mad-rdr

[mad-rdr]

A Marvellous Light - Freya Marske

★ ★ ★ ★/5

This was fun! I love reading historical gay romances and this one included magic- what's not to love? This world building was interesting, and I like that we got to see a lot of it in Robin's perspective (who is new to magic). I despise Edwin's family- they're a bunch of spoiled bullies and if I never have to see any of them again it'll be too soon (unfortunately we'll have to see Walt if Robin and Edwin are gonna beat him). Robin and Edwin!! They're so cute and I love the mild enemies to lovers (really Edwin is just grumpy) in the office. Absolutely loved Edwin's little nerd brain compared to Robin the jock- normally an overplayed trope but I think it worked well in this book. Idk yet if I'm gonna read the next book, the whole three magic items contract thing was less important to me tbh, so we'll see.

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Onyx Storm - Rebecca Yarros

★ ★ ★ ★/5

Alright, sit down and buckle up because I have THOUGHTS. First of all, let me just say that I was pleasantly surprised with this book. After being incredibly annoyed with Iron Flame, I decided that if I didn't like this book I was going to stop with the series. This series, which should've stayed a trilogy btw, keeps getting drawn out in a way that shows the author is just trying to wring every penny possible from the hype Fourth Wing received. In this book, Violet and Xaden are far less annoying, but it almost feels like they barely interact. And when they do all Xaden talks about is not wanting to lose control- which btw, that whole plotline just fell so flat after the big twist ending in Iron Flame- Xaden is lowkey fine the entire book. I highly enjoyed their adventures to the Isle and I do love the history given to us by Violet's dad, but there's not really a ton of progression in terms of the overall story. It's book three and honestly, I can't tell you wtf they're all fighting for- not to mention the big bad villain in this book (who randomly appears) is killed at the end. It honestly just feels like Yarros got herself into a world too complicated to write herself out of. This idea should've sat on the cooker for a big longer (and gone through another round of editing jfc). I truly think it could be so much better if it was written better... There's so many random characters who appear and people from the first two books are barely mentioned. The stakes are dramatized so high that nothing really seems to actually hold severity (Xaden being the prime example- AND that one scene with Mira). Don't even get me started on that shit with Andarna WHAT WAS THE POINT!! Ugh anyways, even though I just nothing but complain, I liked Onyx Storm much more than Iron Flame and for that alone it gets 4 stars. Guess I'm seeing this through to the end now.

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Hunt on the Dark Waters - Katee Robert

★ ★ ★/5

Iconic of me for reading the sequel before the first book, but honestly, I don't think it matters. This being the first book, there wasn't a ton of world building that would have been important for me to know before reading Blood on the Tide. This book follows a witch, Evelyn, who steals from her vampire ex (which tbh she is so wrong for that even though it gets resolved in the second book anyways) and jumps into a portal into a realm where she essentially has to give up her entire life and become a pirate or die. And because the captain of the ship she lands on is Hotty McHotPants (Bowen), she caves and goes yeah, I didn't have anything for me in my home realm anyways. And then these two proceed to waste no time before getting it on and decide to start a revolution. That's it, that's the plot. I never said I read Katee Robert books because they were good y'all- sometimes you just need a book that is predictably bad but fun! so here we are

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The Mirror Visitor Quartet - Christelle Dabos

A Winter’s Promise: ★ ★ ★/5

The Missing of Clairdelune: ★ ★ ★ ★/5

The Memory of Babel: ★ ★ ★/5

The Storm of Echoes: ★ ★/5

It’s hard to sum up four 450+ page books into an overall series review, so bear with me. Overall, I was really disappointed by this series. I was never a fan of the first book, but the second book made me want to continue. However, the last two just weren't it. Ophelia is fun, but she gets herself into the same situation every damn book- from being disguised as a valet in a cruel court, a storyteller to a ill-tempered god, a student in the world's most competitive university, and lastly, a patient in a fucked up medical study. Every time she is tested, essentially tortured, and clings to the strings of a barely there relationship with her husband. I don't mind that this was the slowest slow burn to ever exist, Ophelia and Thorn are ultimately good to each other. But they probably have a total of 100 pages together in the entire 4-book series and half the time Thorn barely acknowledges Ophelia's existence. As a character, Thorn is as fascinating as he is frustrating... which is a lot. There are a lot of good side characters, but it doesn't go unnoticed that Ophelia doesn't have a single female friend. I know a lot of other people has called this series misogynistic and I can definitely see it. There's also so many things in the world that just don't make sense. Things just felt all over the place and honestly had me questioning whether or not I was stupid. The real question is whether or not this series is bad because of the time period it was written in (early 2010s) or because it's been translated. Highly likely that this is the last time I read this series.

