Grace's bookshelf: all en-US Fri, 04 Sep 2026 13:19:09 -0700 60 Grace's bookshelf: all 144 41 https://www.goodreads.com/images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg <![CDATA[Any Way the Wind Blows (Simon Snow, #3)]]> 52190991 Carry On, Simon Snow and his friends realized that everything they thought they understood about the world might be wrong. And in Wayward Son, they wondered whether everything they understood about themselves might be wrong.

In Any Way the Wind Blows, Simon and Baz and Penelope and Agatha have to decide how to move forward.

For Simon, that means deciding whether he still wants to be part of the World of Mages -- and if he doesn't, what does that mean for his relationship with Baz? Meanwhile Baz is bouncing between two family crises and not finding any time to talk to anyone about his newfound vampire knowledge. Penelope would love to help, but she's smuggled an American Normal into London, and now she isn't sure what to do with him. And Agatha? Well, Agatha Wellbelove has had enough.

Any Way the Wind Blows takes the gang back to England, back to Watford, and back to their families for their longest and most emotionally wrenching adventure yet.

This book is a finale. It tells secrets and answers questions and lays ghosts to rest.

Carry On was conceived as a book about Chosen One stories; Any Way the Wind Blows is an ending about endings. About catharsis and closure, and how we choose to move on from the traumas and triumphs that try to define us.]]> 579 Rainbow Rowell 1250254337 Grace 0 to-read 4.10 2021 Any Way the Wind Blows (Simon Snow, #3)
author: Rainbow Rowell
name: Grace
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Oleander: A Great Expectations Reimagining]]> 203177517 Caspien Deveraux was poison.

It took me years to realise that he hadn’t been born like that. He’d been cultivated and nurtured by a careful hand and a bitter heart.

When I first met him, he was a bud. One primed to bloom beautifully and deadly. One I should have torn out at the root.

I loathed him. I loved him. And until him, I hadn’t known just how completely those two things could exist at once.]]> 599 Scarlett Drake Grace 5
“It was the first time I met Caspien Deveraux, and I loathed him with a passion I didn’t know I was capable of. And though I didn’t know it then, I’d soon come to love him with the very same ferocity.”

This absolutely devastated me. I mean, god, this was ACHINGLY beautiful and so unbelievably PAINFUL. An epic romance that will stay with me forever.

I want to be clear, this is definitely notttt your typical romance read. Like I said, I would consider it more along the lines of a romantic tragedy (with a hea) than anything else. And I say that because you will suffer for most of this book, but I promise it is worth it.

I knew from the prologue this would be at least 5 stars and I’m happy to say I was right. And from that very moment, I couldn’t put it down.

I only had one Goodreads friend that had read this book (shoutout @bookluvr🥰), so I didn’t have much to go off of. I had not a single clue what this book was about, other than the fact that it was MM and sure to leave you sobbing.

And boy did it deliver 🥲

I was absolutely SUFFERING for 90% of the book. Jude’s yearning & pain absolutely did me in. The desolation that is woven through these characters and their stories was actually detrimental to my health for the past 24 hours. I truly was sick to my stomach, crying, so heartbroken over what happens in this story and to these characters. The betrayals, the manipulation, the heartbreak…. It felt like hell. There’s literally well over 100 quotes I could post here that would obliterate your heart into a million tiny pieces🥲

Jude’s pov was gut-wrenching to be in. Like I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. His heartbreak was like a knife to the chest, repeatedly. I felt like I was put in his shoes and experiencing everything he was feeling first hand. I could feel every ounce of heartache, yearning, and agonizing pain he was going through. I was sobbing and sobbing in my room along with him.

This is also why I think that the author’s choice to make this single POV was so purposeful and absolutely necessary. Jude was the most incredible narrator and I can’t imagine the story being the same had it been anything or anyone else. For one, single pov ups the angst level to an excruciating level and dual pov would’ve revealed way too much.

The back and forth feelings I felt towards Caspien were volatile. I loved him, then I hated him, then I wanted to hug him. I felt like I was on a never ending cycle of that + pain. When things began to click together for me about what was going on, I was gutted. Devastated doesn’t begin to cover it.

The layers & depth to these characters was incredible. They were complex and sometimes you had to read between the lines a bit. Even when you wanted to throw the book into a wall and scream. I won’t say anything else because I don’t want to get spoilery.

I also loved that Caspien & Jude felt like complete opposites to one another. Though they were the same age, Caspien was so blunt and hardened, while Jude was child-like and warm. More than just these two, I think it was done as an intentional antithesis between other characters as well, to show contrast and how drastically different two people/situations can turn out. There were absolutely characters in this book that made me sick to my stomach so be ready for that.

This isn’t structured like you’d typically expect from any other story, being that the conflicts and flow are not linear. I did really loved that this read like classical literature. The writing prose in this? Jesus, it was so stunning. I was absolutely in awe. I made well over 100 highlights in this book and nearly every single one was a full paragraph in length.

I’m sure you’ll find that it says in many reviews that this was a hard-fought HEA and they’re damn right. I was also fighting for my life LOL.

There were many points I didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel and it made the journey that much more painful. But to me, the reward of the ending was worth it. There’s something really special about these kinds of books that aren’t linear-they are messy, tense, heartbreaking, and toxic, but the reward always feels so great. Do I think this is for everyone? Probably not. But it definitely was for me.

The epilogue was in Cas’s POV and I loved it. I cried (obviously), but this time, I cried with a big ass smile on my face. FINALLY😭

Cas & Jude are soulmates so deeply made for each other. Soulmates that find their way, despite even themselves.

Normally, this is where I’d add a bunch of my favorite quotes, but guys we’d be here all night. There’s just too many 😭 And I also don’t want to spoil anything. So I’ll leave you here with just different ones at random:

“Only I could love Caspien how he deserved to be loved. And so I would. I’d love him in spite of everything he was and everything I knew he could be. No matter what he did, no matter how much he hurt me, in this I would be constant. As long as Caspien Deveraux breathed, I would love him.”

“I’m certain if I strain my ears hard enough, I’ll hear his voice somewhere. Certain that if I inhale deeply, I’ll still be able to smell him. He lives and breathes in these walls still, and I can’t fucking bear it.”

“The thing that scared me most was that I was going to belong to him like this forever. He’d carved out a part of my heart and soul for himself and nothing except him would be able to fit inside it. It was him or it was nothing. It was him.”

“From pleasure and fear and the overwhelming sensation that I was nothing unless I was allowed to be this to him. Have this with him. I could not imagine a life outside of this. It would be as void and empty as death itself.”

“The intensity of my feelings for him in that moment, so acute and unyielding, transcended everything that had come before. He was still the boy I’d loved three, four summers ago, but that love had matured inside me like wine in a barrel, and it was more robust and vinous than it had ever been.”

“Nothing existed when Caspien was next to me; it had always been that way. I needed nothing else, wanted nothing else, and I never felt as whole or as completely alive in the world as I did when he was with me.”

Easily a top read for me this year and now is now offically my 170 book of this year 🩷]]> 4.46 2024 Oleander: A Great Expectations Reimagining
author: Scarlett Drake
name: Grace
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/11/04
date added: 2026/09/04
shelves: favorites, mm, ripped-my-heart-out, mm-favorites
review:
♾️🌟 it’s been over a month since I read this and I still think about it every single day. I will absolutely defend it with my life and any slander will make me physically ill so I cannot & will not ever hear it. Bye. Unfortunately, this is one of those times where I’m like if you didn’t like this, you didn’t get it and you’re wrong. I’m really sorry, but I do make the rules so

“It was the first time I met Caspien Deveraux, and I loathed him with a passion I didn’t know I was capable of. And though I didn’t know it then, I’d soon come to love him with the very same ferocity.”

This absolutely devastated me. I mean, god, this was ACHINGLY beautiful and so unbelievably PAINFUL. An epic romance that will stay with me forever.

I want to be clear, this is definitely notttt your typical romance read. Like I said, I would consider it more along the lines of a romantic tragedy (with a hea) than anything else. And I say that because you will suffer for most of this book, but I promise it is worth it.

I knew from the prologue this would be at least 5 stars and I’m happy to say I was right. And from that very moment, I couldn’t put it down.

I only had one Goodreads friend that had read this book (shoutout @bookluvr🥰), so I didn’t have much to go off of. I had not a single clue what this book was about, other than the fact that it was MM and sure to leave you sobbing.

And boy did it deliver 🥲

I was absolutely SUFFERING for 90% of the book. Jude’s yearning & pain absolutely did me in. The desolation that is woven through these characters and their stories was actually detrimental to my health for the past 24 hours. I truly was sick to my stomach, crying, so heartbroken over what happens in this story and to these characters. The betrayals, the manipulation, the heartbreak…. It felt like hell. There’s literally well over 100 quotes I could post here that would obliterate your heart into a million tiny pieces🥲

Jude’s pov was gut-wrenching to be in. Like I’m not exaggerating in the slightest. His heartbreak was like a knife to the chest, repeatedly. I felt like I was put in his shoes and experiencing everything he was feeling first hand. I could feel every ounce of heartache, yearning, and agonizing pain he was going through. I was sobbing and sobbing in my room along with him.

This is also why I think that the author’s choice to make this single POV was so purposeful and absolutely necessary. Jude was the most incredible narrator and I can’t imagine the story being the same had it been anything or anyone else. For one, single pov ups the angst level to an excruciating level and dual pov would’ve revealed way too much.

The back and forth feelings I felt towards Caspien were volatile. I loved him, then I hated him, then I wanted to hug him. I felt like I was on a never ending cycle of that + pain. When things began to click together for me about what was going on, I was gutted. Devastated doesn’t begin to cover it.

The layers & depth to these characters was incredible. They were complex and sometimes you had to read between the lines a bit. Even when you wanted to throw the book into a wall and scream. I won’t say anything else because I don’t want to get spoilery.

I also loved that Caspien & Jude felt like complete opposites to one another. Though they were the same age, Caspien was so blunt and hardened, while Jude was child-like and warm. More than just these two, I think it was done as an intentional antithesis between other characters as well, to show contrast and how drastically different two people/situations can turn out. There were absolutely characters in this book that made me sick to my stomach so be ready for that.

This isn’t structured like you’d typically expect from any other story, being that the conflicts and flow are not linear. I did really loved that this read like classical literature. The writing prose in this? Jesus, it was so stunning. I was absolutely in awe. I made well over 100 highlights in this book and nearly every single one was a full paragraph in length.

I’m sure you’ll find that it says in many reviews that this was a hard-fought HEA and they’re damn right. I was also fighting for my life LOL.

There were many points I didn’t see a light at the end of the tunnel and it made the journey that much more painful. But to me, the reward of the ending was worth it. There’s something really special about these kinds of books that aren’t linear-they are messy, tense, heartbreaking, and toxic, but the reward always feels so great. Do I think this is for everyone? Probably not. But it definitely was for me.

The epilogue was in Cas’s POV and I loved it. I cried (obviously), but this time, I cried with a big ass smile on my face. FINALLY😭

Cas & Jude are soulmates so deeply made for each other. Soulmates that find their way, despite even themselves.

Normally, this is where I’d add a bunch of my favorite quotes, but guys we’d be here all night. There’s just too many 😭 And I also don’t want to spoil anything. So I’ll leave you here with just different ones at random:

“Only I could love Caspien how he deserved to be loved. And so I would. I’d love him in spite of everything he was and everything I knew he could be. No matter what he did, no matter how much he hurt me, in this I would be constant. As long as Caspien Deveraux breathed, I would love him.”

“I’m certain if I strain my ears hard enough, I’ll hear his voice somewhere. Certain that if I inhale deeply, I’ll still be able to smell him. He lives and breathes in these walls still, and I can’t fucking bear it.”

“The thing that scared me most was that I was going to belong to him like this forever. He’d carved out a part of my heart and soul for himself and nothing except him would be able to fit inside it. It was him or it was nothing. It was him.”

“From pleasure and fear and the overwhelming sensation that I was nothing unless I was allowed to be this to him. Have this with him. I could not imagine a life outside of this. It would be as void and empty as death itself.”

“The intensity of my feelings for him in that moment, so acute and unyielding, transcended everything that had come before. He was still the boy I’d loved three, four summers ago, but that love had matured inside me like wine in a barrel, and it was more robust and vinous than it had ever been.”

“Nothing existed when Caspien was next to me; it had always been that way. I needed nothing else, wanted nothing else, and I never felt as whole or as completely alive in the world as I did when he was with me.”

Easily a top read for me this year and now is now offically my 170 book of this year 🩷
]]> Wayward Son (Simon Snow, #2) 44017627
Simon Snow did everything he was supposed to do. He beat the villain. He won the war. He even fell in love. Now comes the good part, right? Now comes the happily ever after…

So why can’t Simon Snow get off the couch?

What he needs, according to his best friend, is a change of scenery. He just needs to see himself in a new light…

That’s how Simon and Penny and Baz end up in a vintage convertible, tearing across the American West.

They find trouble, of course. (Dragons, vampires, skunk-headed things with shotguns.) And they get lost. They get so lost, they start to wonder whether they ever knew where they were headed in the first place…

With Wayward Son, Rainbow Rowell has written a book for everyone who ever wondered what happened to the Chosen One after he saved the day. And a book for everyone who was ever more curious about the second kiss than the first. It’s another helping of sour cherry scones with an absolutely decadent amount of butter.

Come on, Simon Snow. Your hero’s journey might be over – but your life has just begun.]]> 356 Rainbow Rowell 1250146070 Grace 0 mm-tbr, currently-reading 3.88 2019 Wayward Son (Simon Snow, #2)
author: Rainbow Rowell
name: Grace
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/03
shelves: mm-tbr, currently-reading
review:

]]> Found Time 235992993 240 Caroline Goldstein Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.83 Found Time
author: Caroline Goldstein
name: Grace
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/02
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Knave and the Moon (The Stonewater Kingdom, #2)]]> 241564688 Rachel Gillig, the queen of gothic romantasy, returns with higher stakes, darker mysteries, and deeper longings in this gorgeous sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling sensation The Knight and the Moth.

Aisling Cathedral is in ruins. Rodrick Myndacious, Bartholomew, and Maude Bauer are rumored to be dead—and the king has taken Sybil Delling as his bride. To show off their union and solidify his power over Traum, Benji proposes a series of tournaments throughout the hamlets. Captive and drugged, Sybil remains determined to vanquished him as she once did the Omens, even if she destroys the kingdom’s faith—and herself—in the process.

But then a mysterious knave rises to the top of the lists, a man with no name and no memory who may just be Sybil’s ticket to undoing Benji’s power. For in a land where stories repeat themselves, where a king can prove as cruel as a god, the only way to truly destroy the Stonewater Kingdom’s faith is to save it.]]> 368 Rachel Gillig 0356522997 Grace 0 currently-reading pre-read 🥹

Starting in the morning!! Yayyyyyy]]> 4.51 2026 The Knave and the Moon (The Stonewater Kingdom, #2)
author: Rachel Gillig
name: Grace
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: currently-reading
review:
pre-read 🥹

Starting in the morning!! Yayyyyyy
]]> <![CDATA[Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 1]]> 62145799
When raiders from the north attack Chang Geng’s small village, he discovers that the life he knows is a lie. His mother, his teacher...even his beloved godfather, the man he trusted most in the world, are not who they seem. As enemies of the empire circle ever closer, Chang Geng must travel to the heart of the capital—with his godfather as his guide—to meet his destiny.]]> 452 Priest 1638589313 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.11 2016 Stars of Chaos: Sha Po Lang, Vol. 1
author: Priest
name: Grace
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel), Vol. 1]]> 62145800 396 Meng Xi Shi 1638589321 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.11 Thousand Autumns: Qian Qiu (Novel), Vol. 1
author: Meng Xi Shi
name: Grace
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 1]]> 188612782
A member of Emperor Yang Jian’s secret intelligence agency, the Jiejian Bureau, pursues the case: the highly successful chief Feng Xiao. Feng Xiao’s investigations take him to Liugong City, where all the top martial powers across the land are coming to meet. But another intelligence agency, the Zuoyue Bureau, has business in the same city—and they have sent Cui Buqu, an ailing but brilliant man who rivals Feng Xiao. These two equally proud men immediately clash and begin a battle of wits, only to hit a dead end on the increasingly cold case. Is the answer to this mystery out of reach, or can Feng Xiao and Cui Buqu find a way to the truth?]]> 380 Meng Xi Shi Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.25 Peerless: Wu Shuang (Novel) Vol. 1
author: Meng Xi Shi
name: Grace
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)]]> 205335957
Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil's visions. But when Sybil's fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral's cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she'd rather avoid Rodrick's dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.]]> 385 Rachel Gillig 0356522962 Grace 5 favorites
Loved it just as much as the first time 😭🩵

Though somehow I loved Bartholomew even more the second time around 😭😭😭 i love him so much😭 he truly had me laughing out loud a ridiculous amount in this book LOL. He’s so endearing, witty, hilarious, adorable… i just love him. how could anyone not????🥺🥹

I’m ngl, I can’t understand any of the hate for this book (ya ya ya reading is subjective yadda yadda yadda.) But I remember being so nervous to read this book the first time, that I actually put off reading it for months even though I had a physical copy.

So happy it was a win for me and still was on the re-read🥹🥹🥹 Rory & Sybil are ITTTTT 😫😫😫😫😫

just picked up my copy of Knave!!!

____________________________________________

1st read: 5🌟

I was losing my faith in everything. But the two of us meeting...it felt almost divine.

{my booksta edit for the knight and the moth 🤍}

Guys, I’m actually foaming at the mouth for book 2. Like… next September…??? Absolutely not. Too far. I need it like yesterday bc THAT ENDING???? 😭😭😭 fml. Book 2 is going to EAATTTTTT. I know it.

I’m really glad I decided to read this after the initial hype from its release day died down. I didn’t go in with crazy high expectations and waited for a time I actually felt drawn to reading it (which was now 🤓)

First off… ohhh my sweet, sweet angel…. Bartholomew 😭🥹🫶🏻🥺 I honestly thought everyone was being dramatic about this character before I met him, but oh how I adored him 🥺 for so many reasons, I just love him so much 😭 I could cry just thinking about him.

Secondly, the people saying there’s no romance in this….?? Are yall smoking something??? Bc what in the hell are yall talking about? Lolz
I was actually livingggg for every interaction between Rory & Sybil. The number of times I was like KISS KISS KISS KISS while they were verbally sparring with one another… 😁🤭🙂‍↕️ I just vibed so hard with them. Their tension was written perfectly 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🤺 and I just really loved what they had together.

I did go into this with the initial expectation that there was little to no romance in this (idek why), so everything I got, I was eating it up! And it only got better in my opinion.
I do think if you went into this with the expectation of this being romance heavvvvy, you’d probably be a tiny bit disappointed, I guess? Personally, I find it better this way more often than not. When the romantic/tension-filled moments aren’t described so blatantly obvious, you appreciate them more. And they’re NOT cringy. Thank god lol.

I LOVED Rachel Gillig’s writing in this. The prose was absolutely gorgeous. Annnnd it was in 1st person 🙏🏻 I nearly jumped for joy when I read the first page of chapter one LOL. I literally tabbed this UPPPPP. I have no idea how I’m going to pick which quotes to use for my insta edit of this. It will be an impossible choice.

In regard to the other complaints I’ve seen about this book:
To be fair, from an objective standpoint, I can see why some people may have found this to be slower paced. Personally, I found no issue with it, but I can see how some people might not love the pace. I really just think it’s a matter of if you feel like you’re connecting to the story/ characters enough. If you’re not, I can imagine this might feel slower. I thought the build between the story and the characters worked well with the gothic atmosphere and general vibe of the book.

This was like a 4.25-4.5 for me and then around the 60% mark, it was fully bumped to a 5 (I was really waiting to see how the ending was going to play out). The way I work out ratings while reading is I have an imaginary horizontal scale in my head and the bar shifts back and forth as I read. For the most part, I never fully know my rating until I’ve finished and I was definitely being cautious about how I felt about this one because I tend to get excited about books and then the ending falls flat lol. I didn’t even want to tell anyone I was reading this until I got close to the end because I stg I jinx myself with these books 🤣

I loved the found family, the story as a whole, and the romance 🫶🏻 so yes, it was very much a success.

I’m so so thrilled that I finallyyyy got another 5 star read 🙏🏻😭 I deserve it. It was EXCELLENT!! 🥰

I need book 2. NOWWWWWWW!!!!!!


some QUOTES:

♡ "You don't have to be good, or useful, for someone to care about you."

♡ I couldn't think. He was breathing against my mouth and I against his and the sound wasn't like any hunger I'd known. Torrid and depraved and desperate—
"You want to throw me down," Rory said, eyelids dropping as he whispered into my parted lips. "And I, prideful, disdainful, godless, want to drag you into the dirt with me."

♡ His thumb found my chin—lifted it. He looked so exquisite to me. My shroud had never hidden any of his beauty, nor was I surprised to see it so close. Rodrick Myndacious was exquisite—
But it wasn't that. It was the newness of his expression. There was wonder in his gaze I'd never glimpsed before, as if seeing my eyes for the first time had profoundly altered his.
He said it intently. Like he was imploring every part of me to take heed. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Sybil Delling." 😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥹

♡ Rory smeared his thumb across my lips. “I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

♡ I'd fallen through the seams of time into a place where there were no Omens or stone, no armor, no gossamer. There was just Rory, me—and a strange sacrality between us.

♡ "Anger is a fine weapon, Diviner," she said, quiet enough so the others wouldn't hear. "So long as you don't point it at yourself.”

♡ “You have no failures or falsehoods to amend for, no vows to tether you, no strength to prove." He soothed my hair, as if to comb away the knots of my despair. "Especially to me."
My body had always been strong—and ever just enough. But whatever my soul was made of was frail. Like birch bark, like gossamer, like the wings of a moth. When Rory brought his lips to my forehead, kissing it with unbearable softness, speaking the language of pain and reprieve into me, that frail little soul began to fortify. 🥹🥹🥺🥺🥺

♡ "You could walk over me, Sybil Delling. Throw me down until I am dust. I don't know what to call it, but I want it. I want you."
I ran my bareness over him. Watched him lose his sight for desire. "So have me."
😭😭😭🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

♡ Another kiss, this time on my cheek. "I haven't changed my mind about anything." Another, on my neck. "I'm so far the opposite of repulsed or regretful about you that I'm lost."

♡ For better, for worse-
"The rest of the story could not exist without us."]]> 4.20 2025 The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)
author: Rachel Gillig
name: Grace
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2026/08/31
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: favorites
review:
2nd read: 5🌟

Loved it just as much as the first time 😭🩵

Though somehow I loved Bartholomew even more the second time around 😭😭😭 i love him so much😭 he truly had me laughing out loud a ridiculous amount in this book LOL. He’s so endearing, witty, hilarious, adorable… i just love him. how could anyone not????🥺🥹

I’m ngl, I can’t understand any of the hate for this book (ya ya ya reading is subjective yadda yadda yadda.) But I remember being so nervous to read this book the first time, that I actually put off reading it for months even though I had a physical copy.

So happy it was a win for me and still was on the re-read🥹🥹🥹 Rory & Sybil are ITTTTT 😫😫😫😫😫

just picked up my copy of Knave!!!

____________________________________________

1st read: 5🌟

I was losing my faith in everything. But the two of us meeting...it felt almost divine.

{my booksta edit for the knight and the moth 🤍}

Guys, I’m actually foaming at the mouth for book 2. Like… next September…??? Absolutely not. Too far. I need it like yesterday bc THAT ENDING???? 😭😭😭 fml. Book 2 is going to EAATTTTTT. I know it.

I’m really glad I decided to read this after the initial hype from its release day died down. I didn’t go in with crazy high expectations and waited for a time I actually felt drawn to reading it (which was now 🤓)

First off… ohhh my sweet, sweet angel…. Bartholomew 😭🥹🫶🏻🥺 I honestly thought everyone was being dramatic about this character before I met him, but oh how I adored him 🥺 for so many reasons, I just love him so much 😭 I could cry just thinking about him.

Secondly, the people saying there’s no romance in this….?? Are yall smoking something??? Bc what in the hell are yall talking about? Lolz
I was actually livingggg for every interaction between Rory & Sybil. The number of times I was like KISS KISS KISS KISS while they were verbally sparring with one another… 😁🤭🙂‍↕️ I just vibed so hard with them. Their tension was written perfectly 🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🤺 and I just really loved what they had together.

I did go into this with the initial expectation that there was little to no romance in this (idek why), so everything I got, I was eating it up! And it only got better in my opinion.
I do think if you went into this with the expectation of this being romance heavvvvy, you’d probably be a tiny bit disappointed, I guess? Personally, I find it better this way more often than not. When the romantic/tension-filled moments aren’t described so blatantly obvious, you appreciate them more. And they’re NOT cringy. Thank god lol.

I LOVED Rachel Gillig’s writing in this. The prose was absolutely gorgeous. Annnnd it was in 1st person 🙏🏻 I nearly jumped for joy when I read the first page of chapter one LOL. I literally tabbed this UPPPPP. I have no idea how I’m going to pick which quotes to use for my insta edit of this. It will be an impossible choice.

In regard to the other complaints I’ve seen about this book:
To be fair, from an objective standpoint, I can see why some people may have found this to be slower paced. Personally, I found no issue with it, but I can see how some people might not love the pace. I really just think it’s a matter of if you feel like you’re connecting to the story/ characters enough. If you’re not, I can imagine this might feel slower. I thought the build between the story and the characters worked well with the gothic atmosphere and general vibe of the book.

This was like a 4.25-4.5 for me and then around the 60% mark, it was fully bumped to a 5 (I was really waiting to see how the ending was going to play out). The way I work out ratings while reading is I have an imaginary horizontal scale in my head and the bar shifts back and forth as I read. For the most part, I never fully know my rating until I’ve finished and I was definitely being cautious about how I felt about this one because I tend to get excited about books and then the ending falls flat lol. I didn’t even want to tell anyone I was reading this until I got close to the end because I stg I jinx myself with these books 🤣

I loved the found family, the story as a whole, and the romance 🫶🏻 so yes, it was very much a success.

I’m so so thrilled that I finallyyyy got another 5 star read 🙏🏻😭 I deserve it. It was EXCELLENT!! 🥰

I need book 2. NOWWWWWWW!!!!!!


some QUOTES:

♡ "You don't have to be good, or useful, for someone to care about you."

♡ I couldn't think. He was breathing against my mouth and I against his and the sound wasn't like any hunger I'd known. Torrid and depraved and desperate—
"You want to throw me down," Rory said, eyelids dropping as he whispered into my parted lips. "And I, prideful, disdainful, godless, want to drag you into the dirt with me."

♡ His thumb found my chin—lifted it. He looked so exquisite to me. My shroud had never hidden any of his beauty, nor was I surprised to see it so close. Rodrick Myndacious was exquisite—
But it wasn't that. It was the newness of his expression. There was wonder in his gaze I'd never glimpsed before, as if seeing my eyes for the first time had profoundly altered his.
He said it intently. Like he was imploring every part of me to take heed. "You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen, Sybil Delling." 😭😭😭🥹🥹🥹🥹

♡ Rory smeared his thumb across my lips. “I’ll do anything you ask of me.”

♡ I'd fallen through the seams of time into a place where there were no Omens or stone, no armor, no gossamer. There was just Rory, me—and a strange sacrality between us.

♡ "Anger is a fine weapon, Diviner," she said, quiet enough so the others wouldn't hear. "So long as you don't point it at yourself.”

♡ “You have no failures or falsehoods to amend for, no vows to tether you, no strength to prove." He soothed my hair, as if to comb away the knots of my despair. "Especially to me."
My body had always been strong—and ever just enough. But whatever my soul was made of was frail. Like birch bark, like gossamer, like the wings of a moth. When Rory brought his lips to my forehead, kissing it with unbearable softness, speaking the language of pain and reprieve into me, that frail little soul began to fortify. 🥹🥹🥺🥺🥺

♡ "You could walk over me, Sybil Delling. Throw me down until I am dust. I don't know what to call it, but I want it. I want you."
I ran my bareness over him. Watched him lose his sight for desire. "So have me."
😭😭😭🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🤌🏻🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️🙂‍↕️

♡ Another kiss, this time on my cheek. "I haven't changed my mind about anything." Another, on my neck. "I'm so far the opposite of repulsed or regretful about you that I'm lost."

♡ For better, for worse-
"The rest of the story could not exist without us."
]]> Shots on Net (SCU Hockey, #1) 210495899
Zeke Cassidy needs a place to live. When he answers an advertisement for a roommate, he’s not sure what he is expecting except that it isn’t Carter Morgan III. Carter is unfriendly, aloof, and they have nothing in common; even so, the pair hit it off immediately and become friends.

Carter knows Zeke isn’t interested in being anything beyond friends and roommates. Unfortunately, knowing this doesn’t stop him from hoping for more, no matter how much he tries to convince himself it’s impossible.]]> 320 J.J. Mulder 1967245150 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 3.77 2024 Shots on Net (SCU Hockey, #1)
author: J.J. Mulder
name: Grace
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/09/01
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Midnight Curfew 244709963
Summertime is off-season in southern Florida. Families leave their homes to escape the heat, the streets are empty, and the nights are quiet. Perfect time for a little mischief while the police aren’t looking.

As the middle Jaeger brother, Dallas was often lost in the shuffle growing up. Now a man, he’s prideful of his community on the wrong side of the tracks—Sanoa Bay—and aggressively protective of his land and his inner circle. He’s hungry and ready for a fight.

Callum Ames has a reputation in St. Carmen, the affluent neighborhood abutting Sanoa Bay. The hottest. The most popular. Rich. Powerful. Strong. The one all the women want. After four years away, he’s back, but for all his bravado, he’s got one major secret: he doesn’t want a woman.

