Highly Suspicious and Unfairly Cute by Talia Hibbert

 

"We're everything. Anything. Whatever we want."

Release Date: January 3, 2023

Genre: Young adult romance, fiction

TW: parental abandonment/absent parent,  anxiety, OCD, 

Rating:

Summary:

Could you brave the wilderness with your highly suspicious and unfairly cute ex-best friend?

Bradley Graeme is pretty much perfect: he's a star football player, manages his OCD well (enough), and comes out on top in all his classes...except the ones he shares with Celine Bangura. They used to be best friends, until Brad decided he was too cool for conspiracy-theory-obsessed Celine and literally abandoned her for the popular kids' table. (At least, that's how Celine sees it). These days, Brad hates her guts-and the feeling is mutual.

So when Celine signs up for a two-part survival course in the woods, she definitely doesn't expect to find Brad right beside her. Forced to work together for the chance to win the grand prize, Celine and Bradley must trudge through not just mud and dirt but their messy past. As this adventure brings them closer, they start to remember all the good parts of their history.

But has too much time passed...or just enough to spark a whole new kind of relationship?

Review:

Hey everyone! It's been a minute hasn't it? I just finished reading this book but it took me an OBSCENE amount of time to finish reading it. 3 WHOLE WEEKS. That is a long time for me when I normally consume a book in less than a week! Albeit, I had a LOT going on in my life that made it difficult to sit down and read. However, I also found myself just...not wanting to read this book? When I did have time to sit down and read,  I found myself wishing I had something else to read instead. But let's get into it!

I discovered this book strolling through my local Barnes & Noble and there was such a cute display advertising this book. I am such a sucker for a good cover and the summary seemed cute, so I picked it up! 

Here's what I loved: 

I really loved ALL the characters in the book. Not just our amazing main characters, Brad and Celine. But also their families, their school friends, and their new found friends at the survival course. I truly was invested in all their stories and their interactions (which rarely happens for me). 

My FAVORITE character was Bradley. He is such a unique, refreshing individual. He is a star football player who is extremely smart, very kind, compassionate, bisexual and has OCD! What a well-rounded character. I loved the mental health representation when discussing OCD. Brad has been to therapy for his OCD and regularly uses different coping mechanisms and skills when he is having a hard time with his OCD. It is not WHO he is but it is a huge part of him and greatly affects his thinking as well as his every day life. Also to see that he has cultivated such great people in his life that accept him and are patient with him. 

The witty banter between Celine and Brad was off-the-charts and was VERY funny. 

It was also a book that touched on a lot of deep, mature topics but in such an easy-going and light-hearted way.

What was not my favorite:

This book immediately gives off enemies-to-lovers and grumpy x sunshine vibes but I felt that it was not adequately delivered. These concepts were not fully fledged. This was such an interesting timeline between Celine and Brad but it was SO RUSHED. It felt like we just sped through it so quickly. They used to be friends, now they are enemies but also becoming frenemies, to friends again, to enemies again, to lovers. It felt as if we spent no time really delving into WHY their friendship ended and also these two characters truly discussing what happened. Then spent almost no time discussing how they were ENEMIES FOR YEARS but now they are somewhat passive aggressive acquaintances? To then discovering they are actually in love with each other? It just felt like so many plot lines were being thrown at the reader and not fully developed. It was really great to read what was going on in both of their heads about what happened and their new relationship, but I don't feel they every truly communicated that to each other. This was a big no-no for me. Something as special and once-in-a-lifetime that Brad and Celine has deserves a conversation. It deserves more information and that was sadly lacking for me.

The story was simply...flat for me. I kept waiting for the magic, the spark but sadly it fizzled out for me. Truly, a forgettable book for me (which I absolutely HATE to say). Let me be clear, it was not a bad book but it could have been MORE. I guess I am guilty for having too high of expectations. 

Quotes:

"You don't need to be special or significant to have value. You're just as important, always, and people either see that or they don't."

"I'm positive. You're Brad Fucking Graeme. I'd bet on you any day."

"Nothing changes if we don't make it change."

"We're everything. Anything. Whatever we want."

A Cosmic Kind of Love by Samantha Young

 

"It must seem so strange, to have literally been on top of the world, to watch it turn and feel a part of this constantly expanding universe, and yet feel disconnected to something so intrinsically a part of you."

Release Date: October 18, 2022 

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction 

TW: toxic relationships, death of a loved one, gaslighting, cheating

Rating:

Summary:

When event planner Hallie Goodman receives party-inspiration material from the bride of her latest wedding project, the last thing she expects to find in the files is a collection of videos from the bride's ex-boyfriend. Hallie knows it's wrong to keep watching these personal messages, but this guy is cute, funny, and an astronaut on the International Space Station to boot. She's only human. And it's not long before she starts sending emails and video diaries to his deactivated NASA address. Since they're bouncing back, there's no way anyone will ever be able to see them...right?

