Friends Like These by Meg Rosoff Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

I bought this book over the summer last year, but with an ever-growing TBR pile, it soon got lost in the long, long list of books that I needed to tackle and recommendations from my deceiving For You page on TikTok. But alas, I finally grabbed it off the shelf and parked myself on the skydeck of my apartment building to catch some sun and check list off the list. The summary on the back of the book drew me in, but unfortunately, it was the only interesting about this book. I was expecting some devious, toxic friendships in Rosoff's novel, but was met with lackluster characterization and a plot that could not get a grasp of what it wanted to be. The writing felt mediocre and often times unfinished - the only upside was the styling allowed reading to be quick paced and after two hours of reading, I only had about 30 pages left.

Beth, eighteen, is riding the high of being selected for a summer internship in New York, is met with a number of challenges raging from the heat of the city to wavering relationships with her co-interns. When luck seems to find her way and she befriends Edie, they have an instant connection and soon become attached to the hip. But with attachment comes consequences, and Beth finds herself riding in the passenger seat of Edie's never-ending drama, theatrics, and mood swings. The more time Beth spends with Edie, the more she succumbs to manipulative tactics and the constant stress of always following her lead. Keeping that in mind, I wish Edie was as diabolical as Beth made her out to be, and while I agree that Edie's actions were frustrating and thoughtless, she just seemed like an annoying, self-centered girl at the end of the day who Beth never stood up to until the very end.

Dan and Oliver's characterization were surface-level and unappealing in the sense that they held no true value to me throughout the entire book. They provided some minor support in showcasing Edie's true character, but ultimately I could not form an attachment or interest in their little side quests - they were simply uninteresting. I wish this read more as a core four toxic friend group rather than two girl best friends accompanied by their male coworkers - it would have made much more sense for all of them to be conniving towards one another than only having one "true" villain of the group.

If you're looking for a quick read that you can fly through, this definitely checks that box. To be frank, I read it so quickly in hopes that there would be some form of climax to the plot that would be explosive or really make Beth and Edie "enemies" but was let down by the end. While this classifies as historical fiction by being set in 1983, the author was only able to set the scene by mentioning the AIDS epidemic and World War II scattered throughout the book - I never felt like I was transported back in time other than when they would mention that bagels would cost twelve cents instead of the typical two to three dollars in today's world. I may give another one of Rosoff's works a chance in the future as I have heard good things, but for now I will move on to my next read.

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Heavenly Bodies (Heavenly Bodies, #1) by Imani Erriu Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

I remember seeing blurbs for this book on TikTok ages ago and adding it to my TBR shelf because it intrigued me so much. Three and a half years later, I should have known that my memories of the blurbs may have combined with other blurbs I have seen over the years. Looking back at my track record with TikTok recommendations, I should have known that I did not have a good chance of finding my next favorite romantasy series. The premise of the series is well-intended and I love the aspect of incorporating Greek mythology into the world, but I felt as though the plot lacked some serious development and character arcs that could have pushed this over from a "sure, read it" to a "definitely need to read" when it comes to recommendations.

Elara's journey was certainly the most gripping aspect of this book - I could very much get a sense that her character development was more thought out compared to the other characters. Yes, she is the female lead, but I am still a firm believer that all characters should be treated equally when it comes to development, especially when the majority of side characters were playing some part in aiding her and Enzo on their quest. That being said, watching Elara's development was refreshing in the sense that she was able to acknowledge her own disadvantages and was able to open up about past experiences that lead her to making certain choices. I felt like she was written slightly more "modern" compared to other characters - at one point she notes while reading a book that she "hates when the female characters lose their powers in the end" - and I could not agree more - but it did feel slightly out of scope for the setting of the book.

Enzo is much more mysterious, and he has that brooding, reluctant aura that tends to draw readers in. I enjoyed that he had this guarded exterior when Elara came along - he did not trust her, and while we knew her intensions were well-intended, she was keeping a few secrets, so it was fair that he did not immediately become vulnerable around her. His personality throughout the book was the one with the most depth in my opinion - he became more intriguing to me than Elara as his actions and development definitely captured me while reading. Elara's development was definitely up there, but there was just something missing in her story that was not pushing me over the line from enjoying her to rooting for her.

