Love is a complicated thing. It fills us with joy, warmth, fear, desire, unease, contempt, loneliness, and grief. Scarlet Yearnings Beyond First Glance: Stories of Love and Desire by Scarlet Ibis James takes us on a beautiful journey through the many facets of love, featuring a collection of thoughtful, emotional stories. You'll mourn love lost, celebrate love rekindled, and hold your breath for love's new beginnings. Each story draws you in and leaves you wanting more, curious about what the future holds for those individuals.

In my opinion, this is a book that is best savored, while under a cozy blanket with your favorite hot beverage as you unwind for the evening. I really enjoyed taking my time with each story and letting it settle before moving on to the next one. It gave me the chance to sit with the characters and their experiences a little longer.

For those curious, this is not your typical romance book, but that is part of what makes it special. Instead of focusing only on happily-ever-afters, it looks at love in a deeper, more honest way. It explores what love means, both the beautiful parts and the complicated ones.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity and this ARC.