Christopher Ortiz is readjusting to life on Earth and being constantly in the shadow of his deceased older brother. When a friend from NASA's IT department forwards him the emails and video messages Hallie has sent, he can't help but notice how much her sense of humor and pink hair make his heart race.

Separated by screens, Hallie and Chris are falling in love, one transmission at a time. But can they make their star-crossed romance work when they each learn the other's baggage? 

Review:

I went from reading Love on the Brain where Bee and Levi were working on a project for NASA to reading about Chris who is an astronaut working for NASA in A Cosmic Kind of Love! I guess you can say I've had space on the brain!

It took me longer to read this book, just due to the joys of life! However, once I had time to sit down and really read this book, I was hooked.  I breezed right through it!  

Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I felt that 2/3 of the book, I was absolutely hooked. As the book started to wrap up though... is when it fizzled out for me. Let's start with the positive first though! 

I instantly appreciated Hallie! For me, she was such a relatable character, especially with her people pleasing tendencies. I am also working on that right now and I cannot wait to kick those people pleasing tendencies to the curb. I also constantly find myself in odd situations because of my people pleasing tendencies and my soft heart so I can absolutely relate to Hallie. I also have brightly colored hair and a bubbly personality which makes people not take me seriously very often. 

Chris was such a charming, compassionate, sweet human being. I love a good dual POV and really appreciated being able to tap into the brain of Chris as well. It was also very unique to listen to his experience with losing his mom, his brother, joining the armed forces and becoming an astronaut. Then his experience being in space. I learned some very interesting facts about space that I was not expecting! I cannot wait for the day someone thinks about me the way Chris thinks about Hallie or the way Chris looks at Hallie. The way Chris loves Hallie. Obsessed. Swooning. 

The chemistry between these two characters was out of this world. There was an INSTANTANEOUS pull between Hallie and Chris, before they even met! They were watching these secret, private videos and both had this undeniable connection. Then when they finally met, fireworks! It made me heart so warm as they navigated their friends-to-lovers dynamic. Also the SEXUAL TENSION just bursting through the page during the sex scenes. Mouth = salivating. Chris was so patient and communicative during sex. He WORSHIPPED Hallie's body and comforted her through her insecurities. That was the hottest parts of the intimate scenes between the pair for me. Also, Chris and Hallie had such a real, beautiful relationship. Both characters had so much depth and it was fascinating to watch how these two intertwined with all their "baggage." 

Side note, Althea is such an amazing co-worker and friend. The way she stood up for Hallie time and time again. I think everyone needs a friend like Althea! 

Throughout the book, I really hated reading the horrible dynamic between Hallie and her parents. However, the character development of her parents and the strengthening of her relationship with her parents was worth it in the end. As for Chris and his relationship with his dad, I appreciated the depth and the context that was provided for the character. He was not JUST an asshole dad. But he still was an asshole dad, and his villain backstory was explained. 

My biggest complaint with this book was the THIRD ACT BREAKUP. I absolutely DESPISE a third act breakup. I would much rather sit through an excruciatingly slow burn instead of the alternative: a whirlwind romance that happens too quickly therefore a third act breakup is inevitable. That is exactly what happened here, and it was completely unnecessary. It really ruined the relationship for me. I was really enjoying their story up until this moment, even though it was so predictable. It is cliché, overdone, and completely unnecessary. Authors: MAKE IT STOP. 

So like I said, overall, I enjoyed this book and appreciated the majority of the book. Just wish the last 1/3 of the book was completely re-written. But I really resonated with the main character, Hallie. The undeniable chemistry between Hallie and Chris was so special to experience. Truly, a cosmic kind of love. 

Quotes: 

"It must seem so strange, to have literally been on top of the world, to watch it turn and feel a part of this constantly expanding universe, and yet feel disconnected to something so intrinsically a part of you."

"Being yours...that's the only thing in my life I am one hundred percent certain I want and need to be." 

"It seemed we were drawn to each other like binary stars. It was addictive and disorienting."

"It means 'my sky,' 'my heaven.' I never really gave much thought to it-" He stared deeply into my eyes. "But now, every time I look at you, those words fill my mind. Mi cielo." 

Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood

 

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a community of women trying to mind their own business must be in want of a random man's opinion."

Release Date: August 23, 2022

Genre: Contemporary romance, fiction

Rating:

Summary:

Bee's theory was right-forcing a scientist to work with her nemesis triggers explosive results.

Like an avenging, purple-haired Jedi bringing balance to the mansplained universe, Bee Königswasser lives by a simple code: What would Marie Curie do? If NASA offered Marie her dream neuroengineering project, she would accept without hesitation. Duh, But the mother of modern physics never had to co-lead with Levi Ward.

Sure, Levi has soul-piercing eyes. And sure, he caught her in his powerfully corded arms like a romance novel hero when she accidentally damseled in distress on her first day in the lab. But Levi made his feelings toward bee clear in grad school-archenemies work best when employed in their own galaxies far, far away. 