Summer is also storm season. Heat, wind, rain…

And a lockdown.

In a desperate bid to impress his influential father, Callum suggests a curfew to hinder their rivals in the Bay.

Unfortunately, the Jaegers don’t like rules.

As Dallas and Callum face off and engage, out for each other's blood, they can't stop the consuming fire between them and the outcome they already see coming...

The storm of the century.]]> 544 Penelope Douglas 0593956605 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.02 2026 Midnight Curfew
author: Penelope Douglas
name: Grace
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/31
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Carry On (Simon Snow, #1) 32768522
That's what his roommate, Baz, says. And Baz might be evil and a vampire and a complete git, but he's probably right.

Half the time, Simon can't even make his wand work, and the other half, he starts something on fire. His mentor's avoiding him, his girlfriend broke up with him, and there's a magic-eating monster running around, wearing Simon's face. Baz would be having a field day with all this, if he were here — it's their last year at the Watford School of Magicks, and Simon's infuriating nemesis didn't even bother to show up.

Carry On - The Rise and Fall of Simon Snow is a ghost story, a love story and a mystery. It has just as much kissing and talking as you'd expect from a Rainbow Rowell story - but far, far more monsters.]]> 521 Rainbow Rowell 1250135028 Grace 4 mm, mm-favorites
“You were the centre of my universe,” I say. “Everything else spun around you.”

“I choose you,” I say. “Simon Snow, I choose you.”

SNOW AND BAZ 😭😭😭😭😭 PLSSSSSS

YOUR HONOR, I LOVE THEMMMMMMM

This story and these characters were quirky as hell and I loved every second LOL

So curious to see where the next two books will go because this honestly could serve as a standalone!! Excited to continue 🥰]]> 4.16 2015 Carry On (Simon Snow, #1)
author: Rainbow Rowell
name: Grace
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2015
rating: 4
read at: 2026/08/30
date added: 2026/08/30
shelves: mm, mm-favorites
review:
4.5🌟

“You were the centre of my universe,” I say. “Everything else spun around you.”

“I choose you,” I say. “Simon Snow, I choose you.”

SNOW AND BAZ 😭😭😭😭😭 PLSSSSSS

YOUR HONOR, I LOVE THEMMMMMMM

This story and these characters were quirky as hell and I loved every second LOL

So curious to see where the next two books will go because this honestly could serve as a standalone!! Excited to continue 🥰
]]> <![CDATA[Shelved Hearts (Hearts of Willlowrun #1)]]> 241903532

GABE


After the relationship I escaped, safety means keeping my life small: Evergreen Books, my apartment above it, and the people I trust. Then Noah Richards needs a place to stay. My younger brother’s best friend is all grown up now—steady, warm, and impossible to ignore. He sees me in ways I can't see myself, and suddenly I’m wondering if trust, and maybe love, could feel safe again.

But is love enough to save me from my own mind?


NOAH


Coming back to Willowrun was supposed to be simple: open Anchor Strength, reconnect with my best friend, settle down. Then I move in with Gabe Shaw. Gabe, who doesn’t realize how beautiful he is, or how easy he is to want. I can see he’s hurting, but I also see the man beneath it—someone who deserves patience, laughter, and a love that stays. He might never want me back, but if being his safe place is all I get, I’ll take it… even if my heart wants more.



Shelved Hearts is a slow-burn MM romance about healing from past abuse, rediscovering trust, and finding love in an unexpected place. With themes of recovery, vulnerability, and chosen family, Shelved Hearts balances emotional depth with heartfelt, swoony spice.

*This story contains heavy topics that could potentially be triggering. A content warning list will be available in the book. Prior to release please visit the author's Instagram for more information/details.

]]> 601 Laura Kain Grace 2 mm
Let me start by saying, I think if you like books that are heavily focused on comfort, you might enjoy this one!! I know I’m about to write a harsh review, but there’s clearly plenty of people out there that loved this book and just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you! 🤍 There’s plenty of great things about this book, it just didn’t exactly work for me and that’s okay.

Alright well here we go

The writing was very melodramatic and I found myself cringing many times. The sappiness in this was on another levellllll and it was just not for me.

To start, let’s look at what I wrote in my notes at 43%:
── .✦ I feel like this lacks a driving point in the plot. It’s a fairly long book and even with where I’m at now (43%), I keep wishing there was something in the plot we were driving towards or a central conflict that we’re inching more towards. So far, all we’ve gotten is domestic fluff and little sweet moments between Noah & Gabe. Idk I guess for as long as this is, I need something that’s keeping me invested in what is going on and where this is going. There’s still a chance that Gabe’s past will collide again with his present and maybe that will end up being the driving force, but if not? I’m kinda just left here feeling like a whole lot of nothing is happening. Gabe’s trauma with his ex feels more like background, rather than a driving force like I expected it to be in the beginning. Anyways, it keeps making me put the book down after reading a few chapters because there isn’t much holding my attention besides maybe the small romantic progress noah & gabe make in every other chapter.


If you love slice-of-life, you might like this one. I think I wouldn’t have minded it as much if it was cut in half. Because to me, slice-of-life books are typically half the length of this. 600 pages of it doesn’t allow the plot to progress, it’s just stagnant because there is nothing in the story to drive it forward. Quite literally, nothing happened in this book. Not even like a “oh it got good, but not until the very end.” The entire book was domestic fluff and sap, sap, and more sap.

At 65% I wrote this in my notes:
── .✦ Update: 65% and nothing has happened in this book. If they’re not talking about their sappy feelings and gabe & noah being together, they’re thinking about their sappy feelings in excess.


One of my main issues with this was that the characters all felt unrealistic and scripted. Noah, specifically, was just tooooo emotionally perfect. He never says the wrong thing, possesses endless patience, every word & gesture is this grand declaration of sweetness… And look, I love a good hurt/comfort romance, but this just layed it on thick. It felt like Noah’s character existed for the sole purpose of fixing Gabe, which made him very static. He didn’t feel like a real person that had a personality outside of comforting Gabe and being in love with him. I wanted to see more of his own flaws, growth, internal conflicts, etc. But instead, his character was heavily geared towards being this idealized book boyfriend. The way they interacted was incredibly unrealistic. No one responds with an extraordinary level of emotional accountability 24/7. We’re human, flawed, messy, and that’s okay! Idk, I can appreciate that this book was very safe, but it was safe in a way that made it boring. If Noah unintentionally overstepped or Gabe hesitated, they both immediately explained themselves, leaving no room for missteps or real growth.

There was no emotional conflict except Gabe experiencing some internal struggles from his trauma and Noah supporting him seamlessly. And when you’ve got 600 pages of the same thing over and over, with nothing else actually happening in the story, I fear that it falls completely flat. This was the reason I strugggggled through this. It took me nearly 2 months to finish this. I would find myself closing the book every time after reading just 2-3 chapters because it was the same heavy level of snappiness through internal monologues, mundane domesticity, and reiterative reassurance on a loop-over and over and overrrrr again. I just wanted to feel like there was real progression to this story and I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never did.

I didn’t think it was necessary to have 1-2 paragraphs after every quote that dissects what was said in their internal monologues. I really would’ve liked if Kain had let their actions speak for themselves more often. I can read between the lines. We didn’t need to constantly be reminded about his safe space etc etc. Instead of me sympathizing with Gabe, I started to find his inner monologue borderline whiny. I hate using the word whiny, especially with a character who has been through trauma, so please know that I don’t mean it in regards to that. I’m more critiquing how overly wordy and repetitive his inner monologue got and how it started to come across because of that. I just didn’t think it was necessary. It didn’t allow me to really feel what he went through, I just kept being told it. I want to experience how he feels, not hear it over and over again.

Just one example:
“He always seems so pleased to spend time with me, even when we’re doing nothing. As though being part of this quiet life is enough for him. Like maybe, he really believes I'm enough for him. It’s surprising, and I still find it hard to believe.”

It’s very sweet and sad, but when it’s said literally EVERY OTHER PAGE, I’ve had enough. I getttt it. And if it’s not this from Gabe’s internal monologue, it’s
“I want him to see that I’m not going anywhere. That this is safe. That he’s safe with me.”
from Noah’s internal monologue every other page in between that.

And of course, when you read these quotes, you’re like “awww that’s so sweet!” and it was!!! But again, this is said every. single. page. It ruins the profoundness of the feeling and the sentiment behind it. It ends up being “ok we get it now” instead of swooning because I’ve genuinely heard it already 500+ times.

Now, if this was book was cut in half, I don’t think any of these things would have bothered me nearly as much. Like I said, I don’t mind a book that’s a slice-of-life, but 600 pages of it, is not enjoyable when there’s nothing keeping you interested in the story. It’s just the same conversations on repeat.

I’m a little disappointed the trauma with Gabe’s ex and that his ex’s character didn’t come to anything. All he did was show up, apologize, took the blame, and then left. Two pages of it. I started skimming the last 15% because after confirming the only possible driving force of the story (the ex) amounted to nothing, it was again, a whole lot of nothing.

One positive was that when the sex started going, it was hot as ffffff. Definitely wasn’t expecting that. However, it got to the point where I started skimming those scenes because I just didn’t care anymore and they happened in basically every chapter in like the last 30-35% of the book.

I am sort of interested in Aiden & Ciarán as a couple, but I’m not sure why we got soooo much of them in this book. I wish it would’ve given us a taste of their tension and not soooo much of it. I feel like it needed to be more subtle, but it was pointed out to us from the very beginning and only increased the farther we got into the story.

I probably would’ve dnf’d this if I didn’t have a physical copy of it. I wanted to see it through because I was just hoping to get more from it.

Objectively, this isn’t a terrible book. It just wasn’t for me. It was very very sappy and I didn’t feel like much was happening so it wasn’t holding my attention.]]> 4.26 2026 Shelved Hearts (Hearts of Willlowrun #1)
author: Laura Kain
name: Grace
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2026
rating: 2
read at: 2026/08/12
date added: 2026/08/30
shelves: mm
review:
I wanted to love this one so bad, but I can’t ignore how much I struggledddd to finish this 😔

Let me start by saying, I think if you like books that are heavily focused on comfort, you might enjoy this one!! I know I’m about to write a harsh review, but there’s clearly plenty of people out there that loved this book and just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you! 🤍 There’s plenty of great things about this book, it just didn’t exactly work for me and that’s okay.

Alright well here we go

The writing was very melodramatic and I found myself cringing many times. The sappiness in this was on another levellllll and it was just not for me.

To start, let’s look at what I wrote in my notes at 43%:
── .✦ I feel like this lacks a driving point in the plot. It’s a fairly long book and even with where I’m at now (43%), I keep wishing there was something in the plot we were driving towards or a central conflict that we’re inching more towards. So far, all we’ve gotten is domestic fluff and little sweet moments between Noah & Gabe. Idk I guess for as long as this is, I need something that’s keeping me invested in what is going on and where this is going. There’s still a chance that Gabe’s past will collide again with his present and maybe that will end up being the driving force, but if not? I’m kinda just left here feeling like a whole lot of nothing is happening. Gabe’s trauma with his ex feels more like background, rather than a driving force like I expected it to be in the beginning. Anyways, it keeps making me put the book down after reading a few chapters because there isn’t much holding my attention besides maybe the small romantic progress noah & gabe make in every other chapter.


If you love slice-of-life, you might like this one. I think I wouldn’t have minded it as much if it was cut in half. Because to me, slice-of-life books are typically half the length of this. 600 pages of it doesn’t allow the plot to progress, it’s just stagnant because there is nothing in the story to drive it forward. Quite literally, nothing happened in this book. Not even like a “oh it got good, but not until the very end.” The entire book was domestic fluff and sap, sap, and more sap.

At 65% I wrote this in my notes:
── .✦ Update: 65% and nothing has happened in this book. If they’re not talking about their sappy feelings and gabe & noah being together, they’re thinking about their sappy feelings in excess.


One of my main issues with this was that the characters all felt unrealistic and scripted. Noah, specifically, was just tooooo emotionally perfect. He never says the wrong thing, possesses endless patience, every word & gesture is this grand declaration of sweetness… And look, I love a good hurt/comfort romance, but this just layed it on thick. It felt like Noah’s character existed for the sole purpose of fixing Gabe, which made him very static. He didn’t feel like a real person that had a personality outside of comforting Gabe and being in love with him. I wanted to see more of his own flaws, growth, internal conflicts, etc. But instead, his character was heavily geared towards being this idealized book boyfriend. The way they interacted was incredibly unrealistic. No one responds with an extraordinary level of emotional accountability 24/7. We’re human, flawed, messy, and that’s okay! Idk, I can appreciate that this book was very safe, but it was safe in a way that made it boring. If Noah unintentionally overstepped or Gabe hesitated, they both immediately explained themselves, leaving no room for missteps or real growth.

There was no emotional conflict except Gabe experiencing some internal struggles from his trauma and Noah supporting him seamlessly. And when you’ve got 600 pages of the same thing over and over, with nothing else actually happening in the story, I fear that it falls completely flat. This was the reason I strugggggled through this. It took me nearly 2 months to finish this. I would find myself closing the book every time after reading just 2-3 chapters because it was the same heavy level of snappiness through internal monologues, mundane domesticity, and reiterative reassurance on a loop-over and over and overrrrr again. I just wanted to feel like there was real progression to this story and I kept waiting for it to happen, but it never did.

I didn’t think it was necessary to have 1-2 paragraphs after every quote that dissects what was said in their internal monologues. I really would’ve liked if Kain had let their actions speak for themselves more often. I can read between the lines. We didn’t need to constantly be reminded about his safe space etc etc. Instead of me sympathizing with Gabe, I started to find his inner monologue borderline whiny. I hate using the word whiny, especially with a character who has been through trauma, so please know that I don’t mean it in regards to that. I’m more critiquing how overly wordy and repetitive his inner monologue got and how it started to come across because of that. I just didn’t think it was necessary. It didn’t allow me to really feel what he went through, I just kept being told it. I want to experience how he feels, not hear it over and over again.

Just one example:
“He always seems so pleased to spend time with me, even when we’re doing nothing. As though being part of this quiet life is enough for him. Like maybe, he really believes I'm enough for him. It’s surprising, and I still find it hard to believe.”

It’s very sweet and sad, but when it’s said literally EVERY OTHER PAGE, I’ve had enough. I getttt it. And if it’s not this from Gabe’s internal monologue, it’s
“I want him to see that I’m not going anywhere. That this is safe. That he’s safe with me.”
from Noah’s internal monologue every other page in between that.

And of course, when you read these quotes, you’re like “awww that’s so sweet!” and it was!!! But again, this is said every. single. page. It ruins the profoundness of the feeling and the sentiment behind it. It ends up being “ok we get it now” instead of swooning because I’ve genuinely heard it already 500+ times.

Now, if this was book was cut in half, I don’t think any of these things would have bothered me nearly as much. Like I said, I don’t mind a book that’s a slice-of-life, but 600 pages of it, is not enjoyable when there’s nothing keeping you interested in the story. It’s just the same conversations on repeat.

I’m a little disappointed the trauma with Gabe’s ex and that his ex’s character didn’t come to anything. All he did was show up, apologize, took the blame, and then left. Two pages of it. I started skimming the last 15% because after confirming the only possible driving force of the story (the ex) amounted to nothing, it was again, a whole lot of nothing.

One positive was that when the sex started going, it was hot as ffffff. Definitely wasn’t expecting that. However, it got to the point where I started skimming those scenes because I just didn’t care anymore and they happened in basically every chapter in like the last 30-35% of the book.

I am sort of interested in Aiden & Ciarán as a couple, but I’m not sure why we got soooo much of them in this book. I wish it would’ve given us a taste of their tension and not soooo much of it. I feel like it needed to be more subtle, but it was pointed out to us from the very beginning and only increased the farther we got into the story.

I probably would’ve dnf’d this if I didn’t have a physical copy of it. I wanted to see it through because I was just hoping to get more from it.

Objectively, this isn’t a terrible book. It just wasn’t for me. It was very very sappy and I didn’t feel like much was happening so it wasn’t holding my attention.
]]> <![CDATA[A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters: Illustrated Tales from Elfhame (The Folk of the Air)]]> 249755067 From the brilliant mind of #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a collection of short stories, gorgeously illustrated in full color and set in the Faerie world, where beauty can be monstrous and love can be capricious….

A reluctant king is thrown into turmoil when the girl he loves to hate is stolen by the Undersea.

An exiled redcap, trapped in the mortal world, must rediscover his inner monster.

A mortal girl sacrifices the other half of herself for an unworthy faerie lover.

A tiny sprite’s determination to prove herself puts the entire High Court in danger.

In this collection, #1 New York Times bestselling author Holly Black combines her signature wit and lush world-building with stunning full-color art by Frostbite Studios in six irresistible tales that return readers to the world of the Modern Faerie Tales and Elfhame, including two never-before-seen stories: one revealing the interior life of Madoc while in exile and the other featuring the moment that High King Cardan realizes what he most desires.]]> Holly Black 031659265X Grace 0 to-read 4.93 2026 A Conspiracy of Charming Monsters: Illustrated Tales from Elfhame (The Folk of the Air)
author: Holly Black
name: Grace
average rating: 4.93
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Souls In Ruin 248944639 Raven Kennedy’s Gild meets Jennifer L. Armentrout’s From Blood and Ash in this dark and riveting romantasy following an illegitamate princess caught up in the revenge of gods, the first book in a trilogy about survival, obsession, and the quiet fury of a woman who won’t be forgotten.

A marriage forged in blood. A kingdom bathed in silence. And a princess who refuses to break.

When Princess Mireille is wed to a foreign king with cold eyes and colder intentions, she expects distance, perhaps cruelty, not chains. Kept imprisoned within her own kingdom’s walls, she learns her father’s past sins are not easily buried.

But neither is she.

As her world twists into something unrecognisable, Mireille finds herself caught between two powerful immortal beings – one who wants her obedience and one who wants what little soul she has left.

But Mireille was not born to kneel.

*This is a dark fantasy romance for a mature, 18+ audience and contains themes and content that aren’t to everyone’s liking. Please check the author’s note at the beginning of the book for content warnings before reading.*

Pick this up if you Feminine rage, captor x captive/forced proximity, high stakes enemies to lovers, forced marriage of convience, touch her and die, villainous gods. 

***

READERS ARE OBSSESSED WITH SOULS IN RUIN : 

‘I just finished and I’m literally staring at the wall. . . . This story completely wrecked me in the most addictive way’ 5 stars 

‘The first word that comes to mind after reading this book art. . . . It’s forever imprinted on my heart’ 5 stars 

‘Picture this, I’m sitting straight up in my bed at midnight, on the last chapter, gasping. For hours nothing exists except this book!’ 5 stars 

‘PHENOMENAL. All the stars’ 5 stars ]]> 635 Jacqueline White 1398565865 Grace 0 to-read 3.83 2026 Souls In Ruin
author: Jacqueline White
name: Grace
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Nothing to Fear (Wicked Games, #1)]]> 231570252 Under the quiet stillness of Corvus College, where ravens flock, and the grounds themselves whisper, Asher Ambrose and Silas Blackwood’s paths are irrevocably changed.

Silas

I’ve never been myself at Corvus College. I was obligated to come here because my dad is the university president, and I wanted to play collegiate rugby. But behind closed doors, I’m not who they’ve made me out to be.

When my failing grades force me under the wing of the school’s most notorious bookworm, my resolve is tested more than ever. I can’t let him know who I really am, but the more time we spend in the concealed archives, surrounded by candlelight, dust, and books, Asher starts to see straight through me.

What’s more, Corvus’ Halloween Fright Nights have led to a series of encounters with a masked stranger, and I can’t shake the feeling that I already know him.

Asher

My senior year was supposed to be a breeze, until a series of events changed everything. I suddenly find myself consumed by a blond, slacker jock, who is more complex than any book I’ve ever read. Silas Blackwood is everything I shouldn’t care about, but there’s something fractured behind his eyes that calls to me.

Corvus College hides its ghosts well, but I’ve always been sensitive to the things others seem to ignore. Like the way Silas watches me, starving for something no one else has ever given him.

When our masks are finally dropped, and everything he fears is at his feet, we’ll have to decide if what we’ve found in the dark can survive the light.

Nothing to Fear is book one in the interconnected Wicked Games series set at the elite, invite-only Corvus College. You can jock x nerd, enemies to friends to lovers, forced proximity, masked Fright Night encounters, dark academia vibes, a little bit of rugby, and a whole lot of spice. Nothing to Fear can be read as a standalone. Welcome to Corvus College.]]> 260 Jenn Plummer 1966376103 Grace 1 did-not-finish
First of all, WHY are they playing GLORY HOLE at a fucking college party???!!! 😭😭😭💀💀💀💀 what the hell is this??? P*rnhub….???? Like I’m sorry, but what the fuck 😭😭😭 The party orchestrated this and it was just so casual, too. Not a single person thought it was weird that this was the “game” being played at a college party that’s also occurring on campus 💀 It’s also completely random and doesn’t make sense to have something like this in there-not that I can imagine it would make sense in something else 😂 but it was clearly only put in for the sake of having the MCs hook up again anonymously, ‘without realizing’ who the other person is. I think we can come up with something more clever than this…..

I hate it here.

Not to mention, these MCs genuinely feel like 15/16 year olds cosplaying as college students.

The writing was so juvenile. I cannnnn’t.

They also bang in the first chapter. Granted, they didn’t know who each other were bc of masks and all (i don’t feel like explaining), but I digress. Certainly wasn’t off to a great start that’s for sure 💀

3rd book I’ve DNF’d in the last 24 hours. 🫩]]> 3.92 Nothing to Fear (Wicked Games, #1)
author: Jenn Plummer
name: Grace
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2026/08/26
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
DNF @ 44%

First of all, WHY are they playing GLORY HOLE at a fucking college party???!!! 😭😭😭💀💀💀💀 what the hell is this??? P*rnhub….???? Like I’m sorry, but what the fuck 😭😭😭 The party orchestrated this and it was just so casual, too. Not a single person thought it was weird that this was the “game” being played at a college party that’s also occurring on campus 💀 It’s also completely random and doesn’t make sense to have something like this in there-not that I can imagine it would make sense in something else 😂 but it was clearly only put in for the sake of having the MCs hook up again anonymously, ‘without realizing’ who the other person is. I think we can come up with something more clever than this…..

I hate it here.

Not to mention, these MCs genuinely feel like 15/16 year olds cosplaying as college students.

The writing was so juvenile. I cannnnn’t.

They also bang in the first chapter. Granted, they didn’t know who each other were bc of masks and all (i don’t feel like explaining), but I digress. Certainly wasn’t off to a great start that’s for sure 💀

3rd book I’ve DNF’d in the last 24 hours. 🫩
]]> In Your Court (Love Game, #1) 249797302 A sweet, steamy AF contemporary MM romance! Find truckloads of hot, witty banter, exploration of queer solidarity, lots of tennis details but very little actual tennis, and amusing Australian/American cultural confusion.

Australian Matteo Russo is the first and only openly gay tennis pro. Once a brilliant junior, he was slated for a bright future – until a freak accident derailed his career. Now, he’s fed up, he’s struggling to qualify for tournaments, and he’s not sure he can afford dinner tonight.

After losing to his old rival—the rich, arrogant, American superstar Miles Callahan—Mat throws the man’s privilege in his face and sets him a challenge – one he’s sure Miles would never accept. But he does. Determined to prove he’s earned his success, Miles travels to Wimbledon on a tight budget – no support team, no coach, no fancy hotel. And now the American needs a hitting partner, and someone to explain laundromats, and what started as a dare soon becomes a searing off-court fling.

Mat should be focussing on his career, not falling for a glamorous star, but Miles believes in his game in a way Mat hasn’t for a long time, and is fast becoming everything he’s ever wanted. Only... love and tennis just don’t mix, because one day soon they’ll have to face each other on the court.

And in tennis, someone always has to lose.
]]> 508 Kit Haley 1764597818 Grace 0 mm-tbr, soft-dnf 4.37 In Your Court (Love Game, #1)
author: Kit Haley
name: Grace
average rating: 4.37
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/26
shelves: mm-tbr, soft-dnf
review:

]]> Call Me Baby: Side A 246619132 SHE BUILT A WORLD WHERE NO MAN COULD OWN HER.
THEN HE WALKED IN.

Andrew Harding is a bartender by night, bellhop by day, and a heartbreaker by accident.
But after hours, he's whoever you want him to be—slow hands, sad eyes, filthy Jersey drawl.
He gives girls their fantasy for one night only. Then the show's over.
No follow-ups. No attachments. No return favors needed.

But Allison Taylor? She's his fantasy.
Ghost of the music industry in her NYC penthouse.
Rich. Rude. Untouchable.
You want her? You sign the contract.

Her rules?
No kissing.
No sleeping over.
No penetration.
No feelings.
Oh—and only her orgasms matter.

Guess which rules Andrew breaks?
Every f*ckin' one.]]> 910 Nicole Fiorina Grace 0 did-not-finish
I got comment on my Fable review (shoutout to Jen) that gave me info about the beginning that she was also confused about until she went back and read it.

So those first 20 pages I was like “wtf is this??” are actually confessionals from OTHER girls. I can’t decide if that makes me feel worse or better. I think slightly better… maybe? As much as I absolutely think that all that was unnecessary to start the book with, at LEAST it wasn’t the FMC. I remember being confused by that beginning anyways because it didn’t even make sense for it to be her, but there’s just not a lot of clarification and because of the way this story is written, it certainly didn’t help. I also wouldn’t expect any book to start out this way in general so😂 Regardless, it was my own fault I didn’t fully realize this originally.

I believe these “confessionals” from other girls’ POVs continue throughout the book. Not sure I think those are necessary though because why are they THAT detailed 🥴 not sure I want to read in depth spice involving other girls LOL.

I still stand by what I read in regards to the first time they meet and not loving how it went down, but for me personally, those first 20 pages were a stain on my mind when I thought they were from the FMC. Realistically, I’m not sure this clarity necessarily changes anything at all in the grand scheme of things, but 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve been informed that while those breaks in the story are probably too often and unnecessarily detailed, there is a reason we get them and it’s specific to Andrew’s character/arc. Obviously I cannot comment on that, but it has been relayed to me.

I wanted to amend this review and take off my star rating after getting some clarity on this. I’m still not sure the writing is for me because I didn’t love the style or the dialogue, but I mighttttt be willing to continue out of pure curiosity for where the story goes. If I do though, it probably won’t be any time soon after I heard there is supposed to be 4 books total and book 2 ends on a cliffhanger.

I haven’t read any further from where I was at yet, but again, I just wanted to update this because I don’t want to be the reason false information is out there.




________________________________

DNF after about 200 pages.

I feel like these 5 star reviews are gaslighting me? Like if there’s someone out there that can convince me this gets better and that I should keep going, please, I am genuinely all ears bc I swear I do want to get it. But what I’ve read so far….. 🫩🫠💀😐🥴

The first 20 pages from when the book actually starts was probably one of the worst things I’ve ever read. Idek what the hell that was😭

This first bit of the book was a collection of very short memories/flashbacks/whatever with the mmc at random points in time. This is just one of the things in the first 20 pages that had me like… pls what is happening😭💀

He’s using his toe to secretly get her off in the middle of a hot tub that them and all of their friends are in:

“This man. Is clit-blasting my pussy. With his toe. And not in a creepy “foot guy” way.”

“And I fucking lose it. I’m coming. Full. Body. Climax. In the fucking hot tub. I’m gasping. My legs are shaking. The rest of me tenses up. My mouth? Yeah, all O for orgasm. And immediately, everyone starts freaking the fuck out. ‘Is she overheating?’ ‘Get her out!’ ‘She’s gonna pass out!’ Then I’m deadass being dragged out of the hot tub mid-fucking-orgasm, ‘cause they think I’m suffering heatstroke”

Like….. 🫩🥴 help 💀

Also in this first 20 pages, we get a memory/flashback/whatever (?) of them doing anal at a random superbowl party and the way it’s described is that they never spoke in the friend group or really knew each other but she said to him, out of nowhere, and I quote, “Told him I wanted to be worshipped, taken, and dominated by an asshole. Told him I wanted both praise and shame. To be ignored, then claimed. For him to take possession of me, fuck me hard, fill every hole, make me cry, and call me his.”

And look ok, I’m not one to judge something TOOOO harshly based on the first 20 pages, but this was just a jarring start to the book💀

I decided to keep reading. LOL

After this, we learn that we are on chapter one of the book and we’re at the start of the timeline now (I think)(it was confusing). She works at a music label and is a songwriter and sells her songs to artists. We thennn learn that she employs these two boys to basically give her orgasms 24/7. This is her description:
”I give the Boys everything: a home, a car, an allowance. In return they follow my rules: stay loyal, call me Baby, make me come. If they cross a line I cut them off. Simple as that. It’s the only way that’s worked for me. Because I’m addicted. To orgasms.”

She doesn’t let them call her by her actual name, only ‘Baby.’ And they are not allowed to kiss her, cuddle her, love her, nothing-nada. (These boys are not the mmc)

The book basically describes her as this girl that these men absolutely fawn and obsess over, but that she’s untouchable bc she doesn’t accept love.

Ok 🫪 lol

I read nearly 200 pages of this and I’m just so confused. I mean everyone says this book and the next are amazing, but I am not really getting it. I was so excited when everyone said this is like a love letter to whiskey. And that’s not to say this doesn’t get crazy toxic, I definitely believe it does. That’s not really my issue here.

