A thoughtful review of The Portrait, a Victorian historical mystery exploring art, love, and secrets. Includes cover analysis and design critique.
Book Review
Looking for your next read? Here you’ll find my honest, thoughtful reviews of the books I’ve been reading, from cover design and writing style to characters, themes, what worked, what didn’t, and everything in between. But I’m also interested in what happens beyond the pages: who a book might be right for, who might want to skip it, and what choosing it can tell us about the kind of reading life we actually want. Whether you’re looking for your next great read or trying to decide if a particular book belongs on your TBR, pull up a chair and have a look around.
Oyster Review: A Satirical Family Drama That Left Me Cold
A spoiler-free Oyster review analyzing its striking cover design, satirical publishing themes, family drama, and slow pacing. Is this quiet literary novel worth the hype? Honest thoughts inside.
200 Monas by Jan Saenz: Sexuality, Grief & 48 Hours to Sell 200 Orgasm Pills
A spoiler-free 200 Monas review exploring its bold cover design, feminist themes, grief narrative, and chaotic 48-hour plot. Full analysis inside.
Lady Tremaine: Rewriting the Wicked Stepmother, One Fierce Choice at a Time
A feminist Cinderella retelling told from the stepmother’s perspective, Lady Tremaine explores motherhood, female agency, and patriarchal power. Read a full review, cover design analysis, character breakdown, and why this gritty fairytale reimagining is one of 2026’s most anticipated releases.
More Than a Beach Read: Love, Lists & Fancy Ships and the Depth Beneath the Sunshine
A spoiler-free review of Love, Lists & Fancy Ships, a character-driven, no-spice romance about grief, friendship, bucket lists, and slow-burn love set against summer yacht vibes.
Villain POV, Forced Marriage, and Feelings: Why The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating Works (Mostly)
A spoiler-free review of The Dark Lord’s Guide to Dating, a dark romantasy packed with forced marriage, sharp humor, sizzling spice, and villain POV chaos. Out March 2026.
The Tainted Cup: Brilliant Fantasy Murder Mystery with Holmesian Flair
A spoiler-free review of The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett, a Hugo Award–winning fantasy murder mystery featuring a Holmes-style detective duo, immersive world-building, and layered political intrigue.
Book Review: Not In Love
Spoiler-free review of Not In Love by Ali Hazelwood, explores the book’s design, characters, tropes & emotional themes. Is the hype real—or just good marketing?
The Book Club for Troublesome Women: Feminism, Friendship, and Finding Yourself in 1960s Suburbia
A thoughtful review of The Book Club for Troublesome Women, exploring its 1960s setting, feminist themes, character arcs, and design details. A must-read for historical fiction and book club readers.