Now her equipment is missing, the staff ignores her, and Bee finds her floundering career in somewhat of a pickle. Perhaps it's her occipital cortex playing tricks on her, but Bee could swear she can see Levi softening into an ally, backing her plays...devouring her with those eyes. And the possibilities have all her neurons firing. But when it comes time to actually make a move and put her heart on the line, there's only one question that matters: What will Bee Königswasser do? 

Review:

I had been seeing this book ALL OVER bookstagram, even before I joined bookstagram myself. The cover was so damn cute and I could not wait to dive into this book. 

I was immediately infatuated with the main protagonist, Bee Königswasser. She is funky, bold, and does not fit into the traditional mold of a woman in science. But men already find it so repulsive to have women in STEM, let alone a charming and confident purple-haired Bee. Bee was very relatable for a character (who has a completely niche occupation such as a neuroscientist). I appreciated her empowering other women and women in STEM on her secret Twitter account. I always appreciate a book with feminist characters and/or feminist undertones. 

I am a BIG fan of very niche occupations, hobbies, or interests for characters in books. This allows the character to invite you into their special world, which may be completely different from the readers experience or exposure. To read about neuroscientists, engineering, and NASA all in one book: definitely tickled my fancy. 

Speaking of niche interests, Bee's obsession with Marie Curie: I personally loved this aspect of the book as I am also a big fan of Marie Curie myself. Albeit, more of a mild fascination with Marie Curie where Bee has an outright passion for her, her work, and her life. However, I am obsessed with radium and uranium. From this, I have developed a healthy obsession with work-place safety and OSHA because of radium/uranium tragedies. I know there are some people out there felt that the Marie Curie obsession was random, unnecessary, or excessive but I feel the complete opposite. It was unique and intriguing. I also discovered more interesting facts about Marie's life that I never knew before. I do always appreciate a book that can help me learn something new. 

I fell head-over-heels in love with Levi. He is just so damn precious. Also, the amount of times Levi went to bat for Bee and defended her, not just because he absolutely loves her but because she is an amazing scientist. Levi can cook me vegan food and train me for a 5k marathon any day. The passion, the longing he has for Bee..."I know what she smells like. This little freckle on her neck when she pulls up her hair. Her upper lip is a little plumper than the lower. The curve of her wrist, when she holds a pen. It's wrong, really wrong, but I know the shape of her. I go to sleep thinking about it, and then I wake up, go to work, and she is there, and it's impossible. I tell her stuff I know she'll agree to, just to hear her hum back at me. It's like hot water down my fucking spine. She's married. She's brilliant. She trusts me, and all I think about is taking her to my office, stripping her, doing unspeakable things to her. And I want to tell her. I want to tell her that she's luminous, she's so bright in my mind, sometimes I can't focus. Sometimes I forget why I came into the room. I'm distracted. I wanted to push her against a wall, and I want her to push back. I want to go back in time and punch her stupid husband on the day I met him and then travel back to the future and punch him again. I want to buy her flowers, food, books. I want to hold her hand, and I want to lock her in my bedroom. She's everything I ever wanted and I want to inject her into my veins and also never see her again. There's nothing like her and these feelings, they are fucking intolerable. They were half-asleep while she was gone, but now she's here and my body thinks it's a fucking teenager and I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do. There is nothing I can do, so I'll just...not."  Swooning, absolutely swooning.  Also, I appreciate the line about how luminescent Bee is, very reminiscent of radium and the eerie glow it can emit. An extra layer of detail that had me all mushy inside. 

The chemistry between Levi and Bee was undeniable, even when they thought they were sworn enemies. The quirky banter was on point. I was laughing out loud and chuckling to myself at so many points. The sex scenes between these two were also very passionate and well-written. You could feel the longing and desperation from Levi, who has been loving Bee from afar for so long. For Bee, she was experiencing lust and sexual satisfaction that she had never received from her shitty ex. Someone who had made her feel inadequate but then to realize was the inadequate one in the bedroom. Then to be worshipped, her body treated like a temple and she, the goddess, by Levi. It was a whirlwind for Bee. 

Speaking of her shitty ex, Tim is a horrible human being. Absolute trash. I can understand why Bee had such a hard time admitting that her relationship with Levi was more than friends-with-benefits and really investing in the relationship. Typically, I HATE when the relationship is finally happening and one of the partners is in denial. But this made sense for Bee and her previous romantic trauma. Also, honestly, fuck Anna. You betrayed Bee's trust as her BEST FRIEND. I blame Tim AND I blame Anna. The friendship between Bee and Anna is gone. The trust was obliterated. You cannot earn that trust back. Thank you for the closure, have a wonderful life. It is time to close that chapter in her life, on Anna and on Tim. 

