I found some parts of this book difficult to understand but the political aspect of this was interesting. The dark academia vibes paired with the para
I found some parts of this book difficult to understand but the political aspect of this was interesting. The dark academia vibes paired with the paranormal elements of the plot was really cool.
The connections between masters and monsters gave me vibes of the anime Soul Eater which was really enjoyable.
The characters had to go through a lot of training both mentally and physically to develop a bond. Having the characters be strong but flawed was nice to see.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � Young Adult � Urban Fantasy � Missing Person � Dark Academia � Paranormal Horror
⚠️ Content Warnings Moderate: Cursing, Death, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Gore, Violence Minor: Drug use, Racism, Suicide, Death of parent, Alcohol
This was a cute rivals to lovers vibes with a nice soulmate mark twist to it. I liked the hate-to-love pacing with this story, not only did the
3.5 ⭐️
This was a cute rivals to lovers vibes with a nice soulmate mark twist to it. I liked the hate-to-love pacing with this story, not only did the tennis/sports talk balance well with the romance and spice but it was also nice and queer too.
Following the life of two women in professional tennis the plot thickens when the rivals learn who their soulmate is. Naturally ignoring the fact they have each other’s name written along their wrist, because there can’t possibly be a world where the two could get along let alone be the perfect match for each other. Will the enemies turn into lovers or will they continue to hate one another?
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � Sapphic � Rivals to Lovers � Soulmate Marks � Forced Proximity � Professional Tennis
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders Moderate: Sexual content Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Death of parent
After eating some magic dumplings Noelle begins to live the same day over and over. Trying to figure out why it’s happening she learns she isn’t the o
After eating some magic dumplings Noelle begins to live the same day over and over. Trying to figure out why it’s happening she learns she isn’t the only one, teaming up they try to figure out how to get out of the loop. Cam, the love interest, not being apart of the time loop but having a sense of a lost memory towards a woman he meets; never quite understands who she is other than how familiar everything feels with her.
This was such a clever way to write a time loop, I loved this book so much. The characters were so cute, the development and self discovery felt so comforting to read. Noelle trying new things she would never normally do was so sweet. Cam was so adorable as well. Poor Avery though, having to relive her boyfriend forgetting her birthday everyday and also getting stuck in a time loop while on her period, she definitely deserved that happy ending and all the good fanfics sent her way.
This book had the vibes of the movie Freaky Friday but instead of a body switch it’s a time loop, two strangers living the same day over and becoming friends (with the point of view of the love interest for the main character).
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Time Loop � Meet Cute � Self Discovery � Good Friendships � Matchmaker Dumpling Lady
⚠️ Content Warnings Moderate: Sexual content Minor: Suicidal thoughts
I wasn’t a fan of this one. I loved the blurb and the cover but the story itself felt so one dimensional. It was as if I were reading someone’s notes
I wasn’t a fan of this one. I loved the blurb and the cover but the story itself felt so one dimensional. It was as if I were reading someone’s notes on it rather than a book. The characters felt forced into stereotypes who were all just frankly awful people. The animal sacrifices were also a big pass for me with this book.
The plot and overall atmosphere of the book was nice though. It took a few chapters but it felt like it gave off the thriller/suspense vibes I was expecting. This book kinda reads like Fallen so if you liked that book/series I’d recommend it.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Lost Memories � Dumb Teenagers � YA Horror/Thriller � Animal Sacrifices � Small Town Vibes
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Kidnapping, and Stalking Moderate: Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Religious bigotry Minor: Sexual assault, Torture, and Vomit
It’s a bit difficult to write a review for nonfiction but this was such a creative way to tell this story. It was raw and filled with rage, grief, and
It’s a bit difficult to write a review for nonfiction but this was such a creative way to tell this story. It was raw and filled with rage, grief, and empowerment. Getting help and letting your voice be heard were very relevant in this. I really enjoyed the writing style, it was so beautifully done.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Poetry � Healing � Memoir � Hurt/Comfort � Finding Your Voice
⚠️ Content Warnings Minor: Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, and Sexual assault
Normally I really enjoy mystery/thriller books but this one just fell a bit flat for me. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, it all
1.5 ⭐️
Normally I really enjoy mystery/thriller books but this one just fell a bit flat for me. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, it all felt like a summary of what was happening rather than a full on book. It was frankly predictable with the mystery moments, the air of suspense just wasn’t there either. My biggest issue was that some of the characters just felt one dimensional and fake. I just couldn’t feel anything for them. Also the main character being so obsessed with her step-brother just made me uncomfortable especially with the comments in school.
