Chris
Wow just wow! I received the arc just before the book released, but I was determined to read this as it was one of my most anticipated releases for 2025. I'm so glad I was able to read this.
A truly beautiful story. I can't even begin to explain how much this story will sit with me. That ending had me sobbing. Literal tears on my face. So much was done so beautifully and just give this book all the awards when the time comes please.
Thank you NetGalley, Karissa Chen, and Putnam Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen is out now!
Finishing this on the first day of the new year, only a few weeks from the release of book three? What a way to start 2025 and so on brand for me.
Iron Flame had everything I enjoyed of Fourth Wing. It was memorable. Did it have some spots that were totally unnecessary? Yeah I think so. The book could have easily been 100-150 pages shorter if I'm being honest, but I still really have hope for this series and am excited to see where Onyx Storm takes us.
Iron Flame was no Fourth Wing (because it needed polish) BUT it was still a phenomenal read imo.
Wow where do I even begin?! I've been a reading slump this month. Nothing has really been a standout until now!
HappyHead could easily become the next Divergent, Hunger Games, Maze Runner, or whatever other “f*ck the system” style YA is out there. It has the ingredients for it.
HappyHead is the first in the duology by Josh Silver. I must admit I'm incredibly envious of the UK for being able to read the sequel first, but it's okay. I can wait until February...maybe.
This was definitely a different direction from Wicked Little Things and that's not a bad thing. This book is coming out at such a pivotal moment in time.
There are so many things in this book that echo real life and it is scary, but it is also beautiful. It showcases hope, love, and acceptance. The most important thing it showcases though? Change.
Is this just another vampire-mortal love story? No not all. This is a story of what it means to fight for the right to exist. This is a story of life as an LGBTQIA2S+ individual. This is not just fiction. This is a reflection of life experiences.
Thank you Justin Arnold for this magnificent piece of work! Thank you Tiny Ghost Press and Justin for allowing me to read an ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Keep It in the Dark by Justin Arnold releases 12/3/24!
Tosa Alphainu offers a captivating journey through the history of pup play, infusing the narrative with both fun and factual information. The author expertly balances historical context with clear explanations of pup play terminology, making the subject accessible to both seasoned pups and curious newcomers.
Beyond the pup perspective, the book also provides valuable insights for handlers, offering a well-rounded exploration of the dynamic between pups and their handlers. While there are numerous resources available on pup play, Puppy-Play stands out for its depth of knowledge and engaging presentation. By delving into the past, present, and future of the pup play community, Tosa creates a comprehensive and informative resource for all those interested in this unique lifestyle.
I wholeheartedly recommend Puppy-Play to anyone curious about pup play, whether you're a seasoned pup, a potential handler, or simply seeking to expand your understanding of this fascinating subculture.
I did read this in English not French, but enjoy pups! Awroooo!
Did this take a couple weeks to read? Yes. Did I hate it? ABSOLUTELY NOT!
When I read the first book in this series, I was hooked and have been ever since. Odyssey was no different. Actually, that's a lie. Odyssey is definitely my favorite in the series, which is weird because I don't normally read books over 350 pages.
I love what Alethea did in this epic and I'm thrilled to see where it goes from here!
Phrique has done it again! I'm learning so much about myself through his writing. There is something about learning what kinks you don't have through reading that is really special.
Phrique must continue to release content because his voice in the horror (and horror smut?) comedy is unparalleled and unmatched. He fills a void that needs filling desperately (hehe). I told y'all with GotD to watch out for Splatter Zaddy and I will continue to say it!
Chloe Spencer has done it again! Another knock out by her from Tiny Ghost Press!
I missed the original release date for this ARC review (Oops!) but I had good reason. Sorry about that!
Haunting Melody has so much fun in it. The writing is just right for a YA novel. We get introduced to a cast of characters that is so diverse.
I will admit, I knew one of the twists early on in the book. I did not expect the big bad reveal though. I didn't pin it correctly.
