Oh my GOD, Brian Selznick just continues to slay me. We see the main character and James continue to meet again and again throughout different times aOh my GOD, Brian Selznick just continues to slay me. We see the main character and James continue to meet again and again throughout different times and places, always having a fierce companionship that destroys traditional confines. It is beautifully done, with Selznick's art interspersed for each short story. And I loved that each story has little ties to the others while still being their own. There's something for everyone here, with the genres ranging from fantasy to horror to realistic.
While the main character is never gendered here and we see all the narratives from first person, to me this book is simply a beautiful example of queer relationships. The relationship between the main character and James is SO strong, built of love and longing and nervousness and hope. And while we do not see an explicit statement that the main character is queer, I couldn't read it any other way. There just so much POWER here, and I really enjoyed seeing all the new ways that the main character and James found each other, and will continue to find each other, forever and for all time. It's just a beautiful book. Lovely and heartbreaking.
Possible red flags: death and grief throughout; sadness; isolation; being separated from parents and other loved ones; mysteries and fear; depression.
Heat rating: MILD—sweet romance; sex/sexual intimacy aren't present or aren't described on the page; Hallmark romance (very sweet--mentions of hand-holding and love, no sex)....more
I didn’t like this as much as some of the other Unicorn Diaries books, but it was pretty sweet nonetheless. We see Bo learn the importance of enjoyingI didn’t like this as much as some of the other Unicorn Diaries books, but it was pretty sweet nonetheless. We see Bo learn the importance of enjoying the small things in life, while Sunny learns about priorities. The yetis threw me overall with their surfer dude vibes.
For: unicorn fans; readers wanting a diary format and fun illustrations.
Possible red flags: fighting with a friend; characters in peril....more
Another fun book in the Princess in Black series! The focus in this one is about encouraging one to speak up, and that speaking up doesn't mean that oAnother fun book in the Princess in Black series! The focus in this one is about encouraging one to speak up, and that speaking up doesn't mean that one isn't nice. The idea of women and girls needing to be silent to be seen as nice is something that is challenged here, and it was quite refreshing. Very cute.
For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a good starter chapter book; readers looking for a funny, entertaining, compelling read.
Possible red flags: monster fighting; discussions and then subversions of traditional gender and class roles....more
This installment features Bo and their friends learning that creatures can be born differently from one another and that's okay. There are several insThis installment features Bo and their friends learning that creatures can be born differently from one another and that's okay. There are several instances where the unicorns want to "fix" the merbaby so she is "normal" or "better," and the other characters encourage them to understand that the merbaby is perfect the way she is. I think the overall topic is good for this age, but I wish it would have been handled more head-on instead it taking the whole book for the characters to learn this. It seemed like a bit of a missed opportunity.
For: unicorn fans; readers wanting a diary format and fun illustrations.
Possible red flags: misunderstandings; lack of tact; discussions surrounding a character with a disability....more
I am so excited that this series is continuing! I am really enjoying Simon and Baxter's unique--sometimes shaky--friendship and how much they love theI am so excited that this series is continuing! I am really enjoying Simon and Baxter's unique--sometimes shaky--friendship and how much they love their Andy. We have some new characters here that add much chuckling and I hope we see more from this world. A quick, fun read.
For: dog/cat fans; readers looking for a quick book with unique storytelling (letters).
Possible red flags: much incorrect spelling--may be tricky for new readers; separated parents; bickering....more
Eva decides that she should get a new pet so Baxter won't be so lonely when she's busy and can't play with him, which sets off an entire week that's pEva decides that she should get a new pet so Baxter won't be so lonely when she's busy and can't play with him, which sets off an entire week that's pet focused. It's cute to see the other owl's pets and how they interact, and Baxter has always been a star in Eva's life so it was nice to see a book exploring that further. Another cute addition to the series.
For: fans of owls; readers wanting a diary format and fun illustrations.
Possible red flags: feeling left behind/excluded; messes and chaos; worrying about dynamic shifts....more
I received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed the firsI received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have been anxiously awaiting this book and I was not disappointed! I really enjoyed the first installment so I knew this one would be just as good if not better. My main issues with the first one were in terms of pace and my not liking Gavriel for the majority of the book. This installment provided a WONDERFUL development of Alecto and Gavriel's relationship that I absolutely adored experiencing. They both grow and learn from each other, and I thought it was very important that they realized that they are so much alike. I also really enjoyed Alecto and Jack's relationship developing, though in this installment it is more kink than relationship. I thought the subject matter was handled respectfully and I loved watching them figure it all out. My biggest frustration was Alecto and Bjorn. They are perfect soulmates and they just need to get over themselves and get together! It will be SOOOOO satisfying when it finally happens. I know it in my very BEING! Overall, I like that the relationships all grow at their own pace because that's realistic. I am super excited for how it all turns out.
