"What We Did to Survive" by Megan Lally

 

This book has just the kind of tropes I love: the vacation-gone-wrong-at-sea trope. Throw in a survival story, and you’ve got me. What We Did to Survive by Megan Lally is a suspenseful survival thriller following four teens’ misadventure at large.

Hannah is vacationing with her best friend, Emmy, and Emmy’s family at a resort in Mexico. The vacation would have been better without Emmy’s older brother, Jackson, being there—due to an unrequited crush. Ben, Emmy’s wealthy new boyfriend, whom she just met on the retreat, invites Emmy and Hannah to join him on a day cruise on their last day at the resort. He charters a private sailboat for them, and Jackson joins in as their chaperone.

At first, everything goes smoothly, and Captain Keith seems capable. They relax, laugh, and enjoy themselves. That is, until the promised storm hits. As the weather worsens, tensions rise, and soon the storm brewing between them is just as deadly as the one raging outside. And just like that, survival isn’t just a word—their lives are at stake.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. I love a good survival story with high stakes—who doesn’t? After a slow start, the book picked up and turned into a rollercoaster, with one disaster following another. There’s plenty of action, and the suspense was always high on the suspense-o-meter. The sense of isolation, dread, and danger combined with the deadly weather gave me the shudders. I felt like I was on the boat with them, watching the story unfold—although I wouldn’t be as dumb as they were, ignoring weather alerts and common sense.

Emma and Hannah were opposites; opposites attract isn’t just a saying. Hannah was prudent, kind, and inventive; Emma impulsive, rash, and the life of the party. Still, they were best friends—that is, until the next guy came along and Emma threw caution to the wind, ignoring her friend’s warnings to be careful.

I was irritated with Emmy at first—her careless conduct and the way she dismissed her friend’s warnings to trust a stranger over her best friend. Frustrating doesn’t even begin to cover it. Ben wasn’t a piece of cake either, obnoxious as he turned out to be, flaunting his wealth and skills and mocking Emma's career choices. 

In fact, Hannah and Jackson were my favorites. Jackson was smart and kind, and I liked Hannah’s ability to improvise and adjust. I was surprised they didn’t insist on canceling the trip. I was even more surprised that Emmy’s parents didn’t put their foot down and forbid them to go.

There were a couple of twists—the last one I didn’t predict nor like. There was a whiff of young love, but it isn’t the main story. A few scenes demanded some suspension of disbelief. I can’t say I liked the ending, although it made sense in a way. Still, I would have preferred another one.

For a YA book, it’s rather dark, exploring fallible human nature. The story also touches on friendship, trusting the wrong people, fighting to survive against overwhelming odds, and how far you’ll go to stay alive.

Despite my slight issues with the book, I loved the writing and couldn’t stop reading. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to fans of the genre. After this book, you’ll think twice before boarding a ship…

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "What We Did to Survive" by Megan Lally
 

"Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart" by Emma Simmerman

 

"Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke My Heart" by Emma Simmerman is a dark debut murder mystery about a college student whose habit of writing eulogies for her exes takes a deadly turn.

Sloane has a bad record: a history of substance abuse, a DUI, and an affair with one of her teachers. In short, a mess. On top of that, she writes fake eulogies in her journal every time a guy breaks her heart. Now she’s ready to start her senior year at Pembroke College and leave all that behind, with the support of her friend group.

The plot thickens when her exes turn up dead one by one, each with a note containing her eulogy near the body. She becomes the prime suspect and is forced to team up with her frenemy, Asher, to find the murderer. Between college parties, drinking to excess, a fake relationship, secret societies, and murders, her life has never looked darker.

I picked up the book because of the intriguing premise. While it delivered on that front, it disappointed on the character side. This is one of those books where I liked the plot but couldn’t care less about the protagonists. I enjoyed the group dynamics, the banter, the dark humor, and the mystery—but not the main characters.

To say Sloane is a mess is an understatement. She drinks too much, does drugs, and makes one bad decision after another—decisions that only make things worse. She’s 21; she should act like it and get her act together. That said, she does have some redeeming qualities.

Asher isn’t any better. He’s rude, manipulative, jumps from one girl to another, and only cares about himself. He does grow a bit toward the end, but it’s too little, too late. And no, his home circumstances don’t justify his behavior. I didn’t like the way he treated Sloane. For all her flaws—and believe me, there were many—she felt remorseful about the deaths of her exes and was big enough to forgive a few.

