This book, in fact, was not wonderful—it was a crime.
To preface my review, romance is my least favorite and least-read genre. So, when I received thiThis book, in fact, was not wonderful—it was a crime.
To preface my review, romance is my least favorite and least-read genre. So, when I received this book as a gift, a blind date with a book, I thought it might change my perception of romance novels. But alas, dear readers, it did not.
The story is essentially a knockoff of one of Agatha Christie's books, where a prominent writer goes missing in her own manor after inviting some family members and three authors. The focus couple, Maggie and Ethan, are among the guests.
I found myself more interested in the background characters than in these two. Maggie is supposed to be likable but is anything but, and Ethan is just another generic macho man. The plot is long, boring, and stuffed with every romance trope imaginable.
Beyond that, I found parts of this book quite problematic. One scene that stood out involves baby Ellie instantly calming down in Ethan’s arms. While this moment is likely meant to be lighthearted, Maggie’s comment�"Well, it is a girl,"—raises concerns. It implies that Ellie’s preference for Ethan is due to her gender rather than simple comfort, reinforcing outdated ideas about female behavior.
The most unsettling aspect is that Ellie is an infant, yet Maggie interprets her actions through a gendered, almost romanticized lens. Babies seek warmth and security, not companionship based on gender. Framing Ellie’s reaction this way subtly implies an attraction-based dynamic that feels uncomfortable—especially in light of recent controversies, such as the Australian author’s book that stirred similar discussions. This left a bad taste in my mouth.
Adding to my frustration was the repeated "I hate you so much I could kill you" sentiment. At one point, Maggie lies in bed fantasizing about ways to murder Ethan. What has romance come to? This isn’t romantic—it’s a huge red flag.
Ultimately, this book was definitely not for me....more
This book had been sitting on my physical TBR stand for years, so I finally decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I had The first DNF of the year.
This book had been sitting on my physical TBR stand for years, so I finally decided to give it a shot. Unfortunately, I had to put it away after encountering the word f**king more times than I could count in such a short book. It felt excessive, and I just couldn't push through—for my sanity. LOL.
⚠️ Before deciding to read this book, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings. ⚠️
I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through the Libby ⚠️ Before deciding to read this book, I highly recommend checking the trigger warnings. ⚠️
I stumbled upon this book while scrolling through the Libby app, and the title and genre immediately caught my attention. Naturally, I had to read it right away.
The story follows Winifred Notty, who becomes a governess in the Pounds household. But here’s the thing—Winifred is batshit crazy. She’s a ruthless killer, a wolf in wolf’s clothing, unbeknownst to the Pounds.
This book is grotesque, nauseating, and deeply unsettling. Reading from Winifred’s POV feels like experiencing a psychotic breakdown every few pages, and it’s wild. She’s like a twisted mix of Lizzie Borden and Patrick Bateman from American Psycho.
While the book is short, with brief chapters, it leaves more questions than answers. The plot holes are glaring, and as a reader, I felt a lack of closure.
That said, I still found it an interesting read. It delivers on gothic horror vibes, and I can see why it caught attention. I’ve read that A24 has acquired the rights for a film adaptation, which is exciting—I love their work, and I’m curious to see how they bring this unsettling story to life.
Again, check the trigger warnings before picking this up. This book isn’t for everyone....more
The White Book by Han Kang is a meditative and poetic novel that blends fiction, memoir, and philosophical reflection. It revolves around the narratorThe White Book by Han Kang is a meditative and poetic novel that blends fiction, memoir, and philosophical reflection. It revolves around the narrator’s contemplation of the color white, using it as a lens to explore themes of loss, grief, and memory.
The book is structured as a series of short, fragmented prose pieces, each centered on white objects—snow, salt, rice, swaddling cloth, fog, and more. The narrator reflects on the death of her older sister, who died shortly after birth, and how that loss has shaped her existence. Set partly in a foreign city, the book also examines personal and collective trauma, weaving in reflections on history and war.
The book’s greatest strength lies in its emotional resonance—Kang’s writing is sparse yet profound, evoking a sense of longing and remembrance. The way she weaves personal grief with broader historical wounds adds layers of depth, making it more than just a personal meditation.