tldr; I read this entire series and for what. There's a repetitive plot, a barely there romance, and a deeply unsatisfying ending.

[mad-rdr]

January Books

10 books this month!

Beartown by Fredrik Backman (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5)

Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5)

Dead Wake by Erik Larson (★ ★ ★ ★/5)

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (★ ★ ★/5)

The Winners by Fredrik Backman (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5)

A Winter’s Promise by Christelle Dabos (★ ★ ★/5)

The Missing of Clairdelune by Christelle Dabos (★ ★ ★ ★/5)

The Memory of Babel by Christelle Dabos (★ ★ ★/5)

The Storm of Echoes by Christelle Dabos (★ ★/5)

Hunt on Dark Waters by Katee Robert (★ ★ ★/5)

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Dead Wake - Erik Larson

★ ★ ★ ★/5

A nonfiction book, Dead Wake recounts the events leading up to the sinking of the Lusitania by a German U-boat in World War I. In classic Larson fashion, the book uses an immense number of primary sources and documents to tell the story in a suspenseful way that reads like fiction. After reading Devil in the White City last year and obsessing over the way the story was paced and drawn out, I knew it wouldn't be the last time I read a book by Larson. I had only a brief knowledge of the Lusitania before reading this, but even knowing where the story was heading, I found myself surprised at the sequence of events that led to the climax. It was chilling to find out about the closed-door operations of the British military that could've prevented a tragedy like this one, and the callousness of the German captain. Overall, another solid read. I think Larson might be the way I get over my dislike of reading historical nonfiction.

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Beartown Series - Fredrik Backman

Beartown (Beartown 1): ★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5

Us Against You (Beartown 2): ★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5

The Winners (Beartown 3): ★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5

Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors and the first time I read Beartown (3-ish years ago now), it cemented his place in my heart. You might not be able to tell from the three straight 5-star ratings, but I absolutely love the way Backman tells stories. It's not the most linear or black and white, sometimes you have to read between the lines to understand the true meaning of the story he's telling, but oh is it enjoyable (in a profoundly heartbreaking way). Not to be dramatic, but I have scars on my heart from where his words have cut me deep. Although parts of the books were repetitive to read back-to-back in the two-ish weeks it took me, I don't think it would be a problem for an average reader. You'll read about sports teams and leadership, friendships and romantic relationships, parenthood and childhood, addiction and mental illness, politics and corruption, and the complicated relationship people have with the small towns they grew up in. The first book tells a big story (and packs a big punch), and the other two books only add to it. I will say that the only complaint I have is the length of book 3, but even then, the ending will stay with me for a long time. Beartown is about hockey- and what does hockey have to do with the meaning of life, you might ask? Oh, only everything.

Disclaimer that the books deal with some heavy issues so if you are sensitive to things involving SA, abuse, or traumatic accidents, you might want to read with caution & check trigger warnings.

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The People We Meet on Vacation - Emily Henry

★ ★ ★/5

I'm normally a fan of Emily Henry but this book fell short of my expectations. I enjoyed parts of it, mainly the travel aspect and overall pacing with flashbacks (and shoutout to the gay wedding in Palm Springs lol), but there were a lot of moments that had me annoyed and rolling my eyes. First of all, Poppy and Alex are supposedly in their 30s but still have the emotional maturity of college students. This could be my intense dislike of the miscommunication trope but please for the love of god TALK TO EACH OTHER. You're telling me that one drunk kiss led to you not talking for two years after 10+ years of friendship?? Be fucking for real, you must've not actually known each other at all. Second, sex on an Airbnb balcony? Major ick. And third, a third act breakup!!! AGH. Anyways, glad it had its happily ever after, but I think I'll be sticking to rereading Book Lovers & Funny Story now, thanks.

