sunshinestark's Reviews (376)


The Bromance Book Club is an absolute delight to read that rejects toxic masculinity, affirms men who enjoy romance novels, expresses the importance of communication and consent, all while exploring what it takes to make a marriage survive. Equal parts heartwarming and hilarious (with a good dose of heat thrown in) this is definitely one of my favorite romances I've read this year.

This adorable comic collection is filled with situations anyone with a dog (or even a cat!) can relate to. It would make a perfect gift for someone in need of a smile or who just enjoys cute comics. 

Though Rory and Max knew each other in high school, they were never really friends. Rory crushed hard on Max from afar while he was with another girl, and now that they're adults it's Max who has the crush but hasn't made a move. After deciding to carpool together back to their hometown for the holidays a series of mishaps delays their arrival and ultimately has them stuck in a blizzard together. As they confront their feelings for each other we are given a sweet and steamy romance that will make anyone reading curious about the rest of the Heartbreaker Bay series. 

Much like the first book did, Undercover Bromance is a feminist romantic comedy that will make you fall in love with the characters doing the actual falling in love. It's also a great addition to romances addressing sexual harassment in the workplace following the formation of the #MeToo movement. Lyssa Kay Adams handles the situation and subsequent fallout with care, rejecting harmful behaviors with her characters using both actions and words consistently. This is my favorite of the three books that are currently out. 

Breathe the Sky isn't just a romance. It's also a journey of healing for two people who suffered at the hands of abusers, explicitly outlining in the text the tactics those who abuse use and that they're wrong. Mari and Jack are allowed to be imperfect as they find safety and comfort with each other, working to heal wounds caused by people they loved. Their trauma is handled with care and the lasting message is no matter what someone may have led you to believe you are worthy of love, no matter the form it comes in. 

In a world where bloodmages are strictly controlled, bound to ghostly guardians in order to keep them in line, Rovan has always hid what she is so she's not forced into a life she doesn't want. But one day she uses her powers without thinking to save someone's life and her entire world is upended. Thrust into a life she's always feared, Rovan is bound to a guardian against her will. At first she resents their bond, but as time passes she begins to realize their goals may be more aligned than she thought and perhaps she doesn't hate him like she thought she once did. As she struggles to figure out which path forward to take, she's also falling in love with a bloodmage princess whose family is at the center of a deadly conspiracy that's threatening not only the lives of the living but those of the dead, and the very land beneath them that's been suffering from the Blight. 

In the Ravenous Dark is a delightful polyamorous love story twined with blood, magic, and death featuring a host of wonderful queer characters you'll fall in love with as they incite a rebellion in order to save  the worlds of both the living and dead from a terrible evil. You won't want to miss this one.

With the same beautiful art and great storytelling as Vol 1, Ghosted in L.A. Vol 2 follows Daphne as she attempts to help Zola, a newly deceased ghost and Rycroft resident, adjust to her new life while also trying to figure out how to handle her relationships with the living when an old friend unexpectedly shows up. 

Olive Silverlock can't remember everything that happened to her during the summer. What she does remember is that her mother was locked up in Arkham Asylum by Batman before being injured when it collapsed. Now that she's back at school there are rumors of a ghost haunting the halls and some of Olive's friends are having trouble adjusting to changes in her. Intent on solving the mystery surrounding the ghost Olive dives headfirst into investigating the past only to discover that what happened during the summer might just be tied to what's happening now, and maybe there's another reason why bats make her feel unsettled. 

Gotham Academy was just the right treat following Anti/Hero, both set in the same familiar DC world and filled with interesting characters. Olive goes on the same journey of finding herself and friendship that Piper and Sloane did in Anti/Hero. It makes you root for her and her group of friends to come out on top when everything seems to be going wrong. 

The magic of theatre flowing from backstage is threatened by a malevolent force causing backstagers from all over to come together to stop it. With the same delightfully weirdness as the first, Backstagers Vol 2 is a fun continuation you'll love if you enjoyed Vol 1. 

Perfect for fans of Beatrix Potter, this warmhearted collection will delight you and make you want to hear more about those who live in Brambly Hedge when the last tale ends.