Forgot this app existed sorry! But I noticed that my post about the Other Olympians by Michael Waters got some more attention recently and if you liked that book I highly recommend checking out Let Us Play by Harrison and Rachel Browne!
#booksky

Red background with cover of Elite Capture by Olúfémi O. Táíwò. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: May 2022 Genres: nonfiction Setting: Earth POV: first person he/him Review: 4 stars

Red background with black text synopsis: "Identity politics" is everywhere, polarizing discourse from the campaign trail to the classroom and amplifying antagonisms in the media, both online and off. But the compulsively referenced phrase bears little resemblance to the concept as first introduced by the radical Black feminist Combahee River Collective. While the Collective articulated a political viewpoint grounded in their own position as Black lesbians with the explicit aim of building solidarity across lines of difference, identity politics is now frequently weaponized as a means of closing ranks around ever-narrower conceptions of group interests. But the trouble is not with identity politics itself. Through a substantive engagement with the global Black radical tradition and a critical understanding of racial capitalism, Táíwò identifies the process by which a radical concept can be stripped of its political substance and liberatory potential by becoming the victim of elite capture-deployed by political, social, and economic elites in the service of their own interests. From GoodReads

Red background with black text review: This book articulated a lot of things I think I have recently started to understood subconsciously, but did not have the vocabulary for. Now I do, and I am very grateful to this book for that. For starters, I found the language of this book incredibly accessible, despite it being very philosophical. At times it would veer slightly too dense and meta for me, but for the most part I was able to easily follow along with the author's train of thought. A large part of that was due to the analogy of the "room" and "house" that threads through the entire book. I really liked this analogy and thought it brought the subject, which I feel often gets pushed aside because it is "too complex," down to its simplest forms, The entire analogy was also communicated through very conversational, engaging prose. Alongside that analogy was carefully researched history that was not only very informative but also emphasized the global scale of this topic. Lastiy I appreciate the sort of open endedness of the book to encourage deeper thinking. So overall I highly recommend!

This is my last nonfiction review of the year. It is the perfect follow up to How We Get Free, building off of the ideas created by the Combahee River Collective. It is also a pretty quick read.
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Cream background with cover of How We Get Free edited by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor. Black text with title, author, and general information: Published: December 2017 Genres: nonfiction POV: first person personal interviews Review: 4 stars

Cream background with black text synopsis: The Combahee River Collective, a group of radical black feminists, was one of the most important organizations to develop out of the anti-racist and women's liberation movements of the 1960s and 70s. In this collection, founding members of the organization and contemporary activists reflect on the legacy of its contributions to black feminism and its impact on today's struggles. From GoodReads

Cream background with black text review: This book was absolutely phenomenal and did so much in such a short page count. For starters, the introduction was absolutely stunning. There are no other words to describe it. I was blown away. From there the book transitioned into personal interview style, and it did so masterfully. I found the format so compelling and engaging, and I flew through them. Taylor captured the interviewees voices so well it felt like I was right there in the room with them. I also loved how it encompassed both the history of the Combahee River Collective and the contemporary impact and relevance. Lastly, I loved how Taylor interviewed not just the founding members of the collective, but also a creator of #BlackLivesMatter, creating a really strong connection between the past organization and the present. I do wish there had been a conclusion in Taylor's voice, because I loved her introduction so much and it felt a bit to me like the book just ended kind of abruptly. But overall this was an incredible book that should be required reading and I highly recommend it.

I just recently learned about the Combahee River Collective through this book, and now I want to know everything about it. It is so cool and amazing and relevant to today. I really cannot recommend this book about it enough.
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Gray background with cover of Evicted by Matthew Desmond. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: March 2016 Genres: nonfiction Setting: Milwaukee Wisconsin USA POV: first person he/him and third person Review: 3 stars

Gray background with black text synopsis: In Evicted, Princeton sociologist Matthew Desmond follows eight families in Milwaukee as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads. Evicted transforms our understanding of poverty and economic exploitation while providing fresh ideas for solving one of 21st-century America's most devastating problems. Its unforgettable scenes of hope and loss remind us of the centrality of home, without which nothing else is possible. From GoodReads

Gray background with black text review: This book was eye opening in a lot of ways. It takes such a deep dive into the process of eviction, which our society hates to talk about. The author looks at it through all avenues, from class and poverty to race to education. He explains how eviction is an institutional failing, not a personal failing. The book incorporates a lot of different perspectives, from tenants to landlords to moving companies, as well as facts and statistics about the process. And while the book is primarily set in the city of Milwaukee, it draws clear connections to the entire country, bringing in nation-wide statistics. All that said, I did not comprehend the organization of this book at all. I think it may have been chronological, but either way it did not work for me. I really struggled with how it jumped around between families, especially with such a large cast. Also, my favorite part of the book was probably the author's note, and I wish there had been more hints of the research process described there within the main chapters. But overall this was a very important read that I recommend.

This is my last post of November, but not the last nonfiction review. I have 2 more to squeeze in the first week of December. I’ve been reading a lot more nonfiction this year, partly in thanks to the nonfiction class I am taking this semester. This was one of the books assigned.
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Yellow background with cover of The Other Olympians by Michael Waters. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: June 2024 Genres: nonfiction history Setting: 1914-1936 Olympics POV: third person Review: 4 stars Olympic rings in corner

Yellow background with black text synopsis: In December 1935, Zdenek Koubek, one of the most famous sprinters in European women's sports, declared he was now living as a man. Around the same time, the celebrated British field athlete Mark Weston, also assigned female at birth, announced that he, too, was a man. Periodicals and radio programs across the world carried the news; both became global celebrities. And in the wake of their transitions, what could have been a push toward equality became instead, through a confluence of bureaucracy, war, and happenstance, the exact opposite: the panic around trans, intersex, and gender nonconforming athletes. Michael Waters uncovers, for the first time, the gripping true stories of Koubek, Weston, and other pioneering trans and intersex athletes from their era. Waters also tracks how International Olympic Committee members ignored Nazi Germany's atrocities in order to pull off the Berlin Games, a partnership that ultimately influenced the IOC's nearly century-long obsession with surveilling and cataloging gender. From GoodReads Olympic rings in corner

Yellow background with black text review: l absolutely devoured this book, which is so rare for a history book for me. But I was just so fascinated by the subject. I learned so much from this book, and think everyone should be required to read this book before they dare to offer an opinion on trans athletes and women's sports. It is so thorough on investigating that history. I was surprised to learn just how many different sides there was to the issue, and appreciated how the author carefully explained them all and gave them equal weight and significance. I also appreciated how the book focused on people and their personal narratives as well as institutional and global history, creating a nice balance and making me feel more connected to the story and not overwhelmed by acronyms. And of course how it centered trans athletes not just the bigoted policy makers. I did struggle a bit with keeping track of the individual storylines when it would jump around and end up coming back around to a particular person or organization. But overall this was very well written and I highly recommend it. Olympic rings in corner