There were a few things like the general setting that I liked, the blurb sounded interesting and the cover is absolutely amazing!
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � Murder � Obsession � Family Issues � Unsatisfying Ending � Psychological Thriller
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Alcohol
Teaming up and playing a little revenge on the girl who broke your heart sounds like a great time until you start falling for your partner in crime.
I
Teaming up and playing a little revenge on the girl who broke your heart sounds like a great time until you start falling for your partner in crime.
I love this so much. It was such an enjoyable read with such lovable characters. If you liked the movie Bottoms I feel like you’d enjoy this book, the humor was simply amazing. I really liked seeing the character development through this story and really enjoyed how it mixed well with the plot as well. I would love to see this get a movie adaptation, it was genuinely so good.
Thank you to Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read For � Sapphic � Slow Burn � Revenge Plan � Friends to Lovers � Good Friendships
⚠️ Content Warnings Moderate: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, and Lesbophobia Minor: Racism, Grief, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
This book is tragic and heartbreaking but also, so beautifully written. It did a good job with showing how some monsters are made. The romance i
4.5 ⭐️
This book is tragic and heartbreaking but also, so beautifully written. It did a good job with showing how some monsters are made. The romance in this book is more hurt than anything else. The palace in this book was such a cruel place, everyone was against the main character, Xiaofeng had so much against her and it only got worse.
The romance was far from kind, filled with power games and no trust. One character using the other, playing games and hurting those involved even though in some twisted, messed up way, this character did love the other.
While I don’t know much about Chinese customs or the monarchy mentioned in this book, it didn’t make a difference, this was such a good read even with how sad it was. I will say while it was nicely structured and each part of the book was broken up well I didn’t care for how long the chapters were.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Chinese Tales � Romantic Tragedy � Supernatural Aspects � Inspiration for a TV Drama � Romeo and Juliet Vibes (kinda)
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Death and Toxic relationship Moderate: Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, and War Minor: Infidelity and Miscarriage
All I have to say is that I did not see that coming. The end of this book was so twisted.
This book was so entertaining to read. I really enjoyed it. T
All I have to say is that I did not see that coming. The end of this book was so twisted.
This book was so entertaining to read. I really enjoyed it. There was a lot of drama and while I’m kinda over the high school setting this book did a good job at making the boarding school a unique place and a competition to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Nora was my favorite character I liked her from the start. She could come off as spoiled or stuck up at times but she was a lovable person, but still someone who had a lot to work through. The people in her life didn’t seem to care for her, fake friends and toxic relationships followed her throughout this book.
Max came off a bit annoying at the start and to be honest I was never fully sold on their character. She responded to her best friend’s love confession by being rude and ignoring her over the summer. Like okay you didn’t feel the same (even though she did) you could have been nicer about not wanting a relationship. I didn’t like Max until the end. I know Max had a lot to prove with not being rich like everyone else but it was a bit sad at times, I’m wondering did her mother even care at the end of this book or was she getting her other daughters enrolled in gymnastics after all?
Teddy was such a complex character. I really liked her at the start, she was a trouble maker for sure and liked to feel the rush of getting away with things but ultimately she just ends up getting kicked out of several schools in the process. I didn’t care for her as much near the end.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Plot Twist � Competition � Trouble Maker � Boarding School � Mental Health Went for a Swim
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Death, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Violence, Gaslighting, and Classism Minor: Fatphobia and Racism
This was the kind of book that has you biting your nails and yelling to the void for the main character to run faster. Reading this felt like watching
This was the kind of book that has you biting your nails and yelling to the void for the main character to run faster. Reading this felt like watching a (good) lifetime movie. It was twisted and kept you on the edge of your seat, the characters in need of therapy, and an eerie atmosphere; it all made for a great thriller.
I will say a few moments I did have mixed feelings about it; for example how it felt like the main character could never catch a break yet, it conveyed the hopelessness that she was probably feeling while trying to get help. And Ruth’s attitude kinda got on my nerves, she came off a bit arrogant at times and just annoyed me, yet at the same time she was a fighter throughout instead of waiting for someone to save her; so I really appreciated seeing that rather than the “damsel in distress� trope.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � YA Thriller � Being Hunted � Unpredictable � Action Packed � Good Suspense
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Child abuse, Rape, Kidnapping, Religious bigotry, and Injury/Injury detail Moderate: Gun violence, Torture, Violence, and Stalking Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Blood, and Sexual harassment
Following the lives of two daughters of a serial killer who live in a town that has elements of fantasy mixed in with the horror atmosphere.
