en-US Sun, 13 Apr 2025 23:24:51 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 61686006 A young Native girl's hunt for answers about the women mysteriously disappearing from her tribe's reservation lead her to delve into the myths and stories of her people, all while being haunted herself, in this atmospheric and stunningly poignant debut.

Anna Horn is always looking over her shoulder. For the bullies who torment her, for the entitled visitors at the reservation's casino...and for the nameless, disembodied entity that stalks her every step--an ancient tribal myth come-to-life, one that's intent on devouring her whole.

With strange and sinister happenings occurring around the casino, Anna starts to suspect that not all the horrors on the reservation are old. As girls begin to go missing and the tribe scrambles to find answers, Anna struggles with her place on the rez, desperately searching for the key she's sure lies in the legends of her tribe's past.

When Anna's own little sister also disappears, she'll do anything to bring Grace home. But the demons plaguing the reservation--both ancient and new--are strong, and sometimes, it's the stories that never get told that are the most important.

Part gripping thriller and part mythological horror, author Nick Medina spins an incisive and timely novel of life as an outcast, the cost of forgetting tradition, and the courage it takes to become who you were always meant to be.]]> 338 Nick Medina 0593546857 Allison 5
When she's not dodging bullies at school or keeping the peace at home, Anna works in housekeeping at the reservation's hotel and casino. Her job is a way to bring in a (small) amount of cash until she turns eighteen and starts getting her per-capita checks from the tribe. With more cash flow to be distributed for various tribal projects, Anna's father is encouraging her to present a proposal for a tribal preservation society. Anna has been interested in tribal lore since childhood, but the woman who once kept their stories alive was murdered ten years ago. Anna's uncle, who worked at the cemetery, told her at the time that the disinterred, dismembered head of the tribe's last chief was responsible for the death, and that story has stuck with her. She still hears a skull rustling through the underbrush after her on lonely walks, and her continued fear is another source of ridicule.

It's 1996 in Louisiana, and our story takes place jumping around during a 30-day period that ends with Anna finding a girl's dead body in a field. We can't be sure who she's found because, in fact, several girls from the tribe are missing. And one of them is Grace. The story engages with the rampant violence against Indigenous women and girls in our country, the many that still haven't been found. The story also features the rise of meth during this period. Through Anna's hotel job, she sees all kinds of dangers and disasters lurking behind closed doors.

This book hits hard. There are several heavy, important topics at play, and they're brought to life here through the vivacious characters and their complicated experiences. It makes sure the reader is caring on two fronts-- the big picture is worth everyone's notice and passion, and the personal story here draws you in for that up-close-and-personal view. Make sure you check out the provided content warnings if you need to since the book doesn't flinch away from several relevant and serious topics. As a queer reader, I want to mention one thing in particular. Anna's experience with bullying relates to her compounded identities, something the book addresses clearly. I want to assure potential readers that what starts as hints at Anna's queerness are eventually addressed head-on. This mirrors Anna's journey to understanding herself when few resources are available to help her on her way, when sources of wisdom have been removed beyond her reach. Like any other of the difficult stories this book has to tell, we get the parts that are painful and real, but we get hope and meaning, as well. In this case, Anna comes to the beginning of a cathartic realization that will carry her into a future where she can be more at ease with herself and show up as her whole self for her community.

Beyond the messaging, which I found so impactful and so masterfully woven into the plot, there is much to recommend this book. For one, Anna is an easy protagonist to support. Even when she makes mistakes, she does so with such earnestness and care for others. You can't help but want to see her succeed. And that's before you take into account the obvious moral high ground she occupies in her many fights. The thriller aspects of the book are engrossing and heart-stopping. I was fully committed to Anna's race against the clock to find her sister and the other missing girls. The villains are believable and skin-crawling. And finally, the horror elements are light with a kind of magical realism feel. By that, I mean that they are part of Anna's experiences seamlessly-- it's all interconnected.

I can't recommend this book enough. It covers all of the emotional bases and has something meaningful to say. It has the urgency of a strong thriller with a rare-for-the-genre likable protagonist. It gives readers much to think about and hopefully, a better future to fight for. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.85 2023
author: Nick Medina
name: Allison
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: 2025-reads, bipoc-protagonist, favorites, indigenous-protagonist, mystery-thriller, netgalley, queer-protagonist, single-pov, thought-provoking, twists-and-turns, two-spirit-protagonist
review:
In Sisters of the Lost Nation, Anna Horn is desperately trying to survive her senior year in one piece. Relentlessly bullied, she was recently and unanimously voted for homecoming king, a stunt meant to shame her. Meanwhile, at home, Anna feels distant from her two younger siblings and her feuding parents. She was once best friends with her sister, Grace, but there's been a new distance between them now that Grace has joined her at the high school. The three siblings personify their birth order pretty plainly. Anna looks out for everyone and fills in for various emotional needs as they come up. Grace feels overlooked and forced to deal with the fallout from what she perceives as her older sister's bullheaded commitment to unpopularity. Meanwhile, little brother Robbie is babied and favored by all.

When she's not dodging bullies at school or keeping the peace at home, Anna works in housekeeping at the reservation's hotel and casino. Her job is a way to bring in a (small) amount of cash until she turns eighteen and starts getting her per-capita checks from the tribe. With more cash flow to be distributed for various tribal projects, Anna's father is encouraging her to present a proposal for a tribal preservation society. Anna has been interested in tribal lore since childhood, but the woman who once kept their stories alive was murdered ten years ago. Anna's uncle, who worked at the cemetery, told her at the time that the disinterred, dismembered head of the tribe's last chief was responsible for the death, and that story has stuck with her. She still hears a skull rustling through the underbrush after her on lonely walks, and her continued fear is another source of ridicule.

It's 1996 in Louisiana, and our story takes place jumping around during a 30-day period that ends with Anna finding a girl's dead body in a field. We can't be sure who she's found because, in fact, several girls from the tribe are missing. And one of them is Grace. The story engages with the rampant violence against Indigenous women and girls in our country, the many that still haven't been found. The story also features the rise of meth during this period. Through Anna's hotel job, she sees all kinds of dangers and disasters lurking behind closed doors.

This book hits hard. There are several heavy, important topics at play, and they're brought to life here through the vivacious characters and their complicated experiences. It makes sure the reader is caring on two fronts-- the big picture is worth everyone's notice and passion, and the personal story here draws you in for that up-close-and-personal view. Make sure you check out the provided content warnings if you need to since the book doesn't flinch away from several relevant and serious topics. As a queer reader, I want to mention one thing in particular. Anna's experience with bullying relates to her compounded identities, something the book addresses clearly. I want to assure potential readers that what starts as hints at Anna's queerness are eventually addressed head-on. This mirrors Anna's journey to understanding herself when few resources are available to help her on her way, when sources of wisdom have been removed beyond her reach. Like any other of the difficult stories this book has to tell, we get the parts that are painful and real, but we get hope and meaning, as well. In this case, Anna comes to the beginning of a cathartic realization that will carry her into a future where she can be more at ease with herself and show up as her whole self for her community.

Beyond the messaging, which I found so impactful and so masterfully woven into the plot, there is much to recommend this book. For one, Anna is an easy protagonist to support. Even when she makes mistakes, she does so with such earnestness and care for others. You can't help but want to see her succeed. And that's before you take into account the obvious moral high ground she occupies in her many fights. The thriller aspects of the book are engrossing and heart-stopping. I was fully committed to Anna's race against the clock to find her sister and the other missing girls. The villains are believable and skin-crawling. And finally, the horror elements are light with a kind of magical realism feel. By that, I mean that they are part of Anna's experiences seamlessly-- it's all interconnected.

I can't recommend this book enough. It covers all of the emotional bases and has something meaningful to say. It has the urgency of a strong thriller with a rare-for-the-genre likable protagonist. It gives readers much to think about and hopefully, a better future to fight for. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!
]]> 61100920 Two rival spies must brave pirates, witches, and fake matrimony to save the Queen.

Known as Agent A, Alice is the top operative within the Agency of Undercover Note Takers, a secret government intelligence group that is fortunately better at espionage than at naming itself. From managing deceptive witches to bored aristocratic ladies, nothing is beyond Alice’s capabilities. She has a steely composure and a plan always up her sleeve (alongside a dagger and an embroidered handkerchief). So when rumors of an assassination plot begin to circulate, she’s immediately assigned to the case.

But she’s not working alone. Daniel Bixby, otherwise known as Agent B and Alice’s greatest rival, is given the most challenging undercover assignment of his life� pretending to be Alice’s husband. Together they will assume the identity of a married couple, infiltrate a pirate house party, and foil their unpatriotic plans.

Determined to remain consummate professionals, Alice and Daniel must ignore the growing attraction between them, especially since acting on it might prove more dangerous than their target.]]> 368 India Holton 0593547276 Allison 3
I can't decide if I think that this book is trying too hard to be funny. One aspect that I believe was meant to be cute and silly, but which I found grating, was how oblivious our protagonists (supposedly the smartest and best of spies) were to obvious clues. I'm not talking about the sorts of missed cues we can attribute to neurodivergence, either (more on that in a moment). I mean overlooking the overhanded pirate usage of spy puns in every conversation. And attributing suspicious behavior to the general suspiciousness or unlikability of a suspect, making it unworthy of specific attention. How are you two the top agents of anything?? So, anyway, a more relaxed individual might find these missteps fun rather than exasperating... I'm just a bit too tightly wound, perhaps.

On the other hand, this book's quite a bit hotter than I remember the first two being. And I think the latter half worked better for me because it's more romance-heavy and less about the humor, though that's still present. We also get more on the history of our characters and see how they tick beyond the surface level. Alice, in particular, has some strong neurospicy energy. She takes things literally, has trained herself to comprehend others' facial expressions, hates messes of any sort, is exhausted by people-ing, and is oblivious to innuendo. And then there's her distaste for light touches, which has a direct impact on how she experiences intimacy and how she would like to pursue it.

The broader story, once you get past the jokes and even the spicy romance, is about how our protagonists are both basically brainwashing victims who get the opportunity to come up for air. It's not obvious to them at first because they're so exactly cut from the same cloth (by design). But they have this shared childhood experience of conditioning that's led to years lacking in relationships or a real life of any kind. Only by seeing each other clearly can they start to understand how unfair it all is. Something you take for granted for yourself feels wrong when applied to a loved one.

A final and maybe weird opinion I have is that a slapdash attempt at found family is worse than skipping the trope altogether. I believed in Alice and Daniel as a unit. It was their supposed friend group that felt convenient rather than real. Add to that a series epilogue where all the couples of the trilogy show up with babies, and I'm not about it. Maybe it's the childless dog lady in me, but that just feels so... ick.

Where I land on this one is that the second book in this trilogy is still far and away my favorite. That being said, I think this story warms up to something really heartfelt and interesting, and I was surprised and delighted at how hot things got, as well. I think that readers who are already committed to the series' humor as a whole (I've always been a bit skeptical) will be excited to find more of the same here. These protagonists add a lot to the series, and I'm glad I read their story. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.95 2023
author: India Holton
name: Allison
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: 2025-reads, dual-pov, fake-dating, forbidden-romance, forced-proximity, historical-romance, ice-queen-romance, netgalley, neurodivergent-protagonist, no-final-act-breakup, on-the-run-romance, only-one-bed, open-door-romance, rivals-to-lovers, romance, romance-with-expiration, spy-romance, workplace-romance
review:
A.U.N.T. is a spy organization, its acronym standing for Agency of Undercover Note Takers, naturally. The group is populated by those trained dually as servants and spies, intent on keeping order in a world overrun by the chaos of witches and pirates. Alice Dearlove and Daniel Bixby have been anonymous rivals in the organization as its top two agents. She works as a lady's maid and he as a butler, but now the two will take on a pair of new roles-- that of husband and wife-- to stop an assassination attempt on Queen Victoria. Both have the classic "I work alone" routine down pat, so this is an unwelcome development despite the tension crackling between them.

I can't decide if I think that this book is trying too hard to be funny. One aspect that I believe was meant to be cute and silly, but which I found grating, was how oblivious our protagonists (supposedly the smartest and best of spies) were to obvious clues. I'm not talking about the sorts of missed cues we can attribute to neurodivergence, either (more on that in a moment). I mean overlooking the overhanded pirate usage of spy puns in every conversation. And attributing suspicious behavior to the general suspiciousness or unlikability of a suspect, making it unworthy of specific attention. How are you two the top agents of anything?? So, anyway, a more relaxed individual might find these missteps fun rather than exasperating... I'm just a bit too tightly wound, perhaps.

On the other hand, this book's quite a bit hotter than I remember the first two being. And I think the latter half worked better for me because it's more romance-heavy and less about the humor, though that's still present. We also get more on the history of our characters and see how they tick beyond the surface level. Alice, in particular, has some strong neurospicy energy. She takes things literally, has trained herself to comprehend others' facial expressions, hates messes of any sort, is exhausted by people-ing, and is oblivious to innuendo. And then there's her distaste for light touches, which has a direct impact on how she experiences intimacy and how she would like to pursue it.

The broader story, once you get past the jokes and even the spicy romance, is about how our protagonists are both basically brainwashing victims who get the opportunity to come up for air. It's not obvious to them at first because they're so exactly cut from the same cloth (by design). But they have this shared childhood experience of conditioning that's led to years lacking in relationships or a real life of any kind. Only by seeing each other clearly can they start to understand how unfair it all is. Something you take for granted for yourself feels wrong when applied to a loved one.

A final and maybe weird opinion I have is that a slapdash attempt at found family is worse than skipping the trope altogether. I believed in Alice and Daniel as a unit. It was their supposed friend group that felt convenient rather than real. Add to that a series epilogue where all the couples of the trilogy show up with babies, and I'm not about it. Maybe it's the childless dog lady in me, but that just feels so... ick.

Where I land on this one is that the second book in this trilogy is still far and away my favorite. That being said, I think this story warms up to something really heartfelt and interesting, and I was surprised and delighted at how hot things got, as well. I think that readers who are already committed to the series' humor as a whole (I've always been a bit skeptical) will be excited to find more of the same here. These protagonists add a lot to the series, and I'm glad I read their story. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!
]]> 21893608 Alternate cover edition for this ASIN can be found here

The thrilling adventure of Lady Trent continues in Marie Brennan's Voyage of the Basilisk . . .

Devoted readers of Lady Trent’s earlier memoirs, A Natural History of Dragons and The Tropic of Serpents, may believe themselves already acquainted with the particulars of her historic voyage aboard the Royal Survey Ship Basilisk, but the true story of that illuminating, harrowing, and scandalous journey has never been revealed—until now. Six years after her perilous exploits in Eriga, Isabella embarks on her most ambitious expedition yet: a two-year trip around the world to study all manner of dragons in every place they might be found. From feathered serpents sunning themselves in the ruins of a fallen civilization to the mighty sea serpents of the tropics, these creatures are a source of both endless fascination and frequent peril. Accompanying her is not only her young son, Jake, but a chivalrous foreign archaeologist whose interests converge with Isabella’s in ways both professional and personal.

Science is, of course, the primary objective of the voyage, but Isabella’s life is rarely so simple. She must cope with storms, shipwrecks, intrigue, and warfare, even as she makes a discovery that offers a revolutionary new insight into the ancient history of dragons.]]> 370 Marie Brennan 1429956364 Allison 3
We start to see the long-hinted next (first?) great romance (I think? I assume? It hasn't all unraveled yet) of Isabella's life. I've long anticipated it with all her sly little mentions of what was coming over the first two books, and I was happy with the love interest upon meeting him. Suhail is an archaeologist (immediate bonus points) focusing on the everyday life of a Draconean past rather than the big, splashy things (aka how you know this was written by a real archaeologist and not a person with a pop culture imagination of the job). He's a gifted linguist, a proper gentleman, and a thrill-seeking lover of intellectual adventure. This combination of factors makes him the ideal match for Isabella. I enjoyed the fact that he's Akhian, which seems modeled on Arab culture, broadly speaking. And I especially appreciated that Suhail and the broader community of Akhian scientists go some way to recognizing the great status and influence of Arab intellectuals and explorers, which are real but often downplayed in the Western canon. My only complaint here is that, in typical fashion, Isabella only gives us hints of her deeper emotions, and furthermore, we don't see the romance reach any sort of resolution, just the barest first blush. It's a low-key kind of crushing/pining that ends with premature parting. Though we were promised romance and scandal on the Basilisk, I think it comes more from others' assumptions than anything that's actually happened. For something more substantial, it seems we'll need to tune in for future books.

An unexpected and interesting development in this volume is an opportunity for pondering gender and transness through Isabella's experiences on the island of Keonga. The islanders identify Isabella as someone outside of gender norms (since she dresses and acts in ways that are associated with masculinity). To suit island customs and keep herself safe, Isabella will need to take the steps the islanders deem appropriate-- namely, pretending her son is not hers and finding a wife. It's not entirely a sign of queer acceptance, though. It still limits what it can be and how. For example, Isabella is not given a choice about whether she identifies with how the islanders perceive her or wants to live as they deem. Then, when Isabella is concerned that this marriage comes with an expectation of embarking on a sapphic relationship in truth, her local guide is dismissive of this concern because the relationship is meant to be symbolic but not acted on. So it seems that the people occupying this liminal, third-gender space have expanded opportunities for gender expression but are limited in how they express their sexuality since their marriage to someone of the same sex is strictly enforced but not meant to include a physical relationship. In the end, Isabella notes that as long as the understanding of what it is to be a woman remains so limited, it honestly makes sense that she occupy an in-between space. I think that all of these conversations are intriguing, and I wish that we'd had the opportunity to dive into them a bit deeper in the story.

While I think this book follows the natural flow of the series and maintains its tone and style, it didn't strike me as profoundly as the volume that came before it. The second book dealt with Lady Trent's feelings more than any other because she reached a point where she couldn't ignore them, particularly since she was processing a lot of grief. The fieldwork was also more field-y. In this book, Isabella is doing a broad survey that lends itself to theorizing instead of the more pointed digging we saw before. I missed that hyper-focus. All the same, the series continues to occupy a specific space of historical fantasy with an emphasis on science and exploration that I find compelling, so I'm curious to see what it has in store next. Especially if there's some romantic payoff.]]> 4.20 2015
author: Marie Brennan
name: Allison
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2015
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/13
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: 2025-reads, fantasy, single-pov, world-building
review:
In Voyage of the Basilisk, Lady Trent takes to the sea. Though we see her curb her impulsiveness a bit with her son in tow, she's still the same determined scientist who will push boundaries for the discovery of a lifetime. We see her observing sea serpents under a precarious diving bell on the ocean floor and telling off soldiers who want to kill a mated pair of dragons for money, for example. We also find her furiously sketching a sea serpent while a battle against it rages on the ship and riding a different sea serpent at a later date... during a new battle of the human vs. human sort. And while those details might make the story sound action-packed, like the previous books in the series, it's largely a book about a woman science-ing, so expect all the intellectualizing and noodling that comes with that.

We start to see the long-hinted next (first?) great romance (I think? I assume? It hasn't all unraveled yet) of Isabella's life. I've long anticipated it with all her sly little mentions of what was coming over the first two books, and I was happy with the love interest upon meeting him. Suhail is an archaeologist (immediate bonus points) focusing on the everyday life of a Draconean past rather than the big, splashy things (aka how you know this was written by a real archaeologist and not a person with a pop culture imagination of the job). He's a gifted linguist, a proper gentleman, and a thrill-seeking lover of intellectual adventure. This combination of factors makes him the ideal match for Isabella. I enjoyed the fact that he's Akhian, which seems modeled on Arab culture, broadly speaking. And I especially appreciated that Suhail and the broader community of Akhian scientists go some way to recognizing the great status and influence of Arab intellectuals and explorers, which are real but often downplayed in the Western canon. My only complaint here is that, in typical fashion, Isabella only gives us hints of her deeper emotions, and furthermore, we don't see the romance reach any sort of resolution, just the barest first blush. It's a low-key kind of crushing/pining that ends with premature parting. Though we were promised romance and scandal on the Basilisk, I think it comes more from others' assumptions than anything that's actually happened. For something more substantial, it seems we'll need to tune in for future books.

An unexpected and interesting development in this volume is an opportunity for pondering gender and transness through Isabella's experiences on the island of Keonga. The islanders identify Isabella as someone outside of gender norms (since she dresses and acts in ways that are associated with masculinity). To suit island customs and keep herself safe, Isabella will need to take the steps the islanders deem appropriate-- namely, pretending her son is not hers and finding a wife. It's not entirely a sign of queer acceptance, though. It still limits what it can be and how. For example, Isabella is not given a choice about whether she identifies with how the islanders perceive her or wants to live as they deem. Then, when Isabella is concerned that this marriage comes with an expectation of embarking on a sapphic relationship in truth, her local guide is dismissive of this concern because the relationship is meant to be symbolic but not acted on. So it seems that the people occupying this liminal, third-gender space have expanded opportunities for gender expression but are limited in how they express their sexuality since their marriage to someone of the same sex is strictly enforced but not meant to include a physical relationship. In the end, Isabella notes that as long as the understanding of what it is to be a woman remains so limited, it honestly makes sense that she occupy an in-between space. I think that all of these conversations are intriguing, and I wish that we'd had the opportunity to dive into them a bit deeper in the story.

While I think this book follows the natural flow of the series and maintains its tone and style, it didn't strike me as profoundly as the volume that came before it. The second book dealt with Lady Trent's feelings more than any other because she reached a point where she couldn't ignore them, particularly since she was processing a lot of grief. The fieldwork was also more field-y. In this book, Isabella is doing a broad survey that lends itself to theorizing instead of the more pointed digging we saw before. I missed that hyper-focus. All the same, the series continues to occupy a specific space of historical fantasy with an emphasis on science and exploration that I find compelling, so I'm curious to see what it has in store next. Especially if there's some romantic payoff.
]]> 218806332 From a world where women are forbidden to use magic and the only freedom is found on the Caribbean high seas comes a swashbuckling romantasy from USA TODAY bestselling author Eva Leigh.

Condemned as a witch, sentenced to die, Alys Tanner uses her innate magical power to flee Puritanical New England. Stealing a ship, Alys becomes captain of The Sea Witch, leading its all-female, sorcery-wielding pirate crew. But the colonial British navy is in hot pursuit. The navy fights for a choke hold on the Caribbean and will destroy anything they cannot control, especially witches.

When Ben Priestley, a headstrong naval navigator, is inadvertently captured by the lady pirates, dangerous truths are revealed. A quest that could turn the tides against the navy’s might ignites a reluctant partnership between the by-the-books prisoner and the fierce witch pirate captain. While they brave backstabbing pirates, perilous tropical islands and monster-filled seas, Alys and Ben’s mistrust grows into unexpected desire as they battle an enemy that will stop at nothing to rule the waves.]]> Eva Leigh 036976062X Allison 0 to-read 0.0 2025
author: Eva Leigh
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 25561888 228 Yukito Ayatsuji 1508503737 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.79 1987
author: Yukito Ayatsuji
name: Allison
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1987
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 61827548
The only thing worse than hating your boss? Being attracted to her.

Liz Baker and her three roommates work at the Nether Fields, a queer magazine in New York that’s on the verge of shutting down—until it’s bought at the last minute by two wealthy lesbians. Liz knows she’s lucky to still have a paycheck but it’s hard to feel grateful with minority investor Daria Fitzgerald slashing budgets, cancelling bagel Fridays, and password protecting the color printer to prevent “frivolous use.� When Liz overhears Daria scoffing at her listicles, she knows that it’s only a matter of time before her impulsive mouth gets herself fired.

But as Liz and Daria wind up having to spend more and more time together, Liz starts to see a softer side to Daria—she’s funny, thoughtful, and likes the way Liz’s gender presentation varies between butch and femme. Despite the evidence that Liz can’t trust her, it’s hard to keep hating Daria—and even harder to resist the chemistry between them.

This page-turning, sexy, and delightfully funny rom-com celebrates queer culture, chosen family, and falling in love against your better judgment.]]> 320 Camille Kellogg 0593594703 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.71 2023
author: Camille Kellogg
name: Allison
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 61678536
“Enchanting…Cambridge captures Child’s distinct voice and energy so perfectly. Expect to leave this vacation hoping for a return trip.� � Publishers Weekly

As Paris rediscovers its joie de vivre, Tabitha Knight, recently arrived from Detroit for an extended stay with her French grandfather, is on her own journey of discovery. Paris isn’t just the City of Light; it’s the city of history, romance, stunning architecture . . . and food. Thanks to her neighbor and friend Julia Child, another ex-pat who’s fallen head over heels for Paris, Tabitha is learning how to cook for her Grandpère and Oncle Rafe.

Between tutoring Americans in French, visiting the market, and eagerly sampling the results of Julia’s studies at Le Cordon Bleu cooking school, Tabitha’s sojourn is proving thoroughly delightful. That is, until the cold December day they return to Julia’s building and learn that a body has been found in the cellar. Tabitha recognizes the victim as a woman she’d met only the night before, at a party given by Julia’s sister, Dort. The murder weapon found nearby is recognizable too—a knife from Julia’s kitchen.

Tabitha is eager to help the investigation, but is shocked when Inspector Merveille reveals that a note, in Tabitha’s handwriting, was found in the dead woman’s pocket. Is this murder a case of international intrigue, or something far more personal? From the shadows of the Tour Eiffel at midnight, to the tiny third-floor Child kitchen, to the grungy streets of Montmartre, Tabitha navigates through the city hoping to find the real killer before she or one of her friends ends up in prison . . . or worse.

“Part historical fiction, part mystery, Mastering the Art of French Murder is totally delectable entertainment.� � The Washington Post

“Certain to appeal to a broad readership, especially fans of Jacqueline Winspear, Rhys Bowen, and Cambridge’s own Phyllida Bright series.� –First Clue, STARRED REVIEW]]> 304 Colleen Cambridge 1496739590 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.55 2023
author: Colleen Cambridge
name: Allison
average rating: 3.55
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 41883932 To Kill a Mockingbird

Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell's murderer was acquitted - thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend.

As Alabama is consumed by these gripping events, it's not long until news of the case reaches Alabama's - and America's - most famous writer. Intrigued by the story, Harper Lee makes a journey back to her home state to witness the Reverend's killer face trial. Lee had the idea of writing her own In Cold Blood, the true-crime classic she had helped her friend Truman Capote research. She spent a year in town reporting on the Maxwell case and many more years trying to finish the book she called The Reverend.

Now Casey Cep brings this story to life, from the shocking murders to the courtroom drama to the racial politics of the Deep South. At the same time, she offers a deeply moving portrait of one of America's most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success and the mystery of artistic creativity.

This is the story Harper Lee wanted to write. This is the story of why she couldn't.]]> 314 Casey Cep 1101947861 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.74 2019
author: Casey Cep
name: Allison
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 63896177 How should I approach the challenges that come with being ace or aro?
How can I best support the ace and aro people in my life?
Join the The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project (TAAAP) for a deep dive into the process of discovering and embracing your ace and aro identities. Empower yourself to explore the nuances of your identity, find and develop support networks, explore different kinds of partnership, come out to your communities and find real joy within.
Combining a rigorous exploration of identity and sexuality models with hundreds of candid and poignant testimonials - this companion vouches for your personal truth, wherever you lie on the aspec spectrum. You are not invisible! You are among friends.]]> 272 1839976381 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.89
author: The Ace and Aro Advocacy Project
name: Allison
average rating: 3.89
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 220999714 Mary Poppins meets Bridgerton in a feel-good blend of cozy fantasy magic, historical romance, humor, and Victorian era charm, as a recent graduate of the Parasol Academy for Exceptional Nannies and Governesses finds her supernatural abilities are little help when it comes to falling for the shy, mysterious inventor who happens to be her employer . . .

For readers of Heather Fawcett, Allison Saft, Katherine Arden, Freya Marske, and Olivia Atwater’s Regency Faerie Tales series.

Emmeline Chase, 25-year-old widow and new alumna, may be more high-spirited than the Academy would like. Few graduates, however, could turn a mismanaged teleportation onto a duke’s rooftop into an offer of employment. But Emmeline’s circumstances, along with her desperation to support her bankrupt, incarcerated father, have made her dauntless. Which seems the primary qualification to work for expert horologist Xavier Mason, Duke of St. Lawrence, and manage his three rambunctious wards. Yet Emmeline soon discovers that the nobleman’s heart-melting voice and captivating mind present an entirely different sort of trouble. She cannot risk losing her license by fraternizing with her employer . . .

Xavier’s wards have sent two nannies packing in a month thanks to frogs, firecrackers, and general mayhem. In addition, Xavier’s professional reputation is on the line. He’s already considered odd, with his talking raven companion and his fascination with timekeeping instead of pleasure-chasing with his peers. Charming, vivacious Emmeline seems intrigued with his quirks—but Xavier must have absolute peace to design London’s “King of Clocks� for Westminster Palace before the competition closes. Emmeline can no doubt restore order. As long as he doesn’t fall under her spell . . .

Yet, with a possible saboteur in their midst, and the attraction flaring between them threatening to become a deliciously disastrous distraction, a touch of magic may be required . . .]]> 352 Amy Rose Bennett 1496754417 Allison 0 to-read 5.00
author: Amy Rose Bennett
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222376977 A fierce, glamorous sapphic fantasy reimagining the secret societies of postcolonial Singapore, for fans of Jade City, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, and the feverish intensity of RF Kuang’s Poppy War trilogy.

Singapore, 1972: Newly independent, a city of immigrants grappling for power in a fast-modernizing world. Here, gangsters are the last conduits of the gods their ancestors brought with them, and the back alleys where they fight are the last place where magic has not been assimilated and legislated away.

Loner schoolgirl Adeline Siow has never needed more company than the flame she can summon at her fingertips. But when her mother dies in a house fire with a butterfly seared onto her skin and Adeline hunts down a girl she saw in a back-alley barfight—a girl with a butterfly tattoo–she discovers she’s far from alone.

Ang Tian is a Red Butterfly: one of a gang of girls who came from nothing, sworn to a fire goddess and empowered to wreak vengeance on the men that abuse and underestimate them. Adeline’s mother led a double life as their elusive patron, Madam Butterfly. Now that she’s dead, Adeline’s bloodline is the sole thing sustaining the goddess. Between her search for her mother’s killer and the gang’s succession crisis, Adeline becomes quickly entangled with the girls� dangerous world, and even more so with the charismatic Tian.

But no home lasts long around here. Ambitious and paranoid neighbor gangs hunt at the edges of Butterfly territory, and bodies are turning up in the red light district suffused with a strange new magic. Adeline may have found her place for once, but with the streets changing by the day, it may take everything she is to keep it.]]> 480 Wen-yi Lee 1250369452 Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Wen-yi Lee
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 224003589 A divinely-blessed warrior bound to the last living goddess plots deicide to win her freedom in this propulsive epic fantasy for fans of Godkiller and Gideon the Ninth.

The Devoted Lands was once home to many gods: Salt, Stone, Storm, Green, Shadow. Now, after centuries of devastating wars, only Tempestra-Innara, the Eternal Flame, remains.

Conscripted as a child, Lys, potentiate of the Dawn Cloister, is outwardly a loyal servant to her goddess. If she harbors impossible dreams of deicide, that’s her business. But when a routine heretical execution erupts into a near-fatal assassination attempt on Tempestra-Innara, Lys sees a glimmer of hope for her freedom.

Lys is chosen to hunt down the heretics and find an ancient reliquary that holds the power to kill a god. Annoyingly, she’s not alone. Paired with Nolan, a potentiate from a rival cloister who is as pious as he is determined, Lys must feign devotion if she hopes to keep her own heretical thoughts hidden and god-killing ambitions within reach.

As they pursue a dangerous network of heretics linked to the assassination, Lys uncovers a world brimming with more possibility—and peril—than she ever anticipated.]]> 464 Lyndsay Ely 1668080311 Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Lyndsay Ely
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 61685987
Jasmine Randhawa likes everyone to think she has it all—great job, perfect Seattle apartment, and a handsome boyfriend. But she’s not as confident or successful as she seems, and her relationship is at a breaking point.ĚýĚý

When Jasmine finds herself single and tagging along on her parentsâ€� vacation, she’s not sure her life can get any farther off course.ĚýIt's a nightmare for someone who's been so fiercely independent to find herself on aĚýcruise full of family friends who’ve judged her since childhood. Things only get worse once the ship leaves the harbor and she realizes that this is a seniorsâ€� cruise, and the only other person under fifty on the entire boat is her childhood acquaintance, cocky and successful Jake Dhillon.

Jasmine and Jake clash right away, with Jasmine smarting over how their South Asian community puts him on a pedestal as the perfect Indian son, whereas her reputation as a troublemaker precedes her. Except they can’t avoid each other forever during the ten-day cruise, and they soon recognize a surprising number of similarities, especially in how many secrets they’re keeping hidden from their families. Their restlessness seems to disappear whenever they’re together, but is this relationship strong enough to last on land?]]> 336 Sonya Lalli 059344065X Allison 0 currently-reading 3.54
author: Sonya Lalli
name: Allison
average rating: 3.54
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 215547926 From the author of The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy comes a new heartwarming fantasy rom-com with an opposites-attract twist set in the delightful world of Tanria.

Immortal demigod Rosie Fox has been patrolling Tanria for decades, but lately, the job has been losing its luster. After one hundred and fifty-seven years of being alive, everything is beginning to lose its luster. When Rosie dies (again) by electrocution (again) after poking around inside a portal choked with shadowy thorns only she can see, she feels stuck in the rut that is her unending life.

Thanks to Rosie’s meddling, the portal’s inventor, Dr. Adam Lee, must come in person to repair the damage. When all the portals begin to break down, he declares an emergency evacuation of Tanria. In the mad rush to get out, Rosie and Adam end up trapped inside the Mist. Together.

And uptight Adam Lee in his bespoke menswear seems to know a lot more about what’s happening than he lets on�.

Rosie is determined to crack the shell of his cool exterior. But the more she learns about Adam, the more she realizes that they both have personal histories as tangled and thorny as the plant that has them trapped inside the Mist. Maybe two people who have found themselves stuck in this life can find a way to unstick each other � just when their time on this earth seems to be running out.]]> 432 Megan Bannen 0316568279 Allison 0 to-read 4.36 2025
author: Megan Bannen
name: Allison
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 63209897
Ambitious small town girl Lois Lane tackles a summer in the big city with gusto, but a cavalcade of setbacks—including an annoying frenemy roommate, a beyond tedious internship at a suddenly corporatized website, and a boss who demotes her to coffee-fetching minion—threatens to derail her extremely detailed life plan. And, you know, her entire future.
Ěý
When Lois uncovers a potentially explosive scandal, she must team up with the last person she’d expect to publish her own website for young women. And as Lois discovers who she really is and what she actually wants, she becomes embroiled in her own scandal that could destroy everything she's worked so hard to create.
Ěý
From beloved author, Sarah Kuhn ( Shadow of the Batgirl , Heroine Complex ), and with expressive and lively art by Arielle Jovellanos , comes a charming YA story about the strength it takes to embrace the messiness of life.
Ěý]]> 208 Sarah Kuhn Allison 0 currently-reading 3.83 2023
author: Sarah Kuhn
name: Allison
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 220160823 From the New York Times bestselling author of Where the Dark Stands Still comes an atmospheric fantasy based on Swan Lake, following Odile as her plan to restore magic to her kingdom gets disrupted by a murder—forcing her to beg for help from the young woman whose identity she stole.

