Review: The Launch Date

The Launch Date by Annabelle Slator 

Amazon/Goodreads

What if the secret to finding true love on a dating app was meeting them IRL first?

In this witty and fun rom-com debut from Annabelle Slator, rival coworkers become reluctant daters after they're forced to work together on a brand-new dating app in hopes of winning a promotion—perfect for fans of Sally Thorne’s The Hating Game.

Grace Hastings’s dream job at the popular “true love” dating app, Fate, has turned into a nightmare. Her boss is a leech, her career is stagnating, and her fiancé has just brutally dumped her. Her hope for finding her own love story is waning, and she feels like a fraud for promoting a concept she no longer believes in. When the company’s CEO offers her an opportunity to earn a big promotion, she resolves to fight her imposter syndrome to show she deserves a seat at the table.

The opportunity? To launch a brand-new app focusing on IRL dating and genuine connection. The problem? She must develop and test-drive a series of “first dates” with the other person gunning for the job: notorious socialite playboy and Grace’s biggest work rival, Eric Bancroft.

During their disastrous hikes, dangerous cooking classes, and steamy yoga sessions, they begin to realize their stark differences may just be surface level and Eric might just be the perfect person to challenge Grace’s perceptions of love, dating culture, and self-worth.

What a wonderful read for drizzly January! The Launch Date is a charming, vibrant, and laugh-out-loud rom-com perfect for adding a little warmth to the grey winter season. Annabelle Slater's debut novel is one that will keep you smiling and chucking while you turn the pages. 

Grace Hastings and Eric Bancroft are terrific protagonists. Grace's inner monologue is endlessly entertaining, and you really feel sympathetic for her struggles both at work and in her love life. I particularly loved the focus on her relationships with her female friends, as well as the emphasis on her work ethic and professional ambition. 

Bancroft, meanwhile, is far from the Machiavellian villain that Grace believes him to be. Watching his true character unfold was a highlight, as was the gradual progression of their hate-to-love relationship. Their friends-to-enemies backstory makes their tale even more intriguing and compelling. 

The main plot points of developing a new dating app and competing for the same role are well thought out and engaging. I enjoyed watching Grace and Eric go on trial dates for their newest business endeavour and appreciated Slater's detailed and nuanced depiction of working in marketing. 

My only minor criticisms are the portrayal of Grace’s aversion to exercise, which is played for humour in a way that felt a bit problematic, and the somewhat predictable, formulaic elements of the story. However, these small issues didn’t detract significantly from my overall enjoyment.

The Launch Date is set to release around Valentine's Day, and it is definitely the perfect heartwarming read to revive anyone's romantic and adventurous spirit. (You might even find a fun date idea within its chapters!) I would recommend this lovely read to any rom-com enthusiasts.  

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: February 13th, 2025

Review: Wooing the Witch Queen

Wooing the Witch Queen by Stephanie Burgis 

Amazon/Goodreads

In a Gaslamp-lit world where hags and ogres lurk in thick pine forests, three magical queens form an uneasy alliance to protect their lands from invasion…and love turns their world upside down.

Queen Saskia is the wicked sorceress everyone fears. After successfully wrestling the throne from her evil uncle, she only wants one thing: to keep her people safe from the empire next door. For that, she needs to spend more time in her laboratory experimenting with her spells. She definitely doesn’t have time to bring order to her chaotic library of magic.

When a mysterious dark wizard arrives at her castle, Saskia hires him as her new librarian on the spot. “Fabian” is sweet and a little nerdy, and his requests seem a little strange – what in the name of Divine Elva is a fountain pen? – but he’s getting the job done. And if he writes her flirtatious poetry and his innocent touch makes her skin singe, well…

Little does Saskia know that the "wizard" she’s falling for is actually an Imperial archduke in disguise, with no magical training whatsoever. On the run, with perilous secrets on his trail and a fast growing yearning for the wicked sorceress, he's in danger from her enemies and her newfound allies, too. When his identity is finally revealed, will their love save or doom each other?

Burgis' newest fantasy romance novel is a lot of wholesome fun with a very cute main couple. However, I had a few issues with the plot that partially hindered my overall enjoyment. 

First of all, Wooing the Witch Queen is cosy and creative. Much of the book is dedicated to library scenes, delicious food, and a hodge-podge found family in a magnificent castle. These warm, vibrant scenes were written very well with a wonderfully rich atmosphere. I enjoyed that even with high stakes of capture and war, Burgis pauses to make time for developing the romance and the cast of characters. 

