bookish_selkie's Reviews (2.14k)

Dark Restraint is the twisted tale of Ariadne and the Minotaur. Ariadne has always been off-limits, yet the Minotaur can’t stay away. When Ariadne is forced to run from her father, will the Minotaur finally make his move?

Ariadne and the Minotaur honestly have a pretty sweet romance! They make no sense on paper, yet can’t keep their hands off each other when they meet. The Minotaur is possessive and protective, though Ariadne is fiercely independent. Along the way, they learn to trust each other and start to plot an escape from her father and Olympus.

Dark Restraint showcases the romance between Ariadne and the Minotaur, while Olympus wavers on the edge of a precipice in the background. I loved the cameos of Hera, Dionysus, and Hermes. The political ramifications of the events in this book are about to come crashing down and I can’t wait to see what happens next! I listened to the audiobook and thought both narrators did a fantastic job.

Thank you to Katee Robert, Dreamscape Media, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Mistress of Lies is the tale of a ruthless Blood Worker named Shan. She is willing to do whatever it takes for power and to protect her ungifted twin. When Shan discovers a lost heir, she takes the opportunity to gain more power and connections. Meanwhile, Samuel had no idea he was the lost heir except for a strange power he possesses. With the help of Shan and her friend Issac, they agree to help him survive the Eternal King’s vicious court. Yet as a killer moves through the city, will the three of them be able to unmask them in time? 

Mistress of Lies is a solid and satisfying debut! I loved the world-building and connections to Filipino culture. Shan is a compelling character and I loved how far she was willing to go for those she cared about. I enjoyed how the LGBTQ+ rep was included. Issac, Samuel, and Shan have a very interesting dynamic and I’m looking forward to seeing how it progresses in the sequel. The story is filled with twists and it kept me guessing as to who the real killer was right up until the very end.

Readers who enjoy the book Nevernight, complex politics, and an intriguing magic system should check out Mistress of Lies! 

Thank you to K.M. Enright, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Phoenix Keeper is a fantastic debut! I couldn’t put this story of a cozy magical zookeeper down! Aila is a devoted and loving zookeeper to a menagerie of mythical creatures. Aila’s dream is to restart the phoenix breeding program. To do so, she must work on her public speaking skills and form connections outside her comfort zone. When phoenix thieves strike at a nearby zoo, will Aila be able to start the new program and help save the phoenixes? 

Aila’s interactions with her animals and other zookeepers are charming. The animals were fascinating and I only wish I could visit the zoo! Aila struggles with social anxiety, but knows she must learn to advocate for her animals. I loved Aila’s enemies-to-friends-to-lovers storyline! There is excellent character growth and LGBTQ+ rep throughout. I enjoyed how MacLean emphasized the importance of conservation and protection for animals. Readers looking for cozy fantasy, magical creatures, and queer found-family will love this book! I can’t wait to see what S.A. MacLean writes next! 

Thank you to S.A. MacLean, Orbit Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

The Break-Up Pact is a lighthearted and perfect beach-read romance. June and Levi have both been publicly dumped by their exes. June is trying to keep her shop going and preserve her sister’s legacy. Levi is desperately trying to finish a manuscript. When they are photographed together, they are assumed to be a couple and getting revenge on their exes. Suddenly, business at the shop picks up. Levi and June agree to fake date- what could go wrong? 

The Break-Up Pact is filled with Emma Lord’s signature witty writing. There are so many delicious dessert details! I really enjoyed learning about June’s relationship with her sister and why it was so important to her to keep the shop going. Levi is adorable and such a genuine guy. The setting of the town feels cozy and welcoming. Check out The Break-Up Pact if you enjoy sweet characters, fake dating, and witty dialogue.  

Thank you to Emma Lord, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Oath of Fire is a contemporary and sapphic retelling of Psyche and Eros. I love Psyche and Eros retellings! One of my favorite parts was the vivid descriptions of Eros’ magical world. Readers who enjoy mythology will recognize the interpretations of Poseidon, Aphrodite, and Zephyr etc. I also liked how the mystery of the masks unfolded. One thing I did struggle with is the incident that leads to Psyche’s firing at the beginning of the book. Psyche didn’t seem to understand the grave impact of what she had done and how she violated confidentiality. This made it tough to feel as invested in Psyche as I would have liked. 

Oath of Fire is a fast-paced, sapphic retelling of Eros & Psyche. I hope there are more queer mythology tales from K. Arsenault Rivera to come!  

Thank you to K. Arsenault Rivera, Forever, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Theo and Kit used to be everything to each other- best friends and lovers. Once on the verge of starting a life together, they now live separate lives. When Kit and Theo use a voucher for a canceled tour through Europe, they are shocked and horrified to realize they’re on the same tour. Can they make it through the two-week tour and possibly regain their friendship? 

The Pairing will make you feel like you’re on a delightful tour across Europe and you cannot read this book while hungry. Kit is a pastry chef and Theo is a sommelier, so the food descriptions are mouthwatering. I didn’t love the hook-up competition, though I think some readers will love it. My favorite parts were when Theo and Kit spent time together, untangling the truth of why they broke up and re-building their connection. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of the tour group and the memorable side characters. 

The Pairing gave me all the feels! McQuiston does a fantastic job of imparting the sense of evanescence that comes when traveling and you realize that this place will continue to exist long after you leave. As Kit and Theo revisit the relationship that once meant the world to them, there’s a poignant sense of heartbreak and nostalgia. The conclusion was very satisfying! 

Readers looking for queer romance, achingly beautiful writing, and hilarious dialogue should check out The Pairing.

Thank you to Casey McQuiston, St. Martin’s Griffin, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Queen of Dreams returns to the adventures of Ash, Sachi, and Zanya. I really enjoyed seeing Zanya strengthen her relationship with Ash and gain a deeper grasp of her powers. Sachi remained one of my favorite characters with her sunshine personality and deep inner strength.  

In Queen of Dreams, Ash, Sachi, and Zanya really work together to establish the boundaries and complexities of their relationship. I enjoyed the strong LGBTQ+ rep in a fantasy setting. The plot with the Betrayer felt standard and I was more invested in the relationships/mythology aspect. 

Readers who enjoy fantasy with excellent LGBTQ+ rep and spicy romance will enjoy this conclusion to the duology. 

Thank you to Kit Rocha, Montlake, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.