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Mrs. Shim Is a Killer

Kang Jiyoung

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Cosplaying as Cupid : A slow burn, rivals to lovers and fake dating cosplay romance (Cosplay Romance Book 1) (The Cosplay Romance Series)

virusq

Aug 20, 2026

Cosplaying as Cupid : A slow burn, rivals to lovers and fake dating cosplay romance (Cosplay Romance Book 1) (The Cosplay Romance Series)

5.0

Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 4.0

💘

🪡

🇦🇺

Such a cute debut novel!

This novel was on my Instagram feed with quite a bit of overlap from my cosplay and author algorithm. A friend and I were talking about writing cosplay related romances and -- voila! This one appeared!

Kirilee graciously awarded me an ARC and I have spent every spare minute absorbing it.

The characters are multidimensional! The world feels lived in (lol -- it's Australia so it's real but I adore the local flavor of PlaybyProxy and the commentary about Perth's isolation)! And the cosplay notes are spot on.

This book is also so unapologetically Australian -- the vernacular and attitude and single quotes just ooze through the pages and I felt like I was back in Cairns, giggling at the neighbors.

It's delightful! I'm so excited for book 2!!

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Cosplaying as Cupid : A slow burn, rivals to lovers and fake dating cosplay romance (Cosplay Romance Book 1) (The Cosplay Romance Series)

Kirilee Lennerts

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Mrs. Shim Is a Killer

Kang Jiyoung

When a middle-aged widowed loses her job at the butcher shop, she’s at a loss as to how to provide for her family—until she’s offered a position that puts her carving skills to new uses in this darkly humorous bestselling Korean thriller. Mrs. Shim needs money. She’s lost her husband and her job, and she's got three mouths to feed at her kitchen table. If she doesn't find work soon, she and her children are going to lose their home. So when she answers a vague job ad for the Smile Detective Agency, Mrs. Shim expects the job will be some kind of cleaning position. But when they only ask her questions about her experience as a butcher and what she can do with a cleaver, she begins to realize they want her to do a very different kind of cleaning—they want her to be an assassin. Too scared not to take them up on their offer, she agrees to the position. And Mrs. Shim soon finds that her new job isn’t so different from her old one in the butcher shop, quickly becoming the agency's best contract killer—but her rise to the top hasn’t gone unnoticed. Jealous of her talents, her agency’s competitors—and even her own colleagues-- begin pointing fingers (and knives) in her direction. If she wants to keep her job, her family, and her reputation intact, Mrs. Shim is going to have to take out the secretive leader of a rival agency. But when she has the chance to strike, she's stunned to find a familiar face at the end of her blade. As it turns out, this just may be one mess she can't cut her way out of . . .

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The Tuxedo Society: A Novel

Paul Rudnick

If Guy Ritchie directed an episode of Queer Eye, it might look something like this hilarious and action-packed spy thriller by Paul Rudnick, acclaimed screenwriter and author of Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, that blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society. They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society. When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity. Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games. The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination. Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.

