Not Another Heroine

We wanted to like this book, the sample hooked us and the heroine seemed unique...until she wasn't. Freya's overwhelming lack of critical thinking combined with her obsession for an underwhelming himbo makes this book nothing more than trash fanfic of The Northman.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/165940202

This week features the most awkward intro we've ever recorded (sorry in advance), and Jordan's frustration with Curses by Lish McBridge. Well written, interesting secondary characters, all wrapped up in a reverse Beauty in the Beast retelling: what's not to love? Well, for Jordan, a plot mechanism that lets the love interest see the heroine with the cursed lifted for a few hours (Gasp! She's actually beautiful? Now I can for sure love her!)

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/43207851

If you're looking for something similar but with Jordan's stamp of approval, try:

Thorn by Intisar Khanani

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/51265989

Beauty by Robin McKinley

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41424.Beauty

Two Monarchies Sequence by W.R. Gingell

https://www.goodreads.com/series/176076-two-monarchies-sequence

We wanted to like this book, the sample hooked us and the heroine seemed unique...until she wasn't. Freya's overwhelming lack of critical thinking combined with her obsession for an underwhelming himbo makes this book nothing more than trash fanfic of The Northman.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/165940202

In this week's pick, Katie talks about... a temple for jewish horses? (Try Chincoteague pony... horribly misprounced). If that sounds not really like a book you'd read, well Katie didn't either - this week's pick is a DNF, unfortunately, for A Far Wilder Magic by Allison Saft. 

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/48909025

If you're looking for something with similar vibes that Katie did enjoy, try:

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10626594-the-scorpio-races

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/42201395

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/65213381

Readers, don't wait to watch this show. 'The Glory' (on Netflix) is a 16 episode k-drama featuring one of the most ruthless, intelligent heroines we've ever encountered. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqVVrTvrI8U

*DJ Khaled voice* ANOTHA ONE! And its a romantic version of... Mrs. Doubtfire? Nice try, Katie, but also weirdly, yes exactly. Sofi Laporte's Lady Avery and the False Bulter features a handsome rogue in hiding and a pissed off spinster who just wants to have some fun (and upon further thought, maybe not empty her own chamberpot). 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123238138-lady-avery-and-the-false-butler?from_choice=false&from_home_module=false

And if you're looking for something similar:

Miss Ava's Scandalous Secret by Sofi Laporte

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60756662-miss-ava-s-scandalous-secret

Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter by Sofi Laporte

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60391368

The Bridgertons Series by Julia Quinn

https://www.goodreads.com/series/40393-bridgertons

If you know you know. 

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/181344829 

Real book, or an incredibly intricate catfishing attempt on Jordan? Well, regardless, it seemed to have worked. Jordan's pick this week is Lady Ludmilla's Accidental Letter by Sofia Laporte, and showcases just about every romance trope she loves, an honestly impressive feat.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60391368

And if you're looking for something similar:

The Bridgertons Series by Julia Quinn

https://www.goodreads.com/series/40393-bridgertons

Love in the Afternoon by Lisa Kleypas

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7491418-love-in-the-afternoon

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/60784546

Gut-wrenching romance, sizzling chemistry, and weird scent glands...it's all here in part 2 of Bride by Ali Hazelwood.

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/181344829 

This week is a "continuation of the general behooving," otherwise known as "Katie went into some weird funk and ended up reading all seven books in this series and now wants you to read them all, too." The Emperor's Edge series by Lindsay Buroker may be a slow burn, but boy is it worth it!

The Emperor's Edge Series by Lindsay Buroker

https://www.goodreads.com/series/66385-the-emperor-s-edge

And remember, the first book is free on Amazon!

https://a.co/d/9kQXfDa