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Lightfall (The Everlands Trilogy, #1) by Ed Crocker 

Pub date - 1/14/25

A dark fantastical world, where humans are myth and vampires, werewolves, and sorcerers are the norm, a mystery, with many characters’ PoV’s and a highly interesting plot. 

Did I find this a little slow? Did I find this a bit clunky in parts? I did. 

But, did I also find this very fun and intriguing? Did I appreciate the world building? Did I enjoy the characters? Would I read the next title? Absolutely yes. 

A very fun debut, and one I recommend. 

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the DRC

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You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon Pub date - 2/18/25

Liked: 

*the premise - grabbed me instantly 

*the MMC 

*well written 

Issues: 

*”not like other girls” MFC 

*not all plot points are as fleshed out as I want in a book 

*repetitive 

*highly immature MFC

*lack of chemistry between the MC’s 

*sorry for going on about her but - intensely unlikable MFC (this ordinarily isn’t an issue but Leigh was insufferable) 

While I would definitely read the author again, this particular book was not for me (other readers seem to adore this one, so I think this was a case of me not being the right reader). 

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC

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Earl Crush: A Novel by Alexandra Vasti 

US pub date - 1/21/25

4.5 stars,

She’s an on-the-shelf spinster (at 26). Lydia Hope-Wallace is a political writer (secretly), an heiress, and has been in correspondence with the Earl of Strathannoch, who’s estate is fairly destitute. The communication is such that Lydia makes her way to Scotland, accompanied by her friend, to propose marriage. When she arrives at the estate, and proposes to the earl - he’s stunned and has no idea of who she is.

*Lydia is a terrific MFC (and so relatable to this reader with social anxiety)

*Arthur ❤️ *wonderful (and wonderfully intrusive) household help 

*a menagerie of animals 

*mystery 

*swoony longing 

*oh, those declarations - please, excuse me while I go find a fainting couch

I loved Earl Crush - a purely fun read and wonderfully romantic 😍

This is the third novel I’ve read of the author’s and I’m definitely a fan now - can’t wait to read more of her work 🙂

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Inheritance: A Novel by Trisha Sakhlecha US pub date - 1/21/25

4.5 stars, 

Well crafted and well written, this novel was gripping and I was invested throughout.  

More family drama than mystery or thriller, each character is deeply flawed and unlikeable. The trials and tribulations of a really, really wealthy family. 

You think you know what’s going on, but you don’t. 

And it all works. 

Recommended. 

Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books and NetGalley for the DRC

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Babylonia: A Novel by Costanza Casati 

US pub date - 1/14/25

100% pure magic.

A woman in a time of men (although really, when hasn’t it been a time of men…) doing what she needs to, for her own survival, to become the Queen. 

The writing made it very easy to visualize as I was reading and Ms Casati’s gorgeous and lyrical writing held me rapt, fully bringing me under its spell. All characters are well fleshed out and come across as utterly real, each adding their own stamp to the plot.

I’m so so glad I had the opportunity to read an early copy of this wholly engaging story. This was my first time reading the author, and I can’t wait to read more of her work! 

Babylonia has a full recommendation from me. 

Thank you to Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the DRC 

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Murder in the Dressing Room (Misty Divine Mysteries, #1)  by Holly Stars 

US pub date - 1/14/25

By day Joe is a mild mannered accountant, but by night, transforms to the full queen status of Misty Divine. Joe/Misty is a terrific MC and one you’re rooting for throughout the story. 

I’ve been captivated by drag and its artists since I was a teen in the 90’s and was thrilled to receive an advance copy of this. While it did take a little while for me to get into the pace of the story, once I did I read it quickly, falling for characters, mystery, and the message. It kept me guessing til the end. 

I had a lot of fun reading Murder in the Dressing Room; it’s a recommendation from me.