The romance itself is also wonderfully unconventional. Saskia portrays qualities mostly found in male protagonists such as brashness, assertiveness, and a dislike for social etiquette or diplomacy. Felix, on the other hand, portrays more traditionally feminine qualities with his gentle, polite nature and love for libraries and ink pens. Together, they have palpable chemistry. 

Unfortunately, there were a couple of plot points that I found implausible or silly. For instance, Felix must pretend to be a sorcerer for the majority of the novel, yet he has no magic of his own and never attempts to show Queen Saskia or her staff any semblance of magical ability. Therefore, I was surprised that Saskia never started to question Felix's fake identity. 

I also found Saskia's inability to listen to her advisor, Mirjana, very concerning. While the book seemed to champion Saskia sticking to her own wants and desires, I found Mirjana's advice logical and necessary; Mirjana wanted Saskia's people to feel safe and listened to, whereas Saskia wished to be isolated, absent, and intimidating. Moreover, three rulers in this novel (Saskia included) are called 'The Queens of Villainy' which is a very entertaining moniker but I found it hard to take seriously. 

The novel's conclusion is quite satisfying and I was quickly turning the pages to see how everything turned out. I was pleased and surprised by one of the plot twists, and I really enjoyed Felix's character growth. While this novel is part of a planned series featuring different characters, Wooing the Witch Queen can be read as a stand-alone novel. 

Despite my little nitpicks, I did enjoy this novel and would recommend this to anyone looking for a cute fantasy romance who is willing to overlook some weaknesses in the plot. I really loved the pairing of Felix and Saskia, and I savoured the cosy castle scenes. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

3.5/5 Stars

Publication Date: February 20th, 2025

Review: The Notorious Virtues

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton 

Goodreads/Amazon

A glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.

But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.

And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.

With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down. Incredible tests, impossible choices and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

The Notorious Virtues is a fantastic fantasy that kept me up late into the night turning pages. As a fan of Hamilton's debut, Rebel of the Sands, I was very much looking forward to her newest novel, and my expectations were certainly exceeded. Hamilton's inventive tale of an heiress fighting for her fortune is quite unforgettable. 

The novel is the first in a planned trilogy and it artfully sets up a vibrant, clever world, high stakes, powerful magic, and a cast of vivid characters. Walstad, a city where the rulers enjoy outrageous wealth and the impoverished are neglected and maltreated, is a spectacularly intriguing setting. The glitzy haven is brimming with luxury, danger, injustice, and threat of rebellion. Furthermore, the city is surrounded by a magical woods and Hamilton masterfully weaves in the folklore of the forest and the origins of the Holtzfall fortune. 

While there are four POVs, the reader most commonly spends time with Honora (Nora) and Lotte. Nora Holtzfall is a rich, spoiled, yet exceedingly clever heiress hoping to solve her mother's murder. Lotte has been hidden away for years, and only learns of her Holtzfall heritage once the Veritaz trials begin. These two girls are very different, and I really enjoyed their interactions as they come to terms with what it means to be cousins in such a dangerous, bloodthirsty family. 

There are also hints of romance in this first novel, which I truly enjoyed, and more than a fair share of wit and humour. Moreover, for a novel focused on a competition of virtues, almost every character is morally grey. The questionable integrity, anger, and resentment of the characters makes the story even more compelling and unpredictable. Speaking of unpredictability, the ending of this first in the trilogy is wonderfully unexpected and makes me excited for the future sequels. 

I heartily recommend The Notorious Virtues to anyone looking for a new, original fantasy adventure. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games or Brandon Sanderson novels, this book is for you. I had a rollicking time joining Nora, Lotte, August, and Theo. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: April 1st, 2025

Review: Wild About You

Wild About You by Sophie Loxton

Amazon/Goodreads

She’s had enough of saying yes. But what if someone drives her wild enough to change her mind…?
 
Anna Whitlock is done being nice.  After a lifetime of saying yes to everything - work deadlines, sponsored runs, impromptu drinks and (especially) her fiancé Sean - everything Anna has worked so hard for falls apart in one terrible afternoon. With a broken heart she heads to the countryside to start again. 
 
The glorious Stonemore Estate in the wilderness of Northumberland holds more than enough distraction for a city girl.  There’s Callum, the gorgeous estate manager, and an enthusiastic beagle called Hugo.  And then there’s Jamie, Stonemore’s sexy but emotionally unavailable owner, who seems to be hell-bent on making Anna’s rewilding job as difficult as possible. 
 
