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Hazel (1853 KP) rated Polaris Awakening (Polaris Anthology, #1) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
<i>This eBook was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Polaris Awakening</i> is a young adult science fiction anthology containing several short stories about the human race thousand of years from now where everyone lives aboard giant space stations. <i>Polaris</i> is a collaborative project between numerous authors that are rising up in the young adult world: Kelli Sheridan, E. Latimer, Erica Crouch, Janna Jennings, Hannah Davies, Terra Harmony and Meghan Jashinky. Although each story is different, they all revolve around <i>Polaris</i> – the largest human built space station in the universe.
Despite the different authors’ input, it could be easily believed that only one person wrote the anthology, as their writing styles are so similar. Whilst being labeled as science fiction, there are a lot of themes throughout the book such as a dystopian setting, social and political injustice, romance and violence. There are many strong male and female characters, which make these stories suitable to readers of both genders. The main characters are roughly the same age as the target audience thus generating appropriate language and scenarios for young adults to read and become interested in.
Naturally, some of the stories are better than others. Some are so full of action and suspense, making the reader want to stay with those characters forever, whereas others feel rather short and incomplete. What happens to those certain individuals once they are off the page?
Whilst reading this book I kept thinking about a novel that was recently published: <i>Way Down Dark</i> by J. P. Smythe. The plots of these short stories were very similar to the general story line portrayed within that book. The setting was almost the same as the spacecraft written about by Smythe. If you enjoy this anthology, I am sure you would also love <i>Way Down Dark</i>, and vice versa.
Polaris Awakening</i> is a young adult science fiction anthology containing several short stories about the human race thousand of years from now where everyone lives aboard giant space stations. <i>Polaris</i> is a collaborative project between numerous authors that are rising up in the young adult world: Kelli Sheridan, E. Latimer, Erica Crouch, Janna Jennings, Hannah Davies, Terra Harmony and Meghan Jashinky. Although each story is different, they all revolve around <i>Polaris</i> – the largest human built space station in the universe.
Despite the different authors’ input, it could be easily believed that only one person wrote the anthology, as their writing styles are so similar. Whilst being labeled as science fiction, there are a lot of themes throughout the book such as a dystopian setting, social and political injustice, romance and violence. There are many strong male and female characters, which make these stories suitable to readers of both genders. The main characters are roughly the same age as the target audience thus generating appropriate language and scenarios for young adults to read and become interested in.
Naturally, some of the stories are better than others. Some are so full of action and suspense, making the reader want to stay with those characters forever, whereas others feel rather short and incomplete. What happens to those certain individuals once they are off the page?
Whilst reading this book I kept thinking about a novel that was recently published: <i>Way Down Dark</i> by J. P. Smythe. The plots of these short stories were very similar to the general story line portrayed within that book. The setting was almost the same as the spacecraft written about by Smythe. If you enjoy this anthology, I am sure you would also love <i>Way Down Dark</i>, and vice versa.
Kristy H (1252 KP) rated Josh and Hazel's Guide to Not Dating in Books
Apr 23, 2020
I've read a variety of Christina Lauren novels by now, and this was one of my favorites. For a short minute, I thought Hazel was going to be too zany and over the top for me, and then I got to know her. I then fell in love with her, and I was immediately rooting for our caring, funny, and yes, sometimes, crazy heroine. The best part was that Josh was great in his own reliable, sweet way, too. There's nothing better than a romance where you care for both partners. They were an excellent couple, and I wanted nothing more than to see Josh and Hazel get together. The two had wonderful chemistry and the whole book just had me grinning goofily.
Josh and Hazel are both damaged and wary, but not in that annoying way that has you rolling your eyes and wishing they'd just get over it all. Josh's girlfriend has hurt him and Hazel is constantly passed over by guys who think she's too over the top. Neither deserve this pain, and you quickly want them to get together and be healed. Of course it isn't that easy. When they come up with the double date angle (but not dating each other), laughter ensues, as well as some heartbreak.
There aren't too many side characters in this one: the focus is on Hazel and Josh, but I really enjoyed Hazel's mom, as well as Josh's sister, Emily. And there's plenty of fun to be had with some of the folks we encounter on the blind dates. Josh and Hazel seem so real; our writing duo capture them quite well. Hazel's zest for life coupled with her vulnerability, for instance, shine brightly. And Josh, well, I just wanted to hug him sometimes.
