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I'm immersion reading this one, so I have the wonderful Julia Whelan in my ear. The 'story' bits of this book, where we're talking about Margaret's life, I swear that I've fallen into a Taylor Jenkin's Reid book. The narration combined with writing style makes me forget I'm reading Emily Henry, which is both a blessing and a curse because now I want a TJR in my life.

I need someone to tell me to finish this. I have paused my audiobook mid chapter several times now and thought about DNFing. I simply don’t care about the drama, the characters, or the documentary anymore. I am so bored and everything seems trivial. I’m sorry for comparing this to TJR. 🥴

(SPOILERS) Gripe 1: if the whole Cleopatra routine had been explained to us before, I feel like it would’ve elicited a stronger reaction. Gripe 2: I really don’t like Heath right now. I’m not sure if you’re really ever supposed to, but I hate the way he’s talking to her and treating her. I know Kat’s not a saint, but that’s not how you treat someone you love(d).

I’m usually not a fan of interpersonal drama, but this shit is having me clutching my proverbial pearls. Originally, I compared this book to Carrie Soto because of the athleticism, but The Favorites gives more of Daisy Jones. The drama, the transcript parts, and the romantic tension. I still prefer Daisy Jones (always), but damn this makes me want to read a TJR.

I didn’t expect to be this invested. A book about figure skating? I almost skipped my BOTM pick this month and even still put it off until my last read of January. But damn. It’s giving TJR, specially Carrie Soto. Reid found a way for me to care about tennis last year and Fargo is finding a way to make me care about ice skating. I really love the audio (full cast) and the interview snippets.

{SPOILERS} When Aina pulled Tuoni from the tree... that's when things started to go downhill for me. I'm so confused by Aina and Tuoni's relationship. I really like the worldbuilding of Tuonela, but this whole part of the book is losing me. When Aina and Tuoni had sex (just now) it had me questioning my sanity. This is sapphic, right? Like what is going on? (I do really like Siiri's chapters.)

{SPOILERS} I am confused. I'm waiting for the sapphic part to kick in. I was HERE for this book for the first 50%, but when Tuoni made his entrance, it threw me off guard. The first half of this book was atmospheric and the tension was sparking. The shit that Tuantar put those mortal girls through was brutal with a capital B and I was living for the drama.

My first thought was, this reads like a John Green novel. Uhm. In the fourth chapter, McQuiston actually acknowledges it! They did it on purpose. xD

I’m already hooked. Such great writing!

This is not what I picture dark academia being, although I haven't read much in the genre. I'm enjoying it, though! Definitely see the Gossip Girl influence.

Wow. I got this ARC off of NetGalley and wasn't expecting to love it this much.

This is giving me A Christmas Carol mixed with Beetlejuice vibes.

I’m giddy! We get to see so many great scenes. It’s like the characters are talking in my head.

Starting chapter three and already hooked! Such a heart wrenching story. And beautifully written.

I really love the influences that A Christmas Carol has on this book. The Afterlife of Holly Chase is about what happens when you dismiss the ghosts that saved Scrooge. It's supposed to be "based off" A Christmas Carol, but it reminds me more of a continuation. It's absolutely brilliant.

Holy shit this is good. Serious trigger warnings though: suicide, addiction, death, and others. Tread carefully and practice self care, but holy shit! Highly recommend the audiobook since she narrates it herself. That passion is just astounding.

I'm ready to punch Kim. I'm listening to the audio while doing dishes and some of the things that come out of that woman's mouth... I recoiled physically and verbalized many profanities while listening.

So far, it’s a 3 or 4 star read. It’s not a bad book, but I have a bone to pick with one of the plot devices. I still don’t know what caused the evacuation and that kind of irritates me. I hope the big reveal is big enough to make the wait worth it.

Uhm. I'm going to DNF. The characters didn't hook me and neither did the plot. Historical fiction is seriously hit or miss for me and I find myself zoning out way too much while reading this. It feels like a chore to read. That's how I know it's time to DNF.

The Scarlet Woman by Libba Bray (story 3) ♥️📚

I could talk for days about this one! It’s apparently a Gemma Doyle story, which I had to look up and it’s a trilogy that she’s written. A secret coven of witches that are killing people (ripping hearts out) and different realms. Atmospheric and beautiful.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Silk Blade by Natalie C. Parker (story 2) ⚔️👑

... not a fan. Great rep for f/f attraction and gender role resistance, but I didn’t enjoy the world building (more questions than answers) and the writing was incredibly wordy. I think if Parker had more space (a novel perhaps), this could be much better.

🌟🌟

A Universe of Wishes by Tara Sim ⚰️✨
This first story is one hell of a start to an anthology. It has a cute m/m romance and a strong plot involving collecting wishes from the dead.
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