While this is not what I expected from this book - was I expecting greatness? No, but I was expecting a much more intricate story with well-developed lore. I did appreciate the guide in the beginning of the book that detailed pronunciation and the basics of who everyone was, but I typically prefer for that to be worked into the story rather than just information being provided to the reader. I will likely continue on with this series to see it through and can only hope that the storytelling improves with the next installment.

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Den of Liars (Den of Liars, #1) by Jessica S. Olson ARC Review

This is a spoiler-free review! Den of Liars will be available on July 1, 2025.

I would first like to thank NetGalley and Feiwel & Friends for providing me a copy in exchange for an honest review. I love a good heist novel, and considering the past few mystery books I read have been lacking in heists, I was so excited to get approved for this galley. Right from the start, readers are introduced to an exciting world that was more modern than I expected. The pacing for world-building is quick but not confusing, and while it took me a second to familiarize myself with all of the new places and books of importance, the story was not overloading the reader with new information every two seconds.

Lola is such an interesting character, and you can tell that she is headstrong from the second she shows up on the page - with the brief prologue, readers are given the tone of her character and she holds true to her determination as the story goes on. Her backstory definitely plays into her character and the choices that she makes along the way. The character of the Liar and the Thief intrigued me so much - it was exciting to see how they differed while also seeing how similar they were. The pull between those two characters and Lola keeps the reader entertained and longing for something mischievous to come into play.

The heists are one thing, but when one goes array, the only way to continue on for Lola is to participate in the Dice Tournament - which poses an entirely new risk to Lola as she journeys on to become a true member of the Tentacles, the Thief's gang. As their bond has grown over their time together, she is determined to prove herself and be taken seriously by the Thief. With their bond already formed, it was interesting to see how Lola still was not a member of the Tentacles despite being able to pull off a number of schemes and heists with the Thief.

I am such a major fan of the main lead falls for the villain, so I was thrilled to see hinting of that trope throughout the book and just mentioned in the summary. It plays out such a complex relationship as there is always more to the villain's story than appears in the beginning. With the Thief seeking revenge against his brother, the Liar, Lola is now right in the middle of their sibling feud, and when pulled between them, whose side will she choose?

For fans of Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody and Caraval by Stephanie Garber, this new and exciting young adult romance brings action, romance, and intrigue to a unique story. There is something new at every turn, and readers can expect to be in for page-turning surprises. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series has in store, and will certainly be keeping my eye out for any works by Olson.

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Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

Andrew and Thomas return to school with secrets from one another, a daunting fairytale turned into a haunting reality, and the disappearance of the creative spark that lived within Thomas and his artwork. When they arrive back at Wickwood Academy, everything is out of order - Andrew's twin sister, Dove, is all but warm to him, while Thomas arrives in questionable fashion with a torrid secret. As readers dive deeper in Andrew's perspective, they are exposed to more than they could have imagined. With the forest luring Andrew and Thomas into dangerous territory as they protect themselves and those around them.

Jumping around from high fantasy to romance, I knew I was in desperate need to get back into dark academia - Don't Let the Forest In has been on my TBR shelf for nearly a year as I anticipated its release, and I finally found the time to sit down with it. I have to say, I basically loved everything about this book - we are immediately introduced to Wickwood Academy and the aura is prickly, intense, and full of a deep sense of dread. With Andrew somehow on the outs with both his sister and Thomas, he fights to find out why they are pushing him to the side.

As we see Thomas recount a traumatizing experience while actively working to put an end to the torment that has followed him back to school, we begin to learn more about the horrors that have been haunting him. Without the help of Andrew, I am sure that Thomas would have been left to his own devices to constantly be looking over his shoulder for years to come. Drews was able to create such a sense of being watched throughout this book - I felt as paranoid as Thomas and Andrew as I read their story. Every corner they turned, it was as though they were confronted with the reality of high school bullying or the fantastical horrors of fairytales come to life.

Andrew's personal journey was intriguing and pulled at my heartstrings - you could feel his pain come off the page and his internal struggle as he came to terms with himself felt so raw. His characterization was well-developed and readers are truly able to feel his fears and hesitation to explore the unknown. Both Thomas and Andrew had a lot of feelings to explore throughout the book, and because they are so interconnected with one another, their lives bleed into one another so much you feel as though they are one being sewn together.

For those who loved The Wicker King by K. Ancrum, readers will be thrown into dark academia encompassed by fantasy and the desire for characters to uncover the truth about themselves and what the future has in store.