Can two girls—one enchanted, one the enchantress—save their kingdom and each other?

Two hundred years ago, a slighted deity stole the magic from Auréal and vanished without a trace. But seventeen-year-old Odile has a plan. All her life, her father, a vengeful sorcerer, has raised her for one singular task: infiltrate the royal palace and steal the king’s crown, an artefact with enough power to restore magic. But to enter the palace, she must assume the identity of a noblewoman. She chooses Marie d’Odette: famed for her beauty, a rumored candidate for future queen…and Odile’s childhood-friend-turned-sworn-enemy.

With her father’s help, Odile transforms Marie into a swan and takes her place at court. But when the king is brutally murdered and her own brother is accused, her plans are thrown into chaos. Desperate to free her brother, Odile is forced to team up with none other than elegant, infuriating Marie, the girl she has cursed…and the girl she can’t seem to stop thinking about despite her best efforts.

To make matters worse, there are whispers that the king’s murder was not at the hands of man, but beast. Torn between loyalty to her father and her growing feelings for Marie, Odile becomes tangled in a web of treachery and deceit. To save her kingdom, she must find the true path to magic…and find the real killer before they—or it—strikes again.]]> 368 A.B. Poranek 1665936509 Allison 0 to-read 4.50 2025
author: A.B. Poranek
name: Allison
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 59747519 Lambda Literary award winner and national bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur returns with a steamy Sapphic rom-com about a quiet bookseller and a romance novel cover model who agree to a modern-day marriage-of-convenience...

Tansy Adams� greatest love is her family’s bookstore, passed down from her late father. But when it comes to actual romance� Tansy can’t get past the first chapter. Tired of her stepfamily’s questions about her love life, Tansy invents Gemma, a fake girlfriend inspired by the stunning cover model on a bestselling book. They’ll never actually meet, so what’s the harm in a little fib? Yet when real-life Gemma crosses Tansy’s path, her white lie nearly implodes.

Gemma van Dalen is a wild child, the outcast of her wealthy family, and now the latest heir to Van Dalen Publishing. But the title comes with one tiny condition: she must be married in order to inherit. When Gemma discovers a beautiful stranger has been pretending to date her for months, she decides to take the charade one step further—and announces their engagement.

Gemma needs a wife to meet the terms of her grandfather’s will and Tansy needs money to save her struggling bookstore. A marriage could be mutually beneficial, if they can fool everyone into thinking it’s a love match. Unexpected sparks fly as Tansy and Gemma play the role of affectionate fiancées, and suddenly the line between convenient arrangement and real feelings begins to blur. But the scheming Van Dalen family won’t give up the company without a fight, and Gemma and Tansy’s newfound happiness might get caught in the fallout…]]> 384 Alexandria Bellefleur 0063258498 Allison 3
Gemma, the bastard of a groom's estranged cousin, crashes the wedding looking for entertainment. It is to her surprise and pleasure to be approached as Tansy's girlfriend, given that she's in the urgent market for a marriage of convenience. Her stint as a cover model was fun, but her grandfather's newspaper business has just fallen into her lap, and his will has put her in a bind. She can inherit with a spouse at her side, or she can kiss the business goodbye and watch her whole, extended family, horrible, nearly every last one of them, reap the rewards. Gemma leans into Tansy's ruse and offers her the money to save her family's bookstore if they can only make it down the aisle together and save her own family company. And if this sounds like a delightful mashup of tropes, YOU WOULD BE RIGHT.

The book makes use of fake dating (engaging?) tropes to excellent effect. The two fall for one another while putting on a show for others. Whether it's Tansy sticking up for Gemma to a lifestyle reporter, a new experience for a woman who's used to fighting her own battles, or Gemma asking Tansy to be her girlfriend for real while they're already engaged, the moments add up to a mushy, gushy, glorious picture. We get to witness romantic gestures, both big and small, many of which we learn about over text, the montage that clues us into their about-to-be-wedded bliss after moving in together.

It's a whirlwind, which suits the tropes and the stereotypes in a tongue-in-cheek way. I didn't mind it, but I could have used more digging into the characters. I loved them both, and we have a supporting cast that could have shaped up into something really special. Most of those characters come from Gemma's orbit since Tansy has lived an adult life without as much connection as she deserves. We have Gemma's uncle, the only family member who can remotely be trusted in a sea of snakes. Expect a fun little sidebar romance plot for him. Then there's Gemma's raucous crew of roommates. They make a special appearance in my favorite scene in the book, whereby they undertake a team effort at getting revenge that involves putting glitter in the offending party's Lamborghini's air vents, primed and ready to blow in the driver's face.

The book also offers some excellent villains, an underrated quality in romance books. The wealthy De Vans' infighting and self-centered antics provide the perfect backdrop for a carefully crafted fake dating scheme. And I appreciate so much how the book doesn't use homophobia to showcase the De Vans' bigotry. There were so many other ways to make their villainy clear, and the author doesn't subject her readers to that particular brand of suffering in a book about queer love. We also have a spurned lover in the mix, and her story is a smackdown for people who find unrequited, flatly turned down pining romantic (including several other books in the genre, for example).

This book came so close to being a favorite for me. I read it in a flurry, drawn onward by the fun and the heart of the story. The thing that held me up in the end was a slight disconnect from the romance itself. It's fast-paced and features a mismatched pair with a lot to overcome. That combination was hard for me because even though individual moments were romantic, I didn't buy into the arc of it all as much as I wanted. Like a scene would be happening, and I'd enjoy it as an individual entity, but it didn't all come together in a way that made me obsessed. The characters fall for each other pretty quickly, even though we're led to believe it's unusual (unprecedented?) for that to happen for either of them, and I needed a bit more convincing about that, not in terms of what literally happens between them but in the feelings department. This just didn't quite land for me despite all its good qualities. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.96 2023
author: Alexandria Bellefleur
name: Allison
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/06
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: 2025-reads, bisexual-protagonist, bookstore-romance, celebrity-romance, corporate-romance, dual-pov, fake-dating, moneybags-romance, netgalley, open-door-romance, opposites-attract, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, reformed-rake, romance, romance-with-expiration, sapphic-romance, wallflower-romance, wedding-romance, whirlwind-romance
review:
In The Fiancée Farce, Tansy has had a fake girlfriend for months, one crafted from a face on the cover of a romance novel and other dream fluff. Tansy has plenty of opportunity to perceive that face, what with managing a bookstore, and she even knows the cover model's name. When a man who ruined her in high school marries into her (step)family, a fake girlfriend is the perfect excuse to keep her stepmother from inquiring too deeply into why she doesn't attend all the requisite family events any longer. That won't be enough to get her out of the wedding, though. So it is that Tansy finds herself trying to fade into the background at the (happy?) event, only for her little lie to blow up in her face.

Gemma, the bastard of a groom's estranged cousin, crashes the wedding looking for entertainment. It is to her surprise and pleasure to be approached as Tansy's girlfriend, given that she's in the urgent market for a marriage of convenience. Her stint as a cover model was fun, but her grandfather's newspaper business has just fallen into her lap, and his will has put her in a bind. She can inherit with a spouse at her side, or she can kiss the business goodbye and watch her whole, extended family, horrible, nearly every last one of them, reap the rewards. Gemma leans into Tansy's ruse and offers her the money to save her family's bookstore if they can only make it down the aisle together and save her own family company. And if this sounds like a delightful mashup of tropes, YOU WOULD BE RIGHT.

The book makes use of fake dating (engaging?) tropes to excellent effect. The two fall for one another while putting on a show for others. Whether it's Tansy sticking up for Gemma to a lifestyle reporter, a new experience for a woman who's used to fighting her own battles, or Gemma asking Tansy to be her girlfriend for real while they're already engaged, the moments add up to a mushy, gushy, glorious picture. We get to witness romantic gestures, both big and small, many of which we learn about over text, the montage that clues us into their about-to-be-wedded bliss after moving in together.

It's a whirlwind, which suits the tropes and the stereotypes in a tongue-in-cheek way. I didn't mind it, but I could have used more digging into the characters. I loved them both, and we have a supporting cast that could have shaped up into something really special. Most of those characters come from Gemma's orbit since Tansy has lived an adult life without as much connection as she deserves. We have Gemma's uncle, the only family member who can remotely be trusted in a sea of snakes. Expect a fun little sidebar romance plot for him. Then there's Gemma's raucous crew of roommates. They make a special appearance in my favorite scene in the book, whereby they undertake a team effort at getting revenge that involves putting glitter in the offending party's Lamborghini's air vents, primed and ready to blow in the driver's face.

The book also offers some excellent villains, an underrated quality in romance books. The wealthy De Vans' infighting and self-centered antics provide the perfect backdrop for a carefully crafted fake dating scheme. And I appreciate so much how the book doesn't use homophobia to showcase the De Vans' bigotry. There were so many other ways to make their villainy clear, and the author doesn't subject her readers to that particular brand of suffering in a book about queer love. We also have a spurned lover in the mix, and her story is a smackdown for people who find unrequited, flatly turned down pining romantic (including several other books in the genre, for example).

This book came so close to being a favorite for me. I read it in a flurry, drawn onward by the fun and the heart of the story. The thing that held me up in the end was a slight disconnect from the romance itself. It's fast-paced and features a mismatched pair with a lot to overcome. That combination was hard for me because even though individual moments were romantic, I didn't buy into the arc of it all as much as I wanted. Like a scene would be happening, and I'd enjoy it as an individual entity, but it didn't all come together in a way that made me obsessed. The characters fall for each other pretty quickly, even though we're led to believe it's unusual (unprecedented?) for that to happen for either of them, and I needed a bit more convincing about that, not in terms of what literally happens between them but in the feelings department. This just didn't quite land for me despite all its good qualities. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!
]]> 60055187 In this stunning conclusion to N. E. Davenport’s fast-paced, action-packed sci-fantasy duology, elite warrior Ikenna and her rogue cohort must outrun bounty hunters, their former comrades, and a megalomaniacal demi-god, all in the hopes of saving their friends and enemies from the racist and misogynistic oppression that threatens the continents from all sides.

After discovering the depth of betrayal, treachery, and violence perpetrated against her by Mareen’s Tribunal Council and exposing her illegal blood-gift to save her Praetorian squad, Ikenna becomes a fugitive with a colossal bounty on her head.

Yet, somehow, that’s the least of her worries.

Her grandfather’s longtime allies refuse to offer help, and the Blood Emperor’s Warlord is tracking her. She’s also struggling to control the enormous power she was granted by the Goddess of Blood Rites…and come to terms with the promises she made to get such power.

Amidst all of this, the Blood Emperor wages a full-scale invasion against Mareen and leaves a trail of decimated cities, war crimes, and untold death in his wake. As the horrors increase, Ikenna and her team realize they must assassinate the Blood Emperor and quickly end the war. But the price to do so is steep and has planet-shattering consequences.

The price to do nothing, though, is annihilation.

War has erupted. Alliances are fracturing. And Ikenna is torn between her loyalties, her desires for revenge, and the power threatening to consume her. With the world aflame, only one thing is certain: blood will be spilled.]]> 464 N.E. Davenport 0063058537 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.62 2023
author: N.E. Davenport
name: Allison
average rating: 3.62
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 54508798
So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules� ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting—even if temporary—isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.]]> 326 Steven Rowley 0525542280 Allison 0 currently-reading 4.09 2021
author: Steven Rowley
name: Allison
average rating: 4.09
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 222139761 A maker of magical jewelry finds herĚýlife turned upside down when she ends up on the run with a half-giant in this spicy and cozy fantasy romanceâ€�perfect for fans of Legends & Lattes and The Spellshop.
Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper.ĚýSweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.Ěý
Ěý
When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer,ĚýBarra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger.Ěý As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture risesĚýthey find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.Ěý]]> 288 Kristen Vale 1538771829 Allison 0 to-read 3.91
author: Kristen Vale
name: Allison
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220908944 #1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.]]> 368 Tricia Levenseller 1250379377 Allison 0 to-read 4.62 2025
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: Allison
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 59251290 The Bone Shard War is the epic finale to the unmissable, action-packed and magic-laced Drowning Empire series.

Lin Sukai has won her first victory as Emperor, but the future of the Phoenix Empire hangs in the balance - and Lin is dangerously short of allies.

As her own governors plot treason, the Shardless Few renew hostilities. Worse still, Lin discovers her old nemesis Nisong has joined forces with the rogue Alanga, Ragan. Both seek her death.

Yet hopes lies in history. Legend tells of seven mythic swords, forged in centuries past. If Lin can find them before her enemies, she may yet be able to turn the tide.

If she fails, the Sukai dynasty - and the entire empire - will fall.]]> 611 Andrea Stewart 0356515036 Allison 0 currently-reading 3.89 2023
author: Andrea Stewart
name: Allison
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 219400160 In this dark and twisty feminist historical thriller, a teenage girl starts a new life as a grave robber but quickly becomes entangled in a murderer's plans.

Soon after her best friend Kitty mysteriously dies, orphaned seventeen-year-old Molly Green is sent away to live with her "aunt." With no relations that she knows of, Molly assumes she has been sold as free domestic labor for the price of an extra donation in the church orphanage's coffers. Such a thing is not unheard of. There are only so many options for an unmarried girl in 1850s Philadelphia. Only, when Molly arrives, she discovers her aunt is very much real, exceedingly wealthy, and with secrets of her own. Secrets and wealth she intends to share--for a price.

Molly's estranged aunt Ava, has built her empire by robbing graves and selling the corpses to medical students who need bodies to practice surgical procedures. And she wants Molly to help her procure the corpses. As Molly learns her aunt's trade in the dead of night and explores the mansion by day, she is both horrified and deeply intrigued by the anatomy lessons held at the old church on her aunt's property. Enigmatic Doctor LaValle's lessons are a heady mixture of knowledge and power and Molly has never wanted anything more than to join his male-only group of students. But the cost of inclusion is steep and with a murderer loose in the city, the pursuit of power and opportunity becomes a deadly dance.]]> 416 Heather M. Herrman 1984816721 Allison 0 to-read 3.00 2021
author: Heather M. Herrman
name: Allison
average rating: 3.00
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 221604704 The epic conclusion to the #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal; the gritty fantasy duology about an orphan girl and her crew who get tangled in a heist with vampires, perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows.

She's had her tea, now she's out for blood.

White Roaring is sharpening its fangs after the deadly night that left the city in shambles. The press are dead, the public calls for justice, vampires are in danger, and amid the turmoil, the Ram announces a celebration.

Still reeling from the bloodshed, Arthie Casimir has no time to mourn the death of anyone, let alone her own. She has no time for love, either, but it had saved her life. As Arthie navigates new emotions and new allies, she must reassemble her scrambled crew and scrape what little they have left to fight one last time � and she will need to face the ghosts of her past to do it.

In Ceylan.

After the jaw-dropping ending of #1 bestselling A Tempest of Tea, Arthie and her crew still have plenty of hearts to break and crimson-red secrets to uncover. Hafsah Faizal crafts a deliciously twisty and seductive sequel that will leave readers breathless until the very last page.]]> 448 Hafsah Faizal 037438942X Allison 0 to-read 3.60 2025
author: Hafsah Faizal
name: Allison
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228383160 For fans of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, an inventive and romantic speculative novel about two women—a witch and an immortal demon—who make a Faustian bargain and are drawn into a cat-and-mouse chase across multiple lifetimes.

1592. Cybil Harding is a First Daughter. Cursed to bring disaster to those around her, she is trapped in a house with a mother paralyzed by grief and a father willing to sacrifice everything in pursuit of magic.

Miriam Richter is a creature of shadow. Forged by the dark arts many years ago, she is doomed to exist for eternity and destined to be alone—killing mortals and consuming their souls for sustenance. Everything changes when she meets Cybil, whose soul shines with a light so bright, she must claim it for herself. She offers a bargain: she will grant Cybil reincarnation in exchange for her soul.

Thus begins a dance across centuries as Miriam seeks Cybil in every lifetime to claim her prize. Cybil isn’t inclined to play by the rules, but when it becomes clear that Miriam holds the key to breaking her family curse, Cybil finds that—for the first time in her many lives—she might have the upper hand. As they circle each other, drawn together inescapably as light and dark, the bond forged between them grows stronger. In their battle for dominance, only one of them can win—but perhaps they can’t survive without each other.

Natasha Siegel has written an unexpected love story that feels both epic and deeply personal. Ambitious, gothic, and magical, As Many Souls as Stars is about the lengths we go to protect ourselves, our legacy, and those we love.]]> 352 Natasha Siegel 0063418029 Allison 0 to-read 4.50 2025
author: Natasha Siegel
name: Allison
average rating: 4.50
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 208840698 Full of skin-crawling folk horror and sapphic romance, this feral fairytale and standalone follow-up to GORGEOUS GRUESOME FACES follows a reclusive songstress and her bodyguard who must unravel the occult mysteries of their past to escape from a cursed island.

Tian is a singer-songwriter with a massive online following, known for her hypnotic vocals and ethereal looks. But behind the glamorous façade is a disturbing reality: raised in an isolated mansion, Tian is a prisoner in her own life.

Liya is Tian’s childhood friend and her only close companion, tasked with protecting Tian at all costs. But hidden beneath Liya’s beautiful human exterior is a beastly secret: her teeth are far too sharp, and her appetite much too ferocious.

When several fans mysteriously suffer fatal injuries while watching her livestream, Tian, along with Liya, are sent to a spiritual healing retreat on a remote island in the South China Seas. They are joined by Tian's musical collaborator Shenyu, a troubled idol whose recent brush with the law and string of bad boyfriends has him seeking his own new start. But the trio soon discovers that the island is no peaceful getaway. There is constant surveillance, bizzare rituals, and something terrifying lurking in the forest. Something not quite human.

In order to escape with her loved ones, Tian must uncover her connection to the island’s blood-drenched legend -- and the truth behind Liya’s monstrous identity -- before the island claims them all as its final sacrifice.]]> 336 Linda Cheng 1250865816 Allison 0 to-read 5.00
author: Linda Cheng
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217643704 An enthralling sapphic retelling of Swan Lake, for fans of Allison Saft and V.E Schwab.

Magic has long been outlawed in Auréal . Odile has always known she’d be the one to restore it.

Raised by a sorcerer, Odile has spent years preparing for the heist of a lifetime. It’s perfectly simple. Impersonate a princess, infiltrate the palace, steal the king's enchanted crown and restore magic to the kingdom.

But when the King is unexpectedly murdered, she’s forced to recruit the help of Marie d'Odette, the real princess, and the two begin to unravel a web of lies and deceit that leaves Odile uncertain of who to trust.

Soon though Odile must decide � her mission or the girl she’s falling for?

The fate of the Kingdom depends on her making the right choice. . .]]> 352 A.B. Poranek Allison 0 to-read 4.21 2025
author: A.B. Poranek
name: Allison
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220160176
Pandora Small has two ruling objectives: first, to keep the prodigious extent of her power secret, in a world where mages are feared and governed by suffocating laws. Second, to find her wealthy and noble-born patron, a shadowy figure bound to Pandora by magic, who stole her childhood and grew her power until she became a weapon rather than a girl. To that end, she’s posing as an Ingenue, a privileged and petted young woman of strictly limited abilities, who is allowed access to the royal court’s social season in order to find a husband and patron to control her magic.

But on Pandora’s arrival at court, Kit Beacon, one of the most promising members of the Royal Guard, inadvertently learns the true scope of her power. Privately sympathetic towards mages and the difficulties they face, Beacon decides to keep Pandora’s secret. But when someone or something with powers terribly like Pandora’s own begins slaughtering her fellow Ingenues, Beacon’s resolve to keep what he knows about her private is put to the test.

Tasked with protecting all the girls in the palace, not just one, Beacon will have to decide whether Pandora is a suspect or an ally, while to win his trust, Pandora will have to let him know more of her still—the worst of who she is and what she’s done. Because only unity between them during the social whirlwind to come will enable Pan to find her patron and Beacon the killer, and ensure they both see justice meted out.]]> 368 Laura E. Weymouth 1665959754 Allison 0 to-read 3.89 2025
author: Laura E. Weymouth
name: Allison
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220160382
It's a nerve-wracking ordeal for Sivon, who, given her uncanny ability to win every chess match, already suspects her soul isn’t normal. Turns out, she was right to worry. Sivon’s results stun not only her, but the entire world, making her the object of public scrutiny and anonymous threats.

Saddled with an infuriating and off-limits bodyguard, Sivon is thrust into a high-stakes game where souls are pawns and rules don’t exist. As deaths mount, Sivon must decipher friend from foe while protecting her heart against impossible odds. One wrong move could destroy the future lives of everyone Sivon loves, and she can’t let that happen, even if they’ll never love her back.]]> 496 Rebecca Danzenbaker 1665963700 Allison 0 to-read 4.21 2025
author: Rebecca Danzenbaker
name: Allison
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218171621 In this laugh-out-loud murder mystery, three women dating the same man band together to get revenge, but when they discover his body, they'll need to solve his murder before they go down for it.

The body in the closet was going to be a problem. Kathryn Hu knew it. Yes, Tucker Jones was a cheating scumbag, and yes, she’d agreed to meet Olivia and Elle—Tucker’s other girlfriends—to exact revenge for all he’d put them throughâ€� But then they found him. Dead.ĚýĚý

Do they look guilty? Yes.

Do they feel guilty for having wished him dead just hours before? Maybe a little.

But—solid motive and a crime scene covered in their DNA aside—they’re innocent. They swear.

To clear their names, Kat, Olivia and Elle team up to find the real killer. But as they go undercover and lie to everyone, including the hot detective working the case, they realize that every person in their ex's life had a reason to want him dead. Will they uncover the truth before they go down for a murder they didn't commit?

Filled with humor and shenanigans,ĚýThe Ex-Girlfriend Murder ClubĚýis a romp of an adventure by award-winning author Gloria Chao, perfect for fans ofĚýDial A for Aunties,ĚýFinlay Donovan Is Killing ItĚýandĚýJohn Tucker Must Die.

]]> 320 Gloria Chao 0778387216 Allison 0 to-read 4.20 2025
author: Gloria Chao
name: Allison
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 58663535
These days, magic is toothless, reduced to glamour patches and psychic energy drinks found in supermarkets and shopping malls. Odette has always hungered for forbidden, dangerous magic, and two weeks ago she went searching for it. Now she’s missing, and everyone says she’s dead. Everyone except Maude.

Storytelling has always been Maude’s gift, so she knows all about girls who get lost in the woods. She’s sure she can find Odette inside the ruins of Sicklehurst, an abandoned power plant built over an ancient magical forest—a place nobody else seems to remember is there. The danger is, no one knows what remains inside Sicklehurst, either. And every good story is sure to have a monster.]]> 432 Lili Wilkinson 0593562682 Allison 3
Maude and Odette were once inseparable. Odette was drawn to Maude's magic, and Maude loved telling Odette stories, letting her imagination and spells run free to fuel their hours of play. When Maude's mother was found treasonous for refusing to follow official limitations of magic placed on witches, Odette was the one who stuck up for Maude on the playground. Their childhood idyll was not to last. At age twelve, Maude lost her magic and subsequently her best friend. Four years later, Odette is missing, and Maude might hold the key to finding her. While she may have promised her grandmothers not to follow in the wake of Odette's reckless darkness, she has a yet older promise to keep-- one made between little girls to always rescue each other, princes be damned.

As Maude searches for Odette, determined to do right by her friend no matter how things ended between them, memories start to surface. The stories she once told her friend have more weight than she could have imagined. She will have to navigate her own creations, her grandmothers' worry and wrath, and magic deep and dark, all without access to the mettle that would make her powerful in her own right. As she adventures, her determination doesn't waver, even when her friend Rufus, a redhead who can see through all kinds of glamours, tells her stark truths about how Odette has always met her devotion-- with expectation and even derision.

The world is a fascinating blend. From the cozy witches' cottage where Maude lives with her grandmothers to the abandoned power plant in the woods, the world crackles with magics big and small. Corporate magic powerhouses, soulless shopping malls, and a school meant to iron out unruly impulses in the children it serves add to an eclectic, entrancing picture. Magic lives and breathes here, but it's limited by the sanitized version that's allowed-- all surface-level baubles and no truly earth-shattering power. The auditors who control its use may seem like benign bureaucrats, but when Maude's mother was found breaking the rules, she was carted off to a detention center and drained of her magic until she died, all in the span of a week.

The story has a major message about the dangers of not letting ourselves and others, especially as girls, be our full, wild selves. While it may feel safer to accept limitations to ease the comfort of others, closing off parts of ourselves is detrimental to us and to our communities. There are a lot of applications that work for that idea, I think. In this case, we see Maude come to understand how she's been living as a shadow of who she could be. She's been so intent on recapturing the happiness she once experienced in childhood that she hasn't been able to see it clearly. Her understanding of her relationship with Odette has become a warped, unsustainable thing, hungering for what can't be. So while Maude's journey is to save Odette, she also has to save herself and learn when to let her former friend and the past she represents go.

There were a few moments in the questing that I found a bit circular, asking Maude to try again instead of moving forward. I also think that while the relationships between Maude and her friends shine because of all their complications and variations of quality, others suffer in the telling. A big emotional moment is rushed, and I was surprised to discover I wasn't hit as hard as I was expecting because other aspects of the adventure still sat at center stage. All the same, I think this book is a dark, entertaining adventure with a lot to offer. It shines a light on girlhood, on friendship, and on toxic bonds that hold all parties back. These themes make for a fascinating read. Thanks to Delacorte for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.48 2023
author: Lili Wilkinson
name: Allison
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, empowerment, netgalley, pining, queer-protagonist, single-pov, ya-fantasy
review:
"The tug of home is strong, the comfort of the familiar. But if you stay home all the time, stories never happen. Sometimes you have to break something in order for the story to leak out through the cracks."

Maude and Odette were once inseparable. Odette was drawn to Maude's magic, and Maude loved telling Odette stories, letting her imagination and spells run free to fuel their hours of play. When Maude's mother was found treasonous for refusing to follow official limitations of magic placed on witches, Odette was the one who stuck up for Maude on the playground. Their childhood idyll was not to last. At age twelve, Maude lost her magic and subsequently her best friend. Four years later, Odette is missing, and Maude might hold the key to finding her. While she may have promised her grandmothers not to follow in the wake of Odette's reckless darkness, she has a yet older promise to keep-- one made between little girls to always rescue each other, princes be damned.

As Maude searches for Odette, determined to do right by her friend no matter how things ended between them, memories start to surface. The stories she once told her friend have more weight than she could have imagined. She will have to navigate her own creations, her grandmothers' worry and wrath, and magic deep and dark, all without access to the mettle that would make her powerful in her own right. As she adventures, her determination doesn't waver, even when her friend Rufus, a redhead who can see through all kinds of glamours, tells her stark truths about how Odette has always met her devotion-- with expectation and even derision.

The world is a fascinating blend. From the cozy witches' cottage where Maude lives with her grandmothers to the abandoned power plant in the woods, the world crackles with magics big and small. Corporate magic powerhouses, soulless shopping malls, and a school meant to iron out unruly impulses in the children it serves add to an eclectic, entrancing picture. Magic lives and breathes here, but it's limited by the sanitized version that's allowed-- all surface-level baubles and no truly earth-shattering power. The auditors who control its use may seem like benign bureaucrats, but when Maude's mother was found breaking the rules, she was carted off to a detention center and drained of her magic until she died, all in the span of a week.

The story has a major message about the dangers of not letting ourselves and others, especially as girls, be our full, wild selves. While it may feel safer to accept limitations to ease the comfort of others, closing off parts of ourselves is detrimental to us and to our communities. There are a lot of applications that work for that idea, I think. In this case, we see Maude come to understand how she's been living as a shadow of who she could be. She's been so intent on recapturing the happiness she once experienced in childhood that she hasn't been able to see it clearly. Her understanding of her relationship with Odette has become a warped, unsustainable thing, hungering for what can't be. So while Maude's journey is to save Odette, she also has to save herself and learn when to let her former friend and the past she represents go.

There were a few moments in the questing that I found a bit circular, asking Maude to try again instead of moving forward. I also think that while the relationships between Maude and her friends shine because of all their complications and variations of quality, others suffer in the telling. A big emotional moment is rushed, and I was surprised to discover I wasn't hit as hard as I was expecting because other aspects of the adventure still sat at center stage. All the same, I think this book is a dark, entertaining adventure with a lot to offer. It shines a light on girlhood, on friendship, and on toxic bonds that hold all parties back. These themes make for a fascinating read. Thanks to Delacorte for my copy to read and review!
]]> 60586967 Listening Length: 2 hours and 24 minutes

Two hearts on the mend and one adorable mutt get a new leash on love in this romantic short story from award-winning author Rebekah Weatherspoon.

Andre Monroe is ready to move on from heartbreak, and the first step is bringing home his rescue pup. He’d bonded instantly with the playful Zeus and was already planning their first adventures. But one thing he definitely hadn’t daydreamed about was Zeus accidentally being promised to someone else - or that he might go home empty-handed and brokenhearted all over again.

Janelle Johnson is not giving up her claim to Zeus. He already has a hold on her heart (and his own Instagram handle). After the year she’d had, she needed this dog. But when she sees the disappointment of the big, burly handsome man who’s clearly just as in love with the dog as she is, she proposes a deal to Andre - for one month they’ll co-parent the dog. How hard could it be?

Both of them agree to the unusual arrangement. Sharing a dog with a complete stranger isn’t quite the walk in the (dog) park they imagined, but as they work together to give Zeus a loving future, their four-legged friend might not be the only one who’s found a happily ever after.]]> 3 Rebekah Weatherspoon Allison 3
This is a sweet, easy romance between two people who have hard times in their rear view. The loneliness that drove both of them to seek out a canine companion also plays into how easy it is for them to fall into something together. After some pointed interference from Andre's sister (both cyber and in person), they admit a mutual attraction and try dating on for size. There's no messy breakup, no crying into their ice cream, no calling of names. Instead, we just get to see two cool people build a family together with their dog, work on their art, and communicate well. What a revelation, honestly.

This was my first experience with Rebekah Weatherspoon, and I am certainly motivated to seek out some of her full-length novels in the future.]]> 3.95 2022
author: Rebekah Weatherspoon
name: Allison
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, artist-romance, audiobook, bipoc-protagonist, black-protagonist, cinnamon-roll-romance, dual-pov, forced-proximity, lovable-characters, no-final-act-breakup, novella, open-door-romance, romance
review:
In this bite-sized, slice-of-life romance novella, Janelle and Andre show up at the animal shelter in a cosmic crossing of wires to adopt the same dog. Both are too stubborn and too desperate to let go of Zeus and wait for a different dog that suits their needs to become available. The fact of the matter is that both have already fallen in love with this adorable creature, and they're not going to back down over even such a major inconvenience. Initially suggested in jest, they come to the actually very serious conclusion that they ought to co-parent this dog. It smooths the way that both were already committed to using the same vet, the same dog trainer, and the same no-nonsense but loving attitude to dogs on human furniture (not allowed). They even decide to share Zeus' new Instagram account, where eagle-eyed social media fans of Andre's comics start shipping them together, even his sister.

This is a sweet, easy romance between two people who have hard times in their rear view. The loneliness that drove both of them to seek out a canine companion also plays into how easy it is for them to fall into something together. After some pointed interference from Andre's sister (both cyber and in person), they admit a mutual attraction and try dating on for size. There's no messy breakup, no crying into their ice cream, no calling of names. Instead, we just get to see two cool people build a family together with their dog, work on their art, and communicate well. What a revelation, honestly.

This was my first experience with Rebekah Weatherspoon, and I am certainly motivated to seek out some of her full-length novels in the future.
]]> 55573792 Acting like she's in love with her handsome nightmare of a co-star--in a movie directed and produced by her complicated Hollywood royalty family--is Sloane's job. But what happens when the lines between script and reality get blurred?

Out-of-work actress Sloane Ford is in desperate need of something to do after losing her steady TV gig. When her famous family ropes her into working as a producer on their World War II-era romance, they neglect to mention that the film will be headlined by Joseph Donovan, her least favorite former co-star of all time. The roguish actor made her life a living hell the last time they worked together, using his movie star good looks and Irish charm to cover for his erratic professional behavior. On their new film set, he promises he's different now, but Sloane is far from convinced.

As filming gets underway, it becomes clear that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. When the lead actress is abruptly fired, Sloane agrees to step in and take over the role, and she starts to remember why she fell in love with acting in the first place. On camera, she and Joseph share an electric chemistry. Off camera, they've been honing their characters and, much to Sloane's surprise, growing closer. But playing the role of a woman in love with Joseph Donovan is a dangerous business, and the more time they spend together, the less Sloane can tell what's real between them, and what's just for show.]]> 320 Bridget Morrissey 0593201159 Allison 4
Sloane's from a family of Hollywood royalty, no matter how you slice it. Her own acting career is largely limited to a long-running police procedural, where she played a lab sidekick/love interest. Other than that, an ill-fated romance opposite an unprofessional co-star rounds out her CV. At the beginning of the book, we find Sloane pulled into a family production with a courtesy producer title to keep her busy. Her stepdad and little sister are co-directing, and her mom and former stepmom (from her dad's side of things) are playing lovers on screen while her mom produces. All the messy family drama that comes from working together-- egos clashing, chain of command be damned, boundaries non-existent make the book a juicy read from start to finish. Add in the combined star power of this sprawling blended family, and you have something truly diabolical.

The romance also more than delivers. Joseph Donovan, he of horrifying co-star fame, is the lead in the World War II romance where Sloane is "producing." She would have been starring opposite him, in fact, except she refused to work with him ever again. Her family ignored her objections, and now it seems Joseph is fucking things up again on day one. While he stumbles through lines and puts the production behind schedule, Sloane finds herself assigned (by her mother) to serve as his acting coach, running lines every morning. The more Sloane spends time with her nemesis, the more she learns about him. On their last production, he was grieving the loss of his mother and deep into substance abuse. Now sober, he reveals that he doesn't even remember his behavior on their last set together and is eager to make amends. His respect for Sloane's work and playful responses to Sloane's bitter, blunt setdowns take the edge off her ire little by little, especially knowing that he's taking responsibility for past wrongs.

