fanboyriot's reviews
953 reviews

adventurous dark mysterious slow-paced

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

1.0

Following the lives of two daughters of a serial killer who live in a town that has elements of fantasy mixed in with the horror atmosphere.

There was a lot going on with this book, the daughters of a serial killer was very entertaining from a horror perspective, complex with their struggles with their own mental illnesses; it felt a bit like Dexter (TV show) vibes at times. Having said that there were also some moments that seemed random or maybe I just didn’t understand what was going on well enough, but I really struggled to figure out what the plot was for this book. A lot of the supernatural/fantasy elements confused me, there was little to no explanation as to why their town was like that.

While I had a bit of mixed feelings about this book I do really love this cover.

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)

Read For

✓ YA Horror

✓ Suspense

✓ Serial Killers

✓ Fantasy Elements

✓ Creepy Atmosphere

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧💧

Plot: 6/10

Pace: 7/10

Ending: 4/10

Characters: 4/10

Enjoyability: 5/10

Writing Style: 3/10

Would I Recommend? Maybe

Favorite Character: n/a

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: First Person

Pages: 528

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 10, June 2025

Rep/Extras: BIPOC characters

Content Warnings

Scythe & Sparrow by Brynne Weaver

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dark emotional funny 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

The plot, the characters, the spice, and the humor were genuinely all worth the hype. It was such a funny book but also well balanced in there with murder (deserved) and past trauma. It was so nicely done!! This series is a new favorite.

Fionn being in a crochet group was hilarious and so wholesome. I really liked how complex his character was as I got to know more about him. He was at war with a raccoon and makes doilies in his free time an absolute icon if I’ve ever heard of one. And Rose was just as amazing! I really liked her vibes from the other books so it was nice to have her POV as well. The circus element was so fun to read, I really liked how she decided to take a wild raccoon and make it her pet.

Also I absolutely live for all the characters being grossed out by eyeballs…. and then there’s Sloane just vibing in her specialty; it made me laugh how she is just plucking away.

Read For

✓ Pet Raccoon

✓ More Eyeballs

✓ Tarot Readings

✓ Circus Atmosphere

✓ Hallmark Sad Man Era

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 9/10

Pace: 9/10

Ending: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Enjoyability: 10/10

Writing Style: 10/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Fionn

Favorite Quote: ❝ To be honest, I was relieved it wasn’t the raccoon again. Do you know how hard it is to get a codeine-addicted raccoon out of a ventilation system? Fucking hard. ❞

POV: Duel, First Person

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Language: English

Release Date: 11, February 2025

Content Warnings

Ruthless by Carolyn Lee Adams

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dark mysterious 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? No

2.0

This was the kind of book that has you biting your nails and yelling to the void for the main character to run faster. Reading this felt like watching a (good) lifetime movie. It was twisted and kept you on the edge of your seat, the characters in need of therapy, and an eerie atmosphere; it all made for a great thriller.

I will say a few moments I did have mixed feelings about it; for example how it felt like the main character could never catch a break yet, it conveyed the hopelessness that she was probably feeling while trying to get help. And Ruth’s attitude kinda got on my nerves, she came off a bit arrogant at times and just annoyed me, yet at the same time she was a fighter throughout instead of waiting for someone to save her; so I really appreciated seeing that rather than the “damsel in distress” trope.

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)

Read For

✓ YA Thriller

✓ Being Hunted

✓ Unpredictable

✓ Action Packed

✓ Good Suspense

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧💧💧💧

Plot: 6/10

Pace: 4/10

Ending: 6/10

Characters: 3/10

Enjoyability: 4/10

Writing Style: 8/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Ruth

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: Third Person

Pages: 256

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 13, May 2025

Content Warnings

The Telling by Alexandra Sirowy

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

1.5

Normally I really enjoy mystery/thriller books but this one just fell a bit flat for me. There was a lot of telling rather than showing, it all felt like a summary of what was happening rather than a full on book. It was frankly predictable with the mystery moments, the air of suspense just wasn’t there either. My biggest issue was that some of the characters just felt one dimensional and fake. I just couldn’t feel anything for them. Also the main character being so obsessed with her step-brother just made me uncomfortable especially with the comments in school.

