oracle_of_madness's reviews
1325 reviews

skin & bones by Renée Watson

5.0

This story is so well done.  Covering a range of topics like body image and racism, this book at once swept me off my feet while being informative.   There are several topics in this book I will never fully understand,  but the general idea of love is something I think we all can grasp.  Also, the idea of finding oneself is beautifully illustrated in this.  

Out May 7, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

The Library Thief by Kuchenga Shenje

5.0

Wow! I loved this.  This book speaks on homophobia and racism but our heroine,  Florence, is fighting against this. 

Florence is from Jamaica, but when her father brings her back to his home, she just doesn't quite fit in.  No amount of hair straightening can solve these overwhelming issues.  But when she does something her father deems unforgivable, she is tossed out of the house.  

She makes her way to Rose Hall to hopefully work, but winds up finding a mystery instead.  This story is full of magic and love.  Something that I will cherish.  

Out May 7, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!! 

Truly, Madly, Deeply by Alexandria Bellefleur

5.0

I'm in love!! I could not be more obsessed with the main characters if I tried! This had exactly what I needed! Great banter, absolutely hilarious, and sooooooo sexy! 

Out April 30, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

4.5

As a lover of magical girls, how could I possibly say no to this?

A late twenties millennial woman is going through a rough time after covid and starts to not see a light at the end of the tunnel anymore.  However, she is turned into a magical girl with amazing powers! However,  how can she use this magic on the very real-world problems on Earth?

This was delightful! I am so happy I got a chance to read this not only from Netgalley but because this book was translated and I feel like that's magical in itself seeing how hard it is to get many books translated to English.   There are some! I know!!! But, this one is particularly special to me. 

Out April 30, 2024!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!!! 

The One That Got Away with Murder by Trish Lundy

5.0

This book packs a punch, especially with the twists and turns that I didn't  see coming.

When Lauren moves to a new town, she quickly gets involved with the wrong people,  2 brothers known for their homicidal tendencies.   As she works through what is wrong in this town, be ready for some surprises! 

Out April 16, 2024! 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

Knives, Seasoning, & a Dash of Love by Katrina Kwan

4.0

I've finally been able to get my hands on this, and wow! It was worth the wait! An absolutely charismatic duo on the pages, battle it out in the kitchen, and (surprise surprise!) find love! 

This was an absolutely intoxicating read, and I can't wait to see more from this author!

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

5.0

Okay.  This was irresistible! The cozy fantasy vibes, the sweet endearing sapphic romance, and just the overwhelming kindness that just radiated through this book.  I absolutely loved this.

Kianthe is the mage of ages and is in love with Reyna, a guard for a quite evil queen.   They decide to run away together and find the perfect middle of nowhere town.  They get to work opening their tea shop and bookstore, not yet knowing how attached to this town they would become or the difference they would make.   

This has plant magic and earth magic, dragons and dragon eggs, and a very loveable griffin.  Not to mention the utter calmness this book brought me with its wonderful townspeople and solvable problems.   

I can't recommend this enough! 

Out May 7, 2024! 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings

3.75

A sapphic opposites-attract romance!

Opal wins the lottery and is immediately asked for money from numerous people.  As she gives her money away, she decides to protect herself by buying a flower farm. However,  when she meets the gorgeous Pepper, things take a turn. 

There is a lot of adult content in this one.  It was almost too much because it didn't leave a lot of room for emotional connections.   I definitely enjoyed this and would say to give it a go! 

Out April 16th, 3024

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc!

This Is Me Trying by Racquel Marie

5.0

This went beyond.  If you need a good cry, then this is the book for you.  I want to go ahead and warn that this deals with suicide and mental health. 

There are two individuals in this story who are figuring out how to survive a loss.  Both knew someone closely who committed suicide.   Bea seems to be destroying herself in grief.  A loud and often disastrous destruction.  Santi is the opposite.   Trying to shrink away and possibly disappear.   

This book holds a lot of grief, but I found it to be a somewhat cathartic experience.   The emotion ran me dry, but the hopeful ending left me feeling clean. 

Thank you, Netgalley and Publisher, for this Arc! 

To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods by Molly X. Chang

1.0

When I requested this book I didn't realize the huge amount of issues that would come along with it.  Besides personally not agreeing with the content, I also am not interested in supporting any part of this.  

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for this Arc.