But when romance with Callum begins to flourish is her newfound resolve to stop people-pleasing about to falter? And why can’t she stop thinking about Jamie? Can she really start to put herself first and let herself say yes to the thing which will make her happiest, falling truly madly wildly in love…?

Holy smokes! Wild About You is such a heartwarming, engaging, and vibrant read that transported me to the idyllic English countryside. 

As a recovering people-pleaser, Anna must learn to advocate for herself and forge her own happiness while navigating the aftermath of a brutal break-up. In an attempt to find herself again, Anna ends up working at Stonemore Estate as a 'rewilding manager.' (Essentially, she works on environmental projects on the estate.) I found Anna to be a likeable, funny, hard working, and sympathetic protagonist. I was rooting for her the entire time. 

Wild About You tackles important issues such as infertility, IVF, class, feelings of inadequacy, and the importance of community. While the novel is fun and cute in parts, it also has a lot of heart. 

The cast of characters at Stonemore are vibrant, humorous, and (mostly) warm. I loved watching Anna find her footing in her new work environment and be swept away by the wonderful nature and community surrounding her. Moreover, the romance is quite sweet and unfurls slowly. I won't spoil anything, but the chemistry between the two love interests is excellent.

Overall, Wild About You charmed me. Loxton really has crafted a delicious, charming romance that I will be recommending to many of my friends. I can see this book becoming a wildly popular 2025 release. From adorable beagles to heartfelt friendships and romance, this book has it all. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 8th, 2025

Review: Clever Little Thing

Clever Little Thing by Helena Echlin 

Amazon/Goodreads

Charlotte’s daughter Stella is sensitive and brilliant, perhaps even a genius, but a recent change in her behavior has alarmed her parents. Following the sudden death of Stella’s babysitter, Blanka, the once disruptive and anti-social child has become docile and agreeable. But what’s unsettling is that she has begun to mirror Blanka’s personality, from Blanka’s repetitive phrases to her accent, to fierce cravings for Armenian meat stew after being raised a vegetarian. 

Charlotte is pregnant with her second child, and depleted and sick with the pregnancy. She is convinced that Blanka herself is somehow responsible for Stella’s transformation. But how could Blanka, dead, still be entwined in their lives? Has Blanka somehow possessed Stella? 

As Charlotte becomes increasingly obsessed, she is sure that only she can save her daughter. . . even though it’s soon clear that her husband believes this is all in Charlotte’s head. 

Helena Echlin’s singular, chilling voice holds light to the blurred lines of diagnosis in children and to the vital power of maternal instinct. Kaleidoscopic and tense, pulse-pounding and genuinely creepy, and infused with shades of the supernatural, Clever Little Thing is an ode to motherhood and a nuanced critique of the caretaking industry, a page-turner that will haunt readers long after its epic, surprising finale.

Clever Little Thing is an incredibly suspenseful, haunting read. I loved how it intertwines struggles of motherhood, sinister mystery, and hints of the supernatural. I read this novel while on the train to Edinburgh to attend my graduation and it made the time fly by. Echlin has crafted an entirely original, eerie thriller that kept me turning the pages my entire train journey. 

Charlotte has had a variety of odd and stressful things happening in her life. Her child's babysitter dies in mysterious circumstances, she's struggling to fit in with her friends, and Stella is acting increasingly erratic and unrecognisable. 

I don't want to spoil anything but the plot is quite clever and events take a turn towards the implausible. The narrative of Charlotte's quest to find the truth is creepy, unnerving, and compelling. The novel's timeline is jumbled, told mostly in flashbacks with a few flash-forwards to the 'present' timeline where Charlotte is in dire straits. 

Moreover, the novel's conclusion and final plot twists are pitch-perfect. Echlin builds up to a perfectly planned ending. I also enjoyed how much each character jumps off the page, especially Stella and Irena. My one complaint is that sometimes the representation of neurodivergence felt like a one-dimensional plot device rather than a realistic, nuanced depiction. Stella and Charlotte are neurodivergent and this adds an interesting and important layer to the story, but I feel that Echlin could have expanded more on their experiences. 

Overall, I would highly recommend Clever Little Thing. This highly original tale will captivate you and keep you guessing. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: January 14th, 2025

Review: People Pleaser

People Pleaser by Catriona Stewart

Amazon/Goodreads

When Maggie Lathrop wins reality TV show LoveShack her life becomes a fairy-tale overnight. She’s beautiful, she’s rich and she’s now married to one of America’s most eligible men.

