A scary children’s book that follows a bored little girl into a world of monsters. 

Coraline is your typical child, she’s imaginative, active, and easily bored. While her parents seem to ignore her (they could be, but it’s also told from a child’s POV so it could be exaggerated) in their new home, Coraline takes her entertainment into her own hands and explores their new flat. She meets her curious and bizarre neighbors (a pair of old women with a bunch of dogs and a man training mice to perform in a circus). The novelty of these new people wears off quickly and Coraline soon discovers a mysterious door in her flat. The door at first appears to lead nowhere and just a leftover from when the flat used to be a single house. However, one night, Coraline discovers a hidden world beyond the door where her “other” parents reside. Though her other parents are more interesting and attentive, Coraline soon discovers all is not what it seems and her other mother’s motives are more sinister. 

I’ve seen the movie several times and it still terrifies me even though I’m an adult now. The book is definitely less terrifying, but I imagine to a child it would be pretty scary. Horror for children is an interesting genre and I think this is a great book. It uses a lot of imagination, critical thinking, and even has some life lessons thrown in. I would definitely recommend it to any child (of an appropriate age) who likes scary things. 

A modern fairytale villain “retelling” and dark romance about Captain Hook and Wendy. 

The story follows James “Hook” Barrie who is the secondhand of a major organization crime syndicate and Wendy is the daughter of the man who killed Hook’s parents when he was a child. Hook’s crocodile was his abusive uncle, whom he murders when he’s a teen. Now Wendy and her family have moved into Hook’s territory and he’s looking to use Wendy in his plot for revenge against her father, Peter. All goes well until Hook, the black hearted killer, begins falling for the not-so-innocent, Wendy. 

Okay so this was the cheesiest retelling I’ve read. Like “Tina Belle” sent me over the edge. The story and trying to inject elements of the source material into it just felt forced. I couldn’t take this book seriously and Hook was the least scariest villain. The plot twist was cringey and the climax was rushed. Wendy has zero personality and was boring. The only interesting bits were the spicy scenes.

But ohmygod, the scene where he sticks his bloody hands into her body was omg stop I hate that so much so gross. Wash your hands you detty pig! 

A mass murder mystery-thriller with some 90s throwback scenes. 

On New Year's Eve 1999, the teenaged employees of Blockbuster in Linden, New Jersey, are excited to welcome in Y2K. But before they can close, they’re all brutally murdered. All but one. The remaining survivor, Ella, is haunted by the events of that night. Fifteen years later, an eerily similar attack happens in an ice cream shop in Linden, again with only one survivor, Jesse. Ella returns to town, now a therapist, to help Jesse navigate her new world and hopefully solve both crimes once and for all.

The story has multiple POVs: Ella, Chris (the brother of the alleged Blockbuster murderer and now public defender), and Agent Keller (a very pregnant FBI agent assigned to help the local PD). I wasn’t a fan of Ella or how her character was written, but I thought Jesse was really compelling. Chris was also written well, but the women in his life not so much. Keller was okay, but kind of just there and sorta just randomly solves the crimes. Atticus was my one true love in this whole book. The best personality, that guy. 

I gotta say, I’m not always a fan of thriller novels since the ones I’ve read tend to be really predictable and have annoying pacing, but this book was paced well and had me on the edge of my seat a few times. At some point, different mysteries became predictable and the main big bad in this story had a rather rushed climax with minimal information on the resolution. The book’s murders are much like the yogurt shop murders that happened in Austin 1991, and I can’t see the author’s choice of motive really fitting in this kind of case. Also, hated that the only character of color was killed. 

A decent thriller. 

An upper YA horror comedy and science fiction with plus sized baddies and zombies? Yes please! 

The book follows multiple point of views (Vivian, Allie, Paul, Rachel, Steven, and Sheldon). All but Steve are high schoolers attending Camp Featherlite, a fat camp. Some of the campers want to be there and others don’t. Then there’s Steve, their Facilitator, who’s just there to help pay for college. It’s holiday break in the mountains outside of Flagstaff, Arizona and these teens are trekking through a blizzard into what will become a hellish nightmare where not everyone survives. Only two days into what is meant to be a two-week camp, and campers have suddenly turned into mindless, powerful zombies. Our campers have to put their secrets and misgivings aside to help each other survive. 

