aksmith92's reviews
162 reviews

I will not lie: I read this book with VERY low expectations. I signed up for a subscription service to buy a special edition fantasy trilogy from The Bookish Box. Through that subscription, I received The Spanish Love Deception by Elena Armas while waiting for the trilogy. I had heard some not-so-glamorous things about this book, and as someone who struggles with rom-com novels, I truly believed that I would DNF this. However, the special edition was pretty, and I thought, "I might as well," and dove in. Honestly, it wasn't as bad as I expected it to be!

The Setup: The Spanish Love Deception is a contemporary rom-com focusing solely on the slow-burn romance around Catalina "Lina"  Martín and Aaron Blackford. Lina needs a date for her sister's wedding in Spain to avoid facing her ex-boyfriend alone, and to her surprise, Aaron, her aloof and seemingly indifferent coworker, offers to accompany her. Though Lina is skeptical, she agrees, and the two embark on a journey that takes them from the bustling office life of New York to the picturesque family celebrations in Spain.

As Lina and Aaron pretend to be a couple, SHOCKINGLY, their interactions gradually reveal hidden depths to their relationship, transforming their initial antagonism into a potential real thing. Aaron's support during the trip, combined with his own personal struggles, leads Lina to see him in a new light. Their shared moments, from a soccer match to wedding festivities, force them to confront their feelings and question whether their "fake" relationship might be something more real.

What I Liked: Listen, I liked the banter. I'm not usually into the aloof, brooding guys, but that seems to be the norm for any romance (contemporary, fantasy, etc.). Some authors can work it better than others, and I think Armas did it well here. Aaron was snippy and a tad grumpy but also charming and cute. Obviously, you rolled your eyes when Lina couldn't see through the grumpiness, but it was part of the story, and I knew it was coming. Overall, their witty banter and tension were a highlight for me. I felt invested in their potential relationship and themselves as characters, which sometimes is what falls flat for me with rom-coms. I was pleasantly surprised about wanting to read more about them to see where they went. I also liked the plot itself, even if it was far-fetched (of course, but it's a rom-com, I have let it go at times!). I thoroughly enjoyed the fake dating trope here (which is not something I usually say), and I most certainly loved the slow burn. Overall, this book delivered on its intention: a pretty good romance with a decent plot that wasn't completely butchered. I had a good time overall and was smirking in some parts - Armas could be funny, and I appreciated that humor peppered throughout.

What I Didn't Like: Here is a list, which will come as a surprise to literally no one:

Overall, this book did what it set out to do for me: be a palate cleanser and a fluffy book that made me chuckle and gave me a decent romance that made me smile. I can't say it was favorite, but I expected a lot worse. It was a pleasant surprise to finish this book without skimming and be invested in the characters, even if I had some qualms. I loved the cute little Spanish nicknames :)

Bonus points for no engagement, wedding, or pregnancy at the end of this book and them just being happy. It made me go from a 3 to a 3.5!

In typical Octavia E. Butler style, this was one of the worst-best books I've read. It's dark, grungy, gross, and heartless, yet Butler does her fantastic job weaving in hope, empathy, and community.

The Setup:  Parable of the Sower is a dystopian novel set in a future America (psst., it starts in 2024 because this novel was written in the 90s) ravaged by climate change, economic collapse, and social breakdown. The story follows Lauren Olamina, a girl born with "hyperempathy," - a condition that causes her to feel others' pain physically. Growing up in a walled community in California, Lauren witnesses her once-protected neighborhood fall apart under the pressure of extreme poverty, violence, and drug addiction.

After Pyro-addicted arsonists destroy her community (that's an element you have to read to believe), Lauren embarks on a dangerous journey north with a small group of survivors. Along the way, she shares her belief system, Earthseed, which posits that "God is Change" and that humanity's destiny lies in spreading life among the stars. The novel explores themes of survival, adaptability, community, and the role of empathy in a world where kindness can be a weakness.

This novel is a powerful and prophetic work. Its examination of societal breakdown and insights into the intersection of climate change, inequality, and human resilience are chillingly relatable even in our not-so-dystopian time. Butler's world-building and Lauren's journey are both thought-provoking and eerily relevant.

