Loren

I feel like this is the perfect book to be my 100th post! 

I was holding off reading this book for NO REASON AT ALL. I tell myself I'm not that into Romance and I've been side eying it at the library refusing to give in. This “not that into romance” is of course a bold face lie as my most read genre this year is romance 🌝

Before I Let Go is such a beautiful book on loss, grieving, and second chance love. I quite literally have the biggest smile plastered on my face writing this. Ugh I'm now the biggest fan of Kennedy Ryan. I'm gonna get on my zoom and catch up on all her books 😩

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

This has to be the best YA body swap book ever written. 

I read this book in ONE NIGHT. 

I hope this is the next bookstagram/booktok sensation and I mean that whole heartedly! I want people to OBSESS over this book. 

I want everyone to go into this book with just the synopsis, and completely unprepared. 

Yup that's it... that's my review. February can't come fast enough. I need a hard copy BAD.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I've been really into the books where black girls in there 20 something's figuring out life, love, and their careers since I can relate so closely to. Reading Homebodies gave me the hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel and it will work out in the end. Although this is a fictional book, it speaks volumes to the black girl struggle. Especially when it comes to being a black women in predominantly white spaces and continuously having to advocate for your spot at the table. 

I think I'm three for three right now with 5 star debut authors. Ugh I love it!

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

What a PHENOMENAL, UNPUTDOWNABLE debut! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

First of all... check on your friends or loved ones who recently read this book because we are not okay. 

I don't even know what to write because I'm still awe over this book. Despite the evil in someone the characters, I loved each person who popped up in this book. Every character served a purpose, and were fully fleshed out. 

ADINA. Adina is now on my list of favorite FMC. I loved reading how she managed navigate through almost certain death, and despite the chaos around managed to keep her priorities straight.... Even with the questionable romance which worked in her favor in the end but 🌝

The ending of this book was my favorite part. The vivid descriptions of the gore/fighting in this book were top tier but the ENDING? Yea Ms. Wellington needs an award for that. I had my eyes bugged out my head reading. Ugh... it was a fantastic time 🤣🤣

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Well... it's happened again a Booktok sensation has disappointed me. 

I don't normally get my recommendations from TikTok since I truly believe books are over sensationalized over there, and I don't have time to be disappointed so frequently 🤣🤣

But this one got me. I saw all the blurbs, and gave it a chance. 

LET IT BE KNOWN... this book is not horrible. It's just that I didn't like it 🧍🏾‍♀️. I didn't like Alex or Ava and I found majority of their actions excruciatingly cringe. I sped read through majority of because the vibes weren't DNF but we were getting there.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Honestly this is one of the best YA debuts I've read in a minute. I was thrashing around for the last 30ish pages, the anxiety was at its highest!

The world building and the vivid descriptions was just chef's kiss Normally in Fantasy I have a hard time remembering/picturing what the author wants me to see, but this was just on point. Everything ran like a smooth movie. From Saoirse's anger, to her killings, and the battles. I hate that this took, so long for me to read! I had it for so long and even had the E-Arc 😩

Saoirse is now on my list of best FMC, and I think my first morally grey character that didn't annoy me to oblivion and beyond. She had a reason for what she did with all her good intentions behind it. I think that's where a lot of morally grey characters throw me off, but the way Saoirse is written definitely kept me on board. Also her undying love for Rain! That was definitely one of my favorite parts of of the book was the sister bond between the two.

Ooh and Hayes. How could I forget about Hayes. Truly such a great MMC. I feel like if he could cling on to Saoirse so the rest of his life he would 🤣🤣

The story overall 10/10. I need book #2 YESTERDAY. 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

• THIS IS A REVIEW FOR THE INDIE PUBLISHED VERSION* 
  
  This is why I don't read arcs until a month or so before because there's no one to warn me of the incoming headache 🤣
  
  Here all the reasons you should wish it was September right now. 
  1. Enemies to Lovers 🌝
  2. FROCED PROXIMITY 🌝
  3. Enchanted Library 📚
  4. The flippin plot twist ending that gave me a headache in which I stared blankly and tried to figure out when I was Bamboozled 🧍🏾‍♀️
  
  Let me say I got this book early because Amazon had a glitchy glitch (the author is fully aware, and it's all fixed now!) and shipped it early. 
  