Anyways, this was an enjoyable read for spooky month especially if you love music and spooky things!
Thank you Tiny Ghost Press and Chloe Spencer for sending me an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Haunting Melody by Chloe Spencer is out now!
This groundbreaking guide is a must-read for anyone looking to redefine their understanding of relationships, love, and intimacy. Beyond its primary focus on aromantic and asexual individuals, the book offers a revolutionary perspective on what constitutes a fulfilling connection.
By challenging societal norms, it encourages us to explore the full spectrum of human relationships, free from the constraints of traditional expectations. Whether you're aromantic, asexual, or simply seeking a deeper understanding of love, this book is a transformative resource.
Thank you NetGalley, Cody Daigle-Orians, and Jessica Kingsley Publishers for an eARC in exchange for my honest review!
The Aro and Ace Relationship Guide by Cody Daigle-Orians releases October 21, 2024!
Tom Hudson's Mantopia presents a fascinating thought experiment: a city inhabited solely by biological males. While the premise may initially seem jarring, the novel quickly reveals its potential for profound social commentary.
Hudson's writing is engaging and thought-provoking, drawing readers into a world where traditional gender roles are completely upended. Maletopia is depicted as a utopian society where men are encouraged to embrace their emotions, respect others, and prioritize consent. The novel's exploration of themes such as gender and sexual fluidity, justice reform, and mental health care offers a compelling critique of our own world's shortcomings.
However, the novel's portrayal of transgender individuals raises some concerns. While Maletopia's focus on inclusivity and respect is admirable, the lack of explicit representation of transgender characters leaves a noticeable gap. This raises questions about the novel's ability to fully address the complexities of gender identity and expression.
Despite this minor criticism, Mantopia is a thought-provoking and timely work that challenges readers to consider alternative societal structures. Hudson's exploration of gender, power, and justice offers a valuable contribution to contemporary discourse.
Having read all of Robby Weber's, this is probably his best yet! His growth as a writer really shows in this novel. I love that it is still set in the same universe as his first two novels so we get a sense of familiarity without a complete new setting. There are some plot devices that fall a little short for me, but they helped the main character grow and I guess that's what really matters.
Well done Robby!
Thank you NetGalley, Robby Weber, and HarperCollins Children's Books for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
What is This Feeling? by Robby Weber releases September 17, 2024!
I'm having a hard time deciding what I want to say about this book. The book itself was okay. The cover is killer! The concept was really cool and had so much potential. It just fell flat for me. Erin was such a baddie, but Max? Max really made me contemplate putting this into a DNF pile. Erin and the story really kept me reading. Max chapters had me rolling my eyes. The big bads were flat and not very convincing. The cryptid? Ugh it could have been so fun! It had so much potential, but I fear it wasn't utilized properly. There was so much potential here and it just missed the mark. It wasn't horrible, but like Erin's aim...it wasn't perfect enough.
Thank you NetGalley, Logan-Ashley Kisner, and Random House Children's for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Old Wounds by Logan-Ashley Kisner will be released September 10, 2024!
First, I want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review.
Now let's get into it...I enjoyed this. I cannot say I didn't. It was a low stake, easy read with something cute to it. I cannot say I enjoyed the “big twist.” I felt the idea of Gabe being a vampire was introduced way too late into the story and felt like an easy way to explain how he was alive.
I did enjoy that we got an epilogue stating we were getting another book to help further go into the lore of this universe because I don't think this book would have been as successful without it. With that, I'm happy to have read this debut and I am excited to see where this author will go next!
Second Chance with Tony by Felix Kurt is out now!
Wow! So beautiful! I had to force myself to slow down reading this one. I wanted to see what was going to happen next. It got a little rocky there around the 80% mark to the point I thought was reading a different book, but it recovered with that ending. Just so beautiful!
Thank you NetGalley, Navid Sinaki, and Grove Press for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Medusa of the Roses by Navid Sinaki releases August 13, 2024!