In the end this a really fun, sweet book. It's humorous yet realistic and tender. I adored Hazel and Josh-they were one of my favorite couples in a while. 4+ stars.
Josh and Hazel are both damaged and wary, but not in that annoying way that has you rolling your eyes and wishing they'd just get over it all. Josh's girlfriend has hurt him and Hazel is constantly passed over by guys who think she's too over the top. Neither deserve this pain, and you quickly want them to get together and be healed. Of course it isn't that easy. When they come up with the double date angle (but not dating each other), laughter ensues, as well as some heartbreak.
There aren't too many side characters in this one: the focus is on Hazel and Josh, but I really enjoyed Hazel's mom, as well as Josh's sister, Emily. And there's plenty of fun to be had with some of the folks we encounter on the blind dates. Josh and Hazel seem so real; our writing duo capture them quite well. Hazel's zest for life coupled with her vulnerability, for instance, shine brightly. And Josh, well, I just wanted to hug him sometimes.
In the end this a really fun, sweet book. It's humorous yet realistic and tender. I adored Hazel and Josh-they were one of my favorite couples in a while. 4+ stars.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated If I'm Being Honest in Books
Jan 6, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This starts with Cameron eating lunch with her two best friends and trying to do her Econ coursework. They start chatting about a party where Cameron's crush, Andrew, will be at the weekend and she plans to tell him she likes him. But things don't go great when they get interrupted and Cameron is really horrible to them, causing Andrew to call her a b*tch. She decides to try and publicly apologise to the girl who interrupted them and do it in front of Andrew but the girl points out something obvious and things get worse with Andrew. She then decides to make a list of people she needs to apologise to and tries to figure out how.
I actually got really into this staying up until midnight last night to get to the 80% mark. I was drawn in by Cameron and the journey she went on from just being brutally honest and a bit of a b*tch to someone who enjoyed being friends and spending time with the less popular crowd. It was a great read and Cameron's internal thinking was interesting.
Cameron and Brendan were super cute. They had quite a lot in common and I found myself rooting for them from early on. I'll admit I had a little cry at a few bits. Some of the tears were for Cameron in regards to her dad, and some were for her and Brendan when he took something the wrong way and I felt as wounded as Cameron did.
I've read this is based on The Taming of the Shrew but I'm not that big a fan of Shakespeare so I can't compare as I've never read the book/seen the play but Cameron's views on it helped me understand it a lot more.
I'd enjoy reading more books from this writing duo.
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This starts with Cameron eating lunch with her two best friends and trying to do her Econ coursework. They start chatting about a party where Cameron's crush, Andrew, will be at the weekend and she plans to tell him she likes him. But things don't go great when they get interrupted and Cameron is really horrible to them, causing Andrew to call her a b*tch. She decides to try and publicly apologise to the girl who interrupted them and do it in front of Andrew but the girl points out something obvious and things get worse with Andrew. She then decides to make a list of people she needs to apologise to and tries to figure out how.
I actually got really into this staying up until midnight last night to get to the 80% mark. I was drawn in by Cameron and the journey she went on from just being brutally honest and a bit of a b*tch to someone who enjoyed being friends and spending time with the less popular crowd. It was a great read and Cameron's internal thinking was interesting.
Cameron and Brendan were super cute. They had quite a lot in common and I found myself rooting for them from early on. I'll admit I had a little cry at a few bits. Some of the tears were for Cameron in regards to her dad, and some were for her and Brendan when he took something the wrong way and I felt as wounded as Cameron did.
I've read this is based on The Taming of the Shrew but I'm not that big a fan of Shakespeare so I can't compare as I've never read the book/seen the play but Cameron's views on it helped me understand it a lot more.
I'd enjoy reading more books from this writing duo.
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Twice Magic (The Wizards of Once #2) in Books
Sep 24, 2020
So, Xar and Wish meet once again after running away from the places they been kept in. Their goal is to kill the witches, and after Wish finds a magical potion, they set out on another adventure to find the missing ingredients. The story is once again told by “Unknown Narrator”, and I still have no idea who that is. 😀 The characters remain more or less the same, but there are some new characters introduced to this story, who play quite vital parts.