The language and dialogue were cringe and just… girl idk.. not sure it’s my cup of tea 🫠🤣 The slang and informality of the dialogue in this weirdly bothered me. The writing style is unique, but it’s hard to get used to. She doesn’t use proper grammar or sentence structure on the page (she addresses this in her author’s note.) The writing comes across really choppy because of the style and sometimes I feel like it works for the scene, but most of the time it just annoys me. The sentence structure was more normal in that first 20 pages, but after that is where it was different.

As I got a little further in, there were moments that I felt like I was maybeeee getting it, but then I was suddenly back to not getting it. I tried to see what everyone else was seeing in this, which is why i keep reading, but idk

Like, please, can someone tell me if this gets better????

i swear i’ve never gotten this far into a book and had no real concrete feeling about what I think of it lol. Like i really dont know. Because what I’ve read so far is pretty fucking terrible 😭🫪💀 It’s a very long book, so there’s that part of me that’s curious if I read more, it’ll finally click and I’ll get the hype.

The scene where she meets the mmc was something else 💀 They meet at a record store/coffee shop and it was cute/sweet/whatever. A girl shows up and says she’s his girlfriend and mind you, he’s mid flirting with our fmc rn. The way BOTH the fmc & mmc treat this girl… bruh😭 i’m sure he’s supposed to come off as a red flag, like that’s the point but damn💀

Right where I left off, they had just hooked up (immediately after they first meet-like 30 minutes later) and it’s totally insta-lust and insta-love and i hated it, but on the other hand, like i can feel their chemistry? I still kinda hated the dialogue and how slangy it is, butttt i mean i guess i can weirdly see how they actually just had love at first sight bc they weirdly did have a really good connection?

Can you tell how conflicted and confused i feel about all this? Lol i’m making no fucking sense

Idk. That’s all i keep saying. IDK. I said “what the fuck?” Like 100 different times while reading this last night.

If someone out there can tell me that this is somehow worth it, i’ll consider trying again bc clearly yall are seeing something i’m not and i’m gullible af LOL]]> 4.18 Call Me Baby: Side A
author: Nicole Fiorina
name: Grace
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/26
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
*UPDATE*

I got comment on my Fable review (shoutout to Jen) that gave me info about the beginning that she was also confused about until she went back and read it.

So those first 20 pages I was like “wtf is this??” are actually confessionals from OTHER girls. I can’t decide if that makes me feel worse or better. I think slightly better… maybe? As much as I absolutely think that all that was unnecessary to start the book with, at LEAST it wasn’t the FMC. I remember being confused by that beginning anyways because it didn’t even make sense for it to be her, but there’s just not a lot of clarification and because of the way this story is written, it certainly didn’t help. I also wouldn’t expect any book to start out this way in general so😂 Regardless, it was my own fault I didn’t fully realize this originally.

I believe these “confessionals” from other girls’ POVs continue throughout the book. Not sure I think those are necessary though because why are they THAT detailed 🥴 not sure I want to read in depth spice involving other girls LOL.

I still stand by what I read in regards to the first time they meet and not loving how it went down, but for me personally, those first 20 pages were a stain on my mind when I thought they were from the FMC. Realistically, I’m not sure this clarity necessarily changes anything at all in the grand scheme of things, but 🤷🏻‍♀️ I’ve been informed that while those breaks in the story are probably too often and unnecessarily detailed, there is a reason we get them and it’s specific to Andrew’s character/arc. Obviously I cannot comment on that, but it has been relayed to me.

I wanted to amend this review and take off my star rating after getting some clarity on this. I’m still not sure the writing is for me because I didn’t love the style or the dialogue, but I mighttttt be willing to continue out of pure curiosity for where the story goes. If I do though, it probably won’t be any time soon after I heard there is supposed to be 4 books total and book 2 ends on a cliffhanger.

I haven’t read any further from where I was at yet, but again, I just wanted to update this because I don’t want to be the reason false information is out there.




________________________________

DNF after about 200 pages.

I feel like these 5 star reviews are gaslighting me? Like if there’s someone out there that can convince me this gets better and that I should keep going, please, I am genuinely all ears bc I swear I do want to get it. But what I’ve read so far….. 🫩🫠💀😐🥴

The first 20 pages from when the book actually starts was probably one of the worst things I’ve ever read. Idek what the hell that was😭

This first bit of the book was a collection of very short memories/flashbacks/whatever with the mmc at random points in time. This is just one of the things in the first 20 pages that had me like… pls what is happening😭💀

He’s using his toe to secretly get her off in the middle of a hot tub that them and all of their friends are in:

“This man. Is clit-blasting my pussy. With his toe. And not in a creepy “foot guy” way.”

“And I fucking lose it. I’m coming. Full. Body. Climax. In the fucking hot tub. I’m gasping. My legs are shaking. The rest of me tenses up. My mouth? Yeah, all O for orgasm. And immediately, everyone starts freaking the fuck out. ‘Is she overheating?’ ‘Get her out!’ ‘She’s gonna pass out!’ Then I’m deadass being dragged out of the hot tub mid-fucking-orgasm, ‘cause they think I’m suffering heatstroke”

Like….. 🫩🥴 help 💀

Also in this first 20 pages, we get a memory/flashback/whatever (?) of them doing anal at a random superbowl party and the way it’s described is that they never spoke in the friend group or really knew each other but she said to him, out of nowhere, and I quote, “Told him I wanted to be worshipped, taken, and dominated by an asshole. Told him I wanted both praise and shame. To be ignored, then claimed. For him to take possession of me, fuck me hard, fill every hole, make me cry, and call me his.”

And look ok, I’m not one to judge something TOOOO harshly based on the first 20 pages, but this was just a jarring start to the book💀

I decided to keep reading. LOL

After this, we learn that we are on chapter one of the book and we’re at the start of the timeline now (I think)(it was confusing). She works at a music label and is a songwriter and sells her songs to artists. We thennn learn that she employs these two boys to basically give her orgasms 24/7. This is her description:
”I give the Boys everything: a home, a car, an allowance. In return they follow my rules: stay loyal, call me Baby, make me come. If they cross a line I cut them off. Simple as that. It’s the only way that’s worked for me. Because I’m addicted. To orgasms.”

She doesn’t let them call her by her actual name, only ‘Baby.’ And they are not allowed to kiss her, cuddle her, love her, nothing-nada. (These boys are not the mmc)

The book basically describes her as this girl that these men absolutely fawn and obsess over, but that she’s untouchable bc she doesn’t accept love.

Ok 🫪 lol

I read nearly 200 pages of this and I’m just so confused. I mean everyone says this book and the next are amazing, but I am not really getting it. I was so excited when everyone said this is like a love letter to whiskey. And that’s not to say this doesn’t get crazy toxic, I definitely believe it does. That’s not really my issue here.

The language and dialogue were cringe and just… girl idk.. not sure it’s my cup of tea 🫠🤣 The slang and informality of the dialogue in this weirdly bothered me. The writing style is unique, but it’s hard to get used to. She doesn’t use proper grammar or sentence structure on the page (she addresses this in her author’s note.) The writing comes across really choppy because of the style and sometimes I feel like it works for the scene, but most of the time it just annoys me. The sentence structure was more normal in that first 20 pages, but after that is where it was different.

As I got a little further in, there were moments that I felt like I was maybeeee getting it, but then I was suddenly back to not getting it. I tried to see what everyone else was seeing in this, which is why i keep reading, but idk

Like, please, can someone tell me if this gets better????

i swear i’ve never gotten this far into a book and had no real concrete feeling about what I think of it lol. Like i really dont know. Because what I’ve read so far is pretty fucking terrible 😭🫪💀 It’s a very long book, so there’s that part of me that’s curious if I read more, it’ll finally click and I’ll get the hype.

The scene where she meets the mmc was something else 💀 They meet at a record store/coffee shop and it was cute/sweet/whatever. A girl shows up and says she’s his girlfriend and mind you, he’s mid flirting with our fmc rn. The way BOTH the fmc & mmc treat this girl… bruh😭 i’m sure he’s supposed to come off as a red flag, like that’s the point but damn💀

Right where I left off, they had just hooked up (immediately after they first meet-like 30 minutes later) and it’s totally insta-lust and insta-love and i hated it, but on the other hand, like i can feel their chemistry? I still kinda hated the dialogue and how slangy it is, butttt i mean i guess i can weirdly see how they actually just had love at first sight bc they weirdly did have a really good connection?

Can you tell how conflicted and confused i feel about all this? Lol i’m making no fucking sense

Idk. That’s all i keep saying. IDK. I said “what the fuck?” Like 100 different times while reading this last night.

If someone out there can tell me that this is somehow worth it, i’ll consider trying again bc clearly yall are seeing something i’m not and i’m gullible af LOL
]]> <![CDATA[A Darkness So Sweet (The Kingdom Below, #1)]]> 231301238 Traded for peace. Sacrificed to a monster.

Maia Fremont just wanted a chance. When the opportunity to create floral arrangements for the royal wedding is offered to her, who is she to say no? But the crown is never honest, and soon enough she finds herself thrust into an unwanted union with a fearsome troll. Ripped from her beloved garden and the only life she’s ever known, she’s offered as a bride to a creature she’s only heard whispers of—rumors of brutality, darkness, and insatiable hunger.

Ragnar, a powerful troll healer, is disgusted by the human king’s deception. His duty to his people forces him to accept this lie of a marriage. His bride is a fragile human instead of the strong half elven mate he expected. Her meager magic is an insult, but honor and allegiance bind him to her. No matter how much he hates it.

Married to a beast who sees her as nothing more than a tool to strengthen his bloodline, Maia must fight for her life in the treacherous world of the trolls. But in their kingdom Deep within the mountain, she must balance her growing attraction for her gruff, surprisingly poetic husband against the lurking dangers in this strange new world—especially when the growing darkness threatens to tear them apart.]]> 430 Emma Hamm Grace 0 to-read 3.93 2025 A Darkness So Sweet (The Kingdom Below, #1)
author: Emma Hamm
name: Grace
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Full Split (Forbidden Goals #8)]]> 222858773
I’ve trained my whole life for this—elite level gymnastics, gold medal dreams, proving I belong in a country passing laws to erase transgender athletes like me. It's not enough to compete. I fight to exist on the podium.

Other than my mom, my best friend Weston and his dad, Wyatt, are my only constants. They’ve been my anchors through everything. But Wyatt isn't just the man who's always been there to catch me when I fall—he's the man I've been in love with for as long as I can remember.

He's finally looking at me like he sees something more than the boy I used to be.

Wyatt sees the man I've become.

Wyatt

I've known Niles since he was a kid—sharp, driven, fearless, impossible not to admire.

But lately, that admiration has taken on a dangerous tone. There's an edge to him that has me noticing him in a way I'd never fathomed before. He's grown into a confident, stunning young man with an audacity that both intrigues and intimidates me.

Now every time he looks at me like he wants something more, I forget all the reasons I should say no. He makes me feel alive like I never have before.

Except, I'm his coach. I'm seventeen years his senior. And he's my son's best friend.]]> 424 Rebecca Rathe Grace 1 did-not-finish DNF.<br /><br />just no 3.95 Full Split (Forbidden Goals #8)
author: Rebecca Rathe
name: Grace
average rating: 3.95
book published:
rating: 1
read at:
date added: 2026/08/25
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
DNF.

just no
]]> <![CDATA[You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)]]> 223707918 A new story, a new love, an impossible divide. The much-awaited companion to the New York Times bestselling You’ve Reached Sam will break your heart open.

I’ve missed you every day since you left. But I’m sure you already knew that. It’s time to let you go now. I’ll miss you all the time, Sam.

It’s been a year since his best friend, Sam, died. Even though Oliver knows he won’t get a response, he can’t stop texting Sam’s number, especially as the anniversary of his death approaches.

Then one day he accidentally hits the call button, and someone picks up.

The voice on the other end isn’t Sam—Sam’s number was reassigned and a stranger has been reading Oliver’s private and vulnerable messages for months. But Ben, an astronomy student in Seattle, won’t remain a stranger for long.

When they finally meet in person, their spark is undeniable. Everything seems perfect until Oliver discovers something strange that could keep them from being together.]]> 288 Dustin Thao 0593858476 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 3.88 2025 You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)
author: Dustin Thao
name: Grace
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/25
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Feral (The Wrong Alpha, #2) 243103057 Sometimes kissing the Beast doesn't turn it into a Prince Charming—instead, he's a charming prince you want to punch...

Jules is an ordinary nineteen-year-old omega from a perfectly respectable family. He’s not the most beautiful, or the smartest, or the strongest of the four Blake siblings. And he’s fine with it, really. He isn’t ugly or anything, but by omega standards, he’s nothing special. “Nothing special” describes Jules’s whole life. It’s utterly boring.

So when strange things start happening in their house, it piques Jules’s curiosity. There’s a beast in the Blake family mansion; Jules is sure of it. He sometimes hears growls and screams coming from the basement, and the men guarding the door look positively terrified.

What could terrify grown alphas? Jules will have to investigate!

But his investigation comes with surprises...like the Beast's overwhelming effect on Jules's omega nature. It doesn't mean anything. Of course it doesn't. Jules is just curious; that's all.

Curiosity can change a life, but when you're attracted to a feral alpha whose real face you haven’t even seen...will it change for the better? What if the Beast is no Prince Charming but a cold-hearted, cynical bastard? A bastard Jules shouldn't want—but does. A bastard Jules should stay away from—but can't.

This novel is a steamy alpha/omega enemies-to-lovers MM romance with a happily ever after. While mpreg exists in this world, it is only mentioned and does not appear on-page. This book can be read on its own or as part of the series The Wrong Alpha.]]> 238 Alessandra Hazard Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 3.99 2021 Feral (The Wrong Alpha, #2)
author: Alessandra Hazard
name: Grace
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/24
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine (Novel) Vol. 1]]> 221922103 A strange thesis becomes one professor’s reality when he’s transmigrated to the past and awakens as a doomed prince in this hit danmei (Boys’ Love)!

When an outrageous thesis hits the desk of esteemed history professor Jiang Suizhou, his initial reaction is pure skepticism. Dubiously sourced, this thesis tells the story of the legendary General Huo Wujiu, a man renowned for his valor—that is, until he was captured. Stripped of his rank and incapacitated, the general suffered further humiliation by serving as a gift and concubine to his enemy’s brother—the cut-sleeve prince. For three grueling years, Huo Wujiu lived as a prisoner until he finally escaped and sought vengeance against those who dared to torment him.

Convinced this story is purely fiction, Jiang Suizhou brands the thesis a failure–does his student think he was born yesterday?! But Jiang Suizhou quickly learns that it was no mere tall tale when he wakes up as the cut-sleeve prince himself!

Now, stuck lording over his concubine and prisoner, Huo Wujiu, Jiang Suizhou must navigate a treacherous imperial court and avoid the general’s future wrath–lest he wind up with his head dangling from the turrets. His only option? Ally himself with Huo Wujiu. Using his vast knowledge of history, the clever professor devises strategies to shield the incapacitated former general, all while treating him with the utmost care. Yet, Jiang Suizhou’s strategy could backfire if Huo Wujiu were to get the wrong idea about his intentions…]]> 400 Liu Gou Hua Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.34 After the Disabled God of War Became My Concubine (Novel) Vol. 1
author: Liu Gou Hua
name: Grace
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/24
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> In Other Lands 31944679 “What’s your name?”

“Serene.”

“Serena?” Elliot asked.

“Serene,” said Serene. “My full name is Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle.”

Elliot’s mouth fell open. “That is badass.”

The Borderlands aren’t like anywhere else. Don’t try to smuggle a phone or any other piece of technology over the wall that marks the Border—unless you enjoy a fireworks display in your backpack. (Ballpoint pens are okay.) There are elves, harpies, and—best of all as far as Elliot is concerned—mermaids.

Elliot? Who’s Elliot? Elliot is thirteen years old. He’s smart and just a tiny bit obnoxious. Sometimes more than a tiny bit. When his class goes on a field trip and he can see a wall that no one else can see, he is given the chance to go to school in the Borderlands.

It turns out that on the other side of the wall, classes involve a lot more weaponry and fitness training and fewer mermaids than he expected. On the other hand, there’s Serene-Heart-in-the-Chaos-of-Battle, an elven warrior who is more beautiful than anyone Elliot has ever seen, and then there’s her human friend Luke: sunny, blond, and annoyingly likeable. There are lots of interesting books. There’s even the chance Elliot might be able to change the world.]]> 441 Sarah Rees Brennan 1618731203 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.34 2017 In Other Lands
author: Sarah Rees Brennan
name: Grace
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/24
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Sweetest Oblivion (Made, #1)]]> 39083635
In the murky waters of New York’s underworld, Elena’s sister is arranged to marry Nicolas Russo. A Made Man, a boss, a cheat—even measured against mafia standards. His reputation stretches far and wide and is darker than his black suits and ties. After his and Elena’s first encounter ends with an accidental glare on her part, she realizes he’s just as rude as he is handsome. She doesn’t like the man or anything he stands for, though that doesn’t stop her heart from pattering like rain against glass when he’s near, nor the shiver that ghosts down her spine at the sound of his voice. And he’s always near. Telling her what to do. Making her feel hotter than any future brother-in-law should. Elena may be the Sweet Abelli on the outside, but she’s beginning to learn she has a taste for the darkness, for rough hands, cigarettes, and whiskey-colored eyes. Having already escaped one scandal, however, she can hardly afford to be swept up in another. Besides, even if he were hers, everyone knows you don’t fall in love with a Made Man... Right?]]> 384 Danielle Lori 1721284443 Grace 3
Laura inspired me to start my casual re-read of this series so here we are 🤭

I actually thought I’d change my rating to be a lot higher on the re-read, but I feel like my original rating still rings pretty true for me. I upped it slightly because I don’t think I appreciated Nico as much the first time around so I’m giving an extra .25 for him🤣

I think my main gripe with this one was that I found the first half to be on the boring side. I remember feeling like that the first time I read it as well.

I love Nico & Elena though. Nico was just as yummy as I remember 🙏🏻😋

_______________________________________

1st read: 3🌟]]> 3.96 2018 The Sweetest Oblivion (Made, #1)
author: Danielle Lori
name: Grace
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2018
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/24
date added: 2026/08/24
shelves:
review:
2nd read: 3.25🌟

Laura inspired me to start my casual re-read of this series so here we are 🤭

I actually thought I’d change my rating to be a lot higher on the re-read, but I feel like my original rating still rings pretty true for me. I upped it slightly because I don’t think I appreciated Nico as much the first time around so I’m giving an extra .25 for him🤣

I think my main gripe with this one was that I found the first half to be on the boring side. I remember feeling like that the first time I read it as well.

I love Nico & Elena though. Nico was just as yummy as I remember 🙏🏻😋

_______________________________________

1st read: 3🌟
]]> <![CDATA[Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2)]]> 201117121 The epic conclusion to the intensely romantic and beautifully written story that started in Divine Rivals.

Two weeks have passed since Iris returned home bruised and heartbroken from the front, but the war is far from over.

Roman is missing, lost behind enemy lines, with no memory of his past, or Iris. Hoping his memories return, he begins to write again – but this time for the enemy.

When a strange letter arrives through his wardrobe door, he strikes up a correspondence with a penpal who seems at once mysterious… and strangely familiar.

As their connection deepens, the two of them will risk their very hearts and futures to change the tides of the war.


Praise for Divine Rivals:
‘Rich and romantic – if stories had scent, this one would smell like a mug of black tea, the ink ribbons of a typewriter, and that addictive spice called enemies to lovers’
Shelby Mahurin, New York Times bestselling author
of Serpent & Dove

‘A sweeping start to a beautiful and romantic new series. Ross weaves her stories in such a vulnerable and delicate way, truly with a style all her own. I adored this book’
Adalyn Grace, New York Times bestselling author of Belladonna

Readers love Iris and Roman:
‘The most tender rivals to lovers romance I’ve ever read.’
‘My heart by the end couldn't take anymore!’
‘Easily a top read for me and definitely a new favourite. I will never stop recommending this book.’
‘A truly moving story and very unlike anything I’ve read lately.’]]> 420 Rebecca Ross 0008588236 Grace 4
I absolutely adoreeeeee these two. They had such a sweet love story together🥹🥹🥹🥹🤍🤍🤍

Just like Divine Rivals, the writing was so beautiful and full of heart ❤️ I can’t believe I waited so long to read this!

The ending was emotional (🥲💔), but I’m so happy that Roman & Iris got their happy ever after 🤍

Overall, I really enjoyed this duology! This one wasn’t quiteeee as good as Divine Rivals (I gave it 5 stars), but still a good conclusion to this story 💙

I will say that I went into this one with much lower expectations because I’ve obviously heard that people don’t seem to like this one as much. I’m sure that also helped my level of enjoyment with it as well.

I considered 3.75-4.25 stars for the whole read, but I remained at a 4 for majority of the time.
— in case you were wondering (you probably weren’t LOL), I always imagine a horizontal rating scale from 1-5 in my head when I read and it fluctuates back and forth across the scale as I read.

My only critiques are that I think if Roman & Iris weren’t separated so much in this, I would’ve definitely rated it higher. I also thought the ending/resolution to the war was a little anti-climactic compared to what I was expecting, but whatever idc.

Objectively, I can understand why someone who read Divine Rivals when it was originally released and then had to wait for this one to come out might have been more disappointed when they finally got to read it.

The reason why I think that is because it’s definitely slower paced and the romance takes a backseat while the rest of the plot comes to the forefront. So if I wasn’t immediately piggybacking off Divine Rivals with the heavier romance, I think I’d be a lot more upset about not getting as much in this one. Do you know what I mean? Obviously, I didn’t have to wait for book 2 to be released, so personally, I think it bothered me a little less than it did others.

Regardless, I still would’ve preferred to have more Roman & Iris bc I loved them so much!

— oh, and regarding the pacing: While it was definitely slower paced than Divine Rivals, the pacing was still consistent (imo). I want to clarify this because when pacing is up and down in a book, I actually can’t stand it. I finished the first 62% of this in one sitting because the pacing kept me steady and didn’t lose me, despite it being on the slower side.

My take if you haven’t read it yet:
— if you read divine rivals and think it’s just okay, you likely won’t enjoy this one.
— If you loved divine rivals, you’ll probably enjoy this just as much or a little less (but you’ll likely still enjoy it).
I personally think Divine Rivals is the stronger of the two, but that’s mostly bc I wanted more Roman & Iris in this one.

I think the expectations you have for this one going in actually play a bigger role in how you end up feeling about it overall.]]> 4.00 2023 Ruthless Vows (Letters of Enchantment, #2)
author: Rebecca Ross
name: Grace
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2026/08/23
date added: 2026/08/24
shelves:
review:
Roman & Iris 🥺🥺🥺❤️

I absolutely adoreeeeee these two. They had such a sweet love story together🥹🥹🥹🥹🤍🤍🤍

Just like Divine Rivals, the writing was so beautiful and full of heart ❤️ I can’t believe I waited so long to read this!

The ending was emotional (🥲💔), but I’m so happy that Roman & Iris got their happy ever after 🤍

Overall, I really enjoyed this duology! This one wasn’t quiteeee as good as Divine Rivals (I gave it 5 stars), but still a good conclusion to this story 💙

I will say that I went into this one with much lower expectations because I’ve obviously heard that people don’t seem to like this one as much. I’m sure that also helped my level of enjoyment with it as well.

I considered 3.75-4.25 stars for the whole read, but I remained at a 4 for majority of the time.
— in case you were wondering (you probably weren’t LOL), I always imagine a horizontal rating scale from 1-5 in my head when I read and it fluctuates back and forth across the scale as I read.

My only critiques are that I think if Roman & Iris weren’t separated so much in this, I would’ve definitely rated it higher. I also thought the ending/resolution to the war was a little anti-climactic compared to what I was expecting, but whatever idc.

Objectively, I can understand why someone who read Divine Rivals when it was originally released and then had to wait for this one to come out might have been more disappointed when they finally got to read it.

The reason why I think that is because it’s definitely slower paced and the romance takes a backseat while the rest of the plot comes to the forefront. So if I wasn’t immediately piggybacking off Divine Rivals with the heavier romance, I think I’d be a lot more upset about not getting as much in this one. Do you know what I mean? Obviously, I didn’t have to wait for book 2 to be released, so personally, I think it bothered me a little less than it did others.

Regardless, I still would’ve preferred to have more Roman & Iris bc I loved them so much!

— oh, and regarding the pacing: While it was definitely slower paced than Divine Rivals, the pacing was still consistent (imo). I want to clarify this because when pacing is up and down in a book, I actually can’t stand it. I finished the first 62% of this in one sitting because the pacing kept me steady and didn’t lose me, despite it being on the slower side.

My take if you haven’t read it yet:
— if you read divine rivals and think it’s just okay, you likely won’t enjoy this one.
— If you loved divine rivals, you’ll probably enjoy this just as much or a little less (but you’ll likely still enjoy it).
I personally think Divine Rivals is the stronger of the two, but that’s mostly bc I wanted more Roman & Iris in this one.

I think the expectations you have for this one going in actually play a bigger role in how you end up feeling about it overall.
]]> <![CDATA[Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1.5)]]> 123027751 Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.

Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood—the one hope for her town’s salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance short novel set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.]]> 206 Carissa Broadbent Grace 3
I loved Vale, but I didn’t care that much for Lilith tbh.

Ik she was desperate to find a cure for her sister but like damn, she was dying… like literally withering away and lilith wouldnt even look at her or spend any time with her

She’s gotta whirlwind romance with a vampire goin on while her sister is kind of knocking on death’s door 😂😂😂😂

Anyways, it was fine. Not sure I really get everyone’s obsession with this (?) but it was enjoyable enough]]> 4.22 2023 Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia, #1.5)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Grace
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/23
date added: 2026/08/23
shelves:
review:
It was alright. I think my expectations were a little too high.

I loved Vale, but I didn’t care that much for Lilith tbh.

Ik she was desperate to find a cure for her sister but like damn, she was dying… like literally withering away and lilith wouldnt even look at her or spend any time with her

She’s gotta whirlwind romance with a vampire goin on while her sister is kind of knocking on death’s door 😂😂😂😂

Anyways, it was fine. Not sure I really get everyone’s obsession with this (?) but it was enjoyable enough
]]> <![CDATA[Be With Me (House of Ferraro #1)]]> 221042764 She’s the mayor-to-be’s perfect daughter. He’s the ruthless villain set to ruin her.I’ve spent my life putting others first. So when my father runs for New York City mayor—on a promise to take down the city’s most notorious crime family—I do what I always push my own dreams aside to help him win.

Until I wind up at the wrong party. Trapped in a bedroom with Romolo Ferraro—the dangerous, merciless youngest son of the man my father has sworn to destroy.

He terrifies me. He fascinates me. Six foot four and covered in tattoos, he’s everything I should avoid.

When he starts pursuing me, I know I’m just a pawn in his game. A means to an end. And yet… part of me wants to play along.

I tell myself it’s to protect my father’s campaign. But I’m not thinking about politics when Romolo’s rough hands slide over my skin, teaching me how good it feels to burn.

They say good girls don’t fall for the villain.

But maybe, I’m tired of being good.

~

Be With Me is book 1 in House of Ferraro, a series of interconnected standalones following the Ferraro brothers, where dark and sensual romance plays out against a backdrop of family secrets and mafia intrigue. ]]> 410 Gabrielle Sands Grace 3
Critiques:

1. I hated that his nickname for her was Berry 😭 Every time he said it I would think of Rachel Berry from Glee HAHAHA idk I just didn’t like it

2. Insta-love. I kind of wish they’d had more time together before they started being in agony over each other. Ik we were already 45% of the way through the book atp, but they still hadn’t thatttt many interactions with one another.

Disclaimer: The insta-love bothered me less probably bc I paused it for a week and when I came back, I kinda forgot about it LOL]]> 4.16 Be With Me (House of Ferraro #1)
author: Gabrielle Sands
name: Grace
average rating: 4.16
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/28
date added: 2026/08/23
shelves:
review:
This was like Romeo & Juliet (Mafia Version). I loved Romolo. Him & Mia had so much chemistry and were much fun to read about.

Critiques:

1. I hated that his nickname for her was Berry 😭 Every time he said it I would think of Rachel Berry from Glee HAHAHA idk I just didn’t like it

2. Insta-love. I kind of wish they’d had more time together before they started being in agony over each other. Ik we were already 45% of the way through the book atp, but they still hadn’t thatttt many interactions with one another.

Disclaimer: The insta-love bothered me less probably bc I paused it for a week and when I came back, I kinda forgot about it LOL
]]> <![CDATA[The Sunshine Court (All For the Game, #4)]]> 201914164 My name is Jean Moreau. My place is at Evermore. I belong to the Moriyamas.

It is a truth Jean has built his life around, a reminder this is the best he can hope for and all he deserves. But when he is stolen from Edgar Allan University and sold to a more dangerous master, Jean is forced to contend with a life outside of the Nest for the first time in five years. The Foxes call his transfer to California a fresh start; Jean knows it is little more than a golden cage.

Captain Jeremy Knox is facing his final year with the USC Trojans and fifth straight year falling short of the championships trophy he desperately craves. Taking in the nation’s best defenseman is a no-brainer, even if that man is a Raven. But Jean is no monster, just a man with no hope or desire for a future, and when Evermore's collapse starts dragging Jean's hideous secrets to light, Jeremy is forced to contend with the cost of victory.]]> Nora Sakavic Grace 5
”I am Jean Moreau.…. I will endure. I will endure. I will endure.”
“…Endure, he warned himself, and on its tail-end came a desperate How much must I?”

EASILY my favorite book in the series so far, and in my opinion, objectively the best too.

Wow, my heart is just absolutely shattered after reading that 💔 I’m actually so fucking unwell 😭😭😭😭

I cried (many times) and I hurt (so fucking badly).