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The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, #3) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Review

This is a spoiler-free review! You can read my reviews of The Inheritance Games and The Hawthorne Legacy on my blog, now!

Guys... I do not know how much longer I can go through this. The fake curse words, the inability to solve puzzles on their own despite being known for doing so, and the fact that Jameson is the love interest is making this series increasingly difficult to push through. I am a Grayson Hawthorne defender until my dying breath, and the fact that he continues to get put through the ringer at any chance causes me to become tired of the constant torment he suffers. Everything that happens to Avery in this book, let alone the series as a whole, is outlandish for a teenager to have to handle. While she does have a support system, it feels as though they are always looking out for the Hawthornes, rather than Avery.

Considering how The Hawthorne Legacy ended, it was no surprise to the twists that occurred in this installment - much like the second book, this was just as predictable and fell short of keeping me on the edge of my seat. Everyone in this book, sans Avery, seem to be incredibly trusting of random new individuals that just pop up out of nowhere and insert themselves into the Hawthorne family. It becomes hard to sympathize with these characters when they continue to make dumb choices and throw their common sense out of the window.

Despite how much I think Avery does not use her brain or is two seconds late to every discovery, she seemed to be the only person in this book that was weary of the right people and found a heap of common sense towards the end of the book when everything was on the line. I was not loving her decision by the end of the book, but it fits with her character and it would not have been true to her development if the book took a different direction at the end. That being said, I understand why she chose to do what she did, but I was not thrilled with her decision.

To the surprise of absolute no one, we learn that a number of characters are actually horrible people. Shocking! This could be seen from a mile away with one eye closed since the very first book with a particular someone who I will not name. I will say that the last few chapters of the book were actually interesting had pulled me into the story for about fifty pages - it was just unfortunate that the majority of the book felt lackluster compared to a few chapters towards the very end.

I truly wanted to enjoy this series, and while it is not my cup of tea, I can say that those looking for a young adult mystery will likely be pleased with these books. There was an improvement compared to The Hawthorne Legacy, and I was happy to see that I enjoyed this book more than its predecessor. If the stakes were more severe or the plot twists less predictable, this series could have won me over - I plan to see it through to the end, and am hoping that these characters have some more development by the last installment.

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Firewalker (Worldwalker, #2) by Josephine Angelini Review

This is a spoiler-free review! You can read my review for the first installment, Trial by Fire, on my blog, here.

A little over two years later but I am back to this series and determined to see it through. For the most part, when it has been years since I have read a book in a series, it will only take a few chapters for my memory to be jogged and everything will come back to me - that is exactly what happened in this case. I honestly forgot about Una and Breakfast until they showed up again in this book, and their presence throughout the story was definitely in a supportive role in Lily's journey. Tristan gives off major Adam Kent vibes from Shatter Me, and his continued pining for Lily made him mildly insufferable.

The side characters played a large role in Lily's own development, and without their presence, the story definitely would have been lacking in supportive roles. Some played larger roles than others, and Tristan lead the pack on that front, while Una and Breakfast were still secondary characters to his large presence. Juliet could have been written into the story more, as I believe her relationship with Lily needs to be explored more - even though they are sisters, I still think there is more to uncover in their dynamic.

Lily and Rowan's relationship is solid, and his protectiveness of her is certainly a plus - he is always looking out for her, and even when she thinks his choices are not the best, he does everything in her best interest. Since this is a young adult novel, their relationship is pretty PG and aside from kissing and alluding to other things, we are still able to see the intimacy of their relationship through mind-speak. Considering how the first book ended, it is no wonder to why he is protects her against everything that comes their way.

The pacing of this second installment was slow for about the first half in my opinion - it felt as though we were being given a refresher of everything that happened in the first book and dwelling on those events, when more time should have been spent on present issues. The last third of the book is where the action truly picks up, and I found myself much more intrigued with the story once the plot pivoted to actual obstacles. It would have been great if the entire book had that energy instead of just the ending, but the author was able to set up the third installment with a powerful ending to this book.

If you are looking for a way to enter the young adult fantasy genre, the Worldwalker series can be the first experience many need. Since I own the rest of the series, I will be seeing Lily and Rowan's story to the end, and with the ending Angelini has left readers with, I am sure we are in for some interesting developments.

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Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles, #3) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl Review

This is a spoiler-free review! You can read my review of Dream Dark, here.

