Reviewer: @shelves_by_sim (Instagram)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This book was definitely a drama! The amount of things that went wrong in Alex’s life was absolutely hilarious. We start the book off with Alex already being somewhat of a train wreck and we follow along a story that brings her way more downs than ups until her character is finally strengthened and she has grown into someone who is able to deal with the world in a way she couldn’t before!
I absolutely loved everything about the setting of this story. The game walks, the game drives, the animals, the lodge, the evening drinks and camp fires. It was just amazing! It made me feel like I was right there, with all these characters, in the middle of the bush – which is my favorite place to be! While Alex did come off very immature in some ways, I actually really enjoyed her “no filter” attitude, maybe she should have toned it down in the beginning but as the story went on, I loved that she stood up to the people she should.
I enjoyed some of the side characters too, like Petrus and Marietjie or Barend and Antoinette. And I think Legend would have made the most perfect MMC – even though he isn’t one. I enjoyed the vibe and the drama this book was filled with but I really wish that it had a little more romance. I would have liked to have experienced Alex and Kwanele’s interactions instead of having Alex tell us about them. And because of that I didn’t really connect with Kwanele like I should have, he felt more like a side character. Overall, I enjoyed this book and it was a really fun, quick read!
Reviewer: @bookmarkedbyWolf (Instagram)
Thea Guanzon returns with the second book of her debut series, The Hurricane Wars.
After the events of The Hurricane Wars, Talasyn and Alaric find themselves having to play the role of husband and wife for the greater good of their countries. Neither one of them is interested in this alliance but they both understand the duty that is required to save their respective countries, but this alliance is more than just marriage, both sides are plotting against each other in order to gain more than just a hand in marriage but an advantage after the events of a greater threat that is forcing this alliance, Moonless Dark.
In this second book Guanzon builds a much stronger character development for the two main characters. This was a major issue of the first book, the characters lacked ground, and we relied on their romantic relationship to learn anything about them. Two things that Guanzon did differently in terms of character development; firstly, the addition of Aleric’s POV added a different dimension of the story, and it also contributed in the plot moving forward. Learning about Aleric’s upbringing was an example of how to bring him closer to the readers and it was much easier to sympathize with him every time his father would belittle him. Secondly, Talyson’s POV got a much needed upgrade, in the first book we spent a lot of time in her head fighting her internal conflicts, from whether or not if she’s the right person to lead this fight to how she feels about Aleric, but in the second book more attention was given to present prevents and present dialogues, brilliant shift of writing by the author. The development of their relationship was another major factor that was well written, the author did not just rely on the romantic aspects but being able to form communion between the two. There were moments where each one of them had to suppress their ego and compromise for the other person.
The world building remains with very little of it being explored. I thought as we move along the continent we would learn about other countries and not just The Nenavar Dominion, especially when other events took place in those countries, some major events took place at The Night Empire and Sardovian Allford and our characters kept on traveling, it was a great opportunity to let the right know about those countries and why they are considered a great. Another disappointment thing was the lack of knowledge for the Aethermancers, with the foundation laid in the first book about lightwavers and shadow forges, it would have been much more interesting had the author built up on that to explore and talk about the other five orders of the aethermancers.
For an overall impression this was a solid comeback from the first book, especially in terms of characters and plot. The characters are more coherent, and the plot is moving, despite the inconsistent pace at times but it still made gradual progress, nonetheless. The ending just made the anticipation for the last book to be a priority on the list, I loved how the author kept this card closer to them and only played it towards the last pages and left us hanging and hungry for more, perfect timing for a cliffhanger. Awaiting the final book with eager anticipation.
Reviewer: @abookloverstbr (Instagram)
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
Spice: 🌶🌶/5
Pages: 361
DO NOT READ WHEN HUNGRY🥞🍓🍰
Why did the pancake and strawberry love Laurie Gilmore’s book? Because the book was a “berry” good match for a 5 star read!
This book is Gilmore Girls meets a cosy, spicy, romantic mystery! If you are looking for a romance book with banter, small town vibes and a sweet, sugary, guaranteed HEA, than this book is for you.
Tropes:
• single dad
• forced proximity
• slow burn
• found family
• one bed
• small town
• grumpy x sunshine
This book follows Archer and Iris, who have quickly become my new favourite couple in the Dream Harbor series. Archer, a world-renowned chef from Paris, has a one-night stand with a woman named Kate, who lives in Dream Harbor. Without his knowledge, Kate later gives birth to a daughter named Olive. After Kate tragically passes away, Olive is left without parents, and Archer is suddenly thrust into looking after Olive, who he did not have any knowledge about. With no experience in caring for children and not really wanting to live in a small town, Archer is completely out of his depth.
That’s where Iris comes in. A lifelong resident of Dream Harbor, Iris is known for her free-spirited nature and tendency to job hop. She doesn’t have a clear career path or long term plans, which make her the perfect fit for when Archer needs a nanny and Olive needs a place to stay. Their paths align perfectly, and Iris moves in with Archer and little Olive.