What I loved: NOTHING! Just kidding. I loved everything about this book, but not because it was a light-hearted and fun read. I felt the same way about Kindred, which wound up in my 6-star-read "shelf." This novel also landed on that shelf because Octavia E Butler knew what she was doing. This encapsulated the human experience in a grim yet probable (and therefore, horrifying) way and showcased the necessity of empathy and kindness in a world where that could get you killed. Lauren maybe wasn't the most relatable, but she was brilliant and wanted to give the world something to look forward to in such a dark time. I couldn't help but root for her and the people she traveled with. 

Butler's legacy is truly a master of speculative fiction - this novel oozed a warning while also signaling hope. This book was a powerful social commentary and a beacon of hope for readers seeking positive outcomes in uncertain times while not being overly happy (because that won't happen). Additionally, some might say the "hyperempathy" element was thrown in there haphazardly, but I would beg to differ. Incorporating that almost magical realism piece was such a lovely touch to sensationalize empathy in a good way - if we all could feel that much pain, would we be in this situation? It brought out so many questions that I think are super relevant to our lives now and will be going forward. I loved everything about this book, even when it was hard to read - we need to read books like these, even if they defeat us. 

It's another 6-star read for me, but it might not be for you. It's dark, grim, and violent, and it showcases the darkest parts of humanity, or what could be humanity. That may not be for you, but I encourage you to pick it up and think critically about it. Butler's prose is generally straight to the point and sometimes even emotionless, which I can see people having a hard time getting into, but my love for her work will supersede any minor issue. It was an honor to read this book, even if it was emotionally damaging. Read it!!

I am being generous with my three stars. It read less than three stars, but we need more diversity in our fantasies, and the concept was great. I implore Analeigh Sbrana to get a new editing team.

The Setup: Lore of the Wilds by Analeigh Sbrana is a fantasy romance debut that combines the allure of magical libraries and the tension of human-Fae relationships. The story centers around Lore Alemeyu, whose village is trapped in a forest under the oppressive rule of the Fae. In a desperate attempt to save her people, Lore makes a dangerous deal with a Fae lord to enter a cursed, ancient library untouched for centuries - one that no Fae can enter but might be navigable by a human. In exchange, Lore is told her homeland will be kept safe.

Lore's journey becomes a complex dance of trust, power, and attraction as she relies on two Fae males with vastly different yet equally dangerous "person"as. The book also touches on themes of power, autonomy, and the consequences of making deals with forces one doesn't fully understand.

What I Liked: A book about a magical library? Sign me up! A book about a magical book? Sign me up! A book that contains magical components from the earth, like vines and flowers? Sign.me.up. The premise was there, and I enjoyed it. I thoroughly enjoyed the novel's first half - getting to know Lore and her human family, seeing her in a magical library, and finding an enchanted book (no spoilers; it is literally on the cover). Magical stuff, especially from a book, makes me happy, and this did make me happy.

Additionally, seeing some diversity added to the genre was refreshing. I mean this in multiple ways - race/color of skin, sexuality (queerness was most certainly celebrated, and there was even one character who wasn't interested in it at all), different species in general in this fantasy, etc. While it was a little over the place and hard to follow, there were many different characters of different species, races, and thoughts. I enjoyed that aspect, and it should be celebrated much more.

I'm one of the few who doesn't mind love triangles or multiple romantic interests (this is not a spoiler; it is also on the cover and in the summary!). It was done fine here, although a deeper exploration or smoother romantic development would have likely made me more invested.

What I Didn't Like: Ugh, the majority of this book was a bummer because it was set up so well! For one, this book just needed another round of edits. It read very young-adult, if not more child-like, in my opinion. The sentence structure and prose, in general, were almost too simple for what this book was trying to offer. This book also had one or two spicier scenes, which seemed out of the blue when the prose felt younger. 

