Author: Coco

The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass / TOG #0) Review

Coco

A prequel to Throne of Glass, this collection of five novellas offers readers a deeper look into the history of this cunning assassin and her enthralling—and deadly—world.

4.5/5 stars – a collection of interconnected stories that works really well as an introduction to Celaena and her past.

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As many others have, I debated for a long time if I should start the series with The Assassin’s Blade or Throne of Glass. The Assassin’s Blade won, as I think I would get annoyed having to read about the past in the middle of the series. I can’t say for sure if it was the right call yet, but I really enjoyed reading the book & it has made me want to continue the series to see how these stories might tie back to the other books eventually. Knowing that Throne of Glass begins almost immediately after, I can’t wait to see how that unfolds.

I also really loved how each story lead into the next, so they were independent of each other but still interconnected.

It’s tough to say which of the 5 stories was my favorite. I thoroughly enjoyed Celaena’s time in the desert & her friendship with Ansel, but everything up to that point felt like a side quest. Once she gets back to Rifthold, we get a peek into her life with the guild. The last two stories were certainly the strongest. The ending was devastating and it just goes to show how young & naive Celaena was to get tricked so many times, despite being so revered as an assassin.

I’m guessing the whole “My name is Celaena Sardothien and I will not be afraid” will come up again and knowing Sam’s influence will be heartbreaking.

Alchemy of Secrets by Stephanie Garber Review

Coco

What if the urban legends you’ve always heard about were real? It starts with a class in an old movie theatre. Folklore 517: Local Legends and Urban Myths, taught by a woman called the Professor. Most students believe the Professor’s stories are just fiction, but Holland St. James has always been convinced that magic is real.

3.5/5 stars – mystery, magic, and murder – what more do you need?

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Overall I enjoyed the story and how everything fit together. It felt like a real social deduction game at times, and even I’m not sure who Holland can really trust after the resolution.

There were a few pacing issues and it took me awhile to get hooked. The author spends A LOT of time describing every scenary, every character’s outfit (to the pinstripe matching the buttons), etc. at points I wanted to (and did) scream “I DON’T CARE” but I also appreciateed the level of detail because I could clearly envision what she was trying to convey. I would love to see it played out in a movie.

Holland was also a little too boy crazy for my liking, it just felt juvenile how much she fawned over how hot the various men were. Her relationships never got too far though, so I wouldn’t say the book was very character driven – when you start to get interested in a character they were suddenly gone and we’ve moved on to the next.

The ending was well done and left me wanting to know more. Lots of lingering questions and ways the story could continue. I’ll more than likely pick up Alchemy of Secrets #2 when it releases. I’d love to learn more about her parent’s story and what truly happened to them. And also WHERE THE HELL IS JANUARY??

Not a critique of the book but I have the Fairyloot copy and it’s absolutely stunning.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden (The Housemaid #1) Review

Coco

“Welcome to the family,” Nina Winchester says as I shake her elegant, manicured hand. I smile politely, gazing around the marble hallway. Working here is my last chance to start fresh. I can pretend to be whoever I like. But I’ll soon learn that the Winchesters’ secrets are far more dangerous than my own…

2.5/5 stars – entertaining start but overall sloppy execution, still a fun thriller to binge.

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The first part of the audiobook was a great time – I was truly enjoying how the story was progressing and I think the audio format was perfect for this type of storytelling (another reviewer mentioned “Dear diary” style).

Subsequent part two and three were simply a let down. Maybe it was wrapped up too fast but the ending just didn’t feel satisfying and felt a little too neatly wrapped in a bow. Although I will admit, the reveal DID surprise me – I knew there was a twist but I wasn’t 100% certain which direction it was going.

I can see why this was turned into a movie because I can imagine it working way better in that format. I’m honestly more excited to watch the movie than I was finishing the book. I’m also curious to find out what happens in the sequels but not enough to actually read them.

Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Bride #2) Review

Coco

A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller Bride.

2.5/5 stars – almost copy/paste of the first book, but does have its own charming moments.

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Bride started out slow, but Mate is even slower – I honestly considered DNFing due to all of the flashbacks but those did end around the 30% mark and the book picked up. There is, surprisingly, even less world building than Bride. We do learn a bit more Koen’s territory but Serena’s hybrid-ness is only really partially explored. As soon as Koen and Serena get together, almost all of that gets ignored and the majority of the book is about Serena’s… condition. Same as Bride, there is a quick resolution to the primary action in the book. IDK, Bride wasn’t perfect but Mate is even less so. I still enjoyed for the most part and don’t regret finishing it.

That said, if Ali Hazelwood wants to write a third book… I’ll read it.

