Hello, my pretties! Welcome to another edition of the mutiny.
What’s the mutiny you ask? Well, I have always said that I wasn’t going to become a review blog and yet, I’ve had this itch in the back of my head… so here we are. I’m waging a mutiny against myself and I’m going to do some mini reviews + feature upcoming reads I’m excited about.
For this specific edition, I’m going to share some of my favorite reads from March-May, so settle in!
Better Hate than Never by Chloe Liese — 5★ — It’s too early for an official review, but this was legit everything: MCs with crunchy exteriors and gooey centers, button pushing for days, and the slowest of slow burns in existence. This one is on my top 10 of 2023 and I highly suggest you get it in your eyeballs as soon as you can.
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall — 5★ — Past Stacee needs to be pushed for taking so long to get to this one. To be honest, I was so excited for it, but so very concerned for the amount of angst I was expecting. I loooooooved Viola. She’s loving, loyal, a good person, and an even better friend. Gracewood is lost and needs someone and something to wake him back up. Turns out, the angst is minimal (let me assure you, I was waiting for the shoe to drop and it never happened) and the character growth is exponential. There is a slight conflict (not from within the couple) and it sort of felt out of place, but it did set up the epilogue. And let me tell you, this is one of the best epilogues ever.
Fearless Heart by Brighton Walsh — 5★ — I have been living for this series and after the set up for Ford and Quinn, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Their history is hilarious when you hear it from Ford’s POV vs Quinn’s and I couldn’t get enough of the antagonizing and button pushing. The chemistry is off the charts, but hands down, the best is the way Ford listens and responds. Of course the siblings and Mabel are fantastic and it’s always a delight to see them. I’m a sucker for a fake marriage, but this is just a bit more. The way they slowly reveal themselves (literally and figuratively), the honest and open conversations, the adoration…it’s absolutely delicious.
A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley — 5★ — This was a damn delight. I loved Mariel and Oz. She’s warm sunshine and blinding color. He’s crunchy cold and grey. Together they have a strange meeting that unfolds into the sweetest, most supportive relationship. I truly loved reading them figure things out, not only magically, but between them. Of course Mariel’s friends were delightful and I can’t wait to get more from them. There’s a few moving parts, yet it wasn’t overwhelming. The description of the forest and the magical web made me want to visit and force these people to be my friend. The angst is low and doesn’t last long and the very last chapter is fantastic. It’s a great set up for a series and I’m already dying to get the next book in my greedy eyeballs because I want more.
Unfortunately Yours by Tessa Bailey — 5★ — I am straight up obsessed with these two. Natalie is all crunchy exterior while she’s nursing past hurts. August is the gooiest inside his SEAL exterior. Together they have banter, button pushing, and chemistry for days, but also a line of open communication. Each gets and supports the other so wonderfully. The angsty part was no where near what I was expecting and the last few chapters were so perfect, I read each one about 3 times before I could continue. And don’t get me started on the epilogue… This is probably one of my top Tessa books ever and definitely making the top 10 of 2023 list. I already can’t wait to read it again.
First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston — 5★ — another one where it’s too early for a full review, so I’ll just say this was nothing short of amazing. I loved the characters, how the plot unfolded, the way I was continually surprised at some of the revelations, and the ending is absolute perfection. It was everything I wanted right at the time I wanted it. I’ve cheated and put this one on my top 10 of 2023 list, even though it’s out next year.
Knockout by Sarah MacLean — 5★ — I have loved Imogen and Tommy since we first saw each of them. Imogen is witty and clever and so so so undervalued by everyone (excluding her Belles). Tommy is crunchy and stern and so so so good. Together they are captivating and chaos and chemistry. I couldn’t get enough and I am delighted that they have been smitten with each other from the start. Plot wise, there are a lot of loose threads still hanging from the previous books and this one starts the trimming. It’s fast paced and filled with explosions of all sorts. I loved reading them figure things out and there’s one scene between Tommy and Caleb that was sort of the best. And don’t let me forget about the cameo from a different couple in a different series. This group is one of the best and I think I’ll read them forever.
Getaway Girl by Tessa Bailey — 5★ — I saw this one due to the redesign slash re-release and was definitely interested…plus, it’s Tessa. I loved Addison and Elijah. They’re all crunchy fun filled chemistry with crafts and politics on the side. I couldn’t get enough of them. The banter is fun, the talk is filthy, and the adoration is right from the start. This will definitely be one I come back to.
Surprising no one, I’m still super behind on review books.
Double surprise: I keep requesting them.
There are several books I’m very excited to get to and I’m trying to be good and read it order of review date, but it doesn’t always work that well. Oh, and real life has been a bit of a pain and I haven’t had the time I used to have to read.
What about you? Have you read any of these books or do you want to?
Better Hate Than Never is on my TBR, and I need to read more Tessa Bailey. Thanks for sharing these!
Tessa has quickly become a favorite. I hope you enjoy her books! Thanks for reading and commenting.