Not every amazing book gets blessed by the TikTok algorithm. These hidden gems by Rebel Ever After guests deserve more love. After reading, make sure to listen to their authors on the podcast!

Single Player by Tara Tai. I read over a hundred romance novels in 2025 and Single Player stood out as a groundbreaking on-ramp to the genre for folks who never saw themselves in its pages. Yes, there's queer and nonbinary Asian-American representation, which is worth celebrating on its own. But I recommend this book all the time to nerds: gamers, cosplayers, tabletop RPG (role-playing game) devotees, and anime fans. There is much more overlap between romance fans and lifelong gamers than publishers and game developers realize, mostly because of antiquated ideas about gender and genre. Many gamers live for romancing NPCs (non-playable characters) and making their Sims whoo-hoo. Single Player delves into what it's like to write romantic storylines for video games by featuring a workplace romance about characters who do exactly that.

Friends With Benefits by Marisa Kanter. The day I stop screaming about this book is the day I am dead. Two childhood best friends get married for health insurance and housing!!! How did this book not exist until 2025!!! Oh my god!!!!!!! It's hard to find a well-executed marriage-of-convenience romance in the contemporary sub-genre, and Kanter found the perfect premise to explore the inherently political underpinnings of marriage as an institution. Plus abandonment issues, what commitment really means, and a sexy, sweet central relationship. If you have ever considered marrying your best friend because you are disabled and they have union insurance, and married couples somehow qualify for more apartments, here you go!

No Ordinary Love by Myah Ariel. I am not a big celebrity romance reader, but Ariel brings the sub-genre down to earth with compelling characters and workplace issues. Pop star Ella Simone is determined to take back her career in the wake of her shitty ex-husband's coercive control. The last thing she needs is a splashy relationship in the tabloids with Miles Westbrook, a playboy baseball player who is down bad for her. No Ordinary Love is a swoony angsty sexy read worthy of its title inspired by Sade. It's also a thoughtful, layered depiction of litigation abuse and falling in love after intimate partner violence. Ariel's prose is gorgeous like a soulful R&B track on vinyl.

I’ve been reading the Realm of the Elderlings audiobooks for the past few months, and I am truly obsessed.

No, your eyes do not deceive you. I read an audiobook over the weekend, and in fact, I read audiobooks all of the time.

Preface to the following discussion:
I am not trying to start a whole listening vs. visualization, audiobook vs. physical vs. e-book debate. It’s tired and worn out. Instead, I’d actually like to point out that the conversation at large, at this point, is an opportunity for us to see language evolving.

First, let’s start off with the word “READ”. Merriam Webster has 15 varying definitions of the word. For our purposes, however, let’s focus on the following three.

1.  To receive or take in the sense of (letters, symbols, etc.), especially by sight or touch

2.  To learn from what one has seen or found in writing or printing

3.  To become acquainted with or look over the contents of (something, such as a book)

All three of these definitions have something in common. To read is to take in information. Definition #1 even specifies by sight or touch. I believe that it’s time we finally add listening as well, given that it is the oldest form of learning and conveying both stories and information, primarily because reading visually is rather new for the masses as a whole.

For thousands of years, most of the general population of the world was not able to “read” visually, as it required education. Education was (and still can be) expensive. Access to and education were reserved for the wealthy and privileged, not just because of cost, but it also helped the wealthy to keep their power and hold over the working class. Many communities relied on oral recitations and tellings to convey both histories and stories. Elders and poets were responsible for holding these memories and stories and conveying them to their neighbors and community. One example is the griots, from West Africa, who served their communities as oral historians, musicians, and poets, preserving important information that had been passed down for years.

Oral recitations were not the only form of holding knowledge, though. The Incas used knotted yarn or string, called khipus, as their main form of keeping records and holding knowledge. Recently, new information has come to light on the subject, showing that this form of record keeping was not strictly reserved for elite members of society, but that it was also practiced by “commoners” as well.

“Reading” in much of the world, however, did not become common in the general population until the 19th century and even then, it depended on where you lived in the world and the resources available to you in obtaining an education. For example, serfs in 19th-century Russia were not being taught to read as their noble rulers did not deem the literacy of a working population as important (Catherine the Great did, but she famously had a difficult time modernizing her court). Additionally, in the American South, anti-literacy laws existed, preventing and excluding the black population from access to literacy. These populations relied on other forms of sharing knowledge.

Imparting knowledge through oral recitation is the original form of learning.

