Scan barcode
jessiewolf's reviews
473 reviews
Cascade Failure by L.M. Sagas
4.25
CASCADE FAILURE is about deep betrayals and long-sought redemption. We meet Jal who has been running from The Guild for years after being branded a deserter. He accidentally lands on a Guild-owned ship and of course runs smack dab into the exact person he most wants to avoid, Saint. When tensions inevitably come to a head, I was worried that this might just be a story about untrustworthy people all looking out for themselves, but then everyone....hugs it out??? And I was hooked. Every character is flawed, and their quest to just do the right thing often feel impossible, and in these ways Sagas reminds us of the importance of trying to remain human in catastrophic situations. CASCADE FAILURE is the first in a new series by a debut author, so get it while it's hot!
Triple Sec by TJ Alexander
4.5
This book is doing exactly what I want new romance novels to be doing--it's presenting a type of relationship dynamic that hasn't already saturated the market, and it's doing so thoughtfully and well. Mel is a bartender who is charmed by a high femme customer Bebe...until Bebe's partner Kade shows up. Bebe continues to flirt though, and invites Mel over for brunch. Mel is confused by the vibes, but Bebe and Kade are quick to communicate that they are nonmonogamous and that Bebe wants to take Mel out on a date. The ensuing navigation and negotiation of their relationship between themselves and with Kade is realistic, fun, and refreshing to see. If you're starting to tire of fake dating, extended miscommunication, and other oft-used tropes, TRIPLE SEC offers a new take on what a romance novel can look like, and I loved it. And for those who like to know up front, there are two explicit sex scenes and several more closed-door scenes.
Piglet by Lottie Hazell
4.5
This book is incredible. It begins with Kit and Piglet, an engaged couple moving into their new apartment in New York, arranging an elaborate dinner party even though they haven't even unpacked. I fell in love with Piglet through her desire to serve everyone a roast chicken before she even bought a table. Her deep desire for pleasure through food is irresistible, and I was right there with her for every meal she ate. When Kit reveals his infidelity two weeks before their wedding, the novel becomes stressful and claustrophobic in a masterful way. Piglet attempts to find satiation as the rest of her world is falling apart, but she is stymied by her WASPy in-laws-to-be who of course are more concerned with her fitting into her wedding dress than her emotional wellbeing. Piglet continues on with her grandiose plans of making her wedding cake--except it's not a cake, it's a CROQUEMBOUCHE--and pushes down her feelings of betrayal in the hopes that if everything else is perfect, she will just figure out how to forgive Kit. The rest of the novel is a fever dream of denial and permission as Piglet tries to consume everything in reach lest she be consumed herself. CW--this book may be difficult for those who have struggled with disordered eating. Take care of yourself!
Remedial Magic by Melissa Marr
4.0
This fantasy follows several people who, in the moment of their untimely death, are transported into a magical world by an underlying magic that they didn't know they possessed. Once in this world, all newcomers are enrolled in a remedial magic school in which they will either prove themselves to be worthy of staying in this realm or fail and be sent back to the normal world with their memories wiped. Ellie, Daniel, and the other newcomers soon learn that all is not well in the magic realm: there is something poisoning the water supply and killing the crops, and no one is quite sure how to stop it, but they do know that their supplies are quickly dwindling and witches are dying at an alarming rate. Is this a world that anyone would want to stay in? The atmosphere is fairly dark in REMEDIAL MAGIC, but there are queer romances, a darkly funny and creative penal system, and lots of intrigue and tension that will have you preordering the sequel as soon as you finish this one!
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
4.75
I loved this Jamaican-inspired fantasy so so much and I really think you will too! If you have loved other mainstream fantasies like FOURTH WING, you will definitely love this--and if some of those other fantasy novels maybe left you wanting for a story more grounded in anti-colonial history with a richness in details like food and dance and drink informed by the writer's own culture, this one is DEFINITELY for you. SO LET THEM BURN has a righteous rage akin to THE POPPY WAR trilogy and IRON WIDOW (plus bonus points for mecha dragons as well as actual dragons!), but it also leaves some breathing room for things like schoolyard footraces, blushing crushes, and late-night calls between sisters. This book just felt very refreshing to me and I'm so so excited to see what else this debut author creates!