All Rhodes Lead Here by Mariana Zapata Review

Coco

Losing people you love is hard. Aurora De La Torre knows moving back to a place that was once home isn’t going to be easy. Starting your whole life over probably isn’t supposed to be. But a small town in the mountains might be the perfect remedy for a broken heart. Checking out her landlord across the driveway just might cure it too.

3/5 stars – a cozy, very slow-burn friendship to romance full of found family and small-town charm, even if parts of the story felt a little scattered.

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Definitely slow at times, but it’s also a very slow burn and overall that worked for me. I loved the setup of the story and following Aurora as she tries to figure out her life. Some elements felt a little unnecessary – her backstory in the music industry could have been removed without changing much. The real highlights were the found family aspects, especially Aurora’s relationships with Amos, Rhodes, and Clara (and honestly, Amos + Rhodes sometimes stole the show).

At times the focus of the book jumped around a lot, which got a little frustrating – one minute Ora is working at the store, the next she’s planning a hike, and then it’s general apartment shenanigans. I actually enjoyed these lighter, everyday moments more than some of the heavier introspective sections about her past or her mom. I also appreciated that real time actually passed, allowing the characters to grow over months instead of everything happening in a matter of days.

Bride by Ali Hazelwood (Bride #1) Review

Coco

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Love, Theoretically and The Love Hypothesis.

3.5/5 stars – Fun addition to the vampire/werewolf trope, enjoyable read though it loses its way a bit toward the end

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The book starts a little slow but I actually loved the pacing, following Misery (terrible name tbh but you get over it) as she explains why she made the decision to marry Lowe. Learning more about her upbringing and the different species in this world was a lot of fun – the book keeps the usual of vampires & werewolves but adjusted enough to make the story slightly unique.

Once the book starts to get spicy, it honestly stays there a little too often though it’s also understandable given that this is a very new experience for both characters/species (and unfortunately a bit cringe). With how much time was spent on that, the big reveal/twist happens way too fast and resolves quickly. I would have enjoyed more time in the world and supporting characters (Ana, Alex, etc.). As a side note, one scene totally had me crying my eyes out!

I do really love ultimately how it ended and I appreciated that this dulogy wasn’t left on some huge cliffhanger. The book gave me just enough to be excited to read the follow-up book but I’m not scrambling to read it immediately. I’m genuinely excited to learn about Serena in the next installment Mate, but I hope we will get more Misery/Lowe tidbits, too!

A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston Review

Coco

A professor of literature finds herself caught up in a work of fiction…literally, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Seven Year Slip and The Dead Romantics.

3.5/5 stars – a cozy, creative concept with a strong start, but ultimately fell a little flat for me.

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I was hooked after reading a few chapters in a preview – very Pleasantville-esque – and I loved the concept of a heartbroken girl winding up in the town of her favorite romance book series. Ashley Poston does a great job creating cozy, magical romance stories without leaning too heavily into the magic itself, similar to The Seven Year Slip. As with that book, the overarching “mystery” here isn’t hard to predict, but the journey and the atmosphere are what make the story engaging.

I also really liked Elsy & Ander’s relationship – they both had smiliar but different experiences and they met at the right time in each other’s lives. Honestly it was only the last 20% of the book where it started to go down hill for me- I appreciate the way the story unfolded and ultimately ended, but it was frustrating at times. Did they really need to say I love You after spending a week together? Come on!

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston Review

Coco

An overworked book publicist with a perfectly planned future hits a snag when she falls in love with her temporary roommate…only to discover he lives seven years in the past, in this witty and wise new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Dead Romantics.

4.5/5 stars – beautifully written story with a unique concept, heartfelt romance, and strong emotional themes.

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I’ve had this book on my TBR for almost 2 years. I’d been meaning to read it sooner but kept putting it off for some reason. THAT WAS A MISTAKE. I really appreciate when a book or movie can make me cry & the book did that TWICE pretty early on. Later reading that the author was grieving her grandfather’s passing made total sense – the writing was so passionate.

There weren’t ever any unexpected twists, everything was pretty obvious what was coming next but that didn’t bother me at all – it was clearly more about the journey and I wanted to see how Clementine’s story was going to unfold. The dynamic between the characters in different timeslines was very interesting and could have been explored even more- it was slightly surface level & their romance was a bit superficial imo since it developed quite quickly. That would be my own major critique as the book/story/characters is otherwise spectacular. I loved it.

Immediately shelved A Novel Love Story after reading the preview at the end of my copy, let’s go, Ashley Poston!

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth #2) Review

Coco

Enemies-to-lovers doesn’t get more high stakes than a witch and a witch hunter falling in love in bestselling author Kristen Ciccarelli’s latest romantic fantasy.

