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Book Review: Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

By Sarah
In 4-stars, Book Review
October 26, 2023
6 Min read
B

About: Starling House artfully employs dark academia and an enigmatic haunted house to delve into the racism, sexism and classism that plague a small town.

•••

Series: Standalone

Release Date: October 3, 2023

Synopsis
A grim and gothic new tale from author Alix E. Harrow about a small town haunted by secrets that can’t stay buried and the sinister house that sits at the crossroads of it all.

Eden, Kentucky, is just another dying, bad-luck town, known only for the legend of E. Starling, the reclusive nineteenth-century author and illustrator who wrote The Underland–and disappeared. Before she vanished, Starling House appeared. But everyone agrees that it’s best to let the uncanny house―and its last lonely heir, Arthur Starling―go to rot.

Opal knows better than to mess with haunted houses or brooding men, but an unexpected job offer might be a chance to get her brother out of Eden. Too quickly, though, Starling House starts to feel dangerously like something she’s never had: a home.

As sinister forces converge on Starling House, Opal and Arthur are going to have to make a dire choice to dig up the buried secrets of the past and confront their own fears, or let Eden be taken over by literal nightmares.

If Opal wants a home, she’ll have to fight for it.

Ending
HFN
Representation
• Bisexual main character
• Mexican Biracial Supporting Character
• Lesbian supporting characters
• Sapphic side relationship
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Grief (Heroine’s and the Hero’s parents died before the book starts)
• PTSD from near-death experience
• Sword violence
• Homelessness
• Incest recounted (by a side character)
• Racism
• Homophobia
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OM/OW drama
• Does have the Hero pushing the Heroine away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 4.25-stars

Starling House is marketed as a grim and gothic urban fantasy that uses elements of horror to bring a sentient haunted house to life. Since the Heroine, Opal, was young, her dreams have been haunted by the Starling House. She feels compelled to visit it, and one day, she comes across the young owner, our Hero, Arthur, who invites her to be the housekeeper in the hope of assuaging her interest without allowing the house to claim her. Both Opal and Arthur have their own priorities. Opal is taking care of her younger brother and scraping the barrel of her bank account to give her brother a better shot at life by saving to send him to a prestigious boarding school. Arthur is stuck with a family legacy he doesn’t want but is determined that the house and its secrets will not claim another life.

Dark Academia

Despite the fact that there’s no academic setting in Starling House, the author uses dark academia themes to navigate the history of a small Kentucky town and its paranormal implications on present-day life. While the social commentary in this book was subtle, the oppressive history of the town – the energy company’s history of using enslaved labour and relying on sexist laws to accumulate wealth – materializes in familiar ways in the present with corporate apathy and environmental degradation at the hands of the energy company.

The energy company – still owned by the family that founded it, the Gravelys – is the town’s main source of employment but is also the reason so many townspeople experience poor health. Starling House explores the town’s complicity in the abuse the Gravelys inflicted on the marginalized. Rather than standing up against them, the community chooses to vilify the victim, exposing the toxic and symbiotic relationship between the Gravelys and the town. At the forefront of the novel is the economic hardships Opal and many of the townspeople experience – Eden, Kentucky, is not a small town people stay in if they have the money to leave.

Furthermore, nothing is more “dark academia” than the fact that Starling House has footnotes throughout the narrative. These footnotes hint at an enigmatic author compiling various stories to uncover the true history of Starling House and the events of the book. The epilogue alludes to the identity of this mysterious author.

The Haunted House

The haunted house in Starling House is a standout element, keeping readers in suspense about its true intentions. The house blurs the line between sinister and sympathetic, with moments where it seems to lean towards malevolence. The reader discovers a mystery surrounding the house’s origins that Arthur wants to solve, which connects mythology and the child folktale written by the woman who built the house. The history of the house is skillfully woven into the story using multi-media – Wikipedia page excerpts, interview transcripts, and folktales – creating a richness to the Starling House and why people – including Opal – are so drawn to it.

