CWW: They Want Us Dead

 

This week's book is.... They Want Us Dead

Author: CL Montblanc

Publisher: Wednesday books

Release Date: April 28th, 2026

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Seventeen-year-old Sam Tombs hopes to get more eyes on the videos they make to raise awareness of crimes against LGBTQ+ teens. A true crime content creator event seems like the perfect opportunity to grow their channel—until the group becomes stranded at an eerie Victorian mansion, and one of them is killed in the night.

Sam’s alibi, and the only person they can trust, happens to be their mean, dorky internet nemesis Dylan. But the two must now put aside their rivalry and use their investigative skills to figure out who among the remaining teens is the killer, before their own deaths become tomorrow’s trending content.

Explanation:

I am quite excited for this one and even have an ARC for it! It has the LGBTQ+ rep I want to see way more in mystery thrillers. As such, it is a hyped release for me. Stay tuned for my thoughts soon

T10T: Books Titles That Describe Me/My Life

      

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I've been pretty busy lately, so I am happy for an easy prompt

This week's prompt is..... books titles that describe me/my life

These are in no particular order

1. Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
2. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
3. The Good Girl Exception by Maren Moore
4. The Gender Binary is a Big Lie by Lee Wind
5. Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused by Gwenna Laithland
6. It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely
7. Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell
8. Just Us by Evie Sterling
9. Sounds Like Love by Ashley Poston
10. Back to December by Laurel Osterkamp

I will not be diving into how all of these apply as it can get rather personal and dark depending on the book, but they all do in different ways. In many cases, the actual plot of the book would not apply at all, but title alone would which is interesting.

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

This prompt was an interesting thought experiment. What's a book title that would apply to your life? See ya next week!

Bok Mail Monday #7

      

Intro

Welcome back to Book Mail Monday! It's been a minute because I've been away  from my mailbox for a few weeks, but I'm back! Some very cute book mail to share!

The Book Mail

Books Included

-  The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker

- Missing in Soho by Holly Stars

Discussion

The Analyst and the All-Star is a recently released sports romance I can already attest I liked a lot! It is signed by the author and came with a bunch of goodies! These goodies include a book mark, a business card, a postcard with a free book download, a sticker, and coolest of all some fake baseball cards featuring both of the MCs.

Missing is Soho was sent to me directly from Berkley! It is my first ever physical galley and it feels like I'm moving up in the world. I just know I will love it!

The last book mail is not actually a book but just a bunch of fun goodies! It is from the author Maren Moore. It includes some character art and a bunch of stickers relating to the book The Good Girl Exception which I already finished and enjoyed. 

Outro

Thank you to Marne, Mel, and Berkley publishing for all of this delightful book mail. I wish I could share these sooner but at least I am back now. Have you had any fun book mail recently?

See you next time I have some exciting book mail to share!

FFAF: The Quarter Year Crisis Book Tag

     

Intro

Can you believe we are already into quarter two of the year? That is absolutely nuts to me. As such, this is the perfect bookish tag! I found it from Dini Panda Reads. It originated from Roisin's Reading over on YouTube.

The Prompts and My Picks

How many books have you read so far?

40

This is only counting books read in quarter 1, not any read so far in April. This feels just fine to me honestly. That said, I am focusing on having fun with reading, not the total number so I'd be happy if it was only 3 so far.

Have you already found a book you think might be a 2026 favorite?

Cambria by A.R. Tyler

Something about this one just totally sucked me in when reading. I truly devoured it in only 2 days which is super fast for me and a physical read. 

Any 1-star books / least favorite book of the year?

No 1-star reads yet, but my last favorite so far for sure is Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

I am getting significantly better and DNFing books I am not loving. I have DNFed at least 1 book a month in quarter 1 which I am honestly proud of. This book, I generously gave 2.5 stars, as I really did not love the content. I only finished it to help with my 50 states challenge this year.

Most read genre so far?

Romance

If you have been around here at all, this should not at all be a surprise. It is a favorite for a good reason for me. I get great delight from it and it is what I primarily get ARCs for. That said, it's lead is starting to dwindle.

A book that surprised you?

Hurt Me Not by Davidson King

I have not previously been a fantasy enby (I still would not say I am). That said, I enjoyed buddy reading this with my aunt-in-law a good bit. I will try some now.

A book that’s come out in 2026 already that you want to read but haven’t yet?