Audiobooks are not “new” yet our culture often treats them as inferior to physical books (or e-readers). Audiobook’s are books. “Book” is literally in the name. We “read” books whether that is through sight, touch, OR sound.

Technology rapidly progressed in the early 1900’s, and books were able to be recorded. The first “audio-book” appeared in 1932 , when it was recorded at The American Foundation for the Blind. Recordings of books were pressed on vinyl records, and each vinyl side was only able to hold 15 minutes of audio. Audio books were created to offer accessible avenues to reading, providing access to stories, history, and other forms of literature for the disabled, elderly, and more.  (The first records weren’t actually for music, but for audiobooks!)

Audiobooks became much more commonplace for the general population’s use in the mid-1990s, with readers’ being able to download their audiobook files onto computers or CD’s that you could play in the car. I remember that two of the first audiobooks I listened to as a kid during car rides were At the Back of the North Wind, by George MacDonald, and Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations, so my love-affair with them has been ongoing for well over two decades. Not to mention that listening and reading them now allowx me to work with my hands (knitting) without having to sacrifice one of my other favorite hobbies and pastimes.

Hopefully, if you have read this far, you will see that audiobooks aren’t a new way of relaying information. They revert to the original form of storytelling and education of our ancestors, and its language that hasn’t quite caught up to match culure.

The next time someone says they are reading and they are talking about an audiobook, just think about how you are able to witness language change and evolve in front of your eyes. The cool thing about language is that it grows to encompass the needs of society. Well, at this point, its long past due for the word read to encompass another form of obtaining information. Our society has evolved to include technology that allows for the relaying of information through recorded audio. It’s not too often you get to see language change in front of your eyes beyond the use of slang.

Happy Tuesday, misinternet amigxs,

I'm still coming down from BookNet Fest Weekend (roundup post coming tomorrow), so, for now, I'll leave you with a couple of book club announcements before getting to this week's releases.

We're still currently reading Asiri and the Amaru by Natalia Hernandez and Accordion Eulogies by Noe Alvarez. It's not too late to join for either, but especially for Accordion Eulogies because we're reading it through the end of June.

There will also be a poll this week on Discord to schedule our author chat with Natalia Hernandez in early June.

A note on programming, effective immediately, we'll be taking official Monday night sprints from weekly to a monthly event, on the second Monday of every month, meaning our next sprint will be Monday, June 8th. Also, Journaling/Sticker night is cancelled this month as well. I'm working on some alternatives that I hope will more than make up for these changes. Watch this space for more announcements and polls as we move forward!

And now onto this week's Latine book releases...

MEMOIR

The Keeper of My Kin by Ada Ferrer (Audiobook)

ROMANCE

I'm Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers (Audiobook)

Running Home To You by Samantha Saldivar (Audiobook)

TRANSLATED LITERARY FICTION

Tarantula by Eduardo Halfon and Translated by Daniel Hahn

NONFICTION

What Science Says about Astrology by Carlos Orsi

Hello, everyone!

Happy New Release Tuesday! Here are some releases we are excited for today!

• The Dorians by Nick Cutter

• Filth Eaters by Ito Romo

• Startup Hell by Caitlin Rozakis

Recent reads include:

• Trad Wife by Sarah Langan

• A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay (reread, still 10/10)

• The First Sister by Linden A. Lewis

• To Clutch a Razor by Veronica Roth

• The Return by Rachel Harrison

More to come on the recent reads!

Till next time!

This romantasy was a delight! Life got busy so it took me a little longer to get through but this is ideal if you like fun fantasy, still with high stakes and chaotic. 

I started with the physical ARC and then switched to my e-reader as it is available on Kindle Unlimited! 

Okay, not back to the review —

It made me laugh! I was nervous, irritated, curious, and surprised. Full of action, filled with humor, and the stress is there too. 

I really enjoyed Shanora’s writing style. Ultimately I gave this book a 4 stars out of 5. I am not sure if you would consider this a cozy fantasy or not but it definitely gave me that vibe but still full of action + high stakes. It’s a fantasy you can just jump in, get what you need, and enjoy. 

Overall, I enjoyed it — just wasn’t obsessed with it but its still a really awesome tale with great storytelling and I will probably re-read in the future. 

Oh and did you see how GORGEOUS the first edition is (with the sprayed edges)?! I was so happy to get my hands on a copy. 

