Short AF Book Review | Carmilla

 Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Carmilla" by Sheridan Le Fanu. 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!)

"In an isolated castle deep in the Austrian forest, Laura leads a solitary life with only her ailing father for company. Until one moonlit night, a horse - drawn carriage crashes into view, carrying an unexpected guest - the beautiful Carmilla. So begins a feverish friendship between Laura and her mysterious, entrancing companion.

But as Carmilla becomes increasingly strange and volatile, prone to eerie nocturnal wanderings, Laura finds herself tormented by nightmares and growing weaker by the day... Pre - dating Dracula by twenty - six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sexual tension and gothic romance."

So the reason I wanted to read this is because as everyone knows this is one of the first published sapphic horrors, so you know my gay ass had to sit down and read it. Friends, two things I did not expect, one: that this book was written by a man. Two: I wasn't expecting the level of queerness for the timeframe it was written in. I never want to hear another person say "queer people did not exist back in my day" ever again. This book was so flowery and even though I can imagine that this book was a lot scarier back when it was written I was low key rooting for Carmilla and Laura. Now, do I feel like the author meant to have written it in a way that was meant to make me feel as such? Absolutely not. I can very much acknowledge that me being a lesbian seeing this as a heartbreaking love story vs the possibility that it was a man writing a lesbian woman as a monster as some form of metaphor can very much contradict itself. However, I'd much rather the former to be the truth. I definitely would recommend giving this one a read, but obviously keep in mind you could interpret this book in a very different way. Which I guess is what I love about reading in general.

I gave this book 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 | The Sad Ghost Club Vol. 1

 Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "The Sad Ghost Club Vol. 1" by Lize Meddings. 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!)

"Ever felt anxious or alone? Like you don't belong anywhere? Like you're almost... invisible? Find your kindred spirits at The Sad Ghost Club.

This is the story of one of those days - a day so bad you can barely get out of bed, when it's a struggle to leave the house, and when you do, you wish you hadn't. But even the worst of days can surprise you. When one sad ghost, lost and lone at a crowded party, spies another sad ghost across the room, they decide to leave together. What happens next changes everything. Because that night they start The Sad Ghost Club - a secret society for the anxious and alone, a club for people who think they don't belong.

For fans of Heartstopper and Jennifer Niven, and for anyone who's ever felt invisible. You are not alone. Shhh. Pass it on."

So the reason I wanted to read this is because this has been recommended to me so much on booktok due to loving graphic novels, so I thought I'd give it a go. Friends, I was a little 50/50 on this one, but more towards liking it than not. I really enjoyed the message of "you are not alone" that this graphic novel was trying to portray and all of the recources that were given in regards to mental health. I 100% feel like if I'd of read this book at a younger age I definitely would have loved it a lot more. The art was cute, and the message was really pushed towards the reader. The only thing that made me dislike this a little was that I thought that this was a bit slow. I don't know if that's because all of the books I've been reading lately have been so fast paced and exciting or if it's just genuinely the way the graphic novel was meant to be written. Probably the latter as this graphic novel is towards young adults mental health. I will absolutely still be picking up the next books in the series because I really want to see where "The Sad Ghost Club" goes, and it wasn't a bad first volume, I just feel like I wanted more, and hopefully I will get that when it comes to the next books in the series. I would absolutely recommend this still to anyone who wants a good graphic novel about mental health, and knowing you're not alone in whatever you're going through.

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 | Fate Of Ruby And Throne

Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Fate Of Ruby And Throne" by Monroe A. Wildrose. 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, especially with this being the second book in the series, so please keep that in mind!)

"Geogette dreams of slitting her husband's lying throat and escaping Hallow manor. It's not out of the realm of possibility for the pirate captain, but killing the king won't be without consequences. By day, the king isn't a threat, and that's disconcerting for Georgette. Fighting to break free from his stronghold, she struggles to reconcile her growing attraction and utter disdain for him. Princess Mercy faces two battles. One is a battle of wills with her brother, the King of Adamas. The other is an internal battle with duelling realities. As she grieves for her friends, she pines for a life on the high seas, aboard The Siren. Mercy wants to be the princess her people deserve, but with the handsome Captain Elias Baine at her side, she's decidedly conflicted. The palace halls prove much more dangerous than a ship's deck for a pirate turned queen, aand a princess turned pirate who brave the unknown in search of their destinies. You will enjoy this fast paced enemies to lovers book."