I think this is a super important read for anyone that wants to learn about the origins of “sex testing” in sports and the Olympics.
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Gold background with cover of Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: October 2014 Genres: nonfiction Setting: USA POV: first person he/him Review: 4 stars Books and scale graphic in corner

Gold background with black text synopsis: Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit law office in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to defending the poor, the incarcerated, and the wrongly condemned. Just Mercy tells the story of EJI, from the early days with a small staff facing the nation's highest death sentencing and execution rates, through a successful campaign to challenge the cruel practice of sentencing children to die in prison, to revolutionary projects designed to confront Americans with our history of racial injustice. One of EJI's first clients was Walter McMillian, a young Black man who was sentenced to die for the murder of a young white woman that he didn't commit. The case exemplifies how the death penalty in America is a direct descendant of lynching - a system that treats the rich and guilty better than the poor and innocent. From GoodReads Books and scale graphic in corner

Gold background with black text review: This was a difficult yet incredibly important book for me to read. While it affirmed many things I already understood, I also learned so many new things and how to better speak on the topic. As emotionally difficult as it was for me to read about so much pain and suffering and injustice, there were also so many moments that kept my faith in humanity, if not the justice system, intact. The anxieties and tension of the court cases were also made much more manageable by the inclusion of bits of memoir, where it felt like Brian Stevenson was speaking directly to me, answering my pressing questions and concerns every few chapters. I liked the clear organizational strategy that emerged, of a pattern of Walter McMillian case chapters, other related cases, and memoir. However, I did feel overwhelmed by all the names and other information from other cases mentioned. Each of them could have been a book of their own, and as a result I struggled to keep track of it all. But overall this was a very valuable read that I highly recommend. Books and scale graphic in corner

Happy Monday! Today is my only day of classes this week so I’m thriller! Hopefully we will get to discuss our recent readings in my last class. We are way behind on those discussions. The last book we discussed was this book, and we have read 4 since then.
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Orange background with cover of Restaurant Kid by Rachel Phan. White text with title, author, and general information Published: April 2025 Genres: nonfiction memoir Setting: Ontario Canada POV: first person she/her Review: 5 stars Wanton graphic in corner

Orange background with white text synopsis: When she was three years old, Rachel Phan met her replacement. Instead of a new sibling, her parents' time and attention were suddenly devoted entirely to their new family restaurant. Overnight, she became a restaurant kid. As Rachel grew up, the restaurant was the most stalwart and suffocating member of her family. For decades, it's been both her family's crowning achievement and the origin of so much of their pain and suffering. In Restaurant Kid, Rachel seeks to examine the way her life has been shaped by the rigid boxes placed around her. She had to be a "good daughter." She had to be a "real Canadian." As the only Chinese girl at school, she had to alternate between being the sidekick, geek, or Asian fetish. Now, Rachel's parents are cautiously talking about retirement. Bringing to lyric life the poignancy of growing up in a "third culture," Rachel Phan has crafted a vibrant new narrative of growing up, the strength and foibles of family, and how we come to understand ourselves. From GoodReads Wanton graphic in corner

Orange background with white text review: This memoir was one of my most anticipated releases of this year, which is so rare for nonfiction for me. But I was right to be so excited to read this book. I was captivated by the author's voice from the very first page. Her prose is breathtakingly beautiful, and every word shines with honesty. Rachel Phan truly shows us her whole heart and soul in this book. The good and the bad, the funny and the sad, and everything in between. Layered on top of the raw honesty and emotions was deep, meaningful self-reflection from the author. She thought back on her memories and what they mean to her now and what she can learn from them as she enters the next stage of her life and family. And she held so much grace for everyone in her family. I admired that emotional maturity so much and it inspired me reflect more on choices and relationships in my life. I also thought the memoir had strong organization, with clear chapter themes and a mostly chronological progression through the author's life. So overall this memoir is masterpiece, and I highly recommend it. Wanton graphic in corner

Another day, another nonfiction book review. This is an amazing memoir that I highly recommend!
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Pink background with cover of The Future is Disabled by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha. White text with title, author, and general information Published: October 2022 Genres: nonfiction Setting: USA and Canada Pov: first person she/they Review: 4 stars Mask graphic in corner

Pink background with white text synopsis: Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha follows up their incredible book Care Work with The Future Is Disabled. Piepzna-Samarasinha writes about the last two years of surviving COVID-19 as a disabled femme of color in an ableist world that isn't interested in protecting disabled folks. They also discuss mutual aid and disabled joy in the face of isolation and discrimination. The pandemic has been incredibly difficult for disabled people who have been asked to "take one for the team" by wider society. Piepzna-Samarasinha writes encouragement to disabled folks, relishing in our community's creativity in our fight for survival. They also mourn those lost in the pandemic and the care crisis so many of us still face. From GoodReads Mask graphic in corner

Pink background with white text review: There are two things I wish I had done differently when reading this book. First, I wish I had read this closer to its publication in 2022, when I was struggling to figure out how to cope with Covid in a new, big city. Second, I wish I had read Care Work before this book. This book references Care Work a lot and the author even refers to it as Care Work 2.0. So I feel like I may have been missing things by not being familiar with Care Work. But this still was an amazing read. It really made me reflect on my choices regarding the pandemic and my chronic pain. I learned so much about Disability Justice and care networks, and I plan on applying the new knowledge to my life going forward. The author also incorporated a lot of adjacent/ connected issues, including Palestine, climate change, and analysis of the sci-fi genre that made it a very rich read. I liked how it was organized in longer essays with small disabled moments in between. Lastly, I admired the author's honesty with her work and emotions and grief. So overall I highly recommend this book. Mask graphic in corner

I read this book over the summer and it changed my brain chemistry. For one, it gave me a deeper appreciation of the sci-fi genre and made me think more critically with how disability is represented in popular media.
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Brown background with cover of Villa Victoria by Mario Luis Small. Light yellow text with title, author, and general information Published: July 2004 Genres: nonfiction sociology Setting: 1970s-90s Villa Victoria, Boston POV: first person he/him Review: 3 stars Puerto Rican flag graphic in corner