Asher’s family wasn’t any better. They knew what was happening at his home and did nothing. And don’t get me started on their friends. A memorial for a murderer? Really? I rolled my eyes when I read that.

The book explores themes of toxic relationships, abuse, found family, love triangle themes, psychological dread, betrayal, and forgiveness. There are a couple of smut scenes, so be aware. The romance is a slow-burn, and I liked that it was built up gradually rather than sprung on us. The last chapter is written from Asher’s POV, which didn’t make me like him any better.

To sum up: a great mystery with very unlikable characters. There are plenty of red herrings and twists. While I guessed the identity of the murderer toward the end, it still caught me by surprise. The ending is more implied than explicit, which I can’t say I liked.

Overall, it was a tense and quick read, so I only knocked off one star. Twisty, dark, and full of flawed characters you’ll love to hate—this one kept me hooked from start to finish. If you love a twisty mystery and don’t need to relate to the characters to enjoy it, this one is for you.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Here Lie All the Boys Who Broke" by Heart Emma Simmerman

"The Astral Library" by Kate Quinn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have you ever wished to live inside a book? And what book would you pick? That's the premise of this enchanting story. Which book lover hasn’t dreamed of stepping inside their favorite book and living the dream? The Astral Library by Kate Quinn revolves around a magical library whose doors lead to new lives inside books.

The book follows twenty-six-year-old Alexandra Watson, or Alix. Abandoned by her mother at an early age and moving from one foster home to another, her life wasn’t exactly a bed of roses. Her refuge from reality was the library and its books that carried her to new horizons. Now working three dead-end jobs, she’s trying to make ends meet, having given up her dream of going to college. With only $36.82 to her name, she thought her life couldn’t get worse. When she’s fired from her job and kicked out of her apartment on the same day, she’s desperate. And to top it all off, someone has stolen her identity and changed the name on her bank account. What’s a woman to do? 

Taking refuge in her favorite place, the Boston Public Library, she stumbles through a door into the Astral Library and meets the Librarian — the guardian of the library who helps the desperate and the lost escape to new lives inside their favorite books. The only catch: it must be a book whose copyright has expired. Before she can start her new life, an unknown enemy threatens the Astral Library and its patrons (those in need of shelter). Aided by Beau, a costume-shop owner, and a couple of others, Alix and the librarian, and later on Beau, jump from one book to another, trying to save the day.

I enjoyed the book immensely. It started a bit slow, with too many descriptions of clothes and too much whining from the heroine about her lot in life, but the pace picked up after a while. They visited different books — such as the Regency drawing rooms of Jane Austen, the world of Sherlock Holmes, the parties of The Great Gatsby, the halls of Jane Eyre’s Thornfield, and the moors of Wuthering Heights, to name a few. I loved the exact descriptions of each book they visited, which made them come to life.

The idea of stepping through doors to other worlds or magically traveling into books isn’t new, but the execution here certainly was. The author expands on that theme by adding other kinds of magical libraries, such as the Art Library (led by the Gallerist) and the Computer Games Library (led by the Programmer). The book explores themes of grief, abandonment, found family, belonging, courage, friendship, the evils of corporations that think only of the bottom line, and the merits of public libraries. And there’s a book dragon! How cool is that?

While we don’t get an in-depth view of every character, there’s enough personality to make it work. I have to admit, I didn’t relate to the heroine at first, finding her too whiny, talkative, and thoughtless (running after a mirage in a strange world and risking her life was silly beyond words). And it wasn’t just once — she made several foolish decisions. But she grew on me, and I came to admire her spirit and bravery. She wasn’t the loser she thought she was, and I rooted for her as she grew.

Kate Quinn is an excellent storyteller who kept me engaged with gripping scenes and a creative plot that built suspense. She breaks the fourth wall by letting the narrator speak to us directly a couple of times, which I loved. I also liked the way the author inserted her name into the story when a side character referred to her as their boss. It was a nice touch. 

Overall, I loved the book, so I rate it 4.5 out of 5 stars, rounded up to five. I enjoyed visiting the pages of my favorite books and meeting old friends. I recommend the book to lovers of books, magical doors, and adventures. Known for her historical fiction, Kate Quinn takes her first step into the fantasy genre — and I hope more will follow, because for anyone who’s ever dreamed of living inside their favorite story, this book is pure magic.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Astral Library" by Kate Quinn

"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett

 

"Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcett is a charming cozy fantasy packed with magic, mischief, a grouchy magician…and an awful lot of cats! This is the first book I’ve read by the author, and I loved it; I’ll definitely be seeking out her other works.