And Now, Back to You by B.K. Borison

I still have not read the first book in this series either. It is on my TBR and I hope to get to them both at some point this year. I have not read any of her books yet.

One goal you made that you’re succeeding at

Read at least 10% non-fiction

At the moment it is at 22%, which is fantastic for me! I am so glad to be getting to know what I like in this category!

One goal you made that you need to focus on

Host an amazing WPS for 2026

June is absolutely sneaking up sooner and sooner. I am about to start working on stuff to pull it off now, with the hope of as simple of a June as possible. Wish me luck and be sure to let me know if you'd like to be involved!

Outro

As always, if you'd like to do the challenge, consider yourself tagged. How did your first quarter of reading go? I hope it went well!

CWW: The Price of Vengeance

 

This week's book is.... The Price of Vengeance

Author: Erin FitzGerald

Publisher: Erin FitzGerald

Release Date: April 14th, 2026

Series: Colson Creek #5

Blurb:

I followed her even though I knew better. Distance has never been enough to save me from the things I want—or the damage I leave behind.

I spared a life I was ordered to end, something that only buys time with the ruthless crime family that shares my blood. There is no debt they fail to collect.

Relocating to Colson Creek wasn’t an accident. I came to watch over the woman I swore to protect years ago, the life I spared. Hiding in a quiet Minnesota town was never part of the plan, but it gave me something I never expected: A sense of belonging. My best friend’s family welcomed me as one of their own, and for the first time, I started to believe I could be more than what I was raised to be.

I tell myself I’m here out of duty, though I know it’s also out of guilt. The truth is darker and far more dangerous, because I’ve always wanted more than her safety. I’ve wanted her.

When she learns the truth, she’ll never forgive me. But I would give up everything I am, everything I’ve ever known, to see her safe… and happy.

After a lifetime of bloodshed and vengeance, the real question isn’t whether I deserve redemption.

It’s whether love can survive the truth.

Explanation:

I have the ARC for this one and I am SO hyped! I have ADORED every book I've read that Erin has written. I also have the privilege of considering her a friend. This series feels like coming home. I am enthused to feel like I'm going home again. Sadly, this is likely the last book in this series. That is the only part I'm not looking forward to regarding reading it.

T10T: Books Set in Places on my Bucket List

     

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I've been pretty busy lately, so I am happy for an easy prompt

This week's prompt is..... books set in places on my bucket list

These are in no particular order

1. Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood (Toronto, Canada)
2. The Unhoneymooners by Chirstina Lauren (Cancun, Mexico)
3. Someday in Paris by Olivia Lara (Paris, France)
4. The Map of Love by Ahdaf Soueif (Cairo, Egypt)
5. The Sword And The Scimitar by David Ball (Malta)
6. Garnethill by Denise Mina (Glasgow, Scotland)
7. Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (Detroit, USA)
8. Heidi by Johanna Spyri (Switzerland)
9. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty (Sydney, Australia)
10. Omeros by Derek Walcott (St. Lucia)

There are so many gorgeous and fascinating places I hope to experience someday. Do we have any in common?

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

While I may not be able to physically travel to any of these any time soon, I can at least go there through books.

FFAF: The Easter Book Tag

    

Intro

Can you believe Easter is in 2 days? Tomorrow I'm hosting a community Easter party so it is the perfect time to do the Easter Book Tag! I found this tag from the Alli the Book Giraffe blog. It originated from the YouTube channel Rosie the Reader.

The Prompts and My Picks

Rabbits: a book that you wish would multiply (become a series)

Cambria by A.R. Tyler

I found something about this book incredibly addictive. I feel like you could follow a side character or two and make an interesting series out of it.

Egg: a book that surprised you

Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

This book was a lot darker and triggering than I was lead to believe. It is truly depraved and a difficult read. I barely finished it. 

Hunt: a book that was hard for you to get your hands on

Addicted by Krista & Becca Ritche

As I am on a permanent book-buying ban (I make very low income), I very rarely get the chance to buy books. I got this one with a gift card.

Lambs: a children's book you still enjoy

The Geronimo Stilton series

It is simply lighthearted goofy fun with lovely illustrations. This series has been near and dear to my heart since I was a kid. 

Spring: a book with a cover that makes you think of spring

It Seemed Like a Good Idea by Lauren Blakely

The pretty lavender storefront is totally giving a spring vibe. Gorgeous flowers automatically makes me think of spring.

