bookish_selkie's reviews
2059 reviews

No Pucking Way by May Dawson, C.R. Jane

dark fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

Finished this out of spite because I was past the 50% mark when I wanted to bail 

Only Santas in the Building by Alexis Daria

emotional lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill

emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The In-Between Bookstore is a heartfelt adult debut from Edward Underhill. Darby just got laid off and is struggling with the rent in NYC. On a whim, he decides to return home to IL. As a trans man returning to a small town, he wonders what he will find. Once there, he reconnects with his mom and is shocked to run into his old best friend, Michael. As Darby retraces his steps, he encounters a mysterious bookstore that invites self-reflection and perhaps a second chance. 

The In-Between Bookstore is such a thoughtful story. Edward Underhill writes about the melancholy allure of wondering what could have been. This is such a relatable experience in the queer community and it is beautifully portrayed. While most people don’t have access to a time-traveling bookstore, I think anyone can relate to thinking about “what if” only one thing had been different in their past. The ending was a little bittersweet, but also felt honest and realistic. Darby has an amazing group of found family and I was also glad to see him rekindle his connection with his supportive mom. 

Readers who seek found family, self-reflection, and magical bookstores will enjoy The In-Between Bookstore. 

Thank you to Edward Underhill, Avon, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Dream Girl Drama by Tessa Bailey

emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

I have been waiting for Sig and Chloe’s story!! Sig and Chloe meet and have an instant connection. Yet to their horror, they realize that they are soon to be step-siblings. Pursuing a relationship could lead to career problems, social stigma, and upsetting their parents. Sig and Chloe instead form a friendship, which some might call too close. As their connection builds, Chloe and Sig must decide how far they will take their relationship and what it might cost them.

Sig and Chloe’s relationship is filled with tension and epic pining. I absolutely love how protective Sig is of Chloe, while also encouraging her independence in ways that no one ever has before. He is down bad for Chloe and I adored it. They have a classic grump/sunshine and opposites-attract dynamic and it works so well for them. I love the setting of Boston, especially as Chloe experiences the challenges of fending for herself (and becoming a dog mom!). The chemistry between Sig and Chloe is off the charts, especially when the tension between them finally snaps. The extended cast of the hockey team, cameos of Tallulah and Burgess, and even the complicated relationships with their families are all excellent. 

Dream Girl Drama is perfect for readers who love a forbidden relationship, protective grump/sunshine, and romance filled with pining. I hope this series continues! 

Thank you to Tessa Bailey, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

Soulgazer by Maggie Rapier

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Saoirse is a girl who has been cursed her entire life and feels deep responsibility for a tragedy that occurred. Faolan is legendary, a well-known pirate who is intent on finding the girl with ocean eyes to lead him in a quest. When Saoirse is trapped in an unwanted betrothal, escaping with Faolan and his crew is her only hope. Yet Saoirse needs a guarantee of safety, so a marriage of convenience is struck. Faolan and Saoirse explore the connection between them as they adventure across the seas.

I feel incredibly lucky to be on the street team for Soulgazer! Soulgazer is the type of book that captivates your soul while reading it. Maggie Rapier has crafted an atmospheric and transportive tale. Maggie’s writing style is excellent. I was particularly in awe of each opening chapter line and ending line. It made it very hard to put the book down, because I had to find out what happened next! Saoirse goes through intense character growth as she faces the power that she has always believed was a curse. I particularly loved Saoirse’s journey of learning to express anger and gain agency in her own life. Maggie also includes beautiful sensory details that paint a vivid scene. Readers will feel the caress of the wind and the spray of the sea as they read.

Maggie Rapier understands the power of stories and legends, especially what makes a good one. In her adventures with Faolan, Saorise learns what it means to be a legend and must decide whether she wants that for herself. The crew that surrounds Faolan are a delightful crew of found family. I loved when Saoirse became one of their wolf pack! Faolan and Saoirse are crafted with interesting flaws and secrets that slowly unfurl to reveal the desperate bargains they’ve struck. They experience intense chemistry and every touch is filled with tension. Faolan is book boyfriend material, especially for the Captain Hook girlies.

Saoirse and Faolan are characters that will live in your mind long after the final page. The ending is chillingly good, as Saoirse’s choices will absolutely come back to haunt her newfound love with Faolan. I can't wait to see how the story continues!

Readers who enjoy Adrienne Young, Rebecca Ross, and Isabel Ibañez will love Soulgazer.

Thank you to Maggie Rapier, Ace, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Merriment and Mayhem by Alexandria Bellefleur

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Only in Your Dreams by Ellie K. Wilde

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Only in Your Dreams is the story of Melody and Zac. After a night of misunderstandings in high school, Zac and Melody share a crush that they never got the chance to act on. Now, Melody has been dumped and is back in her hometown. Zac is now working as a football coach and is stunned to see Melody back in town. Is this the second chance that they never had in high school? 

Only in Your Dreams is a sweet and overall lighthearted read. Zac and Melody have great chemistry. I love how Zac was always very careful to never repeat the manipulative actions of Melody’s ex. The forced proximity in the camping scene was amazing! The surrounding cast of characters was great and I’m hoping we get a chance to read their stories later in the series. It did sort of irritate me how much Zac held fast to the rule from Parker about Melody, but I was still able to enjoy the story. Readers who enjoy a hero who is absolutely down bad for the heroine, second chances, and the highs and lows of football will enjoy Only in Your Dreams. 

Thank you to Ellie K Wilde, Atria Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Wicked Girl by A.J. Merlin

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Vile Boys by A.J. Merlin

emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

All by My Elf by Olivia Dade

funny fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5