Thankfully though, there were still times that I smiled because the Sunshine Court is the absolute best place for Jean to be right now and is exactly what he needs. ❤️‍🩹

I absolutely adore Jeremy and this new cast of characters. I love the change of scenery moving this to the west coast. And I especially love all the light they’re trying to bring into Jean’s life.

I’m just so heartbroken for him. Because of everything Jean has been through, he has truly lost the ability to feel any semblance of joy. It was beyond DEVASTATING to read 😔 He doesn’t know how to function in a place like the Sunshine Court because he doesn’t know what normal is 😭
Jean cannot even fathom taking any sort of control in his life because he hasn’t had an ounce of power in his life. He’s so unbelievably traumatized, it makes me physically sick to think about 💔

“I am Jean Moreau. I have always gotten exactly what I deserve.”
💔💔💔💔💔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

Oh, my poor sweet angel 💔

In the wake of the events at the end of The King’s Men, Raven players were sent home for the first time in YEARS. The effects of being back in a world that stopped existing for them a long time ago, were devastating.

These players don’t know how to function independently or live outside the Nest because they haven’t been allowed to for years. Edgar Allen was their biggest detriment, but ironically, their suffering became the only thing they were familiar with. They don’t even know who they are without it 💔💔💔💔

I could actually throw up right now thinking about the abuse that Jean, specifically, was subjected to every single day.

*If you don’t want to be spoiled for some (not all) specifics about the way Edgar Allen operates, do not read the next paragraph*

The Nest operates by controlling their players through fear and violence. God, I’m seriously getting nauseous at the thought. They are completely cut-off from contacting their families. They can’t pick their own major, what they eat, what they wear. They have to take the same classes together. They are not allowed to have other friends or speak to the public, and they cannot leave campus under any circumstances unless it’s for a game. Even as athletes, they are afforded only 4 1/2 hours of sleep a night !!!!!

And as if that isn’t already enough, they are emotionally, physically, and psychologically abused every single day. Jean, more often and far more brutally than anyone else.

No one outside of the Nest knows that this is actually happening either. They are completely isolated and their fear quite literally runs their lives now.

Players from other universities have always spoken about how hostile and volatile the Ravens players were, but no one has ever really known why.
And Jeremy said it best: “the aggressive brutality that such confinement would inevitably breed.”
These players are not the same people they once were, the abuse has irrevocably changed them 💔

I’m sorry guys i’m just so fucking unwell after that. I didn’t expect to love Jean and Jeremy so much. I didn’t expect that to hurt so fucking bad and to make my stomach fucking churn 😭😭😭 oh, great—I’m crying again 🥲🥲🥲 MAKE IT STOP 😭😭🫩🫩💔

I didn’t read this review over again after writing it so i’m sorry if i repeated myself LOL i’ll check it later and maybe add more when i inevitably remember how ill this made me feel]]> 4.49 2024 The Sunshine Court (All For the Game, #4)
author: Nora Sakavic
name: Grace
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2026/08/22
date added: 2026/08/22
shelves: favorites, mm, mm-favorites, ripped-my-heart-out
review:
5🌟

”I am Jean Moreau.…. I will endure. I will endure. I will endure.”
“…Endure, he warned himself, and on its tail-end came a desperate How much must I?”

EASILY my favorite book in the series so far, and in my opinion, objectively the best too.

Wow, my heart is just absolutely shattered after reading that 💔 I’m actually so fucking unwell 😭😭😭😭

I cried (many times) and I hurt (so fucking badly).

Thankfully though, there were still times that I smiled because the Sunshine Court is the absolute best place for Jean to be right now and is exactly what he needs. ❤️‍🩹

I absolutely adore Jeremy and this new cast of characters. I love the change of scenery moving this to the west coast. And I especially love all the light they’re trying to bring into Jean’s life.

I’m just so heartbroken for him. Because of everything Jean has been through, he has truly lost the ability to feel any semblance of joy. It was beyond DEVASTATING to read 😔 He doesn’t know how to function in a place like the Sunshine Court because he doesn’t know what normal is 😭
Jean cannot even fathom taking any sort of control in his life because he hasn’t had an ounce of power in his life. He’s so unbelievably traumatized, it makes me physically sick to think about 💔

“I am Jean Moreau. I have always gotten exactly what I deserve.”
💔💔💔💔💔😔😔😔😔😔😔😔

Oh, my poor sweet angel 💔

In the wake of the events at the end of The King’s Men, Raven players were sent home for the first time in YEARS. The effects of being back in a world that stopped existing for them a long time ago, were devastating.

These players don’t know how to function independently or live outside the Nest because they haven’t been allowed to for years. Edgar Allen was their biggest detriment, but ironically, their suffering became the only thing they were familiar with. They don’t even know who they are without it 💔💔💔💔

I could actually throw up right now thinking about the abuse that Jean, specifically, was subjected to every single day.

*If you don’t want to be spoiled for some (not all) specifics about the way Edgar Allen operates, do not read the next paragraph*

The Nest operates by controlling their players through fear and violence. God, I’m seriously getting nauseous at the thought. They are completely cut-off from contacting their families. They can’t pick their own major, what they eat, what they wear. They have to take the same classes together. They are not allowed to have other friends or speak to the public, and they cannot leave campus under any circumstances unless it’s for a game. Even as athletes, they are afforded only 4 1/2 hours of sleep a night !!!!!

And as if that isn’t already enough, they are emotionally, physically, and psychologically abused every single day. Jean, more often and far more brutally than anyone else.

No one outside of the Nest knows that this is actually happening either. They are completely isolated and their fear quite literally runs their lives now.

Players from other universities have always spoken about how hostile and volatile the Ravens players were, but no one has ever really known why.
And Jeremy said it best: “the aggressive brutality that such confinement would inevitably breed.”
These players are not the same people they once were, the abuse has irrevocably changed them 💔

I’m sorry guys i’m just so fucking unwell after that. I didn’t expect to love Jean and Jeremy so much. I didn’t expect that to hurt so fucking bad and to make my stomach fucking churn 😭😭😭 oh, great—I’m crying again 🥲🥲🥲 MAKE IT STOP 😭😭🫩🫩💔

I didn’t read this review over again after writing it so i’m sorry if i repeated myself LOL i’ll check it later and maybe add more when i inevitably remember how ill this made me feel
]]> <![CDATA[The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #2)]]> 239205900 The stakes are high, the love is forbidden, and the slow burn turns steamy in this swoony, witty, and heart-stoppingly romantic sequel to instant New York Times bestseller The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy.

Osric is a member of the Fyren Order, a guild of assassins who gleefully murder for money. Aurienne is a Haelan, a scholar-healer whose Order’s motto is Harm to none. Clear-cut absolutes separate them: good and bad, right and wrong, light and dark . . .

Until they don’t.

When Osric first bribed Aurienne to heal him, he never imagined those lines would begin to blur. But every healing session draws them closer together. He finds himself developing unwanted feelings for Aurienne as her capable hands heal his body—and his heart.

Aurienne’s perfect life has been flung into chaos in the form of a devastatingly handsome assassin. She should be in her research lab, not illicitly healing a Fyren every full moon—nor wrestling an attraction to him that threatens to slip into something else.

Things go superbly sideways when Osric and Aurienne discover more about the deadly Pox deliberately unleashed through the Tīendoms. The plague may be the work of another Order—an Order far nastier than either of them can handle.

As the lines between Osric and Aurienne continue to blur, the balance between peace and war, and love and hate, trembles, shifts, and hinges on a heartbeat.]]> 336 Brigitte Knightley 0356524779 Grace 3
I really enjoyed it! The writing was actually very beautiful in much of this book. The characters were funny, witty, smart, and it was so easy to have a good time just being in their conversations. Osric’s yearning was so pathetic, I loved it 🤣🩷

There is a part of me that is a litttttle disappointed, but only because the first ~ 40% of this was 4.5-5 stars for me.

Around the 50% mark, I felt like my connection to the overall plot started to wane some. Aurienne also just kinda annoyed me in this book. I feel like as we inched towards that halfway mark, Aurienne & Osric lost a little bit of their spark/chemistry for me. And honestly, that was mostly because of how I felt about Aurienne.

It annoyed me that it sometimes seemed like Aurienne was still in love with her ex, or at the very least, still not completely over it/her. I mean, scratch that-she was definitely not over it. When she said “I don’t know if I’ll ever stop missing her” to Osric, I was like … bruh 🥲🫠😐
The way aurienne reacted when her ex came into that pub also pmo. It said she watched her ex walk to another table, “made moon eyes at her all the way there,” and that she was “pathetically startstruck as she approached.”

She literally wore a necklace that her ex gave her 24/7. And yeah, ok, she described it as being a reminder to “guard her heart,” but STILL. Cmon. Girl, why are you still wearing a necklace your ex gave you as a constant reminder of how she broke your heart?

Idk I just didnt like it considering we were already 70% in to the final book. I felt like if all this was going to happen, it should’ve been in book 1. I think I would have preferred we had learned all this information about her ex in the previous book and then got to see her really heal from it in this book. Her behavior toward her ex ended up tainting the actual relationship I was supposed to be caring about in this book, which was unfortunate because I really loved the pace the relationship was moving at and how they were progressing romantically.

However, I actually loved Osric more in this book. I loved how down bad and pathetic he was over the realization that he was in love with Aurienne. My man was struggling 🤣 His comments and inner-monologue genuinely had me laughing out loud so many times

Overall, I did really enjoy both of these books and had fun with the characters. It wasn’t a completeeee hit like I was expecting, but was still good]]> 4.46 2026 The Exquisite Torment of Loving Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #2)
author: Brigitte Knightley
name: Grace
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2026
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/20
date added: 2026/08/22
shelves:
review:
3.5🌟

I really enjoyed it! The writing was actually very beautiful in much of this book. The characters were funny, witty, smart, and it was so easy to have a good time just being in their conversations. Osric’s yearning was so pathetic, I loved it 🤣🩷

There is a part of me that is a litttttle disappointed, but only because the first ~ 40% of this was 4.5-5 stars for me.

Around the 50% mark, I felt like my connection to the overall plot started to wane some. Aurienne also just kinda annoyed me in this book. I feel like as we inched towards that halfway mark, Aurienne & Osric lost a little bit of their spark/chemistry for me. And honestly, that was mostly because of how I felt about Aurienne.

It annoyed me that it sometimes seemed like Aurienne was still in love with her ex, or at the very least, still not completely over it/her. I mean, scratch that-she was definitely not over it. When she said “I don’t know if I’ll ever stop missing her” to Osric, I was like … bruh 🥲🫠😐
The way aurienne reacted when her ex came into that pub also pmo. It said she watched her ex walk to another table, “made moon eyes at her all the way there,” and that she was “pathetically startstruck as she approached.”

She literally wore a necklace that her ex gave her 24/7. And yeah, ok, she described it as being a reminder to “guard her heart,” but STILL. Cmon. Girl, why are you still wearing a necklace your ex gave you as a constant reminder of how she broke your heart?

Idk I just didnt like it considering we were already 70% in to the final book. I felt like if all this was going to happen, it should’ve been in book 1. I think I would have preferred we had learned all this information about her ex in the previous book and then got to see her really heal from it in this book. Her behavior toward her ex ended up tainting the actual relationship I was supposed to be caring about in this book, which was unfortunate because I really loved the pace the relationship was moving at and how they were progressing romantically.

However, I actually loved Osric more in this book. I loved how down bad and pathetic he was over the realization that he was in love with Aurienne. My man was struggling 🤣 His comments and inner-monologue genuinely had me laughing out loud so many times

Overall, I did really enjoy both of these books and had fun with the characters. It wasn’t a completeeee hit like I was expecting, but was still good
]]> Deathsworn 250716199 DEEP IN THE UNDERWORLD, WILL LOVE BLOOM WHERE IT SHOULD NOT SURVIVE?

PRE-ORDER your new necromantasy obsession. . .

The Knight and the Moth meets Phantasma in this spellbinding gothic, enemies-to-lovers tale of life, death, and the dangerous bond between two sworn rivals.

Jonquil Foye wields the power of Life.

Her sworn enemy, Edmund Blackburn, wields the power of Death.

On the battlefield, they clash in a deadly duel meant to decide the fate of their warring cities—until their magics entwine and create a volatile being so powerful it drags them both deep into Death itself.

Forced into a reluctant truce, Jonquil and Edmund must navigate the treacherous underworld and confront the horrifying consequences of their own creation.

As time runs out, their alliance sparks a deeper attraction. But truces are fragile, and Death seems determined to ensure they never return to the land of the living. . .

Brutal, gorgeous, and heart-stopping, this gothic dark fantasy romance is perfect for readers who crave high-stakes tension, lushly dark atmospheres, and a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance with a touch of horror.

Tropes:
✦ True enemies to lovers
⟡ Yearning
✦ Forced proximity
⟡ Gothic Victorian setting
✦ Reylo vibes
⟡ Masked MMC
✦ Life & Death magic]]> 368 Meg Smitherman 1250462754 Grace 0 to-read 4.27 2027 Deathsworn
author: Meg Smitherman
name: Grace
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2027
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Sinister 246819974 In Radcliffe, perfection is a mask. And Sinclair Arnoult wears his far too well.

Sin is Radcliffe’s golden boy. Star athlete, top student, and heir to a family name that carries weight in every corner of town. With his easy smiles and effortless charm, he’s untouchable.

Perfect.

Petra Valentine has always been an outsider. Trapped in a world of wealth and privilege that barely tolerates her, she’s spent her life fading into the background—until one reckless night at a party changes everything.

A fleeting, drunken mistake ties her to him.

When a series of ritualistic murders forces them together to unravel Radcliffe's twisted past, Petra discovers that Sin is connected to something far darker than a privileged legacy.

The man everyone worships is hiding dangerous truths—about his past, about the town, and about her.

He swears he’ll protect her. He swears he’d never hurt her.

But in Radcliffe, devotion and destruction look a lot like the same thing. ]]> 608 Veronica Lancet 1668242508 Grace 0 did-not-finish Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

DNF

Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me and I had to DNF it. I’m genuinely so sad about this because even before this got a trad publishing deal, I was really looking forward to reading it. I absolutely LOVEDDD Fairydale by this author and since this is in the same series, I thought it would definitely be a win for me. The premise of this book is very much up my alley, so I was really excited when I got the arc for this.

The first few chapters were honestly jarring lol. Mostly because it was not what I was expecting in terms of the vibe and writing. I strugggggled through the first 5-10%. I started this right before I had went to bed and I genuinely had no desire to ever pick it back up again.

The dialogue is what I struggled with the most. It was sooooooo juvenile and corny. I actually was really confused why she wrote it this way? These characters were supposed to be like 18 years old, but the way they spoke made it feel like they were 12-13 years old. All of the interactions felt so unnatural. I just could not stop cringing and it was taking me out of the story because I couldn’t imagine any of them actually speaking to each other like this. I wasn’t a fan of the FMCs internal monologue either and that made being in her head kind of obnoxious. I could not connect to her at all.

This just didn’t feel like the Veronica Lancet writing that I loved in Fairydale :( I wish she would really lean into writing books that are more historical overall because the past timeline was way better written and I think that’s where she really shined with Fairydale.

There’s also non-con in the first 5 chapters and it literally came out of nowhere LMAO. I don’t even have a problem with non-con, it was more the fact that it literally made no sense when it happened. They were literally just having a normal conversation and the next second they were hooking up and she was saying no and then she blacks out 😂 I was just like.. ok then..?🤣

Despite all of this, I’m not completely opposed to attempting to continue this again in the future if I have a friend who ends up really loving it, but I can’t push myself to read 700 pages of this when I’ve kind of hated everything I’ve read thus far 🥴

Tbh, I feel bad that this is probably so many people’s first Veronica Lancet book and they will likely not read Fairydale because of this. Such a shame

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.]]> 3.70 Sinister
author: Veronica Lancet
name: Grace
average rating: 3.70
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/21
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley

DNF

Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me and I had to DNF it. I’m genuinely so sad about this because even before this got a trad publishing deal, I was really looking forward to reading it. I absolutely LOVEDDD Fairydale by this author and since this is in the same series, I thought it would definitely be a win for me. The premise of this book is very much up my alley, so I was really excited when I got the arc for this.

The first few chapters were honestly jarring lol. Mostly because it was not what I was expecting in terms of the vibe and writing. I strugggggled through the first 5-10%. I started this right before I had went to bed and I genuinely had no desire to ever pick it back up again.

The dialogue is what I struggled with the most. It was sooooooo juvenile and corny. I actually was really confused why she wrote it this way? These characters were supposed to be like 18 years old, but the way they spoke made it feel like they were 12-13 years old. All of the interactions felt so unnatural. I just could not stop cringing and it was taking me out of the story because I couldn’t imagine any of them actually speaking to each other like this. I wasn’t a fan of the FMCs internal monologue either and that made being in her head kind of obnoxious. I could not connect to her at all.

This just didn’t feel like the Veronica Lancet writing that I loved in Fairydale :( I wish she would really lean into writing books that are more historical overall because the past timeline was way better written and I think that’s where she really shined with Fairydale.

There’s also non-con in the first 5 chapters and it literally came out of nowhere LMAO. I don’t even have a problem with non-con, it was more the fact that it literally made no sense when it happened. They were literally just having a normal conversation and the next second they were hooking up and she was saying no and then she blacks out 😂 I was just like.. ok then..?🤣

Despite all of this, I’m not completely opposed to attempting to continue this again in the future if I have a friend who ends up really loving it, but I can’t push myself to read 700 pages of this when I’ve kind of hated everything I’ve read thus far 🥴

Tbh, I feel bad that this is probably so many people’s first Veronica Lancet book and they will likely not read Fairydale because of this. Such a shame

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the eARC.
]]> Call Me by Your Name 98687 248 André Aciman 0374299218 Grace 0 mm, mm-favorites 4.24 2007 Call Me by Your Name
author: André Aciman
name: Grace
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at: 2024/09/13
date added: 2026/08/20
shelves: mm, mm-favorites
review:

]]> Demon Food 253585471 Some of the sweetest dreams are the ones so deliciously dark.

It’d been three hundred years since the streets ran red with angelic blood. The Great War, a war of catastrophic cost, killed tens of thousands of people and every last angel in the kingdom of Novithia.

Now to live in Novithia, is to live under demonic law, and under demonic law, people serve one of two purposes.

Be their slave. Or be their food.

Feloré is intimately familiar with both. There’s nothing luxurious about being the most sought-after concubine in his village. It’s a life filled with calculated sacrifice, but he endures because he’s the only thing standing between his brother and the parasitic demons who would feast on his essence until nothing is left.

When a mysterious new patron arrives at his brothel, Feloré’s dreams of whisking his brother to safety are shattered as he is forced into a deadly game of secrets and seduction with a creature who could consume him body and soul.

But this particular demon doesn’t want to play by the rules of Novithia’s brutal hierarchy. He wants to break them.

As mystifying as he is enticing, Alek might just be the key to a revolution that promises freedom to all humans, but nothing worth fighting for comes without a cost, and Feloré must choose.

Fight to survive. Or fight to feed the deadly appetite of a ravenous prince.]]> 346 Nova Rae Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.79 2026 Demon Food
author: Nova Rae
name: Grace
average rating: 4.79
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/20
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Here the Whole Time 48997636 The charm and humor of To All the Boys I've Loved Before meets Dumplin' in this body-positive YA love story between two boys who must spend 15 days living with each other over school break.

What would you do if you had to spend the next 15 days with your lifelong crush?

Felipe gets it -- he's fat. Not chubby. Not big-boned. Fat. And he doesn't need anyone to remind him, which is, of course, what everyone does. That's why he's been waiting for this moment ever since the school year began: school break. Finally, he'll be able to spend some time far away from school and the classmates who tease him incessantly. His plans include catching up on his favorite TV shows, finishing his to-be-read pile, and watching YouTube tutorials on skills he'll never actually put into practice.

But things get a little out of hand when Felipe's mom informs him that Caio, the neighbor kid from apartment 57, will be spending the next 15 days with them while his parents are on vacation. Felipe is distraught because A) he's had a crush on Caio since, well, forever, and B) Felipe has a list of body image insecurities and absolutely NO idea how he's going to entertain his neighbor for two full weeks.

Suddenly, the days ahead of him that once promised rest and relaxation (not to mention some epic Netflix bingeing) end up bringing a whirlwind of feelings, forcing Felipe to dive head-first into every unresolved issue he has had with himself -- but maybe, just maybe, he'll manage to win over Caio, too.]]> 288 Vitor Martins 1338620827 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.08 2017 Here the Whole Time
author: Vitor Martins
name: Grace
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/20
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Vampires of El Norte 63892214 Vampires and vaqueros face off on the Texas-Mexico border in this supernatural western from the author of The Hacienda.

As the daughter of a rancher in 1840s Mexico, Nena knows a thing or two about monsters—her home has long been threatened by tensions with Anglo settlers from the north. But something more sinister lurks near the ranch at night, something that drains men of their blood and leaves them for dead.

Something that once attacked Nena nine years ago.

Believing Nena dead, Néstor has been on the run from his grief ever since, moving from ranch to ranch working as a vaquero. But no amount of drink can dispel the night terrors of sharp teeth; no woman can erase his childhood sweetheart from his mind.

When the United States attacks Mexico in 1846, the two are brought abruptly together on the road to war: Nena as a curandera, a healer striving to prove her worth to her father so that he does not marry her off to a stranger, and Néstor as a member of the auxiliary cavalry of ranchers and vaqueros. But the shock of their reunion—and Nena’s rage at Néstor for seemingly abandoning her long ago—is quickly overshadowed by the appearance of a nightmare made flesh.

And unless Nena and Néstor work through their past and face the future together, neither will survive to see the dawn.]]> 371 Isabel Cañas 0593436725 Grace 0 to-read 3.86 2023 Vampires of El Norte
author: Isabel Cañas
name: Grace
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Like Real People Do (Breakaway, #1)]]> 59694324
Eighteen-year-old vlogger Elijah Rodriguez is a freshman in college recovering from an injury that derailed his Olympic figure-skating dreams. Mixed-race, disabled, and out of the closet since he was fourteen, Eli is unapologetically himself. He has no qualms about voicing his disapproval of celebrity jocks who make homophobic jokes on Twitter and park their flashy cars in the handicapped spaces outside of ice rinks.

After an antagonistic introduction, Alex and Eli’s inexplicable friendship both baffles and charms the internet. But navigating relationships is hard enough for normal teenagers. It’s a lot harder when the world—much of it disapproving—is watching you fall in love with your best friend.]]> 423 E.L. Massey 1648905242 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.22 2022 Like Real People Do (Breakaway, #1)
author: E.L. Massey
name: Grace
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/19
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Oliver (Vampires of Eden #1) 201010648
Oliver James Blakeley is a young purebred vampire raised in Eden. Although, he sincerely wishes that were not the case. He is isolated. Lonely. And his every move is controlled by his manipulative father, who has also saddled him with an arranged marriage.

Oliver yearns to be free. To live as a liberated vampire in the twenty-first century. He knows that this dream is outlandish given his circumstance. But when he encounters a suave, progressive and much older vampire during the preparation for his wedding, the trajectory of Oliver’s life shifts, and nothing will ever be the same.]]> 372 Karla Nikole Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.05 Oliver (Vampires of Eden #1)
author: Karla Nikole
name: Grace
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/19
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage, #1)]]> 28759
Though Vanyel has been born with near-legendary abilities to work both Herald and Mage magic, he wants no part of such things. Nor does he seek a warrior's path, wishing instead to become a Bard. Yet such talent as his if left untrained may prove a menace not only to Vanyel but to others as well. So he is sent to be fostered with his aunt, Savil, one of the famed Herald-Mages of Valdemar.

But, strong-willed and self-centered, Vanyel is a challenge which even Savil can not master alone. For soon he will become the focus of frightening forces, lending his raw magic to a spell that unleashes terrifying wyr-hunters on the land. And by the time Savil seeks the assistance of a Shin'a'in Adept, Vanyel's wild talent may have already grown beyond anyone's ability to contain, placing Vanyel, Savil, and Valdemar itself in desperate peril...]]> 349 Mercedes Lackey 0886773520 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.20 1989 Magic's Pawn (The Last Herald-Mage, #1)
author: Mercedes Lackey
name: Grace
average rating: 4.20
book published: 1989
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/18
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> After The Siren 241268329 Two teammates get off on the wrong foot . . . but might just stumble into love.

Theo Bestavros did everything right.
He worked hard, got his game-winning moment and – failed. He’s determined to make the most of a second chance at the Brunswick Falcons.

Jake Cunningham has it all.
He’s a Falcons fan-favourite, a constant headline, and has no intention of being the first AFL player to come out.

Jake thinks Theo is hot. Theo thinks Jake is a colossal pain.
When they’re forced into extra training together, they don’t expect to find friendship, let alone something that looks a lot like dating. But Jake doesn’t want to come out, and Theo can’t jeopardise his shot at redemption.

After the Siren is a romantic comedy about inconvenient attraction, second chances and the joys of AFL.]]> 368 Darcy Green 1761355252 Grace 4 mm, mm-favorites
Hit if off with the characters immediately and didn’t ever really feel like putting the book down.

I loved the discussion of mental health and the anxiety rep. It was portrayed really well, and I think this is part of the reason I connected to the story right away. The characters were layered and relatable.

Loved both of the MCs 💚

I almost started this one a few times in the last month, but when I saw it was in 3rd person I was like iddkkkkk. I told myself I’d just read the first 2 chapters to get a feel for the vibe, but then I didn’t want to stop reading. I was also randomly really in the mood for an mm sports romance, maybe it’s bc of the world cup 🤣

Genuinely, my only gripe with this was some of the slang. At first, I thought the slang in this might’ve been an Australian thing, and maybe it partly is, but I think it was more an in-universe quirk specifically with this book. It took me way too long to realize that the slang words in this were put in place of all expletives. Like even with saying “oh my god,” the word “goodness” was used instead; “idiot” was used in place of “fuck,” etc etc. It really didn’t sound weird at all in regular scenes, so it didn’t bother me, except that it kind of took me out of the scene a little during intimate moments. This was pretty much the only thing I wasn’t a fan of 😂

Anyways, overall, I loved this and really thought it was a great debut novel. Of course, it still has its flaws, but I enjoyed myself! 🤍]]> 4.10 2024 After The Siren
author: Darcy Green
name: Grace
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2026/07/02
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves: mm, mm-favorites
review:
Really enjoyed this 🥹

Hit if off with the characters immediately and didn’t ever really feel like putting the book down.

I loved the discussion of mental health and the anxiety rep. It was portrayed really well, and I think this is part of the reason I connected to the story right away. The characters were layered and relatable.

Loved both of the MCs 💚

I almost started this one a few times in the last month, but when I saw it was in 3rd person I was like iddkkkkk. I told myself I’d just read the first 2 chapters to get a feel for the vibe, but then I didn’t want to stop reading. I was also randomly really in the mood for an mm sports romance, maybe it’s bc of the world cup 🤣

Genuinely, my only gripe with this was some of the slang. At first, I thought the slang in this might’ve been an Australian thing, and maybe it partly is, but I think it was more an in-universe quirk specifically with this book. It took me way too long to realize that the slang words in this were put in place of all expletives. Like even with saying “oh my god,” the word “goodness” was used instead; “idiot” was used in place of “fuck,” etc etc. It really didn’t sound weird at all in regular scenes, so it didn’t bother me, except that it kind of took me out of the scene a little during intimate moments. This was pretty much the only thing I wasn’t a fan of 😂

Anyways, overall, I loved this and really thought it was a great debut novel. Of course, it still has its flaws, but I enjoyed myself! 🤍
]]> Anathema 218431572 From the author of Nocticadia comes a spellbinding gothic fantasy about a shunned woman who is forced beyond the forbidden boundary of the mortal realm, into a dark and terrifying world of cursed souls and grotesque creatures. 

Only the banished know what lies beyond the woods ...

There are whispers about what lurks in Witch Knell—the forest where sinners go to die. The villagers call it The Eating Woods because what's taken is never given back. Only those who've lost their senses would dare to go near it.
Or the banished.
Maevyth Bronwick knows better than to breach the misty labyrinth of trees, but a tragic turn of events compels her beyond the archway of bones, to a boundary no mortal has crossed before.
One that cloaks a dark and fantastical world that's as dangerous as it is alluring.
It's there that he dwells, the cursed lord of Eidolon. The one tasked to keep her hidden from the magehood that seeks to crucify her in the name of an arcane prophesy. Zevander Rydainn, known to his prey as The Scorpion, is the coldest, most calculated assassin in all of Aethyria and he'd sooner toss his feisty ward to a pack of vicious fyredrakes than keep her safe.
If only he could.
Maevyth's blood is the key to breaking his despised curse and vanquishing the slumbering evil in Witch Knell. Unfortunately for Lord Rydainn, fate has other plans for the irresistible little enchantress. And his growing obsession with her threatens to destroy everything.
Including himself.

Anathema is a full-length, gothic dark fantasy and the first book in The Eating Woods duology. It's perfect for those looking for a wickedly enchanting, plot-heavy fantasy with a unique magic system, a smoldering, slow-burn romance and a touch of horror.]]> 704 Keri Lake Grace 3
pls enjoy my bookstagram edit for Anathema 😉🥰

Really liked this 🥹 I love Keri Lake!! 🖤 it had been far too long since I’ve read one of her books and I missed the type of gothic atmosphere that only she is able to create. The world building was excellent as well. The cult was a really cool addition to the eeriness of the plot and I loved all of the scary monsters.

I found the story to be pretty engaging and interesting overall. I was interested in what was going to happen next/where it was going to go.