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

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Frankie: A Novel by Graham Norton US pub date - 1/14/25

I was familiar with Graham Norton because my husband and teens love watching The Graham Norton Show (I’ll watch whenever Greg Davies is on). When I saw Frankie: A Novel, the premise sounded interesting and I requested it, mainly to score some points with my husband and kids. 

But as I got into reading this, I just fell in love with Frankie’s story and Graham Norton’s storytelling talents - very grateful for the opportunity to read an early copy. Both quiet and utterly compelling, this captured my interest and I read it over a weekend with some respiratory illness that has knocked me for a loop, this warmed me and took my mind off feeling like warmed over yuck. 

Frankie is a terrifically real character, the writing is wonderful, this story captivating, I adored this novel, and it’s one you won’t want to miss. Mr Norton’s Frankie has my full recommendation. 

And I’ll be reading more of Graham Norton’s books for sure. 

Thank you to HarperVia and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Favorites: A Novel by Layne Fargo

Pub date - 1/14/25

Wuthering Heights on ice? Cathy and Heathcliff on skates?! Considering that I loathe Cathy and Heathcliff, no one was more surprised than I that I found The Favorites a wildly fun read; it pulled me right in and I read it over a few days. 

The writing is terrific, the characters fleshed out and realistic, and the end result is both engaging and compelling. The Favorites  is definitely one to read and has my full recommendation. 

****I’ve read a lot of reviews comparing it to Daisy Jones & the Six but having read (and enjoyed) both, I think it only merits that comparison due to the format of the story, which is similar to any oral history book (see ‘Please Kill Me: The Uncensored Oral History of Punk’ (which remains one of my all time favorites) by Legs McNeil and Gillian McCain; and / or ‘We Got the Neutron Bomb: The Untold Story of LA Punk’ by Marc Spitz and Brendan Mullen; et al).****

Thank you to Random House and NetGalley for the DRC

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Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao 

Pub date - 1/14/25

This grabbed my attention from the start and held on tight. The magical realism and world building was spectacular and I read each page with enjoyment.

Recommended! 

Thank you to Del Rey and NetGalley for the DRC 

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The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds: A Novel by Jennifer Moorman 

US pub date - 1/14/25

Well written and engaging, The Vanishing of Josephine Reynolds pulled me in from the first chapter and held my attention throughout - I read it in two sittings over the course of one day. 

With excellent character development and a compelling plot, I really didn’t want to stop reading this. I don’t want to write anything that could be considered a spoiler so I will simply add - I loved this story, absolutely adored it ❤️

This was my first time reading Ms Moorman’s work - it definitely won’t be the last. 

Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Mismatch of the Season by Michelle Kenney Pub date - 1/10/25

The plot sounded so cute but the numerous inaccuracies, repetition, and pacing left a lot to be desired for me. 

Other readers may love this but it wasn’t for me.

Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for the DRC

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Cross My Heart: A Novel by Megan Collins 

US pub date - 1/14/25

*infatuation 

*obsession 

*murder 

Pulled me right in from the first chapter and kept my attention throughout. 

Very kind and giving, as well as being the recipient of a donor heart (Rosie also needs a new spine when it comes to men), Rosie manages her family’s bridal boutique and is single. She begins messaging the widower of her heart donor and figures out he’s a local famous author due to his responses. As they continue messaging, Rosie becomes a little obsessed, taking notes about him on her phone. And now I’m not sharing anything more except for Rosie,sweetie, please get some therapy because, yes, this book made me hate these characters while keeping me turning the pages. 

I didn’t see where this was going until fairly into the book. That was nice. 

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for the DRC 

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The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen

US pub date - 1/14/25

Let me preface my review by writing that I was really excited to read this story. 

Newly attempting to be sober, newly estranged from her husband, Kerry arrives at the Twilite Motel in the Catskills. Without wi-fi or mobile connectivity, Kerry plans on spending the winter writing the book, for which she’s got a seriously bad case of writer's block, and whose advance she’s already long spent - viewing it as her own personal Overlook Hotel. (You know how I know this is a sh*t idea?… This is so obviously a sh*t idea.)

