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.
Cat’s Cradle Review: Brilliant Satire or Slightly Over-Hyped Classic?
A thoughtful review of Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut, analyzing its satirical themes, unique writing style, cover design, and whether this classic novel lives up to the hype.
Book Review: Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth
Sally Hepworth’s Mad Mabel blends humor, heart, and mystery in a dual-timeline story about a woman with a dark past and a neighborhood full of secrets. Read my full review for insights into its characters, themes, and unforgettable charm.
Not Quite Dead Yet Review: A Thriller That Gets the Cover (and the Mystery) Exactly Right
A detailed review of Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson, exploring its striking cover design, emotional thriller plot, character depth, and whether the story lives up to the hype.
Dungeon Crawler Carl: Aliens, Game Mechanics, and One Extremely Opinionated Cat
A fun and honest review of Dungeon Crawler Carl, the wildly popular LitRPG about aliens, dungeon survival, and a sarcastic cat. Includes cover design critique.
I Thought You Said This Would Work Review: A Road Trip, Rekindled Friendship, and a Surprisingly Cozy Adventure
A thoughtful review of I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin, exploring the cover design, character development, and themes of friendship, healing, and second chances.
The Portrait Book Review: Victorian Secrets, Art, and the Stories Hidden in Plain Sight
A thoughtful review of The Portrait, a Victorian historical mystery exploring art, love, and secrets. Includes cover analysis and design critique.
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.
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.