Special thanks to Shanora Williams and Entangled Publishing for sending me the physical advance copy — I appreciate it more than you all know! 

Happy reading ✨📚📖

Our newest reading kits for Tattered Tides by Sarah A. Bailey are officially here and they are packed with everything you need for the ultimate emotional coastal romance reading experience. 💙

Whether you’re diving into Tattered Tides with your book club, reading alongside a friend, or spiraling emotionally on your own at 2AM with ocean ambience playing in the background honestly valid, we created a kit for YOU.

These guides were designed to help you fully immerse yourself in Weston and Willow’s story through thoughtful discussion questions, emotional check-ins, themed activities, playlists, annotation prompts, snacks, drinks, and deep-dive reflections that make every chapter hit even harder.

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✨ Why We Created These Kits

Tattered Tides is the kind of story that lingers long after the final page. It’s emotional, messy, healing, romantic, and deeply reflective and we wanted to create resources that help readers truly sit with the story instead of rushing through it.

These kits are meant to help you:

• Connect more deeply with the characters

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• Start meaningful conversations

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🌊 Share Your Reading Experience With Us

We absolutely want to see:

Tag us in your posts and stories so we can scream about this book together.

#TatteredTides #SarahABailey #TheFirstEditions #BookClubReads
#RomanceReaders

🌊💔 What happens when two broken people collide do they heal or pull each other under?

Our book club took a deep dive into Tattered Tides by Sarah A. Bailey, and this one sparked one of our most emotional, layered discussions yet. If you’re looking for a romance that goes beyond surface-level love and digs into healing, trauma, and second chances this is it.

🌊 First Impressions: More Than Just a Beach Romance

At a glance, Tattered Tides gives off those irresistible coastal romance vibes surfing, small-town tension, and forced proximity. But very quickly, it becomes clear this story is carrying a lot more emotional weight.

Weston Ashford isn’t just your typical troubled bad boy. His fall from grace losing his title, his future, and his freedom adds a gritty, realistic edge to his character. And when we meet him again, fresh out of prison and desperate for redemption, there’s this underlying tension that never fully lets up.

Willow Graham, on the other hand, brings a quieter but equally powerful storyline. She’s navigating the aftermath of trauma, trying to reclaim control over a life that was completely derailed. Her pain feels internal, raw, and deeply personal in contrast to Weston’s more outward struggles.

Together? They create a dynamic that’s complicated, messy, and incredibly human.

💔 Character Deep Dive: Broken, But Not Beyond Repair

One thing our book club unanimously agreed on: the strength of this story lies in its characters.

Weston’s journey is all about accountability and redemption. He’s not perfect, and the book doesn’t try to make him one. That’s what makes his growth feel earned. Watching him fight for a second chance not just in surfing, but in life was one of the most compelling parts of the novel.

Willow’s arc, though, is where a lot of our discussion centered. Her experience with trauma is handled with care, and her struggle to move forward feels authentic. She’s not fixed by love, which we appreciated, it’s more about learning to exist alongside her pain and slowly reclaiming her sense of self.

Their relationship builds from tension to understanding, and while there’s definitely a romantic pull, it’s the emotional connection that carries the story.

🔥 The Romance: Slow Burn With Substance

If you love slow-burn romance, this one delivers.

The forced proximity trope works beautifully here, creating moments of friction, vulnerability, and gradual trust. Weston and Willow don’t fall into an easy romance; they push, pull, and challenge each other in ways that feel realistic.

That said, this was one of the few areas where our book club had mixed opinions. Some readers loved the pacing and emotional depth, while others felt parts of the relationship leaned slightly predictable. But even those who felt that way agreed the emotional payoff was worth it.

🌊 Themes That Drove the Discussion

This book gave us a lot to unpack:

• Can love coexist with unresolved trauma?

• What does redemption really look like?

• Is it possible to rebuild your identity after losing everything?

• When does support become dependence?

We found ourselves circling back to the idea that healing isn’t linear and Tattered Tides doesn’t pretend that it is. It embraces the messiness, which makes for a richer, more honest reading experience.

🌴 Atmosphere & Writing Style

The coastal setting of Pacific Shores adds such a strong emotional backdrop to the story. The ocean almost feels like its own character reflecting the turbulence, calm, and unpredictability of both Weston and Willow’s journeys.

The writing itself is accessible and engaging, leaning into emotional depth over fast-paced plot. It’s the kind of book that invites you to sit with the characters and really feel what they’re going through.