Romance and Found Family

While there is a romance between Opal and Arthur, it very much takes a backseat in Starling House. At the forefront of the story is family, recognizing how those bonds don’t always have to be based on blood, and also the tension between being loyal to your family when it’s in conflict with being true to yourself.

Starling House offers causal bisexual representation through its Hero and explores a very quiet – but not in a bad way – romance between Arthur and Opal. The slow burn is primarily because both are so reluctant to be vulnerable, and neither wants to form attachments that will compromise their goals (Opal getting her brother out of their small town and Arthur continuing his parents’ legacy). This dynamic adds depth to the story, as both characters have secrets they’re unwilling to share. And, while this tension creates an authentic and emotional romance, the narrative – in my opinion – lacks significant romantic moments that would’ve developed their romance into a relationship.

In Conclusion

While Starling House excelled with its characterizations and eerie atmosphere, there were a few reasons why it didn’t quite reach a 5-star rating. First, one of the villains’ arcs went unresolved. Throughout the book, she is built up as a menacing force with a hidden agenda, but her true motives and why she’s so interested in Starling House remain shrouded in mystery. Her storyline lacked resolution, which was unsatisfactory.

Additionally, for romance readers, I thought the author’s portrayal of Arthur and Opal’s relationship leaves readers wanting more (and not in a good way). The push-and-pull between the characters, while adding depth, doesn’t provide a fully satisfying conclusion to their relationship or individual arcs.

That being said, Starling House is a great eerie read if you’re a lover of haunted houses and social commentary and want a book with the perfect fall atmosphere.

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Book Review: Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
September 28, 2023
6 Min read
B

Series: Standalone

Release Date: May 14, 2019

Synopsis
First Son Alex Claremont-Diaz is the closest thing to a prince this side of the Atlantic. With his intrepid sister and the Veep’s genius granddaughter, they’re the White House Trio, a beautiful millennial marketing strategy for his mother, President Ellen Claremont. International socialite duties do have downsides—namely, when photos of a confrontation with his longtime nemesis Prince Henry at a royal wedding leak to the tabloids and threaten American/British relations. The plan for damage control: staging a fake friendship between the First Son and the Prince.

As President Claremont kicks off her reelection bid, Alex finds himself hurtling into a secret relationship with Henry that could derail the campaign and upend two nations. What is worth the sacrifice? How do you do all the good you can do? And, most importantly, how will history remember you?

Ending
HEA
Representation
• Mexican-American biracial bisexual main character
• gay love interest with depression
• Mexican-American biracial supporting character
• Jewish bisexual aromantic supporting character
• Mexican-American side character
• Mexican-American gay side character
• trans side character
• sapphic side relationship
• Nigerian-British pansexual side character
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Racism (including from Henry’s grandmother, the Queen)
• Homophobia (including from Henry’s older brother and grandmother, the Queen)
• Forced outing
Safety Rating: Safe
• No cheating
• No OM drama
• Does have OW drama
– Henry is jealous when he sees Nora and Alex kiss on New Years (even though it’s not romantic)
– Alex is jealous when he sees Henry out with an OW in a tabloid (at this point, not knowing
• Does have Henry pushing Alex away
• Does have a brief separation (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Hardback

Rating: 5-stars

This is a five-star review because of the romance – like many other reviewers, I was grinning the whole time; Red, White & Royal Blue made me so happy. The book follows the First Son of the US, Alex, who causes an international scandal at a UK royal wedding with his archnemesis, Prince Henry. As a result, both men are thrown together in a PR campaign to assure the world that there’s no animosity between them (although there very much is). Of course, what starts as “fake friends” turns into much more as they start to learn more about each other and their respective lives.

Before I dive into the review, there are two important points I want to make. First, is that I read this book as pure escapism. Despite the fact that US politics is significant to the plot due to Alex’s mother’s re-election campaign, there’s no critique of the two-party system. In fact, I’d say this book enters the land of political escapism, where a divorced woman gets elected as the president of the US. Second, the relationship between Alex and Henry doesn’t linger too long on their “enemies” phase, but the banter is immaculate throughout.

