American Midnight: Tales of the Dark
American Midnight is a collection of American gothic horror short stories curated by Laird Hunt. Most of the short stories ranged from interesting to good with only a few falling short.
January 2024 Book Bracket
A new month, a new year, a new set of books to face off against each other to find the best read of January! There is a good collection of books reviewed this month, so it’s going to be super hard to find a favorite. Let’s get to the bracket!
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
I had seen the cover of The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones around for a while as friends and mutuals added the book to their TBRs. Each time I’d come across it, I’d think wow, I really should pick that up. It’s an absolute shame I didn’t pick it up until three years […]
A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab
“A Darker Shade of Magic” by VE Schwab, a fantasy masterpiece, captivates with intricate worldbuilding. Schwab crafts four distinct Londons, each with a unique essence. The plot, subtle and compelling, unfolds with well-placed foreshadowing. Pacing improves as the story snowballs, leading to an emotional journey. Memorable characters like Rhy and Kell shine, but Holland steals the spotlight. An unmissable entry in the fantasy genre. Pick it up and immerse yourself in this masterclass of new fantasy storytelling!
The Naughty List by Jade West
“The Naughty List” by Jade West pleasantly surprised me. It’s unabashed erotica, not a traditional romance. Holiday-themed, Ella’s journey into s*x work is a spicy escapade, progressing from vanilla to intense kinks. Diverse encounters and a satisfying ending make it an enjoyable erotic read. Check content warnings for a tailored experience.
Losing My Breath by J Rose Black
“Losing My Breath” by J Rose Black delivers a sweet contemporary romance where opposites attract. The lovely characters and real relationship make it a compelling read. Meridian, sweet and patient, offers hints of depth, but the narrative lacks a deep dive into her character. The standout is Callan, a former Marine clinging to routine, creating an internal conflict that sets this slow-burn romance apart. If you seek a heartfelt story with internal struggles, this is a must-read!
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
Finally picked up The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood, and boy, was it worth it! This cute and sweet romance had me giggling wildly at 2 AM. Olive, a smart and independent character, takes charge, leading to the hilarious fake relationship with Adam, the supposed ‘big, bad jerk.’ Their palpable chemistry and miscommunication struggles make this a must-read for romance lovers. Highly recommended!
Furbidden Attraction by R O’Leary
Dive into the delightful world of Furbidden Attraction by R O’Leary—a paranormal romance with a fun twist! Join relatable FMC Louisa in a quirky town, where a mysterious dog shifter, MMC Jack, sparks an unexpected romance. Kidnapping adds spice, but Louisa’s fierce spirit and comedic flair keep it entertaining. With dual plotlines—romance and shifter mystery—it’s a well-rounded read, promising more in the series!
Read Me by Lauren Connolly
Read Me by Lauren Connolly is another BookTok rec that I picked up. It absolutely is not what I typically pick up for romances but it was super cute and I really enjoyed it! The relationship made sense, the MMC literally so good and the FMC, though way over the top, was still fun.