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Heartless Hunter

Heartless HunterTitle: Heartless Hunter
Author: Kristen Ciccarelli
Series: Crimson Moth #1
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Spice: 2 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 406
Length: 12h 8m
Narrator: Grace Gray
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

Also in this series: Rebel Witch
My Thoughts

That ending! Holy crap! I’m so glad I waited until the sequel was already published because I need to read it now!

HEARTLESS HUNTER was a fun slow-burn romantasy with lots of political intrigue, a somewhat dystopian society, and interesting characters. I really enjoyed the story and I’m so curious how it’s all going to end.

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The Wild Huntress

The Wild HuntressTitle: The Wild Huntress
Author: Emily Lloyd-Jones
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Format: Audio
Pages: 432
Length: 11h 49m
Narrator: Moira Quirk
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

THE WILD HUNTRESS was awesome. I loved the story and the characters so much, especially Palug. He reminded me of my cats, Cassie and Izzy. (I’m so glad the dedication let me know he survives so I didn’t have to worry about him.) I also loved the mythology. The author’s twist on the Welsh folklore was so intriguing and the magical elements were fun to read and experience. I also really enjoyed listening to the audiobook. As an American not accustomed to Celtic languages, it was awesome to hear all the correct pronunciations of the Welsh words and names. My only hangup is that I wish the last chapter didn’t feel as rushed as it did. I would’ve preferred an epilogue instead of an overview of future happenings.

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Just For The Summer

Just For The SummerTitle: Just for the Summer
Author: Abby Jimenez
Series: Part of Your World #3
Genre: Romance
Spice: 2.5 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 418
Length: 11h 43m
Narrator: Zachary Webber, Christine Lakin
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

Also in this series: Part of Your World, Yours Truly
My Thoughts

I thought I couldn’t love another one of Abby Jimenez’s books more than I loved YOURS TRULY, but I was wrong. JUST FOR THE SUMMER is probably my favorite romance I’ve read this year. It was a delightful story about love, loss, neglect, trauma, forgiveness, and healing. I really loved both Emma and Justin, their chemistry and sexual tension.

The way the author wrote about mental health felt so authentically written that as soon as I finished reading, I wanted to contact her and let her know how much it meant to me. I related to Emma and a little bit to her mom. I’m glad the author addressed impulsivity due to fear of perceived or real abandonment, how it causes chaos and tumultuous relationships, and how real intensive therapy can help. I also loved that she showed that we can’t help others with their baggage and trauma until we address our own.

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The Heartbreak Hotel

The Heartbreak HotelTitle: The Heartbreak Hotel
Author: Ellen O'Clover
Genre: Romance
Spice: 2.5 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 10h 17m
Narrator: Brittany Pressley
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I loved THE HEARTBREAK HOTEL. It was a delightful story about love, loss, forgiveness, healing, and second chances. I loved both Louisa and Henry, their chemistry and sexual tension. I loved how the author showed grief in all its forms, how consuming it is, how different it is for each person, and that we can heal from our grief.

One of my favorite parts of the book was how the author was able to portray Borderline Personality Disorder without the person being deranged or psychotic. I loved that she explored how it affects the person diagnosed with it as well as the people around them. I especially loved that she showed what BPD looks like without therapy and the healing that can come from consistent therapy.

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The Circus Train

The Circus TrainTitle: The Circus Train
Author: Amita Parikh
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Audio
Pages: 352
Length: 14h 39m
Narrator: Imogen Church
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

My Thoughts

I absolutely loved THE CIRCUS TRAIN. While I don’t feel like it’s reminiscent of THE NIGHT CIRCUS like the blurb says it is, I thought the story and characters were interesting, rich, and fraught with heartache, challenges, and perseverance.

I loved the concept of a traveling circus by train in Europe before and during World War II. The history helped shape the story and give it more depth. It was very interesting to see World War II from so many different perspectives and locations. I really enjoyed the author’s note at the end explaining the creative license vs. the reality.

The circus itself helped turn an otherwise troubling and deadly time into a life worth living despite the pain. I loved Lena, Theo (father), Alexandre (love interest), and Clara (governess). They all shined and made the story a pleasure to read. I won’t be forgetting this story any time soon.