I knew throughout the pair's work at NASA there was some level of sabotage occurring, not innocent mistakes. However, I never suspected Guy to be behind them. I honestly thought Boris was more likely. However, with a name like Guy, it makes a lot of sense now. They did foreshadow a few times: how is it possible for Guy to be so accepting not being co-lead and how is it possible that Guy can be so nice? It was obvious foreshadowing but it did not really hit me until he was standing there with a gun! 

This book easily gets 5 out of 5 bunnies. A powerful, feminist female lead.  A brooding, soft male lead. A niche occupation. Slow burn, quirky banter, intense passion, a romance that feels like coming home. This book checked ALL the boxes. It was such a quick read; I annihilated this book in less than 2 days...and that was me trying to pace myself. My only complaint: I wish it was longer! 

Quotes: 

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that a community of women trying to mind their own business must be in want of a random man's opinion."

"If there is one thing men hate more than smart woman, it's a smart woman who makes her own choices when it comes to her own sex life."

"The real villain is love: an unstable isotope, constantly undergoing spontaneous nuclear decay. And it will forever go unpunished." 

"Thank you, Oh Penised Overlords, for the recognition I deserve."

"Guess this is it-being love. Truly in love. Lots and lots of horrible, wondrous, violent emotions."

"You were always in my head.  And I could never get you out." 

"I want to tell her that she's luminous, she's so bright in my mind, sometimes I can't focus."

The Twelve Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

 

"All was silent but for the sound of lovers breathing and the beating of their two hearts made whole." 

Release Date: September 28, 2020

Genre: Holiday romance, fiction

Rating: 

Summary:

 When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turney is ready to say, 'Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor...right?

Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before-and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures-Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it's least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it's been right within her reach along...

Review:

This is a momentous occasion: I finished reading my very FIRST holiday romance book! Or really, any holiday book! For some reason, I have never been interested in reading a holiday or Christmas book but after being inspired by bookstagram, I sought to change that this year! One down, many more to go! However, I may only be able to read one this December, but I will get an early start next year and try to read more Christmas books in 2023!

This was a sweet Christmas book that had plenty of small-town charm and Christmas spirit. It just was missing something for me, the spark or the magic. However, I still really enjoyed this book! I think it was a great first read. 

For the most part, this book was extremely predictable. Almost immediately I jotted down to myself, “Kate ends up with Matt. Mac ends up with Evelyn. Duh.” That is okay though! This book wasn’t supposed to be revolutionary; it isn’t supposed to be. It is a feel-good romance. It was nice to follow these couples and see how they finally ended up together, but I do wish I could have spent more time getting to know these couples and their relationships. There was so much history that I felt never truly was unpacked.

I was initially worried about how we are going to fit 12 dates into such a small book, but I do feel like Jenny did a good job delivering. I feel that Jenny spent a good portion of the book describing the environment and nature around Kate and Blexford. I appreciate that to really be able to visualize the scenery of this book. However, I feel they were a bit too lengthy or too frequent for my taste. I could have spent more time on character dialogue or more time on the dates! Ultimately, all these dates were such DUDS. Except for Drew. Drew was honestly one of my favorite characters out of the entire book. I definitely needed more Drew time. Maybe a spin-off book?

I really love books with characters that have really odd careers. Kate was a perfect example of that. A fabric designer who bakes on the side? I was obsessed. Something so small but I love little details like that, and it really sucks me into their world. I loved the energy of this small town where everyone knows each other. I understand that it may get frustrating when EVERY person knows your business but also that whole town had Kate’s back and I find that so precious. I am from a big city, so I have never had that dynamic myself.

Definitely a sweet holiday romance book! Now that I have read one, I cannot wait to read many more! 

Quotes:

"A bigger pool doesn't necessarily mean a better swim."

"A man is like an optional extra; you should only take one on when it is beneficial to do so. It's like refraining from the fourth plate at the all-you-can-eat curry buffet. Just because it's there, doesn't mean you have to have it."

"She smiled to herself; the first coffee of the day was a joy unlike any other."

"Because that's what people in love do: they protect the hearts of those they love, even if that love will never be returned."

"Home wasn't her house, or this tiny village. Home was inside of her, in her heart, where Matt lived."

"And here is where I want to be, with you."

"All was silent but for the sound of the lovers breathing and the beating of their two hearts was made whole."

Love, Liana...Sincerely, Kade by Allie Doherty

 

"I think a lot of movies go underrated because men have the mindset that romance is feminine. I know you disagree, but love makes life worth living, and it's not only women who're alive. Men need love too." 

Release Date: September 27, 2022

Genre: Contemporary romance

TW: Drug abuse/addiction, domestic violence, trauma, homelessness 

Rating: 

Summary:

Meet Liana Dawson, a perpetually single romantic-advice blogger. She's one set of granny-panties away from proclaiming herself New York City's version of Bridge Jones when she's hit with a fan demand for sex advice. With an unwavering belief in love (and rom-com superiority), there's no relationship problem Love, Liana can't fix...until a fascinating, albeit cocky, email paves the way to a whirlwind friendship that leaves Liana questioning everything she thought she knew about falling in love.