I had more issues with the mini-plot in this one. It felt a little rushed to me, because I feel like this book was more about Alecto's horrible dance with creepy gross stalker man (which is what I call him in my head). I think the book would have been fine with just that development of the major plot and her growing relationships with the menfolk. I could see readers who are very invested in plot to be bothered by this, but as a character person, I didn't really mind. The book is beautiful in its banter and its love blossoming and her men letting her take care of things herself (at least until she really needs help). Also, LOVED the men's growing friendships and bonding. Serious, serious swoon.
I shall now anxiously await the next one. Let's hope March gets here super fast!
Tropes or flags: reverse harem; sexually confident out-for-revenge witch meets a vampire, a fae, and a warlock (3 males); roommate romance, lust at first sight romance, and boss employee /Dom Sub romance; semi-slow burn (no sexy times until a good way through the book); crude language and sex; rough sex; anal sex; BDSM is explicitly explored in this installment, but there's still more to develop there; angsty relationship yet to be really explored in this installment--its a super slow burn; prejudice, bullying, and betrayal (not within RH); blood, death, murder, violence, gore, and characters in peril; PTSD; creepy stalker-esque man who WANTS her; previous death of family members.
Heat rating: NUCLEAR—explicit sex, indelicate language during sex, and graphic depictions of a sexual nature used to further the story; may also include light kink; not quite enough for an EXPLICIT level (5), but takes it a level past HOT (3)....more
The Princess in Black and friends must face a giant in this book, and more heroes are introduced to help with the new threat. The book fits well with The Princess in Black and friends must face a giant in this book, and more heroes are introduced to help with the new threat. The book fits well with the others in the series, including the consistent humor and steady plot. However, there are now so many characters and superheroes that it's a little muddled for me. Regardless of this, the book is fun, colorful, and a pleasant read.
For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a quick starter chapter book.
Possible red flags: monster fighting; misunderstandings....more
I received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this book and delve into my first series from Watson! I absolutely lI received a free ARC of this book for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this book and delve into my first series from Watson! I absolutely loved her previous standalone novels and the plot for this trilogy is really interesting. I like that the relationships are all with the professors/staff, so there aren't any student/adult relationships. I liked Alecto right away--she's confident in herself and what she wants, plus she truly cares about her students and her work. I adored the setting too. It made me think fondly of reading books and fan fiction housed at Hogwarts.
I did have a harder time getting into this book that the previous books from this author, and I think that it was because it is a trilogy so the pacing is different. I kept expecting her to start sexual relationships with the rest of the menfolk, but sadly I must wait for that. I came to enjoy Gavriel by the end, but he was not likeable for most of the book, and that was frustrating in a way considering that he was the partner that Alecto had as of this installment. By the end, their relationship started verging into more verbal sparring with a lot of eye-rolls, but it was a little tricky in the middle there.
I look forward to seeing how this relationship and the others will develop. I am also curious to see how the larger plot pans out. I wanted to know more about it in this book, but sadly I will have to wait for that too. I could see these points being disheartening for other readers too, but I know that the next books will be AMAZING and the build-up will be well worth it. I can't wait!
Tropes or flags: reverse harem; confident out-for-revenge witch meets a vampire, a fae, and a warlock (3 males); roommate romance, hate/love romance, and boss romance; NOT a slow burn (sex around 17-19%) with one partner, though no sex with other partners in this installment; crude language and sex; blood, death, murder, violence, gore, and characters in peril; rough sex; mentions of BDSM, though not explored in this installment; torture, prejudice, bullying, and suicide; previous death of family members.
Heat rating: HOT—sex scenes throughout with explicit language, which adds to the overall story and relationships (more build up here than sexy times)....more
I used to love this book as a child, so it was a lot of fun to revisit. The illustrations are super cute and apparently this is a series, so I'll be cI used to love this book as a child, so it was a lot of fun to revisit. The illustrations are super cute and apparently this is a series, so I'll be checking that out soon.
For: Halloween fans; readers looking for a book about accepting who you are.
What a wonderful new addition to the Owl Diaries series! This book changes up the format and shows a week filled with vacation instead of the usual scWhat a wonderful new addition to the Owl Diaries series! This book changes up the format and shows a week filled with vacation instead of the usual school setting. I liked the change of pace as well as seeing Eva overcome her fears. I do wish we could have seen more mermowls though!
For: fans of owls; readers wanting a diary format and fun illustrations.