I don't care what I may have said to the contrary in the past, but I'm 110% certain that my FAVORITE TROPE EVER is the slow burn of enemies to friends to lovers. The full spectrum, pulling out all the stops. It leaves space for a sexually charged touching of forearms, for goodness' sake. What's not to love?? There's also the opportunity for squishy, cute shit like someone making an excuse to hang out with the other one for a boring, five-hour hair color appointment. Like why not??? I can handle all of these adorable and sexy things at once, I'm sure of it. And the banter???? (I have to keep upping the ante on these question marks) My new favorite comeback, if I ever could remember to use it, is, "Literally drive yourself to hell and move in." Even if it didn't lead to a very hot first kiss, I'd be about it. Fully cackled out loud. And it's very hard for our not exactly starcrossed lovers to deliver on all their tension when surrounded by one of their families on set. And when that same person's mother has accused her of being desperate to get in the other's pants with a live audience... when it wasn't even true (yet). *whoof* the drama is real. And the slow burn.

The two have a conversation about boundaries at the start, and this is a classic example of why I don't give As for effort. This well-meant meeting of the minds is actually the basis for the central miscommunication/lie that hovers between them. They agree to keep things "casual" even though that ship has definitely already sailed, and our two loveable doofuses struggle with the parameters they set for themselves at every turn. I think where Joseph always knew it would be a losing battle, Sloane is in a state of perpetual and insistent self-delusion about what they mean to one another (the "he falls first" energy is mesmerizing). I *will* say that the conversation after the final act breakup is one of the best I've seen for comprehensive communication at that stage of a romance, tying up all past hurts and plotting a better path forward.

It will come as no surprise if you've read Morrissey's other works, but I love how the characters insist on happily ever afters for the queer community in their movie. They also push back on the old guard (Sloane's mother, in this case) for not seeing the importance of an intimacy coordinator on the set. Another way the book shines is by not making Joe's alcoholism a source of conflict. He's sober, and it's a part of him without being the main thing or a dramatic thing. It just is.

The romance here is enticing as hell, but it's the family story that drives it home. Whether it's Sloane and her sister working out the distance that's come between them or she and her mom using real words to understand one another better, this book is a triumph.]]> 3.41 2021
author: Bridget Morrissey
name: Allison
average rating: 3.41
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, anxious-protagonist, banter, celebrity-romance, cinnamon-roll-romance, down-with-the-ship, enemies-to-lovers, forced-proximity, funny, grumpy-sunshine-romance, he-falls-first, ice-queen-romance, lovable-characters, open-door-romance, romance, secret-romance, sexual-tension, single-pov, slowburn-romance, workplace-romance
review:
"Headfirst and silently panicking" is Sloane's commitment style, and honestly, I have so much respect for that. And at least I can relate to the second half. Anxiety is a demon, I tell you.

Sloane's from a family of Hollywood royalty, no matter how you slice it. Her own acting career is largely limited to a long-running police procedural, where she played a lab sidekick/love interest. Other than that, an ill-fated romance opposite an unprofessional co-star rounds out her CV. At the beginning of the book, we find Sloane pulled into a family production with a courtesy producer title to keep her busy. Her stepdad and little sister are co-directing, and her mom and former stepmom (from her dad's side of things) are playing lovers on screen while her mom produces. All the messy family drama that comes from working together-- egos clashing, chain of command be damned, boundaries non-existent make the book a juicy read from start to finish. Add in the combined star power of this sprawling blended family, and you have something truly diabolical.

The romance also more than delivers. Joseph Donovan, he of horrifying co-star fame, is the lead in the World War II romance where Sloane is "producing." She would have been starring opposite him, in fact, except she refused to work with him ever again. Her family ignored her objections, and now it seems Joseph is fucking things up again on day one. While he stumbles through lines and puts the production behind schedule, Sloane finds herself assigned (by her mother) to serve as his acting coach, running lines every morning. The more Sloane spends time with her nemesis, the more she learns about him. On their last production, he was grieving the loss of his mother and deep into substance abuse. Now sober, he reveals that he doesn't even remember his behavior on their last set together and is eager to make amends. His respect for Sloane's work and playful responses to Sloane's bitter, blunt setdowns take the edge off her ire little by little, especially knowing that he's taking responsibility for past wrongs.

I don't care what I may have said to the contrary in the past, but I'm 110% certain that my FAVORITE TROPE EVER is the slow burn of enemies to friends to lovers. The full spectrum, pulling out all the stops. It leaves space for a sexually charged touching of forearms, for goodness' sake. What's not to love?? There's also the opportunity for squishy, cute shit like someone making an excuse to hang out with the other one for a boring, five-hour hair color appointment. Like why not??? I can handle all of these adorable and sexy things at once, I'm sure of it. And the banter???? (I have to keep upping the ante on these question marks) My new favorite comeback, if I ever could remember to use it, is, "Literally drive yourself to hell and move in." Even if it didn't lead to a very hot first kiss, I'd be about it. Fully cackled out loud. And it's very hard for our not exactly starcrossed lovers to deliver on all their tension when surrounded by one of their families on set. And when that same person's mother has accused her of being desperate to get in the other's pants with a live audience... when it wasn't even true (yet). *whoof* the drama is real. And the slow burn.

The two have a conversation about boundaries at the start, and this is a classic example of why I don't give As for effort. This well-meant meeting of the minds is actually the basis for the central miscommunication/lie that hovers between them. They agree to keep things "casual" even though that ship has definitely already sailed, and our two loveable doofuses struggle with the parameters they set for themselves at every turn. I think where Joseph always knew it would be a losing battle, Sloane is in a state of perpetual and insistent self-delusion about what they mean to one another (the "he falls first" energy is mesmerizing). I *will* say that the conversation after the final act breakup is one of the best I've seen for comprehensive communication at that stage of a romance, tying up all past hurts and plotting a better path forward.

It will come as no surprise if you've read Morrissey's other works, but I love how the characters insist on happily ever afters for the queer community in their movie. They also push back on the old guard (Sloane's mother, in this case) for not seeing the importance of an intimacy coordinator on the set. Another way the book shines is by not making Joe's alcoholism a source of conflict. He's sober, and it's a part of him without being the main thing or a dramatic thing. It just is.

The romance here is enticing as hell, but it's the family story that drives it home. Whether it's Sloane and her sister working out the distance that's come between them or she and her mom using real words to understand one another better, this book is a triumph.
]]> 61273325 In Lambda Award finalist Chana Porter’s highly anticipated new novel, an aspiring chef, a cyberthief, and a kitchen maid each break free of a society that wants to constrain them.

In the quaint religious town of Seagate, abstaining from food brings one closer to God.

But Beatrice Bolano is hungry. She craves the forbidden: butter, flambé, marzipan. As Seagate takes increasingly extreme measures to regulate every calorie its citizens consume, Beatrice must make a choice: give up her secret passion for cooking or leave the only community she has known.

Elsewhere, Reiko Rimando has left her modest roots for a college tech scholarship in the big city. A flawless student, she is set up for success...until her school pulls her funding, leaving her to face either a mountain of debt or a humiliating return home. But Reiko is done being at the mercy of the system. She forges a third path—outside of the law.

With the guidance of a mysterious cookbook written by a kitchen maid centuries ago, Beatrice and Reiko each grasp for a life of freedom—something more easily imagined than achieved in a world dominated by catastrophic corporate greed.

A startling fable of the entwined perils of capitalism, body politics, and the stigmas women face for appetites of every kind, Chana Porter’s profound new novel explores the reclamation of pleasure as a revolutionary act.]]> 384 Chana Porter 1668000199 Allison 3
In this latest iteration of dystopia, Flesh Martyrdom is the religion that holds sway. Where so many cultures we're familiar with might put taboos on the discussion and performance of sex, in this world, eating for pleasure holds that position. So while sexual activity is open and unremarkable, a teenager exploring cooking would be labeled as a deviant.

In the corporate town of Seagate, we meet Beatrice, just such a teenager who can't seem to stop herself from wanting to enjoy food. Her community is a sort of cult version of Flesh Martyrdom, one where everyone takes pills to limit their hunger, one where people do penance for gaining weight-- a surefire sign that someone has been enjoying food. Beatrice starts buying black market recipes and experimenting in small ways with cooking. She imagines a future where she can safely cook in the comfort of her own home, but when her serious girlfriend acts disgusted to have the precious secret revealed to her, Beatrice needs to find a new path forward to embracing her dream, one outside Seagate.

Our other protagonist is Reiko. She's one of the Free-Wah people, who were colonized by and don't follow the Flesh Martyrdom nonsense. We meet her as she arrives at university on scholarship. She's a brilliant artist incorporating sound and technology into her work. At school, she occupies a liminal space between the more affluent students who don't have to work as hard and her family members who don't understand what she does all day. When her scholarship is taken away for no apparent reason, a trap meant to put her in debt so she can finish her degree, Reiko turns her genius toward other means of securing a future for herself.

In part two, we get a story within a story as both characters are introduced to a banned book, "The Kitchen Girl," that rewrites the founding myth of Flesh Martyrdom from someone who lived it and *gasp* cooked through it. The characters are each at a turning point, and The Kitchen Girl ushers them into the next phase of their lives. In part three, we see where all this change has led them, and we get a brief moment of intersection, though for most of the book, their lives have run in distant parallel. It's a satisfying way to end the story, though there is still a level of open-endedness. As climate change bears down on the civilization and the ultra-wealthy and the corporations they serve are on the precipice of getting ultra-wealthier, even worthy acts of rebellion may seem small in comparison. The mirror to our own existence is crystal clear.

The book is interesting for how it reinforces societal expectations of food and body image while also inverting them by putting them in the place of sexual taboos with all their severity. The fight for thinness will feel familiar, but the push to remove eating from public spaces and from life entirely feels bizarre. Sex takes the place of food in public places, including a court at the mall and the expectation that a wife will serve as hostess in orgies rather than dinner parties. Meanwhile, information on food is severely limited, so those who want to explore it are often met with misinformation or dangerous back channels to find out more. Restaurants, though technically allowed, are considered dens of vice that no moral person would frequent. That tension made for an interesting space to think.

There are also some interesting queer elements to the book. For one, the world is sex-positive in pretty much any way that can be interpreted, including a wider variety of people deemed "normal" than in modern Western societies. In terms of our main characters, Beatrice has had a variety of sexual relationships, as is expected in her community. We see her have her first truly romantic experience as the plot unfolds. It's sapphic and a bit tragic since she is so innocently eager to share her secret hobby, only to find no support. For Reiko's part, I think she's on the ace spectrum. She's decided not to push herself into having sex when she's not interested, a decision that earns her the moniker "frigid," which may feel familiar to ace readers even in our less sex-motivated reality. Over the course of the book, we see Reiko sometimes have an active interest in sex but more frequently allows it to happen to get something different that she wants. Her lack of openness to having sex with just anyone is seen as a challenge by a certain type of swaggering man, which can put her in danger. Her experience just goes to show that a certain brand of sex positivity doesn't actually welcome everyone, particularly ace people.

This was a hard book to read in terms of thinking about its greater implications and looking toward the future. That being said, the writing is smooth and easy to follow. I also think that it could have been a lot bleaker than it actually is (thank goodness for small mercies). If I happened to bring my own personal brand of hopelessness to what the author has to say, that's on me. There is a smidgen of hope offered at the end, though nothing too perfect or too out-of-reach. Thanks to Saga for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.68 2023
author: Chana Porter
name: Allison
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, aroace-protagonist, bipoc-protagonist, bisexual-protagonist, chef-romance, dual-pov, found-family, indigenous-protagonist, netgalley, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, scifi
review:
"We're taught that the most important thing we can contribute to the world is our beauty, our thinness. This saps our energy, our brainpower, our internal fight. It makes us feel crazy, as if our bodies are enemies, our own minds cannot be trusted. We cannot take on the world for we are too busy battling ourselves."

In this latest iteration of dystopia, Flesh Martyrdom is the religion that holds sway. Where so many cultures we're familiar with might put taboos on the discussion and performance of sex, in this world, eating for pleasure holds that position. So while sexual activity is open and unremarkable, a teenager exploring cooking would be labeled as a deviant.

In the corporate town of Seagate, we meet Beatrice, just such a teenager who can't seem to stop herself from wanting to enjoy food. Her community is a sort of cult version of Flesh Martyrdom, one where everyone takes pills to limit their hunger, one where people do penance for gaining weight-- a surefire sign that someone has been enjoying food. Beatrice starts buying black market recipes and experimenting in small ways with cooking. She imagines a future where she can safely cook in the comfort of her own home, but when her serious girlfriend acts disgusted to have the precious secret revealed to her, Beatrice needs to find a new path forward to embracing her dream, one outside Seagate.

Our other protagonist is Reiko. She's one of the Free-Wah people, who were colonized by and don't follow the Flesh Martyrdom nonsense. We meet her as she arrives at university on scholarship. She's a brilliant artist incorporating sound and technology into her work. At school, she occupies a liminal space between the more affluent students who don't have to work as hard and her family members who don't understand what she does all day. When her scholarship is taken away for no apparent reason, a trap meant to put her in debt so she can finish her degree, Reiko turns her genius toward other means of securing a future for herself.

In part two, we get a story within a story as both characters are introduced to a banned book, "The Kitchen Girl," that rewrites the founding myth of Flesh Martyrdom from someone who lived it and *gasp* cooked through it. The characters are each at a turning point, and The Kitchen Girl ushers them into the next phase of their lives. In part three, we see where all this change has led them, and we get a brief moment of intersection, though for most of the book, their lives have run in distant parallel. It's a satisfying way to end the story, though there is still a level of open-endedness. As climate change bears down on the civilization and the ultra-wealthy and the corporations they serve are on the precipice of getting ultra-wealthier, even worthy acts of rebellion may seem small in comparison. The mirror to our own existence is crystal clear.

The book is interesting for how it reinforces societal expectations of food and body image while also inverting them by putting them in the place of sexual taboos with all their severity. The fight for thinness will feel familiar, but the push to remove eating from public spaces and from life entirely feels bizarre. Sex takes the place of food in public places, including a court at the mall and the expectation that a wife will serve as hostess in orgies rather than dinner parties. Meanwhile, information on food is severely limited, so those who want to explore it are often met with misinformation or dangerous back channels to find out more. Restaurants, though technically allowed, are considered dens of vice that no moral person would frequent. That tension made for an interesting space to think.

There are also some interesting queer elements to the book. For one, the world is sex-positive in pretty much any way that can be interpreted, including a wider variety of people deemed "normal" than in modern Western societies. In terms of our main characters, Beatrice has had a variety of sexual relationships, as is expected in her community. We see her have her first truly romantic experience as the plot unfolds. It's sapphic and a bit tragic since she is so innocently eager to share her secret hobby, only to find no support. For Reiko's part, I think she's on the ace spectrum. She's decided not to push herself into having sex when she's not interested, a decision that earns her the moniker "frigid," which may feel familiar to ace readers even in our less sex-motivated reality. Over the course of the book, we see Reiko sometimes have an active interest in sex but more frequently allows it to happen to get something different that she wants. Her lack of openness to having sex with just anyone is seen as a challenge by a certain type of swaggering man, which can put her in danger. Her experience just goes to show that a certain brand of sex positivity doesn't actually welcome everyone, particularly ace people.

This was a hard book to read in terms of thinking about its greater implications and looking toward the future. That being said, the writing is smooth and easy to follow. I also think that it could have been a lot bleaker than it actually is (thank goodness for small mercies). If I happened to bring my own personal brand of hopelessness to what the author has to say, that's on me. There is a smidgen of hope offered at the end, though nothing too perfect or too out-of-reach. Thanks to Saga for my copy to read and review!
]]> 31307650 The one woman he will never forget�
Malcolm Bevingstoke, Duke of Haven, has lived the last three years in self-imposed solitude, paying the price for a mistake he can never reverse and a love he lost forever. The dukedom does not wait, however, and Haven requires an heir, which means he must find himself a wife by summer’s end. There is only one problem—he already has one.

The one man she will never forgive�
After years in exile, Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, returns to London with a single goal—to reclaim the life she left and find happiness, unencumbered by the man who broke her heart. Haven offers her a deal; Sera can have her freedom, just as soon as she finds her replacement…which requires her to spend the summer in close quarters with the husband she does not want, but somehow cannot resist.

A love that neither can deny�
The duke has a single summer to woo his wife and convince her that, despite their broken past, he can give her forever, making every day The Day of the Duchess.]]> 405 Sarah MacLean 0062379461 Allison 1
It turns out the crux of Malcolm's hatred for his wife is the fact that she comes from a family of perceived social climbers, and Seraphina "caught" him, much as his horrible mother once caught his father. The parallel is so destructive, running rampant through his insecurities, that he behaved cruelly to his new wife, including the adultery, etc. Never mind that they were in love, he's blind to any explanation that isn't "cold-hearted entrapment."

At the beginning of this book, Seraphina shows up in London seeking a divorce after over two years apart. She's opening a pub after several successful ventures in Boston. The problem is that without a divorce, she can't own a business for herself in truth. She shows up prepared to do whatever it takes to see their union dissolved, including lying about her relationship with her best friend and business partner to rile up Malcolm and provide grounds for the divorce that might motivate him. And while your girl has read some jealousy plots that really fanned the flames in a gratifying way, the Duke (who I already hate) has such a possessive streak that there was no fun to be had in seeing him stomp around and threaten his presumed rival. Like, ugh, he's such a caveman. Even if he wasn't a damn cheat purely to hurt her, I'd dislike him. When he reminds her that her marriage vows were "to obey," I desperately needed someone to kick his ass. Where's a koi pond with an audience when you need one? Maybe we could find one a bit deeper this time.

We're "treated" to flashbacks of Malcolm and Seraphina's original courtship and subsequent immolation. In the present, Malcolm sets out to recapture his wife by telling her she has to matchmake him with a new duchess before he'll let her go. The scheme is meant to guarantee proximity for six weeks so he can win her back. Bleh. I can't help but think that if it weren't for the specifics of the Duke in question, the setup (worthy of its own reality TV show) should have been hilarious. A woman matchmaking her husband away so she can get a divorce, only to fall back in love with him? Absurd and glorious. And yet. If it's a man she should very much WANT to get away from, it ruins the whole scheme.

This trilogy started off rocky for me, and it's been a downward slide ever since. I found nothing redeemable about the romance and would recommend it to exactly 0 people. Everyone reasonable keeps assuring me it's the next trilogy where I can again find the experience I know and love from Hell's Belles. All I can say at this point is, please let that be so.]]> 3.85 2017
author: Sarah MacLean
name: Allison
average rating: 3.85
book published: 2017
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, angsty-boy-romance, dual-pov, forced-proximity, historical-romance, marriage-in-crisis, matchmaker-romance, musician-romance, open-door-romance, pining, politician-romance, romance
review:
Oh, boy. So. In this marriage-in-trouble romance, Seraphina, Duchess of Haven, nee Talbot, fled her husband in the wake of a miscarriage-- the final nail in the coffin of their marriage (so you know, content warning on that one pretty much immediately). We're familiar with the couple from earlier in the series. A previous protagonist (and Seraphina's little sister) walked in on the Duke committing adultery (next content warning) during his wife's pregnancy and pushed him into a koi pond. While I enjoyed this past moment of petty and deserved violence, it made me ill-disposed to seeing a romance rekindled between Duke and Duchess.

It turns out the crux of Malcolm's hatred for his wife is the fact that she comes from a family of perceived social climbers, and Seraphina "caught" him, much as his horrible mother once caught his father. The parallel is so destructive, running rampant through his insecurities, that he behaved cruelly to his new wife, including the adultery, etc. Never mind that they were in love, he's blind to any explanation that isn't "cold-hearted entrapment."

At the beginning of this book, Seraphina shows up in London seeking a divorce after over two years apart. She's opening a pub after several successful ventures in Boston. The problem is that without a divorce, she can't own a business for herself in truth. She shows up prepared to do whatever it takes to see their union dissolved, including lying about her relationship with her best friend and business partner to rile up Malcolm and provide grounds for the divorce that might motivate him. And while your girl has read some jealousy plots that really fanned the flames in a gratifying way, the Duke (who I already hate) has such a possessive streak that there was no fun to be had in seeing him stomp around and threaten his presumed rival. Like, ugh, he's such a caveman. Even if he wasn't a damn cheat purely to hurt her, I'd dislike him. When he reminds her that her marriage vows were "to obey," I desperately needed someone to kick his ass. Where's a koi pond with an audience when you need one? Maybe we could find one a bit deeper this time.

We're "treated" to flashbacks of Malcolm and Seraphina's original courtship and subsequent immolation. In the present, Malcolm sets out to recapture his wife by telling her she has to matchmake him with a new duchess before he'll let her go. The scheme is meant to guarantee proximity for six weeks so he can win her back. Bleh. I can't help but think that if it weren't for the specifics of the Duke in question, the setup (worthy of its own reality TV show) should have been hilarious. A woman matchmaking her husband away so she can get a divorce, only to fall back in love with him? Absurd and glorious. And yet. If it's a man she should very much WANT to get away from, it ruins the whole scheme.

This trilogy started off rocky for me, and it's been a downward slide ever since. I found nothing redeemable about the romance and would recommend it to exactly 0 people. Everyone reasonable keeps assuring me it's the next trilogy where I can again find the experience I know and love from Hell's Belles. All I can say at this point is, please let that be so.
]]> 36205229 Non-stop action, space battles and intrigue abound in the second in a galactic-scale, gender-swapped space opera trilogy inspired by the life of Alexander The Great.

The Republic of Chaonia fleets under the joint command of Princess Sun and her formidable mother, Queen-Marshal Eirene, have defeated and driven out an invading fleet of the Phene Empire, although not without heavy losses. But the Empire remains strong and undeterred. While Chaonia scrambles to rebuild its military, the Empire's rulers are determined to squash Chaonia once and for all by any means necessary.

On the eve of Eirene's bold attack on the rich and populous Karnos System, an unexpected tragedy strikes the republic. Sun must take charge or lose the throne. Will Sun be content with the pragmatic path laid out by her mother for Chaonia's future? Or will she forge her own legend despite all the forces arrayed against her?]]> 1081 Kate Elliott 1800243235 Allison 3
Though a POV character immediately dismisses the above speech as smarmy, and I'm not sure he's wrong given the speaker, I still like how it summarizes the central struggle of this book, particularly as it pertains to Sun. We see her continue her journey from the first book in this series, worrying over the mark she will make on history, unsatisfied with a legacy of living in a vaunted parent's shadow. She fears that she'll never amount to her mother's accomplishments and never secure prestige she can call her own.

Furious Heaven keeps up the noble tradition of multiple intriguing POVs. Sun's story sees her sparring with her mother, which is a great source of entertainment. I always hope Sun will stay one step ahead, but we're often left in the dark until the last possible moment about how she'll manage it. We also see her turn her eye to yet greater battles of will with more far-reaching consequences. Apama takes a greater role in this sequel. Through her, we visit the heart of the Phene Empire while she reckons with the truth of her family history and how it will shape her future. We also see through the eyes of more companions than just Persephone, some of them new to the team.

The politics get messy in this one, and the ethics and characters get messier. It makes for a fascinating shift because as our characters shoulder more responsibility, they make more life-altering decisions for themselves and others. The pettiness in some of that politicking, whether it involves the royal mother/daughter duo or the wily Persephone Lee, is a nice counterbalance to the actual strategy and import of other maneuvers.

It's interesting because both books in this series so far are objectively long. While in the first, the action and close connections to characters obscured that fact, in this one, the sprawling cast and emphasis on large-scale space battles left me more adrift, feeling the book's heft. Even when with familiar characters whom I'd been looking forward to seeing again, I felt less connected to them as the stories shifted to those of war rather than personal concerns. The exception, perhaps, is Apama, who was on the front lines in book one and has been pulled back into a more visible, political role in this book. Her personal life is front and center as she adjusts to the changes in her family.

In terms of relationships, I was drawn to the found sisterhood in Apama's story more than any other. Both girls overcome many social and political barriers to build their relationship, and they survive together through a life-or-death situation against daunting odds, building an unshakeable bond. More than anything else at the end of the book, I was desperate for them not to become separated by forces beyond their control. The Companions are rarely on the page together for me to favor them in this book, sent on their separate missions. Since those stories were what I loved best about book one, it was a letdown to have those largely replaced by battle sequences here. Even Sun herself is different because of her shifting role. We see more of her ambition in this book and less of her loyalty and close-range leadership, even though they're still present.

My interest level picked up in the last third of the book as many of these threads finally came together, including some left dangling from the first book. I'm still looking forward to the forthcoming next book in the series, but I have a bit more wariness about it. If it follows this one's tradition, I may be disappointed. But if it reconnects to what made the first book great, it will be a relief. Thanks to Tor for my copy to read and review!]]> 4.11 2023
author: Kate Elliott
name: Allison
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, action-adventure, bisexual-protagonist, forbidden-romance, found-family, multiple-pov, netgalley, politician-romance, poly-protagonist, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, royal-romance, sapphic-romance, scifi, secret-romance
review:
"Life is a stage. War is a performance. In the end, we will be judged not according to our deeds but according to what people say of our deeds long after any of us can affect the discourse."

Though a POV character immediately dismisses the above speech as smarmy, and I'm not sure he's wrong given the speaker, I still like how it summarizes the central struggle of this book, particularly as it pertains to Sun. We see her continue her journey from the first book in this series, worrying over the mark she will make on history, unsatisfied with a legacy of living in a vaunted parent's shadow. She fears that she'll never amount to her mother's accomplishments and never secure prestige she can call her own.

Furious Heaven keeps up the noble tradition of multiple intriguing POVs. Sun's story sees her sparring with her mother, which is a great source of entertainment. I always hope Sun will stay one step ahead, but we're often left in the dark until the last possible moment about how she'll manage it. We also see her turn her eye to yet greater battles of will with more far-reaching consequences. Apama takes a greater role in this sequel. Through her, we visit the heart of the Phene Empire while she reckons with the truth of her family history and how it will shape her future. We also see through the eyes of more companions than just Persephone, some of them new to the team.

The politics get messy in this one, and the ethics and characters get messier. It makes for a fascinating shift because as our characters shoulder more responsibility, they make more life-altering decisions for themselves and others. The pettiness in some of that politicking, whether it involves the royal mother/daughter duo or the wily Persephone Lee, is a nice counterbalance to the actual strategy and import of other maneuvers.

It's interesting because both books in this series so far are objectively long. While in the first, the action and close connections to characters obscured that fact, in this one, the sprawling cast and emphasis on large-scale space battles left me more adrift, feeling the book's heft. Even when with familiar characters whom I'd been looking forward to seeing again, I felt less connected to them as the stories shifted to those of war rather than personal concerns. The exception, perhaps, is Apama, who was on the front lines in book one and has been pulled back into a more visible, political role in this book. Her personal life is front and center as she adjusts to the changes in her family.

In terms of relationships, I was drawn to the found sisterhood in Apama's story more than any other. Both girls overcome many social and political barriers to build their relationship, and they survive together through a life-or-death situation against daunting odds, building an unshakeable bond. More than anything else at the end of the book, I was desperate for them not to become separated by forces beyond their control. The Companions are rarely on the page together for me to favor them in this book, sent on their separate missions. Since those stories were what I loved best about book one, it was a letdown to have those largely replaced by battle sequences here. Even Sun herself is different because of her shifting role. We see more of her ambition in this book and less of her loyalty and close-range leadership, even though they're still present.

My interest level picked up in the last third of the book as many of these threads finally came together, including some left dangling from the first book. I'm still looking forward to the forthcoming next book in the series, but I have a bit more wariness about it. If it follows this one's tradition, I may be disappointed. But if it reconnects to what made the first book great, it will be a relief. Thanks to Tor for my copy to read and review!
]]> 59739150
She crosses into the magical lands of the Fae, trying to discern if her enemy is Mortal, Elf, or a Halfling like her. But the Faeland is not what it seems, and neither is the Shadow. Keera is shocked by what she discovers and can’t help but wonder who her enemy truly is�

The King that destroyed her people? The Prince that tortures them? Or the Shadow that threatens her place at court?

As she searches for answers, Keera is haunted by a promise she made long ago. A promise not only to save herself but an entire kingdom.]]> 427 Melissa Blair 1777927811 Allison 4
A Broken Blade is the dark, romantic Fae fantasy we deserve. Our protagonist is Keera, the Blade of the King. She's a Halfling, an "abomination" with amber blood, part Mortal and part Elf. It makes her faster, stronger, and gives her better senses than Mortals. It also makes her the King's property, a carefully controlled commodity to enact his will on the world. The Elf population was decimated in the Blood Wars, and Halflings can easily go that way when they become ineffective or inconvenient. Keera's position and life teeter in the balance for failing to assassinate the Shadow. His rebellious acts against the King are shrouded in mystery, reaching the status of urban legend. As she hunts the Shadow, Keera will have to take risks, confront her past, and envision a future she wants for herself and her people.

Keera is an amazing protagonist: she's flawed and fierce, impressive but not in a too-sparkly, too-convenient way. She's also queer-- gender doesn't determine who she's interested in. I don't want to give any spoilers by talking about specific other characters. But I love the found family she earns throughout the book. And each of them has a distinct, lovable personality. I look forward to learning more of their secrets in future books.

Our love interest is broody and morally upright, but he can still learn and take direction. He listens to others and takes his relationships seriously. The romance has an enemies to friends to lovers trajectory, which just so happens to be one of my absolute favorites. It takes a relatively slow pace, leaving the broader fantasy plot at the forefront. There are also plenty of reasons for the two not to rush into anything, both internal and external. Consent is huge, and they take their time discovering each other's wishes and interests, never expecting the other to say "yes" but asking first.

In terms of fantasy, the world-building is light-- as in, it's easy to jump into the action and feel like you understand the context. And the context is important. Keera's personal history is revealed in pieces, and the intricacies of politics and world history are easy to follow because of the clear presentation. Keera's motivation and the goals of the Shadow are both compelling, and it's a delight to see them clash and negotiate. You get the sense that there's more we don't know, more that Keera doesn't know. It leaves room for intrigue in the next book. There's also not a full cliffhanger at the end of the book, but a big reveal does propel us toward the sequel. And I am PUMPED.

A few content warnings so readers can take care of themselves: violence, self-harm, and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Know that Keera is on an arc that pulls her out of the dark place where she starts the story. Her grief and dependence on alcohol loosen their grip as the plot progresses.

Thanks to Union Square & Co. for my copy to read and review! I fell in love with this world and its characters, and I can't wait to see what happens next.]]> 3.88 2021
author: Melissa Blair
name: Allison
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2023-reads, bipoc-protagonist, bisexual-protagonist, fantasy, found-family, lovable-characters, mental-health, angsty-boy-romance, assassin-romance, biracial-protagonist, enemies-to-lovers, fae-romance, fantasy-romance, morally-gray-romance, protagonist-with-addiction, queer-protagonist, rebel-romance, secret-identity-romance, grief, protagonist-with-ptsd, 2025-reads, forced-proximity, nursed-back-to-health-romance, only-one-bed, open-door-romance, sexual-tension, single-pov, slowburn-romance, spy-romance, touch-her-and-ill-kill-you
review:
I reread this book as an audiobook to refresh my memory and enjoy it in a new way, as has become my practice. I honestly like my original review from 2023, no notes. So here it is:

A Broken Blade is the dark, romantic Fae fantasy we deserve. Our protagonist is Keera, the Blade of the King. She's a Halfling, an "abomination" with amber blood, part Mortal and part Elf. It makes her faster, stronger, and gives her better senses than Mortals. It also makes her the King's property, a carefully controlled commodity to enact his will on the world. The Elf population was decimated in the Blood Wars, and Halflings can easily go that way when they become ineffective or inconvenient. Keera's position and life teeter in the balance for failing to assassinate the Shadow. His rebellious acts against the King are shrouded in mystery, reaching the status of urban legend. As she hunts the Shadow, Keera will have to take risks, confront her past, and envision a future she wants for herself and her people.

Keera is an amazing protagonist: she's flawed and fierce, impressive but not in a too-sparkly, too-convenient way. She's also queer-- gender doesn't determine who she's interested in. I don't want to give any spoilers by talking about specific other characters. But I love the found family she earns throughout the book. And each of them has a distinct, lovable personality. I look forward to learning more of their secrets in future books.

Our love interest is broody and morally upright, but he can still learn and take direction. He listens to others and takes his relationships seriously. The romance has an enemies to friends to lovers trajectory, which just so happens to be one of my absolute favorites. It takes a relatively slow pace, leaving the broader fantasy plot at the forefront. There are also plenty of reasons for the two not to rush into anything, both internal and external. Consent is huge, and they take their time discovering each other's wishes and interests, never expecting the other to say "yes" but asking first.

In terms of fantasy, the world-building is light-- as in, it's easy to jump into the action and feel like you understand the context. And the context is important. Keera's personal history is revealed in pieces, and the intricacies of politics and world history are easy to follow because of the clear presentation. Keera's motivation and the goals of the Shadow are both compelling, and it's a delight to see them clash and negotiate. You get the sense that there's more we don't know, more that Keera doesn't know. It leaves room for intrigue in the next book. There's also not a full cliffhanger at the end of the book, but a big reveal does propel us toward the sequel. And I am PUMPED.

A few content warnings so readers can take care of themselves: violence, self-harm, and substance abuse as a coping mechanism. Know that Keera is on an arc that pulls her out of the dark place where she starts the story. Her grief and dependence on alcohol loosen their grip as the plot progresses.

Thanks to Union Square & Co. for my copy to read and review! I fell in love with this world and its characters, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
]]> 61685991 An unputdownable queer coming-of-age rom-com about life and love in Hollywood.

For aspiring cinematographer Luna Roth, coming out as bisexual at twenty-four is proving more difficult than she anticipated. Sure, her best friend and fellow queer Romy is thrilled for her--but she has no interest in coming out to her backwards parents, she wouldn't know how to flirt with a girl if one fell at her feet, and she has no sexual history to build off. Not to mention she really needs to focus her energy on escaping her emotionally-abusive-but-that's-Hollywood talent manager boss and actually get working under a real director of photography anyway.

When she meets twenty-eight-year-old A-list actress Valeria Sullivan around the office, Luna thinks she's found her solution. She'll use Valeria's interest in her cinematography to get a PA job on the set of Valeria's directorial debut--and if Valeria is as gay as Luna suspects, and she happens to be Luna's route to losing her virginity, too . . . well, that's just an added bonus. Enlisting Romy's help, Luna starts the juggling act of her life--impress Valeria's DP to get another job after this one, get as close to Valeria as possible, and help Romy with her own career moves.

