My first R.F. Kuang book and it did not disappoint. It was great exploration of racism and sexism in the publishing industry as well as highlighting the role white women play in systemic racism and lack of gender solidarity. The book was so stressful in the best way (?). The entire time I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is it, she's gonna be found out finally".  

Another great read from Rachel Harrison! It was a very entertaining and creepy read that had me and my friend trying to figure out the motives of the characters. It was a great book about turning 30 and starting your life over with supernatural elements. It's also a great book that highlights the similarities and differences between toxic romantic and platonic relationships. The book also explores the effects of long-term trauma. 

This novella contains cannibalism and body horror two themes that I struggle with greatly, and while I did need to pause the audiobook a few times to brace myself, it was surprisingly very enjoyable. The story follows a mermaid and a revenant-like being in the aftermath of the destruction of a human kingdom. The MCs have experience great trauma in their lives, and they go on a journey through the country. Despite their differences and unlikely pairing, they find a deep connection within one another. The characters are in no way good or even morally gray, but I found myself empathizing with them. 

I listened to this book to just have something light and fun on while I finished my last two hours at work, but this was just so cringe and bleh. 

Exceedingly cringey in every terrible way possible. I couldn’t even get through two chapters. 

This? This book I liked. A lot. A heisty romance with nice chemistry between the MCs. I love a good romance with some kind of high stakes criminal element and this book was just fun. It had some classic drama/soapy tropes that I loved and I want it to be a movie. 

This book went in and out for me, but the parts I was in for where really intriguing and interesting. The story is about a historical magical competition during the medieval portion of the Spanish Inquisition with a romance subplot. The FMC is a Jewish magic user who works as a housekeeper who gets fed up with her employer's abuse one day and reveals her magic. This lands her in a royal competition to become the monarch's magician.

Absolutely not. Not sure if this author is allergic to writing capable women that act like adults or what but this book was not it. Sex scenes were cringe, the chemistry was non-existent, and the "mystery" wasn't even that compelling because the two main characters were so annoying. Also, what is with the constant age gaps with this author. No, I was already falling off with this author, so this is my last Tessa Bailey book.