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As part of my 2025 aspirations, I created a Bookstagram! Now I'll be updating this blog, that account, and Goodreads and Storygraph (I love books but oh my god I might be in too deep)

You can find me @/mad_rdr_ if you feel so inclined ;)

[mad-rdr]

December Reads

10 books this month!

Feathers of Dawn by Jess Galaxie (★ ★ ★ ★/5): I love love LOVE dragons and this story was sooo cute. It was a little slow, and I honestly can’t figure out how old the protagonists are supposed to be but overall I really liked it

Lakeshore Christmas by Susan Wiggs (★ ★/5): a librarian and a rockstar work the local Christmas pageant and they fall in loveeee and they save the library and suddenly he believes in Christmas again, cheers!

The Secret Live of Country Gentlemen by K. J. Charles (★ ★ ★ ★/5): loved this lil hookup to enemies to lovers story. Just the right amount of outside plot to add to the drama. It’s gay AND its set in historical England- what’s not to love

Catching Christmas by Terri Blackstock (★ ★/5): a short and sweet (and bit sad) story about appreciating your loved ones, especially near the holidays

Poverty, by America by Matthew Desmond (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): very insightful commentary on how poverty permeates every aspect of the US. I really enjoyed Desmond’s clear and simple explanations of everything & will definitely be reading more of his work

The One by John Marrs (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): insane story about what happens when science discovers a way to match you with your soulmate. Marrs always has a twist up his sleeve and this was no different

Blood on the Tide by Katee Robert (★ ★ ★/5): new series by Katee Robert that I will now be turning to whenever I need a smutty lil cleanser. I didn't realize this was the second book in the series so I had a of catching up to do with the world building- seems interesting so far

Stone Heart by Katee Robert (★ ★ ★/5): short little novella in the dark olympus world with Medusa and Calypso where Medusa is the assassin sent to kill Calypso but instead she falls in love ... anyways

Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh (★ ★/5): a old-timey mystery set near Christmas with an eccentric collection of characters. Really slow paced, didn’t even know there was a murder till 80% in

Shark Trouble by Peter Benchley (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): reigniting my childhood shark obsession! I will never not be fascinated with these creatures

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November Reads

7 books this month!

The River of Silver by S.A. Chakraborty (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was such a nice collection of stories set in the Daevabad world and even though I just finished this series, I didn't realize I had missed the characters so much

The Little Cottage on the Hill by Emma Davies (★ ★ ★/5): big city girl moves to small town farm and learns what fulfilling work is (and how to cook). Basic story with exaggerated events (there's no reason for her backstory to be that dramatic tbh) and useless arguments (PLEASE) but I was in dire need of some mind-numbing fluff so here we are

Daydream by Hannah Grace (★ ★ ★/5): I don't know why I keep reading these books, they're cheesy and have bad dialogue and the most unrealistic college students I've ever heard of... but as I said, sometimes I just need to numb my mind and Hannah Grace definitely does the trick

What If It's Us? by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this book gives huge nostalgia vibes for the first time I read it and a part of me will always love it. It's nice to be reassured that sometimes people come into your life for just the right amount of time and that the universe may work in mysterious ways

Here's To Us by Becky Albertalli & Adam Silvera (★ ★ ★ ★/5): didn't love this book as first but it got much better at the end. I feel like the beginning was too drawn out (probably for max dramatic effect) and I definitely did not see that Dylan and Samantha twist coming, but hey that epilogue proposal was amazing

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo (★ ★ ★/5): this was... oddly disappointing. I love Bardugo but for some reason this book didn't do it for me, it was hard to get into, slow, and honestly didn't make a whole lot of sense. Her debut into the adult genre definitely could've been better but I'm sure I'll continue to read anything she writes like a rat searching for crumbs

Familiar Threat by Stephanie St. Klaire (★ ★/5): sometimes I remember people who know me in real life can see the things I read... this is one of those times. Don't worry about it

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October reads

7 books this month!

