Tag Archives: ARC

ARC — The Murder of Mr. Wickham — Claudia Gray

“Anywhere in the world will be home, as long as you are with me.”

Genre: Historical Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses death, sexual assault, and mental illness.

“The Murder of Mr. Wickham” brings together the characters we loved (and hated) from Jane Austen’s novels and brings them into a summer they won’t forget. As they’re all gather in a summer house, Mr. Wickham mysteriously gets murdered. With the party-goers as the only suspects, Jonathan Darcy—son of Mr. Fitzwilliam Darcy and Mrs. Elizabeth Darcy (nee Bennet)—and Juliet Tilney—daughter of Mr. Henry Tilney and Mrs. Catherine Tilney (nee Morland)—set out to unmask the murderer, let someone else be wrongfully accused for the… misfortune?

This book had me sold by the end of the Prologue. When I was younger I was the biggest fan of Jane Austen and Agatha Christie novels. The two styles couldn’t be any more different, yet Claudia Gray has found a way to mesh them and I’m here for it. In an expertly told story, Gray has given us more to love about the characters Jane Austen so carefully crafted. But you don’t have to have read all of the Jane Austen books to understand this novel, as Gray has taken the time to insert the Austen characters’ stories here and there, subtly building her story up with those pre-existing back stories that some may or may not know. For instance, I have not read “Mansfield Park” and so was not familiar with the Bertrams, yet I did not feel like I understood Gray’s story any less because of this.

Told through regal language, I would recommend this book to readers who’ve enjoyed Jane Austen and other classical novels, and who are up for some murder mystery vibes. I would love love love to see this book made into a movie, to the likes of the “Murder on the Orient Express” 2017 movie.

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ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: May 03, 2022

ARC — Sari, Not Sari — Sonya Singh

“But sometimes you are lucky, (…) if you find love and it finds you.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses racial discrimination.

“Sari, Not Sari” follows Manny Dogra, the CEO of a company called Breakup that aids its clients in just that—breaking up through emails, with dignity and tact. Her business is extremely successful, she’s engaged, and she thinks she’s finally overcoming the grief that came with losing her parents. Then in comes Sammy Patel, a handsome businessman who is looking to take a break from his non-Indian girlfriend so he can attend his brother’s extravagant Indian wedding without ruining it all. But here’s the thing: Breakup only works with permanent break ups, not taking breaks. Sammy tries to convince Manny to take the case, persuading her with her supposed understanding of the Indian culture. But here’s the thing, Manny is Indian but she didn’t *grow up* Indian, she really is as americanized as can be. When Sammy agrees to give Manny a crash course in all things Indian as she attends Sammy’s brother’s wedding as a business partner—not a date—, she takes the case and reconnects with the roots she didn’t even know she had, as she slowly starts to understand what it means to be a Patel, to be Indian.

This was the slowest of slow burn romances, but as this was also a book about personal growth I’ve decided not to write it off because of that. With the sweetest of plot twists, “Sari, Not Sari” deserves its full 5 stars and maybe even a bit more.

This book perfectly illustrates imposter syndrome with regards to culture, which was impressive considering that imposter syndrome is usually related to profesional development and not to more personal matters. Manny was dealt a hard hand, but she’s trying to do the best with what she’s got. Sammy had the best intentions, although perhaps not the best execution. The Patels were both welcoming and cruel? At the end of the book I had fluctuates from loving them to hating them to loving them again.

And I have to point it out: THIS IS SONYA SINGH’S DEBUT NOVEL? Excuse me, what? Sonya, I can’t wait to see what’s to come for you. This book was so sweet and the love in it so tender and the friendships in it so solid. Character development was on point, they weren’t just copy/pasted slates of the same 3 character traits; the characters in “Sari, Not Sari” were complex and had so many layers and character flaws. I loved them and I loved the story you told.

I would recommend this book to people interested in a romance book that’s more than just a romance book. “Sari, Not Sari” will teach you about self worth, honesty, lost love, grief, and family, all in the midsts of two different cultures colliding.

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ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 05, 2022

ARC — She Gets the Girl — Rachael Lippincott and Alyson Derrick

Genre: Young Adult, Romance, LGBTQIA
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses alcoholism.

