NetGalley Review: What’s All the Commotion?: A Book About Social Distancing

by Jessie Glenn,
Illustrated by Kevin King

Thank you Eldredge Books and NetGalley for the e-copy to read and review!

*Read Now title on NetGalley*

Image via NetGalley

Genre: Picture Book, Children’s Nonfiction, Health & Wellness
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: Need a perfect conversation starter about Covid-19 for a child you know? “What’s All The Commotion” seeks to answer children’s questions simply and directly with an optimistic outlook.

Illustrated by Black Lives Matter muralist, Kevin King, the bright illustrations in “What’s All the Commotion” portray a diverse group of children and adults getting through social distancing, together.

The changes in children’s lives around the world due to the virus pandemic are startling and stressful in many cases. What’s All the Commotion? is a child psychologist vetted resource for parents, teachers, medical providers and other people with children.

 

My Review: What’s All the Commotion? is a good picture to help parents, guardians, and educators have an open discussion about covid-19 and the drastic life changes that have occurred.

It’s a very matter-of-fact book and simplistic with text and full color on one page and a beautiful, full color illustration on the other. The facts and information presented in this book is clear, concise and accessible.

I liked the tone of the story. It was inviting and welcoming, encouraging kids that it’s okay to have questions about what’s been happening and any fears or anxiety they’ve been having as a result of this virus.

What’s All the Commotion? is worth the read and also available on Kindle Unlimited.

ARC Review: Set Fire To The Gods by Sara Raasch & Kristen Simmons

I won an ARC copy in Kristen Simmon’s birthday giveaway on Instagram.
Set Fire to the Gods is now on sale!

Image via Goodreads

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Series: Set Fire to the Gods #1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: Ash is descended from a long line of gladiators, and she knows the brutal nature of war firsthand. But after her mother dies in an arena, she vows to avenge her by overthrowing her fire god, whose temper has stripped her country of its resources.

Madoc grew up fighting on the streets to pay his family’s taxes. But he hides a dangerous secret: he doesn’t have the earth god’s powers like his opponents. His elemental gift is something else—something that hasn’t been seen in centuries.

When an attempted revenge plot goes dangerously wrong, Ash inadvertently throws the fire and earth gods into a conflict that can only be settled by deadly, lavish gladiator games. The fights put Madoc in Ash’s path, and she realizes that his powers are the weapon her rebellion needs—but Madoc won’t jeopardize his family, regardless of how intrigued he is by the beautiful warrior.

But when the gods force Madoc’s hand, he and Ash uncover an ancient war that will threaten more than one immortal—it will unravel the world.

 

***This review ended up longer than expected. Feel free to just read the bold text. Thanks for reading!***

My Review: My heart is aflame with joy for Set Fire to the Gods, a riveting new YA Fantasy abundant with complex plots, elemental magic, and battles unlike any other.

I loved this book and its swoon-worthy title. “Set Fire to the Gods” has a lovely ring to it. And the cover is an elegant work of art that perfectly captures the breathtaking action to come.

Ash is a heroine unlike any other. She possesses an insurmountable strength to continue on after so much tragedy and with so much on the line if she fails. She dares to do the impossible, to bring down her god, no matter what it takes. At times she appeared a little childish (stubbornly reactive) at one moment and then collected (focused) in another. It made for conflicting views of who she was as a character. But I love Ash to bits and I can’t imagine any other to take on the conflict in this book and the larger conflict to come in the next.

Madoc is a family man with a big heart despite his upbringing. Everything he does is for his family’s sake, no matter the risk. He’s more passive than assertive, but I think figuring out what his gift is and how it could be used (and abused) kept me interested in him. He takes on such a heavy emotional toll that I wanted to give him a big hug and tell him things would be okay.

Ash and Madoc’s unintended interest in each other was so cute! After learning so much about them, they are exactly what the other has been secretly craving. I like the hint of romance in the background and that it wasn’t a primary focus but a silently wonderful addition to the plot.

