Book Review: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous by Autumn K. England

Title: Field Guide for the Formerly Villainous

Author: Autumn K. England

Series/Standalone: Everyday Magic Series (Book #1)

Genre: Cozy Fantasy, Adult, LGBT, Romance

Pages: 368

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2026

Format: Ebook (Own on Kindle)

"STARDEW VALLEY meets STUDIO GHIBLI in a charming cozy fantasy about healing, redemption, and the subtle magic of simple living. Perfect for fans of Can't Speel Treason Without Tea and The Spellshop. Welcome home, weary traveler.

When Oaklin Nettlewood accidentally joined an evil world-ending cult, mind control magic forced them to do unspeakable things. Years later, the realm's heroes have finally saved the day, defeated the villain, and shattered the last remnants of the spell... leaving destruction in their wake. And so, with a spell-damaged memory and whole bushel of trauma. Oaklin escapes to a small farm on the edge of Mossley's Rest and swears an oath: After all the things they were forced to do with their magic, they will never use it again. Ever.

The no-nonsense ghost granny who lives in Oaklin's house has other ideas. As she coaxes Oaklin ont of their shell and back into the world, they find companionship (a grumpy horse and a very good dog), friendship (a local bard and magical baker who should just kiss already), and tentative romance (a paladin-librarian who makes Oaklin's heart come alive for the first time in ages.) Magic even seems possible again- thought strictly for foraging magical mushrooms and protecting the farm from bugs.

Healing comes in gentle waves, and Oaklin doesn't have to do it alone. So what does it mean when an inquisitor comes to town to hunt former cultists just as Oaklin begins to think that maybe, just maybe, they deserve a happy ending after all?"

My Rating: 3/5

I love a cozy fantasy! This one was super fun. I really enjoyed the parallels that were drawn between Oaklin's trauma and the different phrases used to talk about healing. That being said, it was VERY heavy-handed. I also felt that there were moments where the writing seemed to change from cozy fantasy fantasy, to urban fantasy. It felt a little jarring. I look forward to reading more work from the author and seeing where this series takes us. 

Sidny

Book Review: The Kraken's Sacrifice by Katee Robert

Title: The Kraken's Sacrifice

Author: Katee Robert

Series/Standalone: A Deal With a Demon (Book #2)

Genre: Monster Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Pages: 182

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2022

Format: Ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

"Catalina only made her deal with the demon because she had nowhere else to go. The world has kicked her every chance it got, so she's all too happy to leave the realm she knows behind. What's the worst that could happen?

She doesn't anticipate being auctioned away to a kraken. 

Thane is cold and distant... but he's not unkind. Isolated as they are, Catalina finds herself seeking his company again and again. And when she finally agrees to uphold her portion of the bargain?

That's when things get really interesting.

But she only gave the demon seven years, and when the time is up, she'll have no choice but to leave behind the kraken who's stolen her heart and return to the world that doesn't want her."

My Rating: 3/5

This book follows Catalina, a girl who has some of the lowest self-esteem I've read about who sells 7 years of her life to a bargaining demon in exchange for riches. She's then given to a kraken king who has trauma of his own. They become a couple who has issues to work through, and did a mention, he's mostly made of tentacles? Don't worry they place a role. I enjoyed this book more than the first book in the series, it felt more romantic, less smutty. I'm excited to try the next one which is about a gargoye.

Sidny

Book Review: Girl with the Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Title: Girl with the Pearl Earring

Author: Tracy Chevalier

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Historical Fiction, Adult Fiction, Classic

Pages: 240

Publisher: Plume Books

Year Published: 1999

Format: Audiobook

"Winner of the 2000 Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers Award! Alex Award winner! Tracy Chevalier transports readers to a bygone time and place in this richly imagined portrait of the young woman who inspired one of Vermeer's most celebrated paintings. History and fiction merge seamlessly in this luminous novel about artistic vision and sensual awakening. Girl with a Pearling Earring tells the story of sixteen-year-old Griet, whose life is transformed by her brief encounter with genius... even as she herself is immortalized in canvas and oil. "

My Rating: 2.5/5

This book was very short, quick and interesting. It painted (get it) a different time, and the idea that this story is about the girl in the painting is what drew me to it. I found that this book was just ok. Interesting in setting, fascinating in idea and I'm sure if you were an art history buff you would enjoy it. I'm just not. 