Brown background with light yellow text synopsis: For decades now, scholars and politicians alike have argued that the concentration of poverty in city housing projects would produce distrust, alienation, apathy, and social isolation-the disappearance of what sociologists call social capital. But few have examined precisely how such poverty affects social capital or have considered for what reasons living in a poor neighborhood results in such undesirable effects. This book examines a Puerto Rican enclave in Boston to consider the pros and cons of such social scientific thinking. Mario Luis Small dismantles the theory that poor urban neighborhoods are inevitably deprived of social capital. He shows that the conditions specified in this theory are vaguely defined and variable among poor communities. According to Small, structural conditions must be acknowledged, but individual motivations and the importance of timing must be considered as well. Brimming with fresh theoretical insights, Villa Victoria is an elegant work of sociology that will be essential to students of urban poverty. From GoodReads Puerto Rican flag graphic in corner

Brown background with light yellow text review: So to preface this review: 1 am not a sociologist, so l am reviewing this from an architecture student's perspective instead, which is probably why this book did not blow my mind. Also, this book was already outdated in some aspects when it was published, and is certainly more so today. That said, I did still find it interesting to read. It got off to a bit of a rough start, with the opening chapter on existing methods of study going over my head. I also struggled with the history chapter, since I felt it lacked greater historical and Boston context. But the actual chapters on the author's findings were interesting. I learned a lot about the neighborhood and started to understand the sociology. I appreciated how the author criticized typical methods and assumptions and used the Villa to do so. I also appreciated how imbedded he became in the community during his study, and the respect he showed for it as a result. The actual conclusion in terms of application to sociology as a whole went a bit over my head. So while this was a bit outdated, I still found it interesting. Puerto Rican flag graphic in corner

I’ve lived in Boston for almost 5 years now and am just now starting to read more books set there/about the city. This is one example, as I frequently walk through Villa Victoria and have had this book on my tbr for a while. I finally picked it up over the summer.
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Gray background with cover of In Harm’s Way by Doug Stanton. White text with title, author, and general information Published: January 2001 Genres: nonfiction history Setting: July-August 1945 Phillippine Sea POV: third person Review: 4 stars Shark fin graphic in corner

Gray background with white text synopsis: A harrowing, adrenaline-charged account of America's worst naval disaster - and of the heroism of the men who, against all odds, survived. Interweaving the stories of survivors, Doug Stanton has brought this astonishing human drama to life in a narrative that is at once immediate and timeless. The definitive account of a little-known chapter in World War II history, In Harm's Way is destined to become a classic tale of war, survival, and extraordinary courage. On July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapolis was torpedoed in the South Pacific by a Japanese submarine. An estimated 300 men were killed upon impact; close to 900 sailors were cast into the Pacific Ocean, where they remained undetected by the navy for nearly four days and nights. Battered by a savage sea, they struggled to stay alive, fighting off sharks, hypothermia, and dementia. The captain's court-martial left many questions unanswered: How did the navy fail to realize the Indianapolis was missing? And perhaps most amazing of all, how did these 317 men manage to survive? From GoodReads Shark fin graphic in corner

Gray background with white text review: This book told a harrowing tale. The author clearly did so much research, and it shows in how comprehensively this history is told. The book is split into three clear parts of before, during, and after the sinking. The before section introduces us to the USS Indianapolis and its men, and provides background about the ship and the war. There is a clear chronological progression that continues into the next part. The second part is the darkest and most difficult to read, as each chapter is a different day stranded at sea, and a different threat the men had to survive. I was able to make it through this part because of how the author focused on the men's strength and perseverance. The last part focused on the rescue and aftermath. I wish the author had continued the book further, rather than wrapping up so quickly. I wanted to know more about how the men coped long term with the trauma. I also hated the prologue, as it was exceptionally dark and I felt it did not fit the overall tone of survival and hope. But overall this was a very strong account of this terrible disaster. Shark fin graphic in corner

This was one of the first books I read immediately post top surgery, and I’m glad I had nothing else to do except read because I did not want to put this book down in the middle of it. I needed to get to the end to know they had been rescued before I tried to get a full night’s sleep.
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Blue background with cover of Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: March 2025 Genres: nonfiction memoir Setting: Facebook POV: first person she/her Review: 4 stars Facebook logo in corner

Blue background with black text synopsis: From trips on private jets and encounters with world leaders to shocking accounts of misogyny and double standards behind the scenes, this searing memoir exposes both the personal and the political fallout when unfettered power and a rotten company culture take hold. This eye-opening memoir reveals what really goes on among the global elite. Sarah Wynn-Williams tells the story of Facebook, mapping its rise from stumbling encounters with juntas to Mark Zuckerberg's reaction when he learned of Facebook's role in Trump's election. She experiences the challenges and humiliations of working motherhood within a pressure cooker of a workplace, all while Sheryl Sandberg urges her and others to "lean in." Careless People is a deeply personal account of why and how things have gone so horribly wrong in the past decade. A deep, unflinching look at the role that social media has assumed in our lives, Careless People reveals the truth about the leaders of Facebook: how the more power they grasp, the less responsible they become. From GoodReads

Blue background with black text review: This was an eye-opening read. For starters, I love the origin of the title, coming from a The Great Gatsby quote. It really set the tone for the book. I also really enjoy the narration style. I found the author's voice very charismatic and conversational with a dry wit, making even tough topics easy to read about. I absolutely flew through this book. Of course, I was also fascinated by the topic. I learned so much about global policy, social media policy, and social media global policy. I thought the information was well organized, with the tale unfolding mostly chronological but with a clear topic in each chapter. My one issue with book was I felt the author lacked self-reflection. She hid behind the excuse of idealism and ignorance, rather than truly examining her role in everything and taking some responsibility. I also wish she had commented on current issues at the end, rather than stopping with her leaving in 2018. It would have been even more relevant if she talked about Al and Gaza in some way. But overall, I enjoyed this memoir.