Enter Kade Jennings, the ass who wrote it. After writing in to a popular blog to get some answers about whether love exists, Kade receives an offer he can't refuse-one that throws his world of one-night stands, whiskey, and books into a tailspin at the hands of a woman he had no intention of ever meeting.

Liana knows love, Kade knows sex. They could be each other's perfect teachers...if they can keep their hands off long enough to learn. 

Review:

I really loved the concept of this book: love positive blogger needing sexpert advice and sex-drive man who is unsure if he has the capacity to love. 

I instantly fell in love with Liana's character; she is vibrant, intelligent, witty, compassionate. Liana doesn't view herself as confident or charismatic but she is sorely mistaken. When Kade was first introduced though...yeah, he gave me the ick. I did NOT like Kade when he was first introduced. "A man named Kade with a fascinating complex: an egotism he felt inferior about. And to top it all off, he didn't believe in love. How cliché of a bachelor to say? To me, it sounded like an excuse to sleep with every woman he could from Manhattan to Jersey, and back again." If I was Liana, I wouldn't have even responded to his email but I understand that she was required to respond to her readers. So yeah, for a good portion I was not Kade's #1 fan. It wasn't until we really delved into the nooks and crannies of his dark past that I was able to see how this present-day Kade came to fruition. I thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter and instant connection between our duo. I think their relationship started off as enemies-to-lovers but quickly turned to friends-to-lovers. The stark differences between these two was interesting to read. I also really enjoyed reading about Kade falling for Liana, especially since was a first for him. 

When Liana and Kade finally got together...I jotted down this note to myself, "That AMAZING feeling when the slow burn romance finally happens. My heart is beating out of my chest. I have that wonderful tingling feeling all over. Just to take that moment, stop to close the book, SQUEAL OUT OF EXCITEMENT, and then get right back to it." That accurately described my reaction when the pair finally consummated their relationship. Is that a super outdated way to say there was a spicy, intimate sex scene? I digress. But then things...went way too fast. How quickly they rushed into things made me feel extremely uneasy. I do feel this was mainly on Kade's part but it truly was the blind leading the blind. I knew there was an impending rupture ahead. Cue the third-act breakup. I despite third-act breakups but really any breakup in a romance book. I also watch a lot of k-dramas that utilize this ALL the time; I hate them in k-dramas as well. I was not shocked when the break up finally happened. I suppose it makes sense for the trajectory of their relationship and with Kade's previous history. It felt like an emotional rollercoaster but fortunately I did not vomit at the end of this rollercoaster. 

Let's talk Liana's family. It is obvious that the reader is supposed to hate Liana's half-sister, Zoe or her father, Eric. That was easy to get across. I hated both of them. I did feel like the back story with her father was a running theme throughout the entire book but ultimately wasn't appropriately delved into or addressed. It felt unnecessary. I absolutely did not like Liana's sister, Kit, whatsoever. This is supposed to be Liana's only family who loves her unconditionally and is her only true confidant? Then I feel very sorry for Liana. I cannot fathom how these two ever had a proper relationship. How Kit behaved was inexcusable and will require LOTS of work to repair that relationship, but it is hard to believe there was ever a solid foundation. I don't think Kit redeemed herself even slightly in the end. I saw other people who reviewed this book felt very differently in this regard. They felt Liana was being unfair to her family and she was selfish for not forgiving these atrocities. I completely disagree. You are allowed to not have people in your life who are bad people and are bad for you. It is acceptable to cut people out of your life. This goes for Luca as well.

This book delved into a lot of tough issues including drug abuse/addiction, domestic abuse/violence, trauma and homelessness. I think Allie Doherty did a good job of addressing these tough topics but still remaining a very light-hearted nature with the book. This book was NOT about highlighting these issues but rather about how these were intrinsically connected to our main characters but did not define them. I have previously been in an abusive relationship before. I had not expected this topic to come up in this book. It took me back at first but Allie Doherty did provide some insightful points in regards to abusive relationships. Liana's quote about abusive relationships and how the abuser makes the other person feel like they are in a kaleidoscope/having tunnel vision, was so accurately described. I would tread carefully when reading this book though, thus the trigger warning at the top, because these topics may be triggering for readers. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the beginning half of the book. I loved Liana's character, the instant undeniable chemistry, the witty banter and the spicy scenes were muy caliente! It is the latter half of the book that failed to meet my expectations. I felt there was so much potential in this concept but ultimately did not deliver. It truly was an average book. I would not find myself reaching for this book again but it could be a a fun read for someone else. 

Quotes:

"I think a lot of movies go underrated because men have the mindset that romance is feminine. I know you disagree, but love makes life worth living, and it's not only women who're alive. Men need love too." 