I have very mixed feelings about the narrative of this book. I did like the adventure part, but rest of the things seemed very stretched out and it had too much detail going on. The author created quite interesting surprises in the plot, incorporating some romance into the story. This part can easily be read without reading the first book, as the author explained most of the things, which might seem a little confusing to a new reader.
The writing style remains as in the first book, it feels raw, just like the way you would be telling the story, and explaining bits and pieces along the way. Which feels unique, but at the same time, makes the chapters longer and more detailed. The illustrations once again are absolutely stunning, and I enjoyed the texture, which they give to every chapter and overall reading experience. I liked that the setting of this novel keeps changing as the characters travel, it gave a more adventurous feeling to me. The ending was quite dragged for my liking and I think that there are way more books to come in this series, so, if you are a fan of these characters, it is good news to you. 🙂
To conclude, it is a fun read with same characters, (who can be quite a negative influence sometimes to a young reader) but new, romantic and adventurous findings, and if you liked the first part, you might enjoy this one as well.
I have very mixed feelings about the narrative of this book. I did like the adventure part, but rest of the things seemed very stretched out and it had too much detail going on. The author created quite interesting surprises in the plot, incorporating some romance into the story. This part can easily be read without reading the first book, as the author explained most of the things, which might seem a little confusing to a new reader.
The writing style remains as in the first book, it feels raw, just like the way you would be telling the story, and explaining bits and pieces along the way. Which feels unique, but at the same time, makes the chapters longer and more detailed. The illustrations once again are absolutely stunning, and I enjoyed the texture, which they give to every chapter and overall reading experience. I liked that the setting of this novel keeps changing as the characters travel, it gave a more adventurous feeling to me. The ending was quite dragged for my liking and I think that there are way more books to come in this series, so, if you are a fan of these characters, it is good news to you. 🙂
To conclude, it is a fun read with same characters, (who can be quite a negative influence sometimes to a young reader) but new, romantic and adventurous findings, and if you liked the first part, you might enjoy this one as well.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Hollywood Playboy (Hollywood Royalty, #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
Jessica is an entertainment journalist and good at it but one celebrity in particular does not get on with her: Tyler Beckett. She's always ready with a scoop on him only for him to go public with it before she can. When Jessica is asked to be on the press junket for Tyler's latest film they clash a few times before getting into an argument that makes them both realise how wrong they've been about each other and they begin to grow closer. It's starts as a kind of friendship before becoming more.
I did enjoy this. Mainly for the relationship between Jessica and Tyler but it wasn't always smooth sailing for them. First they don't even like each other, then they come to a truce to try and get along and before long they actually become friends that want to be more. It was an emotional ride towards the end and I had a good old cry, I'll admit.
I don't think I'd like to be a celebrity, having no privacy and everything from your past being brought back to haunt you. Luckily Tyler has a fairly clean life, though people are always willing to sell false stories about him and others. Tyler is good at handling the press and treats the ones on the tour like friends, taking them out for meals at amazing but little known places, sending them for spa days, etc. With Jessica, Tyler just wants her to spend time with him and they have some really cute days out all over the tour cities.
Some of the secondary characters were cool like Kellie and Tyler's parents. One character I wanted to slap silly and Tyler and Jessica, I just wanted to hug.
I'm intrigued by Kellie's story and her romance with her bodyguard who she has a history with so I'll keep my eyes open for her book.
I did enjoy this. Mainly for the relationship between Jessica and Tyler but it wasn't always smooth sailing for them. First they don't even like each other, then they come to a truce to try and get along and before long they actually become friends that want to be more. It was an emotional ride towards the end and I had a good old cry, I'll admit.
I don't think I'd like to be a celebrity, having no privacy and everything from your past being brought back to haunt you. Luckily Tyler has a fairly clean life, though people are always willing to sell false stories about him and others. Tyler is good at handling the press and treats the ones on the tour like friends, taking them out for meals at amazing but little known places, sending them for spa days, etc. With Jessica, Tyler just wants her to spend time with him and they have some really cute days out all over the tour cities.
Some of the secondary characters were cool like Kellie and Tyler's parents. One character I wanted to slap silly and Tyler and Jessica, I just wanted to hug.
