3.5 ⭐️

"If they don't want the game broken, maybe they shouldn't give us the tools to break it."

I wanna preface by saying I usually throw this audiobook on in the background whilst i'm drawing/coloring or playing some sort of cozy game. It's not impossible that would impact my rating, but here are my thoughts lol

This book is much better about commentary on the negative stereotypes the governments and AI are perpetuating. I'm enjoying the revolutionary plot as it develops more. Otherwise, this wasn't my favorite level theme. It felt kind of boring to me at moments. Especially because it's still following the standard formula that we've gotten pretty familiar with four books into this series. The final epilogue chapter was probably the most interesting to me out of everything which makes me hopeful for what's to come.

Pretty standard book for the series, but my hopes are high for where it's going.

3.5 ⭐️

"'I thought I could protect myself from the bad if I didn't have enough of the good.'"

Such a cutesy small town romance. The first half was just a tad too slow for me. I love a slow burn, but not when that applies to story progression too. It really picked up for me about half way and i flew through the rest of it.

Definitely an enjoyable, straightforward read!

5 ⭐️

"The most precious, delicate things wedge themselves between the plans you’ve made for yourself."

Easy five star read for me. I was kicking my feet and laughing the whole time. Loved the main characters. Loved the side characters. The story arc was believable and so cute. There weren't any unnecessarily annoying road blocks keeping them apart. This was just adorable from start to finish. I also cried multiple times.

I'm beyond excited to read the second book. I'm starting to think I have a thing for connected standalone series because we get glimpses of the future characters which makes it all the more satisfying when we see their story play out. It also opens the door to revisit and give updates on past couples which I adore.

Overall, I loved this book and loved the writing. UGH. I need more.

3.5 ⭐️

"When women think so little about other women, what does that say about how they see themselves?"

This book had a lot that surprised me and a lot that didn't. It reminded me a lot of the movie Enchanted if it was reversed. It's definitely romance heavy with a fantasy b-plot, but that b-plot was probably my favorite part.

As a baddie who loves tarot, I loved the references and magical aspect of things. I also adored the underlying message of a woman being allowed to lead instead and not needing a man, but choosing one.

I do feel like the plot would've done better in a YA setting. The spicy scenes were not my favorite part and lost a lot of the romance and tension for me. It felt a little jumped ahead instead of built authentically. The writing was also a bit repetitive and simple which isn't always a bad thing.

Overall, not the most groundbreaking book ever, but it is one I casually enjoyed!

4 ⭐️

Cute, mindless romance. Predictable? Yes. Cheesy? Yes. But sometimes that's the kind of story you want.

It was nice having an Ali Hazelwood book that didn't comment on the thinness of the FMC and even do the opposite a little. The relationship dynamic and trope is extremely similar to Love on the Brain, but it works. I almost like this one more because it's quicker and to the point which means we avoid the back and forth of misunderstandings. I almost audibly cheered when Viola immediately confronts Jesse. We need more baddies doing that in these books lol