Short AF Book Review | You X Me | ARC Received By Netgalley

 Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "You X Me" by Ayla Vejdani. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"Love finds a way - through dating apps, shared playlists, inherited recipes, and sweat - soaked dance floors. In this interconnected collection of modern sapphic stories, six singles navigate the beautiful chaos of finding romance across cosmopolitan cities from Los Angeles to Montreal. Noura swipes right on Luna with a little help from her friends. Maryam and Nilou fall hard after a meet - cute in the copyshop. Paz and Ale rediscover each other, and rehash a decades - old heartbreak. Each story stands alone as a perfect escape, but together they weave a gorgeous tapestry of connection. Hot, hopefull, and unapologetically glamerous, You x Me celebrate love between queer women and nonbinary people of colour, in all its sparkling, complex, and irresistble forms."

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read "You X Me" is genuinely because I saw this on Netgalley and the cover and the description caught my eye. Friends, this was such a perfect before bed read. Each of the stories are about 40-60 pages and honestly (other than the final 2 stories) I ended up reading a story a night. This book was so flowery and gorgeous and truly had me giggling and rooting for all of the characters, even the "smutty" scenes were written beautifully and had so much emotion behind them. I was surprised to see so many queer characters that were older than me represented, because as much as I love queer romance, we typically don't see people above their 30s in many stories. It was also incredible to see so many stories of queer POC all in one place. The diversity in this story was incredible and definitely has something for almost everyone in. This book definitely highlighted how important it is to recognise that even within our own communities we are still lacking in what it means to be equal. I really enjoyed getting to learn about the characters cultures, and how they intermingled with their queerness/relationships. I really enjoyed this book, and I definitely would recommend picking this one up, especially if you love queer romance.

I gave this book a 4/5 star rating on Goodreads.

This book comes out on the 26th May 2026!

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | I Shall Never Fall In Love

Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "I Shall Never Fall In Love" by Hari Conner. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"George has major problems: They've just inherited the failing family estate, and the feelings for their best friend, Eleanor, ahve become more complicated than ever. Not to mention, if anyone found out they were secretly dressing in men's clothes. George is sure it would be ruination for the family name.

Eleanor has always wanted to do everything 'right', including falling in love - but she's never met a boy she was interested in. She'd much rather spend time with her best friend, George, and her beloved cousin Charlotte. However, when a new suitor comes to town, she finds her closest friendships threatened, forcing her to rethink what 'right' means and confront feelings she never knew she had.

Inspired by Jane Austen and queer history, I Shall Never Fall In Love shines a light on what it means to be true to yourself and rewrites the rules for what makes a happily ever after."

So the reason I wanted to read this book is because I saw it featured in the queer liberation library's graphic novel section and as y'all know, I love a good queer graphic novel. Friends, this is honestly just such a cute read. If you want something light, and fluffy and gentle, which still touches on topics of race, being queer and being trans then this is the book for you. The artwork throughout this book is beautiful and lovely and just matches the story so well. I also have to take a moment to talk about some of the facial expressions the artist drew because they honestly had me cackling at stupid hours of the morning. The yearning throughout this book is something I dream of seeing in every romance I read. All in all, this book is adorable, it gave plenty of resources in the end for queer and black british history and I definitely would recommend reading this if you want a mostly lighthearted read.

I gave this a 4/5 star rating on Goodreads!

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | Confessions Of A Virgin On A Dating App

 Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Confessions Of A Virgin On A Dating App" by Sydney Wilder. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"Sex.

Everyone's concerned with whether or not to have it.

But what happens when you can't?

Avery Murphy has a problem. Ever since she tried losing her virginity to her college boyfriend, she's been physically unable to have sex. It's just too painful. When her failed promiscuity gets her kicked out of bible college and ostracized by her religious family, Avery packs up and moves halfway across the state of Florida in search of a new life.

Now five years later, Avery is happy and comfortable in Orlando, with a job she loves and cute townhouse to call home. She spends most of her free time at a gaming shop, where she enjoys tabletop gaming with a wonderful group of friends - including Devin Lancaster, the shop's snarky owner. But as her 27th birthday approaches, she longs for a partner to share it all with. She turns to online dating, eager to find a match... but who wants to be with a woman who can't have sex?