There were a few things like the general setting that I liked, the blurb sounded interesting and the cover is absolutely amazing!

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)

Read For

✓ Murder

✓ Obsession

✓ Family Issues

✓ Unsatisfying Ending

✓ Psychological Thriller

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 3/10

Pace: 1/10

Ending: 3/10

Characters: 3/10

Enjoyability: 4/10

Writing Style: 2/10

Would I Recommend? No

Favorite Character: n/a

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: First Person

Pages: 416

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 08, July 2025

Rep/Extras: Lesbian Parents (for a side character)

Content Warnings

All the Noise at Once by DeAndra Davis

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emotional tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Following the life of Aiden, a junior in high school who tries out for the football team his older brother is on. Both boys love football and Brandon is mentioned to be a big shot with a bright future ahead of him. Yet, when he steps in to help get his brother out of a fight he ends up being arrested himself. The cops failing to listen to the harm they were causing.

This story did a good job at capturing the life some people have to live. People having the privilege of looking the other way when they see something. Keeping things quiet or being friends with some people all the while putting others in danger by disgusting stereotypes. Aiden finally notices this, he realizes why his parents told him to always mention things like his mom being a lawyer when he was questioned by authorities, or how his brother had to mention their coaches name in order to get a cop convinced they weren’t in the wrong place. It’s in the little things everyday and it’s the smallest action that can have the biggest impact.

The writing is truly outstanding, the plot balances out the unfortunate reality of social justice all the while having a good sense of home, community, and identity as Aiden figures out what happened that night. Aiden has such a good support system in tack with his family and later on with his friends. His thought process was honestly so pleasant to read. I really enjoyed how football was mentioned in this book as well.

If you liked “The Hate You Give” this book has similar vibes and I would highly recommend it.

(Note: I received this copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity.)

Read For

✓ Football

✓ Coming to Age

✓ Black Autistic Rep

✓ High School Setting

✓ Good Family Dynamics

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧💧💧💧

Plot: 9/10

Pace: 10/10

Ending: 10/10

Characters: 9/10

Enjoyability: 7/10

Writing Style: 9/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Aiden

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: First Person

Pages: 384

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 15, April 2025

Rep/Extras: Black Main Character with Autism, BIPOC (Main and Side Characters), LGBTQIA+ (Side Characters)

Content Warnings

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

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dark emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

5.0

This was such a cute book. Lark and Lachlan were such a great pairing and I really had an entertaining time seeing how their relationship developed. Lachlan being totally gone for Lark so early on was so funny and also wholesome.

This book had such a good balance of working through their dark trauma, getting revenge, good humor, and an endearing yet spicy romance. I loved it so much. While it did touch on some more serious topics I genuinely laughed so much with this book, Lark being an absolute menace and Lachlan trying his best was so entertaining.

I was not expecting what happened in the bonus chapter but I’m totally here for it. It was so well written and I loved how Lachlan didn’t even question anything just went along with Lark’s plan.

These two are absolutely perfect for each other.

Read For

✓ Good Banter

✓ Hurt/Comfort

✓ Killing Together

✓ Fake Relationship

✓ Marriage of Convenience

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Sad Level: 💧💧💧

Plot: 9/10

Pace: 9/10

Ending: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Enjoyability: 10/10

Writing Style: 9/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Lachlan

Favorite Quote: ❝ A snow globe,” I say slowly, waiting for her to look up, which she doesn’t do. “You made a severed finger into a feckin’ snow globe.” “It was almost Christmas,” she says with a shrug. “It felt … festive. ❞

POV: Duel, First Person

Pages: 416

Format: Paperback

Language: English

Release Date: 04, June 2024

Content Warnings

Groundcover by Molly Kugel

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dark emotional reflective slow-paced

3.5

This was a good read, while I liked some of the poems more than others; the overall vibe of it was nice. It was beautiful writing, though some of the poems were a little difficult to read as far as the flow went.