Jesus: a religous or spiritual book you love

Everything is Spiritual by Rob Bell

I am not a religious or spiritual person at all. It simply does not interest me. This is the only book I've read that would count.

Rising from the dead: a book from a deceased author

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

This one is one of my favorite classic books. I did a project about it in English class which made me connect to it even more.

Baskets: a book that is on your wish list right now

Addicted for Now by Krista & Becca Ritchie

As I discussed a bit ago, I am working on collecting this series. This is the next one I need to obtain.

Candy: a book that is sweet

So Not My Mr. Wright by Evie Sterling

Evie is my go-to author for sweeter reads. They are all lovely and lighthearted. This is my favorite of hers.

Outro

Well... this challenge leaned a bit more religious than I am comfortable with. Just remember, I do not support Christianity and the great falsification of what The Bible actually says. This was just meant to be lighthearted fun. As always, if you'd like to do the challenge, consider yourself tagged.

March 2026 Reads

 March 2026 Reads 

This month I read 13 books 

I DNFed 2 books

These books were 77% fiction

They were 8% physical, 23% digital, and 69% audio

The most popular genres were romance, contemporary, and LGBTQ+

My average rating was 4.19 stars

My longest reading day was March 2nd

The Books

➽ Thinky Thoughts: All Grown Up and Still Just as Confused by Gwenna Laithland

➽ Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden

➽ The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club by Gloria Chao

➽ Cambria by A.R. Tyler

➽ Caught Up by Navessa Allen

➽ The Trouble with Love and Exposure by Harriet Ashford

➽ Bottom of the Pyramid by Nia Sioux

➽ Blind Ride by B.A. Tortuga

➽ Common Goal by Rachel Reid

➽ The Gender Binary Is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World by Lee Wind

➽ The Good Girl Exception by Maren Moore

➽ Sacked by Surprise by Beatrice Bradshaw

➽ Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow

CWW: Dangerously Ours

 

This week's book is.... Dangerously Ours

 

Author: Krista & Becca Ritchie

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 12th

Series: Webs We Weave #3

Blurb:

In the thrilling conclusion to the Webs We Weave series, ex-con artist Phoebe Graves must pull off the biggest grift she’s ever devised to keep her friends and family safe.

Conning the rich and fleeing to new cities is all ex-grifter Phoebe Graves has ever known—until she started building real relationships in a small but wealthy Connecticut town. But she’s worried these new bonds won’t hold fast as more than one big bad wolf threatens to blow down those she loves most.

And now more than ever, she has a reason to stay in one place. Among them is Brayden “Rocky” Tinrock, her best friend’s older brother, who’s been a partner to Phoebe during every daring and exhilarating con. And then of course there’s Hailey Tinrock, her best friend, whose precious secret they’ll do anything to protect. . . .

As Phoebe and her family team up with the Tinrocks to fight for a chance at a home, they confront the demons of their pasts and must do the impossible . . . deceive the most cunning con artist they’ve ever known.

Explanation:

The first two books in this series are some of my favorites of all time. I love these characters so much and how they are all morally grey. I highly recommend it to everyone. I am hoping I get accepted for the ARC to this one as I was the prior two. Hands down most hyped release of the year!

T10T: Buzzwords/Phrases That Make Me Want to Read a Book

    

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! I've been pretty busy lately, so I am happy for an easy prompt

This week's prompt is..... buzzwords/phrases that make me want to read a book

These are in no particular order

1. Found family
2. Dual/multi-POV
3. Written by an indie author
4. LGBTQ+ rep
5. Neurodivergent rep
6. Swoon-worthy romance
7. Twisted high-society characters
8. Summer vacation vibes
9. Small town setting
10. Meddling older folks

It is a bit of a mixed bag for me in terms of the kinds of books I gravitate towards. If a book includes any (especially multiple) of these, I am very down to give it a try. Do we have any in common? 

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

If you happen to know any good books with these themes or tropes, I am always down for recs! See you next week!

FFAF: Did I Read It? Fall 2025 TBR

My Fall 2025 TBR

1. Galloway's Gospel by San Rebellin
2. The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
3. The Girl from Devil's Lake by J.A. Jance
4. Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
5. The School for Thieves by Peter Burns

Did I read them?

So funnily enough, this is mad embarrassing for me lmao. That said, let's get into it.

