stephdaydreams's reviews
654 reviews

Fan Service was a roadtrip straight to my golden age of fandom. The sweet spot between the late 2000s to early 2010s, where I'm thriving on Tumblr, and discovering a supernatural show that reeled me in like no other. Where I'm connecting with new friends that become lifelong friends, where I'm forming a community that becomes home. Where I find a place of belonging.

Much like our heroine Alex, a stumble into a fan convention sort of took the shine off the love I had for one show (but in this case, at no fault of the actors! can't say the same for Devin, sorry bud.), and I left that bit of me behind. Until now, until Fan Service delivered some nostalgia that had me going down memory lane. That girl I was is still behind me, but I now look back on her fondly. I see someone who took something she loved and cherished it in a way we forget too often to do. Alex reminded me of that love and the mark it leaves behind, even after you've walked away from it.

Fan Service follows Alex, a one-time fanatic of a supernatural show called The Arcane Files, and the one-time hero Devin, the washed up lead of the one-time popular show. Back when she was a teenager, Alex became a fandom forum mod for the show and excitedly met her hero Devin during a fan convention, but as the saying goes...don't meet your heroes, folks. After Alex overhears some hurtful words from her idol, her love for the fandom dwindles and she harbors resentment 17 years later when her idol connects with her, suddenly desperate for help. For the tv show may not have been so far removed from reality, as Devin alarmingly discovers...he's becoming a werewolf. Armed with a vault of fandom lore and knowledge, Alex sets aside past hurt and helps Devin to understand his new being. But along the way, it's not the lessons of being werewolf that become most valuable-- for the both of them. They set the course for a literal life changing adventure.

And, wow, what an adventure they have! I loved it! I'll gush about this book all day and evening and night and morning. It was that good, that enjoyable, that memorable.

Let's start with our wonderfully relatable, messy leads. Alex and Devin

Let's begin with my new book queen, Alex. I never self-insert, but I couldn't help but slip into Alex's skin at times. I deeply resonated with the core of her character, from her anxiety to her all her insecurities; to how fandoms became her escape and home; to how connecting with online fandom friends blossomed into years-long friendships and community she now cherishes. I saw so much of myself in Alex. But for all the ways I felt she was me, there was just many where she wasn't. Where instead I strive to rise to meet her in all the ways she's different. I found myself so inspired by her tenacity to keep driving for her goals, even if it seems everything is stacked against her. The way she always sets her own wants and comfort to help others. How she steadfastly stands up for what's right, even if it outcasts her. We can all be more like Alex.

Whether I was slipping into her skin, or wishing I was more like her, I love Alex so completely.

Now, let's take it over to Devin. What a mess. I adored him. He's a fallible character, whose cracks are hard to miss. He is a character prone to stumbling, whether it's with hurtful words, misguided actions, or unexamined thoughts. Dude is a mess, I must reiterate. But he truly shines in his POV. From his vantage point we see his hurtful words come from a thoughtless speaker, never a malicious one. We see his misguided actions come from a man without real world experience, who is prove to take the wrong turn-- but always rights himself. Devin is honestly refreshing, because he's not just another pick-of-the-litter in typical male leads. He's not a know-all, cool, suave guy. He is, thricely (let it be a word) said, a big ol' mess. But he's a lovable mess, because he's a mess that learns to clean himself up. That owns up to his mistakes, that learns to take criticism to the chin, that allows himself to finally grow up and embrace his failures along with his triumphs. Devin is a male lead who evolves. I came to love him as wholly as I did Alex.

