn into the bond between Yasmen, Soledad, and Hendrix like I was, this story is a welcome return to a world rich with friendship, love, and resilience.
 
While the first book focused on Yasmen's story, this book takes us deeper into the life of Soledad. When we first met Soledad in Before I Let Go, she was portrayed as poised, organized, and seemingly in control of her life, even if her husband, Edward, occasionally came off as kind of an ass. In this book, Ryan pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth about Soledad's seemingly perfect life - and it is anything but. Edward's true colors shine through in acts of betrayal and slimy behavior that rock his entire family to the core. Soledad is left to pick up the pieces of her shattered world while protecting her daughters and rebuilding her sense of self. Her journey to rebuild her life while taking care of her girls is inspiring. I also loved the unexpected connection she finds with Judah - a man she should despise due to the circumstances, but one she grows to embrace and eventually love.
 
Since we're on the topic of Judah, where do I even begin? He is everything a romance reader could hope for in a love interest: he's confident without being overbearing, supportive without being condescending, and undeniably sexy. His presence in Soledad's life is transformative, yet he never overshadows her journey of self-discovery. Instead, he complements her growth, offering love and stability in a way Edward never could. Their connection is deeply emotional, and their chemistry is electric (and the spicy scenes? Damn!)
 
What truly elevates this book is - just like in the first book - Ryan has a way of portraying female friendship that is beautiful and inspiring. The bond between Soledad, Yasmen, and Hendrix remains a cornerstone of the Skyland series, and it's so nice to see women supporting each other. These three have each other's backs without question, and I love watching how they show up for each other. These women are each other's anchors, offering unwavering support and tough love when needed. Their friendship feels so real and vibrant that it becomes a character in its own right. It's rare to find a series where the friendships are just as compelling as the romances, but Ryan manages to achieve this balance effortlessly.
 
Another standout element of this book is how the author thoughtfully incorporates autism into the narrative. Drawing from her personal experiences as a mother to an autistic child, Ryan presents an authentic and compassionate portrayal of autism through three different characters, each at varying levels of the spectrum. This nuanced representation adds a layer of depth and realism to the story, making it both educational and heartwarming. The inclusion of autism isn't just a subplot - it's woven into the fabric of the characters' lives, showcasing the beauty and challenges of living with neurodiversity. This representation felt incredibly refreshing and meaningful, especially for readers seeking more inclusive narratives.
 
Overall, this is a wonderful second book in this series. I loved its exploration of love, loss, friendship, and personal growth. Soledad's journey is inspiring, Judah is swoon-worthy, and the representation of autism is a breath of fresh air in contemporary romance. If this book is any indication of what's to come, I can't wait to dive into Hendrix's story when the next installment is released in a few months. If you haven't already started the Skyland series, now is the perfect time to dive in. You won't regret it.

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

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lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I received this book through Illumicrate last year, and after months of it waiting patiently on my shelf, I finally gave it the attention it deserved. I've never read a "cozy fantasy" and wasn't sure what to expect, but what I found was a charming story filled with fantastical creatures, a heartfelt romance, and just enough intrigue to keep me engaged.
 
The premise of the book is both fantastical and refreshingly grounded. Aila, the protagonist, is the head phoenix keeper at a magical zoo dedicated to the conservation of mythical creatures. Aila is socially awkward, and her love life is awful - though she is majorly crushing on the hot dragon keeper, and why is she also somewhat attracted to the female griffon keeper who has been her sworn enemy since college? All Aila really cares about is her work and caring for her beautiful phoenix. She really wants to be approved to move a male phoenix to the conservatory to mate with the female phoenix. Doing so would be huge not only for her career but also for the conservatory.
 
When Aila's request gets approved, things begin to look up for her, but then Jacinda - her sworn enemy - is put in charge of helping Aila with the PR. There's also someone who has been poaching endangered species from the conservatories in the area. Could Aila's phoenix's be in jeopardy?
 
While the book is firmly rooted in the fantasy genre, Maclean cleverly situates it in a world that mirrors our own, making it accessible even for readers like myself who shy away from high fantasy's sometimes overwhelming complexity. Instead of plunging the reader into a sprawling, unfamiliar universe, Maclean invites us into a world where phoenixes, thunderhawks, mischievous dragons, and other magical beings exist, and there are zoos/conservatories that protect them.
 
From carnivorous kelpies to majestic griffins, Maclean brings her creatures to life with vivid descriptions and a clear love for mythology. The zoo feels like a character in its own right, full of secrets and surprises that give the book its charm. The phoenixes, with their radiant feathers and fiery temperaments, are, of course, the stars of the show, and Maclean's meticulous attention to their care and conservation lends a sense of authenticity to the story.
 
But this is more than just a book about magical creatures. At its heart, this is a story about connection - both with the creatures Aila cares for and the people around her. The relationship between Aila and Luciana, her former college rival and the griffin keeper at the zoo, is the emotional core of the novel. With her sharp edges and hidden vulnerabilities, Luciana is the perfect foil for Aila's earnestness, and their dynamic feels natural and well-earned. The romance is sweet and slow-burn, adding just the right amount of heart to the story without overshadowing the central plot.
 
I also liked that Aila's journey is as much about her personal growth as it is about saving the phoenixes. Her struggles with imposter syndrome, self-confidence, and asking for help felt deeply relatable.
 
That's not to say the book is without flaws. At times, the pacing slows, particularly during some of the zoo's day-to-day operations, which, while fascinating, can feel repetitive. And while the mystery is engaging, seasoned readers may find it a touch predictable. However, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise sweet and enjoyable read.
 
Overall, I enjoyed this one. While the stakes were low, the story was still enjoyable and went by pretty quickly despite a few slow spots. Whether you're here for the mythical creatures, the sweet sapphic romance, or the gentle mystery, there's something in this book for everyone.