⭐ Final Thoughts: A Story That Stays With You

Tattered Tides isn’t just about romance it’s about rebuilding, confronting the past, and figuring out who you are when everything you thought defined you is gone.

It’s emotional, sometimes heavy, occasionally predictable but ultimately impactful.

As a book club pick, it’s a standout because it doesn’t just give you a story it gives you something to talk about.

❓Book Club Question

Do you think two people who are both still healing can truly build something healthy together or does healing have to come first?

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Sickos! I'm back from BookNet Fest in Orlando and ready to give y'all the goods with this Monday Reading Update. Let me know what you've been reading and plan on reading this week in the comments and let's boogie!

READING

REVIEW

LONDON FALLING: A MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN A GILDED CITY & A FAMILY'S SEARCH FOR TRUTH by PATRICK RADDEN KEEFE (narrative historical nonfiction)

Progress: Finished

My opinion from last week still applies here as the second half didn't alter my view of it much. I still prefer the stakes/subject matter of Empire of Pain and Say Nothing, I still found the mystery bit to be a bit gimmicky but engaging (big true crime fans may feel differently), and it was still a solid, superbly researched and woven together read that I quite enjoyed. I did love the quote "three bullshit artists, selling air" and felt that could've been part of a great subtitle.

The History Sickos loved this once based on the reviews I see in the Discord, and while I'm a touch lower than their consensus at 4.0 stars, PRK remains an auto-buy author.

WE DO NOT PART by HAN KANG (historical fiction)

Progress: 237/256

I went back and re-read the first two chapters of this one as I was surprised by how lyrical Kang went with the prose here. Maybe that's because I haven't read The White Book, which is supposed to be her most poetic. I'd wager We Do Not Part sits between The White Book and Human Acts re: lyrical prose and emotional, historical devastation, but instead of feeling like a mash-up, it's still very much doing its own thing. This really started to click for me in the second half and I feel much more connected to it all so I'm glad I stuck with it. So close to the end so you'll hear more about my experience with this next update!

CARTHAGE'S OTHER WARS: CARTHAGINIAN WARFARE OUTSIDE THE 'PUNIC WARS' AGAINST ROME by DEXTER HOYOS (academic historical nonfiction)

Progress: 115/192

Didn't make much progress on this but I am enjoying intentionally slowing things down for this academic style of book. It will likely be my priority while I'm lounging on the coach again now that I'm home from Orlando. While out of town though my go to earball listen was the Fall of Civilizations episode on Carthage. I'm getting re-obsessed with this topic and may make a YouTube video out of all the stuff floating around my brain ball about it.

PREVIEW

Haven't budged much on the next reads since last week, so Parable of the Talents will definitely be up next, The Roman Empire in Crisis will be the next academic historical nonfiction, and I'm feeling the urge to re-read the excellent Carthage Must Be Destroyed but I may throw that in the next History Sickos vote to see if y'all wanna do that with me.

PUBLISHING IMPRINT NEWS

Any minute now I'm hoping that an email hits that gives me the final green light on our second acquisition. I'll have some cool stuff for A Complement of Scoundrels posted here and on social media on Thursday, but also we are currently doing bundle giveaways for ACoS, those details are here.

EVERYTHING ELSE

Today is the last day to enter the giveaway for The Devils by Joe Abercrombie!

Beaking Bad is still my go to re-watch right now because old dog new tricks and all, we're up to S4E6. I've also been catching up on Daredevil with the eldest. Last night we watched a couple episodes that we're pretty damn good plus the Punisher special which was insanely bonkers.

As I mentioned, I was in Orlando this past Friday/Saturday for BookNet Fest, which was an absolutely blast. I felt I did well on my three panels, game night was a hoot, and the send-off party was all good vibes. Can't wait to go back next year.

While I was in Orlando I snuck off for a quick climbing session and lemme tell ya, I feel good about the grading at my home gym because this one felt much more commercial and soft. I was flashing V4's no problem followed by fighting for my life on V4's this morning at my local (sent 'em tho!).

💜 Same feels as Hannah x Graham, but lets make it a Bull rider romance 💜

✨"It's like coming back home" This is what Elsie Silver said about writing Fever Dream and I couldn't agree more.

💜 Emmett is a bull rider, selected to be the bachelor for a show. Julia aka Jules aka Baby Silva, is the location manager. Julia needs this job for her career. Emmett needs it to save his grandparents farm. Not to forget that Jules is his nemisis's sister. So what will happen when he falls in love with her, instead of the one of 10 girls he is supposed to.