Through a series of dating mishaps and awkward romances, Avery goes on a painful yet eye - opening journey to unravel the cause of her condition. And when one night changes everything, Avery realizes her sexual dysfunction may be caused by much bigger health issues... and that love can often be found - and where - you least expect it."

So, the reason I wanted to read this one is because I've been following Sydney on Instagram since I read "The Lone Wolf Cafe" by her. The moment I saw that she'd written a book with a main character who has vaginismus, a condition which I have, I knew I wanted to pick it up. I'm not gonna lie friends, I was a bit 50/50 on this book. I genuinely think this was the cutest romance book I have read in a while, the characters are overly soppy and cute with each other and it was lovely to read. I actually learned some more facts about my condition which I genuinely did not even realise could be possible. I also just love a geeky read with plenty of references that make me feel immersed within the story. The downside, however, I feel like this book could've been 80 pages shorter and still got it's point across. Don't get me wrong, I loved seeing the romance play out in this story, I just feel like the ending took to long to get to. Now, this absolutely could be due to the fact I've been consuming so many fast paced books and I'm inpatient. I still enjoyed this book, it just wasn't a favourite. I will say if you're going to read this, to look up the trigger warnings, and I would recommend this to anyone who just wants a cute, geeky, contemporary romance to read. 

I gave this book a 3/5 star rating on Goodreads.

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | Orla! | ARC Received By Netgalley

 Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Orla!" by John Lees. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"ORLA! is a romcom/creature feature mash - up about a lonely woman struggling to navigate the Seattle singles scene while sometimes turning into a man - eating monster.

Love is a monster, Orl Bard is an antique restorer, romance novel enjoyer and keen birder. She also believes in true love, continuing to navigate Seattle's singles scene despite repeated disappointment. But Orla has a secret. She is afflicted with The Ick, a man - eating monstrous entity dwelling inside her, who violently emerges whenever she gets to angry or afraid. Unable to rid herself of this curse, Orla uses The Ick to save other women by removing the scummiest men frot he dating pool... permanently. Hearts (and bodies) will be broken in this offbeat romcom/creature - feature mashup!"

I received this book as an ARC on Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read Orla! is because I saw this in Netgalley's graphic novel section and it looked like the perfect read for me. Friends, this graphic novel was such a fun, colourful and sometimes disturbing read. I love when horror mashes with comedy and this truly was the perfect blend of both the genres. I found it really easy to see myself and relate to parts of Orla, as I suspect most women will. I would 100% recommend reading up on the trigger warnings, as there are a few moments that could absolutely be triggering for some people. Most of the comic however, is lighthearted, and funny, and maybe just a little bit gory to top it all off. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who just wants a quick fun graphic novel to read. I definitely will be getting myself a physical copy when it's out!

I gave this a 4/5 star rating on Goodreads!

This book comes out on the 21st April 2026!

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | Grief Eater | ARC Received By Netgalley

 

Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Grief Eater" by Emma Osborne. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"Visceral, gritty, and unforgiving. GRIEF EATER is a zombie story like you've never read before.

When Kristina rises from her violent death, she's not the same fragile woman wher family once abandoned. She's rageful, powerful, and hungry - for the blood of the ones who were supposed to love her. With a newfound craving to see vengeance and grief served, she launches into a once - in - an - undead - lifetime journey across blood - slicked highways to the scorched Australian bush and her hometown. As her body fails and her mind fractures, she's left with one final question: Is she here to forgive, or to feed?

A transgressive, gory examination of queer identity and found family, GRIEF EATER sinks its teeth into trauma and what it means to be devoured by grief."

I received this book as an ARC from Netgalley, however all opinions are my own.

So the reason I wanted to read "Grief Eater" is honestly because I saw this on Netgalley and the cover and description caught my eye. Friends, this was such an incredible read. I was shocked at how much story, and emotion, and world building this book managed to fit in just 89 pages. This book was frightening, heartbreaking, and was so, so bittersweet. I have never felt more emotionally attached to a zombie in my life than I have towards Kristina. I have also never felt such an emotional turmoil of whether or not I should be rooting for what the main character is doing, and I honestly think that is the whole point of the book. I could not put this book down, and actually ended up reading it in one sitting. If you want a devistatingly heartbreaking book that is centered around queer identity, grief, trauma and found family, I would 100% recommend picking up this book.

