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marginmuse's reviews
63 reviews
Death of a Ghostwriter by Gaynor Torrance
3.0
Death of a Ghostwriter has all the makings of a charming cozy mystery: a picturesque English village, quirky characters, and an intriguing murder case. When Albert Franklynn’s sudden death reveals his shocking double—or rather, triple—life as a husband to three women, the story takes a hilarious and chaotic turn. Sylvie, Albert’s first wife, teams up with his other two widows, Liz and Harriet, to uncover the truth behind his murder, setting the stage for an unconventional sleuthing trio.
The premise is unique and entertaining, and I loved the dynamic between the three widows as they begrudgingly work together despite their differences. Each character brought something special to the table—Sylvie’s warmth and resilience, Harriet’s sharp analytical mind, and Liz’s no-nonsense practicality. The backdrop of Monksworthy, with its tea rooms, cobblestone streets, and nosy villagers, added a cozy charm that made me feel right at home.
However, while the book had its strengths, it fell short in pacing and plot development. The mystery, though intriguing, lacked the twists and turns I was hoping for, and the humor didn’t always land for me. Some parts dragged, and I found myself more invested in the character dynamics than the actual whodunit.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The premise is unique and entertaining, and I loved the dynamic between the three widows as they begrudgingly work together despite their differences. Each character brought something special to the table—Sylvie’s warmth and resilience, Harriet’s sharp analytical mind, and Liz’s no-nonsense practicality. The backdrop of Monksworthy, with its tea rooms, cobblestone streets, and nosy villagers, added a cozy charm that made me feel right at home.
However, while the book had its strengths, it fell short in pacing and plot development. The mystery, though intriguing, lacked the twists and turns I was hoping for, and the humor didn’t always land for me. Some parts dragged, and I found myself more invested in the character dynamics than the actual whodunit.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The Last Letter From Sicily by Lindsay Marie Morris
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
4.0
The Last Letter from Sicily is a stunning and moving World War II historical novel that transported me over two continents and into the heart of a forbidden love tale. Set in 1939 Sicily, it follows seventeen-year-old Concetta as she receives the heartbreaking news that her family is leaving their beloved village for America. Her love for Gaetano, a fisherman's kid her father would never approve of, is undeniable, and their final night together under the Sicilian stars cements a bond that time and distance cannot break. Gaetano presents her a fountain pen, and their love is memorialized in letters, each one promising that they will one day be reunited.
As Concetta adjusts to her new life in America, her letters to Gaetano serve as an emotional anchor, but the outbreak of war upends everything. When Gaetano's letters end abruptly, Concetta's determination to find him leads her on an emotional and risky trip across a war-torn seas in quest of the man she pledged to never forget. The work delves brilliantly into themes of love, sorrow, and the persistence of the human spirit, and I was glued to the pages to find out whether Concetta and Gaetano's dream would ever come true.
As Concetta adjusts to her new life in America, her letters to Gaetano serve as an emotional anchor, but the outbreak of war upends everything. When Gaetano's letters end abruptly, Concetta's determination to find him leads her on an emotional and risky trip across a war-torn seas in quest of the man she pledged to never forget. The work delves brilliantly into themes of love, sorrow, and the persistence of the human spirit, and I was glued to the pages to find out whether Concetta and Gaetano's dream would ever come true.
Morris has crafted a story that is both painful and inspirational. The rich historical background, the emotional connection between Concetta and Gaetano, and the eternal question of how far you would go to keep a promise made beneath the stars all combine to create a novel that will stay with you long after you've read it. The Last Letter from Sicily is a must-read for readers of emotive historical fiction, and it will inspire you to trust in the power of love, even in the darkest of times.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Risen Apes by Vana Elaire
4.0
Risen Apes was an experience that left me with more questions than answers, but in the greatest way possible. From the first page, I was drawn into the gothic world of Vale Academy, where science and the supernatural are constantly at odds and nothing is ever quite as it seems.
