Second Read (May 2023): 5 stars
I very much enjoyed this reread, yet was equally shattered by it at the same time.

I am in awe at the storytelling Kate Stewart executed with these complex characters, & in depth plot line. I loved the entire ride— from the very beginning in Flock, until the very end of The Finish Line. This story and these characters are now embedded into the very threads of my soul.

First Read (July 2022): 4.5 stars
Review Edit:
The emotional turmoil continued in this last book, as we continued to see the aftereffects of Exodus. The flashbacks crushed me and wrecked me to my very core! The angst between the MC's is scrumptious. I absolutely ate. it. up. Feeling the hate between these two led up to some hot & steamy sexy times okayyy. It definitely added to the spice level for me.

I actually loved the dual timelines because we got to learn more about T's childhood and were given the chance to really understand him & his motives.

Watching Cecelia grow into herself and her worth throughout the series was great to see! Especially what she was able to accomplish in this book?! I LOVED that twist!

I'm sad that this had to end but I might put myself through it all over again just to spend time with this group of bada**, drool worthy characters.


Initial Thoughts: 
well.. i think i'll just lay in bed and sob until the well runs dry.

rtc. maybe... bc it hurts.

second read (April 2023): 5 stars
I didn’t think I would cry so much upon a reread but the jokes on me bc I still sobbed so much!! This book. My heart.

Will I ever recover?? 😭😭😭❤️‍🩹

first read (July 2022): 5 stars
Exodus was really out here taking me through it!!

A true enemies to lovers story, the romance was simmering with delicious angst & I ate up every single bit of it! The spice that Kate serves up in this series = hottt af 🥵😮‍💨 (stay hydrated my friends)

I loved seeing Cecelia grow into her own by the end and realize her self worth. We stan a self realized Queen!👏🏼

My emotional state was "thoroughly unhinged" whilst reading this entire book, especially after the 50% mark. Miss Kate, I would like to have some words ma'am....

Anyways, somebody sedate me because I am a sobbing, blubbering, emotional shell of a human being after this one.

**shout out to KS for the mention of the iconic NEW MOON depression era because that is currently where I'm at, emotionally speaking.

Wash Day Diaries is a beautiful slice of life graphic novel following a group of best friends as they navigate life in the Bronx, also allowing a glimpse at each of their various hair care routines.

Each chapter chronicled in a vignette style, followed a different friend within this group of 4. The color palette per POV seemed perfectly suited for our leading ladies and not only held strong in each chapter, but followed them throughout the story itself.

Kim is an artist, with a creative soul that shone through with lilac's and subtle pinks. Nisha's chapter was full of pink and yellow hues, to showcase her amorous heart. Davene was expressed with darker purples, setting the somber tone of living with mental health struggles. Cookie's pov was painted in yellows, pinks & greens, allowing her vibrant, bubbly personality to come off the page.

With lots of heart and humor woven into these pages, I appreciated how this upbeat graphic novel didn't shy away from difficult topics. You'll find discussions on depression, unwanted advances from men (then quickly followed by an insult when denied), working towards healing family trauma, and toxic exes.

I absolutely love a strong female friendship and this story delivered! You can so clearly see how much each of these women loved and cared for each other by being supportive besties we all hope to have in our own lives. 

Wash Day Diaries is an absolutely stunning, lovely graphic novel that truly deserves all the praise!!!

The whole concept of this series is unique, paired with Laura's writing and you have a fantastically dark, post apocalyptic romance and what in the world- I ate it up!

I loved the strong willed heroine in this story. She was very much a "take no sh*t" from anyone type of person, the horseman especially! This was very much a hate to love scenario. War was pretty smitten from the jump and seeing his coldhearted exterior soften the longer he was with Miriam was so sweet! I love being able to see the hero open up and change his outlook all because of the women he loves. It just does it for me, friends. It really does.

This book. This freakin book, ya'll!

I admit that objectively, this may not be a 5 star read. Subjectively, however, this book broke me and we all know how much I love a good sob inducing story!

All Your Perfects follows Quinn & Graham as they first meet, fall in love, and push through the ups and downs of marriage. Told in alternating timelines of past & present, THEN chronicles their early love, while NOW documents their struggle through infertility. Quinn yearns to be a mother, but is unable to conceive and watching her struggle through depression was so freakin hard to read about. Sometimes you can want something so bad in life, with your whole entire being, and that is still not enough.. then not getting it will throw your entire life onto a different path you now have to adjust and adapt to. Throw in a spouse to the mix and the situation is that more complicated.

This book had me in a chokehold of tears and sobs all the way through. My heart completely broke many times over whilst reading.

I think Colleen served a delicate balance of the past & present timelines. Watching Graham and Quinn fall in love, although the meet cute was rather wild, was sweet to see. I was rooting for them the entire time and I'm happy with how this one ended.

Graham Wells must be protected at all costs!!!

**please please please check content and trigger warnings before reading. some may be considered spoilery, so proceed with caution and be kind to yourself, always.

”The people only call me cruel because it is easier to think of a woman as cruel than competent.”

A broody, atmospheric, vicious little book that will sink its claws into your very being. The writing was smooth and lyrical in a way that was easy to fly through. There are great discussions on toxic relationships, domestic abuse, and surviving through it all. 

I get the hype, ya’ll. It is well deserved♥️

Akwaeke Emezi delivers another banger, ya’ll!!

I think that You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty falls more in the vein of a coming of age after tragedy type of story, that explores finding oneself and new love.

As always the writing is delectable. The imagery of the beautiful island has me yearning to book a flight to whichever island this took place. It is never stated outright, but either way, I could fly there immediately.

Feyi is someone that you just can’t help but root for. Hearing about the tragic accident, and seeing her bloom back to life was a beautiful journey. It reminds us that we can find ourselves after being lost. After your life is ripped apart, from life itself. That is always a very hopeful, inspiring message.

I hope that we get another book that features Joy, Feyi’s best friend. I would absolutely devour that as well.

The entire time I was also getting immaculate Seven Days in June vibes. I absolutely love that book, so if you did also, you NEED to pick this up. Immediately. 

I’m obsessed with this messy, hopeful, beautiful little gem. I already cannot wait for a reread♥️

The Children on the Hill was a haunting, eerie, suspenseful thrill ride from start to finish! 

Told through dual timelines & pov’s, McMahon keeps you on the edge of your seat as you try to unravel the mystery within. I think it was a clever decision to make the asylum a picturesque treatment center, instead of the usual dark, scary hospital scene. It allowed the real horrors to shine through, whilst not letting us forget the “nature” of the treatment center. 

Okay let’s talk about the ending.. The first plot point I saw coming early on, but I love that McMahon came in afterwards and said “you really thought that was it??” And BAM, pulled up with an even better ending than I could’ve hoped for. 

This was my first book by Jennifer McMahon, but it will certainly not be my last. I look forward to diving into their back list for sure!