Set Fire to the Gods really does embody the essence of Avatar: the Last Airbender and gladiators. The authors have created a cool take on the elements and even added some: the usual, earth, air, fire, water, but also plants and animals.

Another great thing about Set Fire to the Gods is that the gods physically exist on the same plane as humans and are an active part in the world and not a metaphysical one often seen in fantasy books. They are rooted in the elements they represent. The gods are immortal and humans mortal.

The class system simple but with great importance to the story. Those born with “energia” (the elemental powers) are the Divine and those without the Undivine and, as per usual of such distinction, the former lives an infinitely better life than the latter.

I really enjoyed reading Set Fire to the Gods. After so much tension and action and arena fights and that climatic scene (oh-my-goodness!), I am so excited for book 2.

Book Review: Scala by Christina Bauer

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Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Series: Angelbound Origins #2
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: Nineteen-year-old Myla Lewis has transformed into the Great Scala, the only being with the power to move human souls to Heaven or Hell. Although she no longer fights demons in the Arena, Myla still has tons of ass-kicking to do as she redefines the afterlife and rebuilds Purgatory’s government. Unfortunately, her world falls apart faster than she can put it together. An enemy out of Myla’s past is sapping her powers, making her weaker by the day. Even worse, her angel bound-love Lincoln has mysteriously disappeared. As her true enemy becomes clear, Myla discovers that all the after-realms are at risk. After losing so much power, does she still have the strength to save her world?

My Review: Scala was a good read – pretty mellow but with some tense moments.

Myla continues to have to prove her legitimacy and capability as the Great Scala but there are forces annoyingly and deliberately conspiring against her. I wasn’t sure how Myla would pool through because the kind of odds she was against seem undefeatable at times. Once again, Myla shows how resourceful she is in high-stakes situations. It’s one of the reasons I like her as the main character.

Myla’s relationship with Lincoln is still going steady but that next step brings its own internal conflict. They’re a good team as fighters and a cute couple. But I feel there’s more that could be done or hasn’t been done to develop their relationship.

I’m enjoying this series and plan to read all the rest of the books that’ve been published. What Myla will face in the next book, Acca, I think will finally up the enjoyment of this series.

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More Angelound Origins (my review)

Angelbound (#1)

Book Review: Rick by Alex Gino

*LGBTQIAP+ resources below*

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Genre: Middle Grade, LGBTQIAP+
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes
Favorite Passage: “You are the person who knows yourself better than anyone else. There are lots of different ways of being. Lots of different kinds of people, and lots of different kinds of relationships.”

ABOUT: From the award-winning author of George, the story of a boy named Rick who needs to explore his own identity apart from his jerk of a best friend.

Rick’s never questioned much. He’s gone along with his best friend Jeff even when Jeff’s acted like a bully and a jerk. He’s let his father joke with him about which hot girls he might want to date even though that kind of talk always makes him uncomfortable. And he hasn’t given his own identity much thought, because everyone else around him seemed to have figured it out.

But now Rick’s gotten to middle school, and new doors are opening. One of them leads to the school’s Rainbow Spectrum club, where kids of many genders and identities congregate, including Melissa, the girl who sits in front of Rick in class and seems to have her life together. Rick wants his own life to be that … understood. Even if it means breaking some old friendships and making some new ones.

As they did in their groundbreaking novel George, in Rick, award-winning author Alex Gino explores what it means to search for your own place in the world … and all the steps you and the people around you need to take in order to get where you need to be.

 

My Review: Rick by Alex Gino was a wonderful read that exceeded my expectations!

In Rick’s first year of middle school, his world immediately turns upside down as he begins to – for the first time – question his identity and his place in the world.

He wonders about all the people in his life, if he’s doing the right thing and being the right person. And he struggles to fit into the normative mold, any mold, that will allow him to be his true self. I like that Rick – though afraid of retaliation from Jeff – takes it upon himself to find answers to all his questions by going to the Rainbow Spectrum club. But it near broke my heart seeing him struggle.