Most people in the reviews will agree that the pacing was just off. The beginning started strong for me, but it splinted into too many directions once it reached the middle. Lore had one quest, then suddenly there was this other rescue mission that seemed out of the blue and unnecessary, and then ANOTHER rescue mission for something else entirely. I don't think having multiple rescue missions or plot turns is necessarily a bad thing, but this (1) read young, (2) felt more like a cozy fantasy (with some more violent actions than what is usually in cozy fantasies), and (3) was on the relatively shorter side for fantasy (but not for fantasy romance), making it just not work as well.

This book has a decent plot twist, which I will refrain from discussing here because it's a fun read when you don't know about it. I had an inkling about this plot twist but didn't see that big reveal coming, which I appreciated. As you read this, you're like, "Why isn't it in the liked section?!" Well, because as much as the twist was surprising, it still had plenty of plot holes, and I was left with many questions. It didn't make much sense, but it was a fun surprise nonetheless. I gave this plot twist some slack since this was the first book in a series. We might know more later.

It might be because of the prose and pacing, which were all over the place, but I couldn't root for the characters. I didn't feel like character development was strong enough here, and it made the characters blah, particularly Lore, who seemed to be able to do things quickly and easily in one turn and then couldn't do them at all in another. Like Harry Potter all those years ago, there was also a constant "I can't keep putting these people in harms way," or, "People are getting hurt because of me, so I must do everything quietly and on my own!" It was fine when I was younger, but I'm over those tropes now, and this novel bled it. 

Overall, I couldn't get into it because of the writing, lack of character development, pacing, and chaotic plot points. Unfortunately, I will likely not be reading the rest of the series. However, if you like some lighter and fluffier fantasy with a strong diversity element, I would say go for it and lean into it! It most certainly wasn't the worst romantasy I've ever read, and some will enjoy this novel. It just wasn't for me!

The Setup: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman tells the story of a socially awkward (and likely many mental health challenges peppered into her life) and profoundly lonely woman in her thirties. Eleanor lives in a strict, isolated routine - she goes to work, eats the same meals, and spends her weekends alone with vodka. The novel explores themes of loneliness, trauma, and the slow healing process as Eleanor starts to form meaningful connections.

Her relationship with Raymond, a kind and unassuming IT colleague, becomes central to her transformation. Through their friendship, Eleanor begins to break free from her emotional barriers and face the deep scars from her abusive childhood, particularly the manipulative influence of her mother.

Honeyman expertly balances humor with heartbreak in this story, making it relatable to everyday life. The novel is not just a character study of a lonely woman potentially battling mental health challenges but a testament to the power of human connection, kindness, and self-acceptance.

What I Loved: I loved everything in this book. It was a bit satirical while still capturing the real challenges of loneliness. That said, I don't think this was as funny to me as I thought it would be (based on reviews)—the book was heartbreaking in a way, especially about two-thirds of the way through. However, Honeyman still made Eleanor strong - very unique and individualized. Eleanor wasn't necessarily likable or even super relatable, but she was very Eleanor and had a wonderfully distinct and interesting voice in the novel.

I'm a firm believer in "people aren't medicine," and this novel skirted that line slightly. However, I ended up loving it because it showed that while it's super important to build the bridge to healing yourself, you can rarely get there without the help of others. Raymond was such an incredible friend—he wasn't perfect, yet he cared deeply for Eleanor and recognized that a respectful and friendly demeanor can go a long way toward helping someone. That relationship wasn't the novel's highlight, but it sure was well done.

I loved Eleanor most, which surprised me because, in the beginning, I was like, "Yikes, who is this?!" We saw her hit rock bottom and try to work her way out. We saw her grapple with getting out of her comfort zone and having a good time. We saw her grow, shrink, and stand tall again. While this book is heavily character-driven, without much plot, I felt invested in Eleanor's story.

What Could Have Made It a 5?! I almost decided to rate this a 5, but I decided against it at the last minute for only one reason: I felt the ending was rushed. And I mean more from a "plot" rather than a writing perspective. Without giving away spoilers, we see Eleanor go through a lot and trying to work herself out of her rock bottom. While it was great to see therapy involved and her working through some other issues, there was a slight plot twist and some grappling with that afterward that I felt was rushed. There wasn't enough time for Eleanor to sit with this, and she almost felt ~whatever~ about it, even though it's a huge deal. I only knocked off a half-star, though, because, in general, we, the readers, were supposed to understand that Eleanor was our narrator, and this was typically how she handled things thrown at her. 