But when Valeria begins to reciprocate romantic interest in Luna, the act begins to crumble--straining her relationship with Romy and leaving her job prospects precarious. Now Luna has to figure out if she can she fulfill her dreams as a filmmaker, keep her best friend, and get the girl. . . or if she's destined to end up on the cutting room floor.]]> 336 Carlyn Greenwald 0593468198 Allison 2
It's a love triangle situation, though Luna is largely oblivious to its full existence. She develops her first girl crush on Valeria, an actress she meets at work. They talk about art, and Luna's blown away. She ends up applying for a job as a production assistant on the film that will be Valeria's directorial debut. It's one step closer to her cinematographer dream. The problem is that now her romantic interest in Valeria is wrapped up in their professional relationship. Meanwhile, as Luna navigates being queer for the first time, she relies heavily on her roommate/best friend, Romy, for support. Romy's a non-binary sapphic who welcomes Luna into the community with open arms. As she reassures Luna and offers advice, it's clear (to only the reader, I should note) that she might have buried some feelings for Luna that until now didn't have a viable outlet. Luna has a passing awareness that she finds Romy cute, too, but she has 0 idea that the feeling could be reciprocated. She's so wrapped up in her crush and everything's so new to her in general that she doesn't look into those feelings any further.

The nature of the romance is that we spend most of the book focused on one love story (with Valeria), even though another one (with Romy) is endgame. I've seen that pulled off really well before, but I've also seen instances where it kills some of the romance factor. I think it's the latter in this case. It makes sense when you consider that this is primarily a story about Luna-- coming out to herself, learning what that means for her, and navigating new options for relationships. That's the story, more than a sweeping romance (cool, but also boooo).

It's also worth noting that Luna is on a quest that Romy tries to break her of and then Valeria is confused by, which is the heteronormative concern with having penetrative sex. Luna's very wound up about still technically being a virgin (by this very narrow but widely held definition), and she doesn't give that up even when expanding her dating horizons to include people with different biology at hand. I get that we're on Luna's journey of self-improvement, here, but even once everything's resolved, I wasn't fully satisfied. When we arrive at the moment where Luna kind of gets the error of her ways, we've been to hell and back, and I still don't think she grasps the broader, internalized sexism and homophobia implied in her mindset. Nor do I think she considers how she's been hurting herself. She just kind of vaguely acknowledges that it didn't make sense in the face of her experiences.

Even when you're expecting a shitstorm in the final act, it sure ain't fun when it shows up. Luna has been getting a lot of warnings (to be fair, from people with their own agendas) about mixing her professional and personal goals, especially when there's a power dynamic at play. And for reasons involving "life is hard," Luna doesn't want to give up on this new dream to have it all. This was the cherry on top (of doom) for my reading experience. I'd been frustrated with the love triangle, Luna's obliviousness and self-absorption, and the focus on a romance that won't work out (may I remind you of the genre), and then this final drama hit involving paparazzi, some bullshit Hollywood people, and a confusing kiss. There IS something very wholesome and queer, however, about asking both your straight ex and queer best friend for advice about dating a queer woman and then turning around to ask your now ex but still friend for advice about getting with your best friend who was once the advice-giver, though. Of all the ways for love triangles to wind up, it's one of the better options. It's a whirlwind, it's still not terribly romantic in my view, but it's sweet.

This is such a weird review to write. I signed up for a good, sapphic time with a bi lead, and what I got was only partially that. There were too many issues that kept me distracted, whether it was about the romance or Luna herself. I appreciate that Luna brings to the page some important identities: she's bi, Jewish, and anxious in a world that makes all three of those things difficult. I think maybe her youth worked against her here, bringing out some of those more immature aspects of being that I, for one, am so relieved to have outgrown. Thanks to Vintage for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.09 2023
author: Carlyn Greenwald
name: Allison
average rating: 3.09
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, age-gap-romance, anxious-protagonist, artist-romance, bisexual-protagonist, celebrity-romance, friends-to-lovers, hot-for-boss-romance, jewish-protagonist, love-triangle, netgalley, open-door-romance, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, romance, roommate-romance, sapphic-romance, single-pov, workplace-romance, writer-romance
review:
In Sizzle Reel, Luna is the assistant of a boutique talent manager in LA, and she recently concluded that she's bi. She came out to her therapist and best friends, but she can't imagine taking that step with her family. This is a single-POV romance that lends itself to a story about growing into your identity and maybe even growing up in general.

It's a love triangle situation, though Luna is largely oblivious to its full existence. She develops her first girl crush on Valeria, an actress she meets at work. They talk about art, and Luna's blown away. She ends up applying for a job as a production assistant on the film that will be Valeria's directorial debut. It's one step closer to her cinematographer dream. The problem is that now her romantic interest in Valeria is wrapped up in their professional relationship. Meanwhile, as Luna navigates being queer for the first time, she relies heavily on her roommate/best friend, Romy, for support. Romy's a non-binary sapphic who welcomes Luna into the community with open arms. As she reassures Luna and offers advice, it's clear (to only the reader, I should note) that she might have buried some feelings for Luna that until now didn't have a viable outlet. Luna has a passing awareness that she finds Romy cute, too, but she has 0 idea that the feeling could be reciprocated. She's so wrapped up in her crush and everything's so new to her in general that she doesn't look into those feelings any further.

The nature of the romance is that we spend most of the book focused on one love story (with Valeria), even though another one (with Romy) is endgame. I've seen that pulled off really well before, but I've also seen instances where it kills some of the romance factor. I think it's the latter in this case. It makes sense when you consider that this is primarily a story about Luna-- coming out to herself, learning what that means for her, and navigating new options for relationships. That's the story, more than a sweeping romance (cool, but also boooo).

It's also worth noting that Luna is on a quest that Romy tries to break her of and then Valeria is confused by, which is the heteronormative concern with having penetrative sex. Luna's very wound up about still technically being a virgin (by this very narrow but widely held definition), and she doesn't give that up even when expanding her dating horizons to include people with different biology at hand. I get that we're on Luna's journey of self-improvement, here, but even once everything's resolved, I wasn't fully satisfied. When we arrive at the moment where Luna kind of gets the error of her ways, we've been to hell and back, and I still don't think she grasps the broader, internalized sexism and homophobia implied in her mindset. Nor do I think she considers how she's been hurting herself. She just kind of vaguely acknowledges that it didn't make sense in the face of her experiences.

Even when you're expecting a shitstorm in the final act, it sure ain't fun when it shows up. Luna has been getting a lot of warnings (to be fair, from people with their own agendas) about mixing her professional and personal goals, especially when there's a power dynamic at play. And for reasons involving "life is hard," Luna doesn't want to give up on this new dream to have it all. This was the cherry on top (of doom) for my reading experience. I'd been frustrated with the love triangle, Luna's obliviousness and self-absorption, and the focus on a romance that won't work out (may I remind you of the genre), and then this final drama hit involving paparazzi, some bullshit Hollywood people, and a confusing kiss. There IS something very wholesome and queer, however, about asking both your straight ex and queer best friend for advice about dating a queer woman and then turning around to ask your now ex but still friend for advice about getting with your best friend who was once the advice-giver, though. Of all the ways for love triangles to wind up, it's one of the better options. It's a whirlwind, it's still not terribly romantic in my view, but it's sweet.

This is such a weird review to write. I signed up for a good, sapphic time with a bi lead, and what I got was only partially that. There were too many issues that kept me distracted, whether it was about the romance or Luna herself. I appreciate that Luna brings to the page some important identities: she's bi, Jewish, and anxious in a world that makes all three of those things difficult. I think maybe her youth worked against her here, bringing out some of those more immature aspects of being that I, for one, am so relieved to have outgrown. Thanks to Vintage for my copy to read and review!
]]> 39861971 nan 635 Brandon Sanderson 0575093366 Allison 3
In part one of Oathbringer, we have our familiar POVs to look forward to with some new contenders. Here are my comments on each of them to start.

1. Shallan continues to be a sassy icon. She's increasingly in over her head, but she keeps saying/doing outrageous things, anyway. Some very interesting developments in her love triangle kept me on my toes.
2. Kaladin's story circles around to a new stage of the hero's journey. We finally see him reckon with the family he left behind and the shame that's been keeping him from discovering how they fare.
3. I should have seen the Dalinar flashbacks coming since both Kaladin and Shallan took a turn, and we know that he has literal gaping holes in his memory to figure out. So used to the influx of references to his past as a singularly focused warrior, I still wasn't prepared to see him as a berserker with every interest in the Thrill and so little for fallout. It's like everything he despises about Alethi culture at its most amplified. Seeing his background for myself feels necessary, even though I didn't enjoy reading those passages. There's also the fact that the nature of Dalinar's history means being subjected to a lot of battles, which is not my favorite form of reading. It's a dose of reality to balance his current mystique. I wouldn't want to find myself like Kaladin, burdened by realizing too late who an assumed hero really is.
4. Having "Bridge Four" as a POV was an intriguing innovation that brought some of that rapid-fire energy of the intervals to an entire section of the book. More people with more problems get the opportunity to grace the page in their full force rather than orbiting our main cast. I appreciate the fresh take it brings, even as it feels familiar because we know and care about the people involved already. It also provides an opportunity for direct queer representation, even though it's still not a POV character.

In terms of the social commentary of the series, I think it's still too early for me to have a firm hold on what Sanderson has to say and what I think of it. Beyond the brief mention of a queer character (man with a boyfriend) in Bridge Four, there's also a nice moment where we learn that the spren aren't so unimaginative as to only recognize two genders. It's a bit ruined by the fact that we don't see how humans might experience more than two, even if they're not officially "recognized." It's left to the non-human spren (for now?). I anticipate that brief nods to queerness are all we'll get, though I wouldn't be surprised if these little moments keep cropping up.

Something that takes up more space in the narrative, so I anticipate Sanderson has something particular to say, is slavery. It's a topic with a lot of baggage from reality, even in a fantasy world supposedly unconnected to our own. We saw Kaladin's experience previously, which was not racially motivated. It sits in that space of political retaliation/wartime assholery, and certainly, his lack of social standing means he didn't have protections against someone more powerful using it to silence him. Since that time, references to the experiences of the Parshmen have gained more clarity. Their situation is significantly different because they are visually identifiable as something "other" that could be read as more akin to racially determined slavery, and the level of control exerted over them is drastically more severe (not to minimize Kaladin's experience but to state facts). I was a bit relieved to see the Parshmen put Kaladin in his place when he assumes kinship with them from what he imagines as a kind of shared experience. This part of the plot is just opening up, so I'm waiting to see how it's all handled, and I'm keeping the real-world overlay in mind in how I think about it.

But how's the reading experience for this one? I'm not reading the Stormlight Archive back-to-back (possibly a mistake), but I'm also not waiting years between books or anything dramatic like what people had to suffer while waiting for new books to come out. And STILL, I feel like I need a conspiracy theorist/detective corkboard with pins and yarn and names and secrets to keep track of all of this. I felt my brain grinding along like "I know something about this, but what is it?" My usual instinct to google it had to be suppressed because I'll be even more cranky if I come across spoilers.

It took me about 300 pages to reinvest myself in the series, which is probably a reasonable proportion given the length of the book as a whole, but it was still a long slog to start. I also already mentioned that the proliferation of battle scenes in this one was detrimental to my enjoyment and investment. I feel some measure of relief, expecting that I won't have to endure a similar experience for part two since the action will already be in progress, mid-book as it is (though I fear the battling will continue apace). It feels increasingly weird rating what is actually half a book. On the other hand, I rate books before their series is complete, which is a similar principle in a way. I'm going to keep giving out ratings like normal, but I guess the takeaway here is that I'm putting more weight on how I rate the latter half of any given volume in this series because that's the rating I give when I have all the available information.]]> 4.51 2017
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Allison
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, depressed-protagonist, fantasy, forbidden-romance, love-triangle, multiple-pov, pining, protagonist-with-ptsd, royal-romance, second-chance-romance
review:
"The trick to happiness wasn't in freezing every momentary pleasure and clinging to each one, but in ensuring one's life would produce many future moments to anticipate."

In part one of Oathbringer, we have our familiar POVs to look forward to with some new contenders. Here are my comments on each of them to start.

1. Shallan continues to be a sassy icon. She's increasingly in over her head, but she keeps saying/doing outrageous things, anyway. Some very interesting developments in her love triangle kept me on my toes.
2. Kaladin's story circles around to a new stage of the hero's journey. We finally see him reckon with the family he left behind and the shame that's been keeping him from discovering how they fare.
3. I should have seen the Dalinar flashbacks coming since both Kaladin and Shallan took a turn, and we know that he has literal gaping holes in his memory to figure out. So used to the influx of references to his past as a singularly focused warrior, I still wasn't prepared to see him as a berserker with every interest in the Thrill and so little for fallout. It's like everything he despises about Alethi culture at its most amplified. Seeing his background for myself feels necessary, even though I didn't enjoy reading those passages. There's also the fact that the nature of Dalinar's history means being subjected to a lot of battles, which is not my favorite form of reading. It's a dose of reality to balance his current mystique. I wouldn't want to find myself like Kaladin, burdened by realizing too late who an assumed hero really is.
4. Having "Bridge Four" as a POV was an intriguing innovation that brought some of that rapid-fire energy of the intervals to an entire section of the book. More people with more problems get the opportunity to grace the page in their full force rather than orbiting our main cast. I appreciate the fresh take it brings, even as it feels familiar because we know and care about the people involved already. It also provides an opportunity for direct queer representation, even though it's still not a POV character.

In terms of the social commentary of the series, I think it's still too early for me to have a firm hold on what Sanderson has to say and what I think of it. Beyond the brief mention of a queer character (man with a boyfriend) in Bridge Four, there's also a nice moment where we learn that the spren aren't so unimaginative as to only recognize two genders. It's a bit ruined by the fact that we don't see how humans might experience more than two, even if they're not officially "recognized." It's left to the non-human spren (for now?). I anticipate that brief nods to queerness are all we'll get, though I wouldn't be surprised if these little moments keep cropping up.

Something that takes up more space in the narrative, so I anticipate Sanderson has something particular to say, is slavery. It's a topic with a lot of baggage from reality, even in a fantasy world supposedly unconnected to our own. We saw Kaladin's experience previously, which was not racially motivated. It sits in that space of political retaliation/wartime assholery, and certainly, his lack of social standing means he didn't have protections against someone more powerful using it to silence him. Since that time, references to the experiences of the Parshmen have gained more clarity. Their situation is significantly different because they are visually identifiable as something "other" that could be read as more akin to racially determined slavery, and the level of control exerted over them is drastically more severe (not to minimize Kaladin's experience but to state facts). I was a bit relieved to see the Parshmen put Kaladin in his place when he assumes kinship with them from what he imagines as a kind of shared experience. This part of the plot is just opening up, so I'm waiting to see how it's all handled, and I'm keeping the real-world overlay in mind in how I think about it.

But how's the reading experience for this one? I'm not reading the Stormlight Archive back-to-back (possibly a mistake), but I'm also not waiting years between books or anything dramatic like what people had to suffer while waiting for new books to come out. And STILL, I feel like I need a conspiracy theorist/detective corkboard with pins and yarn and names and secrets to keep track of all of this. I felt my brain grinding along like "I know something about this, but what is it?" My usual instinct to google it had to be suppressed because I'll be even more cranky if I come across spoilers.

It took me about 300 pages to reinvest myself in the series, which is probably a reasonable proportion given the length of the book as a whole, but it was still a long slog to start. I also already mentioned that the proliferation of battle scenes in this one was detrimental to my enjoyment and investment. I feel some measure of relief, expecting that I won't have to endure a similar experience for part two since the action will already be in progress, mid-book as it is (though I fear the battling will continue apace). It feels increasingly weird rating what is actually half a book. On the other hand, I rate books before their series is complete, which is a similar principle in a way. I'm going to keep giving out ratings like normal, but I guess the takeaway here is that I'm putting more weight on how I rate the latter half of any given volume in this series because that's the rating I give when I have all the available information.
]]> 61273343
When the two meet in London, neither is terribly impressed. Penvale finds Jane headstrong and sharp-tongued. Jane finds him cold and aloof. Nevertheless, they agree to a marriage in name only and return to the estate. There, Jane enlists her housekeeper for a scheme: to stage a haunting so that Penvale will return to London, leaving her to do as she pleases at Trethwick Abbey. But Penvale is not as easily scared as his uncle and as their time together increases, Jane realizes that she might not mind her husband’s company all that much.

With her trademark “arch sense of humor and a marvelously witty voice� (Entertainment Weekly), Martha Waters crafts another delightful romp for all historical romance fans.]]> 325 Martha Waters 1668007908 Allison 4
The two meet only once before marrying, solely because Penvale wants to verify that this mysterious young woman isn't being married off against her will. Nothing less would stop him from getting the house-- even his uncle's references to its newly haunted status. While it's apparent that Jane is entering into the union of her own free will, her awkwardness skewing into rudeness sets the tone between them. Neither aspires for something more romantic to develop once their vows are said. After the bare minimum of wedding festivities, they set off for their beloved home. On the road, they experience one of the least romantic "only one bed" scenarios I've yet come across, complete with cold feet and a fight for the blankets.

Jane takes advantage of her intimate knowledge of Trethwick Abbey's secret passageways to mount a haunting attack on her new husband, much as she did to rid herself of an irksome guardian. With help from the staff, she ruins Penvale's sleep and sends him running through hallways in the dead of night to chase ghostly wails. Meanwhile, Penvale adopts a "keep your enemies closer" approach to Jane during hauntings once he suspects her involvement, but her team of theatrical ghosts means that both of them are running on very little sleep. As they fake investigate together and settle in at the Abbey, their pointed dislike of one another (particularly from Jane's end) starts to soften. Though they continue to banter, it takes on more of a fun tone, and their arguments lead to resolutions.

I appreciated Jane's neurodivergent coded energy. While the characters conclude that she's shy, it strikes me as more than that. She avoids groups of people, eye contact, and charming small talk like the plague. When she can ignore her husband with a book, she does. When she can startle someone into leaving her alone, she does that, too. And even when she intends to win someone over, her blunt delivery and general displeasure in company lead to the same result.

I might love the Jane/Diana banter between reluctant sisters-in-law with matching acid tongues even more than that between Jane and Penvale, which I was certainly a fan of. It makes me eager to dive into the author's backlist and read Diana's tale. It's worth mentioning that my favorite bit of back-and-forth between our lovers has to do with whether Penvale needs spectacles (he does). A stubbornly near-sighted husband is certainly easier to fake haunt, though. This is such a bonkers, fun historical romance. Thanks to Atria for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.58 2023
author: Martha Waters
name: Allison
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, banter, dual-pov, forced-proximity, funny, historical-romance, ice-queen-romance, marriage-of-convenience, netgalley, neurodivergent-protagonist, only-one-bed, open-door-romance, romance
review:
Penvale is desperate for the return of his ancestral and childhood home, Trethwick Abbey, even if that means buying it back from his uncle with an unusual addendum. He'll marry his uncle's troublesome ward, and then the house is his. This marriage of convenience means something to Jane, too. She's eager to get out from under her guardian's thumb and figures that she can worry about running off her husband once that first step is accomplished.

The two meet only once before marrying, solely because Penvale wants to verify that this mysterious young woman isn't being married off against her will. Nothing less would stop him from getting the house-- even his uncle's references to its newly haunted status. While it's apparent that Jane is entering into the union of her own free will, her awkwardness skewing into rudeness sets the tone between them. Neither aspires for something more romantic to develop once their vows are said. After the bare minimum of wedding festivities, they set off for their beloved home. On the road, they experience one of the least romantic "only one bed" scenarios I've yet come across, complete with cold feet and a fight for the blankets.

Jane takes advantage of her intimate knowledge of Trethwick Abbey's secret passageways to mount a haunting attack on her new husband, much as she did to rid herself of an irksome guardian. With help from the staff, she ruins Penvale's sleep and sends him running through hallways in the dead of night to chase ghostly wails. Meanwhile, Penvale adopts a "keep your enemies closer" approach to Jane during hauntings once he suspects her involvement, but her team of theatrical ghosts means that both of them are running on very little sleep. As they fake investigate together and settle in at the Abbey, their pointed dislike of one another (particularly from Jane's end) starts to soften. Though they continue to banter, it takes on more of a fun tone, and their arguments lead to resolutions.

I appreciated Jane's neurodivergent coded energy. While the characters conclude that she's shy, it strikes me as more than that. She avoids groups of people, eye contact, and charming small talk like the plague. When she can ignore her husband with a book, she does. When she can startle someone into leaving her alone, she does that, too. And even when she intends to win someone over, her blunt delivery and general displeasure in company lead to the same result.

I might love the Jane/Diana banter between reluctant sisters-in-law with matching acid tongues even more than that between Jane and Penvale, which I was certainly a fan of. It makes me eager to dive into the author's backlist and read Diana's tale. It's worth mentioning that my favorite bit of back-and-forth between our lovers has to do with whether Penvale needs spectacles (he does). A stubbornly near-sighted husband is certainly easier to fake haunt, though. This is such a bonkers, fun historical romance. Thanks to Atria for my copy to read and review!
]]> 52346471
After Daunis witnesses a shocking murder that thrusts her into a criminal investigation, she agrees to go undercover. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home. How far will she go to protect her community if it means tearing apart the only world she’s ever known?]]> 496 Angeline Boulley Allison 5
The beginning of Firekeeper's Daughter feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop, not least because Daunis' grandmother taught her that trouble comes in threes. It's the summer before college, and Daunis has changed her plan. Instead of going to the University of Michigan for premed, she's staying home in the U.P. to support her mother while her grandma is in a care home for a stroke. They recently lost her uncle (her mom's brother), as well, so grief is very much with them. Daunis' family history and all the gossip surrounding her parents make her decision to stay in town for college freshman year particularly fraught. But it's her home, and she'll get to stay close to her best friend Lily. As we're introduced to Daunis' life and the people in her orbit, you can't help but feel that several things are at a breaking point. Her life is in transition, too, with all the potential that entails. It could be a brave new beginning, but it could also be a sign of danger on the horizon, be it new or the culmination of something that's been brewing for a long time.

Daunis is a hockey player, so was her dad, and so is her half-brother, Levi, who is the captain of a local team. Membership comes with some level of celebrity in town, and Daunis is careful not to get caught up in fawning over the players. That's until Jamie Johnson comes to town. He inspires a fair number of devotees with his good looks and mysterious facial scar. Pushed into being his local ambassador by her brother, Daunis can't help but be drawn to the kind but reserved hockey player on their morning runs as she gives him the grand tour. He asks genuine questions, speaks French (like her), empathizes with her experience of not feeling Native enough... and has a long-distance girlfriend. Daunis has a lot of reasons to keep reminding herself that he's off-limits.

That feeling of waiting for something terrible to happen comes to a head when Daunis witnesses a murder. I don't want to give any spoilers by explaining much of what comes after because the book does suspense and intrigue so well. Suffice it to say that all of Daunis' assumptions about what this coming year will look like for her are turned upside down. There are ripple effects for her community and a personal stake, as well. With these two factors in mind, Daunis agrees to be an informant for the FBI as they investigate a new, dangerous recipe for meth that was likely being cooked by the murderer. It's disproportionately affecting Native young people and might be incorporating hallucinogenic mushrooms found on Native land. Daunis puts her big brain and social connections to work to find out about this plague and put a stop to it.

I think the biggest draw of the story is Daunis as a protagonist. She's multifaceted-- a science nerd, an athlete, a Tribal descendant but not a member, a daughter and granddaughter, a best friend playing goon to scare off an unstable ex, a multilingual phenom, an auntie who makes the best pancakes and slays the scary dragons in the treehouse (no prince required), and a teenager with a starry-eyed crush she can't or won't admit. She's intrepid and big-hearted. She cares about her community and exercises empathy even when it would be easier not to. She listens and respects her Elders, offers care and guidance to youths, and supports people of all ages in emotional distress. It's easy to cheer her and wish her both safety and happiness while she embarks on this dangerous but important investigation.

The power of the book, though, comes from the broader messages it has to share. We see a Native teen living a big life, with all that entails. She has family, community, adventure, and romance, but she also struggles with the sadder, darker sides of life, as everyone does. Her story brings up conversations around tribe belonging and enrollment. It also brings up conversations around colorism. For her part, Daunis has one white parent, and her lighter skin opens doors for her. Meanwhile, her cousins have one Black (and Native) parent, which impacts their safety and opportunities in the other direction. The story addresses meth and oxy addiction humanely and shows how it crosses community lines. Daunis' story also incorporates the brutal sexism she experienced on the ice playing high school hockey on the boys' team. It extends to a more casual strain from members of her own team, even people she would consider friends. And that has its own levels of discomfort and even danger.

The romantic side plot (because you know I've got to talk about that) has good tension from secrets kept and conflicting priorities. There's fake dating with boundaries meant to be tested, and sweet and fiery moments interspersed with the arguments and public fanfare. It's also a bit forbidden because the two have a watcher imposing the "fake" label. If that sounds weird, remember that I'm trying to keep this a no-spoiler zone, hence the vague phrasing. The resolution of it all is a bit unexpected, but strangely (for me) satisfying.

Finally, I want to call out the setting. The book's set in 2004, so prepare yourself for the flashback, complete with T9 texting. The U.P. setting also has me thinking fondly of my time in Michigan.

This YA thriller has it all-- a strong protagonist, a carefully considered and paced mystery, several layers of intrigue and interpersonal drama, broader commentary on society and the legal system, and an engrossing romantic subplot. You feel fully immersed in Daunis' life with all its many threads, and it adds to the tension of the thriller because I so badly wanted her to remain safe. I would recommend this book to literally anyone. It lives up to the hype in a big way.]]> 4.32 2021
author: Angeline Boulley
name: Allison
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2021
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, banter, bipoc-protagonist, biracial-protagonist, detective-romance, empowerment, fake-dating, favorites, forbidden-romance, grief, indigenous-protagonist, lovable-characters, morally-gray-romance, mystery-thriller, secret-identity-romance, single-pov, small-town-romance, sports-romance, thought-provoking, twists-and-turns, ya
review:
"Wisdom is not bestowed. In its raw state, it is the heartbreak of knowing things you wish you didn't."

The beginning of Firekeeper's Daughter feels like waiting for the other shoe to drop, not least because Daunis' grandmother taught her that trouble comes in threes. It's the summer before college, and Daunis has changed her plan. Instead of going to the University of Michigan for premed, she's staying home in the U.P. to support her mother while her grandma is in a care home for a stroke. They recently lost her uncle (her mom's brother), as well, so grief is very much with them. Daunis' family history and all the gossip surrounding her parents make her decision to stay in town for college freshman year particularly fraught. But it's her home, and she'll get to stay close to her best friend Lily. As we're introduced to Daunis' life and the people in her orbit, you can't help but feel that several things are at a breaking point. Her life is in transition, too, with all the potential that entails. It could be a brave new beginning, but it could also be a sign of danger on the horizon, be it new or the culmination of something that's been brewing for a long time.

Daunis is a hockey player, so was her dad, and so is her half-brother, Levi, who is the captain of a local team. Membership comes with some level of celebrity in town, and Daunis is careful not to get caught up in fawning over the players. That's until Jamie Johnson comes to town. He inspires a fair number of devotees with his good looks and mysterious facial scar. Pushed into being his local ambassador by her brother, Daunis can't help but be drawn to the kind but reserved hockey player on their morning runs as she gives him the grand tour. He asks genuine questions, speaks French (like her), empathizes with her experience of not feeling Native enough... and has a long-distance girlfriend. Daunis has a lot of reasons to keep reminding herself that he's off-limits.

That feeling of waiting for something terrible to happen comes to a head when Daunis witnesses a murder. I don't want to give any spoilers by explaining much of what comes after because the book does suspense and intrigue so well. Suffice it to say that all of Daunis' assumptions about what this coming year will look like for her are turned upside down. There are ripple effects for her community and a personal stake, as well. With these two factors in mind, Daunis agrees to be an informant for the FBI as they investigate a new, dangerous recipe for meth that was likely being cooked by the murderer. It's disproportionately affecting Native young people and might be incorporating hallucinogenic mushrooms found on Native land. Daunis puts her big brain and social connections to work to find out about this plague and put a stop to it.

I think the biggest draw of the story is Daunis as a protagonist. She's multifaceted-- a science nerd, an athlete, a Tribal descendant but not a member, a daughter and granddaughter, a best friend playing goon to scare off an unstable ex, a multilingual phenom, an auntie who makes the best pancakes and slays the scary dragons in the treehouse (no prince required), and a teenager with a starry-eyed crush she can't or won't admit. She's intrepid and big-hearted. She cares about her community and exercises empathy even when it would be easier not to. She listens and respects her Elders, offers care and guidance to youths, and supports people of all ages in emotional distress. It's easy to cheer her and wish her both safety and happiness while she embarks on this dangerous but important investigation.

The power of the book, though, comes from the broader messages it has to share. We see a Native teen living a big life, with all that entails. She has family, community, adventure, and romance, but she also struggles with the sadder, darker sides of life, as everyone does. Her story brings up conversations around tribe belonging and enrollment. It also brings up conversations around colorism. For her part, Daunis has one white parent, and her lighter skin opens doors for her. Meanwhile, her cousins have one Black (and Native) parent, which impacts their safety and opportunities in the other direction. The story addresses meth and oxy addiction humanely and shows how it crosses community lines. Daunis' story also incorporates the brutal sexism she experienced on the ice playing high school hockey on the boys' team. It extends to a more casual strain from members of her own team, even people she would consider friends. And that has its own levels of discomfort and even danger.

The romantic side plot (because you know I've got to talk about that) has good tension from secrets kept and conflicting priorities. There's fake dating with boundaries meant to be tested, and sweet and fiery moments interspersed with the arguments and public fanfare. It's also a bit forbidden because the two have a watcher imposing the "fake" label. If that sounds weird, remember that I'm trying to keep this a no-spoiler zone, hence the vague phrasing. The resolution of it all is a bit unexpected, but strangely (for me) satisfying.

Finally, I want to call out the setting. The book's set in 2004, so prepare yourself for the flashback, complete with T9 texting. The U.P. setting also has me thinking fondly of my time in Michigan.

This YA thriller has it all-- a strong protagonist, a carefully considered and paced mystery, several layers of intrigue and interpersonal drama, broader commentary on society and the legal system, and an engrossing romantic subplot. You feel fully immersed in Daunis' life with all its many threads, and it adds to the tension of the thriller because I so badly wanted her to remain safe. I would recommend this book to literally anyone. It lives up to the hype in a big way.
]]> 228142988 From New York Times bestselling author Ayana Gray comes a new kind of villain origin story, reimagining one of the most iconic monsters in Greek mythology as a provocative and powerful young heroine.

Meddy has spent her whole life as a footnote in someone else’s story. Out of place next to her beautiful, immortal sisters and her parents—both gods, albeit minor ones—she dreams of leaving her family’s island for a life of adventure. So when she catches the eye of the goddess Athena, who invites her to train as an esteemed priestess in her temple, Meddy leaps at the chance to see the world beyond her home.

In Athens� colorful market streets and the clandestine chambers of the temple, Meddy flourishes in her role as Athena’s favored acolyte, getting her first tastes of purpose and power. But when she is noticed by another Olympian, Poseidon, a drunken night between girl and god ends in violence, and the course of Meddy’s promising future is suddenly and irrevocably altered.

Her locs transformed into snakes as punishment for a crime she did not commit, Medusa must embrace a new identity—not as a victim, but as a vigilante—and with it, the chance to write her own story as mortal, martyr, and myth.

Exploding with rage, heartbreak, and love, I, Medusa portrays a young woman caught in the cross currents between her heart’s deepest desires and the cruel, careless games the Olympian gods play.]]> 504 Ayana Gray Allison 0 to-read 4.48
author: Ayana Gray
name: Allison
average rating: 4.48
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 42527866 A graphic memoir recounting actor/author/activist George Takei's childhood imprisoned within American concentration camps during World War II. Experience the forces that shaped an American icon -- and America itself.

Long before George Takei braved new frontiers in Star Trek, he woke up as a four-year-old boy to find his own birth country at war with his father's -- and their entire family forced from their home into an uncertain future.

In 1942, at the order of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, every person of Japanese descent on the west coast was rounded up and shipped to one of ten "relocation centers," hundreds or thousands of miles from home, where they would be held for years under armed guard.

They Called Us Enemy is Takei's firsthand account of those years behind barbed wire, the joys and terrors of growing up under legalized racism, his mother's hard choices, his father's faith in democracy, and the way those experiences planted the seeds for his astonishing future.]]> 204 George Takei 1603094504 Allison 0 currently-reading 4.40 2019
author: George Takei
name: Allison
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 60191999 From the USA Today bestselling author of Boyfriend Material comes a riotous Regency romp full of art, expensive hats, and a love that is nothing short of spectacular.

Peggy Delancey’s not at all ready to move on from her former flame, Arabella Tarleton. But Belle has her own plans for a love match, and she needs Peggy’s help to make those plans a reality. Still hung up on her feelings and unable to deny Belle what she wants, Peggy reluctantly agrees to help her woo the famous and flamboyant opera singer Orfeo.

She certainly doesn’t expect to find common ground with a celebrated soprano, but when Peggy and Orfeo meet, a whole new flame is ignited that she can’t ignore. Peggy finds an immediate kinship with Orfeo, a castrato who’s just as nonconforming as she is—and just as affected by their instant connection.