I enjoyed reading the parts that take place during the Rainbow Spectrum meetings. I feel I’ve learned so much more about gender identity and how those in the LGBTQUIAP+ community feel about it.

I loved watching Rick bond with his Grandpa Ray, how his grandfather went from this obscure, quiet relative to an awesome person Rick can share important things with. Those were sweet and tender moments.

This story takes place over a relatively short period of time but Rick’s character develops exponentially. He’s very relatable and was a joy to read about.

The author’s note at the end was really insightful about the story as a whole. Gino writes:

“…we as a culture are learning more comprehensive ways to talk about ourselves. And there’s more language to come. The question becomes: How do we talk about our community in ways that are both aware of the value of commonly understood language and respectful to people who deserve to have language that works for them?”

Another terrific story by Alex Gino! Discovering who you truly are is hard, but I like that Gino leaves us with an assurance that it’s okay to be unsure and that there is no deadline towards self-discovery. A super quick but captivating read, I would highly recommend Rick.

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More by Alex Gino (my reviews)

George

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LGBTQIAP+ RESOURCES

The Trevor Project
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

TrevorLifeline
1-866-488-7386
24/7 immediate help

TrevorChat
24/7 confidential chat w/ a counselor

TrevorText
text START to 678678
24/7 confidential text w/ counselor

Book Review: Protecting What’s Mine by Lucy Score

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Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Other?: Yes

ABOUT: If you can’t stand the heat, don’t fall for a firefighter…

Fire Chief Lincoln Reed is known for his heroics in the fire department and in the bedroom. Life is a never-ending good time. Until she lands in the middle of the accident scene he’s working…and then his backyard. Too bad she’s immune to flirty first responders.

Flight trauma surgeon Mackenzie O’Neil is on a crash course with burnout. She’s got a scar on her face and a shake in her hands. A temporary job as a small-town family physician is just the prescription. She’ll learn to meditate. Sleep more. Take up gardening.

She definitely won’t take her shirtless, firefighting neighbor’s hot body for a test drive.

But Linc and his tattoos are very persuasive. What’s a harmless little adrenaline-fueled fling between neighbors? It’s all naked fun and games until the shadows from Mack’s past find their way into her present. Can Linc be her hero when she needs him the most or will their scars ruin everything?

One thing is certain: Someone is going to get burned.

 

My Review: Protecting What’s Mine was such a darling small town romance with so many feels and lovable main characters.

I like small town romances because of the sense of community in them and how everyone has each other’s back (though sometimes too involved in their well-intentioned ways). There’s a lot of colorful characters who reside in the town of Benevolence (because of course that’s what’s it called). It was hard to keep track of who’s related to who or how one knows another, so I just gave up early and kept on reading (ahaha).

One thing that drew me to this story was the fact that both MCs were first responders/essential workers. For me, it was a rare thing to see in a romance novel or any book for that matter.

I’m glad the author gives us a full, raw view into what it’s like for Mack and Linc to do their jobs – the intensity, the adrenaline, the danger, the fear. It clearly demonstrated why Mack and Linc do what they do and how much their professions mean to them. Besides their instant attraction, they share a deeper bond that those outside such professions wouldn’t fully understand.

I like Mack and Linc together. They’re definitely now one of my favorite romance couples. There’s a lot of light-hearted moments between them and with other characters, but also some steamy, romantic moments as well. All in all they are perfect for each other.

Protecting What’s Mine was an engrossing read that I didn’t want to end. I loved every moment of the story, especially Linc’s dog, Sunshine, and all his nieces and nephews. Also, how loved, needed, and included everyone made Mack feel.

This is only the second book I’ve read by Lucy Score and I can say wholeheartedly that she is now one of my new favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more delightful contemporary romances by her.

ARC Review: Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review! Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is now available!

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Genre: LGBTQIA+ Adult Contemporary Romance, M M Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O’Donnell is tangentially—and reluctantly—famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.