I'm intrigued by Kellie's story and her romance with her bodyguard who she has a history with so I'll keep my eyes open for her book.
Leanne Crabtree (480 KP) rated Playing with Fire (Magical Romantic Comedies #1) in Books
Jan 11, 2021
This review and more can be found at my blog
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This one starts with Bailey working at the coffee shop where she makes drinks for its regular but unusual breed of customers from humans to pixies to werewolves, adding a pinch of dust to each drink to give them a high. Her nemesis, Chief Quinn, comes in and she makes him a drink before he heads out, taking her boss with him, leaving Bailey to work an 18 hour shift alone. Jealously flares within Bailey as she's had a thing for Quinn since he asked her to find proof of his wife's cheating. When Bailey is asked by Quinn's former brother-in-law to help her find someone, she's reluctant but agrees, and is handed a phone. Only the phone isn't all that it seems setting in motion a series of events that throws her into Quinn's life more than either bargained for.
I enjoyed the first 40% of this more than the latter 60%. The beginning was fun and quirky. I loved the sort of love/hate thing she had going on with Quinn. I enjoyed the banter between her and some of the other cops and it was just up my street. It just seemed their will they/won't they get together thing was concluded too early in the book and I was wondering what the rest of the book would be about. It lost some of its appeal for me after the weird Gorgon vomit scene. And then I just struggled to connect with it again. I soldiered on, determined to finish it.
I also found Quinn's family very complicated. He has almost every type of creature in his family tree from angels to incubus to gorgon but he is very much human and I couldn't keep track of who was who half of the time.
I liked it enough that I'd buy more of this series.
https://aromancereadersreviews.blogspot.com
A Romance Reader's Reviews
This one starts with Bailey working at the coffee shop where she makes drinks for its regular but unusual breed of customers from humans to pixies to werewolves, adding a pinch of dust to each drink to give them a high. Her nemesis, Chief Quinn, comes in and she makes him a drink before he heads out, taking her boss with him, leaving Bailey to work an 18 hour shift alone. Jealously flares within Bailey as she's had a thing for Quinn since he asked her to find proof of his wife's cheating. When Bailey is asked by Quinn's former brother-in-law to help her find someone, she's reluctant but agrees, and is handed a phone. Only the phone isn't all that it seems setting in motion a series of events that throws her into Quinn's life more than either bargained for.
I enjoyed the first 40% of this more than the latter 60%. The beginning was fun and quirky. I loved the sort of love/hate thing she had going on with Quinn. I enjoyed the banter between her and some of the other cops and it was just up my street. It just seemed their will they/won't they get together thing was concluded too early in the book and I was wondering what the rest of the book would be about. It lost some of its appeal for me after the weird Gorgon vomit scene. And then I just struggled to connect with it again. I soldiered on, determined to finish it.
I also found Quinn's family very complicated. He has almost every type of creature in his family tree from angels to incubus to gorgon but he is very much human and I couldn't keep track of who was who half of the time.
I liked it enough that I'd buy more of this series.
Kelly Knows (95 KP) rated Ready Player One (2018) in Movies
Jun 27, 2019
Press Start to Join The Rebellion
A truly excellent movie for the whole family to enjoy. Ready Player One has all of the elements required for a movie to truly excel in the telling of its story. The action is epic, the heroes are cool, and oh boy the fun and laughs you'll have along the way. The voice acting cast was well handled, but is probably the main reason I did not give this one full points. The studio could have gotten higher level actors to sell the more emotional plot points. Olivia Cooke and Tye Sheridan still do a masterful job with their roles, but some lines were delivered with a Spy Kids level of corniness. In truth, you have to hunt for flaws in this movie as if they were easter eggs themselves. Parzival, and the rest of the hunters on the quest, weave a beautiful tapestry of tropes that blends modern gaming escapism with social revolution. Not all the characters are super deep, nor do they have to be. You will find yourself cheering for the good guys, and jeering the bad. That's the beauty of this movie. It is a perfect chance to enjoy a thrilling tale of adventure, romance, and world domination, without having to buckle in for an Oscar level drama. The best of this movie however, and the reason I would ultimately recommend it to just about anyone is the sheer beauty and power of the visual effects, and the warm nostalgia that permeates every aspect of the plot. Pop culture references that are sure to make you grin are peppered throughout as the story unfolds. Any gamer, movie buff, rebel at heart, or really just about anyone who has ever had any kind of electronic fun since the 60s will find a note in the proverbial song meant just for them. Get your game face on, this is a good one.