There was
Following the lives of two daughters of a serial killer who live in a town that has elements of fantasy mixed in with the horror atmosphere.
There was a lot going on with this book, the daughters of a serial killer was very entertaining from a horror perspective, complex with their struggles with their own mental illnesses; it felt a bit like Dexter (TV show) vibes at times. Having said that there were also some moments that seemed random or maybe I just didn’t understand what was going on well enough, but I really struggled to figure out what the plot was for this book. A lot of the supernatural/fantasy elements confused me, there was little to no explanation as to why their town was like that.
While I had a bit of mixed feelings about this book I do really love this cover.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � YA Horror � Suspense � Serial Killers � Fantasy Elements � Creepy Atmosphere
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail Moderate: Bullying, Mental illness, and Gaslighting Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Incest, Pedophilia, Sexual assault, Blood, and Kidnapping
This was an entertaining fast-paced read with nice queer representation and supernatural elements. The main character Cam, lived in a world wher
3.5 ⭐️
This was an entertaining fast-paced read with nice queer representation and supernatural elements. The main character Cam, lived in a world where humans live alongside supernatural people such as werewolves, witches, psychics, fairies, and sprites which were all cool to read about. The lore created in this book world was really nice.
The supernatural beings were treated a lot like how queer people are treated these days; with some extremists out there. Cam’s parents being a bit strange throughout the book, showing through their comments about him finding “normal� (non-supernatural) friends because he was best friends with a witch� Let’s just say it was nice to see some of the characters get their karma. The found family really helped make this a lighter read, bringing in some comfort especially with the drama near the end.
Having said that, I usually really like this author’s work but this one kinda fell flat for me at the 21% mark. I just struggled to get into it and the miscommunication was really frustrating to me. The overall tone of the book felt rushed and kinda like it was lacking in depth a bit at some parts. It was a good read but not necessarily a memorable one like I had hoped.
Thank you to Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read For � Lovesick Pinning � High School Settings � Werewolf Love Interest � Supernatural Elements � Miscommunication Trope
Following the life of Aiden, a junior in high school who tries out for the football team his older brother is on. Both boys love football and Brandon
Following the life of Aiden, a junior in high school who tries out for the football team his older brother is on. Both boys love football and Brandon is mentioned to be a big shot with a bright future ahead of him. Yet, when he steps in to help get his brother out of a fight he ends up being arrested himself. The cops failing to listen to the harm they were causing.
This story did a good job at capturing the life some people have to live. People having the privilege of looking the other way when they see something. Keeping things quiet or being friends with some people all the while putting others in danger by disgusting stereotypes. Aiden finally notices this, he realizes why his parents told him to always mention things like his mom being a lawyer when he was questioned by authorities, or how his brother had to mention their coaches name in order to get a cop convinced they weren’t in the wrong place. It’s in the little things everyday and it’s the smallest action that can have the biggest impact.
The writing is truly outstanding, the plot balances out the unfortunate reality of social justice all the while having a good sense of home, community, and identity as Aiden figures out what happened that night. Aiden has such a good support system in tack with his family and later on with his friends. His thought process was honestly so pleasant to read. I really enjoyed how football was mentioned in this book as well.
If you liked “The Hate You Give� this book has similar vibes and I would highly recommend it.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)
Read For � Football � Coming to Age � Black Autistic Rep � High School Setting � Good Family Dynamics
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Racism, Police brutality, and Gaslighting
A lighthearted college romance with realistic angst that fit well with the plot. This was an enjoyable read, it had an amazing friend group, realistic
A lighthearted college romance with realistic angst that fit well with the plot. This was an enjoyable read, it had an amazing friend group, realistic depression rep, and good character development.
The romance is so nicely done in such a short amount of time, a friendship developing before anything else was really sweet. I had such a good time reading this, it was the perfect rom-com vibe that I needed.
(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity!)
Read For � Rom-Com � Found Family � Friends to Lovers � Good Depression Rep � Wholesome Friendships
Definitely took me a few chapters to get invested but once I was invested I had such a good time listening to this. The narrators did a wonderful job
Definitely took me a few chapters to get invested but once I was invested I had such a good time listening to this. The narrators did a wonderful job and I really enjoyed the banter between the main characters. It was opposite attracts vibes with lots of unresolved sexual tension for a while.