They’ve never been able to find their place in the world, but as the pair walks the line between friendship, flirtation, and something more, they may just find their place with each other.]]> 329 Alexis Hall 1542035279 Allison 5
The thing is that underneath the humor that so thoroughly delighted me is a thoughtful story with many angles to consider. We follow Peggy, stuck in unrequited love with her best friend, Belle. And while that dynamic understandably rouses sympathy for our protagonist, it doesn't stop there. Because while Belle is certainly theatrical and self-absorbed, she's struggling with something that Peggy can't understand. She's aromantic in a world where she feels like everyone is leaving her behind for love. Despite her many paramours and admirers, no one has incited the coveted feeling in her that she's so sure she should find if she tries hard enough. In a world built to run on romantic partnerships, the only other option feels like loneliness. Even her friendship with Peggy feels doomed by feelings she'll need to take elsewhere. This side plot made a certain aroace reader (this one) pretty emotional, so thanks for that, Alexis Hall ]]> 4.03 2023
author: Alexis Hall
name: Allison
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: 2025-reads, banter, bisexual-protagonist, down-with-the-ship, favorites, found-family, funny, historical-romance, kinky-romance, lovable-characters, matchmaker-romance, moneybags-romance, musician-romance, netgalley, non-binary-protagonist, open-door-romance, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, romance, romance-with-expiration, single-pov, trans-protagonist
review:
I started out highlighting lines in Something Spectacular that made me cackle, as is my typical procedure. The problem is that it amounted to nearly half the prologue by the time I was through. I kept up this habit for the entire book, sometimes highlighting an entire page because I couldn't bear to leave out a juicy bit of context or any ounce of witty repartee. In other words, whatever teacher tried to instill in me the virtue of spare and meaningful annotation would be horrified. If I were using a physical highlighter, it would be out of ink. One vein of humor worth specifically mentioning is the aristocracy bashing-- even their names (see: Miss Stoddingplonk and Sir Comewithers) are ridiculous and overdone to great comedic effect. Then there's not only advanced use of wordplay but also word invention for humor's sake (one of my personal favorite pastimes). I love to see a master at work.

The thing is that underneath the humor that so thoroughly delighted me is a thoughtful story with many angles to consider. We follow Peggy, stuck in unrequited love with her best friend, Belle. And while that dynamic understandably rouses sympathy for our protagonist, it doesn't stop there. Because while Belle is certainly theatrical and self-absorbed, she's struggling with something that Peggy can't understand. She's aromantic in a world where she feels like everyone is leaving her behind for love. Despite her many paramours and admirers, no one has incited the coveted feeling in her that she's so sure she should find if she tries hard enough. In a world built to run on romantic partnerships, the only other option feels like loneliness. Even her friendship with Peggy feels doomed by feelings she'll need to take elsewhere. This side plot made a certain aroace reader (this one) pretty emotional, so thanks for that, Alexis Hall
]]> 216470365
Many believe that Shim Cheong, the most beautiful girl in the village—and the beloved of Mina’s older brother Joon—may be the legendary true bride. But on the night Cheong is to be sacrificed, Joon follows Cheong out to sea, even knowing that to interfere is a death sentence. To save her brother, Mina throws herself into the water in Cheong’s stead.

Swept away to the Spirit Realm, a magical city of lesser gods and mythical beasts, Mina seeks out the Sea God, only to find him caught in an enchanted sleep. With the help of a mysterious young man named Shin—as well as a motley crew of demons, gods and spirits—Mina sets out to wake the Sea God and bring an end to the killer storms once and for all.

But she doesn’t have much time: A human cannot live long in the land of the spirits. And there are those who would do anything to keep the Sea God from waking…]]> 352 Axie Oh 125086609X Allison 0 to-read 4.17 2022
author: Axie Oh
name: Allison
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 213861211 Giving the new girl lessons in romance so she can woo your best friend couldn’t possibly go wrong…right? Perfect for fans of Becky Albertalli and Casey McQuiston, this romantic comedy from Jessica Lewis is packed with heart.

Nav knows how to flirt, but she also knows love is a messy, losing proposition. She doesn’t need her best friend, Hallie, the serial monogamist, to demonstrate it to her over and over. So when shy new girl Gia asks Nav for help getting Hallie’s attention, Nav makes sure she seems genuine—she doesn't want to add another heartbreak to Hallie's never-ending list. They strike a bargain, and Nav agrees to give Gia lessons in romance. If it works, maybe Hallie can date someone decent for a change.

Except…Gia’s not just bad at flirting, she’s terrible. She’s too anxious to even speak to Hallie, never mind date her. But somehow, every awkward joke and catastrophic practice date makes Nav like Gia a little bit more. And not in a friend way. As the three girls� feelings get spun around, Nav will have to question if she’s as much of an expert as she thought…or if love might be worth every bit of trouble after all.]]> 320 Jessica Lewis 1335012389 Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Jessica Lewis
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222925690 A young man is haunted by a mythological specter bent on stealing everything he loves in this unsettling horror from the author of Indian Burial Ground and Sisters of the Lost Nation.

For fear of summoning evil spirits, Native superstition says you should never, ever whistle at night.

Henry Hotard was on the verge of fame, gaining a following and traction with his eerie ghost-hunting videos. Then his dreams came to a screeching halt. Now, he's learning to navigate a new life in a wheelchair, back on the reservation where he grew up, relying on his grandparents� care while he recovers.

And he’s being haunted.

His girlfriend, Jade, insists he just needs time to adjust to his new reality as a quadriplegic, that it’s his traumatized mind playing tricks on him, but Henry knows better. As the specter haunting him creeps closer each night, Henry battles to find a way to endure, to rid himself of the horror stalking him. Worried that this dread might plague him forever, he realizes the only way to exile his phantom is by confronting his troubled past and going back to the events that led to his injury.

It all started when he whistled at night....]]> 368 Nick Medina 0593820401 Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Nick Medina
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 192724951 A man lunges in front of a car. An elderly woman silently drowns herself. A corpse sits up in its coffin and speaks. On this reservation, not all is what it seems, in this new spine-chilling mythological horror from the author of Sisters of the Lost Nation.

All Noemi Broussard wanted was a fresh start. With a new boyfriend who actually treats her right and a plan to move from the reservation she grew up on—just like her beloved Uncle Louie before her—things are finally looking up for Noemi. Until the news of her boyfriend’s apparent suicide brings her world crumbling down.

But the facts about Roddy’s death just don’t add up, and Noemi isn’t the only one who suspects that something menacing might be lurking within their tribal lands.

After over a decade away, Uncle Louie has returned to the reservation, bringing with him a past full of secrets, horror, and what might be the key to determining Roddy’s true cause of death. Together, Noemi and Louie set out to find answers…but as they get closer to the truth, Noemi begins to wonder whether it might be best for some secrets to remain buried.]]> 370 Nick Medina 0593546881 Allison 0 to-read 3.58 2024
author: Nick Medina
name: Allison
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 203164018 A bookseller and a duke? She couldn’t have written anything more perfect.

Dorian Whitaker, Duke of Holland, needs an heir after his so-called “fairytale marriage� ended in disaster. When the intriguing bookseller he’s hired to liquidate his late wife’s library finds love letters revealing an affair, he is drawn into a mystery alongside a lady whose sharp intellect dazzles him and dares him to imagine a new adventure outside the gilded cage of the Ton.

If anyone found out Caroline Danvers writes erotic novels under a pen name, she’d face utter ruin. Except her latest hero inspiration is none other than the Duke of Holland—a man with the power to destroy her family’s bookshop. And yet the real man proves to be so much more than the character she created. Even as they expose the dark secrets of his past, she knows he can never discover her own. But the more time they spend together, the more tempting it is to rewrite their ending and turn fantasy into reality.]]> 345 Bethany Bennett 1538740486 Allison 0 to-read 3.84 2024
author: Bethany Bennett
name: Allison
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222139830 A bold bookseller tries to matchbreak her friend’s engagement to an earl . . . until she finds herself falling for him instead.

The one thing Constance Martin wants most to avoid is a boring life. She walks her cat with a leash in Hyde Park and even called off her wedding at the altar to stop what would have been a monotonous marriage. So when an aristocratic friend comes into the store asking for help throwing over her fiancé, Constance is both sympathetic and eager for the excitement to come. What could be more fun than plotting ways to get a stuffy—but very handsome—earl to break an engagement?

Oliver Vincent, Earl of Southwyn, likes his orderly life of duty and logic. Everything’s falling into place; all that’s left is marrying the girl next door. Except the girl next door is increasingly reluctant. But marriage is a business deal, after all, and Oliver is determined to keep moving forward with the plan. If only he wasn’t so distracted by her friend—a stunning woman best described as chaos incarnate. She thinks marriage should be an adventure, and he views it as a transaction. But Oliver can’t seem to remember the downsides of falling when Constance is near. . .]]> 368 Bethany Bennett 1538740508 Allison 0 to-read 4.00 2025
author: Bethany Bennett
name: Allison
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 225820247
There are two things that Ruby Dhanji loves with her whole entire Christmas and anything to do with the UK. For Ruby the holiday season means joy, generosity, and warm memories with her late mother.ĚýAnd now she’s on the verge of realizing the dream she and her mom always moving to England and opening a cozy inn. The only problem,ĚýRuby needs some hotel experience first.Ěý
Ěý
Rashid just doesn’t get all the holiday hype. But when he meets a woman dragging home a Christmas tree alone from the Winter Market, he has to offer to help—even if he soon finds Ruby adores all the things he dislikes. When Ruby discovers that Rashid’s family owns a luxury boutique hotel chain in Britain, she offers him a she’ll help him give his young nieces an amazing Christmas if he’ll facilitate an introduction to his family.Ěý
Ěý
As Ruby and Rashid get closer, she realizes that the great big grump loves his large, eccentric family fiercely. And when their friendship turns to something more, she’s afraid she’s falling for someone weeks before she moves across the Atlantic and she’ll soon have to decide which dream she wants to chase.Ěý]]> 368 Farah Heron 1538725495 Allison 0 to-read 0.0
author: Farah Heron
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222321560 Regency meets adventure in this enemies to lovers romp from a New York Times bestselling author.

Advice columnist Miss Vivian Henry despises the Wild Wynchesters her young cousin idolizes. A privileged, wealthy family might get away with murder, while ordinary people are stuck firmly in their place. But when her beloved cousin goes missing and the authorities shrug, Viv has no choice but to beg for help from the vigilantes she hates.Ěý
Ěý
Animal trainer and secretive poet Jacob Wynchester prefers to stay behind the safety of a quill. The last thing he wants is to be lead investigator for his brilliant but prickly new client. As they team up to rescue her kidnapped cousin, they fall in love despite themselves. But when Jacob’s grand gesture backfires, everything they care about is thrown into jeopardy.ĚýTogether, they must not only save the day, but also decide how far they’re willing to go to be who they really are. And determine whether their partnership is a mistakeâ€� or the missing piece that completes them.Ěý]]> 368 Erica Ridley 1538726149 Allison 0 to-read 0.0 2025
author: Erica Ridley
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 223296275
As the son of the Atkinson's chauffeur, Lucien Taylor grew up admiring the family from a distance—and pining forĚýWinifred, the youngest sister.ĚýBut when he finally accepts that she will never see him as anything other than a playmate, Lucien leaves home to make his fortune. NowĚýhe’s back and in search of funding after his duplicitous partner ruins his business. Help comes from the most unexpected place when Alexandra, the eldest Atkinson sister known for her icy beauty and infamously brusque manner, makes a she will help him secure what he needs to start his business if he pretends to court her for a few weeks. Her offer is too good to pass up, but the more time they spend together, the more Lucien realizes that a fake courtship with Alex isn’t enough. He wants something real.
Ěý]]> 368 Emily Sullivan 1538742373 Allison 0 to-read 0.0
author: Emily Sullivan
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222636366 A sweeping fantasy about a witch who must navigate a ruthless marriage competition—and try not to fall in love along the way. Part twisting mystery, part thrilling romance, The Weaver Bride is an unputdownable romantasy steeped in a lush magical world.

Lovett Tamerlane is a silkwitch. Like all girls of her kind, she holds a rare magic—a magic that can be harnessed only through marriage to a Weaver. But finding a Weaver husband requires status, refinement, and money, all of which Lovett sadly lacks. Her one secret ability, to open any door, is her saving grace. Hidden in plain sight, Lovett spends her days using her gift to steal from wealthy families and her nights avoiding the fate imposed on all unwed silkwitches: a life confined to the cloisters.

But opening doors can be dangerous, and when Lovett steals from the wrong person, she finds herself face to face with Eliot Lear, the notorious son of a prominent Weaver. It turns out Eliot’s been watching Lovett. He knows she’s a silkwitch, and he offers her a life-altering opportunity: entrance to the Vainglory, a competition with the ultimate prize—marriage to Noé Alaire, heir to generations of Weaver wealth. The catch? Last year, the Vainglory ended in tragedy. The winner died. And the winner was Eliot’s sister.

The arrangement is simple: If Lovett solves the mystery of Ophelia Lear’s death and unmasks her killer, Eliot will ensure she has her pick of Weaver suitors, regardless of who wins the competition. Yet unraveling Ophelia’s murder proves far more complicated than either of them anticipated. And Lovett should know better than to take a Weaver at his word.

After all . . . what is love without betrayal?]]> 480 Lydia Gregovic 0593572416 Allison 0 to-read 4.21 2025
author: Lydia Gregovic
name: Allison
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216246723 The exciting new contemporary romance—and her first to feature a queer romance—by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory

Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she’s tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially other women), flirt with everyone she sees, all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One Avery doesn't know how to do any of that. She doesn't have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.

Enter Taylor Cameron,ĚýNapa Valley's biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can't make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It will keep her busy, stop her from texting people she shouldn't. And it might distract her from how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.

At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. She tells herself it's because the lessons are fun, not because she kind of might have a little bit of a crush on Taylor. Taylor doesn't even try to deny that she's intrigued by Avery, but she's still got a bet to win. With Taylor’s help, Avery is finally doing what she wants to flirting with lots of women, making friends, having fun! But after a while, it becomes impossible for Avery and Taylor to ignore their attraction to one another, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn't serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn't know what to do, how to deal with it, and most importantly, if she's already ruined the best thing she's ever had.]]> 409 Jasmine Guillory 0593100921 Allison 0 to-read 3.65 2025
author: Jasmine Guillory
name: Allison
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 152331236
Harriet Lockhart never planned to marry. She has spent her life defying expectations, playing male roles on London’s seediest stages, and doing whatever she pleases. When Harry is contacted by her hitherto anonymous father, she finds herself at risk of losing the trust fund that’s subsidized her lifestyle—unless she begins to lead a more respectable life, starting with finding a husband.

Emily Sergeant, the picture of modesty, has only ever wanted to marry. And were it not for one mistake in her youth that rendered her a social pariah, she would be appropriately betrothed. Instead, she’s due to wed the only willing—and most abominable—man in her small town. Desperate for an alternative, Emily flees to London to snag a less lecherous fiancé.

Worlds collide, dramatically and hilariously, when both women decide on the very same duke as their best possible chance at a tolerable husband and a secure future. A tongue-in-cheek romp through London’s summer season, from balls to brothels, horseraces to duels, Harry and Emily compete for the duke’s favor, only to find their true hearts� desires may be more compatible than they could have ever predicted.]]> Mackenzi Lee Allison 0 to-read 4.50
author: Mackenzi Lee
name: Allison
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217171525
Thankfully she has the other outcasts of the summer program, Team Misfit Toys, and even her twin sister Pauline. Together they ace obstacle courses, plan vigils for missing women in the community, and make sure summer doesn’t feel so lost after all.

But when she attends a meeting at a local university, Perry learns about the “Warrior Girl�, an ancestor whose bones and knife are stored in the museum archives, and everything changes. Perry has to return Warrior Girl to her tribe. Determined to help, she learns all she can about NAGPRA, the federal law that allows tribes to request the return of ancestral remains and sacred items. The university has been using legal loopholes to hold onto Warrior Girl and twelve other Anishinaabe ancestors� remains, and Perry and the Misfits won’t let it go on any longer.

Using all of their skills and resources, the Misfits realize a heist is the only way to bring back the stolen artifacts and remains for good. But there is more to this repatriation than meets the eye as more women disappear and Pauline’s perfectionism takes a turn for the worse. As secrets and mysteries unfurl, Perry and the Misfits must fight to find a way to make things right � for the ancestors and for their community.]]> 416 Angeline Boulley 125039466X Allison 0 to-read 4.00 2023
author: Angeline Boulley
name: Allison
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 217387935 Naomi Novik's Scholomance series meets Plain Bad Heroines in this sapphic dark academia fantasy by instant national and international bestselling author Emily Tesh, winner of the Hugo and World Fantasy Awards.

"Look at you, eating magic like you're one of us."

Doctor Walden is the Director of Magic at Chetwood Academy and one of the most powerful magicians in England. Her days consist of meetings, teaching A-Level Invocation to four talented, chaotic sixth formers, more meetings, and securing the school's boundaries from demonic incursions.

Walden is good at her job―no, Walden is great at her job. But demons are masters of manipulation. It’s her responsibility to keep her school with its six hundred students and centuries-old legacy safe. And it’s possible the entity Walden most needs to keep her school safe from―is herself.]]> 432 Emily Tesh 1250835011 Allison 0 to-read 4.30 2025
author: Emily Tesh
name: Allison
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218155534 Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton for a 19th century spin on The Hangover in USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday’s laugh-out-loud bromantic comedy featuring three Regency-era Earls on their annual trip�ride-or-die buddies offering one another unconditional support in everything from Lady problems to family woes�especially when this trip is crashed by one earl’s pen pal. The complicated fallout from his alter ego being exposed may just be the most challenging problem the boys have to solve yet!

From the author of CANADIAN BOYFRIEND,Ěýthe perfect romp for fans of Evie Dunmore, India Holton, Virginia Heath, Manda Collins, and Suzanne Allain!

An annual earls� trip should provide an escape from a gentleman’s cares, but in this refreshingly modern Regency-era series, three handsome BFFs find that wherever they go, romantic complications follow . . .

When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they’ve never met.
Ěý
Also, she thinks he’s a woman. Named Euphemia.
Ěý
Julianna is baffled. How can her soul mate not want to meet? Could it be that Euphemia is not the simple country girl she claims to be? Perhaps she’s wealthy. After all, she’s never cashed any of the bank drafts Julianna has sent. Perhaps Euphemia simply doesn’t want rank to come between them. Well, no more. Having extracted the details of a trip Euphemia is planning, Julianna squanders her meager savings and surprises her at the scene.
Ěý
He is very, very surprised. As is she.
Ěý
Now the two will have to decide what is true, what is not, and whether the truest thing of all—love—just might be worth an earldom . . .
Ěý]]> 352 Jenny Holiday 1496745094 Allison 0 to-read 4.60 2025
author: Jenny Holiday
name: Allison
average rating: 4.60
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 211004153 Ignyte and Mythopoeic Award-winning author Eden Royce pens a Southern Gothic historical fantasy story of a contentious funeral in her adult fiction debut.

Phee St. Margaret is a daughter of the Reconstruction, born to a family of free Black business owners in New Charleston. Coddled to within an inch of her life by a mother who refuses to let her daughter live a life other than the one she dictates, Phee yearns to demonstrate she's capable of more than simply marrying well.

When word arrives that her Aunt Cleo, long estranged from the family, has passed away, Phee risks her mother's wrath to step up and accept the role of pomp―the highly honored duty of planning the funeral service. Traveling alone to the town of Horizon and her aunt's unsettling home, Phee soon discovers that visions and shadows beckon from every reflective surface, and that some secrets transcend the borders of life and death.]]> 176 Eden Royce 1250330963 Allison 0 to-read 4.80 2025
author: Eden Royce
name: Allison
average rating: 4.80
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 59237736
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Torre is an avid birder undergoing a gender identity crisis and grappling with an ever-growing list of fears. Some, like Fear #6: Initiating Conversation, keep them constrained, forcing them to watch birds from the telescope in their bedroom. And, occasionally, their neighbors. When their gaze wanders from the birds to one particular window across the street, Bianca witnesses a creepy plague-masked murderer take their neighbor’s life. Worse, the death is ruled a suicide, forcing Bianca to make a choice—succumb to their long list of fears (including #3: Murder and #55: Breaking into a Dead Guy’s Apartment) or investigate what happened.

Bianca enlists the help of their friend Anderson Coleman, but the two have more knowledge of anime than true crime. As Bianca and Anderson dig deeper into the murder with a little help from Bianca’s crush and fellow birding aficionado, Elaine Yee (#13: Beautiful People, #11: Parents Discovering They’re A Raging Lesbian), the trio uncovers a conspiracy much larger—and weirder—than imagined. But when the killer catches wind of the investigation, Bianca’s #1 fear of public speaking doesn’t sound so bad compared to the threat of being silenced for good.

In this absurdist, bizarrely comical YA thriller that is at turns a deceptively deep exploration of anxiety and identity, perhaps the real murder investigation is the friends we make along the way.]]> 384 Justine Pucella Winans 0358721644 Allison 4
Bianca Torre, self-proclaimed lesbian sheep and bird watcher/ people watcher, has a long list of fears from initiating conversations to coming out to their parents. One of their favorite pastimes is turning their telescope on the apartment building across the street where they can see familiar characters they've mostly never met going about their daily routines. They can see their friend, Anderson, who geeks out with them about anime but lives in another universe at school. And then there are the other residents whom they only know by the monikers they've given them-- Queen Elizabeth, Mr. Conspiracy, and Romeo and Juliet. Mr. Conspiracy is so-called because Bianca once saw one of those sticky note and pushpin-style maps on his wall. He knows Bianca watches the apartments and leaves them bird drawings in his window. That's the extent of their interactions, but it makes Bianca fond of him. And then one day, Bianca sees him standing at his window, looking right at their telescope and asking for help. And then he gets murdered right before their eyes. After an understandable freakout, they dial 911. When the news suggests it's been painted as a suicide, Bianca realizes their involvement can't be complete. Facing their fears, they go to the police to make a statement about what they saw, only to be dismissed. Never mind the figure in a plague mask who they saw descending from Mr. Conspiracy's fire escape afterward-- a figment of their overstressed imagination, naturally.

As Bianca and Anderson embark on an adventure to find out what happened to Mr. Conspiracy, they grow in their friendship and take on new challenges. Mr. Conspiracy was challenging a powerful group that now has its eyes on Bianca, but our lesbian sheep has enough courage to face their fears and anxieties when it might be the only route to justice (and to safety, for that matter). You can expect to see a secret lair, the unmasking of villains, and the unraveling of a deep plot as our intrepid investigators wade into the shady machinations that led to a death right across the street.

While the mystery gives the story motion and intrigue, what I love best about the book comes from the ways we see Bianca grow up and build a happier life for themself. One facet of that is seeing how Bianca learns to reframe their fears. Instead of these insurmountable barriers, they become proof of all that Bianca is willing to overcome. We also see our protagonist come to some realizations regarding gender and body image. They explore if nonbinary is a label that fits them and worry about the gatekeeping that can come from within the community about what "counts," including if Bianca can still claim lesbian as a label. We also observe their internal struggle about not knowing if their feminist mom would react well to Bianca coming out. Her form of progressiveness isn't the kind that makes Bianca feel safe, and though we see them successfully fight through their nerves to come out to several people in the book, we're also asked to consider the idea that it's ok not to come out to everyone because we don't owe all of ourselves to every person. It should feel right and safe. It's not a book that dwells in those darker spaces, though. We see Bianca attend a group to make connections with other trans people with the backup of loved ones. We see them form bonds with trusted adults who know about their queerness, and we see them make meaningful bonds with people who share their identity.

There's a cute side plot about Bianca's crush on fellow birder Elaine Yee with all the awkwardness and nerves you'd expect. But I admire that the real heavy-hitter relationship-wise is Bianca letting their friendship with Anderson deepen and expand rather than keeping it solely about anime. They assumed he wouldn't want to be seen with them in other contexts but discover how great their friendship can be in all kinds of places-- at the gym, at school, or running an extracurricular murder investigation. It melted my heart when Bianca starts thinking of Anderson as a platonic soulmate because what a wholesome, wonderful vibe that we need more of in the world.

This may be a murder mystery, but it's such a warm hug of a book. It's about expanding horizons, whether that's branching out in activities or letting more people into your life or expressing yourself in a way that invites joy. This is a great story for a young adult audience and a healing one for queer people of any age. Thanks to Clarion for my copy to read and review!]]> 4.05 2023
author: Justine Pucella Winans
name: Allison
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: 2025-reads, anxious-protagonist, empowerment, funny, lesbian-protagonist, lovable-characters, mental-health, mystery-thriller, netgalley, non-binary-protagonist, queer-protagonist, single-pov, ya, trans-protagonist
review:
"No time to question your gender identity like the middle of a murder investigation."

Bianca Torre, self-proclaimed lesbian sheep and bird watcher/ people watcher, has a long list of fears from initiating conversations to coming out to their parents. One of their favorite pastimes is turning their telescope on the apartment building across the street where they can see familiar characters they've mostly never met going about their daily routines. They can see their friend, Anderson, who geeks out with them about anime but lives in another universe at school. And then there are the other residents whom they only know by the monikers they've given them-- Queen Elizabeth, Mr. Conspiracy, and Romeo and Juliet. Mr. Conspiracy is so-called because Bianca once saw one of those sticky note and pushpin-style maps on his wall. He knows Bianca watches the apartments and leaves them bird drawings in his window. That's the extent of their interactions, but it makes Bianca fond of him. And then one day, Bianca sees him standing at his window, looking right at their telescope and asking for help. And then he gets murdered right before their eyes. After an understandable freakout, they dial 911. When the news suggests it's been painted as a suicide, Bianca realizes their involvement can't be complete. Facing their fears, they go to the police to make a statement about what they saw, only to be dismissed. Never mind the figure in a plague mask who they saw descending from Mr. Conspiracy's fire escape afterward-- a figment of their overstressed imagination, naturally.

As Bianca and Anderson embark on an adventure to find out what happened to Mr. Conspiracy, they grow in their friendship and take on new challenges. Mr. Conspiracy was challenging a powerful group that now has its eyes on Bianca, but our lesbian sheep has enough courage to face their fears and anxieties when it might be the only route to justice (and to safety, for that matter). You can expect to see a secret lair, the unmasking of villains, and the unraveling of a deep plot as our intrepid investigators wade into the shady machinations that led to a death right across the street.

While the mystery gives the story motion and intrigue, what I love best about the book comes from the ways we see Bianca grow up and build a happier life for themself. One facet of that is seeing how Bianca learns to reframe their fears. Instead of these insurmountable barriers, they become proof of all that Bianca is willing to overcome. We also see our protagonist come to some realizations regarding gender and body image. They explore if nonbinary is a label that fits them and worry about the gatekeeping that can come from within the community about what "counts," including if Bianca can still claim lesbian as a label. We also observe their internal struggle about not knowing if their feminist mom would react well to Bianca coming out. Her form of progressiveness isn't the kind that makes Bianca feel safe, and though we see them successfully fight through their nerves to come out to several people in the book, we're also asked to consider the idea that it's ok not to come out to everyone because we don't owe all of ourselves to every person. It should feel right and safe. It's not a book that dwells in those darker spaces, though. We see Bianca attend a group to make connections with other trans people with the backup of loved ones. We see them form bonds with trusted adults who know about their queerness, and we see them make meaningful bonds with people who share their identity.

There's a cute side plot about Bianca's crush on fellow birder Elaine Yee with all the awkwardness and nerves you'd expect. But I admire that the real heavy-hitter relationship-wise is Bianca letting their friendship with Anderson deepen and expand rather than keeping it solely about anime. They assumed he wouldn't want to be seen with them in other contexts but discover how great their friendship can be in all kinds of places-- at the gym, at school, or running an extracurricular murder investigation. It melted my heart when Bianca starts thinking of Anderson as a platonic soulmate because what a wholesome, wonderful vibe that we need more of in the world.

This may be a murder mystery, but it's such a warm hug of a book. It's about expanding horizons, whether that's branching out in activities or letting more people into your life or expressing yourself in a way that invites joy. This is a great story for a young adult audience and a healing one for queer people of any age. Thanks to Clarion for my copy to read and review!
]]> 63896294 The kinnaree
And no matter the cost,
I will be free.

Bennet Andrews represents a secret organization of supernatural beings dedicated to locating and acquiring mythical objects, tucking them safely away where they cannot harm the human race. When he meets Peeraphan Rahttana, it's too late—she has already stepped into The Red Shoes, trapped by their curse to dance to her death.

But Bennet isn't the only supernatural looking for deadly artifacts. And when the shoes don't seem to harm Peeraphan, he realizes that he'll have to save her from the likes of creatures she never knew existed. Bennett sweeps Peeraphan into a world of myth and power far beyond anything she ever imagined. There, she finds that magic exists in places she never dreamed—including deep within herself.]]> 304 Piper J. Drake Allison 3
Peeraphan is a kinnaree, a bird princess from Thai myth. Her family wasn't able to tell her much about what that means, so she hopes that the Consortium's massive library can fill in some of the gaps. As the Consortium tries to figure out how to safely remove the shoes, Peeraphan's increasing brushes with the supernatural bring out some of her latent abilities and give her clues about a broader community she belongs to. All the while, the shoes literally try to walk her into danger with increasing fervor, so the clock is ticking to save her life. The other vampire and the organization he represents continue their pursuit, adding another dose of intensity to the situation.

It's a whirlwind romance, but it doesn't shirk on communication or true bonding. One of my favorite parts is how Bennett seeks Peeraphan's full name rather than taking the easy route of using the childhood nickname (Punch) that most people prefer. For another thing, I'm no stranger to domineering ancient men in paranormal romance, but in this one, Peeraphan's takedown of his assumed power dynamic is satisfying-- and that's not a given outcome, even when we see a character make the effort. I think paranormal romances should be headed in this direction when it comes to inclusivity and humanity, i.e. fangs aren't a reason to ignore consent and get all possessive. At the same time, this isn't the most fulfilling romance I've read when it comes to sweeping, emotional arcs and tantalizing spice. I think it would take a longer book with more attention to detail to achieve those ends. I liked both leads and their dynamic, so no major facelift is required there.

The speed of the story was an issue for me beyond the romance. There are things about Peeraphan's past we never learn including her job, who she considers family, and any friends she may have. It's preferable to an info dump and fits the story of how she's kept her life small to protect herself. All the same, I think the information we have on either her or Bennett is a bit surface-level even before you consider their relationship.

I recommend this one to readers who are interested in paranormal romance that draws on familiar tropes while expanding the lore and injecting some restorative feminism. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.17 2023
author: Piper J. Drake
name: Allison
average rating: 3.17
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: 2025-reads, angsty-boy-romance, api-protagonist, bipoc-protagonist, dancer-romance, dual-pov, fairytale, grumpy-sunshine-romance, mythical-romance, netgalley, nursed-back-to-health-romance, open-door-romance, paranormal-romance, southeast-asian-protagonist, vampire-romance, whirlwind-romance
review:
We meet Peeraphan on the stage, preparing to dance in some supernaturally mesmerizing red shoes. Bennett is the first vampire to arrive on the scene, intent on retrieving these killer fairy tale objects. Seeing them on Peeraphan's feet, he resigns himself to another victim claimed by the shoes. When she stops dancing for a rehearsal break, everything changes. Somehow, she's resisting their curse to dance into oblivion. When he approaches, Peeraphan can't help but feel a smidgeon of hope at encountering another non-human being for the first time. Unfortunately, another vampire arrives, and a fight for the shoes ensues. That's how we find Peeraphan leading a victorious but bleeding-out Bennett back to the secret mansion hideout of the Darke Consortium still in her red dancing shoes. She offers up blood to the vampire that saved her life to even the scales. Exhausted and unable to remove the shoes, she settles in for a stay that will change her life and finally see some of her questions about herself answered.

Peeraphan is a kinnaree, a bird princess from Thai myth. Her family wasn't able to tell her much about what that means, so she hopes that the Consortium's massive library can fill in some of the gaps. As the Consortium tries to figure out how to safely remove the shoes, Peeraphan's increasing brushes with the supernatural bring out some of her latent abilities and give her clues about a broader community she belongs to. All the while, the shoes literally try to walk her into danger with increasing fervor, so the clock is ticking to save her life. The other vampire and the organization he represents continue their pursuit, adding another dose of intensity to the situation.

It's a whirlwind romance, but it doesn't shirk on communication or true bonding. One of my favorite parts is how Bennett seeks Peeraphan's full name rather than taking the easy route of using the childhood nickname (Punch) that most people prefer. For another thing, I'm no stranger to domineering ancient men in paranormal romance, but in this one, Peeraphan's takedown of his assumed power dynamic is satisfying-- and that's not a given outcome, even when we see a character make the effort. I think paranormal romances should be headed in this direction when it comes to inclusivity and humanity, i.e. fangs aren't a reason to ignore consent and get all possessive. At the same time, this isn't the most fulfilling romance I've read when it comes to sweeping, emotional arcs and tantalizing spice. I think it would take a longer book with more attention to detail to achieve those ends. I liked both leads and their dynamic, so no major facelift is required there.

The speed of the story was an issue for me beyond the romance. There are things about Peeraphan's past we never learn including her job, who she considers family, and any friends she may have. It's preferable to an info dump and fits the story of how she's kept her life small to protect herself. All the same, I think the information we have on either her or Bennett is a bit surface-level even before you consider their relationship.

I recommend this one to readers who are interested in paranormal romance that draws on familiar tropes while expanding the lore and injecting some restorative feminism. Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for my copy to read and review!
]]> 229093104
Joel’s not an admirer of the police, but DS Fowler has the most irresistible handwriting he’s ever seen. If the policeman’s tests let him spend time unnerving the handsome copper, why not play along?

But when Joel looks at a powerful man's handwriting and sees a murderer, the policeman and the graphologist are plunged into deadly danger. Their enemy will protect himself at any cost--unless the sparring pair can come together to prove his guilt and save each other.]]> K.J. Charles 1912688247 Allison 0 to-read 0.0 2025
author: K.J. Charles
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216971954 Living in Greece at the turn of the twentieth century, widow Minnie Harper struggles to find her place in a swiftly changing world. But when a local woman is murdered, her resolve is put to the test in a race to shed light on the truth . . .

Minnie Harper isn’t used to putting herself first. Not after she moved away from England only to be left raising two children alone on the Greek Island of Corfu following her husband’s unexpected death. But with her daughter begging to be sent to school abroad and her son grasping at his own independence, Minnie realizes she must prepare for the next stage of her life.

When famous mystery author Stephen Dorian settles into a neighboring villa to escape writer’s block and hidden scandals, she is intrigued at first by the handsome Londoner—until he proves to be nothing more than a boorish grump. Determined to avoid the man as much as possible, Minnie is shocked when he offers her a well-paid job as his typist. She isn’t in a position to turn down work, even from a man she has sworn to hate.

But before Minnie can fully regret her decision to take the job, she makes a horrifying discovery that changes everything. A young maid has been murdered, and local authorities aren’t moving fast enough to bring justice to the terrible crime. Unwilling to allow the death to fade into obscurity like the stories of so many other women deemed unworthy by society, Minnie launches an investigation of her own—and reluctantly accepts Stephen’s help. As she embarks on a dangerous search for answers that reveals another side of Corfu, unsettling questions take shape about her employer-turned-confidant and the culprit who just might do whatever it takes to strike again . . .]]> 288 Emily Sullivan 1496751418 Allison 0 to-read 4.12 2025
author: Emily Sullivan
name: Allison
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222376983 With the awakening of fire-breathing dragons, Among the Burning Flowers sees the first sparks of danger that threaten to consume the world in The Priory of the Orange Tree.

