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121 reviews by:
wrappedupinpages
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
🌴 New Book Release 🌴
🐊Palm Meridian🐊
In 2067, with Florida partly underwater, Palm Meridian Retirement Resort remains a lively haven for women enjoying their later years. Residents dance, compete, and live boldly despite age-related aches.
Hannah Cardin, a ten-year resident, is preparing for a medically assisted death after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Before it happens, she throws a wild farewell party, inviting friends and her long-lost love, Sophie.
As the party unfolds and Sophie’s absence looms, Hannah reflects on her life and their past romance. But when a hidden secret emerges, Hannah must rethink her final choice.
Set over one day and spanning decades, Palm Meridian celebrates life’s unexpected, vibrant moments.
This book was such a different story with the assisted death topic. I was surprised death wasn’t more of a topic, but only once is it talked about as the story offers flashbacks to the earlier years of Hannah’s life.
I loved reading about not only Hannah’s life but her close friends as well in both the past and present. So many lovable side characters, but that plot twist at the end of the book threw me! Never saw that plot twist coming!!
My only complaint is that I wish the chapters were longer so we would stay in the past longer so there wasn’t as much back and forth!
I also enjoyed that the setting is dystopian. I’m confused as to why this was done, maybe because of the assisted death being legal in Florida when today there are only a few states with legalized assisted death. Overall, I definitely recommend this unique queer story.
4⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @graceflahivewrites for sending me this e-ARC for my honest thoughts!
🐊Palm Meridian🐊
In 2067, with Florida partly underwater, Palm Meridian Retirement Resort remains a lively haven for women enjoying their later years. Residents dance, compete, and live boldly despite age-related aches.
Hannah Cardin, a ten-year resident, is preparing for a medically assisted death after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Before it happens, she throws a wild farewell party, inviting friends and her long-lost love, Sophie.
As the party unfolds and Sophie’s absence looms, Hannah reflects on her life and their past romance. But when a hidden secret emerges, Hannah must rethink her final choice.
Set over one day and spanning decades, Palm Meridian celebrates life’s unexpected, vibrant moments.
This book was such a different story with the assisted death topic. I was surprised death wasn’t more of a topic, but only once is it talked about as the story offers flashbacks to the earlier years of Hannah’s life.
I loved reading about not only Hannah’s life but her close friends as well in both the past and present. So many lovable side characters, but that plot twist at the end of the book threw me! Never saw that plot twist coming!!
My only complaint is that I wish the chapters were longer so we would stay in the past longer so there wasn’t as much back and forth!
I also enjoyed that the setting is dystopian. I’m confused as to why this was done, maybe because of the assisted death being legal in Florida when today there are only a few states with legalized assisted death. Overall, I definitely recommend this unique queer story.
4⭐️
1🌶️
Thank you so much to @netgalley and @graceflahivewrites for sending me this e-ARC for my honest thoughts!
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I needed this book, the escape, the sincerity today! I loved both Cass and Birdie. Even though Cass frustrated me sometimes with how easily she jumped to the wrong conclusion and her lack of growth but she is also only 18. Birdie had me reminiscing on my own coming out journey and being a baby gay. The moment when Case thinks they are on a date but Birdie doesn’t realize this had me laughing! Such a classic sapphic scenario.
I loved the setting of a small beach town! The term “summer girl” refers to the daughters of the wealthy who have summer homes and then leave in the fall again. I thought maybe there was a mistake because the book is titled “Summer Girls” plural. Only Birdie is a summer girl! Then, I read the last sentence of the book and it all made sense! (You will have to get the book to find out the last line!😉)
4⭐️
1🌶️ (yes, this one is rightly in YA romance, which makes me so happy!)