Kian is kinda annoying for a bit of the beginning with all the assumptions he makes with Harper. Their relationship is really cute though once things get sorted out. Giving grumpy x sunshine vibes which was really sweet.
Overall it was a quick and enjoyable audiobook listen, and while I know nothing about F1 a gay sports romance will always have my interest.
Thank you to the author, HarperAudio, and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Read For � Teammates � Good Banter � Opposites Attract � Age Gap (33 & 25) � Secret Relationship
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Chronic illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Dementia, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail Moderate: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Blood, Vomit, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment Minor: Child abuse, Cursing, Homophobia, Car accident, and Outing
Read For: � Horror � Short Story � Small Town � B-Movie Vibe � Irish Countryside
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ A small town in the Irish countryside that has nothing bu
Read For: � Horror � Short Story � Small Town � B-Movie Vibe � Irish Countryside
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ A small town in the Irish countryside that has nothing but horror to offer. This book was a short fast-paced read, I would have really liked it if it had a bit more on the history of the town; I enjoyed the eerie atmosphere.
I did have a little difficulty caring for the main characters, they were given so many warnings and while no it wouldn’t be much of a story if they left� it was still annoying.
Thank you to the author, Cranthorpe Millner Publishers, and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
If I’m being honest the first sentence had me with this book, loved it! The banter was so cute, I loved how they began, the stealing a sign was
2.75 ⭐️
If I’m being honest the first sentence had me with this book, loved it! The banter was so cute, I loved how they began, the stealing a sign was such an iconic moment and I’m a sucker for the sunshine character that has anxiety and depression; the character depth to accomplish that is really nice to see.
In general all the queer rep and mental health representation was on point.
It wasn’t until the 63% mark that things kinda fell flat for me. The characters felt more telling than showing and the plot got too cliché for my taste. A lot of the drama near this point and to the end was extremely predictable and I just couldn’t get back into it.
Most of the things that happened near the end just felt rushed and lacking whatever charm it had in the first part of the book.
Thank you to the author, Canary Street Press, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and NetGalley for a eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read For � Artist MC � Hockey Player MC � Third Act Breakup � Grumpy x Sunshine � Black Cat x Golden Retriever
⚠️ Content Warnings Graphic: Cursing, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content Moderate: Grief and Abandonment Minor: Alcoholism, Death, Medical content, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Read For: � 1980s � Hurt/Comfort � Witches (obviously) � Great Queer Representation � Season 11 American Horror Story Vibes
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ I wasn’t sure
Read For: � 1980s � Hurt/Comfort � Witches (obviously) � Great Queer Representation � Season 11 American Horror Story Vibes
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ I wasn’t sure what all to expect with this book but ended up reading it in two days. The characters all had good depth and personality. The book focuses on Fire Island and how it is such a paradise for gay people; only for the main character to realize there would be a lot of problems from day one. While friends and enemies made some drama, this book had an interesting plot with a bit of fantasy mixed in as well. This book deals with topics of the AIDS pandemic and having loved ones living with it and grief of those who had passed because of it.
While having a completely different plot and characters this had the general vibe of American Horror Story season 11, NYC. So if you liked that season you’ll probably really enjoy this book.
Thank you to the author, Alcove Press, and NetGalley for this ebook in exchange for an honest review
Read For: � ADHD MC � His Boss’s Ex � Plus Sized MC � Age Gap Relationship � Wholesome and Spicy
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ Hear me out, this book felt like a cozy w
Read For: � ADHD MC � His Boss’s Ex � Plus Sized MC � Age Gap Relationship � Wholesome and Spicy
˗ˏˋ � REVIEW � ˎˊ˗ Hear me out, this book felt like a cozy winter vacation to a cabin. This age gap romance is so sweet and brings all the wholesomeness of a Hallmark movie but better because it’s queer and a bit spicy as well.
Enchanting and full of charm with humor laced throughout this book, giving a great balance of sincere emotion and lots of laughs. It was so enjoyable to read. These characters were all so well thought out and written wonderfully. The supporting cast were even amazing too. I loved the plot and how things played out.
Thank you a bunch to Afterglow Books for an eARC copy of this book in exchange for a review.