I really wanted to love this book! It came onto my radar because I follow the author’s nycbookgirl instagram for bookish content. The idea of a love story in an art museum with magical realism sounded like such an amazing premise, and the lovely cover sets a nice tone. The book got off to a solid start but fragments into multiple disparate plot twists (one of which involved the pandemic, which took the book out of the present for me). I also felt like the emotional declarations between the two main characters felt too big and instalove for my taste. Still, someday when I come across Matisse’s The Music Lesson, I will immediately think of this book and all that it strove to achieve. I listened to the dual narration audiobook on Libby.

My favorite part of this romantasy is the angsty relationship between Odessa and the Guardian. This book is filled with terrifying magical creatures, a mysterious rage-inducing sickness, blood oaths, betrayal and secrets. I loved the first 75% and then once the romance storyline transitioned, it lost a bit of steam but the action of the book soared in the final chapters (A blood bath! Big reveals! Cliffhangers!). I really enjoyed the narration though some of Samantha Brentmoor’s male voices blended together. I listened to the audiobook on Libby and am already looking forward to the next in the series.

Loved it!!! Was desperately rooting for Delphie.

3.5 stars. This was a decent YA read that follows 17-year old Madeline in a sort of coming-of-age romance. Her brother is engaged to a woman who Mads fears may not be the right fit. This book is about her family interactions as well as many firsts- dates, kiss, and more. I liked the premise but felt like this book lost its way slightly in the love triangle aspect with potential suitor Connor and Marco. I appreciate that this book was not totally expected and messy at times in a real life sort of way. I listened to an ARC audiobook on NetGalley.

Had to DNF this one halfway through after reading it on my bus ride every morning and falling asleep every single time. I can only describe this book as exhausting. Desperately in need of an editor that could rip the heart out of this book and cut out all the fatty tissue. Has an all-timer bad line in it: "I'm seventy-five and falling apart. My body, not my womanhood, nor my Japanese Americanness." With a line that bad you know this author is not a woman nor is he Japanese-American because genuinely what does that even mean?

3.5 stars. I feel torn about this book. It had a strong start introducing the brainy healer FMC and the MMC assassin who begrudgingly turns to her for a cure to an illness that is slowly sealing his fate in death. The premise has so much promise! I felt like the chemistry was under-delivered and the overarching plot felt rather underwhelming to me. I wanted more adventure and magic but instead there were brothels and boredom. I think I’ll skip future books in this romantasy series.

“Kinda weird.”

I love it because some days you just feel grumpy

i loved that it was emosinabal and very fun to read

3.75 stars rounded up. In the world of Ali Hazelwood, this book was somewhat lower tier and forgettable, but it’s still a fun summer read. I liked the setting (Italy), the audiobook’s dual narration (primarily FMC POV w/MMC speaking), the chemistry and general blend of tropes (age gap, brother’s best friend, handsome rich MMC). I felt like there was an attempt to make this a friends-to-lovers romance but it felt more like a second chance turned instalove, which left me conflicted.