I think this book was incredible. A lot of f-bombs for a YA but I love it cause that’s exactly how 17 year old me talked. I love the badass plus-sized hero and she wields a damn plastic oar against zombies. And they’re the fast and strong kind of zombies were scare me so much more than normal zombies. 

It’a a little meta. I hate that certain characters died and there’s an unsatisfying ending, but I appreciate the social commentary on the treatment of fat people. As a plus sized woman, I would’ve loved to see myself represented positively when I was a teen and I think this is a kickass book for older teen girls struggling with society having a problem with their weight. 

I wish there was more diversity in the book. It was commenting on privilege a lot but mostly just skinny privilege and wealth. 

Great book! Will read another by deVos in the future. 

Queer vampire romance in a modern world where humans and vampires coexist. 

Haruka is a pureblood vampire from an ancient line with an imposing and intoxicating aura. Nino is also a pureblood vampire, but from a newer bloodline. The vampiric world also includes first, second, and third generation vampires as well as lower vampires that are closer to being human than vampire. Haruka and Nino are tasked with overseeing an archaic bonding ceremony when they befriend one another and begin researching vampire bonds together. They fall in love while overcoming building political tension, a kidnapping attempt, and aristocratic expectation. 

The world building leaves much to be desired. I’m not really sure of the difference between pureblood and individual generational vampires. I’m also unsure of the vampire-human dynamic. Also, what is an aura? How can a vampire wield it? What other powers exist? Are bloodlines weakening because vampires feed from humans or have children with them? Or both? If it’s important to keep bloodlines pure, then no one is forcing hetero bonds (which I’m happy about, but doesn’t make sense for the vibe I get off the ruling class). 

Also, there’s no real conflict building up. Other than Gael attacking Haruka twice, nothing’s brought up again. There’s some minimal background foreshadowing about political upheaval and another Great Vanishing, but nothing else. No plot just info dumping, and it’s not even relevant or good info. 

I’m not sure if both Niko and Haruka are overly and ethereally beautiful or if that’s how they see each other or it’s just Haruka’s aura, but I’m a little over the “overly gorgeous” couples in romances. Both of them being wealthy aristocrats was also a bit meh for me. I love them as individuals, but enough rich people are happy. 

The entire book is written in third person present tense. It took a while for me to realize what was bothering about the reading, and it was the style of writing. It was just off putting and a little irritating. Niko and Haruka were the only things keeping me going cause I thought they were cute enough to stay just interested in finishing the book. But I’m not going to continue the series. There’s just not much here. 

Paranormal reverse harem that’s aggressive. 

Palmer is a witch with an affinity for death. She’s tasked with infiltrating a group of demons, The Exiled. It’s all hot and toxic. So enjoy I guess. 

We stan our toxic ass girl! #gaslight #gatekeep #girlboss I love that Palmer takes charge and likes what she likes. The club and maze scenes were hot. Smut was great but some cringey dirty talk. The book itself felt a little Wattpad, but whatevs. It’s also like instalove. They’re all immediately obsessed with her. I was confused about her actual mission but so was she as it turns out so I accept the vagueness. 

Misha is my fav and usually the Russian one is always cringey but I love Mishy Bear. The guys are obsessive and possessive and dominating, so if it’s not your thing, don’t read. It’s not really my thing, but I can enjoy it from time to time. Minor slut shaming in this as well, and mentions (and flashback scenes) of rape and abuse. 

The ending does make me want to come back. Can’t tell if I liked it or not.

A queer regency romance with a trans heroine and a beautiful HEA. 

The story follows Viola, a lady’s companion to her sister-in-law, Louise, the new Lady Marleigh. The world believes the first Viscount Marleigh died in the war in France, and in a lot of ways, the Viscount is dead. It’s two years post war and Viola is thrust into society by Louise. First by visiting Viola’s childhood best friend, Gracewood, a Duke and an injured man that is haunted by the ghosts of his past. Gracewood suffers from addiction, PTSD, and a physical war wound to his leg. He blames himself for the death of his friend. Then Viola comes, and his world is brighter with her around. She is afraid to tell him the truth, but they’re falling in love. 

