Scan barcode
teaand_tomes's reviews
497 reviews
The Legend of Meneka by Kritika H. Rao
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you Kritika H. Rao, Avon Books, Colored Pages Book Tours, and NetGalley for the free book!
The Legend of Meneka is an exquisitely beautiful story that took my breath away. I love exploring fantasy inspired by the mythology and folklore of different cultures, and this novel delivered a rich, vibrant tale full of passion, magic, and romance.
Even though I wasn’t familiar with the original mythological story, I was completely swept up in the world Kritika H. Rao has crafted. Meneka’s yearning for freedom and love was so raw and deeply moving—it broke my heart time and again. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way, aching for her to find the peace and happiness she so desperately deserved.
Kaushika was an intriguing enigma, and unraveling the truth about him was such a satisfying journey. The gods and goddesses in this story were masterfully portrayed, teetering on that delicate edge between good and evil. Their complexity added depth and tension, reminding me that deities aren’t bound by mortal ideas of morality.
The writing is lush and spellbinding, pulling you into a world where every page shimmers with emotion and magic. If you’re a fan of Daughter of the Moon Goddess, Kaikeyi, or Circe, you need this book on your shelf. I cannot wait to dive into the next installment of the Divine Dancers duology. The Legend of Meneka is a captivating, empowering read that will stay with me for a long time. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death and War
Beg, Borrow, or Steal by Sarah Adams
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Thank you to Sarah Adams, Delacorte Press, and PRH Audio for the free copy!
This book was such a fun, rivals-to-lovers delight! Emily and Jack’s dynamic was full of chemistry-fueled banter that had me hooked from the very first page. One of my favorite aspects of their relationship was that even after they admitted their feelings, their rivalry didn’t magically disappear—it just gained a delicious layer of sexual tension that made their interactions even better.
Emily’s antics during Jack’s home renovations, like stealing all the nails so he couldn’t hammer late into the night, had me laughing out loud. Their pranks and banter were some of the best parts of the book!
That said, I did have a few minor issues with the emotional baggage woven into the story. While it added depth to the characters, at times it felt a bit too heavy for the otherwise lighthearted tone. Emily’s emotions regarding her sister Madison, in particular, felt excessive at points and might have benefitted from a bit more streamlining.
Despite these small hiccups, this story was incredibly cute, delightfully spicy, and hilariously entertaining. Brittany Pressley and Nelson Hobbs did a fantastic job narrating, bringing the banter and humor to life perfectly.
If you’re a fan of rivals-to-lovers romances with plenty of humor and heart, Beg, Borrow, or Steal is one you won’t want to miss!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Infidelity, Grief, and Death of parent
A Sea of Unspoken Things by Adrienne Young
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Adrienne Young, Delacorte Press, and PRH Audio for the free book!
A Sea of Unspoken Things is a hauntingly atmospheric tale that blends mystery with emotional depth. James, still reeling from the death of her twin brother, Johnny, embarks on a journey to uncover the secrets of his life and death. The deep connection she had with Johnny—almost supernatural in its intensity—continues to pull her into his world, revealing truths that shake everything she thought she knew about him.
The relationship between James and Johnny, and later between James and Micah, is rich and compelling. The emotional depth, especially as James confronts her past, makes this story so much more than just a mystery. It’s a journey of self-discovery and coming to terms with the secrets we hide, even from those we love most.
The Pacific Northwest setting is absolutely perfect for this story—its dense woods, foggy atmosphere, and looming mountains create the ideal backdrop for this mystical, eerie narrative. I could easily see this novel translated into a film.
Christine Lakin’s narration was another highlight. Her smooth, emotive voice added so much to the emotional weight of the story, enhancing the haunting and suspenseful vibe of the plot.
Overall, this was a captivating, emotionally rich mystery with plenty of twists and an incredibly immersive atmosphere. Perfect for fans of atmospheric, mysterious tales with a touch of the supernatural.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Gun violence and Grief
Order of Swans by Jude Deveraux
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 26%.
Thank you to Jude Deveraux, MIRA Books, and The Hive for the free book!
The premise of Order of Swans is incredibly intriguing—a woman with the power to alter fairy tales and shape a kingdom’s destiny sounds like a perfect blend of magic and adventure. Unfortunately, the execution didn’t work for me.
The writing style felt impersonal, making it difficult to connect with the characters, particularly Kaley, whose mysterious destiny should have been compelling. The combination of fantasy and science fiction elements felt disjointed, and the science fiction aspects often seemed out of place. I was also hoping for a stronger focus on folklore, but the fairy tale elements were sparse and felt underdeveloped.
While the idea of a world where fairy tales come to life is captivating, the convoluted plot and lack of emotional connection ultimately made it hard to stay invested. I regret not being able to finish this one, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.
Manacled by SenLinYu
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
Gate to Kagoshima by Poppy Kuroki
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
Thank you to Poppy Kuroki, HarperCollins, and Harper Perennial for the free book!
Gate to Kagoshima is an intriguing tale that transports readers to late 1800s Japan during the era of the last samurai. The historical setting is vividly described, and the premise of a young Scottish woman, Isla, being swept back in time to confront her ancestry and a star-crossed romance with a samurai is captivating.
