CeeCee

40s, soon to be divorcee, preggers and full time soul collecting agent. I’m tired just thinking about that. Plot was catchy and i thoroughly enjoyed the banter between Cathy and Conner. Simon was a bit too sunshiny a character for my personal tastes but his abundance of support and dependability was exactly what our independent to a fault FMC needed. The whole mystery seemed to wrap up quickly in the end which was a satisfying ending but wish it wasn’t so rushed. Overall good and easy read.

Paranormal enemies to lovers tale with delicious banter and savory spice (🌶️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️). I enjoyed that our MFC had such a good heart and gave our demon in peril a helping hand, despite their recent history. She kept her ground on the greater good despite who challenged her whether it being her parent, bestie, powerful witch or intimidating demon council. Character baggage included emotional abuse by ex’s / parent and racism. There was quite a of political topics that were posed in ways that didn’t revolt me immediately. I typically steer away from political stuff for leisurely reading since i’m trying to break away from reality as i read fantasy. It was tastefully done but prob too close to election week for me as my anxiety was already shot before starting the book lol.

I enjoyed the overall journey of getting to know the 2 MCs from childhood through adulthood to understand their struggles and triumphs and how their experiences shaped them and their choice despite the knowledge of their providence and purpose.

The moving timeline scenes were jarring for my brain to grasp initially but once the story unfolded and it was told to us it was happening (thanks for those chapter timestamps as well) all was good.

The ending was satisfying and hopeful. I would really like to read the A. Baker series Up and Under, then do a re-read of Middlegame to see if it provides further insight to the abundant references throughout the novel. Slick how there's a book reference in a novel that taunts my curiosity.

Coming of age, midlife edition, is spot on. As a women enduring peri symptoms at the tail end of 30, a decade before my peers, I appreciate the summarized wisdom lists at the end of each digestible chapter because reading retention with thick brain fog is frustrating AF. I was able to read 1 chapter at a time and feeling content like i've had a good chat with a witty friend. Some chapters were dull but life can be like that at times. I was curious if meeting and making friends in paris was as difficult as i find it where i am. like maybe it was just an awkward phase in life or a regional thing?

This story gave me Interview with the Vampire vibes * Wonderful imagery as we travel through time with details of the homel fashions/customs which wasn't expected considering the confinement imposed on most of the players. The writing was eloquent and made the desire, obsession and confinement palpable. The ending was quickly wrapped up and was just enough to tease. Will there be spinoffs novels about Alexi, Maggie and Constanta's solo adventures? Idk but i can definitely see this as a movie waiting to happen!

This is a book i've had in my TBR for 2 yrs and have been needing in my life as i fumble aimlessly into midlife wondering WTF is happening all of a sudden.

Coming of age, midlife edition is spot on. I appreciate the summarized wisdom lists at the end of each digestible chapter. I was able to read 1 or many chapters a night feeling content like i've had a good chat with a witty friend. I need more of this ... whether IRL or book. Midlife thus far has be worn and unstable and a good laugh about shared misery is what i sorely needed.