Slow-burn romance

The romance in the story is a standout, and it’s portrayed beautifully. It’s important to note that while some people describe it as “enemies to eventual lovers,” the enemies part is more one-sided and grounded in Alex’s insecurities. The evolution of the relationship is actually from enemies to fake friends, to real friends to lovers. The author dedicates significant time to each phase, making it feel authentic and satisfying. What I particularly enjoyed was that a substantial portion of Red, White & Royal Blue explores their relationship as a couple, delving into whether they want a long-term commitment and if they should go public, considering their positions in US politics and UK society.

Additionally, the email exchanges between the two main characters are a highlight, offering genuine emotional intimacy and touching on queer history, especially in the UK. These exchanges also showcase the characters’ personalities – Henry citing a bibliography was hilarious and so freaking cute.

Friendships

One of my favourite aspects of Red, White & Royal Blue is the dedicated friend group and how Henry and Alex merge their found families. June (Alex’s older sister) and Nora (the Vice President’s granddaughter) support Alex through his journey. However, I enjoyed how his scenes with June also explored their complex family (rehashing the fraught relationship between their parents) and coming to terms with how being the president’s kids both helps and hurts their career aspirations.

A big portion of this book is Alex’s realizing he’s bisexual. Alex’s journey of self-discovery as a bisexual person in his early 20s is beautifully depicted. I loved the scene where he came out to his mom and dad; there was the perfect amount of sentimentality and humour.

Escapism Politics

Red, White & Royal Blue incorporates politics into the story, primarily revolving around Alex’s mother’s reelection campaign and the portrayal of the United States as a place where a divorced woman can be elected. It provides a more idealized view of politics, contrasting it with the colonial history of the UK. The depiction of homophobia and racism within Henry’s family is done through microaggressions and respectability politics.

The book also effectively balances the public’s perception of celebrity couples with their private lives, providing insight into why Henry doesn’t feel comfortable coming out as gay and why Alex takes time to explore his feelings before committing to Henry. The complexities of being in a celebrity relationship, especially within the context of politics, are explored, with Alex’s political ambitions contrasting with Henry’s desire for privacy.

In Conclusion

Overall, while Alex may come across as frustrating at times, his character growth and exploration of his family dynamics add depth to the story. Red, White & Royal Blue successfully portrays the complexities of both family relationships and the challenges of being in the public eye, especially in the world of politics. However, there are some moments of confusion regarding the secondary characters’ relationships, which could benefit from further clarification.

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Book Review: The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre by Natasha Lester

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
September 4, 2023
6 Min read
B

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 28, 2022

Synopsis
New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester delivers an unforgettable story of an orphan turned WWII spy turned fashion icon in Paris—perfect for fans of Kate Quinn and Fiona Davis.

1943. After spearheading several successful advertising campaigns in New York, PR wizard Alix St. Pierre comes to the attention of the U.S. government and finds herself recruited into a fledgling intelligence organization.

Enlisted as a spy, Alix is sent to Europe where she is tasked with getting close to a Nazi who might be willing to help the Allied forces–but there’s also the chance he might be a double agent.

1946. Following the war, Alix moves to Paris and takes a position as head of publicity for the yet-to-be-launched House of Dior. But when a figure from the war reappears and threatens to destroy her future, Alix realizes that only she can right the wrongs of the past and bring him to justice.

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is a thrilling, sumptuous work of historical fiction told in three timelines: before, during and after WWII. This completely immersive story takes readers from the dangerous, intrigue-filled rooms in Switzerland where elites of both sides mingled and schemed during the war, to the glamorous halls of the House of Dior in the golden age of French fashion and journalism.