The tale follows Damianos Eaton, a man haunted by a near-death experience, and Rickter Han, a cynical supermodel who suffers from sleep paralysis. Their paths converge at the academy, where the line between science and the supernatural blurs. As they go deeper into their studies of astral projection and metaphysical phenomena, they discover alarming truths about the academy's evil past. The suspense is palpable, with the boundary between reality and the paranormal continuously moving, creating an unsettling, evocative environment.
What I liked best about Risen Apes was its philosophical undercurrents. The story is about more than just mystery and suspense; it also questions the nature of truth and knowing. It made me think about how much we're prepared to risk in search of answers, especially when those answers could cost us more than just our sanity. The characters' psychological depth was riveting, with Damianos and Rickter dealing with their own inner torment in genuine and authentic ways.
While the novel does explore darker issues such as suicide, death, and sexual material, it does so with purpose and never feels gratuitous. The stakes feel personal, and each twist in the story made me question the fundamental nature of what was going on at Vale. The tension gradually rises, drawing you deeper into the mystery, and the ending is both satisfying and haunting.
Risen Apes is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark academia and metaphysical thrillers. The combination of atmospheric language, philosophical concepts, and suspenseful storytelling kept me flipping pages well into the night. If you're seeking for a novel that will make you doubt reality, this one is definitely worth reading.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The tale follows Damianos Eaton, a man haunted by a near-death experience, and Rickter Han, a cynical supermodel who suffers from sleep paralysis. Their paths converge at the academy, where the line between science and the supernatural blurs. As they go deeper into their studies of astral projection and metaphysical phenomena, they discover alarming truths about the academy's evil past. The suspense is palpable, with the boundary between reality and the paranormal continuously moving, creating an unsettling, evocative environment.
What I liked best about Risen Apes was its philosophical undercurrents. The story is about more than just mystery and suspense; it also questions the nature of truth and knowing. It made me think about how much we're prepared to risk in search of answers, especially when those answers could cost us more than just our sanity. The characters' psychological depth was riveting, with Damianos and Rickter dealing with their own inner torment in genuine and authentic ways.
While the novel does explore darker issues such as suicide, death, and sexual material, it does so with purpose and never feels gratuitous. The stakes feel personal, and each twist in the story made me question the fundamental nature of what was going on at Vale. The tension gradually rises, drawing you deeper into the mystery, and the ending is both satisfying and haunting.
Risen Apes is not for the faint of heart, but it is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark academia and metaphysical thrillers. The combination of atmospheric language, philosophical concepts, and suspenseful storytelling kept me flipping pages well into the night. If you're seeking for a novel that will make you doubt reality, this one is definitely worth reading.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hameroff
4.0
Never Planned on You by Lindsay Hamerof is an enchanting mix of charm, chaos, and heartfelt moments that left me grinning and occasionally clutching my chest. Ali Rubin is a delightfully flawed and relatable protagonist, with her impulsive spirit and her struggle to shake off the “family flake” label. I saw so much of myself in her desire to prove her worth while still embracing the whirlwind that is her life. Her relationship with her older sister also hit close to home—messy, supportive, and full of love, just like real sibling dynamics.
The second-chance romance between Ali and Graham was magnetic. Their history, complete with matching tattoos and unspoken “what ifs,” added an undeniable layer of tension. Every interaction crackled with chemistry, and I couldn’t help but root for them, even as the situation grew increasingly complicated. (Seriously, the whole “he’s the groom at her career-making wedding” twist was equal parts delicious and devastating!)
What I loved most about this book was the balance between humor and heart. There were laugh-out-loud moments, like Ali’s quick wit and the banter between her and Graham, but also more introspective ones as Ali grappled with her career aspirations, family expectations, and what she truly wanted for herself.
The only reason I’m holding back that fifth star is the pacing. Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially in the resolution, and I wanted more time to savor certain moments—particularly between Ali and Graham. Still, the journey was worth it, and the ending left me with all the warm, fuzzy feels.
If you love swoony romances with strong family dynamics, high-stakes wedding drama, and characters who feel like your best friends, this book is a must-read. It’s a sparkling reminder that love—and life—often doesn’t go as planned, and that’s what makes it beautiful. 💕
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The second-chance romance between Ali and Graham was magnetic. Their history, complete with matching tattoos and unspoken “what ifs,” added an undeniable layer of tension. Every interaction crackled with chemistry, and I couldn’t help but root for them, even as the situation grew increasingly complicated. (Seriously, the whole “he’s the groom at her career-making wedding” twist was equal parts delicious and devastating!)