Take your first steps into the epic.
Yscalin, land of sunshine and lavender, will soon be ablaze.

It has been centuries since the Draconic Army took wing, almost extinguishing humankind.

Marosa Vetalda is a prisoner in her own home, controlled by her cold father, King Sigoso. Over the mountains, her betrothed, Aubrecht Lievelyn, rules Mentendon in all but name. Together, they intend to usher in a better world.

A better world seems impossibly distant to Estina Melaugo, who hunts the Draconic beasts that have slept across the world for centuries.

And now the great wyrm Fýredel is stirring, and Yscalin will be the first to fall . . .

A story of human resilience in the face of dire circumstances, Among the Burning Flowers leads readers through the gripping and tragic circumstances that pave the way for the opening of the million-copy bestseller The Priory of The Orange Tree.

Richly illustrated with magical artwork by Rovina Cai (@rovinacai).]]> 288 Samantha Shannon 1639736018 Allison 0 to-read 4.38 2025
author: Samantha Shannon
name: Allison
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/21
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228670440 In this lush, atmospheric romantasy, an illusionist competes in a series of deadly trials for a spot at an elite magical college—that is, if another hopeful doesn’t kill her first.

Twenty-year-old Sophia DeWinter has only known life bound to her cruel uncle, the Collector, thanks to a blood bond he exacted from her as a child. When she learns of Killmarth College, an elite academy for magic wielders outside of the Collector’s control, she knows it is her only chance to finally break free. But to gain entry, she will have to compete against other illusionists, masquiers, botanists, and alchemists in a series of brutal trials that many hopefuls don’t survive—the Ordeals.

Sophia knows her skills as an illusionist are weak; she only makes it through the first challenge by teaming up with a powerful (and insufferably sexy) botanist, Alden Locke. To make it out alive, she will have to hone her magic and learn to identify who is a rival, who could be an ally, and who is a murderer.

Because now, not only does she have to protect her heart, but her very life. Hopefuls are being viciously picked off one by one between the challenges. In her haste to escape the Collector’s trap, Sophia may have fled straight towards her own death sentence.]]> Rachel Greenlaw Allison 0 to-read 0.0 2025
author: Rachel Greenlaw
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222420130 Rekindled romance spreads new wings in this atmospheric romantasy, where magic empowers women trapped inside an oppressive patriarchy.ĚýĚý

This striking novel is perfect for fans of the feminist ideals in When Women Were Dragons and the unique magic system in One Dark Window.

Once a vicious street rat, Prudence Merriweather has clawed her way to the top of society and now enjoys newfound power as the Duchess of Talonsbury. All she has to do to protect her fragile position is maintain the act of gentility, make her husband happy—and keep her monstrous magic a secret.Ěý

Puck Reed, the Thief Lord of Talonsbury, once delighted in taking risks and humiliating the social elite at any cost, but now lives a quieter criminal lifestyle. With a daughter of his own to protect, Puck tries to lay low and stay safe for her benefit. His daughter, Bea, suffers from a mysterious illness bent on killing her, and Puck will stop at nothing to find a cure.

When Prudence’s magic betrays her, she has no choice but to flee—and who better to smuggle her out of the city than her childhood best friend and former sweetheart, Puck Reed? With the help of old friends and new allies, they learn about Stormlash, a safe haven miles beyond the city walls where women and their magic can flourish beyond the oppressive eye of Leora’s religious fanatics. Stormlash may also hold the key to curing Bea’s illness. The challenge? Keep her alive long enough to get there.Ěý

With Bea’s illness claiming more of her strength, Puck and Pru must work together to reach Stormlash and, in the process, confront a growing evil threatening to devour the country they call home.

Perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent and Hannah Whitten, this second-chance romantic fantasy features monstrous women stepping into their full power, a father who will do anything to save his daughter, and the rekindled flame of an old, enduring love.]]> 352 Taylor Hartley Allison 0 to-read 4.60 2025
author: Taylor Hartley
name: Allison
average rating: 4.60
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 200839666 In the charming town of Fableview, every day is Halloween. Get ready to fall under the spell of this bewitching sapphic romance, perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls and Wicked!

Darcy Keller, resident ray of sunshine and town spirit princess, loves every moment of Fableview’s fall festivities. But she’s also really ready to leave for college next year, even though her parents expect her to stay and take over their Halloween empire.

Enter brooding new girl Anya Doyle, a real-life witch and almost a full member of her coven. In order to be initiated, she has to choose a mortal ally to act as her “protector.� But having moved around so much, Anya is completely friendless. So she does what any self-respecting teenage almost-witch would—she lies and tells her coven her secret crush, Darcy, is willing to do the job.

Desperate to solve their personal problems, they agree to help each other out, attending everything from a costume parade to a pumpkin patch party to an apple bobbing contest together. But with Anya’s magical powers and Darcy’s future independence on the line, the last thing they need is the added complication of pesky feelings . . .]]> Bridget Morrissey Allison 0 to-read 4.33 2025
author: Bridget Morrissey
name: Allison
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219494892 In this sweeping romantic fantasy, a dangerous deal binds a young jeweler's apprentice to the mysterious Serpent King in a marriage of convenience, thrusting her into a deadly game between the cunning, fearsome ruler and his rebellious huntsman. Perfect for fans of The Wrath & the Dawn and Once Upon a Broken Heart!

The Serpent King has come to find his bride, and with his arrival festivities sweep through the city. Inside and outside the Rose Palace await women from across the six kingdoms determined to become his new bride-to-be—all except for eighteen-year-old Saphira.

After escaping life as a palace ward under the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, Saphira now works as the apprentice to the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen. Out of fear of being discovered, she hides her rare gift for harnessing the magic in gemstones and lets Galen take credit for her craft.

But when Galen makes a boast that ruffles the court, Lady Incarnadine punishes him with an impossible task—one that threatens to drag Saphira back into Incarnadine’s grasp. Desperate to avoid this fate, Saphira strikes a dangerous deal with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King to find the best jewelsmith in the empire.

Rane promises that if Saphira crafts a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. But when their plans go awry and the only way out is to marry the Serpent King, Saphira becomes entangled in the dangerous affairs of kingdoms and empires—caught between the cunning, handsome Rane and her cold, serpentine husband.]]> 352 Sunya Mara 0063386135 Allison 0 to-read 3.80 2025
author: Sunya Mara
name: Allison
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222818703 Don’t miss this deluxe print edition of an all-new story featuring stunning sprayed and stained edges and foil detailing from the bestselling author of the Shadow Beast Shifter series, Jaymin Eve!

SPELLCASTER is an intense enemies-to-lovers romantasy with steamy heat, magical creatures, fast pacing, and stakes that will keep you hooked. Dive into a world where love is as dangerous as power—and nothing is ever as it seems.

Welcome to Weatherstone College�

Don’t walk the halls late at night.
Don’t disturb the ancient magic.
And don’t, under any circumstances, ever trust a spellcaster.

When my magic bloomed at twenty-two, the last thing I expected was to receive an acceptance letter to the most prestigious witch college in the world. It’s not that I don’t have magic. It’s just…unpredictable. But with Weatherstone a part of my family legacy, I’m determined to live up to their expectations.

A task that’s almost derailed on my very first day when I come face-to-face with Logan Kingston, the son of my father’s enemy. I’m warned to avoid the powerful spellcaster at all costs, but apparently Logan did not receive the same memo. The more time I spend around him, the more I crave his unsettling attention, and as hate flirts with obsession, I’m left wondering if there’s another side to the decades-old feud between our fathers.

On top of that, Weatherstone is not at all like I expected. Built on the ancient blood of necromancers and battle, the magic here is as unpredictable as mine, and I sense a dark energy stalking my footsteps. When a monster attacks me, I have no choice but to turn to the strongest warlock in our school: Logan.

After all, to fight a monster, I’ll need a monster.

Perfect if you love:
� Who hurt you?
� Slowburn Enemies to Lovers
� Elemental Magic
� Dark Academia
� "F*ck it" Moments
� Consent is sexy]]> 336 Jaymin Eve 1335472002 Allison 0 to-read 4.11
author: Jaymin Eve
name: Allison
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/18
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222560799 In this queer retelling of Nathaniel Hawthorne's classic gothic story, Rappaccini’s Daughter, a young woman is lured to a lush estate owned by a botanist who might be hiding dark secrets.

Cordelia Beecher is on the run. In search of her missing brother Edward, she has fled the oppressive charity school she was raised in, desperate to find the only family she knows. Using clues from his past letters, she sets off for the sleepy town of Farrow but everyone there claims to have never heard of Edward—not even the man he was supposedly working for as an apprentice.

With nowhere to go, Cordi turns to Lady Evangeline, a local botanist who owns the magnificent Edenfield estate. The benevolent lady of the manor has made it her mission to take young, often traumatized, women into her employ and protect them from man’s world of wicked desires and deceits. Hired as a maid and companion to her enigmatic daughters, Prim and Briar, Cordi quickly settles into Edenfield. Even as her relationship with Briar blossoms, Cordi can’t help but suspect that there are secrets in the estate…and when she stumbles across evidence that Edward was once there, she’s determined to find answers.

Atmospheric, eerie, and thoroughly original, Her Wicked Roots will establish Tanya Pell as a “wickedly creepy� (Josh Winning, author of Heads Will Roll) and vital voice in horror.]]> Tanya Pell Allison 0 to-read 4.67
author: Tanya Pell
name: Allison
average rating: 4.67
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222419258 From the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Roots and Ruin, comes an irresistible blend of dark fairytale and romantic fantasy set in the beautiful but brutal Canadian wilderness.

Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks� pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.]]> 368 Erin A. Craig 0593686802 Allison 0 to-read 4.00 2025
author: Erin A. Craig
name: Allison
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222376570 Sparks fly and lovers dance in this gorgeous, yearning Cinderella retelling from bestselling author Freya Marske—a queer Gothic romance perfect for fans of Naomi Novik and T. Kingfisher.

Ella is a haunting.

Murdered at sixteen, her ghost is furiously trapped in her father's house, invisible to everyone except her stepmother and stepsisters.

Even when she discovers how to untether herself from her prison, there are limits. She cannot be seen or heard by the living people who surround her. Her family must never learn she is able to leave. And at the stroke of every midnight, she finds herself back on the staircase where she died.

Until she forges a wary friendship with a fairy charm-seller, and makes a bargain for three nights of almost-living freedom. Freedom that means she can finally be seen. Danced with. Touched.

You think you know Ella's the ball, the magical shoes, the handsome prince.

You're halfway right, and all-the-way wrong.

Rediscover a classic fairy tale in this debut novella from "the queen of romantic fantasy" (Polygon).

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.]]> 144 Freya Marske 125034171X Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Freya Marske
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 224057573 Enter a new world of romantic fantasy from award-winning author N.E. Davenport—a journey of powerful magic, enemies-to-lovers, and political intrigue—as a warrior-princess and a vengeful king from rival fae courts form a fierce alliance to take down a merciless despot.

Princess of the Aether Dominion, Kadeesha wants nothing to do with fae politics. She is a warrior, first and foremost, and believes her greatest strength is leading her squadron of elite winged serpent flyers to protect her homeland. But bound since infancy to be betrothed to the Hyperion High King, ruler of all Dominions, she has no choice but to do what men have chosen for her.

Repulsed by the idea, she decides to spend one last night of freedom—in the arms of a dangerous stranger who takes her to sexual heights she’s never experienced before…but who is only using Kadeesha to set a trap for the High King.

For the High King and the kings of his six Dominions were responsible for the decimation of the Apollyon Court, and its new king, Malachi, wants his pounds of flesh.

On Kadeesha’s wedding day, Malachi and his special forces attack. Her father is killed, and Malachi wounds the High King, ultimately taking Kadeesha as hostage back to his land.

But she is no true hostage. The two form a pact: she will help lure the High King so Malachi can kill him once and for all, and he in turn will not harm Kadeesha or the Aether people. And as much as Kadeesha hates politics, she is now the Queen of her folk. Fae bonds are unbreakable…and so, perhaps, is the attraction Kadeesha and Malachi feel for each other. For even as they must publicly display their connection to provoke the High King’s jealousy, they struggle to resist the powerful allure between them in order to achieve their ultimate goals.]]> 528 N. E. Davenport 0063397781 Allison 0 to-read 4.62 2025
author: N. E. Davenport
name: Allison
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220140217 °Â˛ą˛ÔłŮ±đ»ĺâ€ÂŁ´Ç, NEEDED: a summer escape with beach reads, cocktails…and a little romance on the side.

Everyone deserves a summer getaway, and where better to come undone than Miami? After a sudden end to her corporate legal career, Liliane “Lily� Lyon books a summer rental in The Icon, a quintessential Miami Art Deco building, and a failed business retreat turns into an unexpected but necessary sabbatical.

Immediately, Lily is enchanted by the colorful community that resides here. Her only plan is to bask in the sun, read, sip cocktails, and make friends. This is in stark contrast to her new neighbor, Benedicto “Ben� Romero—a MacArthur-grant winner, guest lecturer at the University of Miami, and resident tortured poet, whose only plan is to indulge in brooding introspection all summer long.

Though he tries, Ben cannot resist Lily's charm and their shared interest in romance novels. Soon, he’s reading with her by the pool, neglecting his academic pursuits to draft punchy book reviews, and getting involved in the love lives of their fellow tenants. Love gurus Lily and Ben are not. Hung up on past mistakes, they are fearful ofĚýthe intense chemistry swirling between them. But an offer to expand their successful book club into a podcast opens new avenues and has them both questioning if theirs is just a summer fling or if a real-life happily-ever-after is within reach.

]]> Nadine Gonzalez 0369749553 Allison 0 to-read 3.45
author: Nadine Gonzalez
name: Allison
average rating: 3.45
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228142770 A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person.

Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over—not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good.

The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance—she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life.

Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing witch next door.

When a mysterious blight threatens every living plant in Dragon’s Rest, Violet and Nathaniel must work together through their fears, pasts, and growing feelings for one another to save their community. But with a figure from her past knocking at her door and her secrets threatening to uproot everything she’s worked so hard to grow, Violet can’t help but wonder…does a former villain truly deserve a happily-ever-after?]]> 368 Emily Krempholtz 0593954300 Allison 0 to-read 4.37 2025
author: Emily Krempholtz
name: Allison
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216180339
There’s a reason CJ Smith’s hometown of Satterville is known as Slasherville: it was the site of not one, but two Friday the 13th-style massacres. CJ’s dad survived the first attack; only CJ survived the second. And thanks to the mysterious writer Moon Satter’s bestselling novels based on the events, the town—and CJ—will always be defined by this horrific past.

Then a new, unpublished Moon Satter manuscript shows up addressed to CJ. But unlike the others, this story isn’t about the past. Instead, it predicts new murders. On the day the book says the first murder will occur, CJ sets out to stop it. But in saving one classmate, the final girl ends up dead. CJ and their friends have suddenly gone from extras to leads—and they’ll have to use everything they know about the rules of horror to make it out alive.]]> 304 Justine Pucella Winans 1547616318 Allison 0 to-read 3.86 2025
author: Justine Pucella Winans
name: Allison
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220160462 Ninth House meets Legendborn in this thrilling first book in a dark academia fantasy series about a teen who’s willing to do anything to find her brother—even infiltrate a secret society full of monsters.

When August’s brother disappears before his sophomore semester, everyone thinks the stress of college got to him. But August knows her brother would never have left her voluntarily, especially not after their mother so recently went missing.

The only clue he left behind was a note telling her to stay safe and protect their remaining family. And after August is attacked by a ten-foot-tall creature with fur and claws, she realizes that her brother might be in more danger than she could have imagined.

Unfortunately for her, the only person with a connection to the mysterious creature is the bookish Virgil Hawthorne…and he knows about them because he is one. If he doesn’t find a partner to help control his true nature, he’ll lose his humanity and become a mindless beast—exactly what the secret society he’s grown up in would love to put down.

Virgil makes a proposition: August will join his society and partner with him, and in return, he’ll help her find her brother. And so August is plunged into a deadly competition to win one of the few coveted candidate spots, all while trying to accept a frightening reality: that monsters are real, and she has to learn to master them if she’s to have any hope of saving her brother.]]> 592 Liselle Sambury 1665957360 Allison 0 to-read 4.14 2025
author: Liselle Sambury
name: Allison
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 222376953 A Christmas romance for Barbie fans who wished Ken and Allan got their own love story.

Henry Aster swears he is unlucky when it comes to love. He thought he’d finally found The One, but a sudden break-up has left him hopeless right before the holiday season.

Facing another family Christmas alone, Henry makes a wish for “The Perfect Man.� The next morning, when he arrives at the Jersey Shore vintage shop he manages, he finds one of the male display mannequins has sprung to life and entirely wrecked the place.

The magicked man is gorgeous, of course, but he comes with a Cinderella-style If he doesn’t experience true, human love before the midnight chime on New Year’s Eve, he will turn back into a mannequin for good.

Now Henry doesn’t have to show up to family Christmas alone. The catch? This new man—self-named Aidan Smith—knows nothing about being a human. Henry has one month to teach Aidan how to be a functioning person in the modern world and the swoony boyfriend that will win over his family. It’s an arduous task that draws them close together... but can human love ever really be true?]]> 352 Timothy Janovsky 1250338956 Allison 0 to-read 5.00
author: Timothy Janovsky
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 223854541 A down-on-her-luck woman makes a deal with a crafty demon to win back her ex-girlfriend after a proposal gone awry, only to discover the girl of her dreams mightĚýbe the devil she knows, from nationally bestselling author Alexandria Bellefleur.

Samantha Cooper is having a day from hell.

In less than 24 hours, her life has unraveled, leaving her single and with nowhere to live. Adding insult to injury, she’s trapped in an elevator with a gorgeous woman claiming to be a demon.

Daphne is not at all what Samantha expected from someone claiming to be an evil supernatural entity. She’s pretty, witty, dressed in pink, and smells nice. And she’s here to offer Samantha a deal she can’t refuse. Six wishes in exchange for one tiny trade—Samantha’s soul. There’s a glaring loophole in their contract, one Samantha fully intends to exploit so she doesn’t fork over her soul. After all, she only needs one wish to win her ex back.

Hell-bent to gather the last of the one thousand souls she needs so that she can be free of her own devilish deal, Daphne grants each of Samantha’s wishes . . . with a twist, so that Samantha is forced to make another.

As Samantha’s wishes dwindle and Daphne offers her glimpses into the life she thought she wanted, the unlikely pair grows close. Perhaps the girl of Samantha’s dreams is actually the stuff of nightmares, but Samantha and Daphne will have to outsmart the Devil himself if they want a chance at happily ever after.]]> 336 Alexandria Bellefleur 0593952502 Allison 0 to-read 4.21 2025
author: Alexandria Bellefleur
name: Allison
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218624103 448 T. Kingfisher 1250400228 Allison 0 to-read 4.10 2018
author: T. Kingfisher
name: Allison
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 220239098 Every legend has a beginning.

With their freedom on the line, a young woman and a rakish pirate take their fate into their own hands as they attempt to find a lostĚýmythical isle with the power to save their entire world.

Saoirse yearns to be powerless.ĚýCursed from childhood with a volatile magic, she's managed to imprison it within, living under constant terror that one day it will break free. And it does, changing everything.

Horrified at her loss of control, Saoirse’s parents offer her hand to the cold and ruthless Stone King. Knowing she'll never survive such a cruel man, Saoirse realizes there is only one path forward…she must break her curse.Ěý

On the eve of her wedding, Saoirse seeks out the legendary Wolf of the Wild—Faolan,Ěýa feral, silver-tongued pirate. He swears to help rid her of the deadly magic, if she’ll use it to locate a lost mythical isle first. Crafted by the slaughtered gods, it’s the only land that could absorb her power.

But Saoirse knows better than to trust a pirate’s word. With the wrath of her disgraced father and scorned betrothed chasing them, Saoirse adds one last condition to protect if Faolan wants her on his ship, he'll have to marry her first.]]> 480 Maggie Rapier 0593819276 Allison 0 to-read 4.29 2025
author: Maggie Rapier
name: Allison
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 41951623
After an attack, Bianca’s oldest brother, the House von Hasenberg heir, disappears from Earth without a trace. Determined to find him, Bianca leaves against orders. When she refuses to return, her father sends Ian Bishop, the director of House von Hasenberg security, to haul her home like a recalcitrant child.

Bianca leads Ian on a merry chase across the universe, but when their paths finally collide, she persuades him that they would be far more successful at finding her brother if they worked together. She will do anything to save her sibling, even if it means spending time alone on a small ship with the handsome, infuriating man who once broke her heart.

As clues lead them deep into rival House Rockhurst territory, Bianca must decide if she can trust Ian with the one piece of information that could destroy her completely. . .]]> 400 Jessie Mihalik 0062802461 Allison 3
Bianca's been at odds with the family head of security, Ian Bishop, since he rejected her early on in his career. His assumptions about her vapidness only twist the knife further, so it's no hardship to make his life a bit more difficult. When an assassination attempt occurs on the same day that someone kidnaps her elder brother, the heir to House von Hasenberg, there's no chance of Bianca and Ian putting their differences aside to locate Ferdinand. A frame job means Bianca's on house arrest, and like hell is she sticking around for that. So begins the game of cat and mouse. Bianca isn't going to sit tight while her brother could be harmed at the hands of the crime syndicate that nabbed him. And Ian has direct orders to not only find the prodigal son but also track down the disgraced daughter. Bianca's only too glad to lead him on a merry chase.

I love a distrustful bitch who sees betrayal around every corner. And boy, does Bianca have reason. Her implant means she has chronic pain from all the signals trying to get her attention. Worse yet, she can't let on to the severity and frequency of her headaches because she can't reveal why they're happening. She can't even submit herself for routine medical examination and have her changed biology discovered for further study. The experiment that changed her life is only one face of the partner abuse she suffered from her husband, and it's left her with a chip in the confidence that she once relied on as a representative of her house. Her journey to recapture her belief in herself and her abilities is a joy to see unfold.

I was less convinced of the romantic journey, even if I didn't hate it. The tension between them is believable, and the tiny moments bringing them closer ~almost~ worked for me. I just think that when suddenly (in my view) Bianca is thinking about how her heart is involved, I'm like, wait, really? He was the (hot) bane of your existence quite recently! And you have major trust issues that I respect the hell out of as a fellow faulty human! The arc, while present, didn't quite take me with it. And I can't help but compare to Polaris Rising, which managed all the strands of its romance much more deftly. My particular attachment to Bianca made this deficit all the more disappointing because I so badly wanted her to have the most exciting and splendid romance of them all. This is one of those cases where the enemies-to-lovers is such a dramatic shift that it feels more like the love interest had a full personality transplant than a mere change of heart.

I'm still looking forward to the last book in this trilogy and trust the author implicitly. Sometimes, I'm just an overly picky romance reader, and it is what it is.]]> 4.02 2019
author: Jessie Mihalik
name: Allison
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, action-adventure, bodyguard-romance, forbidden-romance, forced-proximity, ice-queen-romance, nursed-back-to-health-romance, on-the-run-romance, open-door-romance, protagonist-with-chronic-illness, romance, science-fiction-romance, scifi, second-chance-romance, secret-identity-romance, single-pov, spy-romance, touch-her-and-ill-kill-you, widow-romance
review:
Bianca von Hasenberg was the intelligence gatherer in her father's arsenal even before her arranged husband (R.I.P.?) made her capable of intercepting communications with her mind, mad scientist style. Forced to shoulder his experimentation, Bianca refuses to be used that way again. To that end, she puts her new skills to use for her family's gain, but they're never to know just how she came by all her information. Sure, she also manages a legion of lady spies whom she extracted from untenable situations, but her edge comes from the secret modifications locked away in her brain.

Bianca's been at odds with the family head of security, Ian Bishop, since he rejected her early on in his career. His assumptions about her vapidness only twist the knife further, so it's no hardship to make his life a bit more difficult. When an assassination attempt occurs on the same day that someone kidnaps her elder brother, the heir to House von Hasenberg, there's no chance of Bianca and Ian putting their differences aside to locate Ferdinand. A frame job means Bianca's on house arrest, and like hell is she sticking around for that. So begins the game of cat and mouse. Bianca isn't going to sit tight while her brother could be harmed at the hands of the crime syndicate that nabbed him. And Ian has direct orders to not only find the prodigal son but also track down the disgraced daughter. Bianca's only too glad to lead him on a merry chase.

I love a distrustful bitch who sees betrayal around every corner. And boy, does Bianca have reason. Her implant means she has chronic pain from all the signals trying to get her attention. Worse yet, she can't let on to the severity and frequency of her headaches because she can't reveal why they're happening. She can't even submit herself for routine medical examination and have her changed biology discovered for further study. The experiment that changed her life is only one face of the partner abuse she suffered from her husband, and it's left her with a chip in the confidence that she once relied on as a representative of her house. Her journey to recapture her belief in herself and her abilities is a joy to see unfold.

I was less convinced of the romantic journey, even if I didn't hate it. The tension between them is believable, and the tiny moments bringing them closer ~almost~ worked for me. I just think that when suddenly (in my view) Bianca is thinking about how her heart is involved, I'm like, wait, really? He was the (hot) bane of your existence quite recently! And you have major trust issues that I respect the hell out of as a fellow faulty human! The arc, while present, didn't quite take me with it. And I can't help but compare to Polaris Rising, which managed all the strands of its romance much more deftly. My particular attachment to Bianca made this deficit all the more disappointing because I so badly wanted her to have the most exciting and splendid romance of them all. This is one of those cases where the enemies-to-lovers is such a dramatic shift that it feels more like the love interest had a full personality transplant than a mere change of heart.

I'm still looking forward to the last book in this trilogy and trust the author implicitly. Sometimes, I'm just an overly picky romance reader, and it is what it is.
]]> 61407616 A summer in Greece for three best friends ends in the unthinkable when only two return home in this new novel from Ella Berman. . . .

Ten years ago, after a sun-soaked summer spent in Greece, best friends Bess and Joni were cleared of having any involvement in their friend Evangeline’s death. But that didn’t stop the media from ripping apart their teenage lives like vultures.

While the girls were never convicted, Joni, ever the opportunist, capitalized on her newfound infamy to become a motivational speaker. Bess, on the other hand, resolved to make her life as small and controlled as possible so she wouldn’t risk losing everything all over again. And it almost worked. . . .

Except now Joni is tangled up in a crime eerily similar to that one fateful night in Greece. And when she asks Bess to come back to LA to support her, Bess has a decision to make.

Is it finally time to face up to what happened that night, exposing herself as the young woman she once was and maybe still is? And what happens if she doesn’t like what she finds?]]> 384 Ella Berman 0593099540 Allison 2
While Joni was capitalizing on their well-publicized tragedy to build her cult-like empire, Bess was distancing herself from their shared past, making herself smaller and smaller. She moved out into the desert and took a job working from home as a dating app moderator. This blooming crisis and her reconnection with Bess have her looking at her life with new eyes even as old wounds are reopened. She did what she felt she had to do, but is it enough?

This is a tricky one. It's a relatively smooth reading experience, shifting back and forth between the 2018 rekindling of Bess and Joni's friendship while under fire and the 2008 summer (big Y2K energy) that left their lives in shambles. I struggled to stay with it, though. I think there's something interesting here about being teenagers and how we would all likely be shaking in our boots to have our skeletons from that time aired to the world. The book also has something to say about imperfect girls (all of them/us) and the labels and judgments we so easily slap on them when we notice what makes them imperfect. These factors play into the story more than any sense of mystery or thriller vibes. It's about messy relationships and their worst moments but also some of the good ones. It's a rumination on change and its pains.

So where does that leave me? It was a struggle to convince myself to pick up the book each time, I think because the message was compelling, but the actual story didn't hold me in its sway. We ostensibly have two crimes on our hands that happened under mysterious circumstances not fully known by the reader or even Bess, but it doesn't read that way because that's not really what it's about. This is more of a relationship drama, which is something I'm hard-pressed to enjoy as a general rule. I think people who enjoy women's fiction or a more reflective approach to thrillers will find something to love here. There's also that dose of Y2K nostalgia and teenage messiness for millennials who want to reconnect with that part of their lives. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.36 2023
author: Ella Berman
name: Allison
average rating: 3.36
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, fiction, mystery-thriller, netgalley, single-pov
review:
Bess, Joni, and Evangeline were inseparable during their teenage summers. Now, it's been ten years since Evangeline wound up dead and Bess and Joni had a blowout fight that separated them for good... Until Joni shows up on Bess' doorstep looking for an odd favor. Now a self-help mogul engaged to a social media influencer, Joni wants Bess to lie to cover up an affair that Joni wants swept under the rug. She's been telling her fiancee that she and Bess have been meeting to plan a memorial for Evangeline. Bess agrees with some reluctance, but she knows that Joni once told a major lie to protect her, and this feels like a way to return the favor. When it hits the news that Bess' fiancee went missing the night that Joni asked Bess to lie for her, Bess is furious to find herself back in the police's sights, offering up an alibi for her friend. While part of her worries that Joni is being maligned in the way that the two were in the past (and, frankly, continue to be) over what happened to Evangeline, the other part worries about the lie she's been asked to tell and the darkness that's always been there in her friend.

While Joni was capitalizing on their well-publicized tragedy to build her cult-like empire, Bess was distancing herself from their shared past, making herself smaller and smaller. She moved out into the desert and took a job working from home as a dating app moderator. This blooming crisis and her reconnection with Bess have her looking at her life with new eyes even as old wounds are reopened. She did what she felt she had to do, but is it enough?

This is a tricky one. It's a relatively smooth reading experience, shifting back and forth between the 2018 rekindling of Bess and Joni's friendship while under fire and the 2008 summer (big Y2K energy) that left their lives in shambles. I struggled to stay with it, though. I think there's something interesting here about being teenagers and how we would all likely be shaking in our boots to have our skeletons from that time aired to the world. The book also has something to say about imperfect girls (all of them/us) and the labels and judgments we so easily slap on them when we notice what makes them imperfect. These factors play into the story more than any sense of mystery or thriller vibes. It's about messy relationships and their worst moments but also some of the good ones. It's a rumination on change and its pains.

So where does that leave me? It was a struggle to convince myself to pick up the book each time, I think because the message was compelling, but the actual story didn't hold me in its sway. We ostensibly have two crimes on our hands that happened under mysterious circumstances not fully known by the reader or even Bess, but it doesn't read that way because that's not really what it's about. This is more of a relationship drama, which is something I'm hard-pressed to enjoy as a general rule. I think people who enjoy women's fiction or a more reflective approach to thrillers will find something to love here. There's also that dose of Y2K nostalgia and teenage messiness for millennials who want to reconnect with that part of their lives. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!
]]> 224004666 From Martha Waters, the author of the “enchanting� (Entertainment Weekly) Regency Vows series, a new historical romance set in 1930s England with a murder mystery twist.

In a quaint village in the Cotswolds, Georgiana Radcliffe has accidentally become an amateur detective after helping solve four murders in a single year. When the chairman of the village council turns up dead, everyone agrees with the official ruling of a heart attack, but Georgie can’t help but suspect that the council chairman is a fifth victim. Now, murder tourists are flocking from around the country, in hopes of becoming sleuths themselves.

Along with her reporter friend, she reaches out to a famous London detective for assistance in ascertaining why they have become a magnet for murder. But the fancy detective is simply too busy—or can’t be bothered—to help, and instead dispatches his secretary, Sebastian Fletcher-Ford—a posh womanizer who, truthfully, is just trying to get out of his hair, much to practical, no-nonsense Georgie’s dismay. But as they investigate in the charming Buncombe-upon-Woolly—with plentiful scones, sheep on the village green, and murder tourists at every turn—Georgie finds that her previous assessment of Sebastian may have been wrong, and rather than solving a murder, she may be solving for love instead.]]> 352 Martha Waters 1668069571 Allison 0 to-read 5.00 2025
author: Martha Waters
name: Allison
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 61273131 Two rival apprentice sorcerers must team up to save their teachers and protect their own magic in this lively young adult romantic adventure from the New York Times bestselling author of In Deeper Waters and So This Is Ever After.

Edison Rooker isn’t sure what to expect when he enters the office of Antonia Hex, the powerful sorceress who runs a call center for magical emergencies. He doesn’t have much experience with hexes or curses. Heck, he doesn’t even have magic. But he does have a plan—to regain the access to the magical world he lost when his grandmother passed.

Antonia is…intimidating, but she gives him a job and a new name—Rook—both of which he’s happy to accept. Now all Rook has to do is keep his Spell Binder, an illegal magical detection device, hidden from the Magical Consortium. And contend with Sun, the grumpy and annoyingly cute apprentice to Antonia’s rival colleague, Fable. But dealing with competition isn’t so bad; as Sun seems to pop up more and more, and Rook minds less and less.

But when the Consortium gets wind of Rook’s Spell Binder, they come for Antonia. All alone, Rook runs to the only other magical person he knows: Sun. Except Fable has also been attacked, and now Rook and Sun have no choice but to work together to get their mentors back…or face losing their magic forever.]]> 336 F.T. Lukens 1665916222 Allison 3
Sun and Rook came to be sorcerers' apprentices by very different means. While Sun took the traditional, Consortium-approved avenue, Rook took more of a sneaky back alley. The fact of the matter is that Rook is non-magical and shouldn't have been considered for the position. After the death of his magical grandmother, he's been desperate to be back in her world. He made his plea to Antonia Hex, a not only powerful but also luckily petty and rebellious sorcerer who first takes Rook on to fix her coffee machine and answer phones for her curse-breaking business. Rook's invention, meant to help normies like himself detect the ley lines that sorcerers take for granted, should have, by all rights, resulted in his prompt sacking once discovered by Antonia. Instead, he finds himself included in fieldwork and named her apprentice.

For Sun's part, they run into Rook when their two mentors keep getting thrown into tenuous team-ups on the job. Sun's the cranky cat to Rook's delighted golden retriever, and they snipe at and tease one another until Rook declares them frenemies. It's worth noting that Sun turns into an actual cat for part of the story, so my description here is more than apt.

I think the book handles relationships so well. Rook and Sun's journey to first love has this sweet innocence to it that captures the best of teenage energy. They do math at a coffee shop, eat candy and try to jumpstart Rook's magic, and have a cute rather than spicy "only one bed" conundrum. Rook handles Sun's boundaries about physical touch like an actual pro, and Sun looks out for Rook when no one else is doing the honors. It's such a joy to see a queer romance on the page where two young people can embrace their feelings openly and proudly and without fear of repercussion. Any persecution they experience in the story has nothing to do with gender identity or sexuality. The found family element is also strong. I especially want to call out the bond between Rook and Antonia because the chosen adult storyline is emotional and powerful. Though fierce and even scary, Antonia's loyalty and care for Rook grows throughout the story, and she takes the role of trusted adult firmly and without reservations.