These two characters become better versions of themselves because they meet. Because of their begrudging partnership turned budding friendship turned blossoming love story. As we find out from the prologue, Alex holds some understandable hurt due to Devin's past words, and one thing I loved the narrative did was not allow too much time pass before that is cleared. It really helped advance their relationship-- and it's one I loved to see grow. Alex and Devin mutually help each other in so many ways. Once Devin's selfishness is set aside (thanks to Alex), he's able to really pay attention to the woman she is and appreciate every quirk that's part of her. He comes to love those quirks, to obsess over her smell, to adore her way of being. It takes him a while to understand Alex, but she helps him to see things from a fresh perspective. It unlocked a humanity in him he long lacked. And, in turn, he helps boost her confidence, he becomes her cheerleader when she aims to make positive changes for her community. He supports her, and she gives it right back. Alex is all heart, and she can't deny helping her fallen idol. So she helps, helps him to embrace the wolf in him and helps him to make peace with his failures. I could honestly write a million paragraphs of all the ways I loved this relationship, but ultimately it comes down to just this: they helped in each other in poignant ways that blossomed them as individuals. For as much as I adored their romance and them as a couple (and god! I did, I did!), seeing their individual arcs evolve the way they did heartened me so much. This is a love story for romance and for self. And I left it feeling whole. Another theme in this one-- embracing one self, each other, all good things with a full heart.

The romance hit, the leads hit, and this book hits the right audience beautifully.

I do feel this book is perfect for 30+ year old readers. It includes pop culture we will instantly get and be tickled by (I see you LiveJournal namedrop!). Usually, I don't care for pop culture references, I think it can age a book in the years to come, but these are references of the past that really elevate the narrative by not being afraid to remind us of our heroine's age at 34. I massively appreciated that. These are older leads, with Alex in her 30s and Devin in his 40s. And the pop culture references emphasize that positively. And, as a reader in her 30s, it brought me comfort. It's even made me wonder if I was too harsh at the inclusion of pop culture references in past reads, because, as it turns out, when you're the target audience, it hits so incredibly well!

This book is for the fandom nerds, of every kind! If you grew up on Tumblr obsessing over your favorite show, if you connected with fandom friends that formed a cherished community, if you found comfort in a seasons-long show, Fan Service is just right for you. Welcome home.

Thank you Berkley Romance and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Ridoc and Aaric, my MVPs, loved you both so much!

It took me a good while to get into this book, it was information overload, but I do blame myself because I should have reread Fourth Wing and Iron Flame. Don't be like me-- please go reread!

My engagement and enjoyment was initially hindered due to forgetting so much story-- story that is pertinent in immediately getting into the proper flow.

Eventually, it came back to me and I did get into the flow. The second half of the book is really what got me hook, line, and sinker. I was so zoned in and my pulse raced all throughout. It's the type of exhilarating feeling-- that arises both excitement and anxiety-- that you want in a fantasy read. And Onyx Storm absolutely delivered.

I loved how there was no miscommunication trope playing this time for Violet and Xaden. Their love is strengthened throughout the course of the narrative, and I'm glad it never wavered. Their romance is beautiful.

But I must admit, oftentimes my focus was less on them and more on the characters in the background. Aaric had an incredible arc in this one, Ridoc was a wonderfully impactful character, my love for Sawyer and Jesinia grew (but I needed more of them!), and I really came to embrace and enjoy Dain as both a character and his invaluable part of the team. Imogen shines in a pivotal moment! Oh and Bodhi! Keep your eyes on him too! This series has developed a supporting cast that adds life to the narrative, that raises the stakes, and that become as indispensable as the leads.

What a thriller-- best installment in the series!

4.5✨

It took me less than 24 hours to complete Cross-Checked, I simply could not put this book down.

AJ and McCabe, my new beloveds! Watching their love story unfold was a thing of total beauty. It was a love so well earned, a journey so hard fought, and two leads who evolve so darn gorgeously. This is the type of book that leaves you swooning, leaves you breathless, leaves you triumphant, and leaves you smiling like mad. It worked perfectly for me.

Let me begin with my girl AJ.

It's so refreshing to see a heroine who is not only the older half of the couple, but also 40. A 40 that still feels young and thriving. A 40 where life is still full of lessons to be learned. AJ is a breath of fresh air to follow. My heart went out to her, life has dealt her some harsh blows, but she marches on. She held many cards close to her chest, some of which led McCabe to feel unwarranted animosity towards her. He, of course, feels it's quite warranted, but soon enough he and audience learn why those cards are held so closely. And the sacrifices AJ made to do so.

AJ is an inspiring figure, and I immediately rooted for her happily ever after. She deserves it above all else. And she sets herself on the very path thanks to McCabe's baby daughter.