✨ This books is good!
He risks his farm and career for them 😭
Emmett is a green flag and Jules is so sweet 💕
Loved the ending (no messy third act break up)
His sisters are amazing and Oma is just ♥️
Also cameos of Theo and Winter!

💜 9/10 💜

✨ Book releases tomorrow!! (19th May 2026)

Thank you so much @atriabooks and @authorelsiesilver for sending me a copy!

#bookstagram #bookreview #newbook

Welcome to Rootbound 🌿 Thanks so much for being here.

I’m Kenzi! You can find me as @kenzibooks on Instagram and TikTok, @kenzidid on YouTube, Kenzi Didericksen on Goodreads, and Rootbound on Discord. My reading taste ranges from rainy, melancholic literary fiction to gothic, epic, literary, or high-stakes fantasy... with the occasional emotional romance or dark thriller novel woven in between.

No matter the genre, you can expect stories with deep emotional roots: moody atmospheres, morally gray characters, lingering plot lines, and books that stay with you long after you close them.

However you choose to participate here, I truly appreciate your support and am so excited to connect with fellow readers. Thanks for stopping by Rootbound! I hope you’ll stay awhile. 🌧️ 🕯️🧚‍♀️

You can participate as a sprout, moss, or vine, and unlock cool perks. If you want access to more content, a chance to vote for our upcoming book club picks, exclusive reviews, or you just want to support me (🥹), you can do so within a Bindery membership & it would mean the world. 

I hope to see you around 🖤

Hi friends and happy Sunday!

It's March 17th, so it's also International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Intersexism and Transphobia, also known as IHOBIT.

I'm writing this from my desk, as it's my long weekend to work, and also, it's a rainy, dreary day here in Green Bay, WI, which always causes for a little more reflection from me.

With the current administration in office attacking and stripping away gender-affirming healthcare from trans youth, calling "pro-transgender" people terrorists, and the recent news of the murder of 19-year-old Juniper Blessing - all within a week - I wanted to highlight trans joy. Which seems to be a moot point right now, as rights are being taken away left and right, we're getting murdered for doing our laundry, and the overall state of gestures broadly the world, it's important - now more than ever - that we celebrate US - our wins, our gender-affirming care, our lives, our voices, our stories.

Most of you that follow me on Bookstagram, have followed my journey with recently receiving gender-affirming care in the shape of top surgery January 7th of this year; and while I knew it would alter my life, I don't think I realized just how much. I find myself rubbing my chest in awe frequently throughout the day - like, this is really mine. Proud recipient of the no titty committee, at your service. This is real life. And it is mine. In all its trans glory.

That's joy. It brings me joy every time I touch my chest. Or take a shower and see my reflection staring back at me in the mirror - I get to live authentically; out loud, every day. And to think that the current administration is taking that opportunity away from our trans youth - that worries me, both as a mental health professional, and as a trans adult that suffered finding my own way out of those "formative years" alive.

In writing this, I wanted to bring along some books, just a few that popped into my mind, that screamed Trans Joy to me. There's so many amazing trans books out there right now, but these I have read and they all hold a special place in my heart. I hope you will read them and love them as much as I do:

The books, in no particular order, are as follows:

• Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly

• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

• Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

• Falling Back In Love With Being Human by Kai Cheng Thom

• Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender

• Sylvia And Marsha Start A Revolution by Joy Ellison & Teshika Silver

• I Wish You All The Best by Mason Deaver

• Trans History by Alex L. Combs & Andrew Eakett

Again, I know there are literal dozens upon dozens of trans books that center joy, and this list is very much subjective, and I left so many out, but I wanted to highlight them because at the end of the day, it's important we share trans joy in the face of adversity. It's important we continue to speak up so as not to be silenced into fear.

I hope you immerse yourselves in joy today - in whatever form that looks like to you.

With all my trans joy,

Sawyer Cole

Horror is booming! But do you ever feel like the same books get recommended all the time? There's nothing wrong with loving the popular books. They are popular for a good reason!

Today I want to talk about some Indie Horror Books that left a lasting impression on me!

Child Of Dark Water by E.G. Rand

This horror novella is perfect for people who love small town secrets and revenge horror with a supernatural twist.

Powder & Poison by Julia Jackson

A historical horror novel following Marie Antoinette's arrival to Versailles. This one features haunting ghosts and an almost slasher vibe.

