Fulvia is a novel that recreates the early career of one of Rome's most notorious women. It is a gripping and vivid portrayal of her life as she navigates Roman politics and the dangers that come with it.

This novel is incredibly descriptive, it provides an immersive portrayal of what Ancient Rome would have looked like. It provides detailed descriptions of buildings, plants and decorations like mosaics, I was able to picture everything so clearly in my mind. I felt like I was experiencing the Roman Republic through her eyes.

This book is clearly well researched, the weaving in of source material was well done and there was clear reference to an incredibly wide variety of different, real, historical figures. I found that the creative liberties and the filing of the gaps (considering how fragmented our knowledge of the ancient world is) was done in a believable manner that elevated the plot.

I found Fulvia to be a compelling protagonist, I enjoyed the way her dynamic with Clodius was written. I also found myself enjoying their interactions with Antonius and Curio, it was chaotic and had all the drama you would expect from a story set in Rome.

Throughout it all, the novel is a commentary on what it is to be a woman in the Roman Republic. Fulvia is compared to Lucretia early in the story, consistent remarks about how politics are inaccessible to women amd the messaging that marriage is mothering your husband at best, or, being a slave to him at worst. It is messaging that is in line with what we know about the experiences of women, predominantly highborn Patrician women, of the time.

Better Than Revenge is a a fake-dating sports romance between swimmers from rival colleges in the same coastal town. I found this story incredibly enjoyable and enjoyed that it was a character focused story.

I love a messy plot and this book delivered. The conflict begins from the opening scenes, Daniela has been ostracised by most of her swim team after her boyfriend of two years has been cheating on her. How does she respond? Entering into a fake dating agreement with her ex's biggest swimming rival. The tension and chemistry between Daniela and Heath is delightful and their dynamic and evolution together is so fun to read.

Daniela is characterised as a driven protagonist, solely focused on her position as an athlete. She is characterised as cold, unfeeling and difficult to love, especially because of her singular focus, for that I love her. Daniela will not be a protagonist that appeals to everyone and I'm sure others will find her selfish and annoying, but I certainly saw a lot of myself in her, especially her struggles socially. I am obsessed with how down bad Heath is for Daniela, like, there was nothing fake for him from the beginning and his patience with her and the way he notices her likes and dislikes was so sweet. The slow burn nature of their private relationship against the public image that they put out in order to irritate her ex Ben was such an engaging contrast.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this series was the wonderful found family vibes. Daniela struggles to make friends, yet is instantly included and embraced into Heaths group of friends. They are fun and kind and their dynamic was like a big warm hug. I am going to need each of their stories next, especially Kai. The platonic friendship that grew between Kai and Daniela was so unbelievably sweet.

Thank you to Netgalley and Hackett for giving me access to this book in exchange for an honest review. I wanted to crawl up inside this world and live in it, I hope to get to return soon.