I find myself, yet again, coming back to a series in which it has been eight years since I last read the book prior... yikes! High school me was very motivated and the iBooks app had me in a chokehold - as well as having a family member who owned a book store. But alas, here I am, finally making my way to finish this series. I have always loved this series, and was heartbroken when only Beautiful Creatures received a movie adaptation and the rest were never made.

Ethan and Lena are such a great couple, and I love that the books are in Ethan's perspective -  even though Lena is the female lead, this story is so focused on Ethan and his responses, that his voice really stands out as an outsider to Lena's world and as someone who has become so intertwined into her world. His perspective, especially with everything that happens to him throughout the book, is so vital in understanding the connection between mortals and casters. His friendship with Link and his constant worry about him shows him in a multi-dimensional light that adds layers to his character without pushing his needs to the side.

Lena's involvement in this book takes somewhat of a sideline to Ethan's own development, along with Link and Ridley's constant will-they-won't-they situationship they have going on. I honestly really enjoyed the chapters that focused on Link's life and adjustments as he navigates his friendships and relationships on top of the paranormal musings of the town. Sure, it has been years since I have dived into this series, but the relationships between the characters are so easy to get right back into and understand their dynamics. The plot picks up in this installment, and I found it so natural to just be transported back into the world. The stakes became higher and I loved how we were not just circling around Ethan and Lena's relationship instead of actual plot points.

The pacing felt very natural, and the authors do a great job in keeping the reader engaged in the story without sidelining other plots in order to push a certain narrative. The antagonists of the story do not feel like they cause all of this destruction without actual motives - it was believable, and their involvement in Ethan and Lena's story blended well with their own side plots. I will say, the flashback/backstory portions of this installment started to lose me for a bit, but it was more so because I was hooked into Ethan's development.

If you are a fan of Fallen by Lauren Kate or Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick, this series is certainly for you. It is so reminiscent of early young adult paranormal romances, and has a great ensemble of characters that keeps the reader entertained and invested in the story. I will certainly be seeing this series through and cannot wait to see how Ethan and Len's story pans out.

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The Raven King (All for the Game, #2) by Nora Sakavic Review

 

This review contains spoilers for The Raven King. Please read trigger warnings - reader discretion is advised.

It has been over five years since I read The Foxhole Court, and I was worried that I would not remember anything plot-wise that happened in the first installment when I cracked open this book. Thankfully, memory served me well and everything came back to me within the first couple chapters. I truly forgot how much I loved Andrew - he is one of the funniest characters I have ever read, and is so completely unhinged, which makes him the perfect addition to this story. Every single day I pray for Riko's downfall - he is literally one of the worst people to exist in this series, and it is a testament to the Foxes for the way they put up with him, with the exception of Neil, who will use any chance he gets to instigate Riko. And we love him for it - and here is the prime example:

"You know, I get it. Being raised as a superstar must be really, really difficult for you. Always a commodity, never a human being, not a single person in your family thinking you’re worth a damn off the court— yeah, sounds rough. Kevin and I talk about your intricate and endless daddy issues all the time. I know it’s not entirely your fault that you are mentally unbalanced and infected with these delusions of grandeur, and I know you’re physically incapable of holding a decent conversation with anyone like every other normal human being can, but I don’t think any of us should have to put up with this much of your bullsh*t. Pity only gets you so many concessions, and you used yours up about six insults ago. So please, please, just shut the f*ck up and leave us alone." 

GET HIM AGAIN FOR ME NEIL. The fact that Waymack literally has to tell Neil not to cause a scene with Riko and Neil just does it anyway... he's just a kid! And Riko deserves much worse than just being knocked down a peg or two. I genuinely need to give Neil a hug so bad... he has been through so much and does not feel like he has a place with the Foxes, even when they spell it out for him that they are his family now. Is Waymack aware that he now is the proud father of an entire team of Exy players? He basically is Neil's father, and the fact that we learn that he is actually Kevin's father had me speechless.

The way that Nicky talks about Erik makes me believe in love. You can tell that Nicky is such a pure soul and despite the horrors he had to deal with back home, he is still so kind and open with everyone. I love the relationship he has with Neil - they are basically best friends, and with Neil keeping his entire life essentially a secret from everyone, it seems that Nicky is the one he is able to open up to (besides Andrew). On that note, Andrew only ever seems to trust Neil, and considering he does not trust anyone, that says a lot. Even when it is just bits and pieces that Neil has to put together himself, it really shows how different Andrew is with Neil compared to everyone else. This is a slow-burn in the making, I can feel it.