The White Book is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking read that lingers long after the last page. Perfect for those who appreciate quiet, meditative literature....more
This was my first full-length novel by Freida McFadden (aside from the satire novella I read last month), and I was lucky enough to buddy read it withThis was my first full-length novel by Freida McFadden (aside from the satire novella I read last month), and I was lucky enough to buddy read it with a friend—which made the experience even more enjoyable!
The Crash is definitely an interesting read. While I’m not too familiar with McFadden’s work, I’ve heard she’s known for her unpredictable plot twists, and this book delivers on that reputation.
The story follows two women. First, there’s Teegan, a young woman in her early twenties who is heavily pregnant as a result of a non-consensual act. When things take a turn for the worse, she decides to drive through a snowstorm to reach her brother’s place—but she crashes and is rescued by a seemingly kind couple.
Then there’s Polly, who lives in an isolated, freezing area with her husband, Hank. Polly is a devoted wife, but her intense longing for motherhood has clouded her judgment. When she crosses paths with Teegan, things quickly spiral into chaos.
While the plot itself isn’t groundbreaking, it thrives on misunderstandings and assumptions between the two women. At times, I found myself frustrated with their poor decisions and flawed logic, yet I couldn’t help but feel sympathy for both, as life had clearly dealt them a tough hand.
As for the big reveal—I had mixed feelings. If we had gotten a chapter or two from that particular character’s POV, I think it would have landed better. I wasn’t completely blown away by the twist, but it wasn’t terrible either, it was rather more...odd.
Overall, I had a good time reading this one!...more
This book was an absolute whirlwind—entertaining, messy, and scandalous in the best way! I devoured it. Initially, I hesitated, assuming it was just aThis book was an absolute whirlwind—entertaining, messy, and scandalous in the best way! I devoured it. Initially, I hesitated, assuming it was just another sports romance, but it turned out to be so much more. At its core, The Favorites is about a woman determined to forge her own path, both on and off the ice.
The story unfolds through an unauthorized documentary filmed ten years after Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha’s final skate—the last time the world heard from Katarina. Friends, rivals, and insiders weigh in, but Katarina is set on reclaiming her own narrative. The book alternates between interview transcripts (in a style reminiscent of 'Daisy Jones & The Six') and Katarina’s first-person account, drawing readers into the dramatic rise and fall that made her infamous.
The characters are incredibly well-developed—flawed, complex, and deeply human. You might hate them at times, but their authenticity is undeniable. Katarina, in particular, is unapologetically ambitious, and while some readers might judge her for her selfishness, I found her determination compelling.
Beyond the personal drama, the book also explores the ruthless demands placed on athletes, especially women—how the world expects them to give everything for success and then condemns them for the choices they make to get there. It also delves into relationships, both platonic and romantic, embracing their imperfections and toxicity in a way that feels raw and real.
Like I said—messy, dramatic, and juicy. And I loved every second of it. It might not be the most heartwarming or poetic book out there, but it’s an absolute page-turner. Five stars from me!
If you enjoyed 'Daisy Jones & The Six', 'Wuthering Heights' (there are light nods to the classic), or 'I, Tonya', this one is a must-read....more
The author did an excellent job exploring language—how it connects people, reveals truths about the world, and expresses emotion. Reading this book inThe author did an excellent job exploring language—how it connects people, reveals truths about the world, and expresses emotion. Reading this book in today’s political climate felt eerily relevant. It examines the control of media, propaganda, education, separation, knowledge, and brainwashing to maintain a compliant population. What sets this story apart is the way it translates these ideas into a world divided between humans, dragons, rebels, and a manipulative government.
Initially, I expected the main character and the dragon to escape to a sanctuary filled with dragons, where she’d learn more about their language. However, that wasn’t the plot—I may have imagined that part on my own. Instead, the story centers on a group of misfits using their unique skills to help the government combat a coalition of human and dragon rebels. While the premise is engaging, the middle section dragged on longer than necessary, which slowed the pacing for me.
I understand why some readers might dislike the main character. She comes across as overly righteous or selfish at times. But I found her inner conflict compelling—torn between saving her family and making the difficult choice to sacrifice them for the greater good of innocent humans and dragons.
I’m unsure if this is meant to be part of a series or a standalone novel. If it’s a standalone, there are significant plot holes and unresolved questions. For instance, I would’ve appreciated a deeper exploration of the world-building and more backstory about how things came to be.