I did not read Galloway's Gospel, but it is still on my physical TBR. Maybe I will read it this fall.

Even worse for me was The Final Gambit... I still have not even finished the book before it in the series. I love this series and basically all of her books in general. As such, I am terrible about saving them for "a rainy day" that seems to never come. 

In the case of The Girl from Devil's Lake, it is also still on my physical TBR. I may get to it in April though as it can fulfill a prompt for the Magical Readathon.

Finally I can feel a tiny bit better about myself. I read and gave Cemetery Boys 5 stars. It was fantastic. I was even sent another book by this author because I loved that one so much!

Lastly, I do not even recognize the title of The School for Thieves. I decided to look it up and am even more confused. Was it a lapsed library hold as it definitely wasn't an ARC.

 

Outro

Welp, this was not a fun time for me XD at least I read one. Even if I also did not recognize one. This is why my TBRs I make now are all ARCs or books I already have out at the library. That is really the only way I will ever stick to it.

  

Spell the Month in Books: March 2026

Intro

This is a fun challenge that I am going to try for 2026. This is inspired by Mehsi-Hime! You can check out their picks here!

This month I decided to do this based on the first manga series I could come up with. I want to read month, I'm back to using my recent (or recentish) reads to spell the month. Shall we begin?

The Books

M - Mad Mabel by Sally Hepworth

A- Attention Seeker by Darcy Michael

R - (The) Rival Upgrade by Lauren Blakely

C - Caught Up by Navessa Allen

H - Hurt Me Not by Davidson King

Outro

All but "R" I was able to pull from within the last two months! Go me! R is a smidge of a stretch I know, but my goal is to minimally repeat so here we are. See you next month for another fun twist on this challenge (I think I might pull from my shelves!)

CWW: Rules for the Summer

  

This week's book is.... Rules for the Summer

Author: Meghan Quinn

Publisher: Bloom Books

Release Date: May 5th

Series: n/a

Blurb:

He clicked "yes" on a dare. She bought a failing candy shop. Now they're neighbors for the summer―and neither is ready for what comes next.

Renley Gossage has one shot to prove she's more than Cape Meril's favorite cautionary tale: restore her favorite candy shop before the town writes her off like they did her father. No help, no shortcuts, and definitely no rich men wielding engagement rings and making things messy.

Theo Williams never planned on ending up in Cape Meril. A drunken game of truth or dare turned into a botched online engagement, and now he's across the ocean, escaping his father's control with nothing but designer shoes, misplaced confidence, and a rental next door to Renley.

She's practical, stubborn, and covered in paint. He's posh, persistent, and willing to use a sander if it means earning her trust.

Between collapsing drywall, gossiping neighbors, and the chaotic schemes of Renley's aunt, their forced proximity turns into something dangerously close to real.

But Renley's future depends on standing on her own two feet, and Theo's past isn't done with him yet. By the time the candy shop doors open, they'll have to decide if this is just a summer fling―or the happily ever after neither of them saw coming.

Explanation:

I have enjoyed all of Quinn's books I have read thus far. I am confident this will be no different. She truly excels at the humor in romcoms for me. As such, if she writes it, I will happily give it a try. I am also SO ready for all of the summery romances as they are among my favorites.

T10T: Books On My Spring TBR

   

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! Happy spring! The sun is shining and there is no snow on the ground and I couldn't be happier!

This week's prompt is..... books on my spring TBR

These are in no particular order

1. The Gender Binary is a Big Lie by Lee Wind
2. Girl in Pieces by Kathleen Glasgow
3. Open Roads, Open Hearts by Isabelle Peterson
4. Much Obliged by D.P. Clarence
5. The Analyst and the All-Star by Mel Walker
6. The Anniversary by Alex Finlay
7. The Shippers by Katherine Center
8. The Final Target by Nora Roberts
9. The Good Girl Exception by Maren Moore
10. Until We Meet Again by Lily Kim Qian

All of these are ARCS, books for promos, or library holds so I am pretty confident I can actually accomplish this list. Please keep me accountable if you do not see these books in upcoming monthly wrap-ups. 

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

What does your spring TBR look like? Let's do what we can to make sure we get them all read!

 Book Feature: Stride for Stride

Stride for Stride by Kim Stephenson is a wonderful story out now with wonderful LGBTQ+ rep!