Lastly—although I didn't take away stars for this—I guessed the slight plot twist, but only because I checked the trigger warnings for this novel. While that doesn't give it away, per se, it did plant the idea in my head. 

Overall, though, this book was so well done, and I'll be thinking about Ms. Eleanor Oliphant for quite some time in my life.  

The Setup: This Tender Land is a beautifully crafted historical novel set during the Great Depression. It follows the journey of four orphans—Odie, his older brother Albert, their Native American friend Mose, and a young girl named Emmy. Fleeing the brutal conditions at the Lincoln Indian Training School in Minnesota, they embark on an epic journey down the Gilead River, seeking freedom and a place to call home.

The novel is rich in themes of resilience, friendship, and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of a troubled America. Krueger masterfully captures the era's social injustices, particularly the harsh realities faced by orphans and Native American children. As the children encounter kindness and cruelty along their journey, they learn profound lessons about trust, love, and the human spirit.

The story is not just about the physical journey but also explores moral choices, the complexities of faith, and the enduring power of hope. Through Odie's narration, readers are immersed in a poignant tale that skillfully balances adventure with deep emotional and spiritual growth, even for a barely thirteen-year-old!

What I Loved: This story was compelling. It was filled with vivid characters and an evocative portrayal of the American Midwest during one of its most challenging periods. All the characters were original and unique and provided interesting perspectives in the novel, even if you didn't necessarily like them. Anyone reading this story would likely be hesitant to put it down. Kent Krueger is a storyteller, and for that, I am so grateful. I loved exploring faith, love, and hope and how each person battles with that exploration and journey. I loved the tie to family and what family means. I also loved the characters and felt attached to them as they worked their way down the Gilead River to a better future. It was a complex and complicated read - this is slightly historical in the early 1930s - times were insensitive, and this novel had some challenging topics. But I was immersed and loved it.

Why Not 5 Stars? I was close to rating this five stars, but unfortunately, it just fell slightly through the cracks at the end. While I absolutely adored this novel, the ending felt rushed. Kent Krueger was trying to tie everything into a neat bow, and while I do think he did that successfully, it was all somewhat thrown at you in the end.

I must say, though, that I did like the official ending. There was a bit of a plot twist I didn't see coming. So, even if it was slightly rushed and thrown together, I did enjoy it nonetheless.

Overall, This Tender Land will stay with me for a while. It's a beautiful story with even a dose of magic (maybe!). I would highly recommend it.

BRB - I'm going to get myself an exorcism.

The Setup: Butcher and Blackbird is a dark romance that weaves together elements of horror, thriller, and romance in a unique and gripping narrative. The story revolves around two vigilante serial killers, Sloane Sutherland, known as 'Orb Weaver,' and Rowan Kane, known as 'Boston Butcher.' Their shared mission to rid the world of other serial killers is a product of their traumatic pasts, driving the plot forward.

Sloane's character is complex, marked by her dark artistry as she turns her kills into macabre webs. Her life turns when she meets Rowan, who shares her mission. Their relationship evolves from rivalry to deep affection, all while they navigate the horrible world they inhabit. Rowan, who balances his brutal side with a nurturing role as a chef and caretaker for his brothers, finds himself drawn to Sloane, and the two engage in an annual deadly competition to find and kill the worst of humanity.

The novel delves deep into the character's internal struggles, the impact of their pasts, and the unlikely romance that blossoms between two people who live on the edge of humanity. The narrative's blend of horror elements, emotional depth, and dark romance makes it a standout for readers who enjoy stories that push boundaries and explore the darker sides of love and justice.