Agnes Aubert, a widow, type-A personality, and ailurophile, runs a cat rescue charity. She’s organized and has lists for everything. Her life’s mission is to save stray cats and find them good homes. When the store she rents is destroyed by a group of warring magicians, she’s forced to find another place to lease. Not an easy task, since most shop owners wouldn’t rent to a business housing cats. The only place willing to take her in is a mysterious shop on Rue des Hirondelles.

Agnes soon learns that her new landlord is using her charity as a front for an illegal magic shop—and he is none other than the world’s most infamous magician, Havelock Renard. A shock to her, as she despises magicians due to the havoc they bring. Havelock is the opposite of her: disorganized, cantankerous, and allergic to cats. Before she knows it, Agnes finds herself entangled in dangerous magical battles, magical intrigue, and even a slow-burn romance. 

I enjoyed the book immensely. I loved the banter and sarcasm between Agnes and Havelock, her relationship with her sister, and above all, her love for cats. The snappy dialogue between the protagonists was a lot of fun. The author blended the real world with the fantasy world beautifully. The characterization is excellent, making each person come to life.
 
The cats feel like extra characters, giving the story a cozy, down-home feel. I’m a dog person, but I fell in love with the cats. I loved their quirks and diverse personalities—especially Majesty and Banshee—and admired the enchanted glowing spiders and the magical oven. I wish I had an oven like that! 

The world-building is fantastic. The spells and explanations of the magical system merge seamlessly with the plot. The story moves at a steady, comforting pace that suits the cozy fantasy atmosphere perfectly.

The book explores themes of family bonds, sibling relationships, loyalty, friendship, and second chances. This book was truly everything I want from a cozy fantasy novel and more—it left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling. The author weaves a tale of magic, intrigue, and fun that enchants and delights, hooking you from page one and leaving you wanting more.

The writing is captivating, and the plot is gripping. Brilliant characters, magical world-building, and plenty of adventure—what’s not to like? I loved this story from start to finish; the ending felt satisfying, heartwarming, and exactly what I wanted. Like a contented cat in a patch of sunlight, I turned the last page with a deep purr. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a feel-good story with a dash of danger.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book:  "Agnes Aubert's Mystical Cat Shelter" by Heather Fawcetthtt

"A Field Guide to Murder" by by Michelle L. Cullen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fans of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building will find plenty to love in Michelle L. Cullen’s engaging mystery, A Field Guide to Murder. The book follows 69-year-old Harry Lancaster and his caregiver, Emma, as they team up to solve a neighbor’s murder.

Harry, a globe-trotting anthropologist and recent widower, is bedridden after a bad fall that left him with a broken hip. His daughter and her family have moved to India, so she hires Emma — a nurse and millennial caregiver — to help him get back on his feet. Harry feels down, believing his glory days are behind him, and he still hasn’t recovered from the death of his wife, despite the well-meaning support of his quaint condominium community.

The plot thickens when one of his neighbors is found dead. Detective Nate Bradford, assigned to the case, rules it an accidental death, but Harry and Emma suspect foul play. As they begin their investigation, Emma also struggles with personal challenges, including a presumptuous fiancé and doubts about her future prospects. As their digging uncovers tidbits about their neighbors, they soon find themselves in the crosshairs of a murderer.

I enjoyed this debut novel very much. The main protagonists are likeable, and I loved the dynamic between Emma and Harry — their bond felt authentic. I appreciated the fatherly care Harry showed Emma and the way he encouraged her by subtly leaving books with inspiring titles on the table. Emma was caring, too, and I liked seeing her personal growth. At times, I wanted to shake them both for the unnecessary risks they took — I cared that much about them.

The characterization was excellent, bringing each person to life, even the minor ones. The pace was steady, and the writing smooth. The book explores themes of grief, friendship, learning to listen to your heart, doing what’s right for you (not what others think is right), and finding the courage to follow your own path despite external pressures.