Sidny

Book Review: Sins of a King by Emma Slate

Title: Sins of a King

Author: Emma Slate

Series/Standalone: Sins Series (Book #1)

Genre: Dark Romance, Mafia, Adult Fiction

Pages: 418

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2016

Format: Ebook (Hoopla)

"I can't breathe without him.

Playboy. Billionaire. Criminal.

I should hate him for what he's done to me, but I'm powerless to resist him.

His touch engulfs me.

His demands conquer me.

But Flynn Campbell isn't who I thought he was.

Suddenly, I'm thrust into a world of seduction and sin.

Ensnared by danger and power, foreign desires burn within me.

It's time to embrace the darkness...

And become a queen."

My Rating: 3/5

After reading books from another one of this author's series, I decided to read this one, since there is some character crossover. This one does have a different vibe to it as opposed to the Tarnished Angels Motorcycle Club series. Less diverse in character, personalities and more focused on the mafia element, which makes sense. There was a trope used in a way that I didn't enjoy, and that was why the book lost partial ratings. I look forward to continuing the series and seeing where things go. 

Sidny

Book Review: Just Between Us by Adeline Kon

Title: Just Between Us

Author: Adeline Kon

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Graphic Novels, Sports, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 320

Publisher: Dial Books

Year Published: 2026

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"In this gorgeous debut graphic novel, Lydia tries to fall back in love with figure skating without falling for her competition.

Lydia Chen knows how good she is on the ice. Technically perfect, she's been the one to beat since her debut years ago.

Except now, something is missing in her performances- a spark that's been gone for a while. Between the constant training, appealing to sponsors to fund her, and the pressure to perform, Lydia's passion for skating has disappeared.

When her rival Elaine Yee starts training at the same rink, Lydia's struck by the emotion in Elaine's routines and unwillingly finds herself getting closer to her as they compete for a spot in the Olympics.

As the tension between them comes to a head, Lydia's about to find out how a competitor can become an ally and figure out how to feel alive on the ice again."

My Rating: 3/5

This was a fun YA take on sports romance, but it felt a little disjointed. The characters were very clearly stereotypes, and while we started to see growth and changes, I wish that it had been more direct. It was hard to like Lydia throughout, and while she made an effort to change by the end, it wasn't enough for me. The art was gorgeous but it was maybe just a bit young for me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner

Title: The Amalfi Curse

Author: Sarah Penner

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Adult, Magical Realism

Pages: 336

Publisher: Park Row

Year Published: 2025

Format: Audiobook

"Powerful witchcraft. A hunt for sunken treasure. Forbidden love on the high seas. Beware the Amalfi Curse...

Haven Ambrose, a trailblazing nautical archaeologist, has come to the sun-soaked village of Positano to investigate the mysterious shipwrecks along the Amalfi Coast. But Haven is hoping to find more than old artefacts beneath the azure waters; she is secretly on a quest to locate a trove of priceless gemstones her late father spotted on his final dive. Upon Haven's arrival, strange malestroms and misfortunes start plaguing the town. Is it nature or something more sinister at work?

As Haven searches for her father's sunken treasure, she begins to unearth a centuries-old tale of ancient sorcery and one woman's quest to save her lover and her village by using the legendary art of stregheria, a magical ability to harness the ocean. Could this magic be behind Positano's latest calamities? Haven must unravel the Amalfi Curse before the region is destroyed forever...

Against the dazzling backdrop of the Amalfi Coast, this bewitching novel shimmers with mystery, romance and the untamed magic of the sea."

My Rating: 3/5

I listened to this book on audio, and I would strongly recommend this version just due to the narration style. I loved the changing perspectives and the time shifts. This one rang closer to The Lost Apothecary, which is my favourite book I've read by the author so far. All of this being said, it still lacked the original magic and the feeling of the first book I read by the author. This one, the ending felt a little disjointed and abrupt. While fun, I don't think that this one will stay with me.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

Title: The Final Girl Support Group

Author: Grady Hendrix

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Thriller, Adult, Fiction, Horror

Pages: 326

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2021

Format: Paperback (Borrowed)

"In horror movies, the final girls are the ones left standing when the credits roll. They made it through the worst night of their lives... but what happens after?