I was genuinely going to give this a 5-star rating by the first third of the book, because it was so beautiful and profound. But the pacing just fell off and the story added unnecessary (or at least underdeveloped and rushed) conflicts and subplots. I adore Mira and Louise and I enjoyed time to see them be their funny, unusual selves. But the random conflict with Amberglass threw me off and was then resolved so quickly it almost felt like it was no big thing. I love Louise and Badger’s marriage and Little Bartholomew was written well for a child character. 

I appreciate that Viola’s transness wasn’t a central and persistent conflict in the story or used as a plot device. She was at risk of normal issues of having her reputation damaged as any other lady. I also like that the story wasn’t just about love or transitioning, it was about healing after tragedy and trauma. Gracewood had to learn that a man is more than his ability to fight and have money. He also needed to learn to be kind to himself and how to love Viola and how to love his sister. We also had Lady Lillimere who was known to seduce ladies and Mira who was unsure if she liked both men and women. It was made clear in the story that the trans and queer elements were part of this world and not made to be some rarity, but still remained secret for reputation sake (much like actual history). 

And I appreciate that it started with Viola entering society and not her past as the Viscount. Even with her and Gracewood’s past off-page, you could FEEL the history and chemistry and love and connection between them. Plus, a great on-page sex scene. It’s a bit awkward and the explanation a little long, but I suppose those conversations happen all the time and are necessary. 

It’s definitely worth the read, I just wished that it didn’t drag on after such a emotional, fast paced beginning. 

A second-chance contemporary romance between a late 20-something married couple. 

This book is about a man, Gavin, he’s a MLB player and he’s married to Thea, the mother of their twin 3 (or 4)-year-old daughters. After 3 years of marriage, Gavin finds out that Thea has been faking their orgasms since they married. Gavin’s reaction to this discovery is to move into the guest room and give her the silent treatment for a month. Then Thea kicks him out and he leaves. Enter the comedic relief. Gavin’s friends come to the rescue with their all guys romance book club. The club that helps the alpha men of Nashville figure out their women. Gavin uses what he learns from his friends and romance novel to help win his wife back. 

The concept of guys reading romance books to better articulate their feelings and understanding their partner’s motives and emotions sounds like a great foundation for a romcom, but this unfortunately fell flat. 

I’m hard pressed to call this a “romance”. Sure there’s a couple, they have sex 70% of the way through, there’s a last minute conflict,  there’s a grand gesture and a HEA but geez it was anxiety inducing. The realism was stressing me tf out. It’s about two very immature people who got married too quickly and for all the wrong reasons. Gavin, fearing he’d never find a woman like Thea, uses their unplanned pregnancy to lock her down in a marriage. And Thea who clearly has issues with marriage pretends everything is fine and is upset that Gavin isn’t a mind reader. The first time Gavin leaves when Thea tells him to, I can forgive Gavin, and it was childish for Thea to “test” him like that when she’s never been open and honest about her past. But it was clear that leaving was a trigger for her, so every time that Gavin would wordlessly leave after an argument to process his feelings, it would piss me off. Like reassure your partner you just going to calm down and you’ll return.

Thea blames Gavin for putting her dreams on pause to raise their children and being a good baseball wife. No where in this book did it mention Gavin forced Thea to drop out and keep her from going back to school. He makes a SHIT TON of money, they have more than enough resources that could’ve helped Thea get her degree at any time. And I get parenting is hard and is a lot, but the girls are gone all day at preschool and have dance lessons a few times a week. If you’re not comfortable with a nanny, then hire someone to do the housework? You have the money for it! Like I hate when rich people do this shit. 

For 3 years, Thea has kept back her past trauma of her father constantly cheating and leaving and her mother taking him back. She’s also pretended life as a baseball wife was fulfilling and that the other spouses weren’t treating her like crap. How is Gavin supposed to know any of this?