I loved the setting of a small beach town! The term “summer girl” refers to the daughters of the wealthy who have summer homes and then leave in the fall again. I thought maybe there was a mistake because the book is titled “Summer Girls” plural. Only Birdie is a summer girl! Then, I read the last sentence of the book and it all made sense! (You will have to get the book to find out the last line!😉)
4⭐️
1🌶️ (yes, this one is rightly in YA romance, which makes me so happy!)
adventurous
mysterious
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:
No
Drusilla Valerius has been loyal to the Faithless ever since they rescued her from the ruins of her village as a child, fighting fiercely against the oppressive Imperium. But when a mission goes tragically wrong, leaving her best friend dead, she’s saved by the last person she expected—Marcus Scaevola, the only man she’s ever loved and the one who rejected her six years ago. Worse still, Marcus is also the only person to ever walk away from the Faithless, making his sudden reappearance all the more suspect. Dru isn’t the same girl he left behind—she’s deadlier, colder, and far less trusting—and Marcus is unprepared for just how much she's changed.
Despite the tension between them, Marcus convinces Dru to help train King Cato of Anziano for the Valorem Blood Trials, a brutal contest now manipulated by the Imperium under the guise of unity. But when both Dru and Marcus are forced into the competition—she to protect an innocent, he to defend the king—their lives become irrevocably tied. As long-buried feelings resurface amidst the violence and deception of the trials, the line between duty and desire begins to blur. Yet Marcus harbors a secret—one that could shatter everything Dru believes in and tear apart the fragile bond rekindling between them.
Be prepared to be drawn into this world with the beautiful, descriptive language and strong character development. The slow burn is very slow. This is a low spice fantasy to start out with. Deoradhan focus on stellar world building and creating memorable events to help rebuild the trust between Dru and Marcus that I felt was very realistic. This is an enemies to lovers trope after all, so more spice would be unnatural given the circumstances. Overall, the characters are easy to connect with and will have you rooting for them in the deadly trials.
There are multiple twists and turns that will keep you wondering what secret Marcus has as well as Dru’s background and her mysterious interactions with the high priestess of a secretive order of women. The ending completely surprised me and I’m not surprised easily!
Overall, I enjoyed this gladiators meets fantasy story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the saga!
4.5 ⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author for gifting me this ARC. All opinions are my own.
Despite the tension between them, Marcus convinces Dru to help train King Cato of Anziano for the Valorem Blood Trials, a brutal contest now manipulated by the Imperium under the guise of unity. But when both Dru and Marcus are forced into the competition—she to protect an innocent, he to defend the king—their lives become irrevocably tied. As long-buried feelings resurface amidst the violence and deception of the trials, the line between duty and desire begins to blur. Yet Marcus harbors a secret—one that could shatter everything Dru believes in and tear apart the fragile bond rekindling between them.
Be prepared to be drawn into this world with the beautiful, descriptive language and strong character development. The slow burn is very slow. This is a low spice fantasy to start out with. Deoradhan focus on stellar world building and creating memorable events to help rebuild the trust between Dru and Marcus that I felt was very realistic. This is an enemies to lovers trope after all, so more spice would be unnatural given the circumstances. Overall, the characters are easy to connect with and will have you rooting for them in the deadly trials.
There are multiple twists and turns that will keep you wondering what secret Marcus has as well as Dru’s background and her mysterious interactions with the high priestess of a secretive order of women. The ending completely surprised me and I’m not surprised easily!
Overall, I enjoyed this gladiators meets fantasy story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the saga!
4.5 ⭐️
2🌶️
Thank you to The Nerd Fam and author for gifting me this ARC. All opinions are my own.
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Tusks, Tails, and Teacakes by T.L. Stone is an utterly charming read, filled with lovable characters, an adorable town, and just the right touch of adventure. From the moment I stepped into this world, I was wrapped in its warmth—small hometown, magical little surprises, and a community that truly feels like home.
The found family theme is beautifully woven throughout, making the story feel as comforting as a warm fire on a rainy day.
Lira is a wonderful protagonist, and her interactions with the townsfolk (both human and not-so-human) are a joy to read. My only wish is that we got to see a little more development between Lira and shy, protective Korl. Their relationship was so sweet! Acts of service is definitely his love language! Their relationship did feel slightly rushed at the end. I would have loved to have seen more of Lira’s thoughts towards Korl, but the book is written in third person so that does have its limits.
That said, the journey is still a delight, and the novel as a whole is a cozy, feel-good treat. If you love stories about community, kindness, and a touch of whimsy, this one is for you!
The recipes added at the end were a nice touch!
4⭐️
0🌶️
Tusks, Tails, and Teacups is available today! April 4th, 2025 Check the link in my story to order this book palette cleaner.