  Anyways... a lovely debut book! The only thing on my wishlist are the parts while she was in the library had ... more? Like not a movie montage but just fuller descriptions of her time in there? Because the concept of an enchanted fae library that only a human can enter is top tier fantasy, and I wanted more from it. I hope that makes sense!
  
  I can't wait for whatever is next, and HOPEFULLY the wait is not too long 🫠
  
  ✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I think I'm just not a fan of the writing for this author. I love love love books written in verse, and this is the second book I've read for Candace that I can't finish?? 

The concepts for the books are always something I would love to read, but when it comes to execution and just the overall pacing of the story, it's unfortunate falls short for me.

Come close... closer whispers this book is so stinking cute. And you should read it when it comes out.

Just based on the cover I knew this was going to be a cute love story, but of course it ended up being so much more!

Momo being the shy, inexperienced girl when it comes to relationships finds herself with the well experienced “seducer” PG.

Incoming meet cute and the classic misunderstanding this was a fairly quick read with amazing art panels throughout. I can't wait to get a physical copy!

E-Arc Provided by @penguinteen through Netgalley 🕺🏾✨

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Are we truly surprised 🌝

At this point if Ms. Kuang cannot be defeated. 

This is her first book outside of fantasy, and it was just as good as her previous works. 

The main thing this book calls in question is of course who has the right or the duty to write the voice of the minority. And how far will people go to tell a story that's not there's to tell. Also how BACKWARDS the publishing industry is. 

Let's talk about Juniper/June. Girl. You deserved every piece of hell that came to you. I cannot believe how adamant she was throughout this book about how she was the victim, and it's even worse how her publisher came to her rescue time after time to stick beside her misdeeds. 

Also we can't forget about the dead... Ms. Athena Liu. Even in death, through the flashbacks we see how much of (not equally but certainly up there) shitty person she was, but also how she wasn't really publishing's darling daughter. How she actually stole stories/blurbs from friends, from June herself. 

The only thing I truly wanted from this book was for Candice to get her LICK BACK AND ooooo IT WAS SATISFYING to see June absolutely lose her shit. Lose whatever marbles she was barely left grasping when Candice got her. It was elaborate as hell, but I would do the same 🤣🤣. She got her blacklisted from major publishers, and thought she wouldn't come back for vengeance???

HA 

At the end of the book I honestly wanted June to write that tell-all book. And just tell her point of view of being friends with Athena... but 🕺🏾✨ it sucks to suck.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I have been reading some good books lately 🕺🏾✨

If you have ANY friends to lovers recs GIVE THEM TO ME NOW. I did not expect to love this book so much. Kenya and Cam 🥹 love them so so much. 

I have so many good feelings that I can't really express in a review. Just know that I loved it, and the FLOW, the flow of this story was so good. Idk why they stood out to me but it was top tier.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Even in my failure, I truly meant well.” 

This book is a powerful POV of a father trying to right his wrongs to his son. 

My feelings were all over the place with this book. ALL OVER. 

I was angry, devastated, and at one point I wished this man hell. 

Generational trauma. A skewed perception of Manhood. This book was heavy in subject matter, but I found myself unable to put it down at times. 

I wouldn't read too much into reviews, and just dive in. I'm happy I did.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

TW: STALKING, SA of a minor 

I've always been interested in the story of Medusa. For the longest time not knowing her true story. Only to find out she was punished by Athena for no good reason. 

This retelling of her story positions Medusa in a place where she actively advocates for herself and accepts who she has become regardless of the wrong doings of others. 

A pretty solid retelling, very short and sweet. I can see why so many people loved it. 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Spiciness: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

WHEW! What a debut! 

I've never read a teacher parent romance, and now I need more 😩

Although a five star read, I wish we had dual POVs to see Olan's side of everything. I also just think it would have been real cute to see his thought process when he first started crushing on Marvin 🥹

I can't wait for this series to continue I know it's gonna be a fave ✨

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

 really adored this book. From the relationship between Yami and Ceasar to the budding relationship and awkwardness with Yami and Bo. It was all just wholesome and relatable. This is definitely a book I wish I had in highschool. 