What I Liked: Goodness, goodness me. First and foremost, I did not believe I would like this book. It blew up on TikTok, and I firmly believed that this would be like Haunting Adeline - a crime through and through, and I wouldn't be able to feel how people could read this. Well, parts of it are still most certainly a crime, but I ended up enjoying this way more than I thought. Truth be told, I was going to rate this a 4 up until about 60% and then near the end. I'm even tempted to bring it up to 3.5 stars because it had a good plot twist I didn't see coming, which I always appreciate. Overall, these characters were fantastic, and I enjoyed them a lot. The plot was ridiculous, but it made sense (well, kind of), and overall, I liked the slow burn aspect of this book. The development of the side characters was also a lovely touch. I was hooked, to be honest, and I couldn't put this book down. Not only was it interesting, but Weaver made it funny. I did laugh out loud in many places. As mentioned, a pretty good plot twist near the end was an interesting touch. Overall, I had a good time.

What Was Just a Bit Off: Ugh, I am not a dark romance girly in my core. Albeit this is the best one I've read, I can't get on board the very demanding and unrelenting male character, particularly during sexual instances. Around 60% of the way through, when the two characters finally got together, it seemed that the book mostly turned into erotica and porn, which I want to go on record is NOT a bad thing, but it just took away from the story for me. And I feel this way about most spicy romances with dark, brooding, and demanding men. Regardless, this book started feeling flat for me once they got together. Additionally, during the plot twist, I think the way Rowan handled the situation was out of character for him - he would've found another way around saying those words, even if they had some hidden messages in them [yes, I am vague due to spoilers!].

I just can't believe I read this, and overall, I am glad I did. While it's not the highest rating I've ever given, it's a big star in my book for some dark romance. Weaver is a good writer who can piece together a  narrative with witty humor. 

Please be advised of the trigger warnings in the front of the book. It is NOT for highly sensitive folks or those who regularly get squeamish. I was sensitive to only one part about someone getting beaten (I struggle with that in books, movies, etc.), but there is some intense gore, body horror, and violence. Additionally, there are some fierce sexual scenes - all consensual and done well, but wow, was it a lot. Please take care of yourself first!

The Setup: White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky - and O.N. Shartse as the translator - is a poignant and reflective novella that delves deep into the emotional themes of loneliness, unrequited love, and the longing for human connection. Set in St. Petersburg, the story unfolds over four nights and a morning, following the narrator, an unnamed dreamer who lives a solitary life detached from the bustling city around him.

The dreamer's life turns when he encounters a young woman named Nastenka, who also grapples with her loneliness and heartache. As they share their stories, a deep emotional connection develops between them. The dreamer falls quickly in love with Nastenka, but his feelings are not reciprocated, as she dives into the story about another man who has promised to return to her.

The novella delves into the dreamer's inner world, capturing his intense emotions and the fleeting nature of happiness. Dostoevsky masterfully portrays the pain of unfulfilled desires and the bittersweet reality of dreams that never come to fruition. This classical book resonates with the typical human condition and experience of love and connection, making it an engaging read for many.

What I Liked: This unnamed dreamer and Nastenka were certified YAPPERS and I was HERE for it. They delved on and on and on about the intricacies of loneliness and heartache. The dialogue felt real. This wasn't a classic with incredibly poetic prose 100% of the time (although it sure did include it), but the conversation between the two characters felt raw, helping you better understand their emotions and feelings. I was interested in their stories and what they were willing to share in this incredibly short novella. Overall, the lovely quotes and the yearning from the unnamed dreamer were profound and will stick with me. While this has some misogyny peppered throughout, likely because of the time, I did enjoy Nastenka's character and her complicated feelings with the man she was waiting for and the unnamed dreamer.

What Could've Been Better: This was a bit of a challenging read for me—there were lengthy sentences, and the language was so different from my usual reading. It felt a bit too short to develop that deep connection to the characters and the plot. That wasn't the point, but something was still missing for me. It's funny to fall in love in four days, too, but that's irrelevant, so I digress...

Overall, this book hit the spot and will stick with me for some time. Dostoevsky has a unique and heartfelt way of capturing the human experience. 

What a whirlwind of decisions around the rating. I went from a 3.5 until about 70% of the way through and then debated a 2, but I landed on a 2,5 because I didn't see half of the plot twist coming (or who surrounded the central mystery; although I guessed a second piece), which is always fun. But, yikes.