I will say that I am excited to continue this story in Eldritch and learn more about Zevander’s backstory. I’m actually really glad she decided to extend this into 3 books because his story feels way too important to be brushed over or not talked about in enough depth. I’m actually sick with the thought of all he has gone through. The few things we learned in the book made my stomach hurt 💔

I do have some critiques regarding the romance and pacing, SO…. the rest of this review is basically going to cover my criticisms of the book. I’m just prefacing now that it’s probably going to come off like I didn’t like it, but I just want to be clear, I did like it lol.

It’s just that most of what I have to say are the reasons why I couldn’t rate this book higher. For like the first 45%, this was definitely a solid 4 stars for me. After that, I fluctuated in the 3 star range.

Okay well here we go: *some spoilers will be in this but i mean, to me, it’s nothing that isn’t expected with a romantasy book these days if i’m being honest LOL*

.✦ ݁˖ Didn’t love how we were just suddenly told they were mates by Dolion. It felt like it was just thrown in there at the end and lowkey would’ve made more sense if it was revealed in book 2.

.✦ ݁˖ I’m gonna be honest guys, I wasn’t entirelyyyyy sold on the romance in this. I think the romance shifted a bit too quickly. I didn’t love that Zevander’s thoughts were all so lustful about Maevyth, and even Maevyth’s about Zevander. I think this was part of the reason why I didn’t connect to the romance right away. Once he found out they were mates, his thoughts changed immediately and were all of the sudden very romantic. This made those words less believable, though they were very swoon-worthy. I think overall , it really was a bit too much insta-lust and honestly I didn’t expect it from this going in. I’m not sure I trulllyyy felt like they had thatttt much genuine chemistry all the time. It didn’t feel that natural to me sometimes idk.

.✦ ݁˖ I feel like a lot of their connection was based on what was told to me through Rykaia. She was constantly meddling between them. I just thought it was a little overkill to have her say in 30 different ways that Zevander is different with Maevyth and insinuating he feels something for her. This is just one of manyyyy examples:

“I’ve never seen him behave the way he does around you. Zevander is known for being abrasive and cold and positively heartless. Yet, since you’ve arrived, I’ve seen a side to him that I didn’t know existed.”


Like, I get it. Can we just let the connection speak for itself?

It would be different if we didn’t get his pov and truly had no idea how he felt about her, but that’s not the case. We have his pov and we know he’s attracted to her/wants her. So I don’t need that info reiterated through side characters a million times over. Does that make sense?

.✦ ݁˖ Maevyth was a litttttle annoying sometimes. Her asking zevander “are you mad at me?,” “are you annoyed with me?,” on more than a few occasions felt a juvenile. Butttt she is still technically a teen—nineteen—but still a teen nonetheless so I was more lenient

.✦ ݁˖ Pacing was kind of all over the place, for sure. I was invested in what was going on, but it would lose me every now and then, especially after the 50% mark. The ending felt kind of rushed and at times during it, I would find myself stopping to ask myself wait what’s going on here?” hahahahahha

Again, I still really did enjoy this despite its flaws. I’m curious how I’ll get on with the rest of the trilogy!]]> 4.03 2024 Anathema
author: Keri Lake
name: Grace
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2026/07/09
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves:
review:
3.5🌟

pls enjoy my bookstagram edit for Anathema 😉🥰

Really liked this 🥹 I love Keri Lake!! 🖤 it had been far too long since I’ve read one of her books and I missed the type of gothic atmosphere that only she is able to create. The world building was excellent as well. The cult was a really cool addition to the eeriness of the plot and I loved all of the scary monsters.

I found the story to be pretty engaging and interesting overall. I was interested in what was going to happen next/where it was going to go.

I will say that I am excited to continue this story in Eldritch and learn more about Zevander’s backstory. I’m actually really glad she decided to extend this into 3 books because his story feels way too important to be brushed over or not talked about in enough depth. I’m actually sick with the thought of all he has gone through. The few things we learned in the book made my stomach hurt 💔

I do have some critiques regarding the romance and pacing, SO…. the rest of this review is basically going to cover my criticisms of the book. I’m just prefacing now that it’s probably going to come off like I didn’t like it, but I just want to be clear, I did like it lol.

It’s just that most of what I have to say are the reasons why I couldn’t rate this book higher. For like the first 45%, this was definitely a solid 4 stars for me. After that, I fluctuated in the 3 star range.

Okay well here we go: *some spoilers will be in this but i mean, to me, it’s nothing that isn’t expected with a romantasy book these days if i’m being honest LOL*

.✦ ݁˖ Didn’t love how we were just suddenly told they were mates by Dolion. It felt like it was just thrown in there at the end and lowkey would’ve made more sense if it was revealed in book 2.

.✦ ݁˖ I’m gonna be honest guys, I wasn’t entirelyyyyy sold on the romance in this. I think the romance shifted a bit too quickly. I didn’t love that Zevander’s thoughts were all so lustful about Maevyth, and even Maevyth’s about Zevander. I think this was part of the reason why I didn’t connect to the romance right away. Once he found out they were mates, his thoughts changed immediately and were all of the sudden very romantic. This made those words less believable, though they were very swoon-worthy. I think overall , it really was a bit too much insta-lust and honestly I didn’t expect it from this going in. I’m not sure I trulllyyy felt like they had thatttt much genuine chemistry all the time. It didn’t feel that natural to me sometimes idk.

.✦ ݁˖ I feel like a lot of their connection was based on what was told to me through Rykaia. She was constantly meddling between them. I just thought it was a little overkill to have her say in 30 different ways that Zevander is different with Maevyth and insinuating he feels something for her. This is just one of manyyyy examples:

“I’ve never seen him behave the way he does around you. Zevander is known for being abrasive and cold and positively heartless. Yet, since you’ve arrived, I’ve seen a side to him that I didn’t know existed.”


Like, I get it. Can we just let the connection speak for itself?

It would be different if we didn’t get his pov and truly had no idea how he felt about her, but that’s not the case. We have his pov and we know he’s attracted to her/wants her. So I don’t need that info reiterated through side characters a million times over. Does that make sense?

.✦ ݁˖ Maevyth was a litttttle annoying sometimes. Her asking zevander “are you mad at me?,” “are you annoyed with me?,” on more than a few occasions felt a juvenile. Butttt she is still technically a teen—nineteen—but still a teen nonetheless so I was more lenient

.✦ ݁˖ Pacing was kind of all over the place, for sure. I was invested in what was going on, but it would lose me every now and then, especially after the 50% mark. The ending felt kind of rushed and at times during it, I would find myself stopping to ask myself wait what’s going on here?” hahahahahha

Again, I still really did enjoy this despite its flaws. I’m curious how I’ll get on with the rest of the trilogy!
]]> <![CDATA[A Court of Forgotten Melody (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #7)]]> 33026517
Prythian might never be the same again. Traditional alliances are crumbling, and no amount of diplomacy seems sufficient to repair them. With the continued threat of Koschei the Deathless on the horizon, a united front is crucial--and farther out of reach than it has ever been before.

Bonds will be tested. Power will shift. And old enemies will emerge from nightmares of the past.

As the Night Court's Inner Circle disperses far and wide, desperate for any advantage against Koschei and his mighty allies, peace hangs by a fragile thread. But hope can be spun from the darkest of shadows, and the Night Court has its own part to play in the looming crescendo.]]> 896 Sarah J. Maas Grace 0 to-read 4.57 2027 A Court of Forgotten Melody (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #7)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Grace
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2027
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[A Court of Splintered Harmony (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #6)]]> 31050358
Deep in the heart of the continent, Koschei the Deathless is stirring. Though he's been bound to a mountain lake for millennia, the insidious threat of his return now spreads across the Fae territories, attracting powerful allies hell-bent on reclaiming what was once theirs: the human lands.

The Night Court will not stand idly by while innocents are attacked. But with Prythian still piecing itself together in the wake of the devastating Hybern War, the task of uniting is proving more difficult by the day.

To make matters worse, those who rule and protect the Night Court are reeling from recent betrayals and revealed truths. The rifts dividing them seem insurmountable.

But to defeat Koschei's creeping shadow, they must find a way back to each other and resurrect their former alliances. To survive, they must find a way to repair the splintered harmony all around them.]]> 352 Sarah J. Maas 1639739130 Grace 0 to-read 4.45 2026 A Court of Splintered Harmony (A Court of Thorns and Roses, #6)
author: Sarah J. Maas
name: Grace
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1 (The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1)]]> 52085140 “I’ve arrived in London without incident. There are few triumphs in my recent life, but I count this as one. My existence of the last three years has been nothing but incident.”

The Year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian's. But Emma's plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian's. Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.]]> 107 Beth Brower 0998063614 Grace 0 to-read 3.98 2019 The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion, Vol. 1 (The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion #1)
author: Beth Brower
name: Grace
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Point of Contact 36625948 Only love can heal an impossibly broken heart

There’d forever been a thread running through Trevor Estes’s life—his son, Riley, strong and constant like a heartbeat. But when Riley is killed in combat, everything in Trevor’s life unravels into a mess he doesn’t know how to mourn.

Then Jesse Byrne, Riley’s friend and platoon mate, arrives on Trevor’s doorstep with a box of Riley’s things. Jesse’s all-too-familiar grief provides an unlikely source of comfort for Trevor: knowing he’s not alone is exactly what he needs.

Trevor never imagined he’d find someone who fills his heart with hope again. As the pair celebrate Riley’s memory, their unique bond deepens into something irreplaceable—and something neither man can live without.

But diving into a relationship can’t be so simple. Being together means Trevor risking the last link he has to his son…leaving Jesse to wonder if he’ll ever be enough, or if Trevor will always be haunted by the past.]]> 451 Melanie Hansen 1488097054 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.33 2018 Point of Contact
author: Melanie Hansen
name: Grace
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/17
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> The Dare (Losers, #0.5) 56635834 Warning: This erotica contains scenes and elements that may be disturbing to some readers. Please review the full content warning below.


Jessica Martin is not a nice girl.

As Prom Queen and Captain of the cheer squad, she'd ruled her school mercilessly, looking down her nose at everyone she deemed unworthy. The most unworthy of them all? The "freak," Manson Reed: her favorite victim.

But a lot changes after high school.

A freak like him never should have ended up at the same Halloween party as her. He never should have been able to beat her at a game of Drink or Dare. He never should have been able to humiliate her in front of everyone. Losing the game means taking the dare: a dare to serve Manson for the entire night as his slave. It's a dare that Jessica's pride - and curiosity - won't allow her to refuse. What ensues is a dark game of pleasure and pain, fear and desire.

Is it only a game?
Only revenge?
Only a dare?
Or is it something more?



This dark erotic novella is written in First Person POV and is about 32k words in length.


This book contains intense fantasy scenes of hard kinks/edgeplay, graphic sex, and harsh language. It is intended only for an adult audience.

Beware: this is a dark, weird, kinky read. The activities depicted therein are dangerous and are not meant to be an example of realistic BDSM. Reader discretion is advised.


Kinks/Fetishes within: erotic humiliation, fearplay, painplay, knifeplay, consensual non-consent (CNC), orgasm denial, boot worship, spanking, crying, blowjobs, clowns, group sexual activities, spit, bondage, public play, bloodplay.]]> 133 Harley Laroux Grace 0 to-read 3.48 2019 The Dare (Losers, #0.5)
author: Harley Laroux
name: Grace
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Losers: Part One 242478871 I was supposed to have it all.

I’d been Prom Queen, Cheer Captain - high school’s most savage Queen Bee. I could have everything I wanted.
Except them. The freaks, the weirdos, the school’s ultimate losers: Manson, Jason, Lucas, and Vincent. Our hatred for each other couldn’t keep us apart, not even when my own mistake got Manson expelled and made me the ultimate villain to the rest of them.

One night was supposed to be enough.

I couldn’t resist forever. For one night I gave myself over to the men I wasn’t supposed to want and satisfied the darkest parts of my soul. But some things are meant to stay in the dark. One night, and it was over.

Nothing more than a game.

Now, with college behind me, our worlds collide yet again. Four men, all willing to share me as their plaything until my debt to them is paid. Another game to satiate my dark cravings, the twisted rules of which bring us all even closer than before. But games aren’t meant to last.

When the debt is paid and the game is done, what if I don’t want to walk away?

Although not required, it is recommended to read the novella, The Dare, prior to reading Losers.

This book is First Person, Multi POV.

This is an 18+ polyamorous bisexual romance between one woman and four men, including MF, MM, and group scenes. Reader discretion is strongly advised, this is a dark read. This book contains graphic sexual scenes, intense scenes of BDSM, graphic violence, and strong language. A full content note can be found in the front matter of the book.]]> 544 Harley Laroux 1496761715 Grace 0 to-read 4.20 2022 Losers: Part One
author: Harley Laroux
name: Grace
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[King of Corium (Corium University, #1)]]> 58636533
Welcome to Corium University, where the most dangerous criminals in the world send their offspring. Assassins, mafia leaders, arms dealers and art thieves.

You name it, this college houses them.

Here nothing can touch them.

Upon arriving I knew Aspen would be here, she was the daughter of our enemy, a snake in the grass like her father. I had no intention of sparring with her. That is until she opened her pretty little mouth. One sentence and she became my next target, and a woman that I would do anything to see on her knees at my feet.

If she thought the university was the only nightmare she would have to face, she was wrong.

I was the king, and this was my kingdom.

**King of Corium is a dark romance novel, that contains dark themes, including dub-con, non-con. It is not a standalone novel.**]]> 344 C. Hallman Grace 0 to-read 3.72 2021 King of Corium (Corium University, #1)
author: C. Hallman
name: Grace
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/16
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Sea Ain't Mine Alone 44788569 538 C.L. Beaumont 1948272164 Grace 0 mm-tbr, currently-reading 4.30 2019 The Sea Ain't Mine Alone
author: C.L. Beaumont
name: Grace
average rating: 4.30
book published: 2019
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/16
shelves: mm-tbr, currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Promises of Forever (Timber Creek Academy #1)]]> 205028590
Childhood tragedy left Koa Burgard with many scars. Reclusive and still healing, he is sent to summer camp, where the other kids tease and bully him. All except outgoing and popular Jersey Reid. A boy who dreams about being a hockey star. A tentative friendship forms. Every summer, they reconnect for adventure. Every winter, they write letters back and forth.

Promises are made, and promises are shattered.

Thirty years later, the sudden death of his parents brings Jersey home. Rotten things keep happening. His life has been full of torment and pain, and he can’t remember a time when he was happy.

Will it ever stop?

Cleaning out his deceased parents’ house, he uncovers Koa’s pen pal letters. Can Jersey recapture the happiness and innocence of youth by reconnecting with the strange, quirky boy he befriended at camp so long ago? Or will his prior mistakes be a barrier?

Although Koa is now a respectable English teacher at an elite boarding school, Jersey quickly learns that the boy from camp has darker secrets than he ever imagined.

Koa has given up on happiness. His views on life are bleak and disturbing, and he’s learned it’s better to be alone in an unforgiving world.

Jersey’s return offsets Koa’s balance and brings the past back into focus. A past he’s spent a lifetime trying to forget.

But Jersey was Koa’s savior once. He was kind when no one else was. Jersey made him feel safe in an unsafe world.

Until Jersey broke a promise.

And promises are supposed to be for forever.

** Promises of Forever is an angsty MM romance with the following themes. Second chance love, jock and nerd dynamic, opposites attract, mental health. Please check the trigger warnings on my website **]]> 367 Nicky James Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.21 2024 Promises of Forever (Timber Creek Academy #1)
author: Nicky James
name: Grace
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/16
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Golden Raven (All for the Game, #5)]]> 213726350 I do not care what they think of me. I can’t. It only matters that I play.

Jeremy Knox is no stranger to damage control, but his last season on an Exy court is off to a disastrous start. The relentless crusade against his newest teammate threatens the haven he and his friends have worked so hard to build. He promised Jean a fun senior year, but tragedy and ugly truths make every step forward an uphill fight.

Jean Moreau promised the USC Trojans a championship trophy, and he intends to deliver. Granted, it would be significantly easier if they’d slide off their high horses and throw a few elbows on the court. Their steadfast refusal to do things his way is nearly as aggravating as their unwanted affection, but maybe they’re not the ones that need to change.

With so many ready to drag him down, how can he learn to fly?]]> 484 Nora Sakavic Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.53 2025 The Golden Raven (All for the Game, #5)
author: Nora Sakavic
name: Grace
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/15
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The King's Men (All for the Game, #3)]]> 23594461
Befriending the Foxes was inadvisable. Kissing one is unthinkable. Neil should know better than to get involved with anyone this close to the end, but Andrew's never been the easiest person to walk away from. If they both say it doesn't mean anything, maybe Neil won't regret losing it, but the one person Neil can't lie to is himself.

He's got promises to keep and a team to get to championships if he can just outrun Riko a little longer, but Riko's not the only monster in Neil's life. The truth might get them all killed—or be Neil's one shot at getting out of this alive.]]> 556 Nora Sakavic Grace 4
Bye I love them all so much😭😭😭😭

And pls…. ANDRIEEEELLLLL in this book??? Served me breakfast, lunch, & dinner. 😩🥰😘🥹🥹🥹

I’m also still shook over that epilogue like my jaw dropped….

I’ll write a little more tomorrow & add some quotes.

Debating on if I should just jump into the sunshine court soon or wait until book 6 release? I kinda wanna read about Jean & Jere sooooo 😫🥺]]> 4.57 2014 The King's Men (All for the Game, #3)
author: Nora Sakavic
name: Grace
average rating: 4.57
book published: 2014
rating: 4
read at: 2026/08/15
date added: 2026/08/15
shelves:
review:
4.5🌟

Bye I love them all so much😭😭😭😭

And pls…. ANDRIEEEELLLLL in this book??? Served me breakfast, lunch, & dinner. 😩🥰😘🥹🥹🥹

I’m also still shook over that epilogue like my jaw dropped….

I’ll write a little more tomorrow & add some quotes.

Debating on if I should just jump into the sunshine court soon or wait until book 6 release? I kinda wanna read about Jean & Jere sooooo 😫🥺
]]> The Wildborn (Starborn, #1) 237522373 To walk the path of a morazir, I will exist in three states of being:


Untouched.


Untaken.


Unconquered.



Airik, a battle-scarred warrior serving the cruel intergalactic empire of the Veynari, craves silence from the nightmares tormenting his mind. But while on post to decommission a failed experiment of a planet, a rogue human spacecraft crashes, and a reckless decision leaves him stranded—entangled with a woman he never should have saved.



Nora wakes light-years from Earth, broken in body and spirit, at the mercy of an alien soldier who refuses to let her die. Devastatingly beautiful, terrifyingly competent, and bound by a warrior’s oath that permits touch only to destroy, he’s the reluctant guardian angel she neither wants nor believes she deserves.



Nora wakes light-years from Earth, broken in body and spirit, at the mercy of an alien soldier who refuses to let her die. Devastatingly beautiful, terrifyingly competent, and bound by a warrior’s oath that permits touch only to destroy, he’s the reluctant guardian angel she neither wants nor believes she deserves.



Trapped together, they’re forced to navigate a brutal landscape, vicious beasts, and the deadly remnants of an abandoned world. Duty demands Airik’s cold indifference. Yet Nora sparks something deliciously alive—and entirely forbidden—within him. What begins as necessity ignites a primal hunger: scorching, consuming, and impossible to resist.



But even if they survive, the Veynari—ever present and ruthless—won’t allow its warriors weakness like love. For Airik and Nora to be together, they must risk everything.



The Wildborn is a steamy, high-stakes sci-fi romance featuring forced proximity with an emotionally repressed alien protector who falls hard. Perfect for fans of Zoey Draven’s immersive world-building, the dark emotional complexities of Victoria Aveline’s Ruling Sikthand, and the lyrical storytelling of Grace Draven.



Note from the author: This novel contains emotionally intense themes, including grief and trauma. A full list of content considerations is available on the author’s website.

]]> 606 Perri Torani Grace 0 to-read 4.16 2026 The Wildborn (Starborn, #1)
author: Perri Torani
name: Grace
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Games: A Love Story 241097263 Normal People meets Fifty Shades of Grey in this sharp and provocative coming-of-age debut chronicling the turbulent romance between a brilliant economics grad student and a magnetic Wall Street banker two decades her senior.

When Lili Marwan—seeking to escape the unrelenting pressures of her master’s thesis, recent rejection from her foster family, and unresolved grief from the death of her parents—has an intense one-night stand with Aleksandr Petrov, her restless mind finally goes calm.

At twenty-two, Lili is already opinionated beyond her years: whether it’s astrology, democratic socialism, veganism, or the ravages of late-stage capitalism run rampant. But when a tall, dark stranger buys her a drink in a FiDi bar, she meets her match. Aleksandr is formidable, fiercely intelligent, and infuriatingly disarming. He’s also two decades older than her, a Capricorn with a birth chart full of red flags, a neoliberal capitalist, and a strong believer in the power of free markets, having escaped the Soviet Union in its dying days.

He’s the opposite of Lili in nearly every way. He challenges her at every turn. And she can’t stay away.

Over the course of a heady New York City summer, Lili and Aleksandr reach across the divide of their differences and the decades of their lives, discovering startlingly shared experiences. Their casual arrangement—rough sex, hours where Lili does not need to make any decisions—gives way fast to an unexpected intimacy, by turns breathtaking, then devastating.

As Lili struggles to understand herself and the complicated threads of her ambition, pain, and desire, she will have to decide: is she willing to risk great loss again, for the hope of profit that is finally within reach?]]> 432 Anna Maria Volkova 0063437724 Grace 0 currently-reading 3.65 2026 Games: A Love Story
author: Anna Maria Volkova
name: Grace
average rating: 3.65
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/14
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> All I Need (The Knights, #1) 200320170
It was supposed to be nothing more for Lola Larson and TJ Kingston than three days of fake dating before going back to their everyday lives. Not thinking they will see each other again, they part ways without getting each other’s last names or phone numbers.

Two years later, they’re in college, where they meet again. However, their priorities are different from the last time they saw each other.

TJ wants nothing more than to enter the draft and play for the NBA. It’s all he’s worked hard for, and has made sure that nothing and no one hinders him from achieving his dream. That is until he sees Lola again, and realizes that basketball is no longer his sole priority when he finds out he has a kid.]]> 552 E. Salvador Grace 4
Let me start off by saying this:

I’m not sure exactly what it is, but I think I really enjoy this author’s writing style. The dialogue and storylines she writes always flow so naturally. I really really like that. It makes it so easy to never want to stop reading because I fall so effortlessly into the story. Just as I felt with Please Don’t Go, I was hooked from page 1. Personally, getting me hooked in the beginning is less about shock value, and more about how the writer’s prose speaks to me or how I connect to it from the start. I really really appreciate when writing feels natural. I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way, or even understands what I mean, but I find that a lot of the books I’ve read in the last few months have had very stiff, robotic writing. It doesn’t flow well and I don’t think the dialogue is realistic or genuine. I feel the complete opposite about this author. Now I’m not saying it’s perfect. It’s not. But it’s refreshing to read a contemporary romance that doesn’t have such cookie-cutter writing nor does it feel forced. E. Salvador does a great job with this! Being nitpicky though, I did notice sometimes short phrases are repeated multiple times throught the story like “you’re frustrating, you know that?” That’s literally the tiniest detail, but if I were to be nitpicky, that’s one thing.

I have absolutely no clue how this author hasn’t been picked up my a publisher yet. I’ve read 2/3 of the books she’s published so far and both have been 4 stars and above. And both have been extremely memorable.

I loved Lola & TJ 🥹 I enjoyed their relationship a lot! I thought they had good chemistry and I actually really enjoyed the trope in this book. I didn’t read the blurb (yall know I always go in blind) so I was like wait WHAT 🫢🫢 I don’t even know if it’s said in the blurb or not. I don’t want to spoil it in case it’s not actually in it, but if there are tropes you hate, maybe read the blurb just in case hahahahahhaha.

I loved the side characters in this book so much!!! (Saint, especially). I thought they added a lot of life to the story. And the way his friends were with Phoenix was sooooo cute. Immediately treated him like a nephew and took him under their wing. When they all sat in the living room and Landon played his guitar to help get Nix to fall asleep 🥺🥺🥺🥹 I think relationships for the next books were set up super well and got me so excited to read whatever is next in this series. I have to say though, finishing this book I was immediately like ummm SAINT x DAISY BOOK WHENNNNNNN??😭 I need it. However, I am very excited to see this enemies to lovers between Julianna & Landon because the interaction we got with them…oof 🤣 they HATE each other LOL.

This book is fairly long, but it had me LOCKED innnnn! I told you, I don’t know what it is about her writing for me, but the way it flows just keeps me in it. I’d say my only real critique is that the ending felt a little dragged out. That’s really the only reason this isn’t quite 5 stars.

Overall, I really did love it! 💛

Go check out my lil instagram edit for it @graciieee_reads ☺️]]> 3.94 2024 All I Need (The Knights, #1)
author: E. Salvador
name: Grace
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/09/22
date added: 2026/08/14
shelves:
review:
I loved it!!! 🥹 Hooked from the start and layed on my couch with my eyes glued to this book for the entire day yesterday.

Let me start off by saying this:

I’m not sure exactly what it is, but I think I really enjoy this author’s writing style. The dialogue and storylines she writes always flow so naturally. I really really like that. It makes it so easy to never want to stop reading because I fall so effortlessly into the story. Just as I felt with Please Don’t Go, I was hooked from page 1. Personally, getting me hooked in the beginning is less about shock value, and more about how the writer’s prose speaks to me or how I connect to it from the start. I really really appreciate when writing feels natural. I’m not sure if anyone else feels this way, or even understands what I mean, but I find that a lot of the books I’ve read in the last few months have had very stiff, robotic writing. It doesn’t flow well and I don’t think the dialogue is realistic or genuine. I feel the complete opposite about this author. Now I’m not saying it’s perfect. It’s not. But it’s refreshing to read a contemporary romance that doesn’t have such cookie-cutter writing nor does it feel forced. E. Salvador does a great job with this! Being nitpicky though, I did notice sometimes short phrases are repeated multiple times throught the story like “you’re frustrating, you know that?” That’s literally the tiniest detail, but if I were to be nitpicky, that’s one thing.

I have absolutely no clue how this author hasn’t been picked up my a publisher yet. I’ve read 2/3 of the books she’s published so far and both have been 4 stars and above. And both have been extremely memorable.

I loved Lola & TJ 🥹 I enjoyed their relationship a lot! I thought they had good chemistry and I actually really enjoyed the trope in this book. I didn’t read the blurb (yall know I always go in blind) so I was like wait WHAT 🫢🫢 I don’t even know if it’s said in the blurb or not. I don’t want to spoil it in case it’s not actually in it, but if there are tropes you hate, maybe read the blurb just in case hahahahahhaha.

I loved the side characters in this book so much!!! (Saint, especially). I thought they added a lot of life to the story. And the way his friends were with Phoenix was sooooo cute. Immediately treated him like a nephew and took him under their wing. When they all sat in the living room and Landon played his guitar to help get Nix to fall asleep 🥺🥺🥺🥹 I think relationships for the next books were set up super well and got me so excited to read whatever is next in this series. I have to say though, finishing this book I was immediately like ummm SAINT x DAISY BOOK WHENNNNNNN??😭 I need it. However, I am very excited to see this enemies to lovers between Julianna & Landon because the interaction we got with them…oof 🤣 they HATE each other LOL.

This book is fairly long, but it had me LOCKED innnnn! I told you, I don’t know what it is about her writing for me, but the way it flows just keeps me in it. I’d say my only real critique is that the ending felt a little dragged out. That’s really the only reason this isn’t quite 5 stars.

Overall, I really did love it! 💛

Go check out my lil instagram edit for it @graciieee_reads ☺️
]]> <![CDATA[Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1)]]> 62796217
After centuries of sleep, the gods are warring again. But eighteen-year-old Iris Winnow just wants to hold her family together. Her mother is suffering from addiction and her brother is missing from the front lines. Her best bet is to win the columnist promotion at the Oath Gazette.

To combat her worries, Iris writes letters to her brother and slips them beneath her wardrobe door, where they vanish—into the hands of Roman Kitt, her cold and handsome rival at the paper. When he anonymously writes Iris back, the two of them forge a connection that will follow Iris all the way to the front lines of battle: for her brother, the fate of mankind, and love.

Shadow and Bone meets Lore in Rebecca Ross's Divine Rivals, an epic enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel filled with hope and heartbreak, and the unparalleled power of love.]]> 368 Rebecca Ross 0008588155 Grace 5 “It's odd, how quickly life can change, isn't it? How one little thing like typing a letter can open a door you never saw. A transcendent connection. A divine threshold. But if there's anything I should say in this moment—when my heart is beating wildly in my chest and I would beg you to come and tame it—is this: your letters have been a light for me to follow. Your words? A sublime feast that fed me on days when I was starving.
I love you, Iris.
And I want you to see me. I want you to know me. Through the smoke and the firelight and kilometers that once dwelled between us.
Do you see me?”

STOP IT RIGHT NOW 😭💙

I absolutely loved this!! Oh my gosh, wow, what a pleasant surprise 🥹

I picked this up completely by random because I used my physical tbr spinner and this is what it landed on! I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to read it, but I figured I should just read the first few chapters and see what the vibes were.

I was invested very quickly and absolutely adored Roman & Iris!!! I’m a huge fan of rivals to lovers so I enjoyed their dynamic from the very beginning. These two had effortlessssss chemistry together. The way Iris was oblivious to Roman’s feeling towards her was so classic Ali Hazelwood formula. And I ate it up. It was obvious to everyone but her LOL. Roman was a yearning kinnnng 🙏🏻😭 I loved him so much!!!

