This was an interesting read! I loved that the story really focuses on three siblings who are kind of forced into helping their father with his campaign. Being in close proximity brings long-buried secrets to the surface. I enjoyed the relationships between the siblings and how the author was able to capture the love and resentment that can coexist simultaneously in families.

I think it will be a fun read for customers who like character-driven, family dramas with just a touch of fantasy.

This is a very quirky and weird story, which I enjoyed. At first, I was expecting a family drama but then adding in the magical elements was a fun surprise.

Family trauma with banter to shield the blows. It was cute, but I didn't find myself loving to come back to it. It would be a good read for those that want to tip their toes into magical realism

This book was so much FUN! For some reason I’ve been blindly picking up books this month that have similar traits as those present in this book- dysfunctional characters/dynamics, witty dialogue with laugh out loud moments, and easy to digest material perfect for a beach read.

But what differentiated this one was the wildly unique and incredible inventive element of having one of the main characters diagnosed with Portum Beastiae Syndrome. In other words it’s a fictional syndrome in which Gabby experiences a strange physical symptom when stressed and then an exotic animal immediately appears. From bald eagles to cassowary birds (sort of like a velociraptor in bird form), this added such a symbolic and unpredictable layer to this otherwise light read! The writing was incredibly clever and the sibling/family dynamic made for some truly comedic moments. I really enjoyed each character as we peel back their layers.

This was sort like Succession meets Gifted & Talented meets Schitt’s Creek (oddly enough) but then add in that magical realism element and you’ve got a refreshingly unique story! There’s also a family inheritance at stake as the siblings are forced to work on their father’s new career direction-running for office in California. There’s so much to enjoy in this story with some heartfelt moments embedded within. I also binged it on audio and highly recommend that format and its narrator.

4.5 rounded up to 5

Thank you NetGalley, Harlequin Audio, and Graydon House for my gifted ALC!

I absolutely loved this! I haven't laughed this hard in awhile reading a book and I loved the blend of fantasy and rich people behaving badly. The Gun siblings are so chaotic and I thought the language really fit the modern way that people talk now. I do think a couple parts could have been fleshed out more (their mom's suicide/backstory, Ozzy's "kidnapping" to "boarding school") but otherwise a very fun read!

I'm not sure I can adequately describe exactly how much I loved this book, but I will try. Just know that I have listened to the audiobook, narrated perfectly by Eleanor Caudill, at least five times already because I just can't get enough of this quirky, eccentric family. The siblings are so eclectic and unique, yet their bond and quarrels are so traditional. The descriptions of the animals are hilarious and had me laughing out loud. The family drama is based in love, but explodes outward from there into a zany wild ride that left me feeling all the feels.

A messy over privileged family and a menagerie of odd animals that appear seemingly out of nowhere? This book was written for me and it did not disappoint.

3⭐️ – A compelling concept that didn’t quite land for me

Darling Beasts had such an intriguing premise, and I went in hopeful—but I ended up feeling a bit emotionally disconnected from the characters. While the audiobook was well done and the narration helped carry the story, I found it hard to truly root for or relate to anyone, which made it tough to stay fully engaged. That said, I did appreciate the subtle exploration of mental health issues woven throughout—it added a layer of depth that kept me curious.

For readers who enjoy literary fiction with complex (and sometimes unlikable) characters, slow-burn development, and a singular narrative thread, this might resonate more. It wasn’t quite the right fit for me, but I can absolutely see the appeal for others.

This was a solid family story with a touch of quirk that made it entertaining. A solid story with good characters- I enjoyed each of the siblings as characters. I'd certainly read more from this author.

I had mixed feelings on the narrator- I think she did a good job with the characters, but there were some pronunciations that took me out of the story.

What a strange little story! Family secrets and sibling rivalry with a side of magical realism. The manifestation of wild animals offers comic relief to an otherwise serious story of a family in shambles reconnecting against their will.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc and alc.

I liked Michelle Gable's last book, but this one was not for me. I had a hard time getting into this one and connecting with the characters. Oh well. I still want to read more books by Michelle Gable in the future though. I also must say the narrator did a good job, so that was a plus.