LeftSideCut (3776 KP) rated Hellraiser (1987) in Movies
Nov 14, 2021
All these years later, and Hellraiser is still a treat. I've always had respect for Clive Barker's directorial debut. It came out in a decade where the genre had become more schlocky and less serious with each passing year, and dared to go for the jugular with its straight shooting, no nonsense brand of horror.
It has an engaging plot, focusing primarily on a forbidden love between Julia, and her husband's brother Frank. When Frank is quite literally torn apart after messing with an ancient puzzle box, it quickly becomes apparent that he can return to the land of the living through blood sacrifice, resulting in Julia luring unsuspecting victims to their doom in order to be with Frank once again. It's a twisted love story, effectively making Hellraiser a romance-horror, centering around a toxic relationship. The cast performances are varied for sure, but of course Clare Higgins is a stand out. Her portrayal of Julia is sympathetic as she is quite clearly besotted with and somewhat scared of Frank, whilst also managing to be a confident and calculating villain.
Then there is the iconic Pinhead, one of several cenobites that are summoned when the puzzle box is completed, and a horror antagonist that stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. His presence here is effective in the way that it's seldom. When he does appear, Doug Bradley delivers every line with terrifying conviction, with some hugely memorable dialogue.
The practical effects on display are fantastic as well. Frank's ressurection scene in particular is striking, and one of the finest examples of practical horror effects out there. The cenobites themselves boast some memorable designs, and looks suitably unsettling. It also has a haunting and beautiful music score, courtesy of Christopher Young, that really ties everything together nicely.
Hellraiser is an all timer. A film that deserves its place in the horror hall of fame without question.
It has an engaging plot, focusing primarily on a forbidden love between Julia, and her husband's brother Frank. When Frank is quite literally torn apart after messing with an ancient puzzle box, it quickly becomes apparent that he can return to the land of the living through blood sacrifice, resulting in Julia luring unsuspecting victims to their doom in order to be with Frank once again. It's a twisted love story, effectively making Hellraiser a romance-horror, centering around a toxic relationship. The cast performances are varied for sure, but of course Clare Higgins is a stand out. Her portrayal of Julia is sympathetic as she is quite clearly besotted with and somewhat scared of Frank, whilst also managing to be a confident and calculating villain.
Then there is the iconic Pinhead, one of several cenobites that are summoned when the puzzle box is completed, and a horror antagonist that stands shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Michael Myers and Freddy Krueger. His presence here is effective in the way that it's seldom. When he does appear, Doug Bradley delivers every line with terrifying conviction, with some hugely memorable dialogue.
The practical effects on display are fantastic as well. Frank's ressurection scene in particular is striking, and one of the finest examples of practical horror effects out there. The cenobites themselves boast some memorable designs, and looks suitably unsettling. It also has a haunting and beautiful music score, courtesy of Christopher Young, that really ties everything together nicely.
Hellraiser is an all timer. A film that deserves its place in the horror hall of fame without question.
Ali A (82 KP) rated A Multitude of Dreams in Books
Sep 6, 2023
Trigger Warnings: plague, death, blood, racism, murder, self harm, genocide, survivors guilt
A Multitude of Dreams is a reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death. Four years ago, King Stuart gathered his royals, noblemen, and daughters and locked them into the safety of the castle walls. Every window was boarded up and every door sealed shut - all to protect those within of the horrible mori roja plague ravaging the land outside.
Told in third person, this novel follows Seraphina, a Jewish girl, who is also the (fake) Princess Imogene, and Nico, who once lived a comfortable life but now works for Lord Crane, the man who saved his life after he lost everything. When Lord Crane sends Nico and two others on the search for survivors, Nico meets a princess who wants out. But both are living in giant webs of lies and deception that they must unravel if they’re going to survive.
I wanted this title because I read The Poison Season and I really enjoyed it. So, when I saw Mara Rutherford had another YA novel coming out, I immediately put it on my TBR list. It’s also listed as Fantasy Gothic and
I was all about it and also the cover - like, I love it!