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The Tuxedo Society: A Novel

Paul Rudnick

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The Tuxedo Society: A Novel

Paul Rudnick

If Guy Ritchie directed an episode of Queer Eye, it might look something like this hilarious and action-packed spy thriller by Paul Rudnick, acclaimed screenwriter and author of Farrell Covington and the Limits of Style, that blends espionage and social commentary, with an elite, gay secret society. They are fierce patriots. They are licensed to kill. And they are really, really gay. Welcome to democracy’s secret weapon, the Tuxedo Society. When Andrew Birnbaum, a struggling actor making ends meet by working in a candle shop, gets invited to have dinner with the exclusive Tuxedo Society by his best friend, Brock, his life takes an unexpected turn. What seems like a group of wealthy socialites gathering for gossip and cocktails quickly spirals into a world of espionage, danger, and hilarity. Andrew soon meets Reggie O’Malley, a Navy SEAL with a penchant for black tie, who recruits Andrew to join the society’s covert mission to protect national security. Armed with gadgets like an inflatable life raft backpack, a yoga mat that doubles as an assault rifle, and, of course, an AMEX Black Card, Andrew quickly finds himself tackling spies, thwarting assassinations, and facing a host of unexpected threats in settings from the White House to the Vatican to the Summer Olympic Games. The stakes escalate when Andrew and his comrades are sent on a jet-setting mission to uncover the truth about an ancient artifact. Along the way, they clash with oligarchs, crooked senators, and a smarmy televangelist with sinister plans for world domination. Packed with Paul Rudnick’s signature wit, The Tuxedo Society is a wild ride through decadence, danger, and unexpected heroism, as Andrew discovers that saving the world might just be the role he’s been waiting for.

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The Maid

Nita Prose

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by. Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection. But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late? A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

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Cosplaying as Cupid : A slow burn, rivals to lovers and fake dating cosplay romance (Cosplay Romance Book 1) (The Cosplay Romance Series)

Kirilee Lennerts

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virusq started reading...

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Cosplaying as Cupid : A slow burn, rivals to lovers and fake dating cosplay romance (Cosplay Romance Book 1) (The Cosplay Romance Series)

Kirilee Lennerts

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virusq started reading...

3w

The Maid

Nita Prose

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by. Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection. But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late? A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

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The Sunbearer Trials

Aiden Thomas

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 semidioses 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 traveling along the sky and keep the evil Obsidian gods at bay. Ten semidioses 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 semidiós and the trans son of Quetzal, 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 Aurelio, a powerful Gold semidiós 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 semidiós 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.

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Puck to the Heart

Juliet Bridges

As one of the only women in her lab, Olivia Barnes is no stranger to being frustrated with men. What she isn't used to is a big, gorgeous hockey player flirting with her. Ash gets Liv frustrated for other reasons. Asher "The Basher" Wilder is known for being a pretty boy showoff on and off the ice, but that image is nothing like the man beneath the mask. When he meets Liv, he's intrigued by the girl who'd rather read than watch a hockey game. Ash is more than happy to be Liv's experiment, but when things between them get too serious, will opposites attract? Or will they be doomed before the puck drops?

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virusq created a list

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Ben Barnes Recs

by virusq

//

16 books

Book recs from Ben Barnes, certified book nerd. Article from Penguin Random House UK, 2021.

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virusq

Aug 06, 2026

Legacy (Star Wars)

4.0

Enjoyment: 4.0Quality: 5.0Characters: 5.0Plot: 5.0Audiobook: 5.0

🦇

🥇

👻

This book is everything I wanted and more.

I went into it expecting it would be Leia and Rey navigating Jedi mumbo-jumbo, but it wound up being a roadtrip and self-discovery mission with the girls! I'm so happy.

The new characters are amazing. I felt sympathetic and loathsome toward the antagonist. The insurgent group felt real and justified. Rey felt like the feral child prodigy I adore her for. Leia? The voice for Leia in this novel is spot on. (It was so spot-on Carrie that I openly cried on my commute.) And Meepka? I would die for Meepka. She's /perfect/. And an wonderful light-hearted foil for Leia and Rey's journeys as childhood saviors.

I did NOT expect the cameos and glimpses into alternate timelines. Each one made me squeak and kick my feet in glee.

This was a blast.

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virusq wrote a review...

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virusq

Aug 06, 2026

Alchemised

1.0

Enjoyment: Quality: 4.0Characters: 2.0Plot: 0.5

🧟‍♂️

🪞

🤦‍♀️

I DNF'd this three times and wound up finishing it for the Goodreads reading challenge.

The plot never happens. The characters are one-dimensional. The world-building feels like a find & replace. The magic/tech has no consistency. The epilogue ??? felt like slap in the face ???

I haven't been this mad about a book since Wuthering Heights in high school.

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