I loved the way this spoke of grief and love. It was very beautifully written. The story as a whole was so wonderful and engaging, too. I’ll admit, I was quite nervous to start this because I didn’t really enjoy Wild Reverence. This was WAYYY better.

That ending has me immediately going to pick up book 2 😭 (i’m scared)]]> 4.32 2023 Divine Rivals (Letters of Enchantment, #1)
author: Rebecca Ross
name: Grace
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2026/08/13
date added: 2026/08/13
shelves:
review:
“It's odd, how quickly life can change, isn't it? How one little thing like typing a letter can open a door you never saw. A transcendent connection. A divine threshold. But if there's anything I should say in this moment—when my heart is beating wildly in my chest and I would beg you to come and tame it—is this: your letters have been a light for me to follow. Your words? A sublime feast that fed me on days when I was starving.
I love you, Iris.
And I want you to see me. I want you to know me. Through the smoke and the firelight and kilometers that once dwelled between us.
Do you see me?”

STOP IT RIGHT NOW 😭💙

I absolutely loved this!! Oh my gosh, wow, what a pleasant surprise 🥹

I picked this up completely by random because I used my physical tbr spinner and this is what it landed on! I wasn’t sure I was in the mood to read it, but I figured I should just read the first few chapters and see what the vibes were.

I was invested very quickly and absolutely adored Roman & Iris!!! I’m a huge fan of rivals to lovers so I enjoyed their dynamic from the very beginning. These two had effortlessssss chemistry together. The way Iris was oblivious to Roman’s feeling towards her was so classic Ali Hazelwood formula. And I ate it up. It was obvious to everyone but her LOL. Roman was a yearning kinnnng 🙏🏻😭 I loved him so much!!!

I loved the way this spoke of grief and love. It was very beautifully written. The story as a whole was so wonderful and engaging, too. I’ll admit, I was quite nervous to start this because I didn’t really enjoy Wild Reverence. This was WAYYY better.

That ending has me immediately going to pick up book 2 😭 (i’m scared)
]]> Feralsong (Green Creek, #3.5) 49476797
January 10, 2020

Exclusive at tjklunebooks.com

_______________
Status: Complete
Words: 8,105]]> 32 T.J. Klune Grace 4 mm
carter and gavin are making me so sad 💔💔💔💔💔 ]]> 4.34 2020 Feralsong (Green Creek, #3.5)
author: T.J. Klune
name: Grace
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2026/08/12
date added: 2026/08/12
shelves: mm
review:
The robbie/kelly crumbs in this 😭 <3333

carter and gavin are making me so sad 💔💔💔💔💔
]]> <![CDATA[Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)]]> 77197
Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father’s gruff stableman. He is treated as an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him secretly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz’s blood runs the magic Skill—and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Praise for Robin Hobb and Assassin’s Apprentice

“A gleaming debut in the crowded field of epic fantasies . . . a delightful take on the powers and politics behind the throne.”—Publishers Weekly

“This is the kind of book you fall into, and start reading slower as you get to the end, because you don’t want it to be over.”—Steven Brust]]> 435 Robin Hobb 055357339X Grace 0 to-read 4.21 1995 Assassin's Apprentice (Farseer Trilogy, #1)
author: Robin Hobb
name: Grace
average rating: 4.21
book published: 1995
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Ghosted 36065344
She's a single mother, assistant manager at a grocery store, existing in monotony with her five-year-old daughter. Every day when she goes to work, lurid tabloids surround her, the face of a notorious bad boy haunting her from their covers.

A man and a woman, living vastly different lives, but that wasn't always the case. Once, they were just a boy and a girl who bonded over comic books and fell in love unexpectedly.

When Kennedy Garfield met Jonathan Cunningham back in high school, she knew he had all the makings of a tragic hero. With stars in his eyes, and her heart on her sleeve, the pair ran away together to follow their dreams.

But dreams, sometimes, turn into nightmares.

Now, years later, the only thing they share is a daughter—one who has no idea her father plays her favorite superhero. But Jonathan is desperate to make amends, and at the top of his list is the woman who gave up everything for him and the little girl he hasn't yet met.]]> 452 J.M. Darhower 1942206232 Grace 3 second-chance-tbr
“You’re the queen. I’m just a commoner.”

Cute second chance romance 🤍

This gave us alternating timelines of past & present, though I definitely preferred the latter. I was pretty invested in characters and their story without even needing the flashbacks tbh. I liked both of the MCs and lovedddd their little girl, Maddie. She was so adorable and had me laughing out loud multiple times.

I’ll admit that I expected a little more angst & tension from this, but it was still okay. I would’ve liked that the build up was a little slower, too. To me, that would’ve made more sense and complemented their circumstances/story better.

I didn’t really care for the flashback chapters all that much, which honestly, is a little unusual for me. I didn’t necessarily think it made their past love story all that compelling. It just didn’t make me more invested in them like I’m guessing was somewhat its purpose. I do get that the flashbacks provided important context, but regardless, I didn’t really enjoy them even before things started to go south.

More specifically, I wasn’t a hugeeee fan of Jonathon in some of them. Which, yeah, was to be expected considering what we learn the current state of things are in the beginning: not good.

In those flashbacks, we’re essentially getting the events of their love story and how it all unfolded in second person pov. It’s written kind of like a diary and in it, she’s speaking directly to Jonathon telling their story.

My main ugh about these flashbacks is seeing how Kennedy gave up everything, sacrificed EVERYTHING for Jonathon and his dream. She never complained or doubted him. She believed in him more than anyone. And it’s knowing that she does all that for him… even gets him his big break, aka the reason he’s even famous, and he STILL manages to treat her poorly (in the past) :/ Men….. smh 😭

… lowkey… (kinda highkey) she was too good for him. Which is why she originally left him (good for her).

( i’m literally being so dramatic. he was not a bad person LOL. i’m just a man hater ok)

Butttt all of this was a leeeetle hard for me bc I loved Jonathon soooo much in the present timeline so i was like ughhhhh jonathonnn

However, I do get that it’s not black and white. These characters are flawed and human. They’re supposed to be. But I do think that if I had enjoyed the flashbacks more, I would’ve rated this a lot higher.

So I guess overall, the things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me were the build-up, the angst, and the flashbacks.

Besides all that, I did enjoy this. It kept me engaged and I still thought they were good together 🤍

_______________________________________________

pre-read

Angsty second chance? my bread and butter 😚]]> 3.93 2017 Ghosted
author: J.M. Darhower
name: Grace
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/10
date added: 2026/08/11
shelves: second-chance-tbr
review:
3.25🌟

“You’re the queen. I’m just a commoner.”

Cute second chance romance 🤍

This gave us alternating timelines of past & present, though I definitely preferred the latter. I was pretty invested in characters and their story without even needing the flashbacks tbh. I liked both of the MCs and lovedddd their little girl, Maddie. She was so adorable and had me laughing out loud multiple times.

I’ll admit that I expected a little more angst & tension from this, but it was still okay. I would’ve liked that the build up was a little slower, too. To me, that would’ve made more sense and complemented their circumstances/story better.

I didn’t really care for the flashback chapters all that much, which honestly, is a little unusual for me. I didn’t necessarily think it made their past love story all that compelling. It just didn’t make me more invested in them like I’m guessing was somewhat its purpose. I do get that the flashbacks provided important context, but regardless, I didn’t really enjoy them even before things started to go south.

More specifically, I wasn’t a hugeeee fan of Jonathon in some of them. Which, yeah, was to be expected considering what we learn the current state of things are in the beginning: not good.

In those flashbacks, we’re essentially getting the events of their love story and how it all unfolded in second person pov. It’s written kind of like a diary and in it, she’s speaking directly to Jonathon telling their story.

My main ugh about these flashbacks is seeing how Kennedy gave up everything, sacrificed EVERYTHING for Jonathon and his dream. She never complained or doubted him. She believed in him more than anyone. And it’s knowing that she does all that for him… even gets him his big break, aka the reason he’s even famous, and he STILL manages to treat her poorly (in the past) :/ Men….. smh 😭

… lowkey… (kinda highkey) she was too good for him. Which is why she originally left him (good for her).

( i’m literally being so dramatic. he was not a bad person LOL. i’m just a man hater ok)

Butttt all of this was a leeeetle hard for me bc I loved Jonathon soooo much in the present timeline so i was like ughhhhh jonathonnn

However, I do get that it’s not black and white. These characters are flawed and human. They’re supposed to be. But I do think that if I had enjoyed the flashbacks more, I would’ve rated this a lot higher.

So I guess overall, the things that didn’t quite hit the mark for me were the build-up, the angst, and the flashbacks.

Besides all that, I did enjoy this. It kept me engaged and I still thought they were good together 🤍

_______________________________________________

pre-read

Angsty second chance? my bread and butter 😚
]]> <![CDATA[In the Wake of the Ruined (The Siren Mage, #2)]]> 243502725
Imogen can no longer hide. She has claimed her ancestral crown, and now the corrupted bond she shares with the ancient deity Eusia is stronger than ever. Though she is determined to sever it, doing so is no easy feat. The threat of war looms. Shifting alliances, a hunger for magic, and her feelings for Theodore, King of Varya, attempt to thwart her at every turn.

Meanwhile, Theodore is battling the strain of his own crown and commitments. When Imogen suddenly appears on his ship, every dutiful resolution he’s ever made threatens to snap. As they draw nearer to ending Eusia, lurking dangers and their perilous desire for one another prove more insurmountable than they could have imagined.

Will the chaos, ruin, and death that Imogen was prophesied to usher into the realm be the end of all things, or the beginning?]]> 432 Kalie Cassidy 0316587583 Grace 2
Disappointed is a bit of an understatement 😔💔 and no one is more disappointed than me. Unfortunately, this just didn’t have the same magic that book one had 💔 this is coming from someone who gave in the veins of the drowning 5⭐️ and absolutely ADORED it. I was so incredibly excited for this release, but I just wanted so much more from this and unfortunately, for me, it lost its spark 💔

It HURTS me to rate this this low. I considered giving it 3 stars, but when I look back, I can’t say I reallyyyy enjoyed my time and I can’t picture myself ever wanting to re-read this. So yeah, I feel like I have to go with 2.5/2.75 to reflect my own subjective experience of enjoyment with it.

The first 44% was okay. I was a little bit bored, but was still somewhat hopeful that the last half would maybe turn around. I kept moving to the next chapter hoping I’d feel that pull, hoping I’d feel a change in pace or direction, but it didn’t happen ☹️ I ended up putting it down because I was a little disappointed with how it was going so far, which unfortunately turned into a month of not picking it back up again. I didn’t even mean to put it on pause for month, but I genuinely just didn’t feel drawn to picking it back up again.

The main problem for me was that this book dragged. I don’t feel like that much really happened? I kept waiting for the story to start picking up or at least hoping that all the information I was being fed was really going to move the plot forward, but that didn’t really happen either. The world building was just layed on so thick in this book and made it way less enjoyable. Nothing exciting went on until about 50 pages left in the book.

Honestly, I wish Kalie had written In the Veins of the Drowning as a longer standalone. If parts of this book were put into the end of book one and wrapped up then, I think it would have made an incredibleeee standalone. I had high hopes for where this book would take us, but I hate that this kind of ruined how I felt about this story as a whole. I re-read book one before this one and loved it just as much as I did the first time, but now I don’t feel like I can enjoy this story because I wouldn’t care to re-read book 2 again. So now i’m just like…. Welp 😔🥲

The romance was kind of there, but not nearly to the degree that we got & felt in book one. In the Veins of the Drowning hooked me with the gothic atmosphere and siren folklore, etc., but the romance & yearning is really what captivated me. I was looking forward to even more intense yearning and romance in this, but I just didn’t feel it on the same level that I did before. This broke my heart because I truly love Theo & Imogen so much. I love them both as individuals and as a couple. I think they have great chemistry as well. …but something was just really lacking in this book 😔

It got a bit tiring how many times romantic or intimate moments were interrupted/stopped bc of a knock on a door, footsteps nearing, etc. Like can we just let the scene complete at least once? This was a huge reason I was upset that Theo & Halla stayed married for the entire book. It made sense why it happened in the plot, but I was shocked that we had to sit with it from start to finish. I did not think it was necessary for it to stay that way the entire time. Idk I guess I just expected all of that to pan out a bit differently. Again, I think it ruined a lot of the romantic moments & interactions in this book. Like we already dealt with this in the first book because he was betrothed, but at least then, it didn’t ruin the romantic moments.

By the end of this book, I didn’t feel like we got the emotional payoff from their journey that we deserved. I didn’t feel completely content and hated that it felt like this entire book was really them having to be miserable because of their circumstances. And look, I’ve read plenty of books where I love being in agony, but this wasn’t that. Most of what was putting them in their circumstances felt drawn out and lingered lonnng past its usefulness. They didn’t get any ounce of true happiness until the epilogue and even that was just telling me like “yes we’re happy! Yipee”… I didn’t get to feel it and really beeeee there for any of that. After everything they went through in the last 2 books, that’s all I get? 😔 all of it wrapped up far too quickly for me.

Even the side characters, like Agatha & Lachlan, felt underwhelming in this book. We didn’t get much from them and when we did, it was just a random shout of “oh they’re bonded again,” and that was it. Skimping on their story felt like a disservice to their characters and to the fullness of the story.

One positive about this book was that I still liked Theo. He still had some beautiful lines of yearning and longing. I was glad that I at least had some of that. He was so devoted to Imogen and unwavering in how he felt about her.

I struggled a bit with what to rate this because objectively, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad book! I still loved the language/style of the writing.

However, subjectively, I just didn’t enjoy it all that much. I realize that my expectations for this were quite high and I was hopeful for how this story would continue from book one, so that definitely played a role as well. But overall… I just wanted more from it. 😔💔

Ugh, I’m truly sooooo beyond upset that this was a disappointment for me 😞 I didn’t at all expect this outcome with how much I LOVED in the veins of the drowning.

Again though, I want to reiterate that objectively, I don’t think this was terrible or anything. I can totally see how people would love this, but I also very much understand the people that don’t love it. Just sad to say I fell with the latter. 💔


______________________________________________

pre-read 🥺🧜🏼‍♀️

So nervous and excited for this. King Theo, i missed you 😫🥺🥺🥺💙🩵]]> 3.88 2026 In the Wake of the Ruined (The Siren Mage, #2)
author: Kalie Cassidy
name: Grace
average rating: 3.88
book published: 2026
rating: 2
read at: 2026/08/09
date added: 2026/08/10
shelves:
review:
2.5🌟

Disappointed is a bit of an understatement 😔💔 and no one is more disappointed than me. Unfortunately, this just didn’t have the same magic that book one had 💔 this is coming from someone who gave in the veins of the drowning 5⭐️ and absolutely ADORED it. I was so incredibly excited for this release, but I just wanted so much more from this and unfortunately, for me, it lost its spark 💔

It HURTS me to rate this this low. I considered giving it 3 stars, but when I look back, I can’t say I reallyyyy enjoyed my time and I can’t picture myself ever wanting to re-read this. So yeah, I feel like I have to go with 2.5/2.75 to reflect my own subjective experience of enjoyment with it.

The first 44% was okay. I was a little bit bored, but was still somewhat hopeful that the last half would maybe turn around. I kept moving to the next chapter hoping I’d feel that pull, hoping I’d feel a change in pace or direction, but it didn’t happen ☹️ I ended up putting it down because I was a little disappointed with how it was going so far, which unfortunately turned into a month of not picking it back up again. I didn’t even mean to put it on pause for month, but I genuinely just didn’t feel drawn to picking it back up again.

The main problem for me was that this book dragged. I don’t feel like that much really happened? I kept waiting for the story to start picking up or at least hoping that all the information I was being fed was really going to move the plot forward, but that didn’t really happen either. The world building was just layed on so thick in this book and made it way less enjoyable. Nothing exciting went on until about 50 pages left in the book.

Honestly, I wish Kalie had written In the Veins of the Drowning as a longer standalone. If parts of this book were put into the end of book one and wrapped up then, I think it would have made an incredibleeee standalone. I had high hopes for where this book would take us, but I hate that this kind of ruined how I felt about this story as a whole. I re-read book one before this one and loved it just as much as I did the first time, but now I don’t feel like I can enjoy this story because I wouldn’t care to re-read book 2 again. So now i’m just like…. Welp 😔🥲

The romance was kind of there, but not nearly to the degree that we got & felt in book one. In the Veins of the Drowning hooked me with the gothic atmosphere and siren folklore, etc., but the romance & yearning is really what captivated me. I was looking forward to even more intense yearning and romance in this, but I just didn’t feel it on the same level that I did before. This broke my heart because I truly love Theo & Imogen so much. I love them both as individuals and as a couple. I think they have great chemistry as well. …but something was just really lacking in this book 😔

It got a bit tiring how many times romantic or intimate moments were interrupted/stopped bc of a knock on a door, footsteps nearing, etc. Like can we just let the scene complete at least once? This was a huge reason I was upset that Theo & Halla stayed married for the entire book. It made sense why it happened in the plot, but I was shocked that we had to sit with it from start to finish. I did not think it was necessary for it to stay that way the entire time. Idk I guess I just expected all of that to pan out a bit differently. Again, I think it ruined a lot of the romantic moments & interactions in this book. Like we already dealt with this in the first book because he was betrothed, but at least then, it didn’t ruin the romantic moments.

By the end of this book, I didn’t feel like we got the emotional payoff from their journey that we deserved. I didn’t feel completely content and hated that it felt like this entire book was really them having to be miserable because of their circumstances. And look, I’ve read plenty of books where I love being in agony, but this wasn’t that. Most of what was putting them in their circumstances felt drawn out and lingered lonnng past its usefulness. They didn’t get any ounce of true happiness until the epilogue and even that was just telling me like “yes we’re happy! Yipee”… I didn’t get to feel it and really beeeee there for any of that. After everything they went through in the last 2 books, that’s all I get? 😔 all of it wrapped up far too quickly for me.

Even the side characters, like Agatha & Lachlan, felt underwhelming in this book. We didn’t get much from them and when we did, it was just a random shout of “oh they’re bonded again,” and that was it. Skimping on their story felt like a disservice to their characters and to the fullness of the story.

One positive about this book was that I still liked Theo. He still had some beautiful lines of yearning and longing. I was glad that I at least had some of that. He was so devoted to Imogen and unwavering in how he felt about her.

I struggled a bit with what to rate this because objectively, I don’t think this is necessarily a bad book! I still loved the language/style of the writing.

However, subjectively, I just didn’t enjoy it all that much. I realize that my expectations for this were quite high and I was hopeful for how this story would continue from book one, so that definitely played a role as well. But overall… I just wanted more from it. 😔💔

Ugh, I’m truly sooooo beyond upset that this was a disappointment for me 😞 I didn’t at all expect this outcome with how much I LOVED in the veins of the drowning.

Again though, I want to reiterate that objectively, I don’t think this was terrible or anything. I can totally see how people would love this, but I also very much understand the people that don’t love it. Just sad to say I fell with the latter. 💔


______________________________________________

pre-read 🥺🧜🏼‍♀️

So nervous and excited for this. King Theo, i missed you 😫🥺🥺🥺💙🩵
]]> Immortal Rose 244966980
Members of the ancient House Rosebourne have a strange gift born of a fairy ancestor: the ability to infuse fragrance with magic capable of manipulating mind, body, and emotion.

When a shocking murder leaves the kingdom of Albion vulnerable to a coup, royal spymaster Hugh Thornton seeks the one person who can help: Viola Lockwood, the last living Rosebourne and secret heir to a fraught legacy.

Livid at the silver-eyed aristocrat who had her thrown in jail to force her compliance, Viola nevertheless comes to an agreement with him. In exchange for crafting Immortal Rose, the singular perfume capable of saving Albion, illegitimate Viola can seize the life—and fortune—that should have been hers.

As Hugh and Viola race to find the perfume’s lost fairy ingredient, hidden deep in Albion’s dark underbelly, neither can deny the scorching attraction building between them—especially as the attempts on Viola’s life grow increasingly brazen.

But a terrible truth lurks in the heart notes of their kingdom—and while every bargain has a cost, Immortal Rose may demand more than Hugh and Viola can ever pay.

This deluxe limited hardcover edition features beautiful stenciled edges and illustrated endpapers —available on the first printing only!]]> 496 Alexandra Bracken 0063441640 Grace 0 to-read 4.15 2026 Immortal Rose
author: Alexandra Bracken
name: Grace
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Cemetery Boys (Cemetery Boys, #1)]]> 216470372 Yadriel has summoned a ghost, and now he can’t get rid of him.

When his traditional Latinx family has problems accepting his gender, Yadriel becomes determined to prove himself a real brujo. With the help of his cousin and best friend Maritza, he performs the ritual himself, and then sets out to find the ghost of his murdered cousin and set it free.

However, the ghost he summons is actually Julian Diaz, the school’s resident bad boy, and Julian is not about to go quietly into death. He’s determined to find out what happened and tie up some loose ends before he leaves. Left with no choice, Yadriel agrees to help Julian, so that they can both get what they want. But the longer Yadriel spends with Julian, the less he wants to let him leave.]]> 368 Aiden Thomas 125079207X Grace 0 to-read 4.27 2020 Cemetery Boys (Cemetery Boys, #1)
author: Aiden Thomas
name: Grace
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Something Rad 126513279 What happens when the one person you can stand the least is the key to everything you want the most?

Bay View, California - 1987
One month. I just have to make it through one month pretending to like the infuriatingly perfect-haired thorn in my side and the prodigal son of Bay View High. I was so close to my dream I could almost taste it. My senior year was supposed to be simple. I would quietly get what I have worked so hard for, then say goodbye to this small town and hello to a world of new opportunities. But it turns out this year isn't going to allow me to fade into the crowd with my head down anymore. Even though I would rather have nothing to do with him. ROBBIE SUMMERS may just be the answer to everything.


Bay View High is my castle and I've come to claim my throne for one final year. I've never given thought to the future, or the choices and responsibilities that come with it, because why would I when living in the now is so much more fun? It seems, however, that my easygoing and reckless nature might have caught up with me, and that the world I thought I had in the palm of my hand might not be entirely mine anymore. I'll do anything I can to change that. To remind every person who I am. Even if it means living my worst nightmare and fake dating SARA COOPER, the gray-eyed girl that haunts me in my sleep.


]]> 668 Nikki Witt Grace 0 to-read 4.12 Something Rad
author: Nikki Witt
name: Grace
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1) 222279220 He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm ]]> 384 B.K. Borison 0063430401 Grace 3
Despite the fact that this took me almost a year to fully finish, I thought it was cute 🥰 lolz

So here’s the thing, I started this on October 25th of last year and read the first 70% in a day. Me being busy with nursing school + me being anxious about the fact that this wasn’t gonna be a 5 star read for me like I wanted, made me pause it. And well, here we are HAHAHAHHA

I had super high expectations for this last year. I read and loved FTC, so I thought this would be another 5 star for me. And while I did enjoy it, it didn’t necessarily meet the crazy hype for me. I thought it was a little insta-lusty/lovey, which I was not at all expecting bc FTC was not like that in the slightest.

Regardless, I did enjoy this. The ending was so sweet. Very cute Christmas book and I actually would re-read it.

Can’t believe I put off finishing it for so long, but I’m also not shocked bc it’s very me]]> 3.95 2025 Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1)
author: B.K. Borison
name: Grace
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/09
date added: 2026/08/09
shelves:
review:
3.5🌟

Despite the fact that this took me almost a year to fully finish, I thought it was cute 🥰 lolz

So here’s the thing, I started this on October 25th of last year and read the first 70% in a day. Me being busy with nursing school + me being anxious about the fact that this wasn’t gonna be a 5 star read for me like I wanted, made me pause it. And well, here we are HAHAHAHHA

I had super high expectations for this last year. I read and loved FTC, so I thought this would be another 5 star for me. And while I did enjoy it, it didn’t necessarily meet the crazy hype for me. I thought it was a little insta-lusty/lovey, which I was not at all expecting bc FTC was not like that in the slightest.

Regardless, I did enjoy this. The ending was so sweet. Very cute Christmas book and I actually would re-read it.

Can’t believe I put off finishing it for so long, but I’m also not shocked bc it’s very me
]]> Still Into You 235629883
Sloane Donavan dreamed of being a rock journalist ever since she posted her first MySpace blog. So when punk rock’s most notorious and elusive frontman offers her his first interview in eight years, Sloane should be jumping at the opportunity that will earn her a full-time staff position—but taking it would mean reconnecting with the only guy she’s ever loved (and lost), Dax Nakamura.

Unable to pass up a shot at making her name—and helping Dax clear the reputation that’s plagued his—Sloane agrees. It’s only a conflict of interest if anyone finds out. But the article Dax wants and the salacious tell-all Sloane’s editor is expecting are two completely different stories. And as old feelings resurface, Sloane’s journalistic integrity hangs in the balance. This is the career-making piece she’s been waiting for, but it comes with a price: the chance to rewrite the ending with her first and only love]]> 352 Erin Connor 1538759446 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.90 2026 Still Into You
author: Erin Connor
name: Grace
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/09
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Crown Me Dead (Heartstring Duet, #1)]]> 250789931 Wed me. Bed me. Slit my throat.

Born in dirt, raised in rot, I dig graves for the dead, while the living decay around me.

When my brother coughs blood, he appears.

A man too polished for the graveyard, with a bargain too cruel for the light: Seduce the King. Become the Queen. Die. And my brother lives.

Kael is a nightmare of living ruin, the rotting ruler of a festering realm. And Vale is his shadow, the cold architect of my demise.

One man needs my heart to beat. The other plans to stop it forever.

They think I’m a pawn. But I’m the gravedigger's daughter. And I know exactly where to bury them.

Welcome to the funeral.]]> 280 Liv Zander 1955871159 Grace 2
I’m actually irrationally angry over the fact that ANYONE is saying this is better than Court of Ravens 😭 If you read both books in that duology and still think that…. you’re insane and also soooo WRONG lol. Just say you have no taste LOL😭😭

The more I think about this book after finishing it, the more I realize how much I disliked it lol. I’m beyond disappointed tbh

yall fooled me again with ur hootin and hollering over a book that isn’t even good. Smhhhhhh 😩

I will say that I’m want to try and think of this duology as one book instead of two separate books. This is very short so a part of me feels a little unfair judging it harshly when it’s so incomplete. However, I still think my opinions are valid because overall, I didn’t like this book.

Regardless though…….

I’m still just genuinely ASTOUNDED that so many people are giving this 5 stars. I’m trying to remind myself that reading is subjective 🤣 I actually wanted to DNF so many times! I think I’m just so annoyed that so many people hate on Court of Ravens, but the entire world is absolutely raving about THIS?

The premise is very good/interesting and I loved the idea of the rot kingdom. I was intrigued from the very beginning of the story and was feeling good about it for a bit…. but a majority of this book was so incredibly bland. I was forcing myself to pick it up. I don’t think there is real depth to any of these characters. I don’t care about a single one of them? Scratch that—I guess I do care about her younger brother.

And pls let’s be serious… The fact that the fmc is saying in her inner-monologue about Vale, “what if he truly is growing love for me? My breath hitches. What if I could love him back?”
Immediate eyeroll. They’ve known each other for like a week or two? I’m so confused. Like what the hell is everyone talking about? 😭 Am I seriously supposed to believe these two are in love?? I don’t feel a genuine connection or chemistry between them at all. They fucked and I was like… ok… that was weird lol.

The writing felt a lot more choppy than I was expecting, but I do recognize I might only feel this way bc I’m struggling to connect to the story. I still liked Liv’s writing style/word choices, but I don’t feel like the sentences always flowed well from one to the next. Liv’s writing is what stuck out to me so much in Court of Ravens. The prose was beautiful and I was hoping to connect to it the same in this.

I also guessed every plot twist early on so that was disappointing.

I get Court of Ravens is much muchhhh darker than this and is not for everyone, but so far, it’s IMMENSELY better. I mean it took me 4 DAYS of reading this 270 page book to finish it. And after finishing, my desire to to read book two is so incredibly low.

I’m sure I have some plot twists in store for me with book two (i hope lol), but this thing better be a goddamn masterpiece with the way yall rave about it. I will be MORE than happy to eat my words and be proven completely wrong, but until then…..

_______________________________________________
pre-read 🖤

my special edition for this duet just came in, so I think it’s finally time to read it! Liv Zander’s Court of Ravens is my favorite duology of all time so I’ve been very excited to read this one since it came out! Interested to see how that one compares to this! 🖤]]> 4.03 2026 Crown Me Dead (Heartstring Duet, #1)
author: Liv Zander
name: Grace
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2026
rating: 2
read at: 2026/07/19
date added: 2026/08/09
shelves:
review:
2🌟

I’m actually irrationally angry over the fact that ANYONE is saying this is better than Court of Ravens 😭 If you read both books in that duology and still think that…. you’re insane and also soooo WRONG lol. Just say you have no taste LOL😭😭

The more I think about this book after finishing it, the more I realize how much I disliked it lol. I’m beyond disappointed tbh

yall fooled me again with ur hootin and hollering over a book that isn’t even good. Smhhhhhh 😩

I will say that I’m want to try and think of this duology as one book instead of two separate books. This is very short so a part of me feels a little unfair judging it harshly when it’s so incomplete. However, I still think my opinions are valid because overall, I didn’t like this book.

Regardless though…….

I’m still just genuinely ASTOUNDED that so many people are giving this 5 stars. I’m trying to remind myself that reading is subjective 🤣 I actually wanted to DNF so many times! I think I’m just so annoyed that so many people hate on Court of Ravens, but the entire world is absolutely raving about THIS?