I recommended this to my uncle and after reading it he said he was “simultaneously fascinated and disturbed” which is very accurate to how I felt as well. Eye-opening in a concerning way.
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Red background with cover of Recognizing the Stranger by Isabella Hammad. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: September 2024 Genres: nonfiction lecture Setting: delivered September 2023 at Columbia University POV: first person she/her Review: 5 stars Lectern graphic in corner

Red background with black text synopsis: Isabella Hammad delivered the Edward W. Said Memorial Lecture at Columbia University nine days before October 7th, 2023. The text of Hammad's seminal speech and her afterword, written in the early weeks of 2024, together make up a searing appraisal of the war on Palestine during what seems a turning point in the narrative of human history. Profound and moving, Hammad writes from within the moment, giving voice to the Palestinian struggle for freedom. Recognizing the Stranger is a brilliant melding of literary and cultural analysis by one of Granta's Best of Young British Novelists and a foremost writer of fiction in the world today. From Goodreads Lectern graphic in corner

Red background with black text review: This was an absolutely brilliant read that made me think deeply about the subject. It packed a huge punch for its short length. For starters, I loved how the author blended literary analysis and current issues. As a huge reader, I am a complete nerd for anything to do with books and literary analysis, so I was immediately hooked. I also love a good twist in my books, and this analysis was focused on the moment of recognition, a key element of a good plot twist or major character shift. All this is to say the literary analysis component alone deserved all the stars. But Isabella Hammad took it one step farther, applying that analysis to the real life situation in Palestine, and used it to shape paths forward. The lecture, given in September 2023, ended on that note, but the book continued with an addendum written in 2024. I found the addendum deeply moving, with more palpable emotion, and a strong compliment to the more academic tone of the lecture. So overall I think everyone should read this and I highly recommend it. Lectern graphic in corner

This book is also super short and quick to read, for anyone looking to squeeze in more books before the end of the year!

Blue background with cover of Hot Summer by Elle Everhart. White text with title, author, and general information Published: June 2024 Genres: queer romance Setting: Hot Summer Villa, Cyprus POV: third person Review: 4 stars Chocolate croissant graphic in corner

Blue background with white text synopsis: Cas Morgan has spent years of her life watching Hot Summer, the hit reality dating show that pairs together a bunch of sexy singles in an exotic island location. But she never quite thought she'd be a part of it, until her company secures a partnership with the production team behind the show, and Cas is handpicked as a contestant. She won't get any extra help making it through the eight weeks in the hot Cypriot sun, but if she makes it to the finals, her long-awaited promotion will be secured. Cas is ready to spend the summer trying to make herself more likeable to win over the voting public. But just as she steps into the villa, her entire plan goes off course. She's instantly smitten with fellow contestant, Ada, who is on the show to find a genuine relationship, one Cas can't give. Ada is gorgeous and charming. Cas isn't used to the side of herself Ada brings out, and when their connection becomes undeniable and Cas's own standing in the villa precarious— she's torn between listening to her heart or sticking to her strategy. From GoodReads Chocolate croissant graphic in corner

Blue background with white text review: I absolutely flew through this book! It was such a wild and absurd ride, especially since I do not watch Love Island and therefore the challenges were bonkers to me. Yet despite not understanding what was happening most of the time, I still loved the romance so much. I truly adored Cas with my entire heart and soul. I was thrilled the entire book was her perspective, which is rare for me. She felt so real and messy and vulnerable and I wanted the world for her. She certainly deserved so much better than she got from her company and Hot Summer producers. As for Ada, she is literally an angel I'm pretty sure. She was perfect for Cas, being so open with her love and affection and easily pushing past all Cas' defenses and insecurities. And despite their hyper-heterosexual surroundings they were able to build such a beautiful relationship. The only thing I did not like about this book was the set up to get Cas onto the show. It made absolutely no rational sense. But once I got over that hurdle, this book was really a joy to read and I recommend it. Chocolate croissant graphic in corner

Huge shout out to my roommate (who lent me this book) for answering all my questions and confusions. This book is very strongly Love Island inspired, and I therefore did not understand a lot of the references and challenges. But my lovely roommate was willing to explain them to me.
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Orange background with cover of The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: September 2021 Genres: queer romance Setting: USA, Germany, South Africa, and Bali POV: third person Review: 4 stars Puzzle graphic in corner

Orange background with black text synopsis: Dev Deshpande has always believed in fairy tales. So it's no wonder then that he's spent his career crafting them on the long-running reality dating show Ever After. As the most successful producer in the franchise's history, Dev always scripts the perfect love story for his contestants. But then the show casts disgraced tech wunderkind Charlie Winshaw as its star. Charlie is far from the romantic Prince Charming Ever After expects. He doesn't believe in true love, and only agreed to the show as a last-ditch effort to rehabilitate his image. In front of the cameras, he's a stiff, anxious mess. Behind the scenes, he's cold, awkward, and emotionally closed-off. As Dev fights to get Charlie to connect with the contestants on a whirlwind, worldwide tour, they begin to open up to each other, and Charlie realizes he has better chemistry with Dev than with any of his female co-stars. But even reality TV has a script, and in order to find to happily ever after, they'll have to reconsider whose love story gets told. From GoodReads Puzzle graphic in corner

Orange background with black text review: This book delivered so much. It had such a beautiful, wholesome romance, unpacked stigma about mental health, and showed the unrealistic expectations of reality tv. But to start with the characters. Each one felt so nuanced, made up of good and bad decisions, and capable of growth. I loved both Dev and Charlie, and both their points of view. It was easy to fall in love with Dev from the very first page, with his optimism and love of love. But in the end I think I liked Charlie more, with his touch aversion and how certain he was of his feelings despite everything. I also loved Charlie because he was able to see how toxic Ever After was, and called Dev out on how he enabled toxic behavior in the name of a good story. He also encouraged Dev to go to therapy, and overall made Dev a better person. Dev also helped Charlie come out of his shell and be himself. So overall they had such a strong romance, and I loved them together. My one critique was how quickly everything got resolved with the show and Maureen. But overall I loved this book! Puzzle graphic in corner

I picked this book up on Indie Bookstore Day after enjoying Here for the Wrong Reasons so much and this book coming up in that book club discussion. I read it almost immediately, and I loved it so much! Now I want to read more books by Alison Cochrun.
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Red background with cover of Here For the Wrong Reasons by Annabel Paulsen and Lydia Wang. White text with title, authors, and general information Published: May 2024 Genres: queer romance Setting: USA, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Costa Rica POV: third person Review: 4 stars

Red background with white text synopsis: Krystin knows exactly what she wants: a husband, a horse, and a place to hang all her competitive rodeo blue ribbons. But when none of the eligible bachelors in Montana end up being right for her, she turns to reality TV. On Hopelessly Devoted, Krystin will compete against dozens of other women for the heart of this season's Hopeless Romantic, Josh Rosen. She's determined to win the perfect life she came here for. Lauren has never done anything for the right reasons-and she's definitely not on Hopelessly Devoted to win Josh's heart. Lauren's plan is simple: stay on the show long enough to build her social media following, and then gracefully leave when it's her turn to be eliminated. With enough followers, she'll finally have enough influencer clout to do whatever she wants-including come out of the proverbial walk-in closet. But neither contestant expects a heteronormative dating show to challenge their own deeply-ingrained ideas of who they are-and what they want. From GoodReads

Red background with white text review: I enjoyed this book way more than I expected, considering I hate reality dating shows. But I guess I love it when it's in book form. For starters, I loved the characters. Krystin is so sweet, and I loved her journey of self discovery. Throughout the book she discovers not only her sexuality but comes to understand that there is not a set path for happiness. I also really liked Lauren, and that was a sign of great writing, because Lauren did a lot of unlikeable things but I still loved her as a main character. She is smart and clever and so deeply in love with Krystin. I loved their relationship so much. It is so sweet from the very beginning, with scenes that had me giggling and kicking me feet. My one thing about their relationship was there was way too much Josh in it. And way too much kissing Josh. I did not really like Josh, as I found him boring and dumb. But he was supportive once he found out. And he helped organize the big confession, which was so amazing and made me so happy. So overall I loved this book and highly recommend it.

