I prepared my #bookspin titles! I also grabbed a new notebook from my hefty pile and dubbed it my bookish notebook. I'm not entirely sure what else I'll add into it. Any ideas that don't require a lot of prep? Sometimes I get a bit swamped with work and can dedicate spread design time @TheAromaofBooks #bookmarkscrim

Our internet also went out yesterday so I started reading this one too! Another #netgalleybacklog but I'm reading the Spanish version 😆 it's ok so far. There was something I was a bit meh about but I'll keep listening. It's a series of journal entries by a 12yo I think (so you can probably imagine the tone)

Next to read! I started it last night and it's ok so far. I just have to keep reminding myself that Hou Yi is a woman this time (in the legends I believe they're only a man? At least the ones I've read to this point) #netgalleybacklog

Ohhhh!! I love the new storygraph review look. It was always daunting to add all that extra information (you still can but it's not at the forefront), but now the rating and review are at the center of it all. Maybe I'll actually leave a few reviews now xD

"...Elizabeth harboured a deep, visceral fear of marriage."

I'm not saying it couldn't be trauma, but why is it framed as trauma and fear, when it can also be considered common sense and self-preservation?? Like hmm yes