"Perhaps it was a character flaw that I thought real-life romance couldn't measure up against the movies. I'd locked myself away, substituting my chance at love for stories about love, convinced the real thing would pale in comparison. Boy, was I wrong. In movies, moments so intense were accompanied by a soft orchestra playing a piano-heavy instrumental in the background. But the stillness that settled between us surpassed every moment I'd ever watched with flutters in my stomach, telling myself a love so deep couldn't exist beyond the screen." 

"I wish Stephanie could see sense, but she's blinded by Cleo. Abusive people have a knack at leaving their victims with tunnel vision, as though looking through a kaleidoscope. Everything around Stephanie is a jumble of overwhelming swirls and shapes she can't make out...The only thing she can see clearly is Cleo, standing at the end of the tunnel like a warm bright light, unaware she's an oncoming train in disguise." 

"The problem with Liana was that she threw out the book on everything I thought I knew. Or, rather, she made me want to throw it out."

"You're not broken," I said, unable to believe he thought so little of himself. "You're a little bit cracked, but so am I. That's what makes us human...it's what's making me fall for you." 

The Four Horsemen series by Laura Thalassa

  

“They came to the earth-Pestilence, War, Famine, Death-four horsemen riding their screaming steeds, racing to the corners of the world. Four horsemen with the power to destroy all of humanity. They came to earth, and they came to end us all.”

Release Date: March 2018-November 2021

Genre: Fantasy, romance fiction

TW: trauma/PTSD, scenes of physical abuse/torture, graphic death/violence, talk of rape/attempted rape, war themes, loss of a loved one/grief

I have finally completed all four books from the Four Horseman series from Laura Thalassa! Pestilence, War, Famine, and Death.

It feels like it has taken forever for me to complete the series (even though I just started reading in October) but wanted to read other books in-between to really drag out the series since I didn’t want it to end! 

I decided instead of doing an individual review post for each book, I would combine all 4 into one review! Although now that I have finished, this was definitely a big task at hand to review 4 books at once. Moving forward, I’ll probably do each individual book! We’re learning, we’re growing, that’s what this is all about! 

I’ll be honest, I do not know very much about the four horsemen of the apocalypse…like, at all. So when I found out there was a fiction series about the four of them and features sexy, steamy romance? Oh yeah, sign me up! Let’s be clear: this is NOT a conventional, fluffy romance novel: it is dark, graphic, and touches on a lot of difficult themes/topics. The themes of these books are wholly unique as well as the characters in the stories. These men are the antagonists, the anti-heroes. The women are the protagonists and they are bad-ass. There are a lot of moral gray areas in these books. I would highly recommend reading these novels; it is such a unique concept that has not been done before. It is philosophical and thought-provoking. I love how we were able to examine humanity and spirituality through a magnifying glass. Also do not forget the romance and the sexiness littered throughout the books. Definitely helps the difficult parts of these books go down much easier. My biggest takeaway: it isn’t humanity that saved itself, it was four badass women that saved the day ultimately. Just saying. 

Now let’s get on with the individual reviews!

Pestilence (Book One)

Rating:

Summary:

When Pestilence comes for Sara Burn’s town, one thing is certain: everyone she knows and loves is marked for death. Unless, of course, the angelic-looking horseman is stopped, which is exactly what Sara has in mind when she shoots the unholy beast off his steed. Too bad no one told her Pestilence can’t be killed. Now the horseman, very much alive and very pissed off, has taken her prisoner, and he’s eager to make her suffer. Only, the longer she’s with him, the more uncertain she is about his true feelings towards her…and hers towards him. And now, well, Sara might still be able to save the world, but in order to do so, she’ll have to sacrifice her heart in the process.

Review:

"He’s sheathed in golden armor and mounted on a white steed. At his back is a bow and quiver. His blonde hair is pressed down by a crown of gold, and his face-his face is angelic, proud. He’s almost too much to look at. Too breathtaking, too noble, too ominous.”

The first book sets the mood for the rest of the books to come. Enter Sara Burns, our badass firefighter ready to risk her life killing the horseman for the sake of humanity. Then there is Pestilence, ready to watch the world crumble to his horrible diseases… or is he? Pestilence is our first taste of the horseman and he is ruthless, or at least it seems that way. He is so naïve and innocent when it comes to the ways of man. The only thing he does understand is disease. 

The romance in this book is definitely a slow burn. It takes a lot longer to develop in book one versus the other books. There is an overall theme of Stockholm Syndrome in this book (actually all of the books) so be warned. Sara is Pestilence’s captive. A horseman is set to kill all of humanity and a human who is his captive is not willingly going to fall in love. I think having a slow burn romance is much more appropriate, as much as it can be, in a setting such as this.

Pestilence is also the first horseman that is willing to sacrifice his purpose for his love of Sara and for humanity. This has never been done before. The amount of love and bravery it took for Pestilence to make that sacrifice. Pestilence has to be one of my favorite horsemen. Although, there is currently a tie between him and Famine right now, so I am not sure who shall come out victorious.