Overall, I enjoyed this book immensely and give it full stars. I didn’t guess the perpetrator’s identity until the very end — the author truly managed to deceive me. The tone strikes a perfect balance between cozy and suspenseful, with touches of humor and heartwarming moments, set against the backdrop of a tight-knit condo community full of shadows. I loved this book and highly recommend it to readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with heart, humor, and a touch of cozy intrigue.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "A Field Guide to Murder" by by Michelle L. Cullen

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

 

"Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett is a feel-good cozy fantasy revolving around a sentient hotel, an eclectic cast of magical creatures, and a sprinkle of magic. It’s a story about second chances, friendships, and finding a home in the most unexpected places.

Pax Nomen, an ex-soldier, is the manager of the Number Five Wayside Inn and World Travel Hub, the fifth and smallest of six world travel hubs that manage magical travel between worlds. When Number Five Wayside gets stranded on Earth, they need to “reboot” it to keep it going on its magical journey. The guests are non-human, so adding humans to the equation seems like the way to go. However, there’s an ongoing debate about whether to accept them as tenants or use them as a blood sacrifice.

Here enters Josie LaChusia, a single mother dealing with debt, parenting doubts, and nosy in-laws. When she sees an ad offering a flat at a low rate, it seems like it was sent from heaven. Pax needs a new guest to restart his hotel, and Josie needs a new place to restart her life — it seems like the perfect fit. Little did she know she’d be living alongside eccentric tenants, including faeries, gargoyles, a vampire, vegetarian zombies, a gnome with a bad attitude and plumbing problems, and other beings. The guests vow not to kill each other while inside the walls of the Wayside, but it seems trouble is just around the corner.

Shenanigans, romance, and humor make for an entertaining read. The eccentric characters were adorable — well, most of them were. Josie was too polite for her own good, had low self-esteem, and lacked a backbone. I liked the developments she went through, and the way she learned to answer back. Her taste in books may be questionable, but her instincts are good. She is a good mom despite fearing otherwise.

Pax is sweet and a gentleman, and I liked how the tough soldier was soft inside and respectful toward women. I also really appreciated that he told Josie she deserves a happy ending, as she didn’t believe she deserved one and had trust issues. I also liked that he read comic books and researched superheroes to better understand Amos, Josie’s four-year-old son.

The book explores themes of racism, friendship, found family, social commentary, stability and safety, trust, and the power of love. The slow-burn romance was sweet and touching. It was endearing to read how Pax was tongue-tied when talking to Josie. Building a snowman, having snowball fights, and planting a garden were cute moments. I also liked the way the hotel responded to the residents’ emotions.

I really enjoyed the interactions between the characters. Their wonder at Earth’s customs and attempts to understand them were entertaining. While I appreciated that the plot was set in our reality, I didn’t like the negative wink toward a certain political figure, which showed bias and kind of threw me out of the cozy atmosphere. I also found the pace a bit slow at times, and the open ending left me wanting more closure. These issues kept me from giving it five stars.

That said, I did enjoy the tale. What’s not to like?? It’s a whimsical, heartwarming story full of charm, humor, and a touch of wonder — and I recommend it to fans of cozy fantasy, magic, mischief, and feel-good tales.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel" by Elizabeth Everett

"Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone is a dark academia YA thriller full of corruption, murder, and intrigue. It follows Eva, a mixed-race Black British girl applying to Oxford, who suddenly gets caught up in a deadly mystery when her best friend is found dead during interview week. I love dark academia and mysteries, so this combination grabbed me right away.

Eva and her best friend George, both state school students, are trying to get into Oxford and are invited for interview week. They decide to put their romance on hold until their places are secured. When they arrive, the controversial statue of Sir H. C. Glanville, who made his fortune through enslavement, stares at them. Because of his donations, the university hesitates to take it down — hypocrisy if I ever saw one.

There are ten candidates but only five spots, and the competition is fierce. “Slay or get slayed” is the ruling slogan. Among the applicants are another mixed-race Black woman, a couple of students from another school, and a group of five misogynistic and racist candidates called the “Reapers,” named after their ultra-exclusive school, Reapington.
 
The plot thickens when George is found dead just a day after they arrive. The detective on the case isn’t very competent, and Eva quickly becomes the main suspect. Being falsely accused — and as the daughter of a well-known police inspector — she decides to investigate the murder herself, both for George’s sake and her own. Posts on OxSlay, a gossipy social media forum just for enrolled Oxford students, add to the mayhem. Thus begins an intense tale of secret societies, hidden truths, and the ruthless side of academia.