Ending
HFN. Alix and Anthony end up together with plans to take over Anthony’s father’s newspaper business together.
Representation
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
Possible Triggers: Yes
War themes
• Classism
• Sexism
• Alcoholism
• Reference to abduction
• Description of war crimes, including r@pe, dismemberment, and torture
• Allusions to and brief mention of suicide
• Grief
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
• No cheating
• Does have OW drama
– Alix presumes that Anthony slept with the woman who’s out to get her (Alix was incorrect)
– misunderstanding where Alix thought Anthony slept with a woman he hired (again, Alix was incorrect)
• Does have OM drama
– Anthony is a friend of Alix’s dead fiancé
• Does have the Hero and Heroine pushing away
• Does have a brief separation between the Hero and Heroine
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Paperback

Rating: 5-stars

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre was an amazing historical fiction book with just the right amount of romance and action. The story alternates between three timelines, each representing a different “life” of Alix’s: her life before she’s recruited as a US spy in WWII, growing up orphaned and a rich girl’s companion, her time working as a spy for the US against fascist Italy, and present day, living in post-WWII Paris as the new public relations director tasked with helping launch the (fashion) House of Dior.

This book was the perfect example of the author’s research without the book coming across as a thesis (looking at you, Babel – don’t worry, I still gave that book 4.5 stars). The author uses real historical figures – including Christian Dior and Allen Dulles (before he became the director of the CIA), to name two – to situate Alix’s story in the real efforts of the Allied powers in WWII. Of course, because The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre is situated in real history, the author only had so much leeway with how she could depict the end of WWII. For sure, it was a victory, but I appreciated how the author leaned into the criticisms of how society almost went back 20 years to compensate for women becoming principal economic actors during the war. In fact, the main conflict of this book is Alix’s encounters with a Nazi who she developed as an informant during the war and who has sprung upon again in her present day. This mystery around the informant felt very realistic and didn’t veer into rewriting history.

Romance and Feminism

I loved the slow-burn romance and how the Hero was pulled into the present-day mystery of Alix’s espionage past. While Alix and Anthony initially get off on the wrong foot, circumstances force them to work together (forced proximity, anyone?), and slowly, they develop a great friendship that turns into more. I especially enjoyed the soft touches of feminism: the remarks about how it was illegal for women to wear trousers in Paris post-WWII, how it was considered gauche for a woman to work, or how Alix was immediately considered Anthony’s mistress rather than his equal because of their differing economic backgrounds were all feminist concerns contemporary to the 1950s but also resonate today.

In Conclusion

The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre blew away my expectations. It was incredibly evident how much research the author did to craft such a rich WWII espionage story. However, as the reader, you couldn’t tell what was research vs. fiction, which is how fiction books are supposed to feel, as it makes the atmosphere and plot so much more realistic. There’s a lot going on in this book with the three different timelines, but I thought the author did such a great job tying them together. This book is 400 pages, and I read it in one sitting, which is a testament to how much I loved this story. While some of the plot twists were a bit predictable, and the fact that there was the stereotypical third-act breakup, neither was enough to detract The Three Lives of Alix St. Pierre from being a 5-star read. In fact, this book is my leading contender for my favourite read of 2023!

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Book Review: Weyward by Emilia Hart

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
August 10, 2023
5 Min read
B

Series: Standalone

Release Date: February 2, 2023

Synopsis
I am a Weyward, and wild inside.

2019: Under cover of darkness, Kate flees London for ramshackle Weyward Cottage, inherited from a great aunt she barely remembers. With its tumbling ivy and overgrown garden, the cottage is worlds away from the abusive partner who tormented Kate. But she begins to suspect that her great aunt had a secret. One that lurks in the bones of the cottage, hidden ever since the witch-hunts of the 17th century.

1619: Altha is awaiting trial for the murder of a local farmer who was stampeded to death by his herd. As a girl, Altha’s mother taught her their magic, a kind not rooted in spell casting but in a deep knowledge of the natural world. But unusual women have always been deemed dangerous, and as the evidence for witchcraft is set out against Altha, she knows it will take all of her powers to maintain her freedom.