Like his bestselling novel The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, Grady Hendrix's latest is a fast-paced, frightening, and wickedly humorous thriller. From chain saws to summer camp slayers, The Final Girl Support Group pays tribute to and slyly subverts out most popular horror films- movies like The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream.

Lynette Tarkington is a real-life final girl who survived a massacre. For more than a decade, she's been meeting with five other final girls and their therapist in a support group for those who survived the unthinkable, working to put their lives back together. Then one woman misses a meeting, and their worst fears are realized- someone knows about the group and is determined to rip their lives apart again, piece by piece. 

But the thing about final girls is that no matter how bad the odds, how dark the night, how sharp the knife, they will never, ever give up."

My Rating: 3/5

I liked the concept of this book, I liked the original aspect of this book, but the writing style wasn't quite what I expected. While parts were fast paced I felt that other aspects dragged. I didn't care for the main character, and found that the way they all were fairly stereotyped, I wasn't super into. I didn't see the plot twist coming, but once it got there, it did make a lot of sense. I would be curious to read more of his work, but I won't be picking up another one super soon. Any suggestions?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice by Elle Cosimano

Title: Finlay Donovan Rolls the Dice

Author: Elle Cosimano

Series/Standalone: Finlay Donovan Series (Book #4)

Genre: Mystery, Cozy, Adult Fiction

Pages: 320

Publisher: Minotaur Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"Finlay Donovan and her nanny/partner-in-crime Vero are in sore need of a girls' weekend away. They plan a trip to Atlantic City, but odds are- seeing as it's actually a cover story to negotiate a deal with a dangerous loan shark, save Vero's childhood crush Javi, and hunt down a stolen car- it won't be all fun and games. When Finlay's ex-husband Steven and her mother insist on tagging along too, Finlay and Vero suddenly have a few too many meddlesome passengers along for the ride.

Within hours of arriving in their seedy casino hotel, it becomes clear their rescue mission is going to be a bust. Javi's kidnapper, Marco, refuses to negotiate, demanding payment in full in exchange for Javi's life. But that's not all- he insists on knowing the whereabouts of his missing nephew, Ike, who mysteriously disappeared. Unable to confess what really happened to Ike, Finlay and Vero are forced to come up with a new plan: sleuth out the location of Javi and the Aston Martin, then steal them both back.

But when they sneak into the loan shark's suite to search for clues, they find more than they bargained for- Marco's already dead. They don't have a clue who murdered him, only that they themselves have a very convincing motive. Then four members of the police department unexpectedly show up in town, also looking for Ike- and after Finlay's night with hot cop Nick at the police academy, he's a little too eager to keep her close to his side.

If Finlay can juggle a jealous ex-husband, two precious kids, her mother's marital issues, a decomposing loan shark, and find Vero's missing boyfriend, she might get out of Atlantic City in one piece. But will she fold under the pressure and come clean about the things she's done, or be forced to double down?"

My Rating: 3/5

This book wasn't all I wanted it to be. There were many parts that I felt were repetitive. I had a hard time keeping track of timing and what day we were on, as it felt like so much was happening in such a little amount of time. I then try to think about how many days it actually was, and I feel that I have no idea. I liked the inner relationships. I like certain scenes (the strip club especially), and I look forward to continuing on with the series.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Circe by Madeline Miller

Title: Circe

Author: Madeline Miller

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, Historical Fiction

Pages: 393

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company

Year Published: 2018

Format: Audiobook (Library Copy)

"In the house of Helios, god of the sun and mightiest of the Titans, a daughter is born. But Circe is a strange child- neither powerful like her father nor viciously alluring like her mother. Turning to the world of the mortals for companionship, she discovers that she does possess power: the power of witchcraft, which can transform rivals into monsters and menace the gods themselves.

Threatened, Zeus banishes her to a deserted island, where she hones her occult craft, tames wild beasts, and crosses paths with many of the most famous figures in all of mythology, including the Minotaur, Daedalus and his doomed son Icarus, the murderous Medea, and, of course, wily Odysseus.