I adored Olive! She was adorable and as sweet as a stack of pancakes! Olive, or should I say our match-making angel? Archer and Iris were everything I could’ve wanted and more! Their relationship was filled with banter, spice and every nice. Archer had me swooning with his every action. From flexing his arms while whisking butter, to zoning out the world whenever Iris is around, he is my favourite love interest in this series so far. The community of Dream Harbor are like a close knitted family and this town is embedded into my heart.
This story is about healing from hardships, love blossoming in the most unexpected places, uncontrollable giggling, and swoonworthy characters. If you’re looking for a sign to read this book, please let this be it.
I ate this book up- pun intended🥞🍓 s. Be prepared to laugh, cry, and reflect deeply on the choices we make, and the roads not taken. For a relatively short novel, it packs an unforgettable emotional punch. Fíona Scarlett has created a masterful tale that lingers in the heart and mind.
Reviewer: @roelia_reads (Instagram)
I went into Black Woods, Blue Sky without any expectations and found myself utterly captivated. Eowyn Ivey has a way of making the Alaskan wilderness feel almost otherworldly—both dreamlike and dangerous. This book had moments of pure magic, heartbreak, and deep contemplation, weaving together themes of survival, love, and identity in ways that lingered long after I turned the final page.
The story follows Birdie, a young single mother raising her six-year-old daughter, Emaleen, while working as a bartender in a small Alaskan lodge. Struggling to find stability, Birdie meets Arthur—a quiet, enigmatic man—and eventually moves with Emaleen to his off-the-grid cabin deep in the wilderness.
At first, their life is idyllic—free from society’s rules, dictated only by the rhythm of the land. But the wilderness is not forgiving, and as Birdie learns more about Arthur, unsettling truths begin to emerge. The novel slowly shifts from a quiet domestic drama into something more uncanny, infused with folklore, magical realism, and a chilling exploration of the blurred lines between human and animal nature.
Themes
- Survival vs. domestication: The novel examines what it means to truly live in nature—free from clocks and constraints—but also the costs of such an existence.
- Female autonomy & sacrifice: Birdie’s journey is one of agency, but also vulnerability. How much of herself does she lose in her pursuit of freedom?
- Myth & magical realism: Folklore is woven into the narrative, leaving readers questioning what is imagined and what is real.
- Human-wildlife connection: The novel challenges our perceptions of nature—romanticizing it while reminding us of its raw power and unpredictability.
What Worked Well
- Hauntingly beautiful writing: Ivey’s prose is lush, almost hypnotic. She makes Alaska feel alive, as if the landscape itself is a character.
- Emaleen’s perspective: Writing children convincingly can be tricky, but Emaleen is vivid, inquisitive, and full of spirit.
- The atmosphere: The setting is immersive, giving the novel an eerie and timeless quality that keeps you glued to the pages.
- Thought-provoking themes: The book raises important questions about freedom, control, and the thin line between love and obsession.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
If you love books with a deep, evocative setting, complex relationships, and speculative elements, this is for you. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy slow-burning literary fiction with a touch of folklore and an unsettling edge.
Conclusion
Black Woods, Blue Sky is mesmerizing and atmospheric—both enchanting and deeply unsettling. It’s a book that requires tolerance but compensates readers with rich prose, immersive storytelling, and themes that linger. While not a straightforward fairy tale, it carries echoes of Beauty and the Beast yet feels distinctly its own.
It’s one of those stories that will mean different things to different readers—whether it’s about survival, love, or the primal nature within us all. I didn’t expect it to affect me the way it did, but by the end, I was left haunted, heartbroken, and in awe of Ivey’s talent.
Reviewer: @reading_in_the_dark_za (Instagram)
⭐️ 4/5
🌶️ 1/5
❓QOTD: have you ever taken dance lessons? If yes, tell me a cool story. If not, would you ever and what style would you choose?
⁉️AOTD: I did ballet when I was very young. I then went on to modern (showdance, contemporary, jazz), tap and hiphop. When I was in matric, I qualified to represent RSA🇿🇦 in the world champs in Germany 😌 I also did a bit of ballroom with my hubby when I left school 🥰
📚Review: This book, honestly, really got under my skin, in a good way. It’s a dual timeline story, flipping between 1930s Paris and 2012 New York, and both threads are genuinely compelling, which isn’t always the case in books like this.
The historical side follows Annie, a Jewish ballerina in Paris just before and during WWII, who ends up dancing in cabarets while secretly working with the Resistance. I found her story utterly gripping, beautifully written and really moving, without being overly sentimental. You can feel the tension of the era creeping in as Annie tries to survive and protect those around her. Rayner’s clearly done her research, and it shows in the atmosphere and small details.
In the modern thread, we’ve got Miriam, who’s dealing with family grief and discovering long buried secrets through her great aunt’s belongings. I liked Miriam, though at times her storyline felt a bit quieter compared to Annie’s. Still, the emotional payoff is definitely there, especially as the two timelines start to ‘merge’ and we land up with a big revelation towards the end…
The authors writing is smooth and thoughtful, and I loved how she explored identity, memory, and the way the past can shape us without us even realising it. It’s one of those books that sticks with you afterwards, I kept thinking about the characters for days after…
So worth the read 😌