The fear that Yami and Ceasar had to just be who they are in the comfort of their own homes due to rejection from their parents. Yami over working herself just to make sure they are secure when they are locked out. I loved how she immediately took steps to make sure they were going to be safe, but I hate how she had to feel like anyways. Yet this is the reality for many LGBTQ+ youth still living with their parents. To just put aside themselves for other happiness and peace of mine while internally they are suffering. And just like Ceasar, suffering in silence. 

My absolute favorite part of this book was the mother's acceptance of her kid's sexuality... completely caught me off guard. AND the fact that their mom dropped her husband due to him being homophobic??? A queen 👸🏾 is what she is.

If you couldn't tell by now I completely and whole heartedly recommend this book 🩵

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I didn't like this book at all... which is super unfortunate because I had high hopes! I went to a PWI where the MLK bust was defaced with a MAGA hat, so the similarities between the book and reality was very familiar for me. I'm a sucker for books like that. 

I wanna start off with a sentence from the very last page of the book. clears throat “Wooddale isn't all bad,...” SAVANNAH WHAT. THIS GIRL WAS RACIALLY TARGETED, AND MICRO AGGRESSED FROM THE MOMENT SHE STEP ON CAMPUS. If that sentence would have shown up any earlier I would have immediately DNF'd it. Holy crap... 

Honestly that's all I gotta say about this book. I sped read through just to get it over with. I was all in for the concept, but execution overall fell short for me. I'm hoping in the future I can pick up another book by this author, and have a more positive experience. 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I'm not sure how to even put into words how much I love this book. I held this book up to some high standards since bookstagram was going crazy about it, and I was definitely influenced to buying it right away. I'm so happy I gave it a chance because everyone was so right. 

I haven't related so deeply with a book in a very long time. From Maddie having trouble with accepting her sadness is depression to navigating the world of online dating. Maame just hit the spot for me. 

Maame is definitely a top 5 book for me this year. 

This review is going to be short because I think Maame is just something you have to read and resonate with on your own, trust me. 

Why did it take me so long to read this!! Even though I didn't have the best time in March I'm happy that I completed this book. I've had it sitting on my bookshelf for almost 2 years now, and it was worth it the whole time!

Going into this I didn't know there was going to be three POVs with one set in the past, and surprisingly it didn't feel like a garbled mess? The world building and storytelling was so clear that I could envision everything like an ongoing movie in my head. Normally with traditions, myths, Gods, and monsters bundled up in a book I find myself getting very confused and mixing up things. 

Ekon and Koffi are my absolute faves. Their character development and depth did not falter while I was reading. Ekon had his moments but I digress 🌝. 

Don't even get me started on the plot twists and turns at the end. My mouth was hanging open, and I paused reading a bought the sequel for next day delivery because that cliffhanger???? Yea I need to know what happens next IMMEDIATELY.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

I am always hesitant on reading books that retell other books but Tiffany D Jackson is an auto buy author for me, and of course she did not disappoint. 

The Weight of Blood is a reimagining/Inspired by Stephan King's Carrie but ya know with twist. 

My heart continuously broke for Maddy. Even after all the destruction and devastation she rained down on that town all I could say in the end is ... Good for Her. Everyone hated and shunned this girl for what? She was neglected, bullied, and lied to her whole life and finally went off the edge. 

I loved the format of the book being told through podcast, documents, and flashbacks. 

This book gave me some good laughs though. Between Wendy being so self centered, and Jules as evil as she is there was some genuine good times while reading. 

SPOILER

The epilogue does show that Maddy and Kenny are alive and well and found her mom down in South Carolina. This warmed my heart so much.

SPOILER OVER

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

TW: Self Harm, Substance Abuse, and Suicide 

We Weren't Looking to be Found is definitely a book that will stick with me for a while. 

As someone who is on their own mental health journey I was excited to read this book, but it took me so long to actually pick it up and finish. Just didn't want to unintentionally trigger myself. 

Cami and Dani are two very relatable characters. They are both on similar paths of destruction, and they end up finding some form of solace in their friendship. Although they had their times of much needed betrayals to keep each other safe... and accountable. 

The mystery element of the book definitely fell flat... completely flat. If this Book completely focused just on the girls are their journey in the treatment facility it would have been a full five star. The mystery portion was definitely felt like an afterthought here. 