(Even Jack Torrance had more of a period of reprieve once he, Wendy, and Danny settled in at the Overlook.)

I’ll stop with referencing The Shining now because other than winter caretaking by an alcoholic writer when the power goes out, I don’t really feel that  comparisons between the two are fully justified. 

*the two POV’s were very similarly voiced - neither reliable

*repetitive mystery/thriller that read incredibly slowly for me until about 30% 

*I found it predictable 

*atmospheric

Readable - I’d probably listen to this if there were dual narrators, and I was going to reread it, to keep better track of the POV’s. 

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons and NetGalley for the DRC

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Flirting with Disaster: A Novel by Naina Kumar US pub date - 1/14/25

*a second chance romance similar to Sweet Home Alabama 

*everything is bigger in Texas, including the effects of global warming inclement weather 

*miscommunication 

*forced proximity 

*character growth and evolution

The second chance romance aspect and the similarities to the rom-com fully piqued my interest. 

I would have enjoyed reading some parts more from Nikhil’s POV but overall, I was impressed by the author’s sophomore effort and will definitely read her future work. 

Thank you to Dell and NetGalley for the DRC

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Mother of Rome by Lauren J.A. Bear US pub date - 1/7/25

All the stars for Mother of Rome ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I read (and loved) Medusa’s Sisters and was beyond thrilled to receive an advance copy of Mother of Rome. I loved this story, it pulled me in immediately and still hasn’t let go. The writing is transportive and visual and I watched this one in my imagination as I read. 

I’m a retired homeschooler and my education style was classical, and heavily featured history, classic books and art - the story of Remus and Romulus is one of my favorites and Bear’s take on the tale is utter feminist perfection. 

I finished this one days ago and have had a difficult time writing this review since; I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the story.

Pre-order this one or grab it once it’s available on January 7, 2025, Rhea Silvia’s story begs to be read. 

Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for the DRC

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The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis 

US pub date - 1/7/25

Fiona Davis has a gift of writing compelling historical fiction that draws the reader into the story, the time, and the environment and The Stolen Queen pulled me in within the first chapter. 

The research and the blend of fact and fiction were wonderfully done and the story so intriguing that I’ve already gotten a copy of The Woman Who Would Be King, a biography about Hatshepsut. The fictional characters are fully formed and their stories are just as engaging. 

My one issue with this one is that I did find the ending to be a bit too neatly wrapped up. 

Ending aside, I really enjoyed my reading of The Stolen Queen and recommend it. 

*my (step) dad brought my mother to the Tutankhamen exhibit at the Met when it opened in the late 70’s and looking through the catalog they brought home was one of my favorite pastimes when I was little.

Thank you to Dutton and NetGalley for the DRC 

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Never Gamble Your Heart (Secret Society of Governess Spies, #2) by Lindsay Lovise

US pub date - 2/4/25

3.5 stars, 

As I wrote in my review for the first book of the series, Ms Louise very obviously enjoys romance novels and it shows in her writing, making for an entertaining and enjoyable read for readers who also enjoy romance. 

*I adored Frankie and thought she was a terrific MFC

*the connection between Frankie and Jasper is well written and there’s a lot of buildup, but I wouldn’t consider it a slow burn 

*though Frankie is in Jasper’s home as a “governess”, the mission seems secondary (it did to this reader, at any rate) 

*nicely paced 

My issues: 

*the way the characters spoke was off-putting and not what I was hoping for, given the time period 

*the mystery, its culmination, and resolution were executed in such a way that struck me as both implausible and oddly anticlimactic

**this was an ARC, so hopefully these will be corrected before the book is available but some of the spelling errors really bothered me - “baited breath” for example (I’ve seen this before and it wildly irks me each and every time 🤬)

Despite my issues, I did like this and look forward to the next title in the series. 

You’ll want to suspend your disbelief but this was a very fun read. 

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the DRC