The Thanksgiving scene at Nicky's house truly had me sick to my stomach, dear god take all of Andrew's pain, triple it, and give it to Riko. I physically recoiled when that chapter occurred, and it was soul-crushing to see Andrew go through that with Drake, and with the added racquet to Drake's head by Aaron, my jaw dropped. It always circles back to Riko, and I literally cannot comprehend how this barely legal college student is capable of things so disgusting. Drake deserved so much worse than he got. And of course, our favorite mysterious Neil has to chime in with "Will they give it back or am I going to have to get a new one?," in which he is literally talking about his racquet that was used as a murder weapon.

I know Andrew would absolutely hate the idea, but my word someone needs to hug that boy. He has been through unimaginable horrors, and life does not seem to want to give him a break. And so WHAT if he killed his mom, he did it to protect Aaron, and the fact that it is brought up so often makes me feel even worse for Andrew. Waymack reminds me so much of Coach from Teen Wolf, except he actually has somewhat of an idea of what is going on with his unruly players. He would protect the Foxes with his life, and at this rate, same here.

Obsessed with the fact that the first gala went so bad with Riko and Neil, that they still had the Christmas gala. And in true Neil fashion, he pulls this one out "You think I'm afraid of your knife? I'm the Butcher's son," and how little did we know how much that would come back to haunt him towards the end of the book. Every single time that Neil bodies Riko in an argument, an angel gains its wings - it is truly a sight to see.

Why on Earth did Neil go to the Raven's Nest?? The boy has a death wish I swear, and I understand that he does it protect others, but much like Andrew he does not seem to have any regard for his own wellbeing or survival. I was literally about to throw up with Riko came into his room after his practice, and had to take a lap around the room before continuing on. Thank you Nora for not going into too much detail, because if I had to read about Neil being tortured, I would have passed out. 

I will absolutely not be taking any criticism on this series - it is so out of the park and insane, and I love every minute of it. Neil and Andrew's character development as individuals and as friends is so gradual and complicated. This series is notorious for its laundry list of trigger warnings, and back in the day on tumblr, it took over our lives. The side characters have stories of their own that add so much value to Neil and Andrew's stories, and the found family trope is so strong in this series.

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A Study in Drowning (A Study in Drowning, #1) by Ava Reid Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

I was ready to dive into a stand alone, when to my surprise, I saw that a sequel was in the works for this book. Riding off of the faerie world as I just finished The Folk of the Air series by Holly Black, this seemed like the perfect path to head down as I continue to make my way through my never-ending TBR pile and transition to fall with a little gothic fantasy.

The beginning of the book was a touch slow to start, mostly due to the fact that readers are becoming acclimated to the world, but there was something missing that I could not quite put my finger on. I felt as though the world-building could have been expanded upon before we were thrown into the plot, as there were points in the book where I felt disconnected from the story. The second half of the book definitely makes up on this front, and I found myself truly enthralled with everything that had finally built up over the first two hundred or so pages.

Effy and Preston... I could feel the tension just by his name being written in the Borrower list for every book Effy wanted to check out in the library. I loved the academic rivals to teaming up with one another dynamic, and while Effy and Preston are not quite academic rivals, Effy does want to be in the literature college, and Preston had no problem being admitted. The way they interact once they are basically forced to cohabitate has a sweet slow-burn to it, and I only wish we got to see Preston's perspective.

This was the perfect read to start transitioning into fall weather, and the author was able to encapsulate such an exact environment when setting the scene for this book. I loved the way the characters were influenced by the manor itself, almost as if the manor was a character itself. The backstory of the Myrddin's faults and the allure of the tales of the Fairy King cause Effy and Preston to join forces and find answers that may reveal harsh truths. I truly felt transported to the book's setting, which made the read all the more enjoyable.

There were equal parts magic and mortal to this story, and they were equally addressed through Effy's true belief of the Fairy King's existence and Preston's hunt for human faults. Nothing magical ever felt as if it was being forced onto the reader, but rather flowed naturally as the story progressed. I appreciated the way Myrddin's book was a work of art within this book, which created a more tangible mystery to the reader as we joined Effy and Preston on their search for hidden truths. Reid tackled issues that went beyond magic and mortal, and touched upon a number of important topics that elevated the story while not becoming repetitive.