The bond AJ forges with McCabe's daughter becomes the trigger that drives the two closer together, and suddenly cards loosen, walls falls, and truths are revealed. Leading the pair onto a new, unexpected yet wholly destined path.

Now to the man of the hour, McCabe. While he does hold animosity towards AJ at first, he is quick to recognize when it blinds him to certain truths. And none of it ever binds him from feeling deep respect for AJ, and trust-- trust to take care of his daughter when he has no one else. And she proves how right he is to place that trust in her hands. The domino effect of that decision allows their intertwining paths to blossom in a new direction. Repressed feelings emerge, attraction takes hold, and the heart grows bigger and bigger in love. Their relationship was simply divine. I was out there kicking my feet, curling my toes, twirling my hair, giggling like a schoolgirl. I loved how mature their love is, and how fiercely they come to protect one another-- and the family they come to form. They works together so beautifully-- and so lovingly.

This romance has it all, yearning, longing, angst, heartbreak, swoons, sweets, spice, and heart-warming triumphant.

Thank you Julia Connors for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5✨

Giving me butterflies, indeed! My first full 5 star read of the year is here.

I utterly adored Give Me Butterflies. It was perfect to me. Just perfect.

Millie and Finn are coworkers who initially don't initially get along, yet constantly gravitate towards (even if that means walking into) one another. After some initial misconception and temporary grumpiness from him, Millie soon sees Finn past his grumpy mask into a man who carries the heavy burden of a loved one's loss and his absolute determination to provide the best life for his whole world-- his nieces from whom he is sole guardian. Breaking that initial wall down between is the first true step into wanting to be in each other's orbit. However, as Finn is part of a judging panel that will decide a potential promotion for Millie, she draws a line that seeks nothing past friendship. But gravity is gravity-- and the pull can't be helped. Nor can it be helped how the most beautiful love story can blossom when we just let ourselves fly.

Finn is doing his absolute best to take the best care of and raise his nieces with the love and dedication. After losing his sister (the girls' mother) to illness, Finn has taken the role of parent to his nieces. And he wants to ensure they remain his priority and he never lets them down, the way his cold parents did to him and his sister time and time again. The dedication is heartwarming, although the fear of a misstep in parenting does lead to misstep in his burgeoning romancing with Millie. However, this stumble is one that I believe will have the reader sympathize with Finn rather than be angry at him. He's a green flag man from beginning to ending.

Millie. Lovely Millie. It's no wonder Finn falls so easily in love with. She is empathetic, kind, warm, and a wonderful, contagious dreamer. After seeing the true Finn he slowly but steadily gets to know him better-- and his girls. Those Fridays at his place were the most fun to read. I also adored seeing the burgeoning relationship between Millie and the girls. Oh! how readily she became part of their world, and how welcoming she and her family were of the girls when they met. Finn takes such good care of them, but it's heartening watching those girls experience love from an extended family in a way they hadn't before.

It's also heartening to watch Millie learn to trust again. After surviving a toxic relationship, Millie has many good reasons to not want to cross any lines with Finn, but along the way his words and actions demonstrate to her that she should keep her heart open. That there are hands she can hold that are full of trust, of safety, of love.

And just as she learns to trust, Finn learns to live. To live fully. Millie becomes the sun he orbits, that his girls orbit. She lights their lives up with laughter, music, and some delicious food. She brings home and comfort with her and they fall into her open embrace oh so effortlessly. Like they were always meant to fit. I fell in love with the family they formed. The family they earned.

I also appreciated that amidst the beautiful love story and the bonding found family narrative, Finn doesn't forget his deceased sister and I loved how the narrative touched upon her character and I loved even more a very special way Millie chooses to honor her memory.

Love is the theme. Love of a good, healthy relationship. Love for self. Love for family. Love for true partners. It's a beautiful theme that teaches us our worth in having love in our lives, and how to always cherish it.

Millie and Finn are so deserving of their love and I'm thrilled to have read their story. It's a book I will be recommending to all!

Thank you Avon and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily.

