bookish_aly_cat's reviews
330 reviews

A Devil in Every Dark Corner by Amanda Braun Boe

adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced

5.0

I had an absolute blast reading this book! It’s full of witches, demons, and magic! This book really reminded me of a mix of Charmed and Scooby Doo in the best way! 

This book is about two sister witches who try and stop an evil entity that’s behind a series of supernatural murders. You meet all sorts of magical creatures on this journey to solve the mystery and end evil. 

I absolutely recommend this one. It was so much fun to read! 

Thank you to @TheNerdFam for the gifted ARC

The Curse of the Siren by S.E. Nielsen

4.0

This was a really good fantasy romance read. I loved all aspects of the story and the world the author created. The elements of forbidden magic, world building, and the overall plot really had me immersed in the story. 

The author did a wonderful job at keeping my attention with a fast moving, action packed story that still had enough mystery to keep me guessing as to what was going to happen next. 

With a layer of romance and the complexity of a love triangle woven into the plot, there was no shortage of romantic components to keep things interesting. 

This was a hard one to put down and I can’t wait to see how the story will continue. 

Thank you to @thnerdfam for sending me a gifted copy of the book.

A Sky Full of Dragons by Tiffany McDaniel

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

5.0

This was such a magical and imaginative read! This is the most fun I’ve had while reading a book in a long time! 

There were so many things to love in this middle grade fantasy, but I think what really stands out are the characters. It was so much fun following Spella and her friend Tolden as they try and figure out what happened to Aunt Cauldroneyes.  It was a blast reading as they tried to solve the mystery and uncover secrets. 

Another element that I loved were the footnotes and the spells sprinkled throughout the book. They really added to the whimsy of the story and left me giggling a time or two. 

Full of magical creatures and mystery, this book is perfect for fantasy lovers of all ages.

Have You Seen Her by Catherine McKenzie

4.0

This was a good, twisty thriller about three women who work together to plot a revenge. It was nice seeing how each of the women had different strengths and personalities, as it made things interesting. 

The author did a good job at creating an atmospheric setting and I appreciated how the story was told through alternating timelines. This really helped bring all of the elements of the story together. 

I thought I knew what the outcome of this story was going to be, but I was wrong. There are definitely some twists in this one to keep you  guessing. 

Thank you @atriabooks for sending me a copy of the book.

Once Upon a Boy Band by Jenny Proctor

4.0

This was such a fun, quick romance read. I loved  following Laney and Adam in this story. As a former boyband fan, this was a fun concept to read about and I loved the secret identity trope. 

This story is about Laney, a veterinarian who grew up with a crush on Deke, a member of a famous boyband. He left the group and never looked back, until his former bandmates reached out wanting to do a reunion concert. Agreeing to the one time concert could mean losing the life he’s created for himself and outing himself to Laney in the process. 

Read thing you like:

🎤 Dual POV

🎤 Boybands 

🎤 Fake Dating

🎤 Closed door romance 

This was such a feel good read that’s sure to leave you smiling. 

Thank you Jenny Proctor and NetGalley for the review copy. 

The Land of Lost Things by John Connolly

4.0

This was quite an imaginative and well written story. The Land of Lost Things is the sequel to The Book of Lost Things, but can be read on its own. This story starts off sad and slow, but I think that’s what drew me in and kept me invested enough to see where the story was going to go. The pacing does stay on the slow side, but the whimsical aspects and the beautiful storytelling really kept my attention. Fantasy fans are sure to love this one. 

Thank you @atriabooks for sending me annoyed copy of the book. 

Grimstone by Sophie Lark

4.0

This is a good read for the spooky season! This book is full of spice and is set in the mysterious and eerie town of Grimstone. 

In this book you follow Remi who moved her and her brother to Grimstone to flip their uncle’s house. 

I loved the atmosphere the author created and the characters were layered and interesting. I loved how I didn’t know exactly what was going on until towards the end of the book. That element of mystery really had me hooked. 

I definitely wasn’t expecting the way the story took a turn, but I loved the way the story ended. 

Read this if you enjoy:

→ Spooky gothic romance

→ Halloween vibes

→ Neighbors to lovers

→ Dark romance

→ Age gap

→ Small town

Looking for a book for the spooky season? This is it. 

Thank you @sophie_lark_author and @hambright_pr for my gifted copy. 

The Lodge by Kayla Olson

4.0

What a cute romance read! This is the perfect book to cuddle up with as the weather grows colder. I loved the ski lodge setting and following the characters as their love story unfolded. The plot was a bit predictable, but nonetheless captivating and I thoroughly enjoyed it. 

In this book you follow Alix who is given the job of ghostwriting the memoir of a famous boyband member.  

I loved the mixed media format sprinkled throughout the book. This was a fun element that added to the overall reading experience. 

Thank you @atriabooks and @netgalley for the gifted copy of the book. 

Hannah Edwards Secrets of Riverway by Ashley Hards

4.0

This was such a cute mystery read! I loved how the story of Hamlet was woven in and reimagined. I enjoyed following Hannah as she tries to find out what happened to her missing father and everything that surrounded that. Hannah as a main character has such a unique and memorable voice. The ADHD representation is one that I think many young readers can benefit from and connect with.

Phantasma by Kaylie Smith

4.25

This is the perfect read for the spooky season! This fast paced story is full of devils, demons, phantoms, and necromancers in a competition that takes place in a haunted house. What  could be better? 

In this book you follow Ophelia as she enters a competition inspired by the nine circles of hell in hopes of finding her sister. 

With a great cast of characters, forbidden romance, and the dark and descriptive atmosphere the author created, it was hard not to get wrapped up in this book. 

Read this if you like: 

→ Forbidden romance 

→ Gothic atmosphere 

→ Spicy reads

→ Haunted house competition

Thank you @thenerdfam for sending me a gifted copy of the book.