There were a few twists in here I didn’t quite see right away, which was nice. And, even some of the ones that I did see coming, I still enjoyed Rutherford’s storytelling and it kept me interested. And yes, there is some romance in this, but it wasn’t the main focus of the story - surviving and getting out of the castle was.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who’s in need of a good gothic fantasy with a hidden identity, Jewish representation, a masquerade, and the fight of survival.
*Thank you Inkyard Press and BookishFirst for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
A Multitude of Dreams is a reimagining of Edgar Allan Poe’s The Masque of the Red Death. Four years ago, King Stuart gathered his royals, noblemen, and daughters and locked them into the safety of the castle walls. Every window was boarded up and every door sealed shut - all to protect those within of the horrible mori roja plague ravaging the land outside.
Told in third person, this novel follows Seraphina, a Jewish girl, who is also the (fake) Princess Imogene, and Nico, who once lived a comfortable life but now works for Lord Crane, the man who saved his life after he lost everything. When Lord Crane sends Nico and two others on the search for survivors, Nico meets a princess who wants out. But both are living in giant webs of lies and deception that they must unravel if they’re going to survive.
I wanted this title because I read The Poison Season and I really enjoyed it. So, when I saw Mara Rutherford had another YA novel coming out, I immediately put it on my TBR list. It’s also listed as Fantasy Gothic and
I was all about it and also the cover - like, I love it!
There were a few twists in here I didn’t quite see right away, which was nice. And, even some of the ones that I did see coming, I still enjoyed Rutherford’s storytelling and it kept me interested. And yes, there is some romance in this, but it wasn’t the main focus of the story - surviving and getting out of the castle was.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who’s in need of a good gothic fantasy with a hidden identity, Jewish representation, a masquerade, and the fight of survival.
*Thank you Inkyard Press and BookishFirst for a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review
Merissa (13162 KP) rated Jordan's Breakthrough (Unexpected Love #3) in Books
Jul 24, 2025
JORDAN'S BREAKTHROUGH is the third book in the Unexpected Love series, but you don't have to read the first two to appreciate this one. I haven't read them, but they are now on my TBR list!
Jordan has his mask firmly in place, with his friends, his family, and anyone else who might see him. That changes when he's behind his own doors though, and the state of his motorhome reflects just how dark things are for him. A light in the darkness is a connection he makes with Miles. From a conversation about identifying a plant, these two become everything to each other in a way that is both hot and romantic.
There is a content warning at the beginning of this, and I appreciated that. I found the descriptions of depression, the hopelessness, the lethargy, the feeling of emptiness, even the side effects of some medications, exceedingly well-written. Some days even nothing is too much, and most people I know who fight depression have had their own 'day and time', including myself.
This story hit home in so many ways, and yes, I was in tears. I loved how Jordan and Miles were there for each other, and their friends were there for them both. I was ecstatic when I saw that everything went both ways (no spoilers!) and the actions that were taken.
This is a story of love and support, of friendship and romance, of being so low you are drowning and then the heart-rending daily drag of trying to fight your way back to feeling 'normal', whatever that is. An amazing story that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, so long as you are in the right place to read it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 24, 2025
Jordan has his mask firmly in place, with his friends, his family, and anyone else who might see him. That changes when he's behind his own doors though, and the state of his motorhome reflects just how dark things are for him. A light in the darkness is a connection he makes with Miles. From a conversation about identifying a plant, these two become everything to each other in a way that is both hot and romantic.
There is a content warning at the beginning of this, and I appreciated that. I found the descriptions of depression, the hopelessness, the lethargy, the feeling of emptiness, even the side effects of some medications, exceedingly well-written. Some days even nothing is too much, and most people I know who fight depression have had their own 'day and time', including myself.
This story hit home in so many ways, and yes, I was in tears. I loved how Jordan and Miles were there for each other, and their friends were there for them both. I was ecstatic when I saw that everything went both ways (no spoilers!) and the actions that were taken.
This is a story of love and support, of friendship and romance, of being so low you are drowning and then the heart-rending daily drag of trying to fight your way back to feeling 'normal', whatever that is. An amazing story that I HIGHLY RECOMMEND, so long as you are in the right place to read it.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jul 24, 2025