Horse Talk Reviews

You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky My rating: 4 of 5 stars Expected publication: October 4 2022 This was a cute and a little emotional cheesy Christmas romance. Matthew was a shallow and pretty mean guy in the beginning, but every time he starting grating on me he’d drop some intensely sad backstory snippet that had me 100% on his team. The saddest boi! This really made it work for me - it explained why he was a defensive jerk in the beginning, literally a defense mechanism. But he works through it! Look at this!! Hating Christmas is the one way I get to manage my familial expectations. I don’t get my hopes up over silly traditions or false illusions of togetherness. It’s safer than admitting that as a child I used to bleed red tinsel for this entire month. he’s only grinch because his parents suck! so sad!! i’m glad christmas was returned to him because i too love christmas He also had a well done redemption arc I felt like. It was gradual thro...

 another month o' suffering My DNFs for August 2022 i am so tired reading the virtuous sinners multiauthor series was not a good idea Day of Judgement by Briar Kearny and Aurora Crane  (Virtuous Sinners) DNF at 56% Look, I tried. I tried very hard (medium hard). It’s just not working. • This book has about 50% too many pages. There is so much extraneous description - instead of setting the scene, they are just distracting and pointless. Do I care what type of oven they have? Only if someone gets baked in it. I also don’t need every single action described. Most things are repeated in triplicate, especially in the inner monologues. Once is enough. I felt like I was getting beat over the head with every thought. I promise your readers can infer plenty! Or understand the sentence the first time. • The pacing left a lot to be desired. There’s a lot of floating plot pieces (the relationship, the murder investigation, the assassin company thingy, the rival assassins, the missing bro...

Stargazing with a Ghost by K.L. Hiers My rating: 3 of 5 stars This was a book, kinda cute, kinda annoying. It felt to me like it had trouble deciding what kind of book it wanted to be. The ghost fucking plot and the Evil Staircase plot are sort of chunked together, and it lacked flow. It seemed like its goal was to be cute and funny but then the Evil Staircase plot would try to be ominous at times and it didn't work for me. Or maybe it wasn't trying to be ominous. Maybe I was expecting more spooky vibes than there were ever meant to be (none). I struggled a bit to connect with the writing - it's sort of choppy? I'm not sure, but I didn't get hooked into the story. All the characters spoke the same as well, with the exception of Sip, who still managed to speak the same as the Hollywood starlet ghost. The romance is just instalust plus a whole lot of sex. The extended discussion of The Walking Dead, a show I know nothing about and care nothing about, wa...

  Imitate the Dawn   by   M.A. Grant Expected publication: September 13 2022 erratic's review: 4 of 5 stars Another action-packed book and a fitting conclusion. This book picks right up where book 2 left off so definitely read these in order and probably back to back too. The intensity is high the entire time with this one and there are a lot of reveals and characters and callbacks from the previous two books. The romance between Christian and Atlas seemed to take a step back and then propel really far forward in the space of a few chapters and their relationship could have used some more space to breathe in between the relentless action. And similar to book 2, some things were glossed over a bit too much and needed more explanation in the narrative - particularly what was going on between Christian and Atlas and their scheming. The ending of the book was very interesting. A fresh take on the vampire lore and I appreciate when books try new things out. And of course the e...

  Crooked Shadows   by   M.A. Grant Crooked Shadows on Amazon erratic's review:  4 of 5 stars Well this certainly wasn't a standalone book! It picks up right where book 1 left off and then ends on a cliffhanger. Highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading all three books in the trilogy. Even though it begins where book 1 ended and continued a lot of the story lines it still managed to feel like a whole new (albeit not standalone) story. The change in setting from New York to Romania and the bloody vampire road trip vibes were fun. I also enjoyed seeing Christian and Atlas grow closer and take care of each other more. My main gripe is there is far too much that is glossed over and not explained enough. For example, there is an emotional feeding between Christian and Atlas which goes bad but it's never explained why it goes bad or what exactly it means??? It seemed to be going fine to me? Maybe it's because I am not educated in all the ways of the vampire an...