 

My Review: This is not your average fake dating story – Boyfriend Material is a sweet, slow burn contemporary romance of awesome that I was utterly captivated by. The hype is real!

The book is told solely through Luc’s self-deprecating POV. We get a front row seat to the psychological downfall of having celebrity parents. It’s a well balanced perspective of fiction versus reality.

Luc is pessimistic and stuck in a rut. He doesn’t know – doesn’t have the confidence – how to live, so he wallows in a barely there form of human existence. He undervalues himself time and time again, making it difficult to even form a working fake relationship. You want to root for him regardless because – even though Luc can’t see it – the reader quickly sees his value as a person, a friend, a son, and a partner. I like Luc and enjoyed following his well written, exponential character growth.

Oliver is eloquent, outwardly posh, and an incredibly good person. The total handsome and perfect package. He sounds like a walking dictionary but that’s a part of his charm I love so much. You can see in the little things he does the kind of person he is and sneak peeks into his personal struggles. He’s remarkable but I have bittersweet admiration for him because he can see the good in things – in Luc – for what they are even when he can’t see them in himself.

Luc and Oliver were meant to be!

I adore Luc’s friends. They are such an odd mix of wacky wonderfulness – the ultimate squad goals!

Luc’s co-workers are an interesting bunch but I didn’t care for the offhand “polite” homophobic comments and extremely disliked what led to Luc needing a fake boyfriend in the first place.

I think most people will be able to relate to Luc and Oliver in some small way. I definitely did and that’s why I was so invested in the story and characters, fervently wishing for some sort of HEA.

Boyfriend Material is the perfect summer read. It’s a delightful story but a sluggish journey that will make this book hard to put down. I would read more books by Alexis Hall. He is an inventive storyteller and creates such endearing characters.

ARC Review: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review! Legendborn by Tracy Deonn goes on sale September 15, 2020.

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Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy
Series: Legendborn #1
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: After her mother dies in an accident, sixteen-year-old Bree Matthews wants nothing to do with her family memories or childhood home. A residential program for bright high schoolers at UNC–Chapel Hill seems like the perfect escape—until Bree witnesses a magical attack her very first night on campus.

A flying demon feeding on human energies.

A secret society of so called “Legendborn” students that hunt the creatures down.

And a mysterious teenage mage who calls himself a “Merlin” and who attempts—and fails—to wipe Bree’s memory of everything she saw.

The mage’s failure unlocks Bree’s own unique magic and a buried memory with a hidden connection: the night her mother died, another Merlin was at the hospital. Now that Bree knows there’s more to her mother’s death than what’s on the police report, she’ll do whatever it takes to find out the truth, even if that means infiltrating the Legendborn as one of their initiates.

She recruits Nick, a self-exiled Legendborn with his own grudge against the group, and their reluctant partnership pulls them deeper into the society’s secrets—and closer to each other. But when the Legendborn reveal themselves as the descendants of King Arthur’s knights and explain that a magical war is coming, Bree has to decide how far she’ll go for the truth and whether she should use her magic to take the society down—or join the fight.

 

My Review: Legendborn was an incredible read! This book quickly became an instant favorite.

Truthfully, Legendborn was a tough read. I was angry and sad and frustrated by the direct and indirect “polite” racism towards Bree – it’s an honest reflection of today’s world. As a black American, this cut bone-deep. I applaud the way Bree handled herself towards such comments and people.

Bree is a fantastic main character. She’s clearly suffering from PTSD but is extremely adamant about finding the truth about her mother’s accident. Sometimes you rooted for her, sometimes you wish she’d exercised more caution. But I think Bree was meant to end up on that campus at that point in time, adding to the more than meets the eye vibes. Haunting.

The author has recreated a wholly original take on Arthurian legends. It’s complex but so befitting. Although, it was hard for me to remember so much information about the secret society – lots of well-written but huge info-dumps. It can be hard compartmentalizing all the terms, hierarchy, and family ties. My hope for the next book is that we’ll have a glossary of terms and family trees. Especially as one’s family – where you come from and where you’re going – plays a vital role in the overall story.