1942: As World War II rages, Violet is trapped in her family’s grand, crumbling estate. Straitjacketed by societal convention, she longs for the robust education her brother receives––and for her mother, long deceased, who was rumored to have gone mad before her death. The only traces Violet has of her are a locket bearing the initial W and the word weyward scratched into the baseboard of her bedroom.

Weaving together the stories of three extraordinary women across five centuries, Emilia Hart’s Weyward is an enthralling novel of female resilience and the transformative power of the natural world.

Ending
HFN
Representation
• wlw main character
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Intimate partner violence
• R@pe
• Sexism
• Attempted murder
• Murder
• Abortion
Mature Themes
• Alcohol abuse
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Hardcover

Rating: 5-stars

Weyward was a five-star prediction when I selected it as my Book of the Month pick back in April. It has everything I gravitate toward in historical fiction: feminism, a character-driven plot and magical realism. The novel follows three women from the same family in three different timelines spanning 2019, 1619 and 1942. Connecting the women are their struggles with male violence, sexism and the power that ties them together: their magical relationship with nature.

Feminism

The first perspective follows Altha in 1619, who’s standing trial for witchcraft. This narrative invokes the most classic feminist imagery: the witch trials that lashed out at independent women who existed outside the patriarchal archetypes of wife and mother. I loved how this storyline centred a complicated friendship between Altha and her ex-best friend, the wife of the man Altha is accused of killing. The author subtly explores the nuances of womanhood during this time and lightly touches upon a potential sapphic relationship between the two friends.

Violet’s story in 1942 and Kate’s story in 2019 are more closely connected, and both explore intimate partner violence. I enjoyed how Kate’s story appeared to end the trauma cycle that started with Violet. The contrast between these two storylines puts into stark perspective how the decades have given women more agency through increased rights and education. However, despite these differences, Violet and Kate both struggle with the same problem. I loved the emphasis on healing fractured family relationships in these timelines (Violet and her brother and Kate and her mother).

I thought the use of magic in Weyward felt very realistic – it lent itself more towards magical realism than the paranormal. There was a common theme of how women are socialized to punish themselves – to make themselves smaller – because a powerful woman (represented by the protagonists’ access to magic) is seen as a threat. Altha, Violet and Kate each have a moment where they realize they had suppressed or ignored or feared their powers because they had been socialized to believe that powerful women were dangerous to everyone, including themselves. But, really, their power only threatens patriarchy.

Character-Driven

The writing in Weyward felt very whimsical, capturing the magical relationship the protagonists had with nature. I’ve always loved character-driven books, especially in the historical fiction and literary fiction genres, as it allows the reader to better connect with the characters.

However, my only critique of the book was that the discourse felt highly internalized, by which I mean the secondary characters didn’t feel developed. There was a distinct lack of depth between the protagonists and their supporting cast, which made the stakes of losing their relationships not as impactful.

In Conclusion

Considering the author navigates three timelines, spanning 500 years in just over 300 pages, I’m blown away by Weywards‘s impactful and nuanced feminist messaging. While the book isn’t easy to read, I became completely absorbed in the witchy and whimsical atmosphere. I’m blown away that this is the author’s debut novel! In her sophomore book, I’m hoping for more developed supporting characters and a diverse cast.

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Book Review: You’re the Only One I’ve Told: The Stories Behind Abortion by Dr Meera Shah

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
June 15, 2023
5 Min read
B

Series: Standalone

Release Date: September 1, 2020

Synopsis
At a time where reproductive rights are at risk, these vital stories of diverse individuals serve as a reminder of the importance of empathy, finding community and motivating advocacy

For a long time, when people asked Dr. Meera Shah, Chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, what she did, she would tell them she was a doctor and leave it at that. But when she started to be direct about her work as an abortion provider an interesting thing started to happen: one by one, people would confide that they’d had an abortion themselves. The refrain was often the same: You’re the only one I’ve told.