Textual Relations by Cate Ashwood My rating: 3 of 5 stars A cute little novella with the worlds most oblivious man ever, plus a bi-awakening. Generally a sweet fluffy read, with absolutely no angst. The main issue I had was that I had a little trouble connecting with this, and buying into the emotions between the MCs because I felt like I never got to know Asher. It's all Henry's POV, and Asher stays sort of...perfect? They say he's a player, but he gets hooked onto Henry immediately so we never seen any evidence of that (novella problems I suppose). But that leads to not much depth in the connection since he doesn't have much depth himself. A small issue, but the main one I had. Anyway, still sweet. Good for a quick palate cleanser type fluff read. Textual Relations on Amazon View all my reviews

In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker My rating: 5 of 5 stars A lovely and atmospheric little book. The tea, the shadow garden, the bourbon, the small southern town, and the magic were all woven together masterfully in a well-paced and compelling story. The use of memory and healing from trauma gave the book some roots (hah see what i did there) in realism. There are chapters from several different points of view and a lot of family and other relationships between the characters but I was never lost or confused. I especially enjoyed the chapters from the shadow garden's point of view. Overall a delightfully cozy autumnal read. I received an ARC copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own. View all my reviews

The Button Man by Davidson King My rating: 1 of 5 stars DNF at 60% I picked this up because of the title - Button Man. What a dumb name for an assassin. I need to know why! Button Man sounds like the neighbor of the Muffin Man. To my absolute disappointment, I never learned why it was Button Man. Why is this a family thing, all “button men”?? I word searched when I DNFd. The only explanation (“explanation”) we ever get is early on: I was eighteen when I made my first kill and when I returned home, covered in blood, and feeling like a piece of my soul had died with my victim, my grandfather handed me a little black box. Inside was a pin. It was made of gold, and it was a button. He and my father stood side by side that day, their eyes shining with pride, and informed me that I was now a button man. Why a button!! Why is it a family button! If its a critical button, tell me more about this murder button! What kind!!! argh i need more information on this dumb as fuck nam...

Sightlines by Neve Wilder My rating: 4 of 5 stars “Everyone else is always trying to play it cool and you’re just you.”  “Just me,” he said softly.  “Perfectly you. Do you really think I’m crazy?” It is totally unfair how Neve Wilder can emotionally compromise me like this. This novella was a wonderful addition to the Nook Island series(?), following some time after the events of Center of Gravity (talk about an emotionally destructive book! gah). It was less angsty and grief heavy than Center of Gravity, but still had an undeniable emotional pull. But as I walked through the rooms and down the halls, flipping on lights and inhaling the sea air that seemed to saturate even the walls, all I felt was the same soft, comforting warmth that had always been present, and I wondered why I’d waited so long. I loved the flirting and connection and conversations between Liam and Brooks. They had such an amusing banter going on throughout their interactions. The side charac...

Nightingale by Laura Lascarso My rating: 1 of 5 stars DNF at 26% Right off the bat, I have to say my highlights on goodreads are required to understand the shit I just read.  This is my first book by this author. …yeah. Honestly one of the things that caught my attention was that it says its accountant x assassin - what is the assassin going to need an accountant for?? This is intriguing. Lies. It is not intriguing because it doesn’t really matter than he’s an accountant. Rude. Characters This is dual first person POV, so we get to see inside of both characters heads and thought processes. And then judge them accordingly. Khalil - what a dillweed. I actually strongly dislike him, and not in a fun way. He just sucks. He’s rude and judgmental of Julien, and somehow breathtakingly naive. How can he be so naive after working for the mob for x years? (timeline is very unclear) I don’t even know how you can ostrich to that degree. Which is also why I really dislike him f...