The premise is very good/interesting and I loved the idea of the rot kingdom. I was intrigued from the very beginning of the story and was feeling good about it for a bit…. but a majority of this book was so incredibly bland. I was forcing myself to pick it up. I don’t think there is real depth to any of these characters. I don’t care about a single one of them? Scratch that—I guess I do care about her younger brother.

And pls let’s be serious… The fact that the fmc is saying in her inner-monologue about Vale, “what if he truly is growing love for me? My breath hitches. What if I could love him back?”
Immediate eyeroll. They’ve known each other for like a week or two? I’m so confused. Like what the hell is everyone talking about? 😭 Am I seriously supposed to believe these two are in love?? I don’t feel a genuine connection or chemistry between them at all. They fucked and I was like… ok… that was weird lol.

The writing felt a lot more choppy than I was expecting, but I do recognize I might only feel this way bc I’m struggling to connect to the story. I still liked Liv’s writing style/word choices, but I don’t feel like the sentences always flowed well from one to the next. Liv’s writing is what stuck out to me so much in Court of Ravens. The prose was beautiful and I was hoping to connect to it the same in this.

I also guessed every plot twist early on so that was disappointing.

I get Court of Ravens is much muchhhh darker than this and is not for everyone, but so far, it’s IMMENSELY better. I mean it took me 4 DAYS of reading this 270 page book to finish it. And after finishing, my desire to to read book two is so incredibly low.

I’m sure I have some plot twists in store for me with book two (i hope lol), but this thing better be a goddamn masterpiece with the way yall rave about it. I will be MORE than happy to eat my words and be proven completely wrong, but until then…..

_______________________________________________
pre-read 🖤

my special edition for this duet just came in, so I think it’s finally time to read it! Liv Zander’s Court of Ravens is my favorite duology of all time so I’ve been very excited to read this one since it came out! Interested to see how that one compares to this! 🖤
]]> On Your Six (Ellison #1) 253718667
Then he meets Hudson Hale.

Hudson is everything Elliot has been trained to suppress. The kind of soldier who runs toward the fire, consequences be damned. He shouldn't be Elliot's type. He shouldn't be Elliot's anything.

What starts as a single reckless night on an overnight assignment becomes six years of stolen weekends and discipline that fails in increments. Through deployments, a wedding, a funeral, and a war zone, Elliot and Hudson keep finding their way back to each other—only to part again as if nothing happened.

It almost works. Except pretending has a price—and sooner or later, somebody has to pay.

On Your Six is a spicy, dual-POV M/M romance with rivals-to-lovers energy and a hard-earned HEA.]]> 420 Eleonora Larsen Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.52 2026 On Your Six (Ellison #1)
author: Eleonora Larsen
name: Grace
average rating: 4.52
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/09
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lion & the Deathless Dark (Crowns of Nyaxia, #5)]]> 239937277 From New York Times bestselling author and BookTok sensation Carissa Broadbent returns with a brand new novel in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Lion & the Deathless Dark – the first book in the Bloodborn Duet.

Some blood tastes like vengeance. Some blood tastes like grief. Some blood tastes like nothing at all.

Under an eternal night, the world has been ravaged by ten years of war between humans and vampires. Kyrene scrapes by as a bounty hunter, bearing a blessed sword from the goddess of justice. But in the wake of a devastating loss, Kyrene commits a crime that makes her a target for mortals and gods alike – and she is still desperate for vengeance.

Her only chance at survival – and revenge – is making a deal with her enemy, the silver-tongue vampire prince, Septimus, who offers her one final to slay the gods themselves.

Together, Kyrene and Septimus must hunt the ultimate marks, all while navigating a web of prophecies and curses. Septimus is calculating and mysterious, masking secrets bloodthirsty enough to consume them both. Yet, most dangerous of all, Kyrene finds an unexpected kinship in him.

But their growing attraction is deadly in a world where the only currency is blood. And Kyrene will stop at nothing to fulfill her ultimate to kill the goddess of vampires, even if it means sacrificing love for revenge.]]> 560 Carissa Broadbent Grace 0 to-read 4.51 2026 The Lion & the Deathless Dark (Crowns of Nyaxia, #5)
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: Grace
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Wicker King (The Wicker King, #1)]]> 33158541
August and Jack struggle to keep afloat as they teeter between fantasy and their own emotions. In the end, each must choose his own truth.]]> 305 K. Ancrum 1250101549 Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 3.99 2017 The Wicker King (The Wicker King, #1)
author: K. Ancrum
name: Grace
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/07
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mr. Masters (Mr. Series Book 1)]]> 211350647 Job satisfaction has taken on a whole new meaning.

When I lied on my resume, I didn’t expect it to matter.
I mean any child would love me; I was born to be a nanny.
I applied for a position working for a woman, or so I thought.
But Julian Masters is definitely all man…the kind you dream of licking chocolate from.

The first day was bad. The kids were the spawn of the devil and I spied through a window and caught him doing something obscene…. and equally fascinating.

The second day was worse, he caught me snooping in his bathroom cabinet in my skimpy pyjamas and all hell broke loose.

On the third day, I ran over him in a golf cart.

And by day four I had decided that I wanted that chocolate…all of it.
Melted….on me.

But intelligent, widowed Judges don’t fall for ditzy nannies.
Or do they?]]> 464 T.L. Swan 1923232002 Grace 0 to-read 3.70 2018 Mr. Masters (Mr. Series Book 1)
author: T.L. Swan
name: Grace
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mr. Garcia (Mr. Series Book 3)]]> 211350648 I knew he was trouble from the moment we locked eyes.

We met at work, on my first day as a barista.
He smiled, I melted … then he tasted my coffee and threw it away.

Again, the next day, and the next.
He hated the coffee, yet still came back.
I knew his game.

He called my coffee death in a cup.
I called him god’s gift to women.
I wasn’t lying.

Then we ran into each other outside of the coffee house, and that’s when things got interesting.

No longer suave and sweet with impeccable manners.
Mr. Garcia had a darker side, his appetite, thick and heavy.
He set me on fire.

Unable to help it, we fell hopelessly in love.
The highest of highs.

But his demons are dark, as are mine.

I’m not sure if we can make it and I know I have two choices.
Walk away now to save myself.
Or try and hold on and let love be the light.

I choose option two.]]> 544 T.L. Swan 1923232029 Grace 0 to-read 3.79 2021 Mr. Garcia (Mr. Series Book 3)
author: T.L. Swan
name: Grace
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Raven King (All for the Game, #2)]]> 18187013
Except Andrew doesn't give up anything for free and Neil is terrible at trusting anyone but himself. The two don't have much time to come to terms with their situation before outside forces start tearing them apart. Riko is intent on destroying Neil's fragile new life, and the Foxes have just become collateral damage.

Neil's days are numbered, but he's learning the hard way to go down fighting for what he believes in, and Neil believes in Andrew even if Andrew won't believe in himself.]]> 423 Nora Sakavic 1301824291 Grace 4 mm
(Ok back for full review below)

“He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream.”

this is one of those series where you just don’t get it…. until you get it.

and guys, i finally get it.

i love these characters so so soooo much, wow.

i apologize if this review doesn’t make much sense. even trying to write out my thoughts explaining the difference between book one and two is harder for me to express than i thought. i’m clearly not very good at this whole “review” thing LMFAOOO. It’s gonna be all over the place i fear bc im just spewing my thoughts.

but let me preface this with the fact that i only gave the foxhole court 3 stars so this book was already working an uphill battle to capture me… and yet it somehow managed to do just that. after finishing book one, i wasn’t so sure i was gonna understand this fandom or why everyone loved these characters so much. i didn’t dislike it by any means, but i guess at the time, i just didn’t get it yet.

now, objectively, do i think the issues in this book were non-existent? no. but at this point, i’m not here to discuss any of that bc tbh, i don’t care about any of it.

loving these characters is what makes all the difference. loving these characters is what makes you love this book even more and that’s exactly what happened for me.

i will say that i was much more invested in the plot and what was going on this time around because i now knew what i was getting into and everything felt much less confusing. i think my issue with book one was it felt like i was thrown into the plot and i just felt confused the whole time 🤣 and the characters you meet are not necessarily warm & welcoming 🤣 i just didn’t get them, but honestly? i don’t think we’re supposed to in book one.
——> what i LOVED about this book, was the fact that you slowly uncover bits and pieces of the pasts of a few of the characters. it added a new layer of depth that made me feel more and more connected to them. Their personalities don’t change. They’re still the unhinged, clinically insane characters you met in the foxhole court, but now you’re beginning to truly understand their motivations, emotions, actions, etc. now you’re starting to see what made them into who they are.

in book one, i just didn’t think i cared that much?? But NOW?? Oh, i care. i absolutely care 😭😭😭 i love all of them so so much.

And oh, my sweet neil 😔💔 neil “i’m fine” josten.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “Guilt, grief, and pain were corrosive toxins in his veins, tearing him apart from the inside out. He let them, made them, because these memories were awful but they were things that made sense. That aching loss was all he knew and understood. He didn't know how to face this yet. He didn't know how to compartmentalize it into something he could tolerate.”


⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "Neil," Wymack said, "between you and me, I don't think you've ever been fine."


he’s been running his entire life, dealing with unimaginable fear, pain, loss, loneliness… 💔 and yet, he’s still come so far from the person he was in book one. slowly letting down his walls and letting people in. this family he’s found in the foxes is changing his entire life 😭❤️

neil & andrew were the stars of the show in my eyes. both were standout characters in this book. they have the most intriguing relationship. the farther along you get in this book, the more obvious it is that neil understands andrew like NO ONE else. and one of my favorite parts was seeing the way neil advocated for andrew when he was and was not present!!!!! Ugh😭 Nothing has happened between them yet, but it’s clear there is something special there.

andrew andrew andrew 💔❤️‍🩹😭

i wasn’t prepared for how i was going to feel about andrew in this book. he scared me a little in book one (lol), but to now know what lies behind his mask of indifference and this drug-induced, apathetic haze he’s always in… to see what he’s been hiding & supressing 💔😔 no, like- my heart completely broke for him. for the boy that he was 💔 we peeled back so many layers to his character in this book and i feel like i see him in an entirely new light. like i said before, this book really allowed us to understand why and how some of these characters are who they are today and i’m just so devastated over it 😭 it’s very clear that andrew uses this mask to cope with his trauma. it’s like he’s completely dissociated as a means to survive what he’s been through 😭😔 but neil sees through it all with andrew.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "Better luck next time, Neil," he said. "I warned you once already, didn't I? I don't feel anything."
"Anymore," Neil said, barely a whisper.
The old scars up and down Andrew's wrists were evidence of how far Andrew had to fall to hit this point.


⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “When Andrew finally stepped through the back doors, Neil half-wished they'd left him there. He was wearing the fresh clothes Wymack had brought him, but even the hooded sweatshirt couldn't hide the mess [redacted] made of his face. Worse than the bruises and cuts was the brilliant smile Andrew still wore. Neil saw it and wanted to be sick.”


neil consistently fights & advocates for andrew even when he clearly can’t do it for himself.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "What does Andrew have to do with this?"
"Everything that matters," Neil said.


😭😭😭😭

i can’t wait to see how their relationship to one another progresses in the king’s men bc i just- i can’t 😭 ANDRIEELLLLLL GET BEHIND ME OK 😭😭😭❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

every single one of these characters has been through their own HELL (some of them still actively going through it), but the found family in this is everything and i feel like it’s going to be at its best in the king’s men.

sorry if this review was a jumbled mess. i probably repeated myself in 3 different ways but i don’t feel like reading it over so let’s just hope it’s good enough🤣🤣🤣
______________________________________________

short review to come— i know i literally say this in every goddamn review but it’s not my fault i finish every book at 3:30 in the morning and cant stay awake to write a review

well, i guess it is technically my fault but whatever i’ll be back in the (later) morning for more thoughts]]> 4.37 2013 The Raven King (All for the Game, #2)
author: Nora Sakavic
name: Grace
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2013
rating: 4
read at: 2026/08/05
date added: 2026/08/06
shelves: mm
review:
4.25🌟

(Ok back for full review below)

“He was their family. They were his. They were worth every cut and bruise and scream.”

this is one of those series where you just don’t get it…. until you get it.

and guys, i finally get it.

i love these characters so so soooo much, wow.

i apologize if this review doesn’t make much sense. even trying to write out my thoughts explaining the difference between book one and two is harder for me to express than i thought. i’m clearly not very good at this whole “review” thing LMFAOOO. It’s gonna be all over the place i fear bc im just spewing my thoughts.

but let me preface this with the fact that i only gave the foxhole court 3 stars so this book was already working an uphill battle to capture me… and yet it somehow managed to do just that. after finishing book one, i wasn’t so sure i was gonna understand this fandom or why everyone loved these characters so much. i didn’t dislike it by any means, but i guess at the time, i just didn’t get it yet.

now, objectively, do i think the issues in this book were non-existent? no. but at this point, i’m not here to discuss any of that bc tbh, i don’t care about any of it.

loving these characters is what makes all the difference. loving these characters is what makes you love this book even more and that’s exactly what happened for me.

i will say that i was much more invested in the plot and what was going on this time around because i now knew what i was getting into and everything felt much less confusing. i think my issue with book one was it felt like i was thrown into the plot and i just felt confused the whole time 🤣 and the characters you meet are not necessarily warm & welcoming 🤣 i just didn’t get them, but honestly? i don’t think we’re supposed to in book one.
——> what i LOVED about this book, was the fact that you slowly uncover bits and pieces of the pasts of a few of the characters. it added a new layer of depth that made me feel more and more connected to them. Their personalities don’t change. They’re still the unhinged, clinically insane characters you met in the foxhole court, but now you’re beginning to truly understand their motivations, emotions, actions, etc. now you’re starting to see what made them into who they are.

in book one, i just didn’t think i cared that much?? But NOW?? Oh, i care. i absolutely care 😭😭😭 i love all of them so so much.

And oh, my sweet neil 😔💔 neil “i’m fine” josten.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “Guilt, grief, and pain were corrosive toxins in his veins, tearing him apart from the inside out. He let them, made them, because these memories were awful but they were things that made sense. That aching loss was all he knew and understood. He didn't know how to face this yet. He didn't know how to compartmentalize it into something he could tolerate.”


⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "Neil," Wymack said, "between you and me, I don't think you've ever been fine."


he’s been running his entire life, dealing with unimaginable fear, pain, loss, loneliness… 💔 and yet, he’s still come so far from the person he was in book one. slowly letting down his walls and letting people in. this family he’s found in the foxes is changing his entire life 😭❤️

neil & andrew were the stars of the show in my eyes. both were standout characters in this book. they have the most intriguing relationship. the farther along you get in this book, the more obvious it is that neil understands andrew like NO ONE else. and one of my favorite parts was seeing the way neil advocated for andrew when he was and was not present!!!!! Ugh😭 Nothing has happened between them yet, but it’s clear there is something special there.

andrew andrew andrew 💔❤️‍🩹😭

i wasn’t prepared for how i was going to feel about andrew in this book. he scared me a little in book one (lol), but to now know what lies behind his mask of indifference and this drug-induced, apathetic haze he’s always in… to see what he’s been hiding & supressing 💔😔 no, like- my heart completely broke for him. for the boy that he was 💔 we peeled back so many layers to his character in this book and i feel like i see him in an entirely new light. like i said before, this book really allowed us to understand why and how some of these characters are who they are today and i’m just so devastated over it 😭 it’s very clear that andrew uses this mask to cope with his trauma. it’s like he’s completely dissociated as a means to survive what he’s been through 😭😔 but neil sees through it all with andrew.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "Better luck next time, Neil," he said. "I warned you once already, didn't I? I don't feel anything."
"Anymore," Neil said, barely a whisper.
The old scars up and down Andrew's wrists were evidence of how far Andrew had to fall to hit this point.


⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ “When Andrew finally stepped through the back doors, Neil half-wished they'd left him there. He was wearing the fresh clothes Wymack had brought him, but even the hooded sweatshirt couldn't hide the mess [redacted] made of his face. Worse than the bruises and cuts was the brilliant smile Andrew still wore. Neil saw it and wanted to be sick.”


neil consistently fights & advocates for andrew even when he clearly can’t do it for himself.

⋆✴︎˚｡⋆ "What does Andrew have to do with this?"
"Everything that matters," Neil said.


😭😭😭😭

i can’t wait to see how their relationship to one another progresses in the king’s men bc i just- i can’t 😭 ANDRIEELLLLLL GET BEHIND ME OK 😭😭😭❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

every single one of these characters has been through their own HELL (some of them still actively going through it), but the found family in this is everything and i feel like it’s going to be at its best in the king’s men.

sorry if this review was a jumbled mess. i probably repeated myself in 3 different ways but i don’t feel like reading it over so let’s just hope it’s good enough🤣🤣🤣
______________________________________________

short review to come— i know i literally say this in every goddamn review but it’s not my fault i finish every book at 3:30 in the morning and cant stay awake to write a review

well, i guess it is technically my fault but whatever i’ll be back in the (later) morning for more thoughts
]]> The Storm (Us #2) 252268980 I was seventeen and he hated me.
I was nineteen when I fell for him. Hopelessly.
…and then we broke each other to pieces.
Six years later, I’m back on the east coast, doing my sister a favor. He’s not supposed to be here, so running into him is an unwelcome surprise.
What’s worse, somehow, we end up working together, so instead of avoiding him, I now have to see him every day.
His infuriating smirk.
The knowing looks.
His laugh and dumb jokes and the way that stupid nickname he gave me sounds on his lips.
Before I know it, all those feelings I thought I’d buried long ago are back with a vengeance.
But I’m not that same lovesick teenager anymore.
I know exactly how this story ends.
And I refuse to live through it twice.]]> 509 Briar Prescott Grace 0 to-read 4.36 2026 The Storm (Us #2)
author: Briar Prescott
name: Grace
average rating: 4.36
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga, #4)]]> 38226402 They call him father, liberator, warlord, Reaper. But he feels a boy as he falls toward the pale blue planet, his armor red, his army vast, his heart heavy. It is the tenth year of war and the thirty-second of his life.

A decade ago, Darrow was the hero of the revolution he believed would break the chains of the Society. But the Rising has shattered everything: Instead of peace and freedom, it has brought endless war. Now he must risk everything he has fought for on one last desperate mission. Darrow still believes he can save everyone, but can he save himself?

And throughout the worlds, other destinies entwine with Darrow’s to change his fate forever:

A young Red girl flees tragedy in her refugee camp and achieves for herself a new life she could never have imagined.

An ex-soldier broken by grief is forced to steal the most valuable thing in the galaxy—or pay with his life.

And Lysander au Lune, the heir in exile to the sovereign, wanders the stars with his mentor, Cassius, haunted by the loss of the world that Darrow transformed, and dreaming of what will rise from its ashes.

Red Rising was the story of the end of one universe, and Iron Gold is the story of the creation of a new one. Witness the beginning of a stunning new saga of tragedy and triumph from masterly New York Times bestselling author Pierce Brown.]]> 596 Pierce Brown 147364657X Grace 0 to-read 4.21 2018 Iron Gold (Red Rising Saga, #4)
author: Pierce Brown
name: Grace
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2018
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/05
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Swear on This Life 23492533
Yet from the very first page, Emiline is entranced by the story of Emerson and Jackson, two childhood best friends who fall in love and dream of a better life beyond the long dirt road that winds through their impoverished town in rural Ohio.

That’s because the novel is patterned on Emiline’s own dark and desperate childhood, which means that “J. Colby” must be Jase: the best friend and first love she hasn’t seen in over a decade. Far from being flattered that he wrote the novel from her perspective, Emiline is furious that he co-opted her painful past and took some dramatic creative liberties with the ending.

The only way she can put her mind at ease is to find and confront “J. Colby,” but is she prepared to learn the truth behind the fiction?]]> 303 Renee Carlino 1501105795 Grace 0 to-read 4.08 2016 Swear on This Life
author: Renee Carlino
name: Grace
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Endless Depths (Deep Water #1)]]> 247459192 How far would you go to rescue the man you love? 

Cole Morrissey
A near death experience is just another Monday when you’re a crab fisherman, but my black cloud would make anyone nervous, let alone my husband. 

Morgan begged me to stay home this year, but I only have one rule in our marriage: I go where you go. 

It’s a decision that ruins us.

What happened broke me. I hurt the people I love, and I don’t know how to stop. That’s why I pushed Morgan away, and abandoned everyone else. 

But Morgan won’t let me go so easily, and I love him too much to let him drown with me. 

Why can’t he see that I’m not worth saving? 

Morgan Morrissey
When I vowed until death do us part, I meant it. Cole can kick me out and break my heart, but I won’t let him throw away our marriage.

Somewhere inside the stranger I no longer recognize is the boy who chased away the darkness after my parents died. I’ll save him from himself, whether he wants me to or not. 

Why else would I follow him onto the same one-hundred-foot crab boat I told him not to go on after he asked for a divorce? 

But man is no match for the Bering Sea, and if we’re not careful, death will keep our vows before Cole can break them. 

—
Endless Depths is an angsty MM romance perfect for fans of marriage in crisis, fractured found families, and a hard-fought happily ever after. It's the first book in the Deep Water series , featuring the fishermen of the Briar Anteros as they navigate tumultuous relationships and the unforgivable Bering Sea. Each book follows a different couple and can be read in any order.

Tropes:
Marriage in crisis
Forced proximity
Hurt x comfort
Brother’s best friend
Grumpy x sunshine
Second chance
Chronic pain
Found family

For a full list of content warnings, please visit my website (caution: they may contain spoilers).]]> 290 Thea Verdone Grace 0 4.34 Endless Depths (Deep Water #1)
author: Thea Verdone
name: Grace
average rating: 4.34
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> Before I Do 60372439 What would you do if 'the one that got away' turned up the night before your wedding?

Head-in-the-stars Audrey is about to marry down-to-earth Josh. Though they are polar opposites, they have a healthy, stable relationship; Josh is just what Audrey needs. But romance should be unpredictable and full of fireworks, and as the big day approaches, Audrey's found herself wondering if Josh really is The One.

So, when Josh's sister shows up to the rehearsal dinner with Fred, Audrey's What If? guy--the man she met six years ago and had one amazing day with--Audrey finds herself torn. Surely Fred's appearance the night before she is due to get married can't be a coincidence. And when everything that could go wrong with the wedding starts to go wrong, Audrey has to ask herself: Is fate trying to stop her from making a huge mistake? Or does destiny just have a really twisty sense of humour?]]> 384 Sophie Cousens 0593539877 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.54 2022 Before I Do
author: Sophie Cousens
name: Grace
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2022
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> Once, Again, Always 246234921 A second-chance romance following a young woman who wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the past six years, only to find that she apparently married the one man she can’t stand—her arrogant and infuriating former boarding school rival.


Molly Graham’s day can’t possibly get any worse after she wakes up in a hospital bed with a head injury and amnesia. But then Aster Bishop—the Aster Bishop who made her life hell at boarding school—storms into her room calling her his wife.


To Molly’s shock, in the six years she no longer recalls, she somehow fell in love with a man she once despised. Persuaded by her lifelong friends to give her new reality a chance, she reluctantly returns to the home she and Aster share to try and piece together her life.


So much has changed, not least the considerate and devastatingly handsome man who spends every night sleeping on the sofa to avoid making her uncomfortable. This Aster is nothing like the entitled boy she once knew. Their chemistry is undeniable, but he’s distant with her, infuriatingly so. It’s clear he has secrets, and Molly can’t stand it. Especially knowing that she might never regain her memories.


That she fell in love with Aster Bishop once is hard enough to believe. But to fall in love again? To promise a future, always, when she can’t remember her past? It feels impossible when faced with a man she hardly knows and isn’t sure she can trust.


And yet…


Tropes Rivals to lovers, Forced proximity, Slow burn, Yearning (so much yearning), Found family, Second-chance romance, Memory loss, There’s only one bed and he takes the sofa like a boring, sensible man]]> 384 Amanda Gayle 0063488353 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 4.27 2026 Once, Again, Always
author: Amanda Gayle
name: Grace
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[No Matter What (Hearts of New York, #3)]]> 236772706 Sometimes love sends you back to the drawing board.

After a traumatic accident threatens the foundations of their happy marriage, a couple tries to rebuild and find their way back to each other—and themselves—in this tender, slow-burn romance.

Roz and Vin can’t look each other in the eyes anymore, let alone share a bed. It’s been a year since they survived a life-altering accident, and their marriage hasn’t been the same. But Roz has held out hope that they can fix things, until she discovers Vin has signed a new lease. So she does what any soon-to-be-divorced Manhattanite would do: sign up for a figure-drawing class.

Between Roz’s determined attempts to improve her artistic skills and her adventures with her best friend, Raffi, she can almost ignore Vin’s impending move-out date and his footsteps in their previously unoccupied guest room. But it would all be a lot easier if Vin wasn’t Raffi’s older brother, and if she didn’t still find him incredibly, debilitatingly attractive and kind.

So kind, in fact, that Vin offers to let Roz draw him. What is she supposed to say? It’s probably better than her original plan of finding some random male model online, and she needs all the practice she can get. Plus, that’s sure to make a separation easier, right? Focus on every detail of your estranged spouse’s body while drawing him in the nude? But after the year they’ve spent avoiding each other, it feels good to see and be seen by one another again.

As Roz works to capture the wholeness of the person she fell in love with, will they both be able to draw upon the feelings they buried deep inside to finally heal together?]]> 352 Cara Bastone 059397767X Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.78 2026 No Matter What (Hearts of New York, #3)
author: Cara Bastone
name: Grace
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Promise Me Sunshine (Hearts of New York, #2)]]> 214269328 Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. She’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things she’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice she’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again” list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.]]> 373 Cara Bastone 0593595734 Grace 0 to-read 4.06 2025 Promise Me Sunshine (Hearts of New York, #2)
author: Cara Bastone
name: Grace
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> PS: I Hate You 209455843
Sure, Dom was Josh’s life-long best friend. He’s also the infuriating man who broke Maddie’s heart back when she was naïve enough to give it to him. But since Dom insists on following the rules and Josh didn’t leave much room for Maddie to argue the matter, they embark together on a farewell trip that spans thousands of miles, exploring new places and revisiting their complicated history along the way.

After a snowstorm leads to a shared bed, Maddie starts to wonder if her brother might be matchmaking from the grave. But when grief also reopens old wounds between them, Maddie will need more than Josh’s ghostly guidance to trust Dom again.]]> 432 Lauren Connolly Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.98 2024 PS: I Hate You
author: Lauren Connolly
name: Grace
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> Never Over 222376762 A swoony second-chance romance where facing the one who broke your heart could be the thing that makes your dream come true.

Twenty-five-year-old Paige Lancaster is one contract away from earning a living doing her favorite thing in the world: writing songs. But when a music industry professional suggests she might be holding back with her lyrics to lessen the heartbreak of an old flame, Paige doubts if her music is ready to be heard.

In a rare, impulsive move, Paige contacts Liam Bishop after four years of no contact to ask him for a small favor: date her, and then re-break her heart, all so she can remember what those big, songworthy emotions felt like. And since Liam is the one who first set Paige on this career path, he hesitantly agrees.

Across three months of Liam’s summer work travel, the exes are forced to share hotel beds, rehash the past, and date in the present, all while navigating the building attraction between them they both swore was the one line of their agreement they wouldn’t cross.

But when it becomes near impossible not to act on their rippling chemistry, and as ever intensifying feelings blur the lines of what’s actually real and what’s driven by the music, Paige and Liam will both have to decide what’s more important: art for the sake of it, or love over everything.]]> 340 Clare Gilmore 1250383099 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.71 2025 Never Over
author: Clare Gilmore
name: Grace
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[You Deserve Each Other (You Deserve Each Other, #1)]]> 50027029
Naomi wants out, but there's a catch: whoever ends the engagement will have to foot the nonrefundable wedding bill. When Naomi discovers that Nicholas, too, has been feigning contentment, the two of them go head-to-head in a battle of pranks, sabotage, and all-out emotional warfare.

But with the countdown looming to the wedding that may or may not come to pass, Naomi finds her resolve slipping. Because now that they have nothing to lose, they're finally being themselves--and having fun with the last person they expect: each other.

When your nemesis also happens to be your fiancé, happily ever after becomes a lot more complicated in this wickedly funny, lovers-to-enemies-to-lovers romantic comedy debut.]]> 368 Sarah Hogle Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.84 2020 You Deserve Each Other (You Deserve Each Other, #1)
author: Sarah Hogle
name: Grace
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> Diving In 250363908
Sam Fletcher has two constants in his life: the pool and Kath Ford. Since they met aged eleven in a busy classroom, Kath has always been his anchor. Everything that isn't supporting his goal of becoming an Olympic swimmer is a distraction, including his terrifying, growing crush on his best friend.

Kath Ford has always made sensible choices. Colour-coded timetables. Clear goals. A carefully mapped future in medicine. Falling for Sam was never part of the plan—until one summer, when friendship starts to blur into something neither of them is ready to name.

But some lines can’t be uncrossed, and some fights can’t be resolved.

Years later, Sam’s a world-famous Olympian drowning in pressure, anxiety, and the fear that without swimming, he’s nothing at all. Kath is navigating the intensity of medical training, fighting to maintain her sense of self in a world that demands everything. Both are haunted by the same question: what happens when one person gives too much—and the other never believes they’re enough?
When their paths collide again, they’re forced to confront what was left unsaid. Loving each other was never the problem—but forgiveness might be.

Diving In is a sweeping, slow-burn childhood friends-to-lovers romance spanning first love, heartbreak, and the quiet courage it takes to choose each other again.]]> 354 Charlotte Watson 1067669205 Grace 0 4.23 Diving In
author: Charlotte Watson
name: Grace
average rating: 4.23
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, childhood-friends-to-lovers-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Seek the Traitor’s Son (The Burning Empire, #1)]]> 240323794 A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.]]> 432 Veronica Roth 1250347912 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 4.16 2026 Seek the Traitor’s Son (The Burning Empire, #1)
author: Veronica Roth
name: Grace
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> Not in My Book 203194039 The Hating Game meets Book Lovers in this sexy and hilarious enemies-to-lovers romance from a debut Peruvian-Tennessean voice.