I liked Nick’s character a lot but also felt bad or him. He’s a rather tortured soul but does what he can to help Bree. I didn’t like that she took advantage of that and their budding romance at times. I get the why but it doesn’t absolve the wrongness I feel about it.

There is so much action that takes place throughout the story. The final climactic scene at the end was really good, shocking, and sad. An emotional rollercoaster.

Legendborn is an astounding book and relevant to the troubling times we currently find (or maybe never left?) ourselves in. There is much to love about this book and the direction it could go in the next book. Legendborn had wondrous contemporary world-building, bold tackling of important societal/cultural issues, beautiful writing, solid character growth, tension beyond belief, and heroism to admire. This story is a must read!

ARC Review: Entangled Secrets by Pat Esden

Thank you to Lyrical Press (Kensington Books) and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review! Entangled Secrets goes on sale July 7, 2020.

Image via NetGalley

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy, Romance
Series: Northern Circle Coven #3
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: The Northern Circle coven’s future is in question once again. But this time, hearts and souls are on the line, making the stakes higher, the magic more crucial, and the battle more fateful than ever before . . .

Pregnant and alone at twenty-one, Chandler Parrish sought refuge within the Northern Circle coven’s secluded complex. Never revealing the identity of her child’s father, Chandler has raised her now eight-year-old son, Peregrine, in peace, and used her talent as an artist and welder to become a renowned metal sculptor. But her world is shaken to the core when Peregrine shows signs of natural faerie sight—a rare and dangerous gift to see through faerie glamour and disguises that could only have come from his father’s genes. Worse yet, the boy has seen a monstrous faerie creature trailing Lionel Parker, a magic-obsessed journalist determined to expose the witching world.

But the very man who threatens the witches’ anonymity may also be key to healing Chandler’s long broken heart. As dangerous desires and shocking secrets entangle, new faerie threats and demonic foes close in on the coven and High Council. Loyalties will be tested. Fierce magics will be called upon. And Chandler will have to face her past to save all she holds dear: her coven, her child—and perhaps even her own soul.

 

My Review: I liked this book more than I thought I would and was pleasantly surprised while reading. I hadn’t read the previous two books but I was able to understand the world, the witches, the magic, and all else the author imagined with no problem.

What drew me to requesting this title was that it involved witches in a primary role, something I’ve been looking for in books for a while. But I also loved all the other magical beings involved too, like the fae.

I liked Chandler’s character. She is a strong mama dragon who will protect her baby boy, Peregrine (who is just the cutest!), at all costs. It’s so cool how she creates artistic pieces with metal and magic. Her romance with Lionel is very slow and sweet and satisfying. They mesh well together and have a lot in common, like artsy stuff.

The first half of the book was a bit slow but good as they all tried to figure out the best course of action for their coven’s well-being and more. The second half was part heist-like events part action and chaos. It was super tensed but I loved every bit of it. Very enthralling.

I did not expect all of those plot twists oh my goodness! Wow! And it all came full circle with implications that this may only be the beginning of something bigger and more dangerous for the Northern Circle Coven.

This was a quick read but entertaining read. I hope there’s another book because I really want to know what happens next!

ARC Review: When We Are Kind by Monique Gray Smith, Illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt

Thank you to Orca Book Publishers and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review! When We Are Kind goes on sale September 15, 2020.

Image via NetGalley

Genre: Picture Books
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: When We Are Kind celebrates simple acts of everyday kindness and encourages children to explore how they feel when they initiate and receive acts of kindness in their lives. Celebrated author Monique Gray Smith has written many books on the topics of resilience and reconciliation and communicates an important message through carefully chosen words for readers of all ages. Beautifully illustrated by artist Nicole Neidhardt, this book encourages children to be kind to others and to themselves.