Something Dead by Andrea Mckenzie

A mysterious invitation invites two friends to come and compete in a scavenger hunt in a mysterious mansion for a large sum of money. But when contestants start to go missing, the game quickly turns into a fight for survival.

The House That Held Her by Adam Ellis

A book that follows a woman who moves into an old house with her husband in hopes that a fresh start will fix their marriage. But when she discovers a clue to a bigger puzzle, Margo quickly finds herself on a deadly scavenger hunt that endangers her and everyone around her. Perfect for fans of Ghost Mother. This one is more of a thriller with horror elements.

Pocket Full Of Teeth by Aimee Hardy

An ode to House Of Leaves. The book is narrated by three different women over several time periods. It has found footage elements and footnotes.

What are some of your favorite Indie Horror Books?

The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight follows a brother and sister whose annual summer visit to their grandparent's farm turns dark. Scarecrows are walking around...

This one was fun and I definitely have a few book recs!

Small Spaces by Katherine Arden

Small Spaces follows an 11-year-old girl who takes a school field trip and gets stuck on a farm with "The Smiling Man" and his scarecrow minions. For a middle grade book this one is super spooky and will definitely give you the vibes of The Scarecrow Walks At Midnight.

Statues by Junji Ito (specifically the story titled "Scarecrow")

In this story, townsfolk begin putting scarecrows on top of their loved one's grave. After a few days the scarecrow will begin to resemble their loved one.

Dark Harvest by Norman Partridge

Every year The October boy rises from the cornfields on Halloween and must make it to the church to win. Meanwhile, all the kids in town are hunting The October Boy.

The Nightmare Man by J.H. Market

A small town killer begins killing people and stitching their bodies in corn husks. The crime become known as the "Scarecrow Crimes."

There’s always a point during these walks with Link where I stop thinking about whether I liked a book and start thinking about why it’s still sitting with me.

Not necessarily the perfectly plotted books. Not even always the highest rated ones. Just the stories that quietly linger. The ones that leave behind an emotion, a question, or a scene that randomly resurfaces while I’m making coffee or driving down the highway a week later.

And this reading week was full of those kinds of books.

Some worked for me almost immediately. Others took their time. A few frustrated me while I was reading them only to fully settle into my brain afterward. But almost every book I picked up this week was exploring some version of identity, survival, healing, or the terrifying things people will do in pursuit of control.

Which feels…accidentally thematic for one reading week.

Seek the Traitor’s Son by Veronica Roth

My love for Veronica Roth goes all the way back to my complete obsession with Divergent, so the second I heard she was writing an epic fantasy, I knew I was going to read it regardless of what it was about.

Thankfully, this absolutely delivered for me.

This is very much the kind of fantasy that asks you to fully sink into the worldbuilding. There’s lore, prophecy, political tension, shifting alliances, layered magic systems, and enough terminology early on that I definitely found myself flipping back through pages trying to reconnect dots. But once I settled into the rhythm of the story, I became completely consumed by it.

What really made this work for me, though, wasn’t just the scale of the world. It was the emotional core running underneath all of it.

Elegy became one of my favorite female characters of the year almost immediately. She’s fierce and protective, but also funny and deeply human in the ways that matter most. Watching her reclaim the prophecy tied to her identity instead of allowing it to consume or define her was incredibly satisfying.

And then there’s Theren, who honestly hurt my feelings a little.

I appreciated so much that Roth allowed his trauma and guilt to exist as something more nuanced than simply “sad backstory for emotional angst.” His healing felt gradual and messy and believable in a way that grounded the larger fantasy elements beautifully.

Also: the audiobook deserves its flowers. The full cast narration added so much emotional texture to the story and made the quieter moments hit even harder.

The Anniversary by Alex Finlay

This was my first Alex Finlay book and absolutely will not be my last because I flew through this.

The structure alone made this impossible for me to put down. Dual POVs, multiple timelines, intersecting lives, short chapters — it constantly created that perfect push and pull where I never wanted the current chapter to end but was equally desperate to see what happened next.

The story follows Jules and Quinn, whose lives were forever altered after one horrifying night in 1992, and I loved watching the ripple effects of that trauma continue shaping them over the next decade.

There’s something especially compelling about stories that explore how people become trapped in the gravitational pull of one singular moment. How lives continue moving forward while emotionally remaining tethered to the past.