I think the weaker element of the book is the world-building. For being pretty basic, given the similarities to contemporary life, the introduction of magical elements is a bit belabored at the beginning. While I'm perfectly ok without complicated magic systems, I think that then it's best to leave it in the background and get on with what the book does best. Because the looming Consortium holds such a role in the story, I wish things hadn't been left so simplistic in that regard. Fighting against powerful systems is such an important and relevant theme, but this boogeyman has all the complexity of a sheet with two eyeholes posing as a ghost. It made the final showdown lose its zest, in my opinion, because it took such a potentially hefty topic and made it surface-level, presumably for speed/ease. You have two rebelling teenagers going up against an all-powerful corporate/bureaucratic body, one of them being punished for his mere existence, and I think there should be something more heart-wrenching and visceral there. More attention given to that part of the plot and to the nature of the enemy could have gone a long way to drawing the ending into the best version of itself.

This is a story about who's given access to community, who's seen as deserving and enough. In this case, the gatekeeping takes the form of sorcerer lackeys in suits, but feel free to apply the concept more liberally. I can't help but draw the parallel to the queer community in particular when we have two queer teenagers at the forefront of this story.

If you're looking for a ya fantasy that leans into its romantic plot and its found family elements with a light sprinkling of rebellion and magic, pick this one up. Thanks to Margaret K. McElderry for my copy to read and review!]]> 4.12 2023
author: F.T. Lukens
name: Allison
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, achillean-romance, api-protagonist, bipoc-protagonist, cinnamon-roll-romance, down-with-the-ship, dual-pov, east-asian-protagonist, empowerment, forced-proximity, found-family, grief, grumpy-sunshine-romance, lovable-characters, netgalley, no-final-act-breakup, non-binary-protagonist, on-the-run-romance, only-one-bed, opposites-attract, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, rebel-romance, rivals-to-lovers, trans-protagonist, ya-fantasy
review:
"Why are we keeping people out of our community who want to be here?"

Sun and Rook came to be sorcerers' apprentices by very different means. While Sun took the traditional, Consortium-approved avenue, Rook took more of a sneaky back alley. The fact of the matter is that Rook is non-magical and shouldn't have been considered for the position. After the death of his magical grandmother, he's been desperate to be back in her world. He made his plea to Antonia Hex, a not only powerful but also luckily petty and rebellious sorcerer who first takes Rook on to fix her coffee machine and answer phones for her curse-breaking business. Rook's invention, meant to help normies like himself detect the ley lines that sorcerers take for granted, should have, by all rights, resulted in his prompt sacking once discovered by Antonia. Instead, he finds himself included in fieldwork and named her apprentice.

For Sun's part, they run into Rook when their two mentors keep getting thrown into tenuous team-ups on the job. Sun's the cranky cat to Rook's delighted golden retriever, and they snipe at and tease one another until Rook declares them frenemies. It's worth noting that Sun turns into an actual cat for part of the story, so my description here is more than apt.

I think the book handles relationships so well. Rook and Sun's journey to first love has this sweet innocence to it that captures the best of teenage energy. They do math at a coffee shop, eat candy and try to jumpstart Rook's magic, and have a cute rather than spicy "only one bed" conundrum. Rook handles Sun's boundaries about physical touch like an actual pro, and Sun looks out for Rook when no one else is doing the honors. It's such a joy to see a queer romance on the page where two young people can embrace their feelings openly and proudly and without fear of repercussion. Any persecution they experience in the story has nothing to do with gender identity or sexuality. The found family element is also strong. I especially want to call out the bond between Rook and Antonia because the chosen adult storyline is emotional and powerful. Though fierce and even scary, Antonia's loyalty and care for Rook grows throughout the story, and she takes the role of trusted adult firmly and without reservations.

I think the weaker element of the book is the world-building. For being pretty basic, given the similarities to contemporary life, the introduction of magical elements is a bit belabored at the beginning. While I'm perfectly ok without complicated magic systems, I think that then it's best to leave it in the background and get on with what the book does best. Because the looming Consortium holds such a role in the story, I wish things hadn't been left so simplistic in that regard. Fighting against powerful systems is such an important and relevant theme, but this boogeyman has all the complexity of a sheet with two eyeholes posing as a ghost. It made the final showdown lose its zest, in my opinion, because it took such a potentially hefty topic and made it surface-level, presumably for speed/ease. You have two rebelling teenagers going up against an all-powerful corporate/bureaucratic body, one of them being punished for his mere existence, and I think there should be something more heart-wrenching and visceral there. More attention given to that part of the plot and to the nature of the enemy could have gone a long way to drawing the ending into the best version of itself.

This is a story about who's given access to community, who's seen as deserving and enough. In this case, the gatekeeping takes the form of sorcerer lackeys in suits, but feel free to apply the concept more liberally. I can't help but draw the parallel to the queer community in particular when we have two queer teenagers at the forefront of this story.

If you're looking for a ya fantasy that leans into its romantic plot and its found family elements with a light sprinkling of rebellion and magic, pick this one up. Thanks to Margaret K. McElderry for my copy to read and review!
]]> 36501794 One reluctant heir

If anyone else had asked for his help publishing a naughty novel, Ash would have had the sense to say no. But he’s never been able to deny Verity Plum. Now he has his hands full illustrating a book and trying his damnedest not to fall in love with his best friend. The last thing he needs is to discover he’s a duke’s lost heir. Without a family or a proper education, he’s had to fight for his place in the world, and the idea of it—and Verity—being taken away from him chills him to the bone.

One radical bookseller

All Verity wants is to keep her brother out of prison, her business afloat, and her hands off Ash. Lately it seems she’s not getting anything she wants. She knows from bitter experience that she isn’t cut out for romance, but the more time she spends with Ash, the more she wonders if maybe she’s been wrong about herself.

One disaster waiting to happen

Ash has a month before his identity is exposed, and he plans to spend it with Verity. As they explore their long-buried passion, it becomes harder for Ash to face the music. Can Verity accept who Ash must become or will he turn away the only woman he’s ever loved?

Content Warning: off page domestic violence, off page neglect of child, epileptic seizure]]> 216 Cat Sebastian Allison 4
Verity Plum, bookseller and printer, feels like her whole life now revolves around reining in her brother, Nate, who resents such interference. The problem is that in his railing against the government's tyranny in print, he's on a path to get hanged (or worse) for sedition. While Verity shares his views, she wants him to express them in a way that doesn't get him killed. She's relieved when their best friend Ash comes home, not only for their own friendship but for the calming influence he typically has on Nate. She's no longer in this battle alone, bitter from being reasonable and being treated like a shrew for it (a big energy that I related to in a major way).

For Ash's part, each homecoming lodging with the Plums is a balancing act where he attempts to keep his friendships alive with both siblings without disrupting their bond in the process-- a tiring pursuit of diplomacy. Also on his mind this time around is his friend and mentor's last desperate departure to Italy to try and turn his health around. Ash knows he'll likely never see Roger again, his condition constantly deteriorating with no real cure. The reason that Ash couldn't go with him is the same reason that forces Ash to be as careful as Verity in what he prints as an artist. His seizure condition makes boat travel untenable, and he wouldn't survive prison.

I love how, in a Cat Sebastian book, finding yourself secretly in line to a dukedom is not a cause for celebration but the source of much doom and gloom for our characters. They're radicals! Humble artisans! What an embarrassment to find yourself a member of the aristocracy. Ash's journey to reconcile himself with a rocky history that's been out of his reach for most of his life makes for a compelling side plot while the romance kicks up its anticipated waves of drama.

The book leans into some truly excellent self-flagellation. Mix pining and years of friendship with a project editing and illustrating an illegal pornographic book (which Verity probably needs to read out loud to Ash at some point). Imagine a man afraid to be left and a woman afraid of wasting away once she's given all of her best to others. They both have resisted their attraction for years, expecting that nothing good would come of it. But with Nate shipped away for his own safety and Ash facing his daunting change in circumstance, suddenly, all their reasons and distractions don't make quite so compelling a counter-argument.

One of the most romantic things to me in this story (beyond the general feeling of how well they know one another and how deeply motivated they are to take care of one another no matter the circumstance) is an innocuous detail that's all the more swoon-worthy for its mundanity. Verity is too focused on work and too disinterested in taming her hair to keep up with her unruly tresses. Ash starts carrying around her misplaced hairpins for when she needs them, and I just. THIS. THIS is romance, people.

It's Cat Sebastian, so we know it's queer! Verity's bi, and she had a previous liaison with a woman known in this series' universe. So that's a fun connection point. Her identity comes up in a couple of ways that I found especially excellent. For one, she expresses shock at the discovery that everyone isn't secretly bi. She assumed straightness was just the result of oppression (not sure she's strictly wrong, but...). Also, she makes the valid point that though she could be attracted to anyone, men get in their own way by being so damn annoying. It makes it extra special that Ash is her best friend and keeps making choices she finds actually unannoying. Who could fight against those odds?

I love the way our characters grow together and come to a new understanding. I love how well they see each other and the long history (complete with excellent, time-worn banter and inside jokes) that they're able to turn into something that brings them even more joy. It's the kind of book that reminds me why friends-to-lovers romances can be so good.]]> 3.78 2019
author: Cat Sebastian
name: Allison
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, activist-romance, artist-romance, banter, bisexual-protagonist, bookstore-romance, cinnamon-roll-romance, down-with-the-ship, dual-pov, found-family, friends-to-lovers, friends-with-benefits, funny, historical-romance, ice-queen-romance, journalist-romance, lovable-characters, open-door-romance, pining, protagonist-with-chronic-illness, protagonist-with-disability, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, romance, romance-with-expiration, roommate-romance, secret-identity-romance, sexual-tension, sibling-s-best-friend-romance, writer-romance
review:
"It's too early to be laughing... Save your levity for business hours."

Verity Plum, bookseller and printer, feels like her whole life now revolves around reining in her brother, Nate, who resents such interference. The problem is that in his railing against the government's tyranny in print, he's on a path to get hanged (or worse) for sedition. While Verity shares his views, she wants him to express them in a way that doesn't get him killed. She's relieved when their best friend Ash comes home, not only for their own friendship but for the calming influence he typically has on Nate. She's no longer in this battle alone, bitter from being reasonable and being treated like a shrew for it (a big energy that I related to in a major way).

For Ash's part, each homecoming lodging with the Plums is a balancing act where he attempts to keep his friendships alive with both siblings without disrupting their bond in the process-- a tiring pursuit of diplomacy. Also on his mind this time around is his friend and mentor's last desperate departure to Italy to try and turn his health around. Ash knows he'll likely never see Roger again, his condition constantly deteriorating with no real cure. The reason that Ash couldn't go with him is the same reason that forces Ash to be as careful as Verity in what he prints as an artist. His seizure condition makes boat travel untenable, and he wouldn't survive prison.

I love how, in a Cat Sebastian book, finding yourself secretly in line to a dukedom is not a cause for celebration but the source of much doom and gloom for our characters. They're radicals! Humble artisans! What an embarrassment to find yourself a member of the aristocracy. Ash's journey to reconcile himself with a rocky history that's been out of his reach for most of his life makes for a compelling side plot while the romance kicks up its anticipated waves of drama.

The book leans into some truly excellent self-flagellation. Mix pining and years of friendship with a project editing and illustrating an illegal pornographic book (which Verity probably needs to read out loud to Ash at some point). Imagine a man afraid to be left and a woman afraid of wasting away once she's given all of her best to others. They both have resisted their attraction for years, expecting that nothing good would come of it. But with Nate shipped away for his own safety and Ash facing his daunting change in circumstance, suddenly, all their reasons and distractions don't make quite so compelling a counter-argument.

One of the most romantic things to me in this story (beyond the general feeling of how well they know one another and how deeply motivated they are to take care of one another no matter the circumstance) is an innocuous detail that's all the more swoon-worthy for its mundanity. Verity is too focused on work and too disinterested in taming her hair to keep up with her unruly tresses. Ash starts carrying around her misplaced hairpins for when she needs them, and I just. THIS. THIS is romance, people.

It's Cat Sebastian, so we know it's queer! Verity's bi, and she had a previous liaison with a woman known in this series' universe. So that's a fun connection point. Her identity comes up in a couple of ways that I found especially excellent. For one, she expresses shock at the discovery that everyone isn't secretly bi. She assumed straightness was just the result of oppression (not sure she's strictly wrong, but...). Also, she makes the valid point that though she could be attracted to anyone, men get in their own way by being so damn annoying. It makes it extra special that Ash is her best friend and keeps making choices she finds actually unannoying. Who could fight against those odds?

I love the way our characters grow together and come to a new understanding. I love how well they see each other and the long history (complete with excellent, time-worn banter and inside jokes) that they're able to turn into something that brings them even more joy. It's the kind of book that reminds me why friends-to-lovers romances can be so good.
]]> 210025303 K.J. Charles Allison 0 to-read 0.0 2025
author: K.J. Charles
name: Allison
average rating: 0.0
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 61423997 After inadvertently starting rumors of a haunted cemetery, a teen befriends a ghost in this brand-new young adult novel exploring Indigenous identity from the critically acclaimed and bestselling author of The Marrow Thieves series.

Winifred has lived in the apartment above the cemetery office with her father, who works in the crematorium all her life, close to her mother's grave. With her sixteenth birthday only days away, Winifred has settled into a lazy summer schedule, lugging her obese Chihuahua around the grounds in a squeaky red wagon to visit the neglected gravesides and nursing a serious crush on her best friend, Jack.

Her habit of wandering the graveyard at all hours has started a rumor that Winterson Cemetery might be haunted. It's welcome news since the crematorium is on the verge of closure and her father's job being outsourced. Now that the ghost tours have started, Winifred just might be able to save her father's job and the only home she's ever known, not to mention being able to stay close to where her mother is buried. All she has to do is get help from her con-artist cousin to keep up the ruse and somehow manage to stop her father from believing his wife has returned from the grave. But when Phil, an actual ghost of a teen girl who lived and died in the ravine next to the cemetery, starts showing up, Winifred begins to question everything she believes about life, love and death. Especially love.]]> 272 Cherie Dimaline 0735265631 Allison 2
The fantasy element of the book doesn't become prominent until the latter half, after Win's first ghost sighting. As she gets to know the ghostly Phil, she finds herself torn between saving her home and protecting the girl she's falling for, beyond the grave or not. The only thing that might be able to turn around the cemetery's dwindling funds is a new opportunity to become a stop on a ghost tour. Now that Win has found an actual ghost, the tour is sure to be a success. But it pains Phil to be seen, and she's not a freak show for the curious tourists, besides. Win finds herself facing a losing battle to try and save it all.

I think there are important topics in the book that are handled thoughtfully-- from grief to identity to letting go. The story circles death throughout, but it also considers the life in front of Win and what she might make of it. In both her and Phil's backstories, we see girls with different relationships to their queerness and their Indigenous roots, shaped by history and by the way the hard social years of teenagedom came at them. For Win's part, she's often felt not native enough being raised by her white dad. Growing up in the eighties, Phil's lesbianism was a source of taunts at school that Win can relate to from her own negative school experience. Both girls have found themselves lonely, slipping through the cracks until they are drawn to one another.

This is a YA book that doesn't always feel YA. And maybe I'm doing the genre a disservice to say so, or it reflects the limits of what I've read from the genre, but this feels heavy. Maybe because the whole first part of the book is Win looking back on her growing-up years, it has the feeling of experience and even adulthood rather than youth. Obviously, teens have depth and aren't out there having sunshine and rainbows all the time, so I'm not sure how to put my misgivings into words. Maybe it's just that this is more of a literary take than I'd typically want to pick up. Like the awkwardness and mismatches of sexual awakenings are not a topic I love to read about, as just one example.

I take some level of comfort and embarrassment from the fact that my taste hasn't changed much from my own teenage years. I wouldn't have enjoyed it then, and I didn't have a fun time reading it now. The difference is that I can appreciate what the book has to say all the same, and I think this one has a lot of value to impart. It's worth sitting with and thinking about. Thanks to Tundra Books for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.52 2023
author: Cherie Dimaline
name: Allison
average rating: 3.52
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, bipoc-protagonist, biracial-protagonist, bisexual-protagonist, ghost-romance, grief, indigenous-protagonist, instalove, netgalley, neurodivergent-protagonist, queer-protagonist, queer-romance, sapphic-romance, single-pov, ya-fantasy
review:
Win was raised in the cemetery where her mom is buried. Her dad is a cremator, and they live in an apartment over his office at the graveyard. While the location has always provided Win with a measure of closeness to the mother she never knew, it's also made her a target for peers once the awkwardness and cruelty of adolescence brought her home into a new light. Beyond these exterior markers that earn her ridicule, a neurospicy brain seems to add to Win's distance from peers who don't need symmetry and counting and the comfort of specific sounds.

The fantasy element of the book doesn't become prominent until the latter half, after Win's first ghost sighting. As she gets to know the ghostly Phil, she finds herself torn between saving her home and protecting the girl she's falling for, beyond the grave or not. The only thing that might be able to turn around the cemetery's dwindling funds is a new opportunity to become a stop on a ghost tour. Now that Win has found an actual ghost, the tour is sure to be a success. But it pains Phil to be seen, and she's not a freak show for the curious tourists, besides. Win finds herself facing a losing battle to try and save it all.

I think there are important topics in the book that are handled thoughtfully-- from grief to identity to letting go. The story circles death throughout, but it also considers the life in front of Win and what she might make of it. In both her and Phil's backstories, we see girls with different relationships to their queerness and their Indigenous roots, shaped by history and by the way the hard social years of teenagedom came at them. For Win's part, she's often felt not native enough being raised by her white dad. Growing up in the eighties, Phil's lesbianism was a source of taunts at school that Win can relate to from her own negative school experience. Both girls have found themselves lonely, slipping through the cracks until they are drawn to one another.

This is a YA book that doesn't always feel YA. And maybe I'm doing the genre a disservice to say so, or it reflects the limits of what I've read from the genre, but this feels heavy. Maybe because the whole first part of the book is Win looking back on her growing-up years, it has the feeling of experience and even adulthood rather than youth. Obviously, teens have depth and aren't out there having sunshine and rainbows all the time, so I'm not sure how to put my misgivings into words. Maybe it's just that this is more of a literary take than I'd typically want to pick up. Like the awkwardness and mismatches of sexual awakenings are not a topic I love to read about, as just one example.

I take some level of comfort and embarrassment from the fact that my taste hasn't changed much from my own teenage years. I wouldn't have enjoyed it then, and I didn't have a fun time reading it now. The difference is that I can appreciate what the book has to say all the same, and I think this one has a lot of value to impart. It's worth sitting with and thinking about. Thanks to Tundra Books for my copy to read and review!
]]> 61423847 A forbidden love between a Mexican heiress and a shrewd British politician makes for a tantalizing Victorian season.

Ana María Luna Valdés has strived to be the perfect daughter, the perfect niece, and the perfect representative of the powerful Luna familia. So, when Ana María is secretly sent to London with her sisters to seek refuge during the French occupation of Mexico, she experiences her first taste of freedom far from the judgmental eyes of her domineering father. If only she could ignore the piercing looks she receives across ballroom floors from the austere Mr. Fox.

Gideon Fox elevated himself from the London gutters by chasing his burning desire for more: more opportunities, more choices. For everyone. Now as a member of Parliament, Gideon's on the cusp of securing the votes he needs to put forth a measure to abolish the Atlantic slave trade once and for all--a cause that is close to his heart as the grandson of a formerly enslaved woman. The charmingly vexing Ana MarĂ­a is a distraction he must ignore.

But when Ana MarĂ­a finds herself in the crosshairs of a nefarious nobleman with his own political agenda, Gideon knows he must offer his hand as protection...but will this Mexican heiress win his heart as well?]]> 352 Liana De la Rosa 0593440889 Allison 3
We meet Ana MarĂ­a Luna and her two younger sisters as they disembark in London. They've fled the oncoming French in Mexico to be put into the care of their uncle, the Mexican ambassador. Their father's strict instructions for them are just the latest in a long line of rules meant to control and manage the three women-- no public appearances, no frivolity, and no men to challenge the fiancee he's brokered for Ana MarĂ­a. TĂ­o Arturo has other ideas. He wants to make his nieces the faces of the Mexican cause in a dazzling PR campaign.

Gideon Fox is a member of Parliament with a very specific agenda. His grandmother, once enslaved, left Charleston for London, and Gideon wants her legacy, through him, to be the end of the transatlantic slave trade. To that end, he makes sure his every move is calibrated to benefit his unlikely political career. He's worked hard to get his position, and even now, he's tirelessly strategizing how to pass legislation that will strengthen England's response to other nations who still engage in slavery. He finds Ana MarĂ­a alluring when he first spots her across a crowd at a soiree, her keen intelligence shining through as she outmaneuvers the adult version of a mean girl trying to make her feel unwelcome. All the same, as the two run into each other around town, Gideon resists his growing attachment, especially as he sees how she's a magnet for judgment among the ton. Though he acknowledges it as unfair and has had his own experiences with unequal expectations as an unaristocratic Black man, he knows that he could only enter a marriage with someone who could benefit his political career rather than sinking it with gossip, no matter how undeserved. Though this commitment sometimes puts space between our lovebirds, Ana MarĂ­a ultimately respects his mission and understands she would cause a distraction that neither would want to hinder his work.

In the way of a romance novel, the two spend a good portion of the book pining for one another, only to be thrown together in something of a marriage of convenience. Besides Gideon's reticence, Ana MarĂ­a has also been holding back because of the engagement her father arranged (I love a romance between two guarded, levelheaded people). Though she has no personal attachment to it, she holds onto the agreement as a matter of honor. All that fades away when an unscrupulous man blackmails the sisters about the political reality of their identities unless Ana MarĂ­a marries him. They can become political hostages, shipped off to France, or she can tether herself to a monster with the family fortune at his fingertips. Gideon swoops in as a knight in shining armor, only a situation this extreme able to put a crack in his resolve to stay away. If Ana MarĂ­a is already married and safely hidden on a friend's estate in the countryside, then neither of these horrible fates can come to pass. The couple's wedding is the perfect excuse to let loose and finally fall in love with each other for real, but I got a bit of whiplash after the long game of "will they/won't they." There's also a fun bit of action and rescue prompted by our blackmailer, but it only adds to the busy atmosphere of the book's final pages.

While the pacing issues left me a bit lukewarm on the romance, the sisterly relationships have a lot of promise. I would have been happy to see those relationship arcs fleshed out even further. The sisters have been pitted against each other all their lives, and it's only outside the influence of their parents' shadows that they can start to try to understand one another and offer mutual support. They've known each other for the roles they were forced to play, not their hidden depths now surfacing with this first chance at freedom. There's also the matter of colorism throwing up barriers in how their father valued and managed them. Ana MarĂ­a and her sister Gabby take after their peninsular (see: white, direct from Spain) mother, whereas the middle sister, Isobel, has more Indigenous features passed down through their paternal line. We see the sisters wrestle with the way that has driven them apart in the past and how it continues to affect their disparate treatment in London.

I think this is an intriguing start to a series, and I would definitely return to read more about the other Luna sisters. Beyond that, De la Rosa shines a light on underrepresented characters in historical romance, and in so doing, she breathes new life into the genre. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.44 2023
author: Liana De la Rosa
name: Allison
average rating: 3.44
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, bipoc-protagonist, black-protagonist, dual-pov, historical-romance, latinx-protagonist, lovable-characters, marriage-of-convenience, netgalley, no-final-act-breakup, open-door-romance, pining, politician-romance, romance, travel-romance
review:
Ana MarĂ­a and the Fox had me from the dedication to eldest daughters. Or was it from the moment I laid eyes on this beautiful cover? Hard to say, but it was pretty immediate either way.

We meet Ana MarĂ­a Luna and her two younger sisters as they disembark in London. They've fled the oncoming French in Mexico to be put into the care of their uncle, the Mexican ambassador. Their father's strict instructions for them are just the latest in a long line of rules meant to control and manage the three women-- no public appearances, no frivolity, and no men to challenge the fiancee he's brokered for Ana MarĂ­a. TĂ­o Arturo has other ideas. He wants to make his nieces the faces of the Mexican cause in a dazzling PR campaign.

Gideon Fox is a member of Parliament with a very specific agenda. His grandmother, once enslaved, left Charleston for London, and Gideon wants her legacy, through him, to be the end of the transatlantic slave trade. To that end, he makes sure his every move is calibrated to benefit his unlikely political career. He's worked hard to get his position, and even now, he's tirelessly strategizing how to pass legislation that will strengthen England's response to other nations who still engage in slavery. He finds Ana MarĂ­a alluring when he first spots her across a crowd at a soiree, her keen intelligence shining through as she outmaneuvers the adult version of a mean girl trying to make her feel unwelcome. All the same, as the two run into each other around town, Gideon resists his growing attachment, especially as he sees how she's a magnet for judgment among the ton. Though he acknowledges it as unfair and has had his own experiences with unequal expectations as an unaristocratic Black man, he knows that he could only enter a marriage with someone who could benefit his political career rather than sinking it with gossip, no matter how undeserved. Though this commitment sometimes puts space between our lovebirds, Ana MarĂ­a ultimately respects his mission and understands she would cause a distraction that neither would want to hinder his work.

In the way of a romance novel, the two spend a good portion of the book pining for one another, only to be thrown together in something of a marriage of convenience. Besides Gideon's reticence, Ana MarĂ­a has also been holding back because of the engagement her father arranged (I love a romance between two guarded, levelheaded people). Though she has no personal attachment to it, she holds onto the agreement as a matter of honor. All that fades away when an unscrupulous man blackmails the sisters about the political reality of their identities unless Ana MarĂ­a marries him. They can become political hostages, shipped off to France, or she can tether herself to a monster with the family fortune at his fingertips. Gideon swoops in as a knight in shining armor, only a situation this extreme able to put a crack in his resolve to stay away. If Ana MarĂ­a is already married and safely hidden on a friend's estate in the countryside, then neither of these horrible fates can come to pass. The couple's wedding is the perfect excuse to let loose and finally fall in love with each other for real, but I got a bit of whiplash after the long game of "will they/won't they." There's also a fun bit of action and rescue prompted by our blackmailer, but it only adds to the busy atmosphere of the book's final pages.

While the pacing issues left me a bit lukewarm on the romance, the sisterly relationships have a lot of promise. I would have been happy to see those relationship arcs fleshed out even further. The sisters have been pitted against each other all their lives, and it's only outside the influence of their parents' shadows that they can start to try to understand one another and offer mutual support. They've known each other for the roles they were forced to play, not their hidden depths now surfacing with this first chance at freedom. There's also the matter of colorism throwing up barriers in how their father valued and managed them. Ana MarĂ­a and her sister Gabby take after their peninsular (see: white, direct from Spain) mother, whereas the middle sister, Isobel, has more Indigenous features passed down through their paternal line. We see the sisters wrestle with the way that has driven them apart in the past and how it continues to affect their disparate treatment in London.

I think this is an intriguing start to a series, and I would definitely return to read more about the other Luna sisters. Beyond that, De la Rosa shines a light on underrepresented characters in historical romance, and in so doing, she breathes new life into the genre. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!
]]> 144421737 What if we act as if we love the future?

Sometimes the bravest thing we can do while facing an existential crisis is imagine life on the other side. This provocative and joyous book maps an inspiring landscape of possible climate futures.

Through clear-eyed essays and vibrant conversations, infused with data, poetry, and art, Ayana Elizabeth Johnson guides us through solutions and possibilities at the nexus of science, policy, culture, and justice. Visionary farmers and financers, architects and advocates help us conjure a flourishing future, one worth the effort it will take—from all of us, with whatever we have to offer—to create.

If you haven’t yet been able to picture a transformed and replenished world—or see yourself, your loved ones, and your community in it� this book is for you. If you haven’t yet found your role in shaping this new world, or you’re not sure how we can actually get there, this book is for you.

With grace, humor, and humanity, Ayana invites readers to ask and answer this ultimate question, What if we get it right?

On imagination, possibility, and transformation with

Paola Antonelli
Xiye Bastida & Ayisha Siddiqa
Jade Begay
Régine Clément
Abigail Dillen
Brian Donahue
Kelly Sims Gallagher
Rhiana Gunn-Wright
Corley Kenna
Bryan C. Lee Jr. & Kate Orff
Franklin Leonard & Adam McKay
Bill McKibben
Kate Marvel
Samantha Montano
Leah Penniman
Colette Pichon Battle
Kendra Pierre-Louis
Judith D. Schwartz
Jigar Shah
Bren Smith
Oana Stanescu
Mustafa Suleyman]]> 496 Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Allison 5
Dr. Johnson tries to strike a balance between tackling hard truths about climate change and how we're perpetuating it with fresh optimism that is grounded in what can be done and how we can reasonably do better. As a person who leans toward cynicism/despair, I was curious (and skeptical) to see how she could prevail. This framing is baked into even the organization of the book. Each subsection, containing multiple interviews that speak to a specific broader topic, starts with facts about 10 problems in that area, side-by-side with 10 possibilities for transformation and betterment already at our fingertips. For example, before diving into interviews about food, you'll be acquainted with some of the major issues along with work that's already started or that we're poised to begin. You don't have one without the other. It speaks to the clarity of Johnson's message and the thought that went into how her tone was crafted that this approach worked for me. It was a gradual process of convincing, but I did leave the book feeling an unexpected reinvigoration and focus. I needed the reminder not only of this problem's enormous scale but also of the need for seemingly small but real actions to break me out of learned inertia.

Another thing I admire about the book is how it's brimming with creativity in multiple ways. There's a built-in annotation system in the margins to draw the reader's eye using symbols in vivid blue ink. The author makes use of meaningful footnotes, and I particularly loved one with the simple message, "get outta here with that nonsense." And if you're not as enthusiastic as I apparently am about clever and visually appealing book organization techniques, know that the book goes beyond interviews. Johnson includes relevant poetry and visual art that expand the impact of her message. She's also made her readers a fantastic mixtape/playlist, which is shared at the end.

I recommend this book to literally any reader since it's all of our job to figure out the problem of our declining planet. I think that even people with a lot of knowledge on the topic will find something to learn about here. Whether it's financial considerations like how everyday banking and pensions, sight unseen, can fund fracking or a new appreciation for kelp farming (looking at you, Deanna) or a plan to stay local and divest from consumerism, the book offers plenty of food for thought. I'm more than glad to have read it, and I intend to take to heart the author's included climate oath going forward as I consider the several levels at which I, as a human on this planet, can do better to get this right.]]> 4.47 2024
author: Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
name: Allison
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, non-fiction, science, thought-provoking, favorites
review:
What if We Get it Right? poses just that question to many experts, activists, and artists. Specifically, the question asks its guests and readers to imagine a future where we right the ship on global warming and save our planet. This isn't about flights of fancy or intangible hopes but action plans and each concrete step that takes us closer to a better future. The author, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, is an expert and activist herself-- a marine biologist who has worked in both science and policy toward saving our oceans and demonstrating how oceans can, in turn, save us if we act as responsible stewards. In this book, she interviews people from many backgrounds who have approached this work from different angles and with varied intersections of interest that don't always exactly align with one another. One of the primary takeaways that is reiterated at the end of the book is the author's commitment to "no friendly fire," which is the approach she wants readers to take, as well. The idea is that everyone will be needed to have a chance at mitigating the damage to our planet. Infighting and one-upmanship can't take away our valuable, limited time to get it right.

Dr. Johnson tries to strike a balance between tackling hard truths about climate change and how we're perpetuating it with fresh optimism that is grounded in what can be done and how we can reasonably do better. As a person who leans toward cynicism/despair, I was curious (and skeptical) to see how she could prevail. This framing is baked into even the organization of the book. Each subsection, containing multiple interviews that speak to a specific broader topic, starts with facts about 10 problems in that area, side-by-side with 10 possibilities for transformation and betterment already at our fingertips. For example, before diving into interviews about food, you'll be acquainted with some of the major issues along with work that's already started or that we're poised to begin. You don't have one without the other. It speaks to the clarity of Johnson's message and the thought that went into how her tone was crafted that this approach worked for me. It was a gradual process of convincing, but I did leave the book feeling an unexpected reinvigoration and focus. I needed the reminder not only of this problem's enormous scale but also of the need for seemingly small but real actions to break me out of learned inertia.

Another thing I admire about the book is how it's brimming with creativity in multiple ways. There's a built-in annotation system in the margins to draw the reader's eye using symbols in vivid blue ink. The author makes use of meaningful footnotes, and I particularly loved one with the simple message, "get outta here with that nonsense." And if you're not as enthusiastic as I apparently am about clever and visually appealing book organization techniques, know that the book goes beyond interviews. Johnson includes relevant poetry and visual art that expand the impact of her message. She's also made her readers a fantastic mixtape/playlist, which is shared at the end.

I recommend this book to literally any reader since it's all of our job to figure out the problem of our declining planet. I think that even people with a lot of knowledge on the topic will find something to learn about here. Whether it's financial considerations like how everyday banking and pensions, sight unseen, can fund fracking or a new appreciation for kelp farming (looking at you, Deanna) or a plan to stay local and divest from consumerism, the book offers plenty of food for thought. I'm more than glad to have read it, and I intend to take to heart the author's included climate oath going forward as I consider the several levels at which I, as a human on this planet, can do better to get this right.
]]> 52381770
It worries about the fragile human crew who've grown to trust it, but only where no one can see.

It tells itself that they're only a professional obligation, but when they're captured and an old friend from the past requires urgent assistance, Murderbot must choose between inertia and drastic action.

Drastic action it is, then.

]]> 350 Martha Wells 1250229863 Allison 5
Because it's Murderbot, there are so many hilarious one-liners in these pages that I could have pulled to kick off this review, even if I limited myself to the ones that made me actually laugh out loud. The childless middle school teacher in me had to go for this one, though. It's just too real.

I've been so excited to read a full-length novel about Murderbot. Even though the past stories have felt well-suited to the novella length, I'm just looking for an excuse to spend more time in this wonky SecUnit's unamused brain. The first thing to hit me with this one is the introduction of family to Murderbot's life. It already has a crew of humans it reluctantly but wholeheartedly cares for, so expanding the experience to include a messy, sprawling family unit that includes children and peaceable adults is a great idea. Murderbot's interactions with a teenager are especially hilarious given that its experience with their unique functioning is nothing, and its protective purpose can light a fire (not a fun kind) under a rebellious young person.