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): another iconic book in the world of SJM. Bryce and Hunt are my absolute favs and I love the shit they get up to with all their friends. Very curious to see how SJM finally wraps this series up with the crossover and all that...

House of Flame and Shadow by Sarah J. Maas (★ ★ ★ ★/5): hm. I feel like I need to process the fact that this 800+ page book not only took place over a week but that that was all the crossover entailed. I didn't hate it, I couldn't hate all these insane character arcs and plotlines, but I was a bit disappointed by this finale. I'll sit with it, but honestly I can't believe it's over

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (★ ★ ★/5): another silly installation in this series. Evie and The Villain are so amusing and I need them get together already. I wish this series was a little more complex and longer but hey, didn't mean I enjoyed it any less

An Enchantment of Ravens by Margaret Rogerson (★ ★/5): I really wanted to like this book but honestly, I couldn't get into it. It dragged on and the world building, which seemed great at first, fell flat

Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was a fun one, a band of liars and thieves and killers, all with their own motives, brough together with the sole purpose of killing a tyrant king. I really was rooting for this book, and while it wasn't the worst, most the action happens in the last 50 pages. I feel like by trying to make the characters mysterious and complex, a lot of background info was just dropped- it's hard to form connections with characters you know nothing about. Three stars but the fourth star is solely for queen and badass motherfucker Sora.

This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate by Naomi Klein (no rating): a long thought-out case for how capitalism inherently works against the environment and how the two can't coexist. I've been studying this topic for awhile so while it wasn't anything new, I still appreciated Klein's matter of fact way of putting things

Nightbane by Alex Aster (★ ★/5): I don't know why I thought the sequel would be any better than Lightlark (I blame the reviews). It was just as stupid and corny and as much bad writing as the first book. I don't understand why they're suddenly in a war and why Isla loves Oro when he's as interesting as flour. And the whole thing with Isla remembering her past with Grim was badly paced for the plot and the reveals at the end had me rolling my eyes. You know your book is bad when you have to force a cliff hanger to get people to care.

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September Reads

8 books this month!

Wildfire by Hannah Grace (★ ★ ★/5): cute lil romance that was wayyy better than ice breaker. Tbh I was more interested in the workings of the summer camp than the “plot” but hey, I’m a simple creature

Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (★ ★ ★/5): you can tell this was written in the early 2000s but honestly it was so camp and made me laugh

The Family Experiment by John Marrs (★ ★ ★ ★/5): is this the future of AI? god, I hope not. The metaverse (or whatever it’s called) it’s a terrifying thought and AI babies sounds insane.

Funny Story by Emily Henry (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this set up was funny as hell and I loved the drama. Super cute as well, Emily Henry never misses

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): one of the best historical nonfiction books I’ve read in a longgg time, I was tearing through the pages. Such an interesting style to write in, but I was hooked

Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend by M. J. Wassmer (★ ★ ★/5): a bit predictable but no less entertaining. “Lord of the Flies” inspired is an apt description

Carrie Soto is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid (★ ★ ★ ★/5): LOVE TJR. The way she write struggles and character arcs is insane- she a must read author for me and I’m never disappointed. Carrie is incredibly complex and a bit unlikable, but this was a damn good story

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): one of my favorite books of all time, Bryce Quinlan is one bamf, I will never get over her vacuuming up the archangel she murdered and then preceding to become one of the most powerful people in the world all because of LOVE. Ugh I don’t even care that this book was inspired by zootopia- that movie slaps (sorry not sorry)

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August Reads

6 books this month!

The Kingdom of Copper by S. A. Chakraborty (★ ★ ★ ★/5): If I could summarize this book in one sentence it would be: a war where neither side is right and everyone dies. If you can’t tell, this book was INSANE. There was so much happening the entire time and everytime I thought my opinions on a character were certain, they did something that completely changed my mind again. There were so many loyalty changes and assassination attempts and self-righteous speeches. My only complaint is that I feel because there are so many characters to keep track of and develop, there’s not really any huge character arcs that should have happened.