What I loved most about this book was the balance between humor and heart. There were laugh-out-loud moments, like Ali’s quick wit and the banter between her and Graham, but also more introspective ones as Ali grappled with her career aspirations, family expectations, and what she truly wanted for herself.
The only reason I’m holding back that fifth star is the pacing. Some parts felt a bit rushed, especially in the resolution, and I wanted more time to savor certain moments—particularly between Ali and Graham. Still, the journey was worth it, and the ending left me with all the warm, fuzzy feels.
If you love swoony romances with strong family dynamics, high-stakes wedding drama, and characters who feel like your best friends, this book is a must-read. It’s a sparkling reminder that love—and life—often doesn’t go as planned, and that’s what makes it beautiful. 💕
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett
4.0
This book was an absolute ride from start to finish. Set in a world where secrets can kill and the line between right and wrong blurs with every turn, A Drop of Corruption had me hooked from page one.
Ana and Din, the unlikely duo at the heart of this mystery, stole the show. Ana is sharp, unrelenting, and haunted by her past, while Din is the kind of partner you’d want watching your back—equal parts loyal and unpredictable. Their dynamic crackles with tension and humor, making every interaction feel like a high-stakes chess match.
The mystery itself? Intricately layered and brilliantly paced. As Ana and Din chase down clues in the sprawling, gritty city, the stakes kept rising. The corruption runs deep here, and every revelation felt like peeling back another layer of a rotting onion—equal parts satisfying and horrifying.
What I loved most was the world-building. Bennett’s descriptions are rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a city teetering on the edge of chaos. It’s dark, atmospheric, and alive with danger. You can practically feel the weight of the corruption that Ana and Din are up against.
If you’re a fan of gritty mysteries with morally gray characters, intricate plots, and a touch of noir, this book is for you. It’s smart, thrilling, and packed with twists I didn’t see coming. I’m already counting down the days until the next Ana and Din mystery drops!
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Ana and Din, the unlikely duo at the heart of this mystery, stole the show. Ana is sharp, unrelenting, and haunted by her past, while Din is the kind of partner you’d want watching your back—equal parts loyal and unpredictable. Their dynamic crackles with tension and humor, making every interaction feel like a high-stakes chess match.
The mystery itself? Intricately layered and brilliantly paced. As Ana and Din chase down clues in the sprawling, gritty city, the stakes kept rising. The corruption runs deep here, and every revelation felt like peeling back another layer of a rotting onion—equal parts satisfying and horrifying.
What I loved most was the world-building. Bennett’s descriptions are rich and immersive, painting a vivid picture of a city teetering on the edge of chaos. It’s dark, atmospheric, and alive with danger. You can practically feel the weight of the corruption that Ana and Din are up against.
If you’re a fan of gritty mysteries with morally gray characters, intricate plots, and a touch of noir, this book is for you. It’s smart, thrilling, and packed with twists I didn’t see coming. I’m already counting down the days until the next Ana and Din mystery drops!
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Cursebound by Saara El-Arifi
4.0
I just finished Cursebound by Saara El-Arifi, and it’s safe to say I’m completely wrapped up in this sequel. The stakes are higher, the emotions run deeper, and the world feels even more vivid and expansive. Picking up where Faebound left off, this book delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the devastating consequences of war—both internal and external.
Yeeran’s journey is heartbreaking and powerful. Her return to her homeland, only to face the specter of her past lover’s betrayal, had me glued to every page. The tension between duty and desire is palpable, and her struggles made her arc feel deeply human, despite the epic fantasy setting. Meanwhile, Lettle’s determination to uncover the truth behind the curse kept me intrigued. Her interactions with the mysterious stranger brought a fresh layer of intrigue to the story, and her persistence made her a character I couldn’t help but root for.