3/5 stars – I loved Heartless Hunter, but Rebel Witch didn’t quite capture the same magic of the first novel.

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I’m still composing my thoughts, but overall the sequel was a bit of a letdown compared to the first book. While I am happy with how it concluded, I didn’t fully enjoy the process – it somehow felt both slow and rushed at the same time.

The first half of the book is heavily focused on Rune and Gideon’s escape together (tbh multiple versions of that same scenario). While there are some genuinely funny and sweet moments, it starts to feel overdone, especially when that takes up roughly 40–60% of the story.

Where I really wished the book had spent more time was toward the end, with the introduction of additional side characters, and how everyone would work together. So much time is devoted to what felt like filler that, by the time the real substance of the story arrives, everything wraps up far too quickly. And yes, even more predictable than the first book.

Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli (The Crimson Moth #1) Review

Coco

Heartless Hunter is the thrilling start to a romantic fantasy duology where the only thing more treacherous than being a witch is . . . falling in love.

4.5/5 stars – a well-written, fast-paced fantasy with compelling characters and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance.

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From the beginning I was hooked on this story – pacing is great and perfect amount of tension between the main characters, Rune and Gideon. The setting and world is fairly simple – think medieval witch-hunt vibes – and the magic is also straighforward: spells are driven by blood & witches are marked on their body when they use their own blood. Rune is a witch hiding her identity from almost everyone, masquerading as a rich debutante by day while secretly rescuing captured witches by night. Gideon is a witch hunter and the brother of Rune’s best friend, Alex. Both Rune’s and Gideon’s backstories are well developed and help you understand their motivations up to this point. The two main side characters, Verity and Alex, are also fairly well developed, and the inclusion of Rune’s Nan throughout the story consistently pulled at my heartstrings. With Alex and Gideon being brothers, theres that trope, as well – which brother will Rune choose?

I don’t really have anything negative to say about the book – it is well written and keeps you invested to the very end. Only a little predictable at times and characters sometimes make maddening choices. I would have loved a bit more focus on Rune’s role as the Crimson Moth, and seeing Rune, Alex, and Verity working together (maybe through a flashback) could have better showcased how competent they are at saving witches. The ending also was somewhat expected but came together in a way that made sense and was satisfying, setting up the sequel nicely. I am immediately starting [book:Rebel Witch|60217777]!

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz Review

Coco

A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.

2.5/5 stars – cute ideas, a great setting, and fun side characters, but too much angst at times detracted from the overall story.

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It started out fairly slow, but I was invested to find out how Violet would start over in a new town while also keeping her identity hidden (I love that trope). The idea of a reformed evil plant witch trying to open a floral shop is fun and I enjoyed learning more about how her powers worked.

The author did a great job with building a cozy setting/town with charming side characters. I especially loved Violet’s “pet” Bartleby – he is hilarious & somewhat reminded me of a more angry Turnip head from Howl’s Moving Castle. I also liked the running joke about good vs. bad “Guy” and everything about the Rock Goblins. Though I would say all of the side characters – especially Nathaniel’s sister, Pru – deserved a bit more ‘screen’ time and I overall would have liked more character development here and less of a focus on Violet/Nathaniel constant “woe is me” vibes.

That said, my only major gripe was that the book has a lot of internal monologues between the two characters which got annoying fast. I also felt that the relationship between Violet and Nathaniel could have had more development before it progressed- some of Nate’s thoughts really gave me the ICK. Around this point I started to lose interest.

Last 20% of the book did get me back into it & the author added some nice twists that truly surprised me. I also liked how the book ended and the epilogue was a nice touch.

My 2025 Reading Wrap-Up

Coco

Jan-Mar – I only read one short story, so nothing to report.

April – Fourth Wing/Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (got me back into reading- still need to read Onyx Storm)

May – One True Loves by Taylor Jenkins Reid (book club o.g.)

June – The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker (kinda corny but loooove the Alaska setting – I’m 3/4 with the series)

Honorable mentions for June because I read 9 books this month:

  • The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood (this would make an excellent movie)
  • One Golden Summer by Carly Fortune (just cute/sweet)
  • July – Funny Story by Emily Henry

August – Margo’s Got Money Troubles by Rufi Thorpe (slow month for reading but this had its moments)

September – Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir (Rocky iykyk, audiobook)

October – The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood (listened to the new Taylor Swift album on a plane ride & I always love a lil corny romance)

November – People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (excited for the movie!)

December – Vera Wong’s Unsolited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q Sutanto (audiobook was perfect)

Books read (so far): 34 books out of 25 goal 🌈 might squeeze in one more before the end.

Checkout my wrap-up on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/year_in_books/2025/24303893