Speak and Obey by Ki Brightly  and  MD Gregory My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars This was a pretty solid entry for the series theme. I liked having the dual killers arc, with one more in control than the other through experience. They had excellent possessiveness as well, plus a love of pain that worked super well with their personalities. There was a weird scene in the middle that I think was just a massive cameo of couples, because they never showed up again and I have no idea who they were. That was a bit annoying. It dragged a little for me in the middle area, but not too terribly. I have some trouble connecting with the writing this duo does, so I think that one may be on me and ymmv. I did very much enjoy the first half especially. “Because it’s family, Master. I’m part of triplets. My brothers, Beach and Sparrow, aren’t like me. They’re normal.” His lips twitched, and I grinned at him. “I’m the only one with a semi-decent name.”  Overall, this was definitely one o...

Perfect Matcha by Erin McLellan My rating: 4 of 5 stars Of course Camden hadn’t told Theo how he felt. That would involve telling Theo how he felt, which was a ridiculous concept. Aw this was very cute! A best friends to lovers via sex coach situation, very sweet. This stayed on the pleasantly fluffy side too - minor angst only, which was well balanced with the length of the book. Enjoyable side characters, and just overall adorable. Definitely recommend if you're looking for a cute easy read! The box was made from very sturdy, luxe cardboard, which Theo could appreciate. He loved a good box. Perfect Matcha on Amazon View all my reviews

In the Shadow Garden by Liz Parker My rating: 4 of 5 stars Expected publication: September 13 2022 This book had a wonderful atmosphere. Between shadow garden itself, the tea leaves, the flower auras, it all came together to make for an absolutely captivating and enchanting read. This doesn’t suffer from purple prose or overwrought descriptions either, the writing just hits the perfect balance for maintaining that feeling all the way through. I really enjoyed how the shadow garden worked overall - taking sorrow and healing it, to make emotionally strengthened harvest. It’s such a lovely metaphor the author chose for healing and growth and hope. The mystery had so many pieces, and learning more bit by bit was done in such a smooth way. With the memory loss the town participates in yearly, it made it even higher tension when the reader and the characters are trying to figure things out. I got suspicions throughout the book here and there, which only served to ratchet u...

Alpha's Oath by Claire Cullen My rating: 3 of 5 stars I read this book for a challenge to read something with your top three tropes which for me were "mpreg", "small town romance", and "stranded on a deserted island", and you know what? This book kind of had all three. (the small town romance is a bit of a stretch since it's more isolated kingdom under attack but hey you try finding something with all three of these tropes!!!! and if you do let me know because I wanna read it immediately). Anyway, definitely a 3 star read. My biggest issue was how the book wasn't very long but had a thousand different plots in it. The desert island was its own thing, then the marriage of convenience (another trope!), then the mpreg, then the secret magic reveal, then the save the kingdom with said secret magic, etc etc etc. All these plots got in the way of me trying to have a no thoughts head empty kind of read which is real...

Murder at Union Station by David S. Pederson My rating: 3 of 5 stars Expected publication: September 13 2022 A historical murder mystery set in 1946 Phoenix - I was intrigued by the setting, as this isn’t a time period I see a lot. Plus murder mystery! The author did put a lot of effort into the accurate historical detail, especially hats. So many hat. It made for a very distinctive setting for the book, which I appreciated. Unfortunately I did find this to be a little bland and emotionless. Most of the book is expositional dialogue, with no time spent on characters thinking - not even the MC - or reflecting on things. There’s little to no discussion of how people react, until the very end. This imbalance made it read like a recitation of facts rather than an immersive story to me. I liked Lydia, she made for an amusing balance to Mason. The mystery had potential, but was hampered by the lack of investment I had in it. Overall, it was a unique setting and I appreciated ...

Home Grown Talent by Joanna Chambers My rating: 4 of 5 stars This is a cute rom-com about Mason, an influencer, and Owen, a gardener, who have to flirt on TV. It's not quite fake dating, but it does play with some fun aspects of the trope, namely the "how much of this is real?", with the added angst of betrayal where one character has more to earn from the televise flirting than the other. I liked both characters and how they're not what they seem at first glance. Mason is a beauty influencer who might seem a bit bratty, pretentious and fame-hungry, but really he's a shy guy who loves cooking and is just doing his job (still bratty though, in the right way, hehe). Owen might appear a little bit cold and judgy, but with Mason he's a warm dude who loves taking care of people. I loved all the caretaking, the early scene where Owen takes home a drunk Mason is so cute and perfect. Despite the rom-com premise, the plot felt mature and grounded, and despite m...