The Duchess War by Courtney Milan (★ ★ ★/5): cute and basic regency-era romance. Gotta love a revolutionary duke who realizes he's unmatched when it comes to the woman he loves

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver (★ ★ ★/5): Butcher & Blackbird works because it's one of a kind and this sequel is obviously trying to capitalize on that success. Not to say this book wasn't enjoyable, it just wasn't as fun as the first one. The whole fake marriage thing barely makes sense, I really don't get why Lark would bother to try and save Lochlan's life. But anyways, cheers to enemies to lovers ig

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace (★ ★/5): While not a good book (which I knew going in), I was finding it relatively entertaining until the last 20% of the book. Anastasia is honestly so annoying and Nathan gets gross and controlling towards the end. The conflict with Aaron was incredibly drawn out and super repetitive and don’t even get me started on her being pregnant in the epilogue. Anyways- it was fun till it kinda wasn’t but eh, I wasn’t expecting quality.

Raven Rock by Nichole Louise (★ ★ ★ ★/5): A historical fiction book placed right in the heart of the American Revolution, it explains the origins of the legend of the Headless Horseman. And let me just say, wow. It started off a little slow, but by halfway through I was fully engaged in the story. Wolfram was such a compelling character, with his internal conflict regarding his uncle, a man who had been like a father to him, and his ruthlessness during the war. He defies him and ends up saving a child from a burning building, becoming a traitor in the process. His time in Sleepy Hollow with Hulda (resident healer that is seen as a witch and therefore outcasted) was so fun to read about and makes the tragedy of it all that more devastating. I am glad that Wolfram got his revenge against his uncle for not only killing his father but also killing him. I like to think Hulda and Wolfram are haunting Raven Rock together and have found each other in their afterlives. This truly was such a great read and I’m glad I pick led it up. Shoutout to Herkules, the best horse companion a man could have.

The Empire of Gold by S. A. Chakraborty (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): I take back everything I said in the last book about there being too many characters to give them proper arcs. This series finale proved me wrong and I am so, so glad. This series has only gotten better with each book and this was definitely the best one. Nahri and Ali cross the world, find allies in ancient beings, come into new powers, discover family secrets, overthrow a mass murderer, and are rebuilding Daevabad from the ground up. They are such a fun pair and I’m truly glad they’ve found their way back to each other. For Dara, I just feel an immense sadness for him. His story is a tragedy and so nuanced and complex- the author did a really good job of handling it and giving him a fitting ending. There’s so much more I could talk about but just know that this was such a good ending and, in one way or another, everyone is working towards their own peace.

[mad-rdr]

July Reads

5 books this month!

The City of Brass by S. A. Chakraborty (★ ★ ★ ★/5): the author builds an incredibly complex world that I struggled to follow along with, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Nahri is such a fun main character and I really wish that the whole love triangle between her, Ali, and Dara didn't exist. Dara and Ali are polar opposites of each, down to their values and religious ideologies, and there could've been so much more to their interacts other than who "wins" Nahri's hand. But now that Dara is "dead" and Ali is banished, I hope Nahri fucks shit up in Daevabad.

Icarus by K. Ancrum (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was so poetic and cute (if a little dark tbh). It's a modern retelling of Icarus that focuses on love and the things that we would do for the people we love, and think it's sweet

The Revenant Games by Margie Fuston (★ ★/5): I didn't like Bly from the beginning, she's selfish and materialistic and blindsided by her delusions throughout the novel. She essentially killed her sister or made her disappear or whatever and tried to blame it on Emerson. Girl- it's not his fault he didn't return your feelings, grow up. Then she forms feelings for the first person/vampire within her sights and betrays literally everyone and everything, including herself, just to not even end up with what she was trying to get in the first place. The book was a whole lot of nothing with a looping plot, a game that makes zero sense, and not a single resolution.

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): such an important book with such an important collection of work and research. The US is literally built on segregation- so many of these examples happened within the past 50-60 years. So many people alive today upheld that system and that’s definitely not talked about enough

If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin (★ ★ ★ ★/5): a tale of the harsh reality of being black in America, this book has incredible prose and depth and although it was first published in the 70s, it’s so relevant.

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June Reads

10 books this month!