Possible red flags: hiding the truth/lying; fears and overcoming fears; prejudice....more
Bo and friends meet the goblin princess, who is bored, spoiled, and uses her powers for evil. It's the first time Bo and the other unicorns have reallBo and friends meet the goblin princess, who is bored, spoiled, and uses her powers for evil. It's the first time Bo and the other unicorns have really met a creature who wasn't naturally "good" and who needed to learn some lessons. The goblin princess does learn a lot, but it's a rough journey.
For: unicorn fans; readers wanting a diary format and fun illustrations.
Possible red flags: misunderstandings; tyranny; manipulation; spoiled behavior....more
I so wanted to love this book, but alas. The cover art is gorgeous, but consequently has nothing to do with the book (this is not what the heroine or I so wanted to love this book, but alas. The cover art is gorgeous, but consequently has nothing to do with the book (this is not what the heroine or anyone in the harem looks like). I wanted to really like the characters, but the POVs all tended to sound the same and I couldn't get a strong feel for them. I think the pacing was just off for me. The book moved very fast without a lot of development, so it was a quick read but left a lot out. I really liked that the harem was made of different types of monsters than what I see a lot, and I loved that there was a female in the harem too, but there is literally no sexy goodness here. I understand that this is because they are trapped in their monster form for the majority of the book, but it felt lacking. Points for creativity in terms of plot though.
Tropes: reverse harem; very mild dark romance--minor kidnapping; fiery vet meets 4 supernatural love interests; mythological characters/monsters in monster form for about 95% of the book; absolutely zero sex or romance besides hugs/cuddles, some lewd language, and some nudity that isn't described; 3 males and 1 female love interests in harem; violence, blood, and characters in peril.
Heat rating: MILD—sweet romance; sex/sexual intimacy aren't present or aren't described on the page; Hallmark romance (though not quite as there isn't even kissing, just tension)....more
The first book was so much fun, and this one did not disappoint! Here, we get more mythos and seeing the flawed system in action. There is more paranoThe first book was so much fun, and this one did not disappoint! Here, we get more mythos and seeing the flawed system in action. There is more paranormal fighting, more romance, and more house flipping! The group expands here too with the addition of Billie and Gaston (not part of the RH). It was nice to see additional people so close to the RH without being in the RH. I don't see that very often and it continues the theme of exploring how an RH would actually be received. And Harris makes a guest appearance! Helena also establishes sexual relationships with all 4 males in this book, and the steam is steamier. She's starting to accept that this RH is happening, though has decided to not think too hard about consequences/titles until after their quest is done.
The ending got a little choppy for me and felt a little rushed/jumbled (especially with the added POVs), but it just makes it easier for me to move right into the next book. A fun series with strong characterization and creative plot. Lovely.
Tropes: reverse harem; urban fantasy; independent and sentimental house-flipper witch meets 4 supernatural mates; crude language throughout; mystery, action, and conspiracies; characters in peril/near death experiences; worries for familial rejection since they have already disowned her brother; sleep sex; prejudice, racism, and classism; threesomes.
Heat rating: NUCLEAR—explicit sex, indelicate language during sex, and graphic depictions of a sexual nature used to further the story; may also include light kink; not quite enough for an EXPLICIT level (5), but takes it a level past HOT (3)....more
A quick way to encourage Princess in Black fans to help fight COVID-19. (I wish I read this in April, though. I would have been even more excited abouA quick way to encourage Princess in Black fans to help fight COVID-19. (I wish I read this in April, though. I would have been even more excited about it then.)
For: fans of princesses and superheroes; readers wanting a quick way to discuss COVID-19.
Possible red flags: could be scary for some readers....more
This is really such an interesting series, both in terms of content but also in terms of it not QUITE getting where I want it to go or being what I waThis is really such an interesting series, both in terms of content but also in terms of it not QUITE getting where I want it to go or being what I want it to be. I enjoy my time reading it, but I also take a good amount of time going "Huh..."
Let's talk about the sexy times--it's RH after all. The heat rating moves up in this installment, but there are again only a few spicy scenes (the major event with everyone is close to 60%). There's a lot of focus on there being pain/their action during sex hurting her, but the main character seems to like it. The pain either will slowly ease into pleasure at the very end of the scene or not become pleasure at all. There isn't a strong discussion of consent, though the previous books also had fuzzy consent because of her Beast creating a split personality of sorts. Those issues persist here. Ruby says that she trusts them, but there isn't a discussion of safety or desires at all. The sex is used to help her through her transition, and Ruby doesn't have a lot of control over herself during this time, sometimes fading in and out. It was a strange take on it, and it may have not come across as awkward if there was more relationship building between her and the Horsemen before this point. Considering that she has had issues with sexual assault in her past, I would have expected this to be handled differently. Perhaps that's what the author was going for and we aren't too read anything into it since Ruby doesn't panic.