“She Gets the Girl” follows Molly and Alex, two university freshman who are trying their best to get their girls. Molly, being close to home and having a deep relationship with her family, is looking to grow more independent and have her high school crush fall for her. Alex, running half way through her state to attend university as far away from her alcoholic mother, is trying to win her ex girlfriend back and looking to become a better person. After meeting in a party, Alex takes on the mission of helping Molly break out of her shell and get the girl, all the while Alex is trying to show her ex she’s changed, that she can have friends and do selfless things for them.

First things first, it’s SO cute that this book was written by a couple. Rachael Lippincott is an author I hold close and dear to my heart ever since I read “The Lucky List”. Alyson Derrick is Rachael’s wife and “She Gets the Girl” is her debut novel—even though she’s already set to publish another book next year, that’s how promising she is. They both built an interesting world through alternating points of view.

Now on to my review of the book: The self-pity and the “uh I’m too damaged to love or be loved” isn’t a trope I necessarily like, but this book delivers a nice feel-good story and I’m trying to focus on that instead. I don’t know who was more stubborn and annoying, Alex or Molly, but they were definitely exasperating.

I see books as, yes, works of fiction—but fiction in a way that they try to imitate real life at the best of their abilities. Even when reading dystopian or fantasy novels, those works of fiction carry real-life emotions and situations that seem possible in other realities. Sadly, this work of fiction did not hold this to be true. I felt like the characters and all the situation they lived through were so farfetched for the sake of being unique that they somewhat lost their magic.

I would recommend this book to high schoolers and young adults that enjoy LGBTQIA+ books. It’s a nice, light read, and could be a great book to give as a gift.

And yes, even though this wouldn’t be the first Rachael Lippincott book I would recommend, I still wouldn’t dismiss it.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 05, 2022

ARC — Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak — Charlie Jane Anders — Unstoppable #2

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction
Actual Rating: 3 stars
Content Warning: Some violent imagery, as to be expected in a sci-fi novel.

“Dreams Bigger Than Heartbreak” is the second book in the Unstoppable series, following directly after the events in the first book. This time around, we live the story through different points of view: Rachael, as she lives with not being able to make art anymore; Tina, who is studying at the Royal Space Academy in hopes of becoming the hero she’s supposed to be; and Elza, Tina’s girlfriend, who’s competing to become a princess.

This did not read like a book, it read more like an elaborate AU fanfic. The world-building and character introduction weren’t the absolute worse there is, but I personally consider there are better ways to introduce a character’s gender than adding their pronouns after their name. The (she/her), (he/him), etc. threw me off from the start. Also, why break that science fiction, futuristic feel by talking about real-world things like Tiktok? I get that they’re teenagers in space, but those references and mentions threw me off.

Overall, it’s entertaining and relatively fast-paced. It’s a fun read that isn’t necessarily short, but it’s so action-packed that it feels like it’s short, in a good way. I really enjoyed the different gender and sexuality representation in this book, it mostly felt organic to the story. I think my favorite parts of this book were told through “letters” sent through Joinergram, which tells you a lot about why I gave this book 3 stars.

If you read the first book in this series, then by all means grab this one too, you will know what to expect and will get to see the main characters again. I would also recommend this book to younger readers trying to get into science fiction writing, or young readers who have enjoyed reading “Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 05, 2022

ARC — Lunar Tides — Shannon Webb-Campbell

Genre: Poetry
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Content Warnings: Grief

If there’s one thing I love about this poetry book it’s the theme that was followed. The fact that this book was closely linked to the ocean (and the moon) made me really enjoy it. But it was not the greatest poetry collection by any means.

Some poems were immaculately creative and meaningful, but then parts of them made little to no sense. Is that the new theme with poetry books? Because that’s been the case with the last few poetry books I’ve read (both ARCs and already published books). I know art is subjective, and I bet the nonsense parts move some people, but there were parts of some poems that felt like they could’ve been left out of this collection.

Let’s take an example from early on in the book, with the poem “Tides”—which was actually one of my favorite poems because it was one of many that mention whales, and I work with marine mammals for a living. It almost ends like this, which I loved:

“if whales are deep thinkers, do they know
it takes one day and 52 minutes for a point
on earth to be noticed
by the moon?”