But there is danger too, for a woman who stands alone, and Circe unwittingly draws the wrath of both men and gods, ultimately finding herself pitted against one of the most terrifying and vengeful of the Olympians. To protect what she loves most, Circe must summon all her strength and choose, once and for all, whether she belongs with the gods she is born from or with the mortals she has come to love."

My Rating: 3/5

I love the idea of these books, but I find that once I'm reading them, I find them hard to get through. The stories themselves are interesting, and seeing how they relate to the original mythology is so fascinating, but the endings and stories themselves don't capture my attention the way I wished they would. I would certainly read more by the author. I enjoyed this one more than the last one I read by the author. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Rule Of The Aurora King by Nisha J. Tuli

Title: Rule of the Aurora King

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Series/Standalone: Artefacts of Ouranos (Book #2)

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Romance,

Pages: 512

Publisher: Indie Published

Year Published: 2023

Format: Kindle (Kindle Unlimited)

"'I am not his conquest. I am not his to claim. I am my own castle.' Freed from the golden clutches of the Sun King, Lor now finds herself in the hands of Nadir, the Auror Prince. Convinced she's hiding something, he's willing to do whatever it takes to make her talk. But Lor knows the value of secrets- she's been keeping them her entire life- and she's not letting hers go without a fight. When Lor and Nadir team up to search for a lost item that holds the keys to her past and her future, she isn't sure she can trust him. All she knows is she won't fall for another royal fae's promises again. With the Sun King determined to reclaim her, Lor must keep on the move, but nowhere is safe. Not until she destroys him and the Aurora King. But she soon learns that the future of Ouranos depends on much more than avenging her shattered legacy."

My Rating: 3/5

I want a little more from this series. It's pulling from so many other fantasy tropes that I can't help but see it as a discount version of other series that I've enjoyed. It's fun, the spice is good. I do think I'll continue and read the next one, but I'm not in a huge rush to get there. The plot isn't surprising in the way I hoped, so it's hard to be motivated to keep reading when you can see exactly where it's going. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Flawless by Sara Shephard

Title: Flawless

Author: Sara Shepard

Series/Standalone: Pretty Little Liars Series (Book #2)

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, TV tie-in

Pages: 330

Publisher: HarperCollins

Year Published: 2007

Format: Audiobook (Own it)

"In the exclusive town of Rosewood, Pennsylvania, where the sweetest smiles hide the darkest secrets, four pretty little liars- Spencer, Aria, Emily and Hanna- have been very bad girls...

Spencer stole her sister's boyfriend. Aria is brokenhearted over her English teacher. Emily likes her new friend Maya... as much more than a friend. And Hanna's obsession with looking flawless is literally making her sick. But the most horrible secret of all is something so scandalous it could destroy their perfect little lives.

And someone named "A" is threatening to do just that.

At first they thought A was Alison, their friend who vanished three years ago... but then Alison turned up dead. So could A be Melissa, Spencer's ultracomptetive sister? Or Maya, who wants Emily all to herself? What about Toby, the mysterious guy who left town right after Alison went missing?

One thing's for certain: A's got the dirt to bury them all alive, and with every crumpled note, wicked IM, and vindictive text message A sends, the girls get a little closer to losing it all."

My Rating: 3/5

This series is so wild. Definitely a symbol of the time. It is entertaining, but it's not something I think that I'll remember long-term. I've enjoyed listening to the audiobook, and I can't wait to see more. I'm curious where the author takes us, and how the different factors will come to play.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: A Touch of Chaos by Scarlett St. Clair

Title: A Touch of Chaos

Author: Scarlett St. Clair

Series/Standalone: Hades x Persephone (Book #4)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Mythology

Pages: 464

Publisher: Bloom Books

Year Published: 2024

Format: Audiobook

"The World Will Burn

Persephone, Goddess of Spring, never guessed a chance encounter with Hades, God of the Underworld, would change her life forever- but he did.

A fight for humanity and battles between gods, it's a world Persephone never thought she would see. To end the chaos, she must draw upon her darkness and embrace who she's become: Goddess, Wife, Queen of the Underworld.

Once, Persephone made bargains to save those she loves, now she will go to war for them."