Lightlark by Alex Aster (★ ★ ★/5): there's so much potential but unfortunately the author fell into the trope hole and came up with a love triangle out of absolutely nowhere. Could've been more creative with the names too lol no need to be so boring

Eve: How the Female Body Drove 200 Million Years of Human Evolution by Cat Bohannon (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was super informative without being a bunch of nonsense technical words. The human body is an incredibly complex thing and we always forget that

Assistant to the Villian by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this wasn't perfect but it was entertaining so I can definitely see myself reading the sequel- I love "evil" people who are wonderful employers

A Game of Hearts & Heists by Ruby Roe (★ ★/5): if you're going to have an enemies to lovers at least make the arc make sense ffs, also this plot was so full of holes I could barely follow it

The Butcher of the Forest by Premee Mohamed (★ ★ ★ ★/5): wildly suspenseful and downright creepy, this short story about an otherworldly forest left me wanting more. Give me the strange and weird things! please!

Beach Read by Emily Henry (★ ★ ★/5): this did not in fact take place on a beach (okay barely) and was kind of cliche but it was cute so it gets four stars instead of three

Murder Your Employer by Rupert Holmes (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was so entertaining and unlike anything I've read before; a guide to murder (or delete) someone in your life at a top secret university designed to teach you the best way to achieve your murder (or thesis). Very fun read and unique idea

Final Deception by Stephanie St. Klaire (★ ★ ★/5): falling in love with your bodyguard while you’re in witness protection? Questionable. Him coming to save you over and over and over again till he kills the guy coming after you? Acceptable.

Angel on My Corner by Kyle Scafide (★ ★/5): this book was fucking weird and was trying way too hard to make meaning out of something. And the religious iconography was not working the way the author hoped

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver (★ ★ ★/5): I need authors to stop writing for the booktok audience PLEASE. I still found this one enjoyable but my god can we please focus on a story and not just the smut

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May Reads

10 books this month!

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5): I would die for those magical children and also arthur. I really enjoyed this book, it was quite light despite the topics it covers and it reminds me that there is hope in the world despite all the hate. I love how Linus slowly softened to the children (and them to him). His character development was great and I hope they all live happily ever after

Escaping from Houdini by Kerri Maniscalo (★ ★ ★/5): this was the weakest book so far. Still loved Thomas and Audrey though her lil escapades with the circus master were obviously trying to create a love triangle that didn't work

The Upcycle by William McDonough (★ ★/5): this book read like one long self promo for their other book, and I really don't think this was written from a conservation standpoint, it appealed to big corporations too much

Midnight Ruin by Katee Robert (★ ★/5): this was sooo bad, there was absolutely no buildup between Eurydice and Charon and I genuinely don't think Orpheus ever got through his shit. I'm a fan of threesomes though so it gets an extra star for that

Everyone on This Train is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson (★ ★ ★/5): not too bad of a little sequel although the first one was much better. Being stuck on a murder train sounds awful but at least the narrator was funny (shout out to that twist ending as well)

The Narrow Road Between Desires by Patrick Rothfuss (★ ★ ★ ★/5): I love Bast and I love the chaos he creates; I still don't fully understand his relationship with Kvothe (plss Pat we need book three), but I enjoyed this story nonetheless

The Wolf Den by Elodie Harper (★ ★ ★/5): a heavy book about what it was like to be a woman in ancient Rome, specifically as a prostitute. It was a good story of doing what it takes to survive but I don't think I'll read the rest of the series

Mouth of Rain edited by Briona Simone (★ ★ ★ ★/5): this was such a nice anthrology of work by black lesbians! we have so much to learn from them and they should be cherished at all costs

The Stand-In by Lily Chu (★ ★ ★ /5): unnecessary conflict aside, this wasn't too bad of a story no matter how predictable the ending was (of course they're sisters)

Tempting Enemy by M. Robinson (★/5): this was an awful book and the only reason I put my eyes through the trauma of reading it was so I can talk shit about it on the internet. They really let anyone publish a book these days and it shows. If you want borderline pedophilia and uncomfortable familial relationships,,, by all means read this at your displeasure