Rosie Maxwell has a move to New York, get her creative writing degree from NYU, become a bestselling romance writer. But that plan is derailed when she ends up in class with her archnemesis and ex-crush, Aiden Huntington, an obnoxious, surly, unreasonably gorgeous literary fiction writer who has no patience for romance – or for Rosie.

Exhausted by Rosie and Aiden’s constant verbal sparring, their professor gives them an leave her class, or cowrite a novel that blends their respective genres.

As Rosie and Aiden collaborate on their (accidentally steamy) novel, they try to put their differences aside. Could their manuscript-in-progress be just the outlet they need to confess their feelings – and explore their mutual attraction?

But a potentially career-changing opportunity soon reignites the flames of their old rivalry. Rosie and Aiden’s once-in-a-lifetime love story is once again at risk of being shelved – unless they can find a way to end the book on their own terms...]]> 336 Katie Holt 1639109757 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 3.76 2024 Not in My Book
author: Katie Holt
name: Grace
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Even in Death (The Fragile Divine, #2)]]> 220873332
EVEN IN DEATH is the second book in the Fragile Divine, an interconnected dark fantasy romance series about the frailty of gods and goddesses. You can expect high stakes, all the emotions, a mythologically-inspired world, urban settings, mental health and LGBTQ+ rep, lush gothic undertones, and a little horror. ]]> 418 Randi Garner Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 4.42 Even in Death (The Fragile Divine, #2)
author: Randi Garner
name: Grace
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Gods and Monsters #3)]]> 251135831 Ask her, boy. Ask her what she begged the stars for and what lives now. Ask her what she ripped from the very heavens. And then ask her if she cares. The old blood runs through her veins. Nismera and her legions rule the realms as Samkiel’s power fills the sky. With him gone, she strives to solidify her spot on the throne, no matter the cost.

Dianna struggles beneath the weight of half-truths, lies, and deceptions. After overcoming what she thought was her hardest battle, she soon learns she is at risk of losing everything.

Samkiel strives to heal, but he has more on his plate than ever before. The Hand is dismantled, the realms are in turmoil, and the one person he can trust keeps him at arm’s length. Can the two work out their differences, or will they both fall to the blade of the Goddess of War?

The one true king returns, but is it the king or queen who shall rule them all?]]> 704 Amber V. Nicole 1496758080 Grace 0 to-read 4.53 2024 Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Gods and Monsters #3)
author: Amber V. Nicole
name: Grace
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Wherever I'm With You 251314870
After high school, when Alex left for college and Wren moved to New York to pursue a career in art, they worried about the distance between them and their time apart. So they promised that in one year they would meet back at their treehouse.
But when the day came, Alex never showed.

Ten years later, Wren has built a life she thought was complete. Just as she thinks the pain of her past will forever be behind her, Alex reappears. With him comes every memory, every unanswered question, and every reminder of the pain she felt on that night he never showed. While Wren struggles with Alex’s return, it doesn’t take long for her to realize that this man is not the boy she once knew.

What happened ten years ago that made Alex not show up, and in doing so, destroy their friendship that she thought would withstand anything?]]> 620 Lorissa Padilla 9798995791 Grace 0 to-read, second-chance-tbr 4.59 Wherever I'm With You
author: Lorissa Padilla
name: Grace
average rating: 4.59
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read, second-chance-tbr
review:

]]> These Violent Delights 49203397 The Secret History meets Call Me by Your Name in Micah Nemerever's compulsively enjoyable debut novel - a feverishly taut Hitchcockian story about two college students, each with his own troubled past, whose escalating obsession with one another leads to an act of unspeakable violence.

When Paul and Julian meet as university freshmen in early 1970s Pittsburgh, they are immediately drawn to one another. A talented artist, Paul is sensitive and agonizingly insecure, incomprehensible to his working-class family, and desolate with grief over his father's recent death. Paul sees his wealthy, effortlessly charming Julian as his sole intellectual equal - an ally against the conventional world he finds so suffocating. He idolizes his friend for his magnetic confidence. But as charismatic as he can choose to be, Julian also is volatile and capriciously cruel. And admiration isn't the same as trust.

As their friendship spirals into an all-consuming intimacy, Paul is desperate to protect their precarious bond, even as it becomes clear that pressures from the outside world are nothing compared with the brutality they are capable of inflicting on one another. Separation is out of the question. But as their orbit compresses and their grip on one another tightens, they are drawn to an act of irrevocable violence that will force the young men to confront a shattering truth at the core of their relationship.

Exquisitely plotted, unfolding with propulsive ferocity, These Violent Delights is a novel of escalating dread and an excavation of the unsettling depths of human desire.]]> 460 Micah Nemerever 0062963635 Grace 0 to-read 3.92 2020 These Violent Delights
author: Micah Nemerever
name: Grace
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2020
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Bright Years 214152211 One family. Four generations. A secret son. A devastating addiction. A Texas family is met with losses and surprises of inheritance, but they’re unable to shake the pull back toward each other in this family saga perfect for readers of Mary Beth Keane and Claire Lombardo.

Ryan and Lillian Bright are deeply in love, recently married, and now parents to a baby girl, Georgette. But Lillian has a son she hasn’t told Ryan about, and Ryan has an alcohol addiction he hasn’t told Lillian about, so Georgette comes of age watching their marriage rise and fall.

When a shocking blow scatters their fragile trio, Georgette tries to distance herself from reminders of her parents. Years later, Lillian’s son comes searching for his birth family, so Georgette must return to her roots, unearth her family’s history, and decide whether she can open up to love for them—or herself—while there’s still time.

Told from three intimate points of view, The Bright Years is a tender, true-to-life debut that explores the impact of each generation in a family torn apart by tragedy but, over time, restored by the power of grace and love.]]> 288 Sarah Damoff 1668061449 Grace 0 to-read 4.21 2025 The Bright Years
author: Sarah Damoff
name: Grace
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)]]> 209753199 The first in a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy duology featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world, perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, is in dire need of healing. Naturally – such is the grim comedy of fate – the only healer who can help is Aurienne Fairhrim, preeminent scientist, bastion of moral good, and member of an enemy Order.

Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick - so desperate that, when Osric bribes her to help him, she accepts, even if she detests him and everything he stands for.

A forced collaboration ensues: the brilliant Woman in STEM is coerced into working with the PhD in Murders, much to Aurienne's disgust. As Osric and Aurienne work together to heal his illness and investigate the mysterious reoccurrence of a deadly pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction, which only fuels the heat between them.

Romance tropes
Enemies to lovers
High interaction slow burn
Hypercompetent idiots
He falls first and harder
Evisceration as a love language]]> 416 Brigitte Knightley 0356524736 Grace 3 “He wished he could unknow what she had tasted like. What it had felt like to hold her quivering stillness in his arms as he made his way down her neck.
Once again they had met upon a threshold, once again they had reached an Almost, and once again she had fled.
She would never cross over. And he was burdened now, with the memory of a swiftly beating heart, exhilaration and pleasure, and the weight of regret.
He wished he could unkiss her.”

I liked it!
was I utterly enthralled by it? No, but this rating was honestly where i was hoping i’d at least land. i wanted 3 stars or higher and i was successful.

i don’t really have any specific complaints or issues. i can understand that if you read this around its release your expectations might’ve been pretty high, which could’ve impacted your enjoyment. And i’m sure that my knowledge that book 2 is supposed to be good/better than this one helped my overall enjoyment with this too. it’s definitely not perfect, but still enjoyable.

this is a cozy fantasy, so as expected, it didmove slower at points and the stakes were much lower.

i quite enjoyed their mean banter and general dislike for one another lolll. i thought they had good chemistry and i’m excited/curious to see how book 2 goes!


“They stood close. That was the thing about war: every clash, every battle, brought each nearer and nearer to the other. Their breaths intermingled, passed thresholds their lips would never cross. The wrongness of it was almost erotic.
There was a flush across Fairhrim’s cheeks. Osric felt himself swallow. Suddenly, the eye was not satisfied with seeing; suddenly, the mouth wished to taste.”
]]> 3.78 2025 The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)
author: Brigitte Knightley
name: Grace
average rating: 3.78
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2026/08/03
date added: 2026/08/03
shelves:
review:
“He wished he could unknow what she had tasted like. What it had felt like to hold her quivering stillness in his arms as he made his way down her neck.
Once again they had met upon a threshold, once again they had reached an Almost, and once again she had fled.
She would never cross over. And he was burdened now, with the memory of a swiftly beating heart, exhilaration and pleasure, and the weight of regret.
He wished he could unkiss her.”

I liked it!
was I utterly enthralled by it? No, but this rating was honestly where i was hoping i’d at least land. i wanted 3 stars or higher and i was successful.

i don’t really have any specific complaints or issues. i can understand that if you read this around its release your expectations might’ve been pretty high, which could’ve impacted your enjoyment. And i’m sure that my knowledge that book 2 is supposed to be good/better than this one helped my overall enjoyment with this too. it’s definitely not perfect, but still enjoyable.

this is a cozy fantasy, so as expected, it didmove slower at points and the stakes were much lower.

i quite enjoyed their mean banter and general dislike for one another lolll. i thought they had good chemistry and i’m excited/curious to see how book 2 goes!


“They stood close. That was the thing about war: every clash, every battle, brought each nearer and nearer to the other. Their breaths intermingled, passed thresholds their lips would never cross. The wrongness of it was almost erotic.
There was a flush across Fairhrim’s cheeks. Osric felt himself swallow. Suddenly, the eye was not satisfied with seeing; suddenly, the mouth wished to taste.”

]]> The Tragedy of Felix and Jake 63925925 They say the best way to stay sober is to love yourself.

I’m great at making bad decisions.
Addict? Check. Poor impulse control? Check. Obsessed with the guy I’m sponsoring? Check Check Check.
There is no one worse for me to want in my bed than Jake Tully. He’s hot and grumpy and literally a terrible idea. Terrible. Worse, no one has ever made me feel the way he does — valued. But here I am - thinking about him again.

Falling for my sponsor is not my worst idea yet, but it’s damn close.
Felix Fields is everything good. He’s thoughtful and kind. I can’t help but think about every bad thing we could do between these sheets.
But we can’t be together. I’m not willing to risk my recovery for anyone – even if he might be perfect for me.

Finding a love like this is nothing short of a tragedy.

**Author's Note: This book ends in a Happily Ever After, but getting there isn't easy.]]> 431 J. Daniels Grace 2 mm
I really wanted to love this one and honestly, I’m shocked that I landed on this rating bc I expected to love it based on people’s reviews, but it is what it is 😕

Here me out

These two kind of gave me anxiety. I think I’ve started to realize that books where both MCs are actively struggling with addiction are definitely a hit or miss for me. Felix & Jake’s relationship felt overwhelming and really destabilizing at times. I find that it’s sort of anxiety-inducing for me when neither person can really be that grounding force in the relationship. When this is present, I think it still allows the relationship to feel like it has some direction (even if it’s messy). Does that make any sense? I’m not sure if anyone will get what I mean but I’m about to give a comparison of this with another series that does this same trope but where I thought it was done better (so keep reading, thanks)

I just think that because both Felix & Jake had very similar struggles with their addictions & coping mechanisms, it didn’t really feel like they were able to balance each other out. Everything just felt heightened, which is what kinda gave me the anxiety🤣 I guess it just felt more overwhelming than hopeful to me. The entire time I was just thinking about how much of a mess they were and how terrible they were together, unfortunately 🥴 The resolution felt very rushed and I kind of hate that we never really got it on page; it was just told to us at the very end. The very end too, with the gas station thing? Wtf was that and what was the point of even putting that in there?

As for my comparison, I would like to give a separate example of a different book that I actually feel did this trope much better. So in the Addicted series, we have both MCs struggling with different addictions. And while they do absolutely enable each other and it becomes very overwhelming and hard to read in the beginning, I believe it was done in a way that was very purposeful to the growth of both MCs. It’s clear that Lily & Lo become catalysts for each other and actually create meaningful disruption within their relationship. We also get that growth over a span of multiple books, not just one! Fleshing out the story over more than just one book really allows complicated characters like these to experience a full arc, especially as individuals. Which personally, I felt like The Tragedy of Felix and Jake really lacked. In addition to this, Lily & Lo both have different coping mechanisms for their addictions and they also manifest completely different. For me, this adds necessary variation/contrast to their dynamic which allows their relationship to actually feel transformative, compelling, and like it has the possibility of true progression (again, despite the messiness).

Reading The Tragedy of Felix and Jake weirdly has made me appreciate the way this trope was done in the Addicted series with Lily & Lo a lot more, and allowed me to see it from a different perspective. I definitely still got anxiety reading their books, but in my opinion, it was done better. Which is also why I need to restart those books and try again LOL.

I guess, for me, most of this book felt like book 1 of the addicted series and if it had ended there. Jake & Felix felt unhealthy & toxic in a way that felt cyclical rather than transformative like I wanted. And that would be fine if there was a book to follow this, but this being a standalone really just doesn’t work for me given the circumstances. I think they needed more time for their individual arcs to happen and more of an on-page resolution.

I think the way I was feeling while reading this contributed to my difficulty in connecting with the MCs as well. I couldn’t connect to them as much I wanted to, which made me sad :( In the beggining, I loved the cute moments between them, but then I kind of stopped getting that giggly, butterflies in my stomach feeling. Idk
:( I just didn’t love them together :/

Apart from these main things, there were other little things here and there that I didn’t particularly love either. So all in all, this is what brought me to my rating.

Some things I liked so this review isn’t all negative:
— The spice was really hot

— I liked both of them as individuals, especially Felix. When explained to us all he’s gone through in his life, I was heartbroken for him!!! All that he’s had to endure in the past and even during the present with his dad!! Ugh, that was so sad to read💔]]> 4.29 2023 The Tragedy of Felix and Jake
author: J. Daniels
name: Grace
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2026/04/12
date added: 2026/08/02
shelves: mm
review:
2🌟

I really wanted to love this one and honestly, I’m shocked that I landed on this rating bc I expected to love it based on people’s reviews, but it is what it is 😕

Here me out

These two kind of gave me anxiety. I think I’ve started to realize that books where both MCs are actively struggling with addiction are definitely a hit or miss for me. Felix & Jake’s relationship felt overwhelming and really destabilizing at times. I find that it’s sort of anxiety-inducing for me when neither person can really be that grounding force in the relationship. When this is present, I think it still allows the relationship to feel like it has some direction (even if it’s messy). Does that make any sense? I’m not sure if anyone will get what I mean but I’m about to give a comparison of this with another series that does this same trope but where I thought it was done better (so keep reading, thanks)

I just think that because both Felix & Jake had very similar struggles with their addictions & coping mechanisms, it didn’t really feel like they were able to balance each other out. Everything just felt heightened, which is what kinda gave me the anxiety🤣 I guess it just felt more overwhelming than hopeful to me. The entire time I was just thinking about how much of a mess they were and how terrible they were together, unfortunately 🥴 The resolution felt very rushed and I kind of hate that we never really got it on page; it was just told to us at the very end. The very end too, with the gas station thing? Wtf was that and what was the point of even putting that in there?

As for my comparison, I would like to give a separate example of a different book that I actually feel did this trope much better. So in the Addicted series, we have both MCs struggling with different addictions. And while they do absolutely enable each other and it becomes very overwhelming and hard to read in the beginning, I believe it was done in a way that was very purposeful to the growth of both MCs. It’s clear that Lily & Lo become catalysts for each other and actually create meaningful disruption within their relationship. We also get that growth over a span of multiple books, not just one! Fleshing out the story over more than just one book really allows complicated characters like these to experience a full arc, especially as individuals. Which personally, I felt like The Tragedy of Felix and Jake really lacked. In addition to this, Lily & Lo both have different coping mechanisms for their addictions and they also manifest completely different. For me, this adds necessary variation/contrast to their dynamic which allows their relationship to actually feel transformative, compelling, and like it has the possibility of true progression (again, despite the messiness).

Reading The Tragedy of Felix and Jake weirdly has made me appreciate the way this trope was done in the Addicted series with Lily & Lo a lot more, and allowed me to see it from a different perspective. I definitely still got anxiety reading their books, but in my opinion, it was done better. Which is also why I need to restart those books and try again LOL.

I guess, for me, most of this book felt like book 1 of the addicted series and if it had ended there. Jake & Felix felt unhealthy & toxic in a way that felt cyclical rather than transformative like I wanted. And that would be fine if there was a book to follow this, but this being a standalone really just doesn’t work for me given the circumstances. I think they needed more time for their individual arcs to happen and more of an on-page resolution.

I think the way I was feeling while reading this contributed to my difficulty in connecting with the MCs as well. I couldn’t connect to them as much I wanted to, which made me sad :( In the beggining, I loved the cute moments between them, but then I kind of stopped getting that giggly, butterflies in my stomach feeling. Idk
:( I just didn’t love them together :/

Apart from these main things, there were other little things here and there that I didn’t particularly love either. So all in all, this is what brought me to my rating.

Some things I liked so this review isn’t all negative:
— The spice was really hot

— I liked both of them as individuals, especially Felix. When explained to us all he’s gone through in his life, I was heartbroken for him!!! All that he’s had to endure in the past and even during the present with his dad!! Ugh, that was so sad to read💔
]]> In Memoriam 61034676
When Gaunt's mother asks him to enlist in the British army to protect the family from anti-German attacks, he signs up immediately, relieved to escape his overwhelming feelings. But Ellwood and their classmates soon follow him into the horrors of trenches. Though Ellwood and Gaunt find fleeting moments of solace in one another, their friends are dying in front of them, and at any moment they could be next.

An epic tale of the devastating tragedies of war and the forbidden romance that blooms in its grip, In Memoriam is a breathtaking debut.]]> 380 Alice Winn 024156784X Grace 5
{my booksta edit for in memoriam}

This was unbelievably gut-wrenching. The horrors of the war were depicted in such a raw & realistic way. I felt sick from beginning to end 😭

It was heartbreaking to see how different Gaunt & Elly were in the beginning versus the end. The shift was actually jarring.

The war truly changed them irrevocably. They both lost their innocence at such a young age by being exposed to the brutalities of war and were struggling to find their way back to themselves & to each other.

The way the death of others becomes more and more detached from emotion was a constant reminder of how much these boys were changing and ironically, just added to the emotional weight of the story.

They loved each other before, during, & after the war. They PINED for each other for years in secret and it made this all the more tragic. So much left unsaid between them with so much to lose. 💔❤️‍🩹

I was grateful for the HEA bc if this ended with tragedy…… bye i would be so unwell

This story will definitely stay with me for a long time and I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished last night.

“It was spring of Lower Sixth, and Ellwood was so in love with Gaunt that his thoughts ran wild with anger. Gaunt was woven into everything he read, saw, wrote, did, dreamt. Every poem had been written about him, every song composed for him, and Ellwood could not scrape his mind clean of him no matter how he tried.”
🫩🫩🫠🫠💔💔💔

“What I meant to say is this: You’ll write more poems. They are not lost. You are the poetry.”

“Ellwood wanted to punch him. He wanted to make him bleed, and then tend to the wounds.”

“And it was a magical thing, to love someone so much; it was a feeling so strange and slippery, like a sheath of fabric cut from the sky.”

“I stood on the most God-forsaken patch of earth I hope ever exists and I thought: I wonder how Elly is.”


“‘My dearest, darling Sidney,’
Ellwood mouthed the words.
‘My,’ just the word ‘my’ would have been enough to live on, if Gaunt had ever called him that to his face.”

“‘I think,’ said Gaunt, watching her set the dollhouse to rights, ‘that if he gave me the smallest hope—I should wait forever.’”


—————————————————————————————
Bleak as hell🫩💔 review to come later when im fully awake]]> 4.53 2023 In Memoriam
author: Alice Winn
name: Grace
average rating: 4.53
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2026/03/18
date added: 2026/08/02
shelves: mm, ripped-my-heart-out, mm-favorites, favorites
review:
6🌟

{my booksta edit for in memoriam}

This was unbelievably gut-wrenching. The horrors of the war were depicted in such a raw & realistic way. I felt sick from beginning to end 😭

It was heartbreaking to see how different Gaunt & Elly were in the beginning versus the end. The shift was actually jarring.

The war truly changed them irrevocably. They both lost their innocence at such a young age by being exposed to the brutalities of war and were struggling to find their way back to themselves & to each other.

The way the death of others becomes more and more detached from emotion was a constant reminder of how much these boys were changing and ironically, just added to the emotional weight of the story.

They loved each other before, during, & after the war. They PINED for each other for years in secret and it made this all the more tragic. So much left unsaid between them with so much to lose. 💔❤️‍🩹

I was grateful for the HEA bc if this ended with tragedy…… bye i would be so unwell

This story will definitely stay with me for a long time and I honestly haven’t stopped thinking about it since I finished last night.

“It was spring of Lower Sixth, and Ellwood was so in love with Gaunt that his thoughts ran wild with anger. Gaunt was woven into everything he read, saw, wrote, did, dreamt. Every poem had been written about him, every song composed for him, and Ellwood could not scrape his mind clean of him no matter how he tried.”
🫩🫩🫠🫠💔💔💔

“What I meant to say is this: You’ll write more poems. They are not lost. You are the poetry.”

“Ellwood wanted to punch him. He wanted to make him bleed, and then tend to the wounds.”

“And it was a magical thing, to love someone so much; it was a feeling so strange and slippery, like a sheath of fabric cut from the sky.”

“I stood on the most God-forsaken patch of earth I hope ever exists and I thought: I wonder how Elly is.”


“‘My dearest, darling Sidney,’
Ellwood mouthed the words.
‘My,’ just the word ‘my’ would have been enough to live on, if Gaunt had ever called him that to his face.”

“‘I think,’ said Gaunt, watching her set the dollhouse to rights, ‘that if he gave me the smallest hope—I should wait forever.’”


—————————————————————————————
Bleak as hell🫩💔 review to come later when im fully awake
]]> <![CDATA[Beautiful Things Obey (Beautiful Things #1)]]> 251798616
In the silence of the morgue, she fixes what violence ruins. Bullet wounds disappear beneath careful stitching. Evidence vanishes. Secrets are buried with the dead. Every crew in the city relies on her.

All except one.

The largest. The most powerful. The one even other criminals fear.

She has spent years avoiding them.

Until the night their leader walks through her doors.

He does not shout. He does not threaten. He simply watches her work, calm, immaculate, disturbingly intrigued. When he tells her she will be working for him from now on, it sounds less like a request and more like fate closing in.

She refuses.

He returns.

Again.
And again.
And again.

The more she resists, the more fascinated he becomes. He calls her extraordinary. Says her talent is wasted on small men with smaller ambitions. Says beautiful things belong in powerful hands.

He thinks she will bend.

He has no idea she has been surrounded by monsters her entire life and survived them all.

Written consecutively by three authors meaning every twist, betrayal, and obsession forced the next writer deeper into the dark.]]> 420 T.L. Smith Grace 0 to-read 4.12 Beautiful Things Obey (Beautiful Things #1)
author: T.L. Smith
name: Grace
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Cannibal (The Poisoner #3)]]> 247744464 432 I.V. Ophelia 166822822X Grace 0 to-read 4.31 2026 The Cannibal (The Poisoner #3)
author: I.V. Ophelia
name: Grace
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/08/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[These Immortal Truths (Peaches & Honey, #1)]]> 252104390 AN INSTANT USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

Both epic and intimate, These Immortal Truths is an enchanting and romantic historical fantasy that explores not only what it means to live forever, but what it means to truly live at all.

“Did I not tell you, Anna? Death will not come for you.”

Anna is used to hunger and hardship. Ever since the pale shadows on her skin were mistaken for leprosy, she has lived alone in exile, each day focused only on survival.

Then a single act of kindness towards a beautiful stranger changes her life forever.

Suddenly, neither time nor harm can touch her, and Anna strives to embrace a life with boundless potential, one that isn’t only about survival. But as decades and centuries pass, she is continually forced to abandon each new life before it has the chance to feel like home.

The only constant in her eternal existence is Khiran—the shapeshifting god who gave her immortality. No matter the years or distance, he always finds her when she most needs him.

But there is more to immortality than Anna knows, and as she travels the ages, she will discover the beauty—and cost—of a life without end.]]> 272 Rachelle Raeta 1250419476 Grace 3
❀ “You are everything I never knew to hope for.”

❀“She haunts him. She has for centuries, but now it feels different. Her memory is less of a nudge and more like the frigid hands of a wraith gripping his heart. So cold, it pierces.”

❀ “Every waking moment I’m not by your side feels like agony. The thought of never seeing you again, of leaving for good, fills me with such torment that Hell itself could swallow me up, and the distraction would be a relief.”

Oh, the YEARRNNNNN. Khiran😭😭😭 I loved him!!!

Review:

I struggled a little with what I wanted to rate this and a part of me still feels undecided, but I did really like it ❤️

The prose was beautiful. I loved that this honed in on the burden of immortality, and as you can probably imagine, the overall tone was pretty melancholic. It took us through pivotal events in history over a millennium. The romance in this is also a very SLOW burn.

I think it was smart that the author changed the title of this book when going trad, bc now it actually highlights what this book is really about.

My one main critique is that bc we’re time jumping every chapter, it sometimes felt like I was just living on the surface of the story and not fully connected to it. It felt a little repetitive at certain points. The second half of the book was definitely my favorite though.

I wasn’t totally sure where this was going or how it was going to end and lead into book 2, but towards the end we are let in on the higher stakes of the plot and what is sort of going on. That had me even more investedddd. Definitely starting book 2 soon, if not immediately.

Overall, definitely not perfect, but I still really enjoyed it 💜 I can understand the negative reviews for this and I can also understand the very positive reviews for this. I feel like I fell a little in the middle, but still loving it because I felt connected to the MCs and the overall message of the story.]]> 4.23 2023 These Immortal Truths (Peaches & Honey, #1)
author: Rachelle Raeta
name: Grace
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2026/07/29
date added: 2026/07/31
shelves:
review:
3.5🌟

❀ “You are everything I never knew to hope for.”

❀“She haunts him. She has for centuries, but now it feels different. Her memory is less of a nudge and more like the frigid hands of a wraith gripping his heart. So cold, it pierces.”

❀ “Every waking moment I’m not by your side feels like agony. The thought of never seeing you again, of leaving for good, fills me with such torment that Hell itself could swallow me up, and the distraction would be a relief.”

Oh, the YEARRNNNNN. Khiran😭😭😭 I loved him!!!

Review:

I struggled a little with what I wanted to rate this and a part of me still feels undecided, but I did really like it ❤️

The prose was beautiful. I loved that this honed in on the burden of immortality, and as you can probably imagine, the overall tone was pretty melancholic. It took us through pivotal events in history over a millennium. The romance in this is also a very SLOW burn.

I think it was smart that the author changed the title of this book when going trad, bc now it actually highlights what this book is really about.

My one main critique is that bc we’re time jumping every chapter, it sometimes felt like I was just living on the surface of the story and not fully connected to it. It felt a little repetitive at certain points. The second half of the book was definitely my favorite though.

I wasn’t totally sure where this was going or how it was going to end and lead into book 2, but towards the end we are let in on the higher stakes of the plot and what is sort of going on. That had me even more investedddd. Definitely starting book 2 soon, if not immediately.

Overall, definitely not perfect, but I still really enjoyed it 💜 I can understand the negative reviews for this and I can also understand the very positive reviews for this. I feel like I fell a little in the middle, but still loving it because I felt connected to the MCs and the overall message of the story.
]]> Neckbone 247024985 C.G. Drews Grace 0 to-read, mm-tbr 5.00 2027 Neckbone
author: C.G. Drews
name: Grace
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2027
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/07/31
shelves: to-read, mm-tbr
review:

]]> Bones (Bones, #1) 203694547
As a child, her older brother trained her to survive, and so survive she did. The blood on her hands will never wash off, she is broken and scarred in more ways than one, but she survived.

After finally escaping the ruthless raiders who imprisoned her for twelve long years, Bones is haunted by her past and desperate for atonement. Freedom is short-lived, however, as the rumors of her abilities catch up to her. Dragged to the northwest mountain stronghold known as the Vault, Bones finds herself involuntarily drawn to the tight-knit crew who captured her, and the feelings she begins to develop for Trey, the heart of the crew, scare her more than all the horrors of her past.

Bones struggles to maintain her distance, navigate her trauma, and deal with the new horrifying ways her healing powers are used to root out a budding revolution. As her defenses slowly break down, everything she believes about herself and the world is challenged, forcing her to confront the question: what are you surviving for?

**This is a post-apocalyptic romantasy that deals with dark themes. Check content warnings at author's website klspeer dot com slash content-warnings**]]> 393 K.L. Speer Grace 0 did-not-finish DNF @ 33%

Never actually updated this to my goodreads when I attempted this book at the end of last year, so I’m doing it now. I was just really really bored with this]]> 4.08 2024 Bones (Bones, #1)
author: K.L. Speer
name: Grace
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/07/31
shelves: did-not-finish
review:
DNF @ 33%

Never actually updated this to my goodreads when I attempted this book at the end of last year, so I’m doing it now. I was just really really bored with this
]]> Giovanni’s Room 406235 178 James Baldwin Grace 0 to-read 4.38 1956 Giovanni’s Room
author: James Baldwin
name: Grace
average rating: 4.38
book published: 1956
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2026/07/31
shelves: to-read
review:

]]>