And this book absolutely nails that feeling.

The suspense itself was addictive, but what surprised me most was how emotionally invested I became in Jules and Quinn individually. Their journeys felt dark, intense, and deeply human beneath the mystery elements.

I also just really loved the 90s atmosphere woven throughout this. It added such a distinct texture to the reading experience.

Make Me Better by Sarah Gailey

This is one of those deeply complicated reading experiences where I still don’t entirely know whether I “liked” the book… but I know with absolute certainty that it affected me.

Because while I was reading it, I often found myself frustrated.

There are a lot of timelines, POVs, and narrative shifts happening here, and at times it created a distance between me and the characters that made it difficult to feel fully emotionally anchored in the story. I also think this could have been significantly shorter without losing any of its impact.

And yet.

I cannot stop thinking about it.

There was a moment this week where I was literally driving down the highway replaying the emotional climax of the story in my head and just quietly went, “Damn. That’s actually horrifying.”

At its core, this is a story about belonging. About grief. About vulnerability. About the dangerous human desire to feel chosen by a community no matter the cost.

As someone who has personally experienced harm within community spaces, there was something deeply unsettling and emotionally recognizable about parts of this book, even when the actual circumstances were wildly different from my own experiences.

I think that’s why it stayed with me.

Not because it was perfect, but because it understood something uncomfortable and deeply human.

How to Find a Guy in Five Weddings by Cynthia Timoti

After several emotionally heavy books, this felt like exactly the kind of palate cleanser my brain needed.

The setup alone is delightful: Kimiko needs a boyfriend in order to keep her grandmother’s yarn shop, except she doesn’t actually believe in love. Then Rob (professional matchmaker, emotional golden retriever, walking green flag) inserts himself into her life with a plan to help her find a soulmate across five weddings.

And obviously things become complicated immediately.

What I loved most about this was the dynamic between Kim and Rob. Kim is trying so hard to keep everything controlled, logical, and emotionally contained, while Rob operates almost entirely from instinct, kindness, and emotional openness.

Watching those two personalities collide was genuinely so much fun.

I also absolutely adored Opa. Every scene with him added warmth and heart to the story in a way that made the emotional moments land even better.

This really does feel perfect for readers who love 27 Dresses-style wedding chaos mixed with slow-burn romance and emotionally guarded female main characters.

Soon By You by Dahlia Adler

This one completely surprised me.

I expected to enjoy it, but I didn’t expect to become so emotionally invested in Ari and Judah specifically.

The chemistry between them felt incredibly natural — sharp banter, emotional tension, genuine vulnerability underneath all the flirting — and I loved how much emotional intimacy anchored the romance itself.

Ari and Judah both felt flawed in ways that made them more lovable rather than frustrating. They’re messy. Guarded. Trying to figure themselves out while navigating complicated expectations around relationships, community, and identity.

And speaking of community: one of the strongest aspects of this book was the setting within New York City’s Modern Orthodox Jewish community.

It felt immersive without ever feeling inaccessible. The traditions, matchmaking expectations, family dynamics, and social pressures all added such richness to the story while still allowing the romance itself to remain central.

Also this book is genuinely funny. Like actually laugh-out-loud funny in several scenes.

The wedding chaos. The awkward encounters. The side character commentary. It all balanced beautifully against the more emotionally vulnerable moments.

The Mediator by Robert Bailey

This book stressed me out in the absolute best way possible.

Max Ringo was once a brilliant lawyer until addiction and personal tragedy completely derailed her life. Now newly in recovery, she’s trying to rebuild herself when her son is kidnapped, and the ransom becomes her cooperation in a vicious, high-stakes divorce mediation case.

This story moves FAST.

The entire thing unfolds over just a few days, and Bailey keeps the tension constantly escalating through hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and perfectly timed reveals.

But what really made this work for me was Max herself.

She’s exhausted, flawed, desperate, brilliant, angry, and absolutely refuses to give up despite having every reason to collapse under the weight of what’s happening.

There’s something incredibly compelling about characters who have already hit rock bottom and are forced to keep fighting anyway.

Watching Max weaponize every legal skill she had left while desperately trying to save her son made this impossible for me to put down.

And honestly? I desperately hope this becomes a long-running series.

The Dorians by Nick Cutter

How do I even begin explaining this book?

Imagine Jurassic Park, The Thing, Frankenstein, body horror, anti-aging science, existential dread, and deeply questionable medical ethics all thrown into a blender together.