What I love most about El-Arifi’s writing is how she seamlessly blends rich world-building with complex, flawed characters. The fae court, the elven lands, and the growing rift between these two worlds all felt alive with danger and wonder. And while the romance is swoon-worthy, it’s never overbearing—it always serves the story and the characters’ growth.
The pacing occasionally felt uneven, and I found myself wishing for more resolution in certain plotlines, but the emotional depth and stunning prose more than made up for it. The ending left me with a mix of hope and heartbreak, and now I’m anxiously awaiting the final book in the trilogy.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
A Palace Near the Wind by Ai Jiang
3.5
From the start, A Palace Near the Wind pulled me in with its breathtaking world-building. The Feng people, with their bark-like faces and braided limbs, were so vividly described that I could practically feel the wind shifting around me. The setting was rich and haunting, and it was clear Ai Jiang poured so much care into crafting this unique world. But as much as I loved the atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel let down by the rest of the story.
Lufeng’s journey—her struggle between duty and rebellion—had so much potential, but it never quite hit home for me. I wanted to connect with her, to feel her love, fear, and defiance deeply, but her character felt flat. She was more of a vessel for the themes of the story than a person I could truly root for. And the supporting characters? They were barely there, more like shadows than actual people. I kept waiting for the moment when they would come alive, but it never happened.
The plot itself felt rushed, like it was trying to keep up with the world-building but never managed to find its footing. Major moments flew by so quickly that they barely had time to land emotionally, and by the end, I realized I cared more about the world than what was actually happening in it. It felt like the characters and the story were just vehicles to showcase the setting, rather than the other way around.
Don’t get me wrong, Ai Jiang’s writing is beautiful, and the world of the Feng people is unlike anything I’ve read before. But for me, the imbalance between the lush world-building and the underdeveloped characters and plot left the story feeling hollow. If you’re someone who prioritizes atmosphere over narrative, you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, though, it just didn’t quite come together.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Lufeng’s journey—her struggle between duty and rebellion—had so much potential, but it never quite hit home for me. I wanted to connect with her, to feel her love, fear, and defiance deeply, but her character felt flat. She was more of a vessel for the themes of the story than a person I could truly root for. And the supporting characters? They were barely there, more like shadows than actual people. I kept waiting for the moment when they would come alive, but it never happened.
The plot itself felt rushed, like it was trying to keep up with the world-building but never managed to find its footing. Major moments flew by so quickly that they barely had time to land emotionally, and by the end, I realized I cared more about the world than what was actually happening in it. It felt like the characters and the story were just vehicles to showcase the setting, rather than the other way around.
Don’t get me wrong, Ai Jiang’s writing is beautiful, and the world of the Feng people is unlike anything I’ve read before. But for me, the imbalance between the lush world-building and the underdeveloped characters and plot left the story feeling hollow. If you’re someone who prioritizes atmosphere over narrative, you might enjoy this more than I did. For me, though, it just didn’t quite come together.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sea Change by Susan Fletcher
4.0
Reading Sea Change felt like standing on the edge of two worlds and not knowing which way to jump. Turtle’s story pulled me in from the very first chapter because, let’s be real, who hasn’t felt torn between two parts of their identity? The tension she feels between the underwater world of the Mer and the pull of the Normal world (and, okay, the charming Kai) hit hard.
What I loved most was how real Turtle feels. She’s stubborn, loyal, and sometimes a little reckless, but that just makes her all the more relatable. Her struggles—trying to figure out where she belongs, reconnecting with her past while navigating an uncertain future—felt so authentic. Even though the book is set in a world shaped by rogue gene editing and a society grappling with its consequences, the emotions are universal.
The world Susan Fletcher created is incredible. From the hauntingly beautiful underwater life of the Mer to the eeriness of drowned towns, every setting feels alive. But the heart of the story is Turtle and her relationships—with her friends, her family, and herself.
If you’ve ever felt caught between who you are and who you want to be, or if you love stories with a mix of heart and high stakes, Sea Change is for you. It’s equal parts breathtaking, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional—a story about love, identity, and what it means to truly belong.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
What I loved most was how real Turtle feels. She’s stubborn, loyal, and sometimes a little reckless, but that just makes her all the more relatable. Her struggles—trying to figure out where she belongs, reconnecting with her past while navigating an uncertain future—felt so authentic. Even though the book is set in a world shaped by rogue gene editing and a society grappling with its consequences, the emotions are universal.
