I don’t know how many times I’ve read the first book in the Unexpected series (and the twin to this book), Whit. I even have the NSFW edition of Whit (which is HOT). To say it’s one of my favorite mm romances would be downplaying matters. I’ve been a rather vocal proponent of Cora writing Caleb and Whit’s story from Whit’s POV ever since I read the SINFULLY hot Halloween short story told from Whit’s POV where we finally got to see just how much absolute filth runs through his mind when it comes to Caleb. 

So I came into Caleb looking forward to the spice, but of course I was caught up in all the feels, too. I remember crying when I read Whit, but somehow I don’t remember crying so much my kid came to check on me. Whit’s mental health struggles feel so familiar to me, so they probably hit a little closer to home. 

I missed the Unexpected universe so much. These quirky and lovely characters with such big love for one another that knocks them sideways has always been such a comfort for me. In a turbulent time it’s nice to read something that reads like a balm to my senses. 5⭐️

(I am going to hit you with the TWs for SI, past suicide attempts, past self-harm, thoughts of self-harm, CAPTSD, and acute depression.)

I see what you did here, Remy Bishop: Fated in the Stars was just a gateway series to get us all addicted to your interpretation of omegaverse romance. You lured us in with this established polyamorous pack that loves each other to pieces and rarely experiences internal strife, then gave them this pretty and fierce omega and let ‘er rip. I know I was hooked from the start. 

You did all that because you knew that The Crossroads was going to be everything Fated in the Stars wasn’t. We have a pack that has to be built from scratch, a whole lot of complicated feelings from all sides, secrets everywhere, organized crime, past trauma, a human mate, magic, and the book is, on the whole, darker than any of the Fated in the Stars books. 

We’ve met two of our main characters before: Connall O’Daire (Gideon Connell’s cousin from Fated in the Stars) and Elias (the new executive chef and co-owner of Quest, Gideon’s old restaurant). The rest of the pack is a more diverse cast than I expected and I’m happy to see it. I’ve especially taken a liking to Kaian, the human magic-user who’s caught up in something huge. 

I was so sad when this was over and I immediately wanted the next book. I guess I’m lucky Remy’s a pretty inspired and consistent writer! 5⭐️

I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, view, or ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thanks.

#remybishop #thepathswechoose #newrelease #bookreview #omegaverseromance

Review • Reader • Indie • Independent • Remy Bishop • The Crossroads • Omegaverse • PNR • Supernatural • Cult • Magic • Romance • MM • LGBTQ+ • Gay • Mafia • New Book

The Caretaker only helps to establish Marcus Kliewer as a fresh new leading voice in contemporary gothic horror, a reputation he immediately started to earn upon release of his absolutely riveting 2025 novel, We Used to Live Here. 

Finding fresh voices in any subgenre of gothic literature isn’t easy; it’s one of the most enduring and beloved genres of literature out there. Kliewer seems to be having a great time thinking of ways to subvert worn tropes, attack conflicts from fresh angles, and never shying away from even the darkest endings for his characters. 

The Caretaker is never a light read. It’s dark from the start, full of grief, anger, desperation, anxiety, and an overall feeling of worthlessness. Those feelings only get worse: darker, deeper. Grief and desperation become compulsion, coercion, and obsession. Anger becomes self-hatred. Anxiety becomes disassociation and panic. Worthlessness becomes SI. Desperate people make desperate choices, and sometimes you’re so desperate you don’t listen to your instincts. This book will remind you what happens when you don’t listen to those little warning bells in your head. 5⭐️

I was provided a copy of this title by the author and publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.