The weaponized incompetence was sending me through the roof. Gavin doesn’t know where the towels are kept in the house they’ve lived in for 3 years?! And he does all these very superficial things that are supposed to magically fix their relationship? NO. This book should’ve ended with them starting couples therapy. Because all their problems weren’t magically fixed. 

From context the kids are supposed to be 3, but they act and talk more like 4-6 year olds. Which is a HUGE pet peeve for me in books. Mostly, I would’ve respected the book more if these were just two college kids that fell madly in love over a few months and got married and either didn’t have kids yet or had kids after they were married. Using an unplanned pregnancy as a reason to get married is such a stressor and problematic situation. 

And the book points out the misogyny, heteronormative expectations, and gendered roles but does nothing to challenge these things? And Thea is such a “pick me girl” and “I’m not like other women cause I wear converses and band t shirts”. She thinks she’s better than the other spouses because she assumes she’s the only one with dreams and ambitions. 

It’s a cold day in hell when I sympathize with an incompetent “alpha” dude. Don’t get me wrong, Gavin and Thea are both equally at fault for their relationship’s downfall, but dammit! It gets stars for being real in that sense. I didn’t like the realism, but the realism is done well and is realistic for a heteronormative couple. The problems with marriage and kids too quickly is a problem many people face. Do I want it in my romance novels? No. But I digress. It was also a little funny. The book club guys had their moments (the the fart jokes were excessive). Only a few grammatical errors. 

A cute, sapphic coming-of-age story about teenage actors in a K-drama! 

Hana is an 16-year-old Korean American actress in the new K-drama, Fated Destiny. Her costar is K-pop prince, Bryan, and to create buzz for their show, the higher ups have Bryan and Hana enter a fake relationship. Hana is new to fame and the negative reaction from Bryan’s diehard fans and constant attention is weighing on her. Then the execs add a surprise love triangle to their characters on the show and hire Hana’s friend and longtime crush, Minjee. Hana deals with being queer in a country that is less tolerant than the US, breaking out as a k-drama actress, balancing her dual identity as an American-born Korean, and struggling to keep her feelings about Minjee in check. 

There’s bi, lesbian, and pan representation. There’s commentary on being an immigrant in the country of your parents, heteronormativity, homophobia, and patriarchy. There’s plenty of details on the entertainment industry in Korea as well as an overview on the importance and impact K-dramas have on Korean society. 

I think Hana is lovable and a relatable teen character despite being an actress and attending a special school of entertainment workers. I love her friendship with Bryan and her relationship with Minjee. I wish these were more developed rather than spending time on explanation of their show’s script or the industry, but I definitely enjoyed learning about the food, clothes, settings, and traditions. There’s decent commentary on what it’s like to be Korean American in Korea, as well as what it’s like to not only be queer in a traditional family, but in a traditional country and industry. It was like getting to see how someone else lives and it’s interesting and eye opening. 

Overall, it’s a cute book about wholesome queer love and coming into your own as a teenager.

Contemporary sports romance between a plus-sized woman and professional footballer/soccer player. 

Freya is a 29-year-old plus-sized woman who has never had sex. She works as a seamstress and it’s at her job where she meets the hunky 34-year-old Scottish footballer, Mac. In a year, they’ve developed a friendship. In fact, they’re best friends. They have a shared friend group where all of her friends are married or dating all of his friends. They go to a party with their friends where they play Never Have I Ever. Though Freya lies throughout the game, Max eventually discovers that she’s a virgin and offers to help her by using him as practice. Of course, after sleeping together on a regular basis, they start developing feelings for one another. But Mac is solely focused on his career and against having a relationship distract him, even one with Freya. 

Alright, I had a lot of high hopes for this book. I really did. So many BookTokers recommended it and it was advertised as a plus-sized heroine friends to lovers where they fake date for one of them to learn how to date (love coach trope). I thought it would be cute. I was sooooo wrong. 