Read For

✓ Grief

✓ Hurt/Comfort

✓ Dark-ish Vibes

✓ Seasonal Poetry

✓ Beautiful Writing

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧💧

Enjoyability: 7/10

Writing Style: 8/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Quote: ❝ The way ghosts are what we'd once forgotten and then remembered in time to see again, standing there. ❞

Pages: 81

Format: Paperback

Language: English

Release Date: 16, August 2022

Content Warnings

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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dark funny medium-paced

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

5.0

Whoever says romance is dead clearly did not read this book. This was way cuter than I was expecting. Who knew a story about killing other serial killers would be so funny and wholesome. Rowan was such an iconic character, he was so unserious and I loved it so much.

This book was an addicting read with a fun plot and complex characters, a bit of spice nearing the end and of course there was nice banter between the main characters. Rowan and Solane were adorable and definitely perfect for each other. The note in the eye socket was so fitting for them and I loved how well that scene went.

I highly recommend this to anyone who likes cookies and cream ice cream, always check the ingredients first though 🥰

Read For

✓ Slow Burn

✓ Serial Killers

✓ Good Banter

✓ He Falls First

✓ Killing Games

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 9/10

Pace: 8/10

Ending: 8/10

Characters: 9/10

Enjoyability: 9/10

Writing Style: 7/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Rowan

Favorite Quote: ❝ "You have never been unlovable. You were just waiting for someone who will love you for who you are, not for who they want you to be. I can do that, if you'll let me." ❞

POV: Duel, First Person

Pages: 345

Format: Paperback

Language: English

Release Date: 14, August 2023

Content Warnings

Love at Second Sight by F.T. Lukens

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emotional funny mysterious fast-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

3.5

This was an entertaining fast-paced read with nice queer representation and supernatural elements. The main character Cam, lived in a world where humans live alongside supernatural people such as werewolves, witches, psychics, fairies, and sprites which were all cool to read about. The lore created in this book world was really nice.

The supernatural beings were treated a lot like how queer people are treated these days; with some extremists out there. Cam’s parents being a bit strange throughout the book, showing through their comments about him finding “normal” (non-supernatural) friends because he was best friends with a witch… Let’s just say it was nice to see some of the characters get their karma. The found family really helped make this a lighter read, bringing in some comfort especially with the drama near the end.

Having said that, I usually really like this author’s work but this one kinda fell flat for me at the 21% mark. I just struggled to get into it and the miscommunication was really frustrating to me. The overall tone of the book felt rushed and kinda like it was lacking in depth a bit at some parts. It was a good read but not necessarily a memorable one like I had hoped.

Thank you to Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read For

✓ Lovesick Pinning

✓ High School Settings

✓ Werewolf Love Interest

✓ Supernatural Elements

✓ Miscommunication Trope

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: n/a

Sad Level: 💧💧

Plot: 4/10

Pace: 4/10

Ending: 8/10

Characters: 9/10

Enjoyability: 8/10

Writing Style: 6/10

Would I Recommend? Maybe

Favorite Character: Mateo

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: First Person

Pages: 368

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 29, April 2025

Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ Characters

Content Warnings

Call Your Boyfriend by Ashley Woodfolk, Olivia A. Cole

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funny lighthearted 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

Teaming up and playing a little revenge on the girl who broke your heart sounds like a great time until you start falling for your partner in crime.

I love this so much. It was such an enjoyable read with such lovable characters. If you liked the movie Bottoms I feel like you’d enjoy this book, the humor was simply amazing. I really liked seeing the character development through this story and really enjoyed how it mixed well with the plot as well. I would love to see this get a movie adaptation, it was genuinely so good.

Thank you to Simon Teen for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Read For

✓ Sapphic

✓ Slow Burn

✓ Revenge Plan

✓ Friends to Lovers

✓ Good Friendships

𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊𓋼𓍊

Spice Level: (light mentions)

Sad Level: 💧

Plot: 8/10

Pace: 8/10

Ending: 10/10

Characters: 10/10

Enjoyability: 9/10

Writing Style: 8/10

Would I Recommend? Yes

Favorite Character: Charm

Favorite Quote: ❝❞ (coming soon, due to this being an unfinished copy I can’t share quotes yet)

POV: Switching, First Person

Pages: 336

Format: eBook

Language: English

Release Date: 01, July 2025

Rep/Extras: LGBTQIA+ Characters, BIPOC Characters

Content Warnings

More...

fanboyriot's reviews 953 reviews

fanboyriot's reviews
953 reviews