I stopped at page 152. I tried to give it to the halfway mark, but this book is a DNF for me. Trying to read it felt like dragging my feet with characters and a relationship that I could not give less of a damn about. Yes, this reads like an Ali Hazelwood novel (because it is), but it feels like it someone worse than her other novels. I can see the attempt of her trying to break out of the STEMism format she was made popular by, but this book is such a drag. I cannot say if it gets better, but I couldn't even get to the halfway point before I moved on to different reads. If you're a fan of this book, I hope you see something different than I did.

Bride was a total flop for me, and it makes me hesitant to read Mate. At the end of it, this novel feels supported off the hype it generated than actually being a good book.

I know this book has an average review of 3 and a bit. But, this is the second 5/5 for me this year. I found this completely compelling for a book I probably would have never picked out on my own. With its under 300 page count, author Akwaeke Emezi pulls the reader into the complicated world of the female protagonist, Feyi. Her complicated nature with others, herself and her art. And for me what makes her a compelling protagonist, is that she is not always right. She is not perfect either. Her complicated and often rash decisions are informed by previous trauma. And while the story does not end all tied up with a neat bow, it leaves the door open while also assuring that Feyi and Alim are making strides to mend the damage they have done while proving their commitment to one another. This book is short, but is a solid narrative all the way through. Would highly recommend a read (or maybe a re-read!).

Not my personal favourite of the Rose Hill series, but certainly not a terrible novel. I feel like book 4 is stronger, but that could be because author Elsie Silver had been working within this world for a bit longer. Once again another novel about a rugged country man and a stunning (younger) woman. And if that's what you came to this book for, then you'll get it in spades. The "will they, won't they" dynamic doesn't over stay it's welcome. I just wish that we got more of Skylar with the kids, just to build up more of the relationship as a full unit as West does deeply care about his two children! But, I do have to give this novel credit, the two children are not annoying nor are they written "oddly" (you know what I mean). This book is not the worst, nor the worst book I've read this month. Just not a personal favourite compared to Wild Card.

I think this novel is an under-rated gem. I thoroughly enjoyed it as someone who is really into romance and not really into D&D. I know D&D through pop culture osmosis, but I've never played the game. The closest I've gotten is watching my partner, his brother and their friends play it.

I only picked up the book because the cover was interesting and it was on the front shelves of my local library. But, this story sold me on the romance and didn't feel patronizing when it came to the b-plot story line of their D&D sessions. I really liked Sadie and the only thing was that I wish that we sat with more of her feelings of burn out and maybe drew out the third act a little bit longer. I wanted to kind of stew in the tension that she was wrapped up in.

Noah was a cute male love interest. I found his characterization rather fleshed out, or rather fleshed out on par with Sadie. Which in the end made them a good match for one another. I thought they were rather cute together and their HEA felt fulfilling.

I would recommend this book even if you're not SUPER familiar with D&D. But, wouldn't recommend it if you HATE D&D because there is a whole subplot about their game-play. But, then again if you hated the game why would you even pick up a book like that. Friendly beginners, not too sure how it holds up with seasoned players of not only D&D, but TTRPGs are a whole!

A solid 4/5 - a fresh romance with likeable characters and a simple plot, but still an enjoyable light read!