The plot moves along okay here, but Ruby has yet to get to Hell even though we are on book 3. I would think that would make sense if the book was focusing on the RH and thus the romance/sex elements, but that is also sparse. I makes the pacing feel a little strange overall. I will indeed have to finish the series to see where it goes, so my issues with the book aren't enough to stop me from reading more. Hence the "Huh..."
Tropes: reverse harem; independent firecracker half-succubus/half-Beast meets the 4 Horsemen; crude language throughout; growing up in an orphanage; characters in peril; mythos/lore; murder and torture; past abuse, molestation, and attempted rape; rough sex with fuzzy consent; sex with multiple partners at a time; kidnapping; manipulation; grief and rage.
Heat rating: NUCLEAR—explicit sex, indelicate language during sex, and graphic depictions of a sexual nature used to further the story; may also include light kink; not quite enough for an EXPLICIT level (5), but takes it a level past HOT (3)....more
The first book was really entertaining and this one picked up right where it left off. We see Ruby struggling with her inner Beast and her new powers,The first book was really entertaining and this one picked up right where it left off. We see Ruby struggling with her inner Beast and her new powers, which I loved watching play out. They're also still operating in the human world mostly and wrapping all of that up. The big issue with this one is that this is an RH series and there hasn't been full sexual intercourse at all--it's been very tame. Considering that this is book 2 and Ruby is half-succubus, I was pretty surprised. It doesn't feel like RH because of it, especially since the guys are arguing, her bestie is flirting/fighting with them too, Ruby/her Beast aren't always in agreement, and things happen without full awareness of the heroine (she's awake but sometimes her Beast just does things). It ends in a very suspenseful way and I will be checking out the third one.
Tropes: reverse harem; independent firecracker half-succubus/half-something-else meets the 4 Horsemen; crude language throughout; growing up in the orphanage; characters in peril; mythos/lore; murder and torture; past abuse, molestation, and attempted rape.
Heat rating: HOT—sex scenes throughout with explicit language, which adds to the overall story and relationships (though these scenes are limited--maybe 1 or 2 scenes in this book). ...more
I wanted to like this book much more than I did. I really enjoyed the first book, but I wasn't quite sure how the storyline would translate to 5 booksI wanted to like this book much more than I did. I really enjoyed the first book, but I wasn't quite sure how the storyline would translate to 5 books. I discovered it here--this is just too dense and could have benefited from editing. The first one was dense too, but I found it interesting and fresh. Here, the information is repetitive.
We get Lucifer's POV here as well as Sia's, but that means that if Sia experiences something in her chapter that then it's all reiterated in Lucifer's. Plus there is A LOT of discussion of how their harem will work and how everyone is okay with it. If this was real life, that amount of conversation and sharing of feelings would make sense, but it became tedious here. When this book ends, she is in a relationship with 2 of them, but they have all discussed often that she will have relationships with the rest. But it didn't happen yet. There is also more plot build-up here that didn't come to fruition yet. We learn more about everyone's pasts, the different societies, and lots of physics talk, but there are now just more questions than answers.
I am not sure that I will read the rest of the books in the series. The characters are interesting, but this one was hard to get through. I'll at least need a break before jumping into the next one.
Tropes: reverse harem; fantasy with some realistic settings; feisty Muse female meets 4 (or maybe 5) supernatural males; graphic m/m action; crude language throughout; threesome; familial rejection and abandonment issues; growing up in the foster system; characters in peril; prejudice; LOTS of mythos/lore; questioning ideologies and mythologies; war and war tactics; mentions of murder, torture, slavery, and using others for personal gain.
Heat rating: HOT—sex scenes throughout with explicit language, which adds to the overall story and relationships...more
Well, this is terrifying. How lovely. I really enjoyed Gaiman's twist on the Snow White myth, what with the uber dark themes and Doran's hyper-stylizeWell, this is terrifying. How lovely. I really enjoyed Gaiman's twist on the Snow White myth, what with the uber dark themes and Doran's hyper-stylized illustrations. The story is chilling, each page is visually striking, and it emphasizes that history is written by the winners. I would love if they would take on more fairy tales!
For: fractured fairy tale fans; readers looking for an adult retelling; horror fans.
Possible red flags: murder; death; characters in peril; sexual assault; necrophilia; "evil"; vampirism; graphic depictions of sex and erotic situations; witchcraft....more
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