The Other Side of Disappearing by Kate Clayborn

Jess and Tegan’s mother ran off with a conman years ago. But then Tegan plans to do exactly what Jess has always feared – leave their safe, stable home to search for their mother – and she’ll be accompanied by a prying podcast host and her watchful, handsome producer, Adam Hawkins. Unwilling to let the sister she’s spent so much of her life protecting go it alone, Jess reluctantly joins them.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ There was nothing big or spectacular about Jess and Adam falling in love, but it was deep, real, and forceful in its own way. This so story was so achingly beautiful and emotional.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: March 26, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm

First Contact by Kim Harrison

In the wake of the solar eclipse, a portal between our world and a paranormal realm opens – and a scientist’s life will never be the same.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ I didn’t know what to make of this story at the beginning, but once Renee made contact with August I was all in. I appreciated that Renee had so much support from Jackson and the other military personnel there. The world building around the Neighbors and their world was vivid and very detailed. We learned about them via Renee’s interactions with August and while she was figuring them out. I am very excited to read the rest of this series.

Genre: Fantasy
Published: July 2, 2024
Sensuality Rating: None
Series: Book 1 of Eclipsed Evolution

Funny Story by Emily Henry

There’s no way Daphne would actually start her new chapter by falling in love with her ex-fiancé’s new fiancée’s ex… right?

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily Henry certainly has a knack for stories that are emotional and spellbinding. I loved how the chapter headings reflected Daphne’s feelings at the time. Miles and Daphne slowly became friends first and then more, and it was so easy to be absorbed into their developing relationship. Daphne’s growing friendship with Ashleigh was also front and center and I loved how that was the catalyst for Daphne to grow some wings and expand her circle on her own. There were some parts that was a bit slow and it was difficult to see what it contributed to the story, but overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Published: April 23, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Warm

Winter Lost by Patricia Briggs

Mercy Thompson, car mechanic and shapeshifter, must stop a disaster of world-shattering proportions.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ Another excellent blend of myth, legend, suspense, and pure fantasy. I always love it when it’s Mercy and Adam against the world, with the help of the pack and Mercy’s odd collection of allies, of course. There were a lot of mythical elements in this story that didn’t always make sense, but that didn’t stop me from being engrossed in this tale of fate. I also liked that the story was told from various different viewpoints. It is definitely best to read the books in order.

Genre: Fantasy
Published: June 18, 2024
Sensuality Rating: Subtle
Series: Book 14 of Mercy Thompson