More Wally & Bez adventures! We got to explore more of the Fae and that was kind of cool. The big bad this time was really cool. I could easily imagine what they looked like and it was kind of frightening. I wouldn't want to see them at night that's for sure. Our breakout star was Weather. I will not elaborate as to avoid spoilers.
Okay but real quick because I did rate this lower than I anticipated. I think this really just suffered from too much character building and not enough plot. There's nothing wrong with it. It was done spectacularly, I just kind of felt that perhaps the plot would have done better if it was broken into two books. I again don't want to spoil anything, but I think building more into the Fae aspect would have been so much better for this entry and then used the BiG Bad as the baddie for book three.
Anyways, more Wally & Bez content please
Wow what an allegory! The whole time I would find the snippets of modern American South and it hurt my heart because we know it to be true for all Kaydans. Those who are different or other will always be at battle for acceptance from the majority, from their own people, from everyone. We just want a place to belong.
Thank you Tiny Ghost Press and Andre Bradley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Trailer Park Prince by Andre L Bradley release June 11, 2024!
Girl what in the unhinged twink did I just read and why did I enjoy it?
So, the author was kind enough to send me the eARC to this after I offered to review it and I am so happy I got the chance to read this. It is completely un-fucking-hinged. It was perfect for my want of a MM romcom meets murder.
Listen I cannot even review this without saying how gloriously unhinged this is.
Anyways thank you Lance Lansdale for letting me read the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Did I mention this was completely and utterly unhinged?
Oh this was fabulous! Honestly when Celadon reached out wanting me to review this, I was hesitant. I hadn't heard of the author or book before and I figure why not? Glad I did!
We get such a tragic, but honest story of a mixed race person. A whole cast of strong characters. Did I want to scream at the MC at times? Yes. Did he have growth? Heck yes!
Listen though, this book will not be for everyone and that's good. It is there for those who need it. It is very meta, perhaps too much so at some points. I still recommend this one though!
Thank you to Celadon Books for the physical ARC and NetGalley for the eARC! Thank you John Vercher for this story! This review is given in honesty in exchange for the ARCs.
Devil is Fine by John Vercher releases June 18, 2024!
I was once told that queer books shouldn't be unrewarding and that this book seemed unrewarding. The only unrewarding parts of this book where one chapter near the end because it wasn't great at all and the trigger warnings at the beginning.
Let me elaborate, specifically on the TW's: I am not against the use of TW/CWs HOWEVER, I feel that this book really suffered from using them right at the beginning. It set up an expectation that wasn't reached for me. The one chapter, entitled You, didn't feel like it belonged in the book at all. It could have been removed entirely and I think the book would have easily been 5 Stars.
Rumfitt does a superb job at creating a haunted house story though! This is easily one of my favorite haunted house stories. It was done so incredibly well. It held a raw power that I feel is rarely seen in these stories. I am excited to read more from this author and watch how they transform the horror genre.
Okay talk about eerie! I was so unsettled and intrigued by Horror Movie. That ending too! Jaw dropped! I was not prepared for it. This was my first book by this author though I own others. I am excited to go back and read those now! I could easily see this as a cult classic.
I did find myself skimming towards the end at certain parts as they didn't seem to do anything to the story for me. Otherwise, solid read!
Thank you NetGalley, Paul Tremblay, and William Morrow Books for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay releases June 11, 2024!
I'm so excited for to see this released into the world! Phrique really has something amazing here and it is perfect for Pride Ooky Spooky Month! I have had the pleasure of watching this masterpiece become a murderous lil beauty. Honestly, seriously, if you aren't getting slayed by this then there is something to be said about you. I won't get into a full review but know that this fills a hole that needed filling. Go pre-order this NOW!
Also thank you Phrique for letting me be a beta reader for this and letting me constantly, consistently give my honest opinions. I can't wait for it to be out in the wild!