My Rating: 3/5

This was not all I thought it would be. I enjoyed the series. I felt that the stakes were higher, but the spice was kind of all over the place. I've felt throughout the series that the build-up to spice isn't quite enough for me. The intimate scenes seem to come almost out of nowhere.  The characters have shown so much growth throughout. I'm curious if anyone whose read this and the Hades companion series, if the Hades one is worth it.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Crown of Horns by Jeff Smith

Title: Crown of Horns

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 9)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 232

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2004

Format: Hardcover

"Trapped in the dungeon while the fate of the Valley is decided by two raging armies, Thorn is haunted by the dangerous and mysterious object of power known as the Crown of Horns. Guarded by dragons, the Crown of Horns is the only thing that can stop the Locust and end the war... but how, and at what price? Fone Bone believes he knows the answer, and he must decide where his heart truly lies..."

My Rating: 3/5

This series wasn't all I hoped it would be. I felt that there were too many repetitions, and while I respect it was one of the first very popular graphic novels for young adults that I interacted with it's not the best one I've read. I may still read the prequel if the urge strikes, but I'm not in a huge rush.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Treasure Hunters by Jeff Smith

Title: Treasure Hunters

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 8)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Young Adult

Pages: 144

Publisher: Graphix

Year Published: 2002

Format: Hardcover (Library Copy)

"The Bone cousins, Gran'ma Ben, and Thorn reach the city of Atheia, where they prepare to battle The Lord of Locusts. Meanwhile, Thorn's visions are becoming more threatening, and Phoney Bone is convinced Atheia is rich in gold, and he is determined to find it!"

My Rating: 3/5

While I'm glad I'm finishing this series, some of the content feels repetitive. Phoney Bone is obviously intended to be an unlikeable character, but his repetition of not learning from his own mistakes if frustrating and annoying to read. I like the Thorn plot line, and I look forward to seeing how the series ends.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Old Man's Cave by Jeff Smith

Title: Old Man's Cave

Author: Jeff Smith

Series/Standalone: Bone Series (Volume 6)

Genre: Young Adult, Graphic Novel, Fantasy

Pages: 128

Publisher: Cartoon Books

Year Published: 1997

Format: Paperback (Library Copy)

"As war spreads through the Valley and the rat creature mount a vicious offense, Gran'ma, Lucius, Phoney Bone and the villagers join the Veni Yan warriors and set up base camp at Old Man's Cave to make a final stand against the Rat Creature army. Will Fone Bone be able to hold the alliance together? Will the rat creatures finally take over the valley and unleash the power of the Lord of the Locusts? Find out and discover much much more in this pivotal book."

My Rating: 3/5

I enjoyed this one; it was fine, but it felt rather short for what it was. I am curious to see how the rest of the story plays out, but I'm starting to wonder if I have even the foggiest idea where this is going.  I'm feeling a little lost.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Beach Read by Emily Henry

Title: Beach Read

Author: Emily Henry

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Fiction

Pages: 361

Publisher: Berkley

Year Published: 2020

Format: Audiobook

"A romance writer who no longer believes in love and a literary writer stuck in a rut engage in a summer-long challenge that may just upend everything they believe about happily ever afters.

Augustus Everett is an acclaimed author of literary fiction. January Andrews writes bestselling romance. When she pens a happily ever after, he kills off his entire cast.

They're polar opposites.

In fact, the only thing they have in common is that for the next three months, they're living in a neighboring beach houses, broke and bogged down with writer's block.

Until, one hazy evening, one thing leads to another and they strike a deal designed to force them out of their creative ruts: Augustus will spend the summer writing something happy, and January will pen the next Great American Novel. She'll take him on field trips worthy of any rom-com montage, and he'll take her to interview surviving members of a backwoods death cult (obviously). Everyone will finish a book and no-one will fall in love. Really."

My Rating: 3/5

There were a few things that kept me from loving this book. I liked the concept, and I quite enjoyed Emily Henry's writing style. But the romance, while fun just wasn't all I wanted it to be and I couldn't ever quite get over the main character's name. What really took me out of the story was one of the sex scenes and the setting it took place in (if you know you know). I look forward to continuing to read her works, this one just wasn't the same hit as the last one I read.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny 

Book Review: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

Title: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me

Author: Mariana Zapata

Series/Standalone: Standalone

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Adult Fiction

Pages: 475

Publisher: Avon

Year Published: 2016

Format: Audiobook

"Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary.