Sem by Cora Rose My rating: 4 of 5 stars “Fine, I’ll tell you what makes you extraordinary and I’ll tell you every single day until you believe them yourself. Shall I start now?” Aww this was super cute! It was a hilarious and goofy read as well, just such fun. I loved all the carrying around, it was just precious. I enjoyed seeing how Maggie fit into Sem's family so well, especially the monster truck date which was so fun. “Yeah. I only look like that when people mess with you. When I see you get hurt my brain cracks a little, and I go a bit nuts. I just want you to be safe.”  Only complaints are the dramatique run away breakup thing, which felt kind of ott, but did lead to funny moments with the family, and the dual epilogue. why two epilogues Overall, lots of fun! Very cute pair. Sem on Amazon View all my reviews

The Ruin of a Rake by Cat Sebastian My rating: 5 of 5 stars Cat Sebastian hits it for me every dang time. A (reformed) rake with a heart of gold and a proper gentleman falling in love? While taking care of each other the whole time?? And a double romantic "look at you"??? Stop it. It even had my favorite trope which hardly anyone writes which is paperwork . Julian taking care of Courtenay's paperwork and finances and Courtenay taking care of Julian when he was sick is everything I've ever wanted. My one complaint is yet again the book was way too short! I want a million more words of these two taking care of each other forever. Now excuse me while I go cry over Julian saying Courtenay is his favorite person again. View all my reviews

Center of Gravity by Neve Wilder My rating: 5 of 5 stars “Where do we start? Do we just start over?”  “Do you want to start over?”  “I just want to start.” I knew Neve Wilder was an excellent writer, and I've enjoyed the angst she's worked into her other books, but I was not prepared for the emotional depth in this book still. This book takes on the heaviness of grief so well, but still keeps it wonderfully balanced with hope and a wholesome romance, as well as personal growth. Reading the authors note at the end makes it clear how it was dead on for those feelings, though I expect nothing less from such a skilled writer. The romance was impeccable - both on how the characters came together, and how they helped each other come to realizations and grow within themselves in a completely natural feeling way. I truly believed in their future as a happy couple at the end, through all they overcame. Everything had its place in this story, and served to develop all the...

 !what is life without pain, horrible books that are horrible....ugh. Here you can find all my suffering for July . Links here take you to my Goodreads reviews/highlights.  Among the Living (Psycop #1) by Jordan Castillo Price DNF at 33% I have seen this series recommended a lot, and since it went on KU this month, I figured it was time to give it a shot. The premise sounded neat, and a good urban fantasy (with romance subplot) is a fun read. Unfortunately, this ended up very much not working for me, for several reasons. The writing This book being from 2006, I was prepared to give it some leeway on old timey attitudes and such, but it ended up being too much for me to want to deal with. Slurs, misogyny, all around weird attitudes…it built up to an untenable level. I guess I’d have hoped, since the author is still continuing this series(!), they could have doubled back to remove some of the obvious slurs? Maybe? In addition to that weirdness, the two victims that Bayne visited...

A look at the kevin's upcoming ARCs for September and a sneak peek at October's reads!  Find August's ARC post here! Some already read and reviewed, others yet to be opened. Starting to get into Christmas books! All arcs are from NetGalley. ARCs releasing in September Imitate the Dawn by MA Grant (Whitethorne Agency #3) Expected publication: September 13 2022 Categories: MM, LGBT+, Paranormal, Romance, Vampire From the publisher:  Cristian Slava and Atlas Kincaid despise each other. At least, that’s what they need everyone to believe. In truth, the charismatic vampire and his fierce bodyguard are more in love than ever. But when a powerful political faction emerges and threatens Cristian’s family, the only way into their enemy’s inner circle is without each other by their side. From Romania to New York and beyond, though apart, their blood-bond cannot be severed—but it can be used against them. When Cristian sacrifices his life to save his family and save Atlas from having...