While the story offers a fascinating blend of history, magic, and romance, I found it lacked the emotional depth needed to fully connect with the characters. The writing leaned more factual than emotive, which made it difficult to feel fully immersed in Isla and Kei's journey or to deeply invest in their romance.
That said, the setting and historical backdrop were standout elements, and the concept of grappling with fate versus free will added intriguing layers to the plot. With a bit more emotional resonance, this story could have been truly exceptional.
If you love historical fantasy with a unique setting and are intrigued by stories of love that transcends time, Gate to Kagoshima is worth exploring.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, and War
Minor: Rape
Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Thank you to Jillian Meadows, Avon Books, and NetGalley for the free book!
Give Me Butterflies is a tender, swoony romance that pairs a grumpy astronomer with a sunshine-y entomologist in a science museum setting. This soft grumpy-versus-sunshine trope is filled with nerdy banter, fiery chemistry, and heartfelt moments.
Millie’s bright optimism and Finn’s guarded nature create a beautiful dynamic as they navigate their budding romance amidst professional ambitions and personal struggles. The story is refreshingly low on unnecessary drama, focusing instead on two people finding love, comfort, and unwavering support in one another.
The supporting characters, especially Finn’s nieces, are sweet and endearing, adding to the warmth of the story. There’s also plenty of spice for readers who enjoy steamy moments paired with emotional depth.
This is a heartwarming, feel-good romance perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood and Tessa Bailey. If you love soft, sweet stories with lovable characters and a touch of STEM nerdiness, you’ll want to pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Body shaming and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
Emotional abuse, Verbal abuse
She Doesn't Have a Clue by Jenny Elder Moke
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
3.0
Thank you to Jenny Elder Moke, Minotaur Books, and SMP Early Readers for the free book!
This was an intriguing mix of mystery and romance with a unique setting—a high-end wedding turned murder investigation on a private island off the coast of Seattle. The murder mystery was well-crafted, and I really enjoyed following the hunt for the true killer. Jenny Elder Moke does a great job weaving suspense into a backdrop of complicated relationships, old grudges, and plenty of secrets.
The love triangle added an interesting layer to the story, and the slow-burn second-chance romance between Kate and Jake was a definite highlight. Their shared history and moments of vulnerability felt genuine and engaging.
That said, the pacing of the book felt uneven at times. The beginning dropped me into the middle of the action without much setup, and some moments felt rushed, jumping quickly from one event or emotion to the next. While this kept the story moving, it also made certain scenes feel a bit jumbled.
Overall, She Doesn’t Have a Clue was an enjoyable read with plenty of twists, a strong mystery, and a touch of romance. It may not have been a standout for me, but it was definitely a fun and intriguing ride. Fans of destination mysteries and second-chance romances will want to give this one a try!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Murder
A Crown So Silver by Lyra Selene
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to Lyra Selene, Orbit Books, and NetGalley for the free book!
Returning to the magical and perilous world Lyra Selene created was an absolute thrill! A Crown So Silver continues the saga with breathtaking world-building, high-stakes action, and a deadly tournament on the mysterious Silver Isle.
That said, Fia’s stubbornness and impulsive choices left me feeling frustrated at times. Irian, with his wisdom and experience, often provided sound advice, but Fia’s consistent dismissal of him felt more like reckless defiance than genuine independence. This dynamic created unnecessary conflict and setbacks that could have been avoided.
However, the book’s strengths more than outweighed my frustrations. The snowy Silver Isle was beautifully depicted—a dangerous and enchanting backdrop for the Tournament of Kings. The cunning smith-king and the intricate magic tied to the tournament added rich layers to the story.
The tension between Fia and Irian brought an emotional depth that heightened the stakes. Their relationship was tested in realistic ways, showcasing the difficulty of balancing love, power, and individuality in a world teetering on the edge of chaos.
Despite my struggles with Fia’s character arc, A Crown So Silver delivered a captivating and thrilling installment. The intricate plot twists and the immersive world-building kept me hooked until the very last page. Fans of A Feather So Black will not be disappointed, and I’m eagerly anticipating what comes next in this magical, treacherous tale!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, and Sexual content
Moderate: Confinement, Torture, and Violence
The Merry Matchmaker by Sheila Roberts
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Thank you Sheila Roberts, MIRA, and The Hive for the free book!
This delightful holiday read is a heartwarming nod to Jane Austen’s Emma—one of my all-time favorite classics. Frankie Lane’s matchmaking escapades bring a festive twist to the well-loved story, complete with charming mishaps and a cozy small-town setting.
I especially loved that the characters were older, with established lives and relatable complexities. Frankie’s determination to help her loved ones find happiness—even when it leads to chaos—was both endearing and humorous. And Mitch Howard? A swoon-worthy, kindhearted hero who stole my heart.
The second-chance romance subplot was beautifully done, blending perfectly with the holiday cheer. The Merry Matchmaker is a sweet, lighthearted read that’s ideal for curling up by the fire with a cup of cocoa. If you love Austen-inspired stories or a dash of romance with your holiday spirit, this one’s for you!