But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked.

For two years, the man known as The Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable.

What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?"

My Rating: 3/5

This is not what I anticipated when I picked up this novel. I notice this book has been marketed to be a lot spicier than it is. While there is one sex scene, it isn't a lot throughout the book. Although it did hit on some of my favourite tropes, the writing style felt a bit off-pace to me. I did enjoy the character overall and I would read more from the author.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Review: Something is Killing the Children Volume 6

Title: Something is Killing the Children Volume 6

Author: James Tynion IV

Illustrator: Werther Dell'Edera

Series/Standalone: Something is Killing the Children Series (Vol. 6)

Genre: Graphic Novel, Horror, Adult Fiction

Pages: 144

Publisher: BOOM! Studios

Year Published:  2023

Format: Paperback Copy (Library Copy)

"With the last person in her corner gone and a ruthless agent from the Order of St. George closing in, Erica Slaughter finds herself alone and without a prayer. Can she take on this horrific new monster plaguing the small town of Tribulation, New Mexico by herself, or is this the end of her story? Erica is faced with a choice to reach out to an unexpected source for help, or find herself dealing with both a monster and her human enemies alone... Erica Slaughter faces her deadliest challenge yet in the next volume of the Eisner-winning and Harvey Award-nominated series from GLAAD Award-winning author James Tynion IV...."

My Rating: 3/5

This volume was fine for me, but I think because I can no longer binge the series, I'm starting to lose hold of the plot. I would be interested in reading it all once it's completed but for now, I will be taking a break from the series. The ideas are excellent, the art style is fascinating and the characters are dynamic. Lots to like, just not my favourite.

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard

Title: Pretty Little Liars

Author: Sara Shepard

Series/Standalone: Pretty Little Liars Series (Book #1)

Genre: Young Adult, Thriller, Mystery

Pages: 286

Publisher: HarperTeen

Year Published: 2006

Format: Paperback Copy

First Line: "Imagine it's a couple of years ago, the summer between seventh and eighth grade."

"EVERYONE HAS SOMETHING TO HIDE- ESPECIALLY HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS SPENCER, ARIA, EMILY AND HANNA

Spencer covets her sister's boyfriend. Aria's fantasizing about her English teacher. Emily's crushing on the new girl at school. Hanna uses some ugly tricks to stay beautiful. But they've all kept an even bigger secret since their friend Alison vanished.

How do I know? Because I know everything about the bad girls they were, the naughty girls they are, and the dirty secrets they've kept. And guess what? I'm telling."

My Rating: 3/5

Before anyone asks, no I have never watched the show, so I don't know anything about this series and that's how I plan on keeping it as long as I'm reading this brain candy book. This book is deeply problematic, very early 2000s, and over the top. I flew through it because of the content, but I acknowledge that it isn't the best thing I've ever read. It's fun, and addicting. If you like rich people drama but want it crossed with an ABC and CW style show level of drama I would recommend it. Also, does anyone know how closely the TV show follows the books?

Thanks for reading,

Sidny

Book Review: Covet by Tracy Wolff

Title: Covet

Author: Tracy Wolff

Series/Standalone: Crave Series (Book #3)

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Pages: 680

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Year Published: 2021

Format: Audiobook

"I may have reached my breaking point. As if trying to graduate from a school for supernatural isn't stressful enough, my relationship status has gone from complicated to a straight-up dumpster fire. Oh, and the Bloodletter has decided to drop a bomb of epic proportions on us all.... Then again, when has anything at Katmere Academy not been intense?

And the hits just keep coming. Jaxon's turned colder than an Alaskan winter. The Circle is splintered over my upcoming coronation. As if things couldn't get worse, now there's an arrest warrant for Hudson's and my supposed crimes- which apparently means a lifetime prison sentence with a deadly unbreakable curse.

Choices will have to be made... and I fear not everyone will survive."

My Rating: 3/5

I like this series, but you must know what you're getting into when you read this. These are angsty, they are fun, they are dramatic. They remind me a lot of early 2010s paranormal romance which I enjoy for the cheesiness of it, but it's not world shaking. If you are looking for a fun paranormal romance I would recommend this series. I love the audiobooks and they are quick to read. 

Thanks for reading,

Sidny