Long-buried secrets and uncomfortable truths unravel in the most thrilling way. The book explores themes of racism, rape, entitlement, social hierarchy, an access scheme that falls short of its goals, and classism. The sharp social commentary is right on target. I loved Eva’s clear voice — her directness, her fearlessness in speaking her mind or taking action, and her determination to seek justice at any personal cost. She was too impulsive at times, and some of her actions required a suspension of disbelief, but I rooted for her all the way.

What I really enjoyed was how the author mixed sharp social commentary with a gripping mystery. While the social commentary occasionally overshadowed the mystery, it added depth to the story. Oxford felt real and atmospheric, and the tension kept building with every chapter. Who knew the academic world could be that cutthroat??

Overall, Oxford Blood is thrilling, suspenseful, and thought-provoking, with just the right amount of twists and a solid cast of supporting characters — some more developed than others. I loved the vibes and the hint of romance, and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy dark academia YA thrillers with sharp edges and high stakes.

 * Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.  

* For more info about the book: "Oxford Blood" by Rachael Davis-Featherstone

"How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May

 


















"How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May is the second book in the Fairies and Familiars series, and just as good. I loved the first book, so I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world of fairies, enchanted realms, and all things magical. The book picks up where its predecessor left off, throwing us straight into the action. In the first book, Theo learned how to summon a fairy. Here, she learns how to survive a bargain with one.

Almost a year has passed since Theo fulfilled her deal with Cecily. Now Cecily’s familiar, she faces new challenges—and a fair share of boredom. Her days are filled with parties, playing her instrument, and adjusting to life in the land of fairies. She misses Kasra, Cecily’s former familiar who is now human and living in the mortal world, and occasionally spies on him in her hedgehog form.

She is as prickly and sharp-tongued as ever, but her harsh edges have softened a bit. She even has Fae friends now—her bandmates. The plot thickens when Theo uncovers her true heritage and, at the same time, realizes a murderer is hell-bent on killing her. Between assassination attempts and a fairy determined to put her into a thousand years of slumber, her plate is full. She must expose the murderer before her time runs out.

Fae bargains, fairy rings, and a goblin named Alby make this a delightful read. Alby is a fantastic addition to the gang—he provides wonderful comic relief, and his devotion is heartwarming. The book is humorous, enjoyable, and whimsical, just like the first one. The story moves at a fast pace—sometimes at the expense of character development. There are also a couple of plot holes—Kasra being one—but they didn't diminish my enjoyment.

The ending left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a sense of closure. Though this is the second book of the duology, it leaves the door open for another installment. The story is well written in third-person POV, although I sometimes found myself frustrated with Arlys. He is one-dimensional and irritating, especially in his stubbornness to put Theo to sleep. Still, the dialogues between him and Theo are witty and entertaining.

A strong female lead, romance, and interesting plot twists—what more could you ask from a novel? I loved the loyalty of Theo’s friends to her, and admired Theo for returning that loyalty twelvefold and for being willing to risk herself for them. Speaking of wit, I especially enjoyed the wordplay: “a scowl that could launch a thousand complaints”—a clever twist on “the face that launched a thousand ships.”

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed the book, plot holes aside. If you liked the first book, you’ll enjoy this one as well—they have the same charm and vibe. It also works as a standalone, though I recommend starting with book one to appreciate the nuances and better understand where the characters came from. I’d recommend this to fans of fairy-tale retellings, adventure, and anyone who loves a bit of magic in their stories. After reading, you may think twice before striking a bargain with a fairy... If you can even find one.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "How to Survive a Fairy Bargain" by Laura J. May

"For Want Of A Dragon" by Wendy Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For Want of a Dragon: Pride and Prejudice meets The Dragon Keeper by Robin Hobb. Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books! Add dragons and a talking caracal, and you’ve got me hooked. Wendy Dayby’s For Want of a Dragon is a sweet, cozy fantasy retelling of Pride and Prejudice, following a dragon groomer who dreams of flying with dragons

Told in first-person POV and present tense, the book follows twenty-six-year-old Livvy Stoud, a human dragon groomer in the mountain village of Eshan, a community of mixed races—mortals, Fae, gnomes, and other magical creatures. Her childhood dream was to ride dragons, but only Fae are allowed to bond with them. A ward placed on its borders keeps the magic manageable for its human denizens. Livvy lives in a cozy cottage with a talking pet caracal named Mr. Bennet—how cool is that?—and her best friend is Marinn, who is a half-Fae, half-human.