On this adventure, we get to see Murderbot surrounded by friends, someone it wishes wanted to be its friend but it's pretending not to care, and a friend who perpetrated a deep betrayal. And how should one react to said betrayal? Juvenile sniping, naturally, which adds to the story's humorous fodder. There's also the previously mentioned teenager, and their relationship arc is one of the best in a powerhouse of a book.

It's hard to say much about the plot without giving anything away because it swerves almost immediately and continues to throw curveballs from there. It's high intensity from start to finish, with never a dull moment. Murderbot loves to mention how many more tasks it can handle at once compared to a mere human, and I think the way that contributes to what a great action read it is. Since we're right with Murderbot the whole time, its split attention on several deteriorating situations is a lot to keep up with, not as a matter of confusion but as a source of constant activity and intrigue.

All my emphasis on jokes and action is not meant to downplay the emotional resonance of the story. I was delighted by all the things that came full circle in the previous book, but that was only because I hadn't read Network Effect yet. It turns out the series can just keep building on itself in this really satisfying way that seems obvious after the fact. Like yes, OF COURSE, that was a reunion I needed to see. NATURALLY, that would be the next step in Murderbot's growth as a person/entity. But that doesn't mean it feels trite or canned. The story just unfolds in this organic, pleasing way that you might not see coming but feels right once you know.

I found this book fulfilling on any measure. I love to laugh, go on harebrained adventures, and snuggle up with characters and relationships I admire. This is a fun read that doesn't skimp on the feels or the personal growth. I'd recommend this series to literally everyone, and so far, this entry is the crown jewel.]]> 4.44 2020
author: Martha Wells
name: Allison
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, action-adventure, aroace-protagonist, banter, favorites, found-family, funny, lovable-characters, queer-protagonist, scifi, single-pov
review:
"The good thing about being a construct is that you can't reproduce and create children to argue with you."

Because it's Murderbot, there are so many hilarious one-liners in these pages that I could have pulled to kick off this review, even if I limited myself to the ones that made me actually laugh out loud. The childless middle school teacher in me had to go for this one, though. It's just too real.

I've been so excited to read a full-length novel about Murderbot. Even though the past stories have felt well-suited to the novella length, I'm just looking for an excuse to spend more time in this wonky SecUnit's unamused brain. The first thing to hit me with this one is the introduction of family to Murderbot's life. It already has a crew of humans it reluctantly but wholeheartedly cares for, so expanding the experience to include a messy, sprawling family unit that includes children and peaceable adults is a great idea. Murderbot's interactions with a teenager are especially hilarious given that its experience with their unique functioning is nothing, and its protective purpose can light a fire (not a fun kind) under a rebellious young person.

On this adventure, we get to see Murderbot surrounded by friends, someone it wishes wanted to be its friend but it's pretending not to care, and a friend who perpetrated a deep betrayal. And how should one react to said betrayal? Juvenile sniping, naturally, which adds to the story's humorous fodder. There's also the previously mentioned teenager, and their relationship arc is one of the best in a powerhouse of a book.

It's hard to say much about the plot without giving anything away because it swerves almost immediately and continues to throw curveballs from there. It's high intensity from start to finish, with never a dull moment. Murderbot loves to mention how many more tasks it can handle at once compared to a mere human, and I think the way that contributes to what a great action read it is. Since we're right with Murderbot the whole time, its split attention on several deteriorating situations is a lot to keep up with, not as a matter of confusion but as a source of constant activity and intrigue.

All my emphasis on jokes and action is not meant to downplay the emotional resonance of the story. I was delighted by all the things that came full circle in the previous book, but that was only because I hadn't read Network Effect yet. It turns out the series can just keep building on itself in this really satisfying way that seems obvious after the fact. Like yes, OF COURSE, that was a reunion I needed to see. NATURALLY, that would be the next step in Murderbot's growth as a person/entity. But that doesn't mean it feels trite or canned. The story just unfolds in this organic, pleasing way that you might not see coming but feels right once you know.

I found this book fulfilling on any measure. I love to laugh, go on harebrained adventures, and snuggle up with characters and relationships I admire. This is a fun read that doesn't skimp on the feels or the personal growth. I'd recommend this series to literally everyone, and so far, this entry is the crown jewel.
]]> 52979052 Superintendent Teresa Battaglia, expert criminal profiler with four decades of experience on the Italian police force, returns for a chilling cold case.

A decades-old murder investigation has landed on Superintendent Teresa Battaglia’s desk. DNA analysis has revealed that a painting from the final days of World War II contains matter from a human heart. Teresa is able to trace the evidence to Val Resia, one of Italy’s most isolated, untouched regions.

When Teresa’s investigation hits too close to the truth, a second human heart is hung at the valley’s entrance, a warning not to cross its threshold. Meanwhile, Teresa must not only deal with rapidly progressing physical and cognitive ailments, but also someone she hoped never to see again—a man who is now her supervisor.]]> 446 Ilaria Tuti 1641291214 Allison 3
The case has an unusual start. A cold case comes to light when a famous, unaccounted-for painting resurfaces in the artist's family attic seventy years after the fact. When it turns out the portrait was painted in human blood, and more and more signs point to it coming from the unnamed muse herself, Battaglia and her team have a murder to solve with an unnamed victim, no body, and an artist who has been in a self-imposed nonresponsive state for all the decades since the painting was completed. The most likely suspect, he doesn't communicate in any way.

Following the pattern from the first book, the author gives us another look at an insular community, this time one whose culture is under threat of being erased. When things veer into the occult, the ancient, and the twisted, you'd think I'd get all the more invested since it adds unexpected elements to the story. The problem is that I think it also introduced what may have been plot holes or could have just been my attention wandering. I was more interested when it was a story about World War II and its ripple effects into the present. Ancient art and mysticism took things into a realm that I don't think the story could support. Adding these layers requires more explaining, backstory, and grandiosity. I prefer the tone of the first book, which focused more on basic humanity at the center (for good or for ill) with extraordinary circumstances that provoke great violence. In the end, there were so many swerves and red herrings in this one that instead of being a fun, twisty adventure, I became frustrated by each dead end that was over-explained only to go nowhere.

Here's the thing: Am I still a fan of the series? Certainly. Would I pick up the next book? Yup. I just think that all the promise of the first book was squandered on some of the elaborate plot elements in this one. I think that a different mystery with these same characters has all the potential to draw me back in. I'm especially interested in the introduction of a new character to the team- Blanca is a civilian who has trained her dog to search for human remains. She's also blind, which leads people to make assumptions about her competence that Teresa is unwilling to entertain. She shakes up the dynamic between Teresa and Massimo and adds new, lasting bonds to the story.]]> 3.97 2019
author: Ilaria Tuti
name: Allison
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, audiobook, found-family, mystery-thriller, protagonist-with-chronic-illness
review:
The Sleeping Nymph is a sequel that unpeels some of the layers of our protagonists' histories. In the first book, we saw the characters get established and received hints of the secrets that drive them, but now we get some of the dirty details. What went wrong? How did they end up so driven to solve these big, messy mysteries? Why are they so dedicated to work to the exclusion of all else?

The case has an unusual start. A cold case comes to light when a famous, unaccounted-for painting resurfaces in the artist's family attic seventy years after the fact. When it turns out the portrait was painted in human blood, and more and more signs point to it coming from the unnamed muse herself, Battaglia and her team have a murder to solve with an unnamed victim, no body, and an artist who has been in a self-imposed nonresponsive state for all the decades since the painting was completed. The most likely suspect, he doesn't communicate in any way.

Following the pattern from the first book, the author gives us another look at an insular community, this time one whose culture is under threat of being erased. When things veer into the occult, the ancient, and the twisted, you'd think I'd get all the more invested since it adds unexpected elements to the story. The problem is that I think it also introduced what may have been plot holes or could have just been my attention wandering. I was more interested when it was a story about World War II and its ripple effects into the present. Ancient art and mysticism took things into a realm that I don't think the story could support. Adding these layers requires more explaining, backstory, and grandiosity. I prefer the tone of the first book, which focused more on basic humanity at the center (for good or for ill) with extraordinary circumstances that provoke great violence. In the end, there were so many swerves and red herrings in this one that instead of being a fun, twisty adventure, I became frustrated by each dead end that was over-explained only to go nowhere.

Here's the thing: Am I still a fan of the series? Certainly. Would I pick up the next book? Yup. I just think that all the promise of the first book was squandered on some of the elaborate plot elements in this one. I think that a different mystery with these same characters has all the potential to draw me back in. I'm especially interested in the introduction of a new character to the team- Blanca is a civilian who has trained her dog to search for human remains. She's also blind, which leads people to make assumptions about her competence that Teresa is unwilling to entertain. She shakes up the dynamic between Teresa and Massimo and adds new, lasting bonds to the story.
]]> 61423835
Enemies-to-lovers has never been more enchanting in this witchy romantic comedy from the New York Times bestselling author of Go Hex Yourself .

Penny Roundtree wants nothing more than to be a familiar to a witch. She’s been a member of the Society of Familiars ever since she was old enough to join the Fam. There’s just a small problem—no one’s hiring. Witches and warlocks are so long-lived that there are far more familiars available than witches to train them. So when an unorthodox arrangement to apprentice under the table to a forbidden warlock presents itself, she takes it.
Ěý
Willem Sauer is banned from having a familiar due to past transgressions, thereby limiting his magic-casting abilities. Unfortunately for the surly, Prussian warlock, he has no choice but to work with enthusiastic Penny as a familiar. They immediately clash like dried roan horsehair and honeycomb gathered by moonlight (it’s a terrible spell combination, ask anyone).
Ěý
Casting spells has delightful perks Penny never could have dreamed of, but also greater dangers. Someone is targeting Penny. Willem and Penny must work together to catch their enemy, and if their ploy requires a little kissing on the side, who is to question the rules of magic?]]> 336 Jessica Clare 0593337581 Allison 3
The previous book in this series took a minute to grow on me, but grow it did. That encouraged me to stick with this one when I wasn't feeling a spark yet a third of the way in. Penny's persona takes itself to a grating level (she frequently exclaims oh em gee or double-ew tee eff), but at least Willem is on the same page on that one. Let's not let him off the hook, though. His final defeat before taking Penny on is an attempt to get a job doing corporate espionage, etc., for oil magnates, which is so deeply not a good look. I put a pin in that in the hopes we were headed toward some drastic personal growth. The jury's out on that one.

The spice is very much a factor in this book, which I expected after reading the first in the series. Where things fell short for me was on the more romantic side. It hits some similar beats as Go Hex Yourself (brooding man meets unappreciated woman) without the same oomph and without the same journey for the characters. The shift from "fake dating while barely tolerating each other" to "fully obsessed with each other and kind of into exhibitionism and possibly a breeding kink" is abrupt. And that's even before "I love yous" are thrown around. I had a problem with exactly 0 of these things, but I just felt like it was a bit thrown together as an overall experience.

I enjoyed aspects of this one, but I think both the characters and the romance didn't fully live up to their potential. Readers looking for that unserious witchy romance vibe should definitely pick up this duology, I just might recommend the first one with more conviction. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.70 2023
author: Jessica Clare
name: Allison
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, angsty-boy-romance, dual-pov, fake-dating, forbidden-romance, grumpy-sunshine-romance, hot-for-boss-romance, kinky-romance, moneybags-romance, netgalley, open-door-romance, opposites-attract, paranormal-romance, romance, witchy-romance
review:
Penny has been waiting for years for her chance to become a witch or warlock's familiar, but with a long waiting list stretching in front of her, she's starting to fear she'll never make the cut. Penny is a chipper rule follower who treasures her role as secretary for the Society of Familiars, though her title belies the fact that she practically runs her local chapter. With that kind of mentality, it's almost unthinkable that she'd break the organization's bylaws and threaten any future chance at becoming a familiar... unless the opportunity were too catastrophically seismic to pass up. Penny's friend approaches with an under-the-table offer to work for a warlock currently serving a 33-year familiar ban. Willem is itching to be back to full power, especially while a former mentor stalks him and threatens him over some stolen books. Penny agrees to be his familiar, anyway, but they'll need to protect themselves. For that, she proposes a fake dating cover story that approximately no one will believe. Between his power and his glower, cheerful nobody Penny is as unlikely a match as they come.

The previous book in this series took a minute to grow on me, but grow it did. That encouraged me to stick with this one when I wasn't feeling a spark yet a third of the way in. Penny's persona takes itself to a grating level (she frequently exclaims oh em gee or double-ew tee eff), but at least Willem is on the same page on that one. Let's not let him off the hook, though. His final defeat before taking Penny on is an attempt to get a job doing corporate espionage, etc., for oil magnates, which is so deeply not a good look. I put a pin in that in the hopes we were headed toward some drastic personal growth. The jury's out on that one.

The spice is very much a factor in this book, which I expected after reading the first in the series. Where things fell short for me was on the more romantic side. It hits some similar beats as Go Hex Yourself (brooding man meets unappreciated woman) without the same oomph and without the same journey for the characters. The shift from "fake dating while barely tolerating each other" to "fully obsessed with each other and kind of into exhibitionism and possibly a breeding kink" is abrupt. And that's even before "I love yous" are thrown around. I had a problem with exactly 0 of these things, but I just felt like it was a bit thrown together as an overall experience.

I enjoyed aspects of this one, but I think both the characters and the romance didn't fully live up to their potential. Readers looking for that unserious witchy romance vibe should definitely pick up this duology, I just might recommend the first one with more conviction. Thanks to Berkley for my copy to read and review!
]]> 61273342 In a near-future northern settlement, a handful of climate change survivors find their fates intertwined in this mesmerizing and transportive novel in the vein of Station Eleven and The Power.

In the far north of Canada sits Camp Zero, an American building project hiding many secrets.

Desperate to help her climate-displaced Korean immigrant mother, Rose agrees to travel to Camp Zero and spy on its architect in exchange for housing. She arrives at the same time as another newcomer, a college professor named Grant who is determined to flee his wealthy family’s dark legacy. Gradually, they realize that there is more to the architect than previously thought, and a disturbing mystery lurks beneath the surface of the camp. At the same time, rumors abound of an elite group of women soldiers living and working at a nearby Cold War-era climate research station. What are they doing there? And who is leading them?

An electrifying page-turner where nothing is as it seems, Camp Zero cleverly explores how the intersection of gender, class, and migration will impact who and what will survive in a warming world.]]> 304 Michelle Min Sterling 1668007568 Allison 2
We learn that Rose is in the North at the behest of a client in the Floating City. She's to get close to Meyer and spy for the man who invented the Flick, an implant that brings the internet right to your brain with disastrous results that no one sees or knows. Readers also follow another newcomer to camp. Grant was born to enormous privilege that he is now trying to escape. He accepted a job at what he was led to believe was a cutting-edge new university campus that is really just that hole in the ground. When Grant arrives, confused by the stark reality in front of him, Meyer cheerfully assures him the campus will be ready soon and assigns him the work of teaching the diggers in a writing class.

We also get strange flashbacks to an American military installation of all women that was once sent to an isolated research station in the North called White Alice, where they gathered climate data and formed vibrant bonds with one another while cut off from society. We see how their purpose shifted and grew as secrets came to light. Though near the current camp on the map, the connection isn't immediately obvious between the two timelines. It adds an aspect of mystery to the story.

This is a harsh book about a harsh possible future that's not as difficult to imagine as I would wish. It tackles intertwined questions of survival, morality, what we owe to others, and the idea of utopia. What held me back from enjoying this one fully is the book's literary nature. With a cast of largely unlikeable characters, ill-advised relationships, and big issues that can't be addressed with any level of closure, it's a hard read. That doesn't mean I was unable to gain anything from reading it; I just wouldn't reread it or necessarily seek out something similar in the future. I think readers who like dystopian reads or who can read for the message above the plot and characters will have a much better time. I think this is just a mismatch between me and what types of books I enjoy best. Thanks to Atria for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.18 2023
author: Michelle Min Sterling
name: Allison
average rating: 3.18
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, api-protagonist, bipoc-protagonist, biracial-protagonist, east-asian-protagonist, grief, multiple-pov, netgalley, scifi
review:
"Rose" is a newly recruited member of the Blooms, escorts hired by the struggling visionary Meyer to serve his camp in the snowy wasteland that was once the oil fields of Canada. Don't imagine a camp with tents and a campfire- while the domes of the future are still just a hole in the ground, everyone lives in an abandoned shopping mall guarded by a fence and dogs. The laborers digging said hole are relegated to cots in a warehouse. In this eco-dystopian world, 2050 means disasters strike regularly, temperatures make for blistering summers, wildlife dwindles, and fresh food is for the rich. The ultrawealthy live in the Floating City off the coast of Boston, but their utopia only functions by bringing in laborers from the mainland who don't reap the same benefits.

We learn that Rose is in the North at the behest of a client in the Floating City. She's to get close to Meyer and spy for the man who invented the Flick, an implant that brings the internet right to your brain with disastrous results that no one sees or knows. Readers also follow another newcomer to camp. Grant was born to enormous privilege that he is now trying to escape. He accepted a job at what he was led to believe was a cutting-edge new university campus that is really just that hole in the ground. When Grant arrives, confused by the stark reality in front of him, Meyer cheerfully assures him the campus will be ready soon and assigns him the work of teaching the diggers in a writing class.

We also get strange flashbacks to an American military installation of all women that was once sent to an isolated research station in the North called White Alice, where they gathered climate data and formed vibrant bonds with one another while cut off from society. We see how their purpose shifted and grew as secrets came to light. Though near the current camp on the map, the connection isn't immediately obvious between the two timelines. It adds an aspect of mystery to the story.

This is a harsh book about a harsh possible future that's not as difficult to imagine as I would wish. It tackles intertwined questions of survival, morality, what we owe to others, and the idea of utopia. What held me back from enjoying this one fully is the book's literary nature. With a cast of largely unlikeable characters, ill-advised relationships, and big issues that can't be addressed with any level of closure, it's a hard read. That doesn't mean I was unable to gain anything from reading it; I just wouldn't reread it or necessarily seek out something similar in the future. I think readers who like dystopian reads or who can read for the message above the plot and characters will have a much better time. I think this is just a mismatch between me and what types of books I enjoy best. Thanks to Atria for my copy to read and review!
]]> 62031346
" Simmering with magic, peril, romance, and heartbreak ." —Leigh Bardugo, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Shadow and Bone

Born without a trace of magic, Tamsin Lark is no match for the sorceresses and Hollowers who populate the magical underground of Boston. But when the only parent she’s ever known disappears without so much as a goodbye, she has no choice but to join in their cutthroat pursuit of enchanted relics to keep herself—and her brother, Cabell—alive.

Ten years later, rumors are swirling that her guardian found a powerful ring from Arthurian legend just before he vanished. A run-in with her rival Emrys ignites Tamsin’s hope that the ring could free Cabell from a curse that threatens both of them. But they aren’t the only ones who covet the ring.

As word spreads, greedy Hollowers start circling, and many would kill to have it for themselves. While Emrys is the last person Tamsin would choose to partner with, she needs all the help she can get to edge out her competitorsĚýin the race for the ring. Together, they dive headfirst into a vipersâ€� nest of dark magic, exposing a deadly secret with the power to awaken ghosts of the past and shatter her last hope of saving her brother. . . .]]> 467 Alexandra Bracken 0593481658 Allison 4
Tamsin Lark's life revolves around one thing: making sure she and her brother, Cabell, are safe. It's been a hard road. Cabell is cursed, the pair are orphaned, and their guardian abandoned them. But before Nash disappeared on them, he trained them in the art of being Hollowers. Hollowers use painstaking research to discover the tombs and troves of Sorceresses hiding invaluable relics of legend. Then they raid them for said treasure. I appreciate that the author sets parameters for where relic hunting occurs. Our characters only seek legends in Europe because other regions control their own histories. Any other alternative for white protagonists would have carried echoes of colonialism if not perpetrating it outright. Cabell's the curse breaker on their team, using inborn magic to redirect the curses protecting their prizes in safe directions. Meanwhile, Tamsin, though magicless herself, is the best on the research side. To make ends meet since big jobs are few and far between, especially for those with as little standing as the two have in the Hollowers guild, Tamsin works as a tarot reader, spinning the stories that customers want to hear.

There's a rivals-to-lovers plot between Tamsin and Emrys Dye that's been simmering since long before the book began. Tamsin not-so-affectionately calls him "Trust Fund." Emrys is the vaunted son of the Boston Guild Master with the world at his feet, and he can't seem to keep himself from reminding Tamsin that she's a mere mortal surrounded by people who can see and do more in the magical world. When it turns out that Emrys is seeking a job solo, one with a powerful prize and a massive payday at the end, it feels only natural for Tamsin to present herself as an alternative. So begins a competition-turned-collaboration (that's still harboring some competitive energy) as it becomes apparent that neither has all the information to succeed alone. With the help of Cabell and a self-taught sorceress named Neve, they set out to find Lancelot's ring, which always changes hands in death. Other Hollowers are on the trail, and Tamsin will have to dig up her and her brother's unresolved past to get ahead. They'll see the banks of Avalon before all is said and done, but reality doesn't match the myth.

The relationships on our team are my favorite part of a fascinating story. The book tackles a loving sibling relationship that can still be fraught and disconnected. Tamsin's desperation to keep her cursed older brother safe struck an emotional chord with me. The banter and romance were also top-tier. There are a lot of forced proximity moments or almost intimate moments where you can feel the tension simmering. And then there's the night in the tower, which loses absolutely nothing by keeping it PG-13-- confessions, first aid, and burrowing into one another to keep warm as snow falls outside and one of them shivers with fever. It's a VIBE, I tell you. I'm also starting a petition to make vows of friendship more of a thing. I think that's the kind of chivalrous energy we need more of in this world, compared to the options currently on offer.

The plot of this one is interesting because you think we're setting up for a relic hunt, and that's not really it. Once our questers arrive in Avalon, their plans are so thoroughly derailed that they have to keep their eyes on more pressing problems of the life-or-death variety. There are also lessons to be learned about community and caring about humanity as a whole rather than just personal survival. Of the twists at the end, one was clear in advance, but the one right in the final moments gave me a good shock. Between that and several threads left unresolved, I will need to seek out the sequel VERY soon, re: my peace of mind. Thanks to Knopf for my copy to read and review!]]> 3.88 2023
author: Alexandra Bracken
name: Allison
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, action-adventure, banter, down-with-the-ship, found-family, grumpy-sunshine-romance, ice-queen-romance, lovable-characters, made-me-cry, myth, netgalley, nursed-back-to-health-romance, opposites-attract, reformed-rake, rivals-to-lovers, sexual-tension, single-pov, slowburn-romance, twists-and-turns, ya-fantasy
review:
"I'd spent years methodically dosing myself with suspicion the way others might suffer drops of poison to build up a tolerance. When you always expect the worst, nothing can cut deep enough to shock you."

Tamsin Lark's life revolves around one thing: making sure she and her brother, Cabell, are safe. It's been a hard road. Cabell is cursed, the pair are orphaned, and their guardian abandoned them. But before Nash disappeared on them, he trained them in the art of being Hollowers. Hollowers use painstaking research to discover the tombs and troves of Sorceresses hiding invaluable relics of legend. Then they raid them for said treasure. I appreciate that the author sets parameters for where relic hunting occurs. Our characters only seek legends in Europe because other regions control their own histories. Any other alternative for white protagonists would have carried echoes of colonialism if not perpetrating it outright. Cabell's the curse breaker on their team, using inborn magic to redirect the curses protecting their prizes in safe directions. Meanwhile, Tamsin, though magicless herself, is the best on the research side. To make ends meet since big jobs are few and far between, especially for those with as little standing as the two have in the Hollowers guild, Tamsin works as a tarot reader, spinning the stories that customers want to hear.

There's a rivals-to-lovers plot between Tamsin and Emrys Dye that's been simmering since long before the book began. Tamsin not-so-affectionately calls him "Trust Fund." Emrys is the vaunted son of the Boston Guild Master with the world at his feet, and he can't seem to keep himself from reminding Tamsin that she's a mere mortal surrounded by people who can see and do more in the magical world. When it turns out that Emrys is seeking a job solo, one with a powerful prize and a massive payday at the end, it feels only natural for Tamsin to present herself as an alternative. So begins a competition-turned-collaboration (that's still harboring some competitive energy) as it becomes apparent that neither has all the information to succeed alone. With the help of Cabell and a self-taught sorceress named Neve, they set out to find Lancelot's ring, which always changes hands in death. Other Hollowers are on the trail, and Tamsin will have to dig up her and her brother's unresolved past to get ahead. They'll see the banks of Avalon before all is said and done, but reality doesn't match the myth.

The relationships on our team are my favorite part of a fascinating story. The book tackles a loving sibling relationship that can still be fraught and disconnected. Tamsin's desperation to keep her cursed older brother safe struck an emotional chord with me. The banter and romance were also top-tier. There are a lot of forced proximity moments or almost intimate moments where you can feel the tension simmering. And then there's the night in the tower, which loses absolutely nothing by keeping it PG-13-- confessions, first aid, and burrowing into one another to keep warm as snow falls outside and one of them shivers with fever. It's a VIBE, I tell you. I'm also starting a petition to make vows of friendship more of a thing. I think that's the kind of chivalrous energy we need more of in this world, compared to the options currently on offer.

The plot of this one is interesting because you think we're setting up for a relic hunt, and that's not really it. Once our questers arrive in Avalon, their plans are so thoroughly derailed that they have to keep their eyes on more pressing problems of the life-or-death variety. There are also lessons to be learned about community and caring about humanity as a whole rather than just personal survival. Of the twists at the end, one was clear in advance, but the one right in the final moments gave me a good shock. Between that and several threads left unresolved, I will need to seek out the sequel VERY soon, re: my peace of mind. Thanks to Knopf for my copy to read and review!
]]> 27067875 Lonesome Lily Turned Scandalous Siren
Miss Lillian Hargrove has lived much of her life alone in a gilded cage, longing for love and companionship. When an artist offers her pretty promises and begs her to pose for a scandalous portrait, Lily doesn't hesitate...until the lying libertine leaves her in disgrace. With the painting now public, Lily has no choice but to turn to the one man who might save her from ruin.

Highland Devil turned Halfhearted Duke
The Duke of Warnick loathes all things English, none more so than the aristocracy. It does not matter that the imposing Scotsman has inherited one of the most venerable dukedoms in Britain—he wants nothing to do with it, especially when he discovers that the unwanted title comes with a troublesome ward, one who is far too old and far too beautiful to be his problem.

Tartan Comes to Town
Warnick arrives in London with a single goal: get the chit married and see her become someone else's problem, then return to a normal, quiet life in Scotland. It's the perfect plan, until Lily declares she'll only marry for love...and the Scot finds that there is one thing in England he likes far too much...]]> 342 Sarah MacLean 0062465848 Allison 2
Lilian Hargrove is also apparently too hot for her own good, or so the story goes. In a tale that might not be as old as time but certainly has modern relevance, Lily fell for the wrong man because she thought he was offering companionship to a friendless orphan who desperately wanted to be close to someone. The man in question was an artist who really only sought a muse. Lily modeled for a nude painting he promised would remain private. Instead, he made a spectacle of his plans to share it with the whole world for personal acclaim. Lily, thus ruined, finds herself not only heartbroken but also left to the whims of an unsuspecting guardian. Alec abruptly inherited her guardianship with his dukedom. Despite Lily's advanced age, her unmarried status leaves her as part of Alec's previously unknowing responsibility. Only the scandal of a lifetime could force the solicitor to bring her to Alec's attention after he so clearly indicated his animosity toward any ducal duties in London.

This is a classic case of an author repeating her protagonists' issues ad nauseam. Alec feels unworthy because he's been stereotyped and demeaned, especially by women, in his past. Lily is lonely because she's a literal orphan with no one who loves her. Pretty easy to grasp, but you wouldn't know it for all the times it's laid out for the reader in excruciatingly obvious terms. YES, WE KNOW. CARRY ON. In addition, the romance feels like one of those stories where lust is dressed up as love. It doesn't help that we hear endlessly about how attractive both parties are. In their mere week of acquaintance, they argue, he tries to control her under the guise of protecting her, and they both long for each other but hold back due to the past issues mentioned above. Alec insists on wielding his guardianship to try and marry Lily off and ensure her happiness, even when she throws herself into arguing against it. And somehow, in the midst of all of that, they fall in love, or so we're told. I just didn't buy it. If I'd been into the romance, there were other little comedic flourishes in the story I can tell I would have liked, such as Alec's dogs and the absurd ducal townhomes he inherited.

Despite not being enamored with this one, I'm glad I read it through to the end. It's only in the final thirty pages that Alec's backstory is presented with any depth. I wish we'd had some of the context earlier, but I think it was meant to be more of a big-reveal moment. I'm not sure that I appreciate trauma being disclosed in a "shock and awe" style. On the other hand, the secrecy fed my assumptions, which I left at the beginning of this review to capture my feelings even though I was ultimately proven an ass, and I suppose gives the reader a better understanding of Lily's point of view since she's also left in the dark until that point. The story has a lot to say about shame that I think is good and important, but the characters get their wires crossed so many times as they go through their emotions that it takes the punch out of the message.

My big picture response to this book is that there were so many almost good things that were then squashed in the execution to the point that I couldn't enjoy or even appreciate them. Whether it was the romance, the humor, the characters, or any deeper message, I ended up too annoyed by any given component to save me from the others.]]> 3.68 2016
author: Sarah MacLean
name: Allison
average rating: 3.68
book published: 2016
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/02
date added: 2025/03/02
shelves: 2025-reads, dual-pov, heist-romance, historical-romance, matchmaker-romance, open-door-romance, pining, romance, whirlwind-romance
review:
I've got to be honest. A plot where "he's too hot" is a main source of a man's trauma is hard for me to get behind. In this story, Alec Stuart has a reasonable concern about how the so-called polite society in London reacts to his Scottishness, but he also has a killer bod, which means women objectify him rather than seeking out an emotional connection. And like, that's a real thing that I don't mean to belittle, but also...

Lilian Hargrove is also apparently too hot for her own good, or so the story goes. In a tale that might not be as old as time but certainly has modern relevance, Lily fell for the wrong man because she thought he was offering companionship to a friendless orphan who desperately wanted to be close to someone. The man in question was an artist who really only sought a muse. Lily modeled for a nude painting he promised would remain private. Instead, he made a spectacle of his plans to share it with the whole world for personal acclaim. Lily, thus ruined, finds herself not only heartbroken but also left to the whims of an unsuspecting guardian. Alec abruptly inherited her guardianship with his dukedom. Despite Lily's advanced age, her unmarried status leaves her as part of Alec's previously unknowing responsibility. Only the scandal of a lifetime could force the solicitor to bring her to Alec's attention after he so clearly indicated his animosity toward any ducal duties in London.

This is a classic case of an author repeating her protagonists' issues ad nauseam. Alec feels unworthy because he's been stereotyped and demeaned, especially by women, in his past. Lily is lonely because she's a literal orphan with no one who loves her. Pretty easy to grasp, but you wouldn't know it for all the times it's laid out for the reader in excruciatingly obvious terms. YES, WE KNOW. CARRY ON. In addition, the romance feels like one of those stories where lust is dressed up as love. It doesn't help that we hear endlessly about how attractive both parties are. In their mere week of acquaintance, they argue, he tries to control her under the guise of protecting her, and they both long for each other but hold back due to the past issues mentioned above. Alec insists on wielding his guardianship to try and marry Lily off and ensure her happiness, even when she throws herself into arguing against it. And somehow, in the midst of all of that, they fall in love, or so we're told. I just didn't buy it. If I'd been into the romance, there were other little comedic flourishes in the story I can tell I would have liked, such as Alec's dogs and the absurd ducal townhomes he inherited.

Despite not being enamored with this one, I'm glad I read it through to the end. It's only in the final thirty pages that Alec's backstory is presented with any depth. I wish we'd had some of the context earlier, but I think it was meant to be more of a big-reveal moment. I'm not sure that I appreciate trauma being disclosed in a "shock and awe" style. On the other hand, the secrecy fed my assumptions, which I left at the beginning of this review to capture my feelings even though I was ultimately proven an ass, and I suppose gives the reader a better understanding of Lily's point of view since she's also left in the dark until that point. The story has a lot to say about shame that I think is good and important, but the characters get their wires crossed so many times as they go through their emotions that it takes the punch out of the message.

My big picture response to this book is that there were so many almost good things that were then squashed in the execution to the point that I couldn't enjoy or even appreciate them. Whether it was the romance, the humor, the characters, or any deeper message, I ended up too annoyed by any given component to save me from the others.
]]> 219134676 From World Fantasy Award-winning author Tasha Suri comes The Isle in the Silver Sea, a heart-shattering romantasy of sapphic longing, medieval folklore and a love that spans the centuries.

In a Britain fuelled by stories, the knight and the witch are fated to fall in love and doom each other over and over, the same tale retold over hundreds of lifetimes.

Simran is a witch of the woods. Vina is a knight of the Queen's court. When the two women begin to fall for each other, how can they surrender to their desires, when to give in is to destroy each other?

As they seek a way to break the cycle, a mysterious assassin begins targeting tales like theirs. To survive, the two will need to write a story stronger than the one that fate has given to them.

But what tale is stronger than The Knight and the Witch?]]> 384 Tasha Suri 0356524418 Allison 0 to-read 4.71 2025
author: Tasha Suri
name: Allison
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 209355059
When Mr. Collins dies after just four years of marriage, Charlotte is lost. While not exactly heartbroken, she will soon have to quit the parsonage that has become her home. In desperate need of support, she writes to her best friend, Lizzie. Unable to leave Pemberly, Lizzie sends her sister, Mary Bennet, in her stead.

To Charlotte’s surprise, Mary Bennet is nothing like she remembers. Mary’s discovery of academia and her interest in botany (as well as getting out from under her mother’s thumb) have caused her to flourish. Before long, Charlotte is enraptured—with Mary, and with the possibilities that lie beyond their societal confines. With each stolen glance and whispered secret, their friendship quickly blossoms into something achingly real.

But when her time at the parsonage begins to dwindle and a potential suitor appears, Charlotte must make a choice—the safety and security of another husband, or a passionate life with Mary outside the confines of the ton’s expectations.]]> 304 Lindz McLeod 133592826X Allison 0 to-read 4.02 2025
author: Lindz McLeod
name: Allison
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228393488 Howl's Moving Castle meets Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries in this enchanting and nostalgic YA fairytale from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi in which a young prince destined to die by the hand of his bride, and a veritas swan who has escaped her treacherous father, seek protection in one another and discover that the only thing more formidable than a curse...is love.]]> 352 Roshani Chokshi 125087310X Allison 0 to-read 4.00
author: Roshani Chokshi
name: Allison
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>