I have never been interested in watching reality dating shows, so I don’t think I would’ve ever picked this book up if it wasn’t for book club. But I really enjoyed it in the end and have gone on to read a couple more reality tv inspired queer books.
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Red background with cover of The Burning Queen by Aparna Verma. White text with title, author, and general information Coming out soon: November 2025 Genres: fantasy sci-fi Setting: Ravence and the second continent POV: third person Review: 3 stars Orange and blue fire graphic in corner

Red background with white text synopsis: "So what will you become, Elena? Villain, hero, or conqueror?" Ravence has fallen. Her enemies have ravaged her people. And now Elena Aadya Ravence must decide how far she will go to reap her revenge. As she is pulled into a bitter war that will decide the fate of her kingdom, a new tyrant rises to reclaim his home, and Elena finds that perhaps her hunger isn't enough. And his knows no bounds. From Netgalley Orange and blue fire graphic in corner

Red background with white text review: It took me the entirety of part one of this book to get into it. I struggled with Elena, finding her naive; and Samson, finding him cruel. I struggled with how fast the action was happening, not giving time inside either character's head to understand their emotions, especially Elena's grief. Yet there were enough hints of character work and other things to come that I stuck with it. And it was well worth it. By part two, I was hooked, rediscovering my love for Elena. I also loved the expansion of the world building in terms of the gods and agni. By part three, I was fully engrossed in this book. I feel in love with Samson, and enjoyed the council politics. Jaya also grew on me, and while I didn't love her actions, I understood her motivation. Lastly, the ending was brutal in the best way, though I did find Elena a bit naive again, and I predicted one of the big reveals. But it was more than strong enough to leave me counting down the days to book three and the conclusion of this trilogy. So overall I recommend this book and of course book one. Orange and blue fire graphic in corner

For this book there are three main pieces of art, showing the main character Elena as a hero, villain, and conquerer. They are absolutely stunning and you should check them out!
Thank you Orbit Books and NetGalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Light yellow background with cover of Ollie Fitzgerald’s Heartbreak Anthems by Charlie Arrigo. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: June 2023 Genres: ya queer romance Setting: high school POV: first person he/him Review: 4 stars Tickets graphic in corner

Light yellow background with black text synopsis: Ollie Fitzgerald is finally ready to move on. After spending his entire life crafting the perfect plan for every situation, he wasn't expecting his best friend's brother, Nash, to kiss him on the first day of summer. Something else he wasn't expecting? Nash ghosting him a week later when he left for lacrosse camp. Now, hurting from his first real heartbreak, Ollie dives into his Heartbreak Anthems playlist to let go and follow the music wherever it leads him, and hopefully that's away from Nash. But when Nash comes back at the start of the school year, avoiding his feelings isn't as easy as it sounds. And when Dee, Ollie's best friend, confides in him after a school prank puts prom in jeopardy, the three of them decide to work together to save the dance. Even with a well-curated list of pop songs, moving on isn't easy, forcing him to face the idea that he might not even want to in the first place. And maybe moving on means something different than he originally thought. Tickets graphic in corner

Light yellow background with black text review: Second chance friends to lovers? Yes please! This was such a sweet romance. For starters, I loved Ollie so much. He felt so real and so high school, with his uncertainty about his future but certainty about his sexuality and what he wanted. I also loved his friends, especially Steve and Millie. They were so supportive of Ollie and helped him find happiness. Of course, I also loved Dee, but more because of how real and flawed she felt. Nash was the one character I struggled with a bit. Some things in his personality were alluded to that were never fully resolved. I think it would have helped to have his perspective incorporated more in some way. But I loved how happy he made Ollie in the end. And I liked that even though they often miscommunicated, they still tried so hard and put so much effort into their relationship over the course of the book. It felt realistic yet optimistic, the perfect balance for a young adult romance. Iloved how it all culminated at prom, the most high school event ever. So overall I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it! Tickets graphic in corner

Music is huge in this book, and while I didn’t quite get it, I still really enjoyed the vibe and how passionate Ollie was about it.
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Light gold background with cover of The Ivory City by Emily Bain Murphy. Dark red text with title, author, and general information Coming out soon: November 2025 Genres: Historical mystery romance Setting: 1904 St Louis World’s Fair POV: third person Review: 4 stars Ferris wheel graphic in corner

Light gold background with dark red text synopsis: Grace and Lillie are cousins and have been best friends since birth, despite Grace's inferior social status. When Lillie invites Grace to the biggest event of the century-the legendary World's Fair, also known as "The Ivory City"-Grace doesn't hesitate. Then: a murder. A young woman at the fair is brutally killed, and suspicion quickly falls on Grace's cousin Oliver. Grace has to help prove Oliver innocent before he is jailed and her beloved cousin's family is ruined forever. And along the way, discover whether the city's wealthy elite-not least of all Oliver's handsome, irritable friend Theodore-aren't quite who they first appeared to be. Because a killer is still on the loose, and all the glitz, glamor, and magic of the Ivory City is about to become a lot more dangerous to behold. From GoodReads Ferris wheel graphic in corner

Light gold background with dark red text review: This book was worth reading for me for the setting alone. I loved the World's Fair so much and how much attention to detail was given to it. It was such a complex setting, seeming like a beautiful, opulent dream at the start, but become more sinister as the book continues and secrets are slowly revealed. This is definitely a slower paced mystery, which I struggled with a bit at first, waiting for the murder to happen. But it picks up fast once it gets going, with lots of and twists and turns, and a very exciting, dramatic ending. Yet even though it took a while to get to the mystery, the book was far from boring, introducing the reader to the characters and their complicated dynamics. I loved Grace so much, and her love and loyalty for her cousins. They all care about each other so deeply, and its beautiful. It is also a romance, and they had such amazing chemistry. At first, I did think Theodore's character leaned a bit hard into the Mr. Darcy vibe, but the banter and how it progressed more than made up for it. So overall I loved this book and highly recommend it. Ferris wheel graphic in corner