Friends, I'm not going to lie, unless it's for an ARC or interwoven standalones I typically don't write reviews for book sequels, but I feel like I'd be doing this series, and you guys a disservice if I didn't. It's not very often I prefer the second book to the first one, but this one truly was a ride and a half. I loved every single minute of reading this book and struggled to put it down for the 3 days I was reading it. Everything I loved within the first book, the strong female leads, the relationships that unfolded, the sarcasm and witty banter, all got 1000 times better in this second book. I love myself a good enemies to lovers and this one truly ticked all the right boxes for me. I laughed so much throughout this book, I cried so much throughout this book. I just felt every single emotion these characters were feeling with them. I loved that we kept the same points of view as the first book because it meant we got the full picture of everything that was happening within the story. Please, if you get the chance to, pick up this duology. Give an indie author a chance. You absolutely will not regret it. I'd recommend this to everyone and anyone who loves a good romantasy series. 

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 | First Freedom: The Story Of Opal Lee And Juneteenth | ARC Received By Netgalley

  

Hi friends! So today I'm going to be doing a review on "First Freedom: The Story Of Opal Lee And Juneteenth" by Angelique Roche, Alvin Epps, Millicent Monroe & Bex Glendining. 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!)

"The incredible journey of activist Opal Lee - known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth - is brought to life in this biographical novel that not only explores Opal's remarkable path, but the history of the holiday of Juneteenth itself. From the 1860s to Ms. Opal's childhood home, from her years as a teacher to the White House, The First The Story of Opal Lee and Juneteenth seeks to give readers an insight into the history behind one of the central figures in the creation of America's newest federal holiday, Juneteenth. Born in 1926, Opal Lee grew up in a racially divided America and dedicated her life to covercoming the obstacles presented therin. A lifelong educatior, Ms. Opal has been a community activist all her life, and would take on the movement to celebrate and commemorate Juneteenth not just as a holiday, but as a symbol of comprehensive freedom for all people. Ms.Opal's life personifies the fight for everyday freedom that leads to lasting change. As the Grandmother of Juneteenth says, 'There is so much more to do.' Written by acclaimed journalist, producer, and author Angelique Roche (My Super Hero Is Black) and drawn by a trio of talented artists - including Alvin Epps (I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005: A Graphic Novel), Bex Glendining (The Upcoming On Starlit Shores), and rising star Millicent Monroe - The First The Story Of Opal Lee And Juneteenth promises to illiminate the life of a singular woman and the history of a momentous holiday, with additional back matter providing more insights into Juneteenth's history and the making of this graphic novel tribute."

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

So the reason I wanted to read this is because I saw it on my favourite Graphic novel publisher, Oni Press's, Netgalley and know I've been trying to read more diverse stories so I applied for it. Friends this book was so much more educational than I was expecting. I need you to know, coming into this I had not much of a clue about Juneteenth, and/or Opal Lee as we don't get taught a lot of black/american history within our schooling system, or see a lot of things around it within out local media. This is exactly the kind of book that I am trying to read to learn more about the history that was never taught to us. To read Opal's story was facinating and to read the history behind why she did what she did was such an eye opening experience. I knew what the celebration of Juneteenth meant but I did not know the complete history behind it, or even the history of what ended up coming after it. Human beings like Opal show us exactly why this needed to get the recognition it deserved and I really appreciated that the author who wrote this put so much time and research into this and added more resources in order for us to further educate ourselves. I loved every minute of this graphic novel and definitely would recommend this to everyone.

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

This book comes out on the 3rd February 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 | Fortune Of Emerald And Salt

 Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Fortune Of Emerald And Salt" by Monroe A. Wildrose. 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!)