Thank you to T.L Stone for gifting me this ARC. This is my own honest thoughts and opinions.
The found family theme is beautifully woven throughout, making the story feel as comforting as a warm fire on a rainy day.
Lira is a wonderful protagonist, and her interactions with the townsfolk (both human and not-so-human) are a joy to read. My only wish is that we got to see a little more development between Lira and shy, protective Korl. Their relationship was so sweet! Acts of service is definitely his love language! Their relationship did feel slightly rushed at the end. I would have loved to have seen more of Lira’s thoughts towards Korl, but the book is written in third person so that does have its limits.
That said, the journey is still a delight, and the novel as a whole is a cozy, feel-good treat. If you love stories about community, kindness, and a touch of whimsy, this one is for you!
The recipes added at the end were a nice touch!
4⭐️
0🌶️
Tusks, Tails, and Teacups is available today! April 4th, 2025 Check the link in my story to order this book palette cleaner.
Thank you to T.L Stone for gifting me this ARC. This is my own honest thoughts and opinions.
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a story that unfolds over hundreds of years, but is so intertwined.
Lucy is at university to study to become a journalist with the goal of helping women when a photo she sent to a boy she’s interested in gets leaked for the entire campus to see. Having grown up with an allergy to water, Lucy’s skin is scarred and “hideous”.
After waking to find her hands clutched around the throat of the boy, and haunted by dreams of two sisters on a boat hundreds of years before, Lucy escapes to her older sister Jess‘ home off the coast of Australia. However, when she arrives, she finds detailed paintings of sirens and her sister is nowhere to be found. Lucy discovers Jess’s diary and tries to use this for clues to find where her sister is only to discover startling truths about Jess and herself.
This story is a masterful blend of mythical with realism while highlighting the resilience of women and a glimpse into the history of Irish convicts who were brought to Australia in the 1800s. I listened to the audiobook and was so impressed with the narrator’s ability to go back-and-forth between the different characters, including adopting three different accents and even singing at one point. I was immediately drawn into this story and I could not stop listening.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, thought provoking characters with inner dialogue as well as a touch of the mythical.
Author: Emilia Hart
Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
Release Date: April 1, 2025
4⭐️
1🌶️
Lucy is at university to study to become a journalist with the goal of helping women when a photo she sent to a boy she’s interested in gets leaked for the entire campus to see. Having grown up with an allergy to water, Lucy’s skin is scarred and “hideous”.
After waking to find her hands clutched around the throat of the boy, and haunted by dreams of two sisters on a boat hundreds of years before, Lucy escapes to her older sister Jess‘ home off the coast of Australia. However, when she arrives, she finds detailed paintings of sirens and her sister is nowhere to be found. Lucy discovers Jess’s diary and tries to use this for clues to find where her sister is only to discover startling truths about Jess and herself.
This story is a masterful blend of mythical with realism while highlighting the resilience of women and a glimpse into the history of Irish convicts who were brought to Australia in the 1800s. I listened to the audiobook and was so impressed with the narrator’s ability to go back-and-forth between the different characters, including adopting three different accents and even singing at one point. I was immediately drawn into this story and I could not stop listening.
Highly recommend this book to anyone who loves historical fiction, thought provoking characters with inner dialogue as well as a touch of the mythical.
Author: Emilia Hart
Narrator: Barrie Kreinik
Release Date: April 1, 2025
4⭐️
1🌶️
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
I read this series back when they first were released years ago, so when I saw a new limited edition is being released for each book in this series, I was so excited!
Emelin has grown up in a town at war with the Fae. Treated more like a servant by her parents, Emelin tries to keep her hidden gifts from the townsfolk’s. However, everything changes when she is kidnapped by none other than the Silent Death, a mage who leaves destruction is his wake (or at least it seems so). Emelin must pretend to be his silly little human lover in order to keep the Mother from realizing that Emelin is a bigger threat then anyone knows.
I love the idea of magic coming from colors! I’ve never heard of a magic system like this and I appreciated how unique it is. Also, so many different beings such as the alvers and a sentient labyrinth besides the fae and humans.