The Setup: The Work of Art by Mimi Matthews is a compelling Regency romance that masterfully intertwines beauty, obsession, and redemption themes. The novel centers around Phyllida (Philly) Satterthwaite, an uncommon beauty due to her heterochromia (two different eye colors), but has been considered odd in rural Devonshire. Her distinctiveness, however, attracts the sinister Duke of Moreland, a notorious art collector known for his unscrupulous methods of acquiring unique treasures.

To escape a proposed marriage, well, more like a trade, from the Duke, Philly enters into a marriage of convenience with Captain Arthur Heywood, a war hero struggling with severe injuries and a tarnished sense of self-worth. Despite his physical limitations, Arthur offers his protection and name to Philly, setting the stage for a journey of mutual healing and unexpected love.

This novel is tender and mysterious, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal desires. The plot is also enriched with historical details that bring the Regency period to life.

What I Liked: This book was good until about 60-70%. I enjoyed Philly a lot in the beginning. While beautiful in a unique way, she had her own voice, loved animals, and wouldn't just marry someone for the sake of a family member wanting money. She had a plan, stuck with it, and seemed strong. I also enjoyed the early banter between her and Captain Heywood - they were odd for Regency-era times but worked together. Additionally, the added touch with Captain Heywood and his PTSD and insecurities from the war was good, and I think it was done decently well. [Although, assuming a wife you're falling in love with can completely change your self-esteem is a pretty big stretch.] Seeing Captain Heywood grow into himself a bit more was nice. Clearly, Matthews also nicely researched Regency-era language and themes and wove them into the novel.

What I Didn't Like: Somehow, around three-quarters of the way through, Philly turned into one of the most enormous ding dongs I've read about. She went from opinionated and interesting to dull and even more naive. I can't describe the specific details of this situation without any spoilers. Still, at one point, she gets fooled because an animal is involved AFTER she is told that someone is potentially trying to harm her. The quote below says enough about where I am coming from.
  

YAWNNNNNNNNNNNN. 

I understand this was supposed to be from the Regency era and even historical fiction. Matthews was likely being realistic, especially for women during this time. However, I am not here for it. I love reading about women snapping back at the culture during that time, even in more subtle ways, and this was not that. It truly ruined the rest of the book for me and frustrated me to no end. 

Overall, this was decently done, and the prose and narrative were good. However, I couldn't get on board with Philly. Alas!

The Setup: Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez is a "rom-com" (in quotes, because it's more than that!) that intertwines humor and heartfelt moments with complex themes of family, personal trauma, and mental health. The story starts with a quirky premise: Justin has a curse, widely known thanks to a viral Reddit thread, where every woman he dates immediately finds her soulmate after they break up. Enter Emma, someone with a similar "curse." She slides into Justin's DMs, and they concoct a plan to date each other and break up, hoping to cancel out their curses and find true love.

Emma and her best friend/adoptive sister, both traveling nurses, change their assignment to go to Minnesota to stay in an idyllic lakeside cottage (and, oh, did I mention this is where Justin lives?!). Emma and Justin begin navigating their growing feelings while dealing with significant personal challenges. Emma's complicated relationship with her mother, Amber, resurfaces when Amber shows up unexpectedly, while Justin grapples with taking custody of his younger siblings due to their mother's legal troubles.

The novel masterfully blends light-hearted banter and romantic escapades with poignant explorations of trauma, family dynamics, and personal growth. The characters are intricately developed, making their journey engaging. This book is not just a romance, but a genre-bender that seamlessly weaves romance with other meaningful storytelling. It's a tale of two people falling in love while carrying extra baggage they have to navigate.

What I Liked: First and foremost, I liked the initial quirkiness - this idea of the "Good Luck Chuck" - where two people dated others, and when they would break up, their partners would go on to find their soulmate. It's so silly, to the point where it makes no sense, that it somehow works. The initial Reddit threads, their introduction to each other, and then getting to know each other organically through this idea was unrealistic, yet it worked.

It is remiss not to mention the extensive research about mental health in this novel. Abby Jimenez wanted to make this realistic for those suffering in similar circumstances. This is not just someone who thinks their mom is annoying; Emma had very deep-seated issues with her mother—and rightfully so. Jimenez did a phenomenal job with this idea and didn't sugarcoat anything. The portrayal of having someone fall for someone while going through a very traumatic experience can generally fall short, and I don't think that happened here.

