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Hell Bent

Hell BentTitle: Hell Bent
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Series: Alex Stern #2
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 481
Length: 16h 17m
Narrator: Lauren Fortgang, Michael David Axtell
Reason Read: Book of the Month
Rating:

Also in this series: Ninth House
My Thoughts

I’ve been waiting to read HELL BENT since it came out in 2023; I just never got around to it until now. I’m so glad I finally read it because it was quite the ride! As gritty as NINTH HOUSE (maybe more), HELL BENT had me on the edge of my seat from the very first page. I love the paranormal aspect of the secret societies of Yale and all the historical elements of these books. I also loved delving deeper into the uncanny and learning more of its secrets. I’ll be on pins and needles waiting for the third book and excited to see where the next installment takes its readers.

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The Passengers

The PassengersTitle: The Passengers
Author: John Marrs
Series: Dark Future #2
Genre: Science Fiction, Thriller
Format: Audio
Pages: 337
Length: 11h 40m
Narrator: Clare Corbett, Roy McMillan, Tom Bateman, Shaheen Khan, Kristin Atherton, Patience Tomlinson
Reason Read: Book Club
Rating:

My Thoughts

I liked the premise of THE PASSENGERS and I thought the story was very compelling. It definitely kept me reading to the end despite the fact that I hated most of the characters and found parts of the story hard to get through because of the content. *coughSofiacough* I think THE PASSENGERS is plausible except for Clare’s ability to clothe and move her large, dead husband from their bed to the trunk of their car while she was 7 months pregnant. I also think the story portrays an interesting view of Cancel Culture, social media, online anonymity, mob mentality, bipartisan politics, and the future of A.I.

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A Fire Endless

A Fire EndlessTitle: A Fire Endless
Author: Rebecca Ross
Series: Elements of Cadence #2
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Spice: 2 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 512
Length: 16h 15m
Narrator: Ruth Urquhart
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: A River Enchanted
My Thoughts

I’m so happy I read A FIRE ENDLESS. It’s everything I wanted in a sequel / conclusion. I was hooked as soon as I started reading and didn’t want to put it down. I loved the Gaelic / Scottish feel to the story and I loved Ruth Urquhart’s narration. Her Scottish accent added so much to the story.

I loved seeing Adaira grab hold of her lineage without sacrificing where and how she was raised. I also loved seeing Torin and Sidra growing into their roles as Laird and Laird’s consort. I thought there was a perfect balance of romance and story, which made my heart happy!

I loved getting a chance to experience life in the West and seeing how different it was from the East. I loved learning more about the Folk, their origins and history, and their hierarchy. I especially loved being a part of the Spirits realm and seeing how it worked. I guessed Bane’s backstory and was excited to see that I was right.

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An Offer From A Gentleman

An Offer From A GentlemanTitle: An Offer from a Gentleman
Author: Julia Quinn
Series: Bridgerton #3
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Spice: 2.5 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 358
Length: 12h 22m
Narrator: Rosalyn Landor
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: The Duke and I, The Viscount Who Loved Me
My Thoughts

AN OFFER FROM A GENTLEMAN is my favorite of the Bridgerton series so far. I absolutely adored the Cinderella (and Ever After) retelling aspect of this one. I loved getting to know Benedict better as we don’t see or hear much from him in the previous two novels. I loved Sophie. She was the perfect stand-in for Cinderella. I especially loved the immediate connection she had with Benedict. Their banter and sexual tension was so much fun to read.

The edition I read had a second epilogue, which I enjoyed (not quite as much as the second epilogue for THE VISCOUNT WHO LOVED ME, but much more than the one for THE DUKE AND I). I loved getting to see Posey’s happy ending as well as get a glimpse into Benedict’s and Sophie’s life together.

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Witch Please

Witch PleaseTitle: Witch Please
Author: Ann Aguirre
Series: Fix-It Witches #1
Genre: Magical Realism, Romance
Spice: 3 / 5
Format: Audio
Pages: 368
Length: 10h 31m
Narrator: Ava Lucas
Reason Read: Just Because
Rating:

Also in this series: Boss Witch, Extra Witchy
My Thoughts

I basically read WITCH PLEASE in one sitting because I loved it so much. I loved the characters, especially Danica and Titus. Their chemistry was instant and the sexual tension between them was amazing and leaves you wanting for more, creating a cute, fast-paced steamy romance. I loved the setting and the small town feel. The description of the people, shops, and scenery had me ready to book a plane ticket so I could experience it first hand. And, thanks to the descriptions of all the pastries in Titus’ bakery, I’m craving cinnamon rolls and gingersnaps now!

I especially loved the lit bit magic and wish there had been a bit more. I loved the concept of witches and how their magic works. I would love to learn more about them.