I appreciated the mute representation with our MMC Creon being mute and having to rely on writing to communicate. That is until Emelin comes along and teaches him sign language. While Creon has his world opened up by Emelin, Emelin has her own world broadened as she learns to wield her own magic.
The pace was excellent and while there is plenty of action to keep you entertained with enough moments between Emelin and Creon to build a slow burn intertwined into with sweet moments. Emelin is intelligent and caring. I also felt that the world building was adequate and didn’t leave me with any questions.
Overall, I’m excited to reread the rest of the series as when I originally read the first two books, there rest of the series was not yet out!
Emelin has grown up in a town at war with the Fae. Treated more like a servant by her parents, Emelin tries to keep her hidden gifts from the townsfolk’s. However, everything changes when she is kidnapped by none other than the Silent Death, a mage who leaves destruction is his wake (or at least it seems so). Emelin must pretend to be his silly little human lover in order to keep the Mother from realizing that Emelin is a bigger threat then anyone knows.
I love the idea of magic coming from colors! I’ve never heard of a magic system like this and I appreciated how unique it is. Also, so many different beings such as the alvers and a sentient labyrinth besides the fae and humans.
I appreciated the mute representation with our MMC Creon being mute and having to rely on writing to communicate. That is until Emelin comes along and teaches him sign language. While Creon has his world opened up by Emelin, Emelin has her own world broadened as she learns to wield her own magic.
The pace was excellent and while there is plenty of action to keep you entertained with enough moments between Emelin and Creon to build a slow burn intertwined into with sweet moments. Emelin is intelligent and caring. I also felt that the world building was adequate and didn’t leave me with any questions.
Overall, I’m excited to reread the rest of the series as when I originally read the first two books, there rest of the series was not yet out!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
Yes
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston kept showing up as a 5⭐️ read by so many people that I had to add it to my March reading list. I’m so glad I did!
It is an enchanting, heartfelt read that beautifully blends romance, time travel, and self-discovery. Poston’s storytelling is both whimsical and emotionally resonant, pulling readers into a world where love, fate, and second chances intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
The novel’s premise is unique and captivating: a woman discovers her aunt’s appartment holds the key to a relationship that could alter her future. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, who is relatable and endearing. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their emotional journeys are both tender and poignant. Iwan and Clementine were downright adorable together.
Poston’s writing is filled with warmth and charm, and the plot effortlessly balances magical realism with real-world emotional stakes. Whether you’re a fan of romance or just looking for a beautifully told story about growth, grief, love, and the passage of time, The Seven Year Slip is an utterly delightful read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an uplifting, thought-provoking escape into a world where love is truly timeless!
5⭐️
2🌶️
It is an enchanting, heartfelt read that beautifully blends romance, time travel, and self-discovery. Poston’s storytelling is both whimsical and emotionally resonant, pulling readers into a world where love, fate, and second chances intertwine in the most unexpected ways.
The novel’s premise is unique and captivating: a woman discovers her aunt’s appartment holds the key to a relationship that could alter her future. The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, who is relatable and endearing. The chemistry between the leads is palpable, and their emotional journeys are both tender and poignant. Iwan and Clementine were downright adorable together.
Poston’s writing is filled with warmth and charm, and the plot effortlessly balances magical realism with real-world emotional stakes. Whether you’re a fan of romance or just looking for a beautifully told story about growth, grief, love, and the passage of time, The Seven Year Slip is an utterly delightful read. Highly recommended for anyone looking for an uplifting, thought-provoking escape into a world where love is truly timeless!
5⭐️
2🌶️
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
✨Book Review✨
Love in Focus by Lyla Lee is a fast-paced, easy-to-read sapphic romance that follows Gemma as she navigates the aftermath of a tough breakup with her fiancé of seven years. Things get even more complicated when she’s assigned to a work project where her ex, Celeste — the one that got away — is hired as the photographer. The story is primarily told from Gemma’s point of view, but occasionally shifts to third-person chapters from Celeste’s perspective, which I appreciated as it gave some insight into her mind. Their reconnection felt romantic and meant to be, and I enjoyed watching them come back together.