I loved this book and the World’s Fair setting so much, and I loved the author’s note about the injustice and inhumanity at the fair even more.
Thank you Union Square and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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Blue background with cover of Cursed Daughters by Oyinkan Braithwaite. White text with title, author, and general information Coming out soon: November 2025 Genres: literary fiction Setting: 1994-present Lagos, Nigeria POV: third person Review: 4 stars Dog graphic in corner

Blue background with white text synopsis: When Ebun gives birth to her daughter, Eniiyi, on the day they bury her cousin Monife, there is no denying the startling resemblance between the child and the dead woman. So begins the belief, fostered and fanned by the entire family, that Eniiyi is the reincarnation of Monife, fated to follow in her footsteps in all ways, including that tragic end. There is also the matter of the family curse: "No man will call your house his home. And if they try, they will not have peace..." which has been handed down from generation to generation, breaking hearts and causing three generations of Falodun women to live under the same roof. When Eniiyi falls in love with the handsome boy she saves from drowning, she can no longer run from her family's history. Is she destined to live out the habitual story of love and heartbreak? Or can she break the pattern once and for all, liberating herself from all the family secrets and unspoken traumas that have dogged her steps since before she could remember? From GoodReads Dog graphic in corner

Blue background with white text review: This book was absolutely phenomenal. I was instantly hooked from the very first chapter, and my love of this story only grew from there. For starters, I loved how it alternated perspectives and time periods between Monife in the 1990s, Ebun in the early 2000s, and Eniiyi in the present day. showing so much of the family history and tying together with the main plot so cleverly, I also loved the family curse tales woven in, The way the sections layered together created created such a rich, captivating, beautiful story. I loved all three of the women so much, and they were incredibly nuanced and compelling. Lastly, this book demonstrated Braithwaite's total writing mastery. The prose was so stunning, and even the smallest details were important, creating such a vibrant story. However, I did find the plot a bit predictable towards the end. I also had mixed feelings about the ending, as while it was a very strong ending I actually wanted slightly less resolution. But overall this book was amazing and I highly recommend it! Dog graphic in corner

My Sister the Serial Killer is one of my all time favorite books, so I was screaming with joy when this book was announced. I was lucky enough to grab an arc at Thillerfest this year and I even got it signed.
Thank you Doubleday for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Gold background with cover of Hot Chocolate and Holiday Mishaps by Samantha Picaro. White text with title, author, and general information Coming out soon: November 2025 Genres: queer contemporary Setting: Madison Grove, New Jersey POV: first person she/her Review: 3 stars Hot chocolate graphic in corner

Gold background with white text synopsis: Ellie Conti finds comfort and joy in her movie and TV show review blog, especially after failed efforts to keep a job or join a club. She's happy to try new things based on the movies and shows she watches, even if she sometimes wishes she had a friend to do them with. She plans for a low-key holiday season until her older sister, Bianca, asks for help. Bianca works for a celebrity manager and requests Ellie's help in keeping an eye on a client named Robin Darcy, a teen actress. Ellie agrees to help so Bianca can gain her boss's approval and so Ellie can promote her blog. Robin participates in the town's holiday activities to fix her negative public image following a holiday-related incident. It doesn't help that Robin makes her displeasure known about having to improve her image and being chaperoned by someone close to her age. But through hot chocolate and honest talks, they form a bond that motivates them to leave their comfort zones and learn to let people in. From GoodReads Hot chocolate graphic in corner

Gold background with white text review: This book made me so ready to skip fall completely and go straight to the winter season. The holiday vibes were absolutely perfect! I loved how each chapter opened with a different tradition, from decorating cookies to snowball fights. I am also a huge fan of hot chocolate in winter and all seasons, just like our main character Ellie, so l loved her from that alone. But I also loved her passion for her blog and representation in media, her fearlessness determination trying new things based on what she watched, and her phenomenal development putting herself out there in the public eye and making new friends. But as much as I adored Ellie, I struggled the other characters a bit. I didn't love the way Bianca consistently put her job over Ellie, and I wanted more sibling bonding between them instead. I was also impatient with Robin's development. So often it felt like she was so close to realizing the problems with her behavior, and then didn't. Lastly, I did not like Jane at all. But overall this was an amazing holiday book that I recommend! Hot chocolate graphic in corner

This book, with its emphasis on the holiday spirit, traditions, and movies was so perfect for me and I loved the vibes in it so much.
Thank you to the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Pink background with cover of Interstellar Megachef by Lavanya Lakshminarayan. Yellow text with title, author, and general information Published: November 2024 Genres: queer sci-fi Setting: Uru, Prima, Primus POV: first person she/her and third person Review: 3 stars Cooking graphic in corner

Pink background with yellow text synopsis: Stepping off a long-haul star freighter from Earth, Saras Kaveri has one bag of clothes, her little flying robot Kili... and an invitation to compete in the galaxy's most watched, most prestigious cooking show. Interstellar MegaChef is the showcase of the planet Primus's austere, carefully synthesised cuisine. No one from Earth--where they're so incredibly primitive they still cook with fire--has ever graced its flowmetal cookstations before, or smiled awkwardly for its buzzing drone-cams. Until now. Corporate prodigy Serenity Ko, inventor of the smash-hit sim SoundSpace, has just got messily drunk at a floating bar, narrowly escaped an angry mob and been put on two weeks' mandatory leave to rest and get her work-life balance back. Perfect time to start a new project! And she's got just the idea: a sim for food. Now she just needs someone to teach her how to cook. A chance meeting in the back of a flying cab has Saras and Serenity Ko working together on a new technology that could change the future of food--and both their lives--forever... From GoodReads Cooking graphic in corner

Pink background with yellow text review: I have very strong, mixed opinions on this book. On the one hand, this is probably one of the best sci-fi genre pieces I have ever read. The heart of sci-fi, in my mind, is criticism of society, and this book embodies that. It bashes racism and xenophobia, elitism and classism, reliance on technology, dissociation from reality, and disconnect from other people. It talks about propaganda and microaggressions and so much more. And it has a super strong villain to be in Optimism Mahd'vi. Unfortunately, Optimism Mahd'vi was the only character and plot I found compelling. I hated Serenity Ko, who was entitled and had painfully slow development to be a better person. And I found Saras naive. Her entire plot could have been eliminated if she got therapy instead of trying to gain approval from people that hated her. And therefore I did not approve of the romance blossoming between Saras and Serenity Ko. So overall this was a spectacular work of sci-fi, but with a plot and characters I did not love. But I still recommend and look forward to book 2. Cooking graphic in corner