That’s basically the vibe here.

The premise alone is fantastic: five elderly patients who have elected medically assisted suicide are instead offered an experimental treatment on a remote island that can supposedly reverse aging.

And because this is a Nick Cutter novel, absolutely everything goes horrifyingly wrong.

This definitely starts slower than I expected, but once the horror elements begin creeping in, the atmosphere becomes deeply unsettling in that distinctly Cutter way where you simultaneously want to look away and keep reading.

The body horror here is VERY Cronenberg-inspired. Gross, invasive, fleshy, deeply uncomfortable horror.

But underneath all the gore, Cutter is also exploring genuinely interesting questions around humanity’s obsession with youth, scientific hubris, consent, mortality, and the terrifying pace at which technology evolves beyond our ability to ethically control it.

Also: I weirdly loved following an older cast of characters in horror. It felt refreshing and emotionally distinct from the genre norm.

Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

I read this in basically one sitting.

The magic system hooked me almost immediately because it felt distinct without becoming overly complicated, which is honestly harder to pull off in romantasy than people give credit for.

Ivy was such an easy main character to root for. She’s resourceful, strong-willed, emotionally resilient, and trying desperately to reclaim autonomy from an emotionally abusive king who has controlled far too much of her life.

Then enters Thorne.

A shadow-wielding morally gray man whose deadly shadows turn into snakes.

Which honestly tells you everything you need to know about why the romantasy community is going to eat this up.

I really enjoyed the gradual progression of their relationship from reluctant allies to something much more emotionally layered. The pacing moves quickly enough that the tension never drags, and the ending absolutely leaves things positioned for chaos moving forward.

And yes, the cliffhanger did emotionally attack me.

Somehow this entire reading week ended up orbiting around people trying to reclaim themselves.

From prophecy and trauma to cults and community to legal desperation and experimental immortality, almost every story I picked up was asking some version of the same question:

Who are we when the world (or other people) try to define us first? Apparently that was my accidental reading theme of the week. And honestly? I’m not mad about it.

Morning besties!

Greetings from the bayou. 🐊 I've been here since Wednesday and really enjoying the slower pace. Dad is doing better than I thought after a tough update from the doctor and after losing his little dog to old age. He sure is a tough old bird, but I still like to pamper him a bit. This morning it was a full breakfast, Cajun-style. Grits with crawfish, shrimp, and andouille, croissants from Wildgrain (get your first box on me), and scrambled eggs. The gator really loved it! 😜

Since we last chatted I finished Mrs. Benedict Arnold and really enjoyed it (4⭐️s). As I mentioned last week, it has a Regency romance feel but jam-packed with history much like a Diana Gabaldon story. I really appreciated the showing rather than telling, with Parry taking us into the heart and mind of her character rather than sharing through a third or second-person perspective. I'm not sure how it will compare to Stephanie Dray's latest, A Founding Mother, but I intend to find out soon. That is next up for me!

I'm still reading The Woman and Her Stars on my Kindle and finding it very enjoyable, but it's been hard to find time to spend reading, more so than usual. I am hoping to finish soon though! It's a tad slower and much more of a character-driven story, with Haw's narrative style really endearing you to the FMC. There's a hint of romance, but it hasn't been distracting.

As requested, I started Cleopatra a few days ago on audio, and WoW! It's so transportive. It's also told in a first-person perspective, but it's an interesting mix of story-telling, breaking the fourth wall, and narration. I am really digging it and want to spend ALL my time with that one right now. I'm very curious to see where it goes. I think it will be the perfect gateway to a fun project I have planned for this summer.

My mission over the next few days to start The Island of Sea Women, the BBFL book club book for May. I really need to start our book club books sooner in the month! I feel so behind and neglectful of our book club chat. Speaking of book club, help me vote on the June theme below!

ICYMI:

• April reading wrap-up (long form)

• April reading wrap-up (short form)

• A fun twist on meet the Book creator

• Monday bookmail

• My Yesteryear thesis

Hear It Here First:

I've been tinkering around with ideas of what to share exclusively with my paid subscribers, and I think I finally have it! I've been really wanting to read more backlist books, so I think I'm going to start a series featuring backlist library finds. It will be more vlog-style content, coming along with me to the local library and exclusive reviews. I've got a few other things up my sleeve, too! I'm excited about the opportunity to connect with readers in a fun new way. ❤️

Until next time, happy reading!

xoxo

C