I told myself I would take a break from ARCs until I got a good chunk of my festive ones read and reviewed, however, when the following books popped up on Netgalley, I couldn’t resist. I was also very kindly sent review copies of Who Killed Nessie and The Corus Wave by Avery Hill Publishing, which were very exciting emails to get in my inbox. Nothing excites me more than publishers sending me emails. Is that a bit sad? I don’t care if it is, I love that my little blog is getting noticed.
How to Survive a Horror Sequel by Scarlett Dunmore
I absolutely loved the first book in this series so when I came across this on Netgalley I had to request it. In my review of the first book I actually mentioned wanting to read the second instalment, so I’m very excited for this.
I have to admit, at the time of writing this post, I have already started this but I’ve literally only read one chapter. So no opinions on it just yet. I am interested to see what will happen in the second instalment as I usually only read standalone thrillers.
Synopsis: Can you be a final girl and survive your own horror movie – twice?
Almost a year after the horrors of Harrogate, Charley and her mum find themselves stranded in a small village called Glendale, AKA ‘The Devil’s Punchbowl’. Then she befriends the local misfits and learns of her new home’s ties to witchcraft – and realises that Glendale has even more secrets than she bargained for.
However, the town’s troubled past might just be the key to Charley understanding her ability to speak to the dead, especially with Halloween approaching. But after a series of disappearances, the ghosts acting differently this time, and the Harrogate Killer making a shocking return, Charley realises she might have taken on more than she can handle.
Before she can flee town, a new terror is unleashed, placing her friends and family in danger. Charley’s horror knowledge will be put to the test once more, and if she and the Harrogate Killer don’t figure out how to work together, they’ll be trapped in Glendale forever. Or worse – buried in it.
Falling by Janisha Boswell
A fake dating romance about a figure skater and a hockey player? Yes please! I feel like this is a very common theme in sports romances right now and I’m here for it. As someone that used to skate as a kid (I had full on lessons) this is right up my street.
I’m weirdly really into sports romance books at the moment, which isn’t something I ever thought I’d say. As a very not sporty person you wouldn’t think I’d like them but they’re really fun.
Synopsis: Welcome to North University!
Wren Hackerly refuses to quit. Figure skating has always been her life, but after her ex humiliates her on the ice and her career hangs in the balance, she needs a comeback. With her college team’s morale – and funding – crumbling, she has to find a way to keep people interested.
Miles Davis is North University’s golden boy, famed for his hockey skills and movie-star looks. But after a team tragedy, he’s the only one still struggling to bounce back, making it hard to care about the sport that once defined him.
When a bet-turned-date throws them together, they realise they might just be the perfect pair. A fake-dating pact could help Wren rebuild her reputation and Miles find his way back to the ice. But as Miles’ kindness thaws Wren’s frozen heart, and the line between real and fake begins to blur, will either of them admit to feelings that aren’t just for show?
Revolve by Bal Khabra
I actually have one other book in this ‘series’ but I’m yet to read it. Apparently I love a figure skater x hockey player romance at the moment. Which is funny as I’ve never read one before but I just know I’m going to love this (famous last words?).
This review will be coming around mid-October so you have a while to wait for it yet, but I’ll be starting it quite soon.
Synopsis: Sierra Romanova was an Olympic figure skater before a life-altering accident left her with panic attacks every time she enters the rink. Now, back for her final year at Dalton University, she’s ready to reclaim the spotlight.
Kicked off his hockey team for reckless behaviour, Dylan Donovan has little to no chance of making it to the National Hockey League draft. But Dylan’s whole world revolves around the ice so, if hockey is forbidden, at least there’s figure skating.
When Sierra finds herself in desperate need of a new partner, the only person who can match her skill is none other than the cocky hockey player who refuses to cut her any slack.
On the ice, their chemistry is electric. But can they stand the heat off the rink?
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Like this post? Why not read this one too: Book Haul: July 2025