Let’s just get the dialogue out of the way, because that’s the least of my worries. The story takes place in London. Mac is Scottish and Freya is Cornish. They also have a couple of friends from America and one from South Africa. The friggin “slang” is everywhere. Listen, I’m American and far from an expert  in English and Scottish slang, but in my 3 years of living in the UK, I’ve never heard a single person say “cocker” or “bledding” and about a dozen other terms. Plus, the author uses too many American terms like “bangs” instead of fringe. And phasing, of course, is off. Just one British beta reader would’ve solved this. 

There’s 0 body positivity in this book. Freya thinks she’s fat therefore undateable and unloveable. And she isn’t happy until the very end where she loses a couple pounds from her BEING DEPRESSED. Seriously? And I’m a plus sized girl, I’ve always been between a mid to plus sized person, so I definitely know what it was like not dating anyone until I was in my 20s and having a boy in high school mistreat me and being bullied and never being asked out. Yeah, it does a lot to your self-esteem, but to read this book and see her NEVER come out of her body image issues and ONLY be happy when she was losing weight was incredibly disappointing. 

Also, the plus-sized woman, nearly 30 years old, is a virgin and it’s explained the reason she’s a virgin is because she’s fat. What. The. Hell?? And not only that, but she’s a friggin idiot when it comes to ANYTHING involving sex. She doesn’t know “head” or “reverse cowgirl” or “69” and she doesn’t masturbate and has never had an orgasm. Not only does she not know what reverse cowgirl is, but she thinks it’s when a woman is role playing as a cowboy and the guy as a cowgirl. Like what?! I’ve learned all of these things (and more) by the 7th grade (Year 8)! Like Christ, I’m a demisexual plus sized woman, and trust me, the virgins in high school and college know WAY more about sex than the people having sex.

I’ve seen some reviews address this, but I don’t care if she calls sex “The Sex”. Though the way she said it made it seem like she was an idiot child instead of just being an adult that’s uncomfortable or immature talking about sex (think the show “Miranda” and how she is), it’s the least of Freya’s problems. Just the idea that this man wh*re is the one that’s going to teach her all about pleasure (because a woman couldn’t possibly learn about pleasure without a man) boils my blood. A lot of the sex scenes are super cringe as well because of this. He says he cares about her enjoying her first time and all that, but it’s just clear he doesn’t. 

The book tries to be the whole “he’s a caveman and this is his primal instinct to possess” thing that some readers like in their books and not in reality, which is fine and I can enjoy, but the way it’s done in this book infuriated me. Mac is too jealous and possessive and embarrassing and immature for me to like him as a love interest. And this friend group is more like some white heteronormative cult where all the women take this toxic ass nonsense, marry them, be their little wives (take his last name cause he needs a win sometimes/train your husband…), and bear their children. But it’s okay because 2 of them are brilliant doctors and the others are business owners. Yeah feminism. *insert eye roll* Give me a break. Also, the author was doing too much trying to connect all the characters. There’s entirely too many couples and I couldn’t tell you who was with whom and which had kids. 

Mac also abuses and gaslights the hell out of Freya in the end and SHE LETS HIM AND FORGIVES HIM. Maybe I’m at the point in my life or reading journey or whatever, where in my romances, I cannot do the forgiveness thing, not when one of them shatters the other’s feelings and uses their insecurities against them. Mac kisses Freya in front of their friends, effectively making their “just sex” thing more than just sex. And then he tells her he wants to try to MAYBE date, not to try dating, but maybe date. What the hell? Then turns around and says “this is when we were gonna stop sleeping together anyway” and moves to the other end of the country. Freya also tells Mac that she would move to Glasgow to be with him and help him through his crisis, but then she blames herself for not doing more or offering more for a guy that toyed with her emotions. Then he throws her insecurities in her face and basically validates every shitty thing she’s thought about herself. Absolutely not. He used his knowledge of her weakness to blame Freya for being alone and says she’s childish for expecting more when he initiated the idea that they could be more. Then his grand gesture is a PROPOSAL?! NO! 

This book made me want to chuck my phone at the wall. It’s not a lower score only cause it has some funny bits and like one genuinely hot scene.