This book collects these stories as they’ve been told to Shah to humanize abortion and to combat myths that persist in the discourse that surrounds it. A wide range of ages, races, socioeconomic factors, and experiences shows that abortion always occurs in a unique context.

Today, a healthcare issue that’s so precious and foundational to reproductive, social, and economic freedom for millions of people is exploited by politicians who lack understanding or compassion about the context in which abortion occurs. Stories have the power to break down stigmas and help us to empathize with those whose experiences are unlike our own.

A portion of proceeds will be donated to promote reproductive health access.

Ending
Incredibly informative and inclusive. Ends with a chapter on Calls to Action that identifies how readers can participate in the fight for reproductive justice and reproductive healthcare access.
Representation
• Gender-inclusive language and approach to healthcare
• Written by a Gujarati Indian American author
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Abortion
• Racism
• Medical content
• Discussion of…
– miscarriage
– late-term pregnancy abortion
– grief
– parents deciding to end their pregnancy due to medical complications
– medical trauma
– r@pe
– child abuse
– gender-based violence abuse
Mature Themes:
• Sex is discussed
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Hardback

Rating: 5-stars

I put off reading this book for a long time despite knowing it would be a 5-star read. It’s a hard-hitting topic that I think readers need to be in the right headspace to absorb (see Possible Triggers above). The content on reproductive justice is particularly relevant now, with the wave of abortion bans occurring in the USA. Even in Canada, some politicians have raised wanting to repeal abortion access from our Human Rights Charter.

You’re the Only One I’ve Told: the Stories Behind Abortions is impactful because it demystifies abortions. The book affirms that abortion is a medical procedure that should be contextualized within a healthcare framework rather than the moralizing typical of most abortion conversations. Dr. Meera Shah’s decision to weave facts about (the lack of) abortion rights with anecdotes from her patient’s experiences with abortion was effective. The reader came to understand how these laws and regulations around abortion – especially its moralizing – have led to material consequences for patients.

I appreciated that Dr. Meera Shah’s approach to analyzing reproductive justice in the USA applied an intersectional lens. The patient anecdotes explored how gender, race, religion, income and more impacted their access to abortion and their decision to proceed (or not) with the procedure. The author also highlights how some patients decided to terminate an unwanted pregnancy, whereas others were compelled to have an abortion for medical reasons. What struck me in the latter cases was the importance of doctors being able to put aside their personal beliefs to protect the mental and physical health of their patients (to note, this is not always the case).

The most shocking aspect of You’re the Only One I’ve Told: the Stories Behind Abortion is how the author makes clear to the reader how abortion as a medical procedure has been politicized. Dr. Meera Shah is an abortion provider who is given – depending on the state – a specific script of information she must tell the patient, most of which is medically incorrect information used to scare patients away from the procedure (e.g., the fetus will feel pain). Also, if doctors do not follow this script, they can be disbarred. The fact that politicians with an agenda (i.e., re-election) are writing these scripts and not doctors is unfathomable to me.

In Conclusion

You’re the Only One I’ve Told: the Stories Behind Abortion has a lot to offer readers well- and not versed in the reproductive justice fight in the USA. The book is informative but avoids being dry by grounding its research in patient experiences. I loved how Dr. Meera Shah decided to conclude the book with a chapter on how the reader can get involved in the reproductive justice movement! This included easy ways people can make a change and a list of non-profit and activist groups they could support.

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Review: Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

By Sarah
In 5-stars, Book Review
February 25, 2023
6 Min read
R

Series: The Celestial Kingdom, #1

Release Date: January 11, 2022

Synopsis
Growing up on the moon, Xingyin is accustomed to solitude, unaware that she is being hidden from the feared Celestial Emperor who exiled her mother for stealing his elixir of immortality. But when Xingyin’s magic flares and her existence is discovered, she is forced to flee her home, leaving her mother behind.

Alone, powerless, and afraid, she makes her way to the Celestial Kingdom, a land of wonder and secrets. Disguising her identity, she seizes an opportunity to learn alongside the emperor’s son, mastering archery and magic, even as passion flames between her and the prince.