For fans of Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson and Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor, readers will be taken on a journey of libraries, monsters, and just a hint of romance. The perfect gothic fantasy read, just in time for fall and cozy weather.

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Sorcery of Thorns (Sorcery of Thorns, #1) by Margaret Rogerson Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

I loved An Enchantment of Ravens, and was so excited to finally dive into this book. The premise really drew me in - sorcerers, magic libraries, and grimoires are just the beginning of the world that Rogerson creates for this story. Elisabeth has basically been raised by books, and in her training to become a warden, she is thrown into unprecedented times as she is tied to various crimes she was not involved in.

As a young adult fantasy, I always expect the protagonist to still be growing into themselves, and I try to give them a little grace when it comes to their common sense. While Elisabeth is certainly excelling in the book smart department, she definitely could use some smarting up in street smarts - I fear she is too easy to kidnap and just a second behind and piecing things together when not presented in a grimoire.

Nathaniel Thorn... my oh my... he easily bewitched me in such a short amount of time, it was honestly impressive. He is incredibly cocky and has an excellent sense of humor, even when he is not trying to be funny. The dynamic that he and Elisabeth have reflects a wisp of enemies to lovers, but in the sense that they are not true rivals, but more so agitated with one another that leads to something more than either expected. His past is slowly revealed throughout the story, and the more that he and Elisabeth work together, the more her world is turned upside down.

The world building comes in hot and fast, and I had a bit of whiplash trying to keep track of the basics as we were thrown right into conflict. Getting used to the system and terms took a few chapters to really understand the pillars of the story, but once you get into the groove of it, it becomes much easier to follow. The combination of a slow burn relationship between Elisabeth and Nathaniel, and the journey they go on to unveil the truth behind a number of lies created such a rich story.

Demons and sorcerers are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the intricacies in this world, and Elisabeth's own self discovery and growth as she seeks to prove her innocence shows a great balance between plot and development. The side characters, while a touch sparse in some chapters, added solid relationships for Nathaniel and Elisabeth as they embarked on their quest. The friendships made along the way and the sense of family, especially for Elisabeth, was heartwarming and endearing to watch come together.

For fans of The Kiss of Deception by Mary E. Pearson, this young adult fantasy will transport you to a world of magical books and an enchanting world filled with discovery and adventure.

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The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games, #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Review

This is a spoiler-free review!

I fully walked into this book with the idea that it was essentially Knives Out but with young adults, and I seemed to have been a bit off the mark. I must have somehow missed the part that this book takes place in Texas, because imagine my surprise when everyone was suddenly speaking with Texan accents -- for the entire book, I was picturing everyone in cowboy hats, no matter how much I tried to picture them as they were actually described. Imagine literally inheriting billions of dollars out of the blue, and the requirement is that you have to live in a mansion with four hot brothers... Avery needed a little reality check because she should have been jumping up and down.

Every single old Hawthorne family member was out here bullying a seventeen-year-old girl they had known for about forty-eight hours... embarrassing! Yes, I understand that they were weary of her being named as basically the sole inheritor of the fortune, but the way they jumped to conclusions of elder abuse was wild. The author seemed to love reminding readers that Libby has blue hair, and apparently it is such a major piece of information because it is mentioned almost every other chapter... we get it.

I will admit, Avery with Grayson and Jameson was very much giving Katherine "It's okay to love them both, I did" Pierce and I have to respect her game on that front. Both Grayson and Jameson were such interesting characters, and the mystery behind both of them certainly had me invested on what their next moves would be, and how Avery would handle her attraction to both of them. Jameson's little nickname for Avery had me giggling and kicking my feet, it was cute and snarky. On the other side of the coin, Drake was literally the opposite of these boys, and was giving me an aneurism every single time he showed up. Libby needed to get a restraining order against him, and yet barely seemed concerned that he was actually like an obsessed stalker.

Why was Avery so incredibly impressed when the girls doing her hair did two french braids? I honestly was so confused because it is such a common hairstyle, and considering that this book was published in 2019, it was even more popular, especially pinned to her head in the style depicted. A lot of the commentary in this book was a little dated, and I much prefer authors that try to avoid locking a specific time period's outfits, styles, etc. into a book.