Overall, I think this book would appeal to readers who love stories about language and dragons. Despite its flaws, it offers an intriguing take on the power of communication and the bonds that transcend species and ideologies....more
A snarky handbook full of clever comebacks to deal with annoying guys sounded like it had the potential to be hilarious. While not every moment hit thA snarky handbook full of clever comebacks to deal with annoying guys sounded like it had the potential to be hilarious. While not every moment hit the mark, there were definitely parts that made me laugh, and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Having seen Kyle Prue’s TikTok series “Things to Say to Piss Off Men�, this book felt like a fun continuation of his witty style, making for an amusing and lighthearted read....more
This was my first time reading a book by Freida McFadden, and what an experience it was! The entire novella was absurd, ridiculous, and utterly unseriThis was my first time reading a book by Freida McFadden, and what an experience it was! The entire novella was absurd, ridiculous, and utterly unserious—in the best possible way. As a satirical piece, it served as the perfect palate cleanser before diving into my next read.
Is it the best or most thought-provoking book I’ve ever read? No, but that’s beside the point. I still had a great time with it, and it turned out to be exactly what I didn’t know I needed—it made me snort amusingly more than a few times and kept me hooked from start to finish.
Sometimes, you just need a quirky, light read to take a break from heavier stories, and this one did the trick perfectly....more
As a fan of horror stories with a fairytale twist, I couldn’t resist the dark allure of homicidal, anthropomorphic animals—this story was right up my As a fan of horror stories with a fairytale twist, I couldn’t resist the dark allure of homicidal, anthropomorphic animals—this story was right up my alley.
The protagonist, Samatha, is a serial killer with a strict rule: never kill in her own small town. But when bodies start appearing close to home, she becomes desperate to unmask the murderer before her own gruesome secrets come to light.
The artwork is stunning, with adorable, sweet-looking animals juxtaposed against chillingly macabre crime scenes. The contrast is striking and unsettling, making for a truly memorable experience....more
A charming blend of fairy tale and Christmas parable, The Wood at Midwinter tells the story of Merowdis, a young woman longing for a child to share heA charming blend of fairy tale and Christmas parable, The Wood at Midwinter tells the story of Merowdis, a young woman longing for a child to share her life, finding solace among the trees. Clarke weaves a delicate and heartfelt narrative, beautifully complemented by Victoria Sawdon's stunning illustrations. Together, they create a picture book for adults—a warm and enchanting tale perfect for cold winter nights.
While I adored the story and its atmosphere, I only wish it had been a little longer to allow for deeper character development....more
I really enjoyed the portrayal of women's friendship in this book—it felt like a breath of fresh air, distinctly different from other female friendshiI really enjoyed the portrayal of women's friendship in this book—it felt like a breath of fresh air, distinctly different from other female friendships I’ve encountered in literature.
The author masterfully delves into themes of human connection and depression, capturing the conflicting feelings of wanting to give up while simultaneously yearning to live. As you age, the book’s exploration of rethinking past decisions becomes particularly resonant and thought-provoking.
I was genuinely surprised by how much I loved this story. Reading and listening to the audiobook was an incredible experience.
This is easily one of my favorite books of the year....more
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio is like a fast-paced Scooby-Doo mystery, and I’m still unsure how to feel about it. If you’re expecting horror � as I was Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio is like a fast-paced Scooby-Doo mystery, and I’m still unsure how to feel about it. If you’re expecting horror � as I was � you’ll need to reset your expectations. There’s nothing truly scary here. It’s more quirky than creepy, with some questionable science, but definitely not horror.
The story also lacks the gothic atmosphere I was hoping for, and overall, it’s a very strange, short read. By the end, I had more questions than answers. That said, the author’s note was a nice touch and quite intriguing....more
"MDATMB" is the second, and I believe the final, book in the Morisaki Bookstore series—and it's definitely my favorite of the two.
The story picks up f"MDATMB" is the second, and I believe the final, book in the Morisaki Bookstore series—and it's definitely my favorite of the two.
The story picks up from the previous book, and this time, it felt much more heartwarming, resonating with me on a deeper level. It beautifully illustrates how stories and books have the power to bring people together during times of grief, happiness, or even when trying to mend fractured relationships.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one, and I love the series as a whole.
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