Livvy’s luck takes a turn for the better when her village hosts the annual dragon jousting tournament. She agrees to groom the dragons despite her dislike of the contest and its professional riders, as she needs the fees to pay for her ailing father’s treatment. Along the way, she meets several riders, including the amiable Thaddeus Cedar and his aloof friend Asher. Livvy’s prejudices toward the riders clash with the pride of the Fae, creating several entertaining moments, with a dash of romance.

The atmosphere is charming, with small-village life, quirky Merchants’ Guild meetings, the excitement of the Drakonas Tournament, and even the playful use of 'berries' as a curse word. I especially loved Mr. Bennet, who brought so much humor and personality to the story. I just wish there were more scenes with him

The plot closely mirrors the original tale, with just a few twists. The premise is original—I loved the idea of a dragon groomer and a talking caracal. I also enjoyed the friendship between Livvy and Marinn, and the way they supported and cared for each other. There is some slow-burn romance, which I loved, but there were too few interactions between the love interests, making their romance develop too quickly. Some quotes and scenes, such as the letter written by Asher and Livvy's meeting with his aunt, followed the original too closely at times, making them predictable.

The writing was a bit simple and didn’t flow always smoothly, perhaps due to the present-tense narration. The pacing felt uneven at times, and some sections were repetitive. World-building wasn't developed enough—why can only Fae bond with dragons?—and the Fae lore wasn’t particularly original. There were also a few plot inconsistencies, such as Asher’s father being mentioned as deceased in one instance and alive in another. On the positive side, I loved the concept of the book, and the different characteristics of the dragons and their variety.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Fine-tuning the writing and plot would make it stronger. I loved the ending, though an epilogue would have been appreciated. Still, the story is sweet and enjoyable, so I rate it 3.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 4. If you’re looking for a sweet, feel-good read with dragons, cozy village charm, and a touch of slow-burn romance, For Want of a Dragon will fit the bill.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "For Want Of A Dragon" by Wendy Day

 

"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole is an exciting locked-room thriller at sea—two of my favorite tropes—following a group of friends haunted by their past. Told in first-person POV from Palmer’s perspective, the story quickly turns dark: a storm, deaths, and a long-buried secret transform what begins as a luxurious cruise for four friends into a deadly ordeal.

Five friends went on a rafting trip twenty years ago during their senior year. Only four returned. Volleyball captain Courtney’s body was never found, which impacted all their lives. In the present day, Palmer—struggling with a broken marriage and the only one with kids—joins her best friend Beth, a newly appointed university president, and home renovator Emma on a voyage. They are invited by former friend, mega-influencer Gigi, to an all-expenses-paid trip along the Pacific Coast in remembrance of Courtney.

The plot thickens when a storm hits, the captain goes missing, and a mysterious note accuses them of murdering Courtney. As events unfold, it becomes clear that Courtney wasn’t so pure of heart—she could be cruel at times. In fact, each of the gang has a secret and a reason to want her dead. Then someone disappears, and it’s only the beginning. What was supposed to be a relaxing cruise turns into a fight for their lives. Palmer must navigate a rocky sea of secrets and lies if she wants to make it out alive.

The book was thoroughly absorbing and kept me hooked from start to finish. The trope is familiar, but the execution is compelling, and the writing is smooth and atmospheric. The pace starts off slow but quickly accelerates, maintaining suspense throughout. The transitions between timelines are seamless. None of the characters are very likeable—each behaved badly at some point—but I was still invested in their fate, at least in some of them.

The storytelling is intense: full of tension, unease, claustrophobia, and atmosphere. I could feel the rocking of the ship during the storm, the claustrophobic vibes, and the fear. The group dynamic was well drawn, with all the drama, fighting, and high emotions. I couldn't understand why the characters let Courtney step on them in their youth without breaking free, though.

It’s a book about image, influence, guilty secrets, infidelity, revenge, and lies. In the end, every lie comes to light, and no one can escape their past. One minor issue I noticed: Courtney’s diary mentions a traitor, but the identity is never revealed.

Overall, I enjoyed the story immensely. I didn’t guess who was behind all the incidents, which is a good thing. I rated the book 4.5 stars out of 5, rounded up to 5. It’s a light read, but sometimes that’s exactly what we need to breathe between heavier books. I recommend it to fans of atmospheric, suspenseful locked-room thrillers at sea, or anyone who enjoys a story where secrets from the past refuse to stay buried.
 
* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc.  All opinions are my own.

* For more info about the book: "The Trip" by Audrey J. Cole