Lastly, I loved the characters and how each one was human, with quirks and strengths that were unique to them. Jimenez did a fantastic job setting up these characters, the world, and the overall storytelling. I was immersed in the book and these characters.

What Fell Short: This book is getting a ton of praise, and I can appreciate that. But, here was where I slid from where others were standing and applauding: the main male character was too perfect. Listen, I want to read a book where the dude says all the right things at the right time and place. We read to escape! There is nothing better than a perfect book boyfriend that does no wrong. However, those books are not for me. Justin, while lovely, knew exactly what to do and say during an incredibly traumatic time for Emma. Additionally, he pivoted immediately when he said maybe the not-so-right thing (well, definitely the right thing, but it upset Emma). I think this happens often in contemporary romance novels - when the main characters use each other for growth. I'm not saying this isn't a good thing; I'm just saying it can't be the only thing. I think Jimenez pivoted near the end with this sentiment - and as she did, my rating went up from a 3.5 to a 4.0 because of it. However, for most of the novel, these two used each other as medicine, which shouldn't be the norm in romance novels, even if we want to use them to escape reality. Additionally, while I saw Emma go through a lot of growth and understanding about her past, mother, and self, I didn't see it with Justin. He was also dealt one of the worst hands ever, and Emma told him to "choose empathy every time!" Maybe that's your jam, but it wasn't mine, and it felt like while Emma could help herself, Justin didn't and only used Emma for that growth. It took me out of the romance near the end because it didn't mesh. I'll put spoilers around this,

but because Justin was so enamored about Emma and couldn't pull himself up by seeking some outside help or therapy, I almost didn't want Emma and Justin to get back together again.

That said, I did enjoy how it wrapped up and how Emma worked on herself and her trauma. It was a complex book, and I did enjoy it. I would recommend it for a summer read. However, prepare yourself for some pretty tough topics in addition to cute cottage scenery and romantic banter!

The setup: Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez is an enchanting tale that intertwines Peruvian mythology with a heartwarming romance. The story follows Asiri, a young woman with the unique ability to communicate with animals, seeking a fresh start away from her manipulative father. She finds refuge in a coastal town where she meets Dario, a charming local veterinarian. Their interactions are filled with tension and a potential romance, complicated by Asiri's need to keep her abilities secret and his insecurities of talking too much.

The story takes an intriguing turn when Asiri and Dario stumble upon an injured Amaru, a mythical creature thought to be a mere legend. Their quest to shield the Amaru from the superstitious villagers adds layers of excitement and tension. At its core, this is a charming fantasy with a strong romantic element, set against a backdrop of Peruvian mythology. The stakes are low, the adventure is engaging, and a chatty guinea pig adds a touch of humor (or perhaps annoyance).

What I Liked: I liked this book for what it was: a cozy fantasy with a heavy dose of romance. I loved the fantasy part - Asiri communicating with the animals. It beautifully intertwined Peruvian (Quechan) mythology and culture while still being a unique perspective on a fantasy book without it being very complicated or confusing. The characters were refreshing and funny, and I loved the animals in this book, who all seemed to have their own "personalities," flaws, and quirks. It was a fun read that went quickly.

What I Didn't Like: Honestly, the romance. The build-up was decent, and I enjoyed the tension. However, this was a bit of "love at first sight." There was a lot of miscommunication simply because they didn't talk to each other. The spicy scenes were a bit out of the blue, but they were tasteful, and I appreciated the assumption that both parties knew what they were doing. Regardless, I was not sold on it, but that was ok because there were other elements I enjoyed. Additionally, Asiri, someone cooped up in her home while living with her dad without much social interaction other than animals, seemed to be much more put together than I expected. I don't know why that factored into my decision-making, but it seemed a little out of place. Lastly, the writing seemed fan-fic-like but still put together and readable.

Three stars is truly the middle of the road for me. I recommend this for a lighthearted and fun little read when you need a little spice and joy. It's not that deep, and that's not what this book was meant for. It was decent, and I had a good time.