Then to be followed by:

“humans believe logic is time

we’re all shift workers

here on the lip of Atlantic”

??? Excuse me? The whole poem was flowing so cohesively right up to the last 3 lines, which felt out of place compared to the pace of the rest of the poem. And this is not a solo occurrence, this kind of weird narrative kept coming up throughout this book. And if you ignored those parts I would even dare and say this could’ve been a 5-star poetry book for me, but with all the intrusive thoughts and nonsense verses, it just really wasn’t.

I haven’t talked about nonsense verses yet, not really. But an example of this can be seen in the poem “Sea Change”, where there’s a verse that makes no sense no matter how you spin it:

“if whales have everlasting memory
then what does the moon recall?
some say grandmother”

First, what does whale memory recollection have to do with the moon? Second, what does it have to do with a grandmother? Third, and most importantly, what was even the purpose of this poem as a whole?

I know it sounds like I’m being unfair to this book, but these things happened constantly and were too repetitive to ignore. Also, this poetry collection was so heavy on the imagery that sometimes you lost track of what was being told in the poem. Sometimes too much is actually too much.

Ignoring my criticism of this piece, I would actually recommend this book a lot. I would recommend it for poetry readers that are looking for a book that’s mid- on everything. It’s mid-sad, mid-clever, mid-happy, mid-length, and mid-life-changing. It’s perfect for a quick airport read or a break between emotionally-charged books.

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Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 05, 2022

ARC — Waiting for Frank Ocean in Cairo — Hazem Fahmy

“I recall the moment
white Americans around
me started learning how to
fear the police, or at least
understand why others do.
I wish I knew what that
sweet innocence tasted like.”

Genre: Poetry
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings: Mentions police brutality, discrimination, domestic abuse, and violence.

“Waiting for Frank Ocean in Cairo” is Hazem Fahmy’s sophomore book and it uses some Frank Ocean lyrics to build the story of a life: one that is split between two cultures, two continents—or across Oceans, if you will.

This poetry collection gives you a multi-sensory experience, as you’re moved by Hazem Fahmy’s words and Frank Ocean’s tunes and lyrics. Hazem Fahmy has found a way to transport you into their poetry collection in such a unique and absorbing way.

Hear me out, this is of utmost importance: as you’re reading this collection, open up whatever app or website you use to listen to music and be ready to look up Frank Ocean songs as they come up. Personally, I would listen to the song first and then read the poem, but you do you.

I think this is the most creative poetry collection I’ve read in years. I love music and how it can move you; and even though Frank Ocean isn’t amongst my favorite artists, it was still amazing to revisit his music from a whole different perspective, one that invited me to live through it.

I would recommend this poetry collection to people who like melancholic songs—those that make you want to dance *and* cry. It’s hard to read this book and not be moved. Oh, and of course, absolutely read this book if you like Frank Ocean or experimental soul and rap music in general, or if you’re up for a uniquely different poetry collection.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Hafl Mystic Press’ bookstore, so you can order the book.

Thanks so much to Topaz Winter and the team at Half Mystic Press for sharing this ARC with me and including me in their blog tour.

Publication Date: March 18, 2022

“Music, at the end of the day, can only do so much.”

Preview ARC — Husband Material — Alexis Hall — Boyfriend Material #2 (First 5 Chapters)

Genre: Romance, LGBTQIA
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Content Warnings: Mentions cheating.

“Husband Material” is the sequel to Alexis Hall’s “Boyfriend Material” and I am here for it. The sequel once again follows Luc O’Donnell, the son of two celebrities who’s kind of famous by association, and Oliver Blackwood, a.k.a. the perfect boyfriend and fancy barrister. This time around, everyone close to them is getting married and that’ll make them question where their future lies.

First of all, AAAAAHHHHHH I AM FREAKING OUT. I know it’s only a preview, but getting to read just a bit of this sequel has made my day, my week, my month. Get to pre-ordering this bad boy as soon as possible, as we’ll get all the wonderful Luc and Oliver banter we got to know and love through “Boyfriend Material”.

From what we could see in these first five chapters, this book will come packed with drama, yes, but most of all it’ll come packed with Luc and his panicky periods and Oliver and his calming qualities, as we got to see the first time around with “Boyfriend Material.”

I will recommend this book to absolutely everyone. But first: go read Boyfriend Material!!! These books are light and well-written and just a blast to read. If you’re into LGBTQIA romance, this is for you.