So when she is found murdered in an LA warehouse, her death evokes an outpouring of grief from millions of adoring fans.

Who would want to kill America’s favourite sweetheart?

With the FBI at a loss for leads, Maggie’s sister Emma becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth.

But the closer she gets, the more cracks start to appear in Maggie’s TikTok-perfect veneer.

Someone is hiding a secret, and they’ll do anything to keep it buried.

People Pleaser is an exciting, glamorous mystery that will keep you on your toes. Stewart expertly weaves a world with a cast of secretive, nefarious characters and I was left guessing until the very end. I would heartily recommend this LA adventure. 

Maggie, a star who rose to fame after starring on LoveShack, is found dead in a warehouse and the police are left stumped, declaring it a cold case. Maggie's grieving sister Emma is unsatisfied with this result and takes the investigation into her own hands. She is joined by her roommate, Jill, and the original creator of LoveShack, Amanda, in her detective endeavours. 

Emma, Jill, and Amanda are all wonderful eccentric and vivid central characters. Although they are not always likeable, I was rooting for them throughout the novel. Each character has their own backstory, career aspirations, and motives for cracking the case. Moreover, every few chapters we are treated to flashbacks from Maggie's point of view before her death. This helps both build the suspense in finding Maggie's killer and gives the audience an insider look into the toxic effects the Reality TV lifestyle had reaped upon Maggie. 

As our protagonists' tireless investigations lead them from LA to London, a range of famous LoveShack characters have secrets come to life and the truth slowly unfolds. The novel does not shy away from the misogyny, racism, drug abuse, and sexual assault culture found in Hollywood. People Pleaser shows the ugly underbelly of Reality TV, brand deals, and social media influencers.

Stewart's People Pleaser is a vibrant, clever adventure that is deliciously entertaining while also commenting on the dark side of fame, tv, and social media. This is an exhilarating page-turner that will delight those that wonder about the perverse effects of shows like Love Island and The Bachelor. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: May 22nd, 2025

Review: So Thrilled For You

So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne

Amazon/Goodreads 

A terrible heatwave. A very tense baby shower. It will all end in tears...

Nicki, Lauren, Charlotte and Steffi have been friends since university. Now in their thirties, life is pulling them in different directions - but when Charlotte organises the baby shower of hell for pregnant Nicki, the girls are reunited.

Under a sweltering hot summer day, tensions rise - and by the end of the evening, nothing will ever be the same. Someone started a fire at the house - and everyone's a suspect... Is it Steffi, happily child-free but feeling judged by her friends? Is it Charlotte, desperate to conceive and jealous of those who have? Is it Lauren, who is finding motherhood far, far worse than she imagined? Or is it Nicki herself, who never wanted a baby shower anyway?

So Thrilled For You is a smart, absorbing, and eye-opening depiction of motherhood. I couldn't put this book down and I can definitely foresee this release becoming wildly popular. 

Bourne sets up a captivating 'whodunit' plot by introducing news reports of a devastating fire and sharing snippets of police interviews with suspects throughout the novel. Specifically, four women are suspects for arson and the police are trying to figure out who started the fire — and with what purpose or motive. These fragments set up a wonderful atmosphere of suspense. They are also often quite comical and grant the readers an interesting perspective into the lives of our main characters. 

However, the majority of the novel is told through four first-person perspectives. Nikki, Lauren, Charlotte, and Steffi form a close-knit group of university friends that call themselves the 'Little Women.' However, now that they are in their 30s, their group is falling apart. Lauren is a mother with no time or energy to see her friends, Nikki is pregnant, Charlotte is struggling to conceive, and Steffi is a career woman scorns the ides of kids. 

My one complaint is that I found Nikki's character irredeemable. I don't want to spoil anything, but she makes many self-absorbed choices and she is an awful friend, especially to Steffi. I loved the other three women though, even with their quirks. My heart broke for them and soared for them in different moments. There is also a wonderful emphasis on the importance of female friendship (as well as its difficulties).

The novel intensely scrutinises societal pressure placed on mothers and the judgement endured by women regarding their reproductive choices. So many passages delve into ugly truths about motherhood, jealousy, and loneliness. Bourne expertly crafts a novel that champions the sleep deprived, lonely mothers who are struggling postpartum. 

All in all, So Thrilled For You is an amazing read that I won't stop thinking about for a long time. I can even imagine this making a wonderful movie or tv series. 

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

Publication Date: January 16th, 2025