Quotes:

“Love is the greatest gift we can give or receive.”

“I came to conquer this land and its people, but instead, one of its people conquered me.”

“A woman should not be oddly pleasing. She should be a ball busting, skull-crushing, badass motherfucker who is impossible to forget.” 

"Love has a funny way of rearranging priorities."

War (Book Two)

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The day Jerusalem falls, Miriam Elmahdy knows her life is over. Houses are burning, the streets run red with blood, and a traitorous army is massacring every last resident. There is no surviving this, especially not once Miriam catches the eye of War himself. But when the massive and terrifying horseman corners Miriam, he calls her his wife, and instead of killing her, he takes her back to his camp. Now Miriam faces a terrifying future, one where she watches her world burn town by town, and the one many responsible for it all is her seemingly indestructible “husband.” But there’s another side to him, one that’s gentle and loving and dead set on winning her over, and she might not be strong enough to resist. However, if there’s one thing Miriam has learned, it’s that love and war cannot coexist. And so she must make the ultimate choice: surrender to War and watch humankind fall, or sacrifice everything and stop him. 

Review:

"A monster of a man sits on his blood-red steed, a massive sword strapped to his back. There are gold rings in his dark hair and kohl thickly lines his eyes. His cheekbones are high and the scowl he wears makes him look absolutely petrifying."

This book was such a stark difference in comparison to Pestilence. I definitely appreciated the difference in scenery in this book in comparison to Pestilence. I actually appreciated all the different changes of scenery/location in all the books as well. It really changed the mood and added more diversity to all the books.

However, the murders and attempted rape seemed to be more frequent, graphic, and hard to read. Although, this does accurately depict the worst in humanity, so I understand why it may have been essential to the book, especially when describing war.

I appreciated the push and pull, the tug-of-war, between War and Miriam. They both required a surrender and sacrifice but both individuals are so stubborn and head-strong. I appreciated the insights into War’s experience with mankind. “War is the only horseman who has lived in human’s hearts. He knew men’s hearts intimately and judged them.” I will say that War was my least favorite of all the books. I’m so sorry if this book and War himself was your favorite out of the series!

Quotes:

“For your soft heart.”

“All creatures can experience pestilence, famine, and death but war, true war that is a singularly human experience.”

“Over the course of human existence, your kind has come up with hundreds of thousands of words for everything imaginable, yet somehow none of you have figured out how to actually speak your mind.”

Famine (Book Three)

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Ana da Silva always assumed she’d die young, she just never expected it to be at the hands of Famine, the haunting immortal who once spared her life so many years ago. But if the horseman remembers her at all, he must not care, for when he comes face to face with him for the second time in her life, she’s stabbed and left for dead. Only, she doesn’t quite die. If there’s one thing Famine is good at, it’s cruelty. And how these blighted bastards deserve it. Try as he might, he can’t forget what they once did to him. But when Ana, a ghost from his past, corners him and promises pain for what he so recently did to her, she and her empty threats captivate him, and he decides to keep her around. In spite of themselves, Ana and Famine are drawn to each other. But at the end of the day, the two are enemies. Nothing changes that. Not one kind act, not two. And definitely not a few steamy nights. But enemies or reluctant lovers, if they don’t stop themselves soon, heaven will. 

Review:

“His hair is the color of melted caramel, his sun-kissed skin only a shade or two lighter. There’s this sharp, chiseled line of his jaw, the high brow and cheekbones, and the haughty curve of his lips. Most striking of all are those moss green eyes of his. Devilish. His shoulders are broad, and that bronze armor, embossed with spiraling floral designs, fits snugly against his powerful, sculpted physique. Up close, his beauty is a shock to my system.”

When I first started reading the third book, I was not a fan of Famine. Famine as a character was such a jack-ass. I was struggling to see why anyone would like him. I guess that was the whole point. He is supposed to be this monster that was impossible to love. But he swiftly became a lovable jack-ass that curled his vines around my heart. There is lots of violence in this book as well. Lots of violence and torture. Well, all of the books are that way but I feel War and Famine had the bulk of it. It was very difficult to read all of the horrific things that happened to Famine. It is hard to not understand why he is so spiteful and loves killing to be honest.

I thoroughly enjoyed Ana. She had been beat down over and over again but she kept getting back up. She was such a fighter and admired that so much. It was also difficult but important to read about all the atrocities men have inflicted upon Ana, especially as a sex worker. However, despite all of that, she once again refused to stop fighting.

I also absolutely loved the banter between Famine and Ana. This book has to be the most humorous out of all the books. I loved the connection that formed between the pair. They both have had the most horrific things happen to them by the hands of men and that bonded them. But also the kindness and compassion they showed to each other.

I also really enjoyed that Famine was willing to give up his purpose not for humanity, who he still deemed unfit, but simply for Ana and being able to live and grow old with her. That was so special.