ARC — Come As You Are — Jennifer Haupt

“It occurs to Skye now, listening to her mom’s eulogy, that forgiveness is the difference between the way a wife loves her husband and a child craves love from a parent.”

Genre: Fiction
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses death and descriptions of panic attacks.

“Come As You Are” follows Skye and Zane, two childhood best friends turned lovers, through the decades that brought them together and tore them apart. Told mostly from Skye’s point of view, and following various timelines, this is a story about how loss and distance can mend and break relationships.

Expertly written, you truly are transported through the years, from 1987 to 2002 (and a 2013 epilogue), in a grunge-y scene worthy of the reference its title suggests. Jennifer Haupt made a wonderful job with her jumping timelines, slowly revealing things to the reader, building up curiosity and suspense around what happened in the past and what the future could hold.

I grew fond of all the characters, even the ones we were encouraged to dislike. They were complex, well-defined, and consistent throughout the book. I really felt like I got to know them, close and personal. If anything, I wish there would’ve been more. I would’ve liked to see more into the future, but the ending was a true testament that most times history repeats itself.

I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy stories with alternating timelines (think like The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue or The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo). Also, I would encourage anyone fond of the 1990s rock-grunge vibe to grab this book. It’s a unique story told through clever means, it’ll be worth your time.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can pre-order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: March 01, 2022

ARC — Pangaea: Prose and Poetry — Hinnah Mian

“No matter how much I wear to cover my skin, I can never seem to hide it enough.”

Genre: Poetry, Essays and Collections
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses racism, discrimination, death, and depression.

“Pangaea” is a collection of poetry and prose where the author, Hinnah Mian, looked to express how a body can be destroyed and reborn through many means and for many reasons. Looking at the color of skin, the significance of cultural bias, the power of love—lost and gained, from family and from lovers—, and the impact society has on us, Mian has composed a beautiful oath for our bodies and our selves.

I saw being watered down as a theme. It was mentioned various times and it was something that resonated a lot with me through this book. Hinnah Mian made a wonderful job at highlighting how you can feel like you’re not appropriate in your own ‘home’, how at times you’ll have to dilute yourself to be accepted. The only reason why this book didn’t get a perfect rating from me is because some poems were repetitive and a bit monotone.

I would recommend this poetry book to anyone who’s ever felt invisible in their own skin or—even worse—targeted because of it. I also feel like this could be a powerful gift for a friend or loved one who loves poetry.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 8, 2022

“some nights i am less star
and more the darkness that shrouds them”

ARC — Must Love Books — Shauna Robinson

“There’s more to you than just your book.”

Genre: Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Content Warnings: Discusses racism, suicide, and suicidal ideation.

You know the feeling when all the things that could go wrong, actually go wrong? Well, that’s exactly how Nora Hughes is feeling after she finds herself stuck in a job that’s underpaying her and that’s in her dream field, but not even remotely close to her dream job—she’s an assistant editor at a publisher…..that only publishes business books written by middle-aged white men for middle-aged white men. She dreamed of editing the next big American novel, but that couldn’t be further from her reality. So when they cut her salary even further, making it so she can’t even afford rent anymore, she will have to resort to some slightly unethical practices to survive.

Don’t let the cover misguide you. The publisher does not classify this as a romance book, and they’re right at that. “Must Love Books” is not a romance per se, even though there are some romantic scenes and sexual tension here and there. It, in fact, does not bang (like, they do bang but we don’t get to see any of that).

On another note, I found it a bit off-putting how the narrator went about addressing race. I feel like she put so much focus on people being white, judging them instantly at times. And I get it, I’m latinx and I’ve been underestimated by the way I look, but in Nora’s case, it was mentioned too much, especially in the beginning of the book.

Putting those things aside, this was a great book. I mean, what reader doesn’t love a book about books? The characters were charming and the story engaging at all times.

I would recommend this book to readers who’ve enjoyed books by Sally Thorne and Emily Henry. I mean, to be honest, I will probably be recommending this book all year round. It’s that good.

If you click here, you’ll be redirected to Goodreads, so you can add the book to your TBR list.

Or you could click here, and be redirected to Amazon, so you can pre-order the book.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: January 18, 2022