To save her mother, Xingyin embarks on a perilous quest, confronting legendary creatures and vicious enemies across the earth and skies. But when treachery looms and forbidden magic threatens the kingdom, she must challenge the ruthless Celestial Emperor for her dream—striking a dangerous bargain in which she is torn between losing all she loves or plunging the realm into chaos.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess begins an enchanting, romantic duology which weaves ancient Chinese mythology into a sweeping adventure of immortals and magic—where love vies with honor, dreams are fraught with betrayal, and hope emerges triumphant.

Ending
HFN regarding the plot but the love triangle is not resolved.
Representation
• Chinese-coded main character
• Chinese-coded supporting characters
• Chinese-coded side characters
Possible Triggers: Yes
• Death
• Knife violence
• Arrow violence
• Attempted murder
• Non-consensual mind manipulation/compulsion
• Abduction
• Imprisonment
Mature Themes
• Sexual content doesn’t surpass kissing
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: Paperback

Rating: 5-stars

I had low expectations of Daughter of the Moon Goddess since it’s a young adult fantasy. It has been a while since I’ve gravitated towards or enjoyed young adult books. But after finishing this book in early January, I knew it was a contender for my favourite book of the month (spoiler: it is my favourite book of January).

(more…)
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Review: Following Maggie by Melanie Moreland

By Sarah
In 4-stars, ARC, Book Review
June 12, 2022
3 Min read
R

Series: Standalone

Release Date: April 7, 2022

<strong>Synopsis</strong>
A snowstorm, an unexpected delay, and a caring stranger are all it takes for Sebastian Ruggers to change the course of his life. Instead of pushing paper and living a life he dreads, he follows his heart and the girl he meets to a new city. A different life.

Maggie Andrews is heading back to the only town that ever felt like home. When she meets Sebastian, somehow she knows, together, they’ll find a life together sweeter than the ones they are leaving behind. She can help him find his future. He can be the person she needs. They only have to say yes.

Sometimes you discover home isn’t only a location on a map—but the person you share it with.

<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Death of Heroine’s parents and Hero’s mother
• Parental neglect
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe
• No cheating
• No OW/OM drama
• No pushing away
• No separation
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: eARC

Rating: 4.25/5 stars

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Review: Breaking the Speed Limit by Melanie Moreland

By Sarah
In 3-stars, ARC, Book Review
June 11, 2022
5 Min read
R

Series: Reynolds Restoration*

Release Date: March 31, 2022

<strong>Synopsis</strong>
Single, but unsettled, Stefano Borelli, spends his days creating masterpieces loved by his clients. Surrounded by family and friends, his loneliness still plagues him.

Until she bursts into his life. A stubborn woman with too much baggage, too much to say, and a child in tow.

Far too much trouble.

Except, he likes her spark. The way she refuses to listen. How beautiful she is with her son. How right she feels in his arms.

The way she makes him feel whole.

Can he convince her to give love a second chance?

Book set in Reynolds Restoration world

<strong>Ending</strong>
HEA
<strong>Representation</strong>
No strong representations of the following:
• BIPOC characters
• LGBTQIA+ characters
• characters with a disability
And doesn’t address fatphobia
<strong>Possible Triggers:</strong> Yes
• Heroine’s on the run from an abusive relationship. Her ex-boyfriend also attempted to kill their child.
• Threat of gun violence (see above)
<strong>Safety Rating:</strong> Safe with Exception
• No cheating
• Does have OM drama
– Heroine’s abusive ex-boyfriend (and father of her child) stalks her and attempts to abduct the Heroine and her child
• Does have OW drama
– One of the Heroine’s colleagues hits on the Hero, making the Heroine quite jealous.
• Does have the Heroine pushing the Hero away
• Does have a few days separation (both celibate)
• See Ending for HEA status.
• See Possible Triggers for Abuse and OTT sad parts.

Format: eARC

Rating: 3.5-stars

*Each book in the series is Standalone

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