I genuinely was pissed off at Death at the end of this book. I was NOT looking forward to his book with how he acted at the end of book three.

Quotes:

"I feel...everything," he finally says. "Every blade of grass, every drop of rain, every centimeter of sunbaked clay. I am the storm that rolls in, I am the wind that carries the bird and the butterfly."

"I'm fucking over being forced to fit into roles of men have out for me."

"I'm a bar-fighting, pussy-hustling, scrappy-ass bitch, and I'm not going to just go along with this quietly."

"You were made from the earth," I whisper to her skin, "I can feel the universe moving through you, and yet you are something else unto yourself."

"That's the difference between me and my brothers," he continues. "We are all meant to ravage the world, but we have our distinctions: War is the most human, Pestilence perhaps next. But even Thanatos-Death-is intimately connected to life. I am the one least truly alive. I have more in common with wildfires and clouds and mountains than I do anything else. So to be something that lives and breathes is a stifling, unpleasant experience. I am...trapped in this flesh."

"I love you, you foolish little flower."

Death (Book Four)

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The day Death comes to Lazarus Gaumond's town and kills everyone in one fell swoop, the last thing he expects to see is a woman left alive and standing. But Lazarus has her own extraordinary gift: she cannot be killed-not by humans, not by the elements, not by Death himself. She is the one soul Death doesn't recognize. The one soul he cannot pry free from her flesh. Nor can he ignore the unsettling desire he has for her. Take her. He wants to, desperately. And the longer she tries to stop him from his killing spree, the stronger she becomes. When Lazarus crosses paths with the three other horseman, an unthinkable situation leads to a terrible deal: seduce Death, save the world. A hopeless task, made all the worse by the bad blood between her and Thanatos. But Death's attraction to her is undeniable, and try though she might, Lazarus cannot stay away from the ancient, beautiful being and his dark embrace. The end is here. Humankind is set to perish, and not even the horseman can stop Death from fulfilling his final task.

Only Lazarus can. 

Review:

"He is dressed to do battle-though who could possibly stand against him is a mystery. That armor gleams as though it's freshly polished, and those massive black wings lay folded at his back, so large that the tips of them nearly touch the ground. As the horseman rides, his eyes are pinned to something in the distance. His face is solemn and captivating. I swear that I've seen the arch of that brow and the slope of that nose before in my dreams. And I've imagined the curve of those lips, the press of those cheekbones, and the cut of that jaw in every tragic poem read by candlelight. He is more beautiful than I can make sense of and more terrifying than I could've imagined."

As stated before, I was extremely disappointed with Thanatos when he made his appearance at the end of Famine. However, I do think that Thanatos redeemed himself in this book. I was ready to fully hate Thanatos with all of my being when starting this book but he had quite the opposite effect. He was the horseman I grew to love the quickest. He is Death himself but does not like taking lives. He was so sweet, thoughtful but also hell-bent on completely his otherworldly, destructive task.

Once again, another amazing female protagonist, Lazarus is such a headstrong badass woman who has slain Death himself time and time again. They had a fun little cat-and-mouse game for most of the book.

Laura Thalassa truly does an amazing job creating characters with so much depth. Also does a great job at capturing the essence of good sex with her writing. Truly an art form.

I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the horsemen featured in this book. To see sweet Victor (Pestilence) and War grow older warmed my heart. Then to have sassy Famine in the bunch still immortal and hating humanity. definitely a treat to see their interactions and commentary. Although during the epic battle scene, having to read about these amazing horseman suffering and hurting, ugh. I was hurting too!

I think the way this series ended was phenomenal. I am normally a big stickler for book endings, and most don't satisfy me but this one definitely did. I definitely cried at the last chapter.

Quotes:

"Yes, but life and death are lovers, kismet. They always choose each other in the end."

"He has yet to realize that you don't have to cut someone to make them bleed. Take away the most precious thing they have, and they will suffer."

"To live is to die," he adds. "That was the agreement you made when you came into this world. You cannot have one without the other. All your life, all your suffering, all your loss-it was all for this." he gestures to the dead around us, his wings spreading wide. "You all have been running towards me your entire life."

Pestilence adds, "We gave up our immortality and the vast extent of our powers because we believe that despite our task, humans are worthy of living." Famine huffs, glancing away. "Ignore him," War says. "He's still bitter that Death didn't find his motives pure enough to strip him of his immortality." "Humans are retched," Famine says. "I don't know why I must change my mind about that first."

"There, standing over the threshold of the afterlife, are my brothers, their wives. And Lazarus, my sweet Lazarus. She opens her arms, and I walk into them. And once again, I am home."

Favorite books in the series (in order):

Death, Pestilence, Famine, War

Favorite horseman (in order):

Pestilence, Famine, Death, War

Favorite female protagonists (in order):

Ana, Lazarus, Sara, Miriam