"Eighteen - year - old Georgette Baine is a young pirate captain raised with utter disdain toward royalty. But when she and her twin brother, Captain Elias Baine, make a precarious deal with a King to gain access to a long - lost treasure, they find themselves in an untenable position. The King has tasked them with procuring stolen cargo under the watchful eye of his army commander, and Georgette is convinced they've been misled.

Mercy Landlight is a nineteen - year - old princess who has been sent to wed a king to secure political peace with his country and hers. A dutiful daughter of the crown she would never question her brother's decree until on her way to her new home, and husband, her journey is thwarted.

The sparks of an unfamiliar romance cause Mercy to question everything she's been taught about herself, While Georgette strains to decide if she should continue the life path she was destined for or to entangle herself in a relationship that wouldn't offer her the same freedoms.

With enemies at every bend, this harrowing journey will alter the course of their lives and change the very foundation of who they are and what they've always believed.

Follow their sea - faring pirate adventure in this YA fantasy romance!"

So the reason I wanted to read this is because Monroe is actually one of my favourite indie authors and I've been trying to read every one of her books. I am so glad that I picked this up. Each and every one of Monroe's romances has been consistantly different, whilst still all having strong, independant & sarcastic women at the forefront. This one was no different. I loved every minute of reading this novel. I loved getting both Georgette and Mercy's POVs. I loved seeing the relationships unfold between each of the characters and seeing them grow and develop. I loved all of the witty banter I've come to expect from Monroe's books. Most of all, I love how Monroe still managed to keep me on the edge of my seat throughout most of this book. There were just so many twists and turns throughout this that I really was not expecting. I feel like if it wasn't my birthday week and I hadn't of been so busy I would've finished it so much quicker. I laughed with this book, I sobbed with this book. I definitely would recommend this to anyone and everyone who just wants an amazing YA forbidden fantasy romance to read. I definitely will be reading the second book in the duology the moment I have the chance to!

I gave this book 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 | Scythe & Sparrow

 Hi friends!  So today I'm going to be doing a review on "Scythe & Sparrow" by Brynne Weaver. 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 to please keep that in mind!)

"Murder.

Mayhem.

And Spice.

Doctor Fionn Kane is running from a broken heart, one he hopes to mend in small - town Nebraska far away from his almost - fiance and his derailed surgical career, It's a simpler head down, hard work, and absolutely no romantic relationships. He wants none of the circus he left behind in Boston.

But then the real circus finds him

Motorcycle performer Rose Evans has spent a decade on the road with the Silveria Circus, and it suits her just fine, especially when she has the urge to indulge in a little murder when she's not in the spotlight. But when a kill goes awry and she ends up with an injured leg, Rose finds herself stuck in Nebraska, at the home of the adorably nerdy town doctor.

The problem is, not every broken heart can be sewn back together.

... And the longer you stay in one place, the more likely your ghosts are to catch up."

So the reason I wanted to read this is obviously because this is the last book in the Ruinous Love series and I loved the other two. Friends, I genuinely got my ARCs down to zero and decided "oh, I wanna read the last book right now". I was a bit worried about reading this one because a lot of people said they didn't like this one as much as the first or second book in the series, but honestly friends, I actually loved this one more than I loved the second book. The banter and wittyness that I have come to expect from Brynne was truly there and did not dissapoint. I loved the forced proximity aspect of this book and seeing these characters relationships evolve with each other. I adored that we got to catch up with characters from the previous books and see an extension into how their lives are going. I loved seeing Rose being intergrated into such a set of already established characters. I don't get to see found family very often in straight books, but honestly Brynne nailed it as it was done so beautifully. As always, I loved the multiple POVs because it really pushes to the reader how the characters truly feel towards each other, even when they're not always admitting it. Honestly, Brynne just does not dissapoint and I'm super sad to have finished this series, but I'm also really excited to start her new series as soon as possible! I would 100% recommend this to everyone and anyone, especially if you want a good introduction into dark romance, but please as always, check the trigger warnings!

I gave this book a 5/5 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!