The ending definitely brought me to shed a few tears. 

spoiler 

Cami goes back to the treatment facility... and I resonated with that so deeply. The struggle to recover from depression is tough. You have those highs, but the lows are so low.

spoiler over

Take care of yourself 💙

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

For the most part I enjoyed Jackal! It gave what it needed to give. Horror, Thriller, Suspense, and Mystery!

Black girls have been going missing every year, for the past thirty years, on the summer solstice. The fact that that was not pieced together until Liz mentioned it just speaks volumes on how little the people in this town cared to actually figure out what was going on. Especially since all the girls died and were found with the same gruesome injuries. 

The reason this book didn't get five stars was because towards the end where everything comes to a head... I couldn't figure out what was happening. It was a good plot twist that fell short for me. I have it sectioned off to read it again. If I could compare it to anything it gives of IT (MOVIE NOT THE BOOK 🫠) vibes in terms of a supernatural element. 

Overall I would definitely recommend. I feel like this should be read as a buddy read. The discussions raised from this book can be very very productive in a group setting covering violence, classism, racism, and how the negative views of young black girls are detrimental in our society. 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Whew... this was a read. 

I've been so in to fantasy/sci-fi books lately and this scratched an itch I had to blend magic and technology together in such a satisfying way. 

Don't be fooled this book is not YA. I'm not sure why I thought it was 🤣. This book is dark and goes into detail about the violence the aspirants go through. If you are looking for a book to transition you from YA Fantasy to Adult Fantasy this is the one. 

Our FMC Ikenna is very impulsive in her actions. Of course not thinking about the consequences, but every step of the way she is hit with circumstances that force her to reflect on her actions. It was actually very refreshing to know that she isn't just this hot headed vengeful kid, but that she understands that her actions not only affect her but everyone else around her. 

Overall, I think this was a great debut that dealt with racism, grief, and revenge! I can't wait for book two this year :)) 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Where shall I begin this book was a lot. 

As a character I can see my friends in Feyi. Her messiness, her passion, and her yearning to heal. BUT some of the decisions that were made were just... why. I wanted to shake this woman VIOLENTLY. 

Feyi is an artist and her art is centered around her trauma, understandable. Her decisions... are also based around her trauma. The relationship that brews between Alim and Feyi is built around a shared trauma of losing a spouse. And that's the sole thing that brings them together? Which I just don't think is healthy, but I digress. 

Although not based in reality I found myself slamming my kindle closed and staring in the distance while whispering BFFR. 

I certainly did not like the ending where Alim's kids were basically villainized for their nonacceptance of the situation in which I think any human being with emotions would not handle lightly. 

Overall... I did recommend this to friends because I need everyone to share in foolishness I went through.

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

Angel before man got me... it really did. A queer retelling of Satan's fall from Heaven... yea I'm interested. I'm there. 

I now wish I wasn't there. 

This book had a lot of needs. 

The main need was that this book needed Love and Compassion from an editor. I say this as someone with the most basic level editing skills. There is POV switching that I thought was a glitch, and I was about to complain to Amazon until I read other readers reviews. 

My next issue is that “fade to black” SA scene... HUH. Yes I heeded all the content warnings, so I knew it was coming. And yet I was very unprepared. If you've read my iPad shenanigans you know what's up. 

Now one thing I appreciated about this book was the world building. I love a book where I can visualize the setting the MC is in. This author has way with descriptions that didn't feel excessive or overwhelming while reading and I appreciated that. 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨

The Grim Reaper's Lawyer by Mea Monique  follows FMC Joyce Parker who is murdered by her client in court!

She is then presented with an ultimatum by a (very fine) Grim Reaper, Aiden. She can A, become his Lawyer and defend him reaper court or B, go to hell. Joyce does whatever sensible gal would do... she choose hell. As this choice would prove to be unfavorable to Joyce she agrees to represent him in the first ever case in Reaper Court. 

Bias aside... I really enjoyed GRL :) I've never read a book with this kind of premise and set up. The world building was chefs kiss and everything ran like a smooth movie in my head... even the spicy scenes 🤣. Can't wait for book two! 

✨ For more reviews and content follow me on Ig @lokiisreading ✨