I gave this book a 4/5 star rating on Goodreads.

This book comes out on the 1st June 2026!

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | The Sunbearer Trials

Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "The Sunbearer Trials" by Aiden Thomar. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"Welcome to The Sunbearer Trials, where teen semidioses compete in a series of challenges with the highest of stakes, in this electric new Mexican - inspired fantasy from Aiden Thomas, The New York Times bestselling author of Cemetery Boys.

'Only the most powerful and honorable semidoses get chosen. I'm just a Jade. I'm not a real hero.'

As each new decade begins, the Sun's power must be replenished so that Sol can keep travelling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidoses between the ages of thirteen and eighteen are selected by Sol himself as the most worthy to compete in The Sunbearer Trials. The winner carries light and life to all the temples of Reino del Sol, but the loser has the greatest honor of all - they will be sacrificed to Sol, their body used to fuel the Sun Stones that will protect the people of Reino del Sol for the next ten years.

Teo, a 17 - year - old Jade semidios and the trans son of Quetzzal, goddess of birds, has never worried about the Trials... or rather, he's only worried for others. His best friend Niya - daughter of Tierra, the god of earth - is one of the strongest heroes of their generation and is much too likely to be chosen this year. He also can't help but worry (reluctantly, and under protest) for Aurello, a powerful Gold semidios and Teo's friend - turned - rival who is a shoo - in for the Trials. Teo wouldn't mind taking Aurelio down a notch or two, but a one - in - ten chance of death is a bit too close for Teo's taste.

But then, for the first time in over a century, Sol chooses a semidios who isn't a Gold. In fact, he chooses two: Xio, the 13 - year - old child of Mala Suerte, god of bad luck, and... Teo. Now they must compete in five mysterious trials, against opponents who are both more powerful and better trained, for fame, glory, and their own survival."

So the reason I wanted to read this is because this has been recommended to me by so many people through queer booktok, and as y'all know I love queer storytelling. Friends, this story was mostly so much fun. I honestly loved every minute of it. First of all, I loved getting to meet all the Semidioses and learning about their powers and their friendships/relationships with each other. It made it so easy to fall in love with all the characters, even the ones that weren't that likeable, and feel every bit of emotion that they were going through. The author had such a way of describing what everything look/felt/sounds/smelled like, that I actually was able to picture the scenes so clearly in my head. There were so many references, and lighthearted jokes in this book that had me truly cackling. However, with that being said, THIS BOOK BROKE MY HEART. I was not expecting how hurt and confused I was going to be by the end of the book, and honestly, it made me SO excited for the second one. That excited in fact, that I instantly bought the second book, and will be reading it ASAP. If you want a fun, heartwrenching, beautiful queer YA fantasy to read, I would 1000% recommend this one.

I gave this book a 5/5 star rating on Goodreads.

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!

Short AF Book Review | Deep End

 Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Deep End" by Ali Hazelwood. This review is going to be short and sweet (like the title suggests) and spoiler free (however there will be the Goodreads synopsis in this and sometimes it can contain spoilers so please keep that in mind!)

"A competative diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A junior at Stanford and a student - athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships - at least, that's what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all - around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It's how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well - guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the presure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes  that her heart might be treading into dangerous water..."

So the reason I wanted to read this is because Ali Hazelwood is truly one of booktoks favourites and I thought I'd jump right in the deep end with this book. Pun intended. Friends, I understand why her books are so loved. First off, this book had every bit of wit and banter I could possibly want. I highlighted so many bits on my kindle just for the pure cackles that this book got out of me. Secondly, I cried just as much as I laughed. We truly got to get so emotionally invested with these characters and there were so many beautiful bittersweet moments throughout the story I couldn't help but shed a few tears. I also knew Ali was smart but I didn't realise just how smart until I had to start googling specific terms and phrases just to figure out what was going on. I will say, this is quite a smutty book and can definitely deal with some topics that are triggering, so please, if you're going to read this, read the trigger warnings. I genuinely would recommend this to anyone and everyone who wants a good romance, and I can't wait to pick up more of Ali Hazelwood's works.

I gave this book a 5/5 star rating on Goodreads.

What did you think of this book? Who were your favourite or least favourite characters? Do you have any books you'd recommend for me to read and do a review on? Please let me know down in the comments below!

Have a wonderful day!

Love, Doe!