Book Reviews
Honest Book Reviews & Recommendations
There’s no reason to feel lost in a sea of unread books or miss out on discovering your next favorite story. I’ll give you the good, the bad, and the ugly about the books I read. So you’ll know if they are “for you” and can stop suffering the frustration of uninformed choices.
irl Review: Like Finding an Old AIM Conversation You Forgot You Saved
What if a book could transport you back to AIM screen names, late-night drives, and your first heartbreak?
This week I’m reviewing *irl* by Danielle McMahon, a poetry chapbook that captures the feeling of growing up in the 1990s with surprising tenderness. Poetry isn’t usually my genre, but this one found exactly the right nerve to press.
Read the full review to see why this small collection left such a lasting impression.
Book Review: The Wife Situation By Lyra Parish
I like my romance books like I like my snacks: satisfying, and salty-sweet. The Wife Situation delivered. The plot? Fake marriage. The vibes? Spicy. A feel-good escape.
Good Dirt Review: The Heirloom Jar at the Center of a Beautifully Layered Family Story
When an heirloom survives generations, what happens when it breaks?
This week on Lacey In The Library, I’m reviewing *Good Dirt* by Charmaine Wilkerson, a literary family saga that weaves together grief, history, race, and a centuries-old jar carrying more than family memories. It didn’t completely break my heart the way I expected, but it gave me plenty to think about.
Read the full review to see what worked, what wobbled, and whether this acclaimed bestseller belongs on your TBR.
Crude Intentions by Amanda Allen Review: A Fast-Paced Romantasy Full of Rebellion and Red Flags
A spoiler-light review of Crude Intentions by Amanda Allen, an indie romantasy filled with rebellion, forbidden magic, romance, and political tension.
Crude Games Review: Revenge, Romance, and Royal Drama in This Addictive Indie Romantasy
A spoiler-light review of Crude Games by Amanda Allen, an indie romantasy filled with revenge, court intrigue, forbidden magic, and slow-burning tension.
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil Review: A Gothic Tale of Hunger, Freedom, and Female Rage
My review of Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab, a haunting dark fantasy exploring immortality, freedom, love, and identity.
How to Read a Book Review | A Thoughtful Story About Found Family, Forgiveness, and Second Chances
How to Read a Book review: a moving story about found family, forgiveness, books, and the unexpected relationships that change us.
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang Review | Dark Academia Takes the Stairs to Hell
Katabasis by R.F. Kuang review: dark academia, rival grad students, a journey through Hell, and themes of obsession, memory, and identity.
Pines by Blake Crouch Review: Small-Town Americana With Teeth
Pines by Blake Crouch is a fast-paced sci-fi horror thriller packed with paranoia, mystery, survival themes, and eerie small-town tension.
Book Review: Building A Story Brand 2.0 By Donald Miller
Come for brand clarity. Stay for the totally usable, step-by-step roadmap. Run a business or have a brand? This is required reading. No fluff, just function.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston: Love, Grief, and a Clever Twist on Timing
Review of The Seven Year Slip—a time-bending romance exploring love, grief, and timing, slightly overhyped but still a heartfelt read.
The Berry Pickers Review: Quiet, Haunting Story That Lingers
A thoughtful review of The Berry Pickers—a quiet, multi-generational story of grief, identity, and family that’s slightly overhyped but worth discussing.
Ignore All Previous Instructions: When Storytelling, Identity, and AI Collide
A thoughtful review of Ignore All Previous Instructions—a queer, AI-driven sci-fi exploring identity, storytelling, and the cost of control.
Book Review: Five by Ilona Bannister
Five strangers wait for a train—and one won’t make it home. This thought-provoking thriller explores judgment, forgiveness, and the hidden stories we all carry.
The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark: Beautiful Design, Subtle Suspense, and Secrets That Simmer
A thoughtful review of The Ghostwriter by Julie Clark—exploring its design, slow-burn suspense, and why it’s slightly overhyped but still worth reading.
The Library of Flowers Review: Perfume, Power & the Weight of Legacy
Review of The Library of Flowers, a multi-generational story blending perfume, magical realism, and family legacy. Explore themes of family legacy, duty, and craftsmanship.
The City of Brass Review: Lush World-building, Layered Politics, and a Dizzying Series Start
A thoughtful review of The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty, exploring its rich worldbuilding, complex characters, and why this popular fantasy is slightly overhyped—but still worth reading.
The Secret History Review: Dark Academia, Unlikable Characters & Moral Obsession
An in-depth review of The Secret History, exploring dark academia themes, unlikable characters, and moral ambiguity. Is it a good book—even if you don’t enjoy it?
Sun, Scams & Shaky Stakes: A Review of The Long Con by Jenna Voris
A thoughtful review of The Long Con by Jenna Voris, exploring its heist premise, queer representation, character development, and why the stakes didn’t quite land despite a compelling setup.
The Princess Diarist: The Woman Behind Princess Leia
A thoughtful review of The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher, exploring its cover design, memoir style, themes of fame and identity, and its bittersweet look behind Star Wars.