Tropes

• Rivals to lovers
• Only one tent
• Olympics
• Coming out
• Secret relationship

Cover design: 100 Covers

Connect with Kim ➤ FB: kimstephensonauthor | IG & TikTok: runningfortheromance | Bluesky: kimstephenson.bsky.social

Blurb

Rivals on the road. Teammates on paper. But could they be more?

Jackson and Elliot have been neck-and-neck since their first race. Two elite marathoners, constantly pushing each other to the limit. But with the Olympics looming, they’re forced to do the unthinkable: train together.

Altitude camp means long runs, cold nights, and the kind of tension that’s not just competitive anymore. When a single kiss shatters the fragile line between enemies and something much more complicated, both men are left breathless—for reasons that have nothing to do with their last tempo run.

But between the pressure of the Olympics, increased media scrutiny and career-threatening injuries, their chance at love might not make it to the finish line.

Can they go stride for stride toward something real, or will the world pull them apart before they’ve even begun?

Stride for Stride is the sizzling follow-up to Your Pace or Mine. It is a standalone medium spice, MM Sports Romance and book 2 in the Running for the Romance series.

If you loved Heated Rivalry by Rachel Reid and Pole Position by Rebecca J. Caffrey, you’ll fall hard for Jackson and Elliot in Stride for Stride

CWW: Our Perfect Storm

 

This week's book is.... Our Perfect Storm

Author: Carley Fortune

Publisher: Berkley

Release Date: May 5th

Series: n/a

Blurb:

Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Explanation:

I have loved each and every single one of her other books so far. They are true peak summery reads for me. As such, I have massive levels of hype for whatever she puts out next. Do you like her books too?

T10T: Books with Green Covers

  

Welcome back to Top 10 Tuesday, following the list from That Artsy Reader Girl! Yay for being able to do the prompt it its entirety! Happy St. Patrick's Day to all who celebrate!

This week's prompt is..... books with green covers

These are in no particular order

1. Stolen Moments by AB Jackson
2. Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden
3. Unseen by Molly Burke
4. Sweet On You by Dani Galliaro
5. Thinky Thoughts by Gwenna Laithland
6. The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
7. Destructively Mine by Krista & Becca Ritchie
8. Be Prepared by Vera Brosgol
9. Game On by Navessa Allen
10. Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Yay for pretty green covers. They are all so gorgeous, especially together.

Here it all is in a pretty lil' graphic as always

I am so happy this week went a lot smoother than previous weeks. It was getting rough not gonna lie. What color do you think is most prominent on your shelves?

Book Mail Monday #6

     

Intro

Welcome back to Book Mail Monday! The one where I bought some books for once. Check out some of my most hyped book mail!

The Book Mail

Books Included

-  Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas

- Free Fall by Kathryn Nolan

- Guilty Pleasure by Suzana Thompson

- Perfect Cover by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

- Killer Spirit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Discussion

Perfect Cover is the first one I bought. It is in a duology with the other book by her in this book mail. This is actually one of her backlist titles that got new modernized covers which was much needed honestly. There are STUNNING and a proud addition to my shelves. This one has pink sprayed edges that have a splattered, almost glittery effect coming from both corners. It also says "The Squad" (the series title) in dark pink lettering. 

Killer Spirit is the second book in this duology. I am happy to finally have these books in my Jennifer Lynn Barnes collection as she has been my favorite author for other 10 years. This one has the purple version of the sprayed edge, which is also gorgeous. 

Celestial Monsters was a total surprise to me sent by the publisher. I am guessing they must've seen by positive review of Cemetery Boys which you can find here. The only unfortunate thing about it is that it is book two in a series for which I do not have book one. But no real complaints for surprise queer book mail!

Free Fall was sent to me by the author for me to promote. Stay tuned on Instagram for my content about it! It is signed by the author. 

Lastly, Guilty Pleasure was also sent to me by the author. I have a flat lay post planned for it in a few days so keep your eyes peeled! It is personally signed for me which I appreciate oh so much!

Outro

Needless to say, this way some very anticipated book mail for me. I cannot wait to dive into these! I'm so happy Barnes is now mainstream so even more people love her works. Thank you to the lovely publisher and authors who were kind enough to share their books with me. While it has meant I've needed to reorganize my shelves, I'm proud to give them all a home with me. 

See you next time I have some exciting book mail to share!