This book has a lot of cooking in it and I loved that so much. Overall I enjoyed this book, but I definitely had strong thoughts about it. So did others, making for a very lively book club discussion on it.
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Yellow background with cover of Hammajang Luck by Makana Yamamoto. Black text with title, author, and general information Published: December 2024 Genres: queer sci-fi Setting: Kepler POV: first person they/them Review: 3 stars Poker chips graphic in corner

Yellow background with black text synopsis: Edie is done with crime. Eight years behind bars changes a person - costs them too much time with too many of the people who need them most. And it's all Angel's fault. She sold Edie out in what should have been the greatest moment of their lives. Instead, Edie was shipped off to the icy prison planet spinning far below the soaring skybridges and neon catacombs of Kepler space station - of home - to spend the best part of a decade alone. But then a chance for early parole appears out of nowhere and Edie steps into the pallid sunlight to find none other than Angel waiting - and she has an offer. One last job. One last deal. One last target. The trillionaire tech god they failed to bring down last time. There's just one thing Edie needs to do - trust Angel again - which also happens to be the last thing Edie wants to do. What could possibly go all hammajang about this plan? From GoodReads Poker chips graphic in corner

Yellow background with black text review: I think I went into this book with incorrect expectations. At the end of the day, this is a heist novel, plain and simple. It has all the cliches and plot points one would expect. Unfortunately, I expected more from it, and so l was a bit let down. But let's start with what I enjoyed. I loved Edie. I loved that they had such a tight family that they were so devoted to. I loved how quickly they adopted the junior members of the crew. And I loved how confident they were at their abilities to navigate Kepler and how much they cared about their home. I also loved the cliche elements of the heist, from the recruitment montage to the gala and casino scene. But what I struggled with was Angel. Her and Edie had so much history from the start, and every time they started to talk about they were interrupted, and it drove me mad. I also found her character predictable in how her lies and secrets were supposed to be twists. And once everything was over I thought Edie forgave her too fast. But overall this was certainly a fun read and I would recommend it. Poker chips graphic in corner

School is starting to pick up for me and as a result my captions are going to get shorter and shorter sorry. Not much to say about this book either except that I was lucky enough to meet the author and get my copy signed.
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Red background with cover of To Bargain with Mortals by RA Basu. Gold text with title, author, and general information Coming out soon: October 2025 Genres: fantasy Setting: Marnapur, Viryana POV: third person Review: 4 stars Wave graphic in corner

Red background with gold text synopsis: In the colonized nation of Viryana, Poppy Sutherland lives between cultures. As the brown-skinned adopted daughter of the Viceroy, she is both rejected by white high society and alienated from the people of her native island. When she discovers her opportunistic fiancé's plot to exile her, Poppy flees-straight into the clutches of the Jackal. Hasan Devar, the ruthless criminal known as the Jackal, has long been targeted for his family's divine magic, a gift the colonizers have tried to stamp out. When his brother is arrested, he seizes Poppy as leverage. But Poppy has powerful secrets-and political ambitions-of her own. As allies, they could do more than just free Hasan's brother and keep Poppy safe. They could topple the very power structures that hold them all back. From GoodReads Wave graphic in corner

Red background with gold text review: This book is so blatantly anti-colonial and did hold back in its criticisms, and I was really truly in love with that aspect of it. I also loved the magic system so much, with the gods and elemental powers. And Poppy was a very compelling main character. She was so nuanced with her upbringing and her ambitions. She was deeply flawed, but that just meant she had many opportunities to grow and develop. I also appreciated that she did not have a romance plot. As for the others, I liked Hasan and the Devar family, though personally I found Samina more of a compelling mirror to Poppy. As for the ending, it had enough resolution to satisfy me, but with enough loose threads left that I am looking forward to the next book. However, I still struggled with two things in this book. I did not fully understand what time period, aka historical or contemporary, this was set in. I also thought there were too many points of view throughout the book, and I wish it been kept to just a few. But overall I enjoyed and highly recommend this book! Wave graphic in corner

I loved how this book had a magic system involving the four elements. It reminded me so much of Alta, but this book definitely made the system unique as it went on.
Thank you Bindery Books and Netgalley for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

I would like everyone who engaged with this post and were rooting for me to know that I have now read 2 books from my planned tbr for the month

Gold background with cover of Her Name in the Sky by Kelly Quindlen. Green text with title, author, and general information Published: July 2014 Genres: queer ya romance Setting: Louisiana POV: third person Review: 5 stars Graduation cap graphic in corner

Gold background with green text synopsis: Hannah wants to spend her senior year of high school going to football games and Mardi Gras parties with her tight-knit group of friends. The last thing she wants is to fall in love with a girl--especially when that girl is her best friend, Baker. Hannah knows she should like Wally, the kind, earnest boy who asks her to prom. She should cheer on her friend Clay when he asks Baker to be his girlfriend. She should follow the rules of her conservative Louisiana community--the rules that have been ingrained in her since she was a child. But Hannah longs to be with Baker, who cooks macaroni and cheese with Hannah late at night, who believes in the magic of books as much as Hannah does, and who challenges Hannah to be the best version of herself. And Baker might want to be with Hannah, too--if both girls can embrace that world-shaking, yet wondrous, possibility. From GoodReads Graduation cap graphic in corner

Gold background with green text review: This book emotionally destroyed me, and proved yet again friends to lovers superiority. I was obsessed with Hannah and Baker from the very first page. They are truly the embodiment of to be loved is to be known. As a result, the yearning was off the charts and so amazing. The other thing I loved about Hannah and Baker, and all their friends, was just how much they behaved like high schoolers. They made so many dumb decisions and overreacted to things because at the end of the day they are teenagers, and that was so realistic and well done. That youth also allowed for a lot of character development. Hannah was questioning her sexuality, her faith, and her future. And she coped with this inner turmoil by hitting self destruct on pretty much all her relationships, which again was just so realistic for her age. It also caused a lot of angst, which I enjoyed and had me in tears towards the end. Thankfully, the ending was so optimistic and sweet, and made all the pain and suffering worth it. So overall I loved this book so much and I highly recommend. Graduation cap graphic in corner

I need to offer my roommate a formal apology. She gifted me a copy of this book forever ago, saying it was one of her favorites and an absolutely amazing read. I finally read earlier this year it, and she was right. This book is absolutely phenomenal, and I will never doubt her taste in books again.