One of the strongest aspects of the book was the cultural representation, especially of the queer Korean community. Both main characters are POC, and the Korean culture is woven into the story in a way that feels authentic and intimate, adding an extra layer to the relationship.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully work for me. At times, it felt disjointed and choppy, with shifts in tone that were a bit jarring. When it came to the romance, I felt that the emotional build-up and yearning were missing, which made their transition to a physical relationship feel too fast. Given the emotional weight of their past, I wanted more tension and slow-burn development before they got intimate.
Overall, while I enjoyed the plot, the cultural elements, and the side characters, the pacing and writing style kept me from fully loving it. It’s a fun read any fellow lovers of sapphic romance. Also, that cover is stunning!
3.5 ⭐️
3🌶️
Author: @authorlylalee
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Thank you @netgalley and @authorlylalee for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
Love in Focus by Lyla Lee is a fast-paced, easy-to-read sapphic romance that follows Gemma as she navigates the aftermath of a tough breakup with her fiancé of seven years. Things get even more complicated when she’s assigned to a work project where her ex, Celeste — the one that got away — is hired as the photographer. The story is primarily told from Gemma’s point of view, but occasionally shifts to third-person chapters from Celeste’s perspective, which I appreciated as it gave some insight into her mind. Their reconnection felt romantic and meant to be, and I enjoyed watching them come back together.
One of the strongest aspects of the book was the cultural representation, especially of the queer Korean community. Both main characters are POC, and the Korean culture is woven into the story in a way that feels authentic and intimate, adding an extra layer to the relationship.
That said, the writing style didn’t fully work for me. At times, it felt disjointed and choppy, with shifts in tone that were a bit jarring. When it came to the romance, I felt that the emotional build-up and yearning were missing, which made their transition to a physical relationship feel too fast. Given the emotional weight of their past, I wanted more tension and slow-burn development before they got intimate.
Overall, while I enjoyed the plot, the cultural elements, and the side characters, the pacing and writing style kept me from fully loving it. It’s a fun read any fellow lovers of sapphic romance. Also, that cover is stunning!
3.5 ⭐️
3🌶️
Author: @authorlylalee
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Thank you @netgalley and @authorlylalee for providing me with this e-book in exchange for my honest review.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Blood and Empire marks the beginning of best-selling author James Maxwell’s highly anticipated new epic fantasy series, The Gateway Saga—a thrilling story of ambition, sacrifice, and defying fate.
Bethany, a young seamstress, dreams of becoming a diviner—one of the rare individuals able to navigate the enigmatic gateways that bind the empire together. But with no wealth, no formal education, and only her mother to support her, she faces an uncertain future.
That is, until she meets Charlton, a cleric who offers her knowledge and guidance, revealing a world she once thought impossible to reach. But as Bethany’s ambitions attract attention, her past resurfaces when her estranged father returns, forcing her to confront painful truths she’s long avoided.
As the empire faces the threat of invasion and betrayal tears through its highest ranks, Bethany must learn to control both external forces and her own inner turmoil in order to uncover the dark secrets of her bloodline—and ultimately save the empire from its own destruction.
I’m only 15% of the way into the book and I’m already hooked! This book is already setting itself up to be a epic story with multiple POV, a darkness that is sweeping the land, killing those in its wake, and 2 MFC who don’t let obstacles stand in their way.
I will post the review once I finish the book.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
Bethany, a young seamstress, dreams of becoming a diviner—one of the rare individuals able to navigate the enigmatic gateways that bind the empire together. But with no wealth, no formal education, and only her mother to support her, she faces an uncertain future.
That is, until she meets Charlton, a cleric who offers her knowledge and guidance, revealing a world she once thought impossible to reach. But as Bethany’s ambitions attract attention, her past resurfaces when her estranged father returns, forcing her to confront painful truths she’s long avoided.
As the empire faces the threat of invasion and betrayal tears through its highest ranks, Bethany must learn to control both external forces and her own inner turmoil in order to uncover the dark secrets of her bloodline—and ultimately save the empire from its own destruction.
I’m only 15% of the way into the book and I’m already hooked! This book is already setting itself up to be a epic story with multiple POV, a darkness that is sweeping the land, killing those in its wake, and 2 MFC who don’t let obstacles stand in their way.
I will post the review once I finish the book.
Thank you to @netgalley for providing me with this ARC.
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No