 

My Review: Simple but effective – incredibly important to the conversations today, “When We Are Kind” is a celebration of kindness. The book shows through cozy-good, colorful illustrations why it’s important to always choose kindness and be respectful: it creates happiness within ourselves and others. I also love depictions of self love by being kind to one’s self. “When We Are Kind” is a great story for kids with positive messages for all ages. Kindness is an infinite circle: it connects us all into one big “related” community.

Book Review: By A Thread by Lucy Score

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Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommend to Others?: Yes

ABOUT: Dominic was staring at me like he couldn’t decide whether to chop me into pieces or pull my hair and French kiss me.

Dominic
I got her fired. Okay, so I’d had a bad day and took it out on a bystander in a pizza shop. But there’s nothing innocent about Ally Morales. She proves that her first day of her new job… in my office… after being hired by my mother.

So maybe her colorful, annoying, inexplicably alluring personality brightens up the magazine’s offices that have felt like a prison for the past year. Maybe I like that she argues with me in front of the editorial staff. And maybe my after-hours fantasies are haunted by those brown eyes and that sharp tongue.

But that doesn’t mean that I’m going to be the next Russo man to take advantage of his position. I might be a second-generation asshole, but I am not my father.

She’s working herself to death at half a dozen dead-end jobs for some secret reason she doesn’t feel like sharing with me. And I’m going to fix it all. Don’t accuse me of caring. She’s nothing more than a puzzle to be solved. If I can get her to quit, I can finally peel away all those layers. Then I can go back to salvaging the family name and forget all about the dancing, beer-slinging brunette.

Ally
Ha. Hold my beer, Grumpy Grump Face.

 

My Review: [Warning: Mature content – 18+. Explicit sexual language and scenes. Workplace sexual harassment.]

By A Thread is a sizzling romantic comedy that checked off everything I love about contemporary romances. It’s told in dual POVs between Ally – a dauntless woman determined to do right by her father, working multiple jobs to make end’s meet – and Dominic – the handsome and grumpy ass, resolute to not being anything like his deplorable father.

When the two meet sparks ignite into a fiery attraction. Neither can deny being attracted to the other nor the hate-you banter they secretly enjoy. But fate has other, more comical plans for these two reluctant co-workers.

The cover is so pink and pretty. The premise very compelling that I had to read this book asap. Ally and Dom’s initial meeting was hilarious. I loved all the characters; they’re so funny and quirky in their own ways. You will fall in love with this quick read.

Ally is my favorite. She’s very devoted and head-strong. She lives in a dilapidated work-in-progress house, works several jobs, and rations to the extreme. The financial struggles beat her down and some days her father doesn’t remember her. But Ally keeps moving forward. That’s a rare, admirable quality I respect in a person.

She’s also quick-witted, sassy, and someone who will have your back through thick and thin, especially if you show her the same courtesy and respect. Ally is an incredibly stubborn thought and won’t accept financial help from anyone, even her best friend, Faith.

Dom – poor Dom. He has more than just his father’s egregious mess to clean up. Dom is an ass as he’ll admit. But I think it stems from childhood and the Russo creed of never talking about feelings and the things that are troubling them. Dom tries his best to do the right thing and support his fashion icon mother – the lovely and stern, Dalessandra Russo (I love her name!). However, like Ally, he too won’t accept help and doesn’t want to get close to people.

I appreciate that this book shines a light on workplace sexual harassment, though it was more of a background elephant in that needed to be addressed.. It’s an important, ongoing issue that needs to be addressed and rectified. Although, how this issue is originally “solved” in the book is part of the problem. I think the author does a good job of showing the effects this has on victims and what can and needs to be done to create a safe and trusting work environment for employees.

I’ve never read a contemporary romance so long but I’m glad this was a length read. I feel like I got the whole story and that everything was fleshed out and fully realized. Plus, you’ll hardly notes the page length because you won’t be able to stop reading – you just have to know more! This book is a real page-turner.

By A Thread is a fun-filled, slow-burn, tantalizing romance read. Another new favorite by a newly discovered author that I enjoyed a lot. Highlight recommended. A must-read!