⭐️ 3.5/5 🌶 Spice Level: 1/5 ✨ Vibes: Mythology, Trials, Slow-burn Romance, Feminine Gaze Clearly in my Greek retelling era—and I’m enjoying it! This was a fresh take on the myth of Psyche and Eros, staying true to the heart of the original story while adding emotional depth and a strong feminine perspective. I loved the historical grounding (especially with the timeline overlapping The Song of Achilles), and how the book explored different forms of love—not just the romantic kind. The romance is light and sweet, but the story itself feels layered and emotionally satisfying. A fun, heartfelt read if you love mythology with a modern lens.

Rating: 4.25 stars | Spice: 0.5/5 Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC — this is my honest review. This review is coming in just after the US release — my Kindle slump hit hard, but once I picked it back up, I devoured the last 60% in one sitting. Definitely revenge reading at its finest. From the start, the angels vs. demons premise had me hooked (Patch Cipriano girls, rise up). I really enjoyed the worldbuilding and lore that Sophie Clark created. Selene and Jules were strong leads with fantastic chemistry, and the banter throughout the book was sharp and fun. The side characters, especially Kian and the nuns Lucia and Caterina, were standouts that added unexpected depth and humor. One scene toward the end involving a certain temper tantrum was so unhinged it was wildly entertaining — I loved it. If I had one critique, it would be that the final fight sequence dragged a bit for me. I found myself just wanting to push through to the resolution, but that’s more personal preference than anything. All in all, Cruel is the Light is a strong debut with a compelling world, fun characters, and an addicting pace once it gets going. I’ll definitely be watching for the sequel.

Olivia Atwater’s Ten Thousand Stitches continues her cozy, whimsical exploration of faerie meddling and mortal resilience—this time through the unlikely connection between Euphemia Reeves, a maid who wants nothing more than to be seen and valued, and Lord Blackthorn, a faerie trying to understand virtue without the benefit of a human soul. Effie has spent her life being treated as invisible, as though her worth is tied only to her position. Lord Blackthorn, in his well-meaning but misguided way, chooses her as his project, believing that helping the powerless and punishing the powerful will make him truly virtuous. But what begins as a magical bargain becomes something deeper: a journey toward self-worth, awkward understanding, and quiet rebellion. Atwater gently poses a powerful question: Can anger be a force for good? Through Effie’s quiet rage and rising confidence, the story explores how standing up for oneself can be the most radical act of all. Perfect for fans of soft fantasy, cozy romance, and characters who find strength in being seen.

I held off on reading The Song of Achilles because everyone said it was that good. Sometimes the hype builds a wall around a book, and you think, “What if it doesn’t live up to it?” But I was wrong—so incredibly wrong. Madeline Miller’s writing is utterly stunning. Her voice brings new life to this timeless tale, and somehow she makes you fall in love with a story you already think you know. Her prose is both delicate and powerful, poetic and raw. By the end, I was in tears. I couldn’t speak. I just sat with it. This book didn’t just meet the hype—it shattered it. If you’ve been hesitating, take this as your sign: read it.

Thanks to NetGalley for the Advance Reader Copy. Here’s my review: I went into Left of Forever knowing I was going to fall in love with Wren and Ellis—and what better time to do that than while they’re learning to fall back in love with each other? This is a beautifully written second chance romance that picks up five years after their divorce. A road trip, just the two of them, after dropping off their now college-bound kid—what could possibly go wrong? Or, more importantly, what could go right? Be ready to fall hard. Be ready for the petty, the messy, the heartbreaking—but most of all, the magic that is Wren and Ellis

This was my very first memoir, and what a delightful experience it was! Listening to Kelly Bishop narrate her own story added so much depth and warmth—I felt like I was sitting down for coffee with a dear friend. I found myself relating to her deeply: her lifelong love of animals, her confidence in living a fulfilling life without children, and her clear-eyed self-awareness. She was unapologetically herself and had such a thoughtful, gracious way of reflecting on the people she worked with—always appreciative, but never afraid to set boundaries or speak her truth. Of course, I’ll always love her as Emily Gilmore—such an iconic, unforgettable character—but now I’ll remember Kelly Bishop just as fondly for who she is beyond the screen