Fable for the End of the World is a return of my golden age of adolescence, where my grand favored reading was YA dystopia. From Hunger Games to The Host to The Giver, to all the titles that are now a distant memory, but in their moment burned oh so bright. I adored this genre and this felt like a genuine return to home. And this is a title that will be one of the ones I remember.

There were tears and gasps. There was ice in my veins, and warmy glow in my heart. There were triumphs and losses. There was love, there was sorrow. And there was a journey so worthwhile, and so lasting in memory. I was riveted by this book from beginning to ending. Ava Reid's writing remains impactful, inspired, layered, and so poignant. The world she created came to life from the moment the first page was read.

Leads Inesa and Melinoë are from very different paths of life. They are true enemies, but these enemies soon are faced with a choice of allying with one another to survive, or keeping the line between them, even if it means mutual death, they choose an alliance. It’s meant to be a fraught, fragile, temporary tie. One loosely bound until they can survive their environment and face one another again, to an engrossed expectant public's cruel delight. But as they spend more time together, the tie tightens, an unexpected bond forms, new choices are on the horizon. And realizations are made, both against a system that is rigged against them, and the realization that perhaps they share far more in common then they once believed.

Inesa is a wonderfully layered, complex character that brings soft vulnerability, relatable edges, and brazen courage to the page. Every emotion that passed through her, I felt as well. Ava Reid did a tremendous job is allowing the reader to walk in Inesa’s shoes throughout her journey. I never knew quite what to expect with every turn of the road, but I knew I wanted to stay right alongside Inesa to the end, bitter or sweet. I needed to see her journey through. She is a heroine that will be cherished in my heart always.

*I also want to shout out Luka, Inesa’s slightly younger brother. He may initially be of few words and tense moments, but his love for his sister is obvious in his efforts to protect and guide her. He was a wonderful supporting character that further layered Inesa.

Then there's Melinoë.

My heart wept for her. So much of her humanity has been stripped away. In a way she reminded me a bit of Nebula from Guardians of the Galaxy, perhaps an odd choice to bring up, but I came to love Nebula in those movies and that’s because of the arc she had. From this man-made machine of destruction, to a fully, living being who asserted her own agency and forged her own destiny. Melinoë is faced with similar dilemmas and it had my heart hammering with every step she took. I sympathized so deeply with her plight. She is made to kill, to be a thing of greater purpose with no agency, only directives to follow through, but when that control is stripped away, she is left with only her reflection, and must decide what she wants that to mean to her.

I love how Inesa saw beyond the weapon that is Melinoë into the vulnerable human girl she is. Treating her as such encouraged Melinoë to reacquaint herself with her own humanity, her own fallibility, and her own courage. In turn, Melinoë shows Inesa a path of hope and love. A path where perhaps better days will come. A path they need not travel alone. If they take the chance, if they take that leap of faith.

I so adored the relationship and romance between Inesa and Melinoë. From enemies trying to kill the other, to reluctant, uneasy allies, to two young women who come to realize they aren’t so different. To something far more poignant…

Their slow burn romance is magnetic and heart-achingly breathtaking. What Inesa and Melinoë discover, achieve, and simply feel because of the other impacts their individual and intertwined arcs. Their romance comes with high stakes and it resonates and enacts consequence to the narrative. It's tightly wound to the overall plot and it left me fervent at times, scared at times, but so hopeful because of how much I desired seeing them find a way to be with one another. There is no guarantee in their triumph, but there is also no choice but to want to see it through. To cheer it on, to fight along with them against every obstacle set on their path. I do wish once that slow burn fully ignited we could have spent more time with the couple fully in love. I just needed more page time of that love. Nevertheless, that is honestly such a minor quibble, because the slow burn romance still has that massive impact upon the final act. And all I will say-- prepare the tissues. But please know-- it's so worth it.

So incredibly worth it.

If you love dystopia, high-stakes romance, evolving character arcs, and a plot that brings action and adventure-- and thrills and chills-- be sure to pick up Fable!

To Fable for the End of the World, I will absolutely remember you.

Thank you to Harper Collins and NetGalley for this advanced complimentary copy, I leave this honest review voluntarily. 4.5✨