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.
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.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: A Lush, Underrated Historical Fantasy Worth the Hype
A thoughtful review of The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo, exploring its historical fantasy setting, complex characters, restrained romance, and powerful themes of magic, morality, and survival during the Spanish Inquisition
Rom-Com, But Make It Reflective: Review of The Boyfriend Sessions
A thoughtful review of The Boyfriend Sessions by Belinda Williams, examining its rom-com charm, character-driven growth, cover design strengths and weaknesses, and why this friends-to-lovers story worked better than expected.
Goblin Fruit & Bitter Aftertaste: A Thoughtful Look at The Goblin Market
A candid review of Goblin Market and Other Poems by Christina Rossetti, exploring its lush language, heavy symbolism, religious themes, and why this classic Victorian narrative poem didn’t quite work for me.
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk – Book Review & Analysis
A sharp review of Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk—cover design, themes, writing style, and why this cult classic still hits hard today.
A Locked-Room Mystery on Rails: Why Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect Delivers
A thoughtful review of Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson, exploring its clever locked-room mystery, self-aware narration, standout cover design, and why this stylish sequel is such a fun, smart read for mystery lovers.
Tea & Alchemy Review: A Cozy Vampire Fantasy with Heart
A cozy fantasy review of Tea & Alchemy by Sharon Lynn Fisher, featuring tea leaf magic, a fresh take on vampires, gentle romance, and a beautifully illustrated cover.
Magic, Memory, and Found Love: A Review of The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer
A thoughtful review of The Lost Story by Meg Shaffer, exploring its fairytale structure, LGBTQ+ themes, whimsical storytelling, and why this cozy, magical novel is under-hyped.
Magic, Terror & Love.A Review of Blackwicket by Bea Northwick: A Dark Gothic Romantasy
A moody, atmospheric review of Blackwicket by Bea Northwick—a dark gothic romantasy steeped in curses, family legacies, moral grey areas, and haunting magic. Under-hyped and unforgettable.
Book Review: The Last Crown
If you’ve read The Widow Queen, you know Swietoslawa’s story is far from over— The Last Crown proves just how deep the fog of fate, faith & family loyalty can run.
Book Review: The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb hits more emotional notes than thrilling ones. Read my full review exploring its design, themes, and what makes this classical-music mystery slightly over-hyped—but still worth reading.
Review: Phantasma by Kaylie Smith, A Dark Fantasy Romance
Read my honest review of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith — a dark fantasy romance where magic, death, and desire intertwine. I break down the cover design, plot, writing style, and why this hyped read might be more vibe than substance.
Book Review: The Widow Queen
What if the most powerful player in medieval Europe was a woman history almost forgot? That’s the question behind The Widow Queen…
Rose in Chains by Julie Soto Review: Over-Hyped Romantasy or New Obsession?
Is Rose in Chains by Julie Soto worth the hype? This romantasy debut dazzles with design and dark themes, but falls short in character growth and plot. Read my honest review before you buy.
Book Review: Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon & Harlan Coben
Discover my spoiler-free review of Gone Before Goodbye by Reese Witherspoon and Harlan Coben. I break down the cover design, pacing, characters, themes, and whether this buzzy new thriller actually lives up to the hype.
Book Review: Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaughy
Discover why Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy is a must-read. In this review, I explore its moody aesthetics, layered characters, and powerful themes of climate change, trust, and love.
Book Review: The Road by Cormac McCarthy
A stark review of Cormac McCarthy’s The Road—a Pulitzer Prize–winning novel of survival, love, and bleak beauty. Is it worth the hype? Find out.
Book Review: Finlay Donovan Is Killing It By Elle Cosimano
Finlay Donovan is Killing It review: murder, mom-life, and mayhem collide in this witty mystery romp with heart, sass, and hit-mom humor.