Blind Ride by B.A. Tortuga Review

 

* This review is spoiler-free *

4.25/5 ⭐

Tropes

➮ Blind rep

➮ Cowboy romance

➮ Gay rep

➮ Friends-to-lovers

➮ Hurt x comfort

Blurb

Jason Scott has everything a bull rider wants—success, money and traveling partner Andy Baxter. When he loses his sight in an accident, he stands to lose it all.

Jason Scott is at the top of the bull riding game, on his way to a winning season. Along with his traveling partner, Andy Baxter, he’s riding hard on the circuit, working around the country with all of the other bull riders and bullfighters, living the good life. The only thing he wishes he had is Bax, but he’s afraid to take the step that would make them more than friends, worried that it will ruin everything.

When a terrible accident leaves Jason unable to see, his whole life goes south. Jason decides to chuck it all, determined to go home and hide at his momma’s ranch. Bax has other ideas. He wants to make sure his best friend doesn’t give up, and he hatches a plan that stuns Jason and makes their friends and family think he’s crazy.

With the help of the other bull riders and a very persistent bull fighter named Coke, Bax convinces Jason to give life one more try. With Jason cautiously learning to hope, and his relationship with Bax going to the next level, life gets pretty complicated. Everyone gets in on the project, from Jason’s strong-willed mother to an entire ranch full of children, all of them working to help Jason do what he loves. 

LGBTQ+ Representation

4/5 🌈

I thought it was well-done and respectful overall. I just feel like their identities could've played more into their characterization. Especially in a realm filled with homophobia, it feels like it could've mattered more.

My Thoughts

The narration of this one truly made this book shine! I felt like it brought the story to life. The narrator's Southern drawl added to my immersion immensely. 

This book also does a great job with pacing given it is a shorter story. The relationship development felt natural. Speaking of, I of course commend the gay rep in this book. It was respectful and thoughtfully done. 

Due to the cliff hanger, I am very excited to dive into the rest of the series!

This book does contain a good bit of open-door spice. If that is not your thing, I do not recommend this book. 

Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for the ALC! My review is honest and voluntary. 

FFAF: Spring Cleaning Book Tag

   

Intro

I am so happy that spring is upon us! At the time of writing this blog it's in the 80s outside which is so warm! As such, I've got the cleaning bug. That's where the spring cleaning book tag comes in! I found it on the Book Cheshire Cat blog. The tag is originally from Between the Shelves. Let's clean up!

The Prompts and My Picks

Getting started: a book series you've been wanting to read

The Addicted/Calloway Sisters series by Krista and Becca Ritchie

I absolutely adore the Webs We Weave series that these sisters also write. I've heard amazing things about this series. The only reason I have read it yet is that I want to read it physically. As I am trying to maintain a book buying ban, I am only very slowly able to obtain the series. So far, I have collected the first two books.

Cleaning/organizing the closet: the best way to organize books

The simplest answer is, however they fit and works for you. 

I think in my official library I hope to have once I move, I would sort by genre and keep series together. Other than that, just a vibe really.

Getting rid of unnecessary things: book/series you no longer need

Let Me Count the Ways by Laurel Osterkamp

I have read this book and don't think I would ever reread it. As such, I do not find the need to keep it.

Get some air: you favorite lighthearted read

One Golden Summer by Carley Fortune

This was one of my top reads of last year. It was oh so good and perfect for me during the time I listened to it. I loved it on so much. Highly recommend! 

Clean out the kitchen cupboards: favorite food-themed read

Café con Lychee by Emery Lee

This was such a nice YA read. It's got queer rep and portrays culture so well! You should absolutely check it out if given the chance.

Dust the shelves: what's the fifth book on your bookshelf

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

As she is my favorite author, her books come up first on my shelves. This series is currently ongoing so I look forward to finishing it!

Wishing for the end: a 2026 release you are excited about

Game On by Navessa Allen

I have just read the second book in this series. While I did not enjoy it as much as the first book in the series, I still enjoyed my time with it. I'm curious to see if book three works better for me.

Long but satisfying: the longest book series you've read

The Wolf Mountain Ranchers series by Erin FitzGerald

I am not counting any of the series that I read as a kid and know I never finished (as some are still getting books added). As such, this series with 5 main books and a novella is the longest series I have finished as an adult.

Outro

Are you feeling cleaner? I know I am! If you are interested in doing this one, consider yourself tagged!