I loved this book. I honestly expected something a bit different than the story that was actually in these pages, but I’m certainly not disappointed. What I loved most about this book can be summed up in words that were actually written in the end. You go into this novel thinking you’re head to learn about a woman and her 7 very different husbands and how she become a part of such a “sordid” life and instead, you learn about her wife and the complicated story that surrounded the two women. I have to admit though, there were some instances where I didn’t care for Celia but you definitely can’t deny how compelling their love story was. Harry though, lovable Harry, was by far my favorite character. His place in Evelyn’s life and the love he held for her made their relationship her most satisfying one in my opinion.

I would have liked to have Monique flushed out a bit more. I know the story wasn’t necessarily about her and we did learn some about her character. She definitely grew within the story, but I just felt that there could have been more there in terms of Monique, even if Evelyn was the real focus of the story.

I definitely didn’t see the big secret at the end coming. I kept trying to figure out what it was and it wasn’t even close. I knew it had to do with Monique’s father because of his connection to Hollywood, but I still didn’t piece the entire thing together.

All in all, this was definitely and amazing read.

Intense. That is the best way I can describe this sequel and trust me, that’s a compliment. I think this was a great way to end Emika’s story and it had some great twists and turns along the way.

I actually really enjoyed this book. I’ve seen people say Diana is a Mary Sue and I don’t know how they’ve come to that conclusion because she DEFINITELY had flaws that made her frustrating and annoying. It was slow moving at times, but not in a way that made me want to stop reading or pull my hair out. I’m not sure if that’s because I watched the show before reading this or not. Either way I fully enjoyed getting more of Matthew and Diana’s story and I’ll definitely be reading the sequel.

So good. Biker witches, zombies, plus size Latina protagonist, and a murder mystery. This was clearly right up my alley. If you’re looking for deep self reflection, seriousness and majestic world building, don’t look here. If you’re looking for a fun and funny read with a smart ass protagonist that does some reckless stuff and turns her world upside down, look no further.

3.5. I really like the super heroes vs. villains aspect and I can definitely see where they going. Sometimes who’s the hero and who’s the villain is subjective and everyone has the potential to be either. There was something missing from the story for me though. I can’t articulate what it was, but the story was just...lacking in some way. Either way, the ending was a nice surprise so I’ll definitely put the sequel on my list to read later.

DNF. Yes this is a middle grade (or at least super young adult fiction) but that’s not the problem. It’s been on my list to read for years because I heard great things growing up and also I loved the movie, but this was written 20 years ago and it shows. Too problematic for me to make it through. 1 too many uses of the word “transvestite” and way too many references to being “doomed to be a lesbian” because she’s ugly. I’ll stick to the movie.

3? I don’t really know how to describe this book. Extremely frustrating I guess. Not something I’d read again, but not something I regret picking up. I will say that while this may have taken it to the extreme, it definitely hit on that ridiculous mindset of “stay out of other folks business” and “what goes on in folks home is between them and we don’t need to get involved”. Maybe that’s why it was so frustrating. The narration was also frustrating but after finishing the book, I guess I see why it was done that way.

Side note I will say, as a DC Native the area name dropping was a bit heavy handed for me. On the one hand, it’s great to see so many places and characteristics of the city mentioned in the story. On the other hand...some of them I could’ve done without