The mystery and intrigue throughout the book definitely kept me interested, but the riddles/puzzles/clues felt a little lackluster compared to what they could have been. They were easy to solve and left me feeling as though anyone in the book could have put two and two together, and did not need Avery to solve them. Chapters moved quickly enough that the story moved at a decent pace in order to keep the reader locked in, but some went on for much longer than necessary. Tobias Hawthorne really decided to leave nearly every single one of his family members with more trauma the second he died, and while some members needed a reality check, others were put through the ringer more than they deserved.

I have to say I stand teetering on the edge deciding my overall feelings for this first installment. This was a really interesting idea to put to paper, but the execution fell off for the middle portion, leaving me wanting more to be on the line for the characters. A lot of the reveals were a touch predictable and made me feel as though there was not as much to lose as it was made out to be. Whenever I decide to continue on with this series, I hope the other brothers because more fleshed out and are more involved in the plot along with Grayson and Jameson.

You can add The Inheritance Games on Goodreads now, and follow the author to stay up to date with releases and publications.

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My Life with the Walter Boys (My Life with the Walter Boys, #1) by Ali Novak Review

This is a spoiler-free review! My Life with the Walter Boys is now available to stream on Netflix.

To be completely honest, I watched the Netflix adaptation prior to reading this book, and when I found out that the author is officially writing a sequel, I knew I had to jump on this book before season two or the sequel were available. After Jackie's parents and sister tragically pass away in a car accident, she is forced to move in with her mother's friend and her literal soccer team of boys on a farm. True to my nature, I automatically started rooting for the older, more mysterious brother that is essentially a Conrad Fisher variant living in Colorado. I will always support the older brother in literally any scenario, especially when they are introduced in what is essentially a slow-motion realization.

When Jackie discovers the exact details of her new life -- living with twelve boys -- she is understandably shocked and has a rough introduction to the family. Many of the boys do not give her the warmest welcome, and some are downright wild in their treatment of her, especially Isaac, who is borderline sexually harassing her for a decent portion of the book. If I was her, I would literally lock myself in my room if I had to move from New York to Colorado. The number of twins in this family is absolute insanity -- there is not one, not two, but three sets of twins in this family and I was left just as confused as Jackie when learning everyone's names.

I cannot truly believe Jackie does not own a pair of jeans... surely there was a pair she needed for something... at least a themed party. There are fifteen people in this house now that Jackie has arrived, and yet this entire sports team of a family seems to only have two bathrooms, which is absolutely diabolical -- please build more bathrooms! Jackie does not catch a single break for almost the entire book as this gang of boys literally commit war crimes against her from the second she steps foot on their property. She lost her entire family in one second and they cannot even give her time to settle in before they are torturing her on a daily basis.

Cole... the boy who can do no wrong in my eyes. He is brooding, he is older, and he is absolutely the correct choice for Jackie, no matter how many people insist that Alex is the boy she should choose. Much like Jeremiah from The Summer I Turned Pretty, Alex throws tantrums like no tomorrow when he does not get his way, and is clearly jealous that Cole attracts a lot of attention from everyone, but especially from Jackie. There is quite literally a point in the book where Jackie compares Alex to a puppy... take that as you will.

This book was honestly a blast to read -- as a young adult romance, it keeps the reader entertained while still touching on more serious topics without allowing them to overtake the narrative. I have been in a bit of a reading slump, and this book truly had me getting back into the groove of things with its wholesome story and a fun love triangle. All of the characters acted their ages and the author did not make literal high schoolers act like mature thirty-year-olds, which was refreshing because you expect teenagers to act like teenagers. One thing that did tend to get to me was the fake cursing the brothers would do -- aka "What the fudge" and other childish replacements -- considering multiple characters do not censor themselves.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out that the Netflix adaptation was pretty spot on with the plot and events that occurred in the book when translating it to the screen -- there are obviously some differences and not everything is able to fit in, but the essence of the story is definitely present in the show. Some scenes in the book that I loved did not make the cut in the show, and I can only hope that in season two, they revisit some of these scenes and work them into the plot.

If you are looking for a quick romance read that is a mix of much-loved classic cliches and self discovery, My Life with the Walter Boys is just the book for you. For fans of Float by Kate Marchant, readers will be thrown into a story that is more than romance.

You can add My Life with the Walter Boys on Goodreads now, and follow the author to stay up to date on releases and publications.

You can catch up with me and my current reads by friending me on Goodreads and following this blog, my Twitter, and my Instagram in order to stay up-to-date with any reviews, blog tours, and more!