Olive green background with cover of Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell. White text with title, author, and general information Published: April 2024 Genres: queer cozy horror Setting: Underlook POV: third person Review: 3 stars Rosemary oil graphic in corner

Olive green background with white text synopsis: Shesheshen is a shapeshifter, who happily resides as an amorphous lump at the bottom of a ruined manor. When her rest is interrupted by hunters intent on murdering her, the hunters chase Shesheshen out of her home and off a cliff. Badly hurt, she's found and nursed back to health by Homily, a warm-hearted human, who has mistaken Shesheshen as a fellow human. Homily would make an excellent co-parent: an ideal place to lay Shesheshen's eggs so their young could devour Homily from the inside out. But as they grow close, she realizes humans don't think about love that way. Shesheshen hates keeping her identity secret from Homily, but just as she's about to confess, Homily reveals she's hunting a shapeshifting monster that supposedly cursed her family. Shesheshen didn't curse anyone, but to give herself and Homily a chance at happiness, she has to figure out why Homily's family thinks she did. As the hunt for the monster becomes increasingly deadly, Shesheshen must unearth the truth quickly, or both of their lives will be at risk. From GoodReads Rosemary oil graphic in corner

Olive green background with white text review: This genre of horror was a bit out of my comfort zone, and for that reason I struggled with it a bit. Yes it was cozy, but it was a still a bit too heavy on the body horror for my taste. But once I was able to get through those elements, I did enjoy this book. I loved Shesheshen and Homily so much. I loved the dark humor we got through Shesheshen's narration. There were so many great one liners that made me laugh out loud. There was also amazing development as Shesheshen learns how to love and care for Homily. Homily got lots of great development as well she learned to accept love in a healthy way and heal from everything her family put her through. Of course, the plot was far more than their romance, and there was lots of great action that I really enjoyed. When I was able to look past the body horror, Shesheshen's species was fascinating and fun, though I wish there had been more lore about it. I also did find the plot predictable, though some twists took me by surprise. And I loved the ending. So in the end this was a fun read. Rosemary oil graphic in corner

This was my first foray into the cozy horror genre, and I definitely want to read more like it. Just hopefully with less body horror.
Also this book would fit the Sapphic September prompt for ace sapphics
#booksky

Ooh I do have that somewhere on my shelf! But I’m probably going to put all my energy into reading The Lost Story since it’s for a book club at the end of the month

How is it already the 20th?? I feel like the month has absolutely sped by. And somehow I’ve only managed to read one book from my planned tbr for the month. So many more books to read and so little time!
#booksky

Pink background with cover of Can We Skip to the Good Part? by Melissa Brayden. White text with title, author, and general information: Coming out soon: September 2025 Genres: queer romance Setting: Everly Springs, Virginia POV: third person Review: 3 stars Cereal graphic in corner

Pink background with white text synopsis: Ella Baker is tired of being an afterthought in her own life. First, her fiancé dumps her six days before the wedding. Then her family jets off on a world tour— without her. And just when she thinks it can't get worse, her longtime employer forgets to lay her off...That is, until now. It's time for a reinvention, starting with joining a book club. Thank God for her best friend, Rachel, who's always there with popcorn and wine. But when a kiss from a smart, gorgeous, and maddeningly irresistible book club member leaves Ella breathless, she's stunned to learn the woman is the very ex who broke Rachel's heart. Max Wyler doesn't believe in forever. As a divorce mediator, she's built a career on helping people walk away amicably. The book club is just an escape-until new member Ella Baker arrives, all sunshine and sass, making Max question everything she thought she knew about love. But Ella's best friend is Max's worst mistake. Which means those pretty blue eyes? Completely off-limits. Or at least, they should be. From GoodReads Cereal graphic in corner

Pink background with white text review: This book was so cute and perfect for book lovers! For starters, I loved the setting of the book club so much, and adored all the Weepers. They were such a wholesome and supportive friend group. Of course, I also adored Doug and his book store, supplying the book club's reads and Ella's coffee needs. I thought Ella had amazing character development learning to stand up for herself and be loved the way she deserves. I loved her friendship with Rachel so much, and Rachel also had strong development and was an incredibly nuanced character. As for Max, I admired her strength as she navigated her complicated relationship with her mother, and I loved their relationship in the end. I wish Ella had gotten more resolution with her family though. And like Ella, I prefer a slow burn, so I found the pacing of her and Max's romance a bit fast for my taste. Lastly, as much as I loved the book club and book store, I felt the rest of Everly Springs underdeveloped compared to what l've come to expect from Brayden. But overall this was a super fun read! Cereal graphic in corner

This book is perfect for anyone who loves book clubs and it’s also perfect for sapphic September, coming out September 23.
Thank you Luna Literary Management and the author for the free advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
#booksky

Purple background with cover of Beautiful Dreamer by Melissa Brayden. White text with title, author, and general information Published: July 2019 Genres: queer romance Setting: Dreamer’s Bay, South Carolina POV: third person Review: 4 stars Fridge graphic in corner

Purple background with white text synopsis: Philadelphia real estate broker Devyn Winters is at the peak of her career, closing multimillion-dollar deals and relishing it. She's pretty much blocked out her formative years in Dreamer's Bay, where the most exciting thing to happen was the twice a year bake sale. Unfortunately, a distress call hauls her back home and away from the life she's constructed. Now the question is just how long until she can leave again? And when did boring Elizabeth Draper get so beautiful? Elizabeth Draper loves people, free time, and a good cup of coffee in the warm sunlight. In the quaint town of Dreamer's Bay, she's the only employee of On the Spot, an odd jobs company. She remembers Devyn Winters as shallow in high school, but now everything about Devyn makes her lose focus. Though her brain knows Devyn is only home temporarily, her heart didn't seem to get the memo. From GoodReads Fridge graphic in corner

Purple background with white text review: This book had me crying by page 50. I was not prepared. But it was a phenomenal opening that made me instantly fall in love with both characters. Nothing like a huge crisis to show what your characters are truly made of. And as emotional as the beginning was, the romance was so adorable. I loved their flirting so much, and how Elizabeth announced it. Elizabeth was literally an angel, with her big heart and unending kindness to everyone she met. I would do anything for her. And for Scout! Devyn was a tougher nut, but I loved her devotion to her sister and I related to her complicated relationship with her hometown. I thought she had the best development, as she fell in love with Elizabeth and small town life, and wrested with what that meant for her career. I found her internal dilemma so realistic. As much as I liked their fun little fling, liked it even more when Devyn and Elizabeth had to put hard work into their relationship. There were a few steps along the way I didn't love, but they got an amazing, happy ending. So overall, I highly recommend! Fridge graphic in corner

I love a small town romance, and Melissa Brayden truly delivers amazing ones. I fell so in love with Dreamer’s Bay and all its residents.
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