The world Susan Fletcher created is incredible. From the hauntingly beautiful underwater life of the Mer to the eeriness of drowned towns, every setting feels alive. But the heart of the story is Turtle and her relationships—with her friends, her family, and herself.
If you’ve ever felt caught between who you are and who you want to be, or if you love stories with a mix of heart and high stakes, Sea Change is for you. It’s equal parts breathtaking, thought-provoking, and deeply emotional—a story about love, identity, and what it means to truly belong.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
You Between the Lines by Katie Naymon
4.0
This book hit way too close to home in the best way possible. As a college student who’s spent more time than I’d like to admit second-guessing my place in academic spaces, Leigh’s journey in You Between the Lines felt ridiculously relatable. She’s thrown into this super pretentious MFA program where everyone has read books you’ve only pretended to know, and she’s trying to prove she belongs—who hasn’t been there in some way?
Leigh is hilarious and self-aware, but also painfully honest about her insecurities. She’s not the “perfect poet” stereotype, which makes rooting for her so much more satisfying. And then there’s William, her high school crush-turned-MFA nemesis. Their banter is sharp and cutting, but it’s laced with this undercurrent of unresolved history that had me absolutely hooked. I swear, every time they shared a scene, I was screaming internally, “Just kiss already!”
What really sold me, though, was how real this book feels. It’s about more than just academic rivalries and romance—it’s about figuring out who you are when you’re surrounded by people who seem like they have it all together (spoiler: they don’t). It’s funny, smart, and just a little bit messy, like all the best things in life.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, fallen for someone you shouldn’t, or felt like you were faking your way through something big, you need this book. It’s like a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider trying to make it work.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Leigh is hilarious and self-aware, but also painfully honest about her insecurities. She’s not the “perfect poet” stereotype, which makes rooting for her so much more satisfying. And then there’s William, her high school crush-turned-MFA nemesis. Their banter is sharp and cutting, but it’s laced with this undercurrent of unresolved history that had me absolutely hooked. I swear, every time they shared a scene, I was screaming internally, “Just kiss already!”
What really sold me, though, was how real this book feels. It’s about more than just academic rivalries and romance—it’s about figuring out who you are when you’re surrounded by people who seem like they have it all together (spoiler: they don’t). It’s funny, smart, and just a little bit messy, like all the best things in life.
If you’ve ever doubted yourself, fallen for someone you shouldn’t, or felt like you were faking your way through something big, you need this book. It’s like a love letter to anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider trying to make it work.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The Good Boy by Stella Hayward
4.0
I didn’t think I needed a book about a dog-turned-human in my life, but The Good Boy completely charmed me! It’s equal parts laugh-out-loud funny and heartwarming, with a magical twist that makes it unlike any other romance I’ve read.
Genie is such a relatable protagonist, navigating life and love with a mix of humor and uncertainty. But let’s be real—Rory steals the show. As a human, he’s all Golden Retriever energy: loyal, goofy, and completely clueless about human norms. Watching Genie try to manage him while untangling her own feelings was pure joy.
The book balances its hilarity with genuine emotional moments, especially as Genie enlists Miles, her childhood friend, to help. Their dynamic adds another layer to the story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with quirky characters, magical mishaps, and a surprising amount of heart, this one is a must-read. It’s a delightful reminder that love often comes in the most unexpected forms.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Genie is such a relatable protagonist, navigating life and love with a mix of humor and uncertainty. But let’s be real—Rory steals the show. As a human, he’s all Golden Retriever energy: loyal, goofy, and completely clueless about human norms. Watching Genie try to manage him while untangling her own feelings was pure joy.
The book balances its hilarity with genuine emotional moments, especially as Genie enlists Miles, her childhood friend, to help. Their dynamic adds another layer to the story that kept me hooked from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with quirky characters, magical mishaps, and a surprising amount of heart, this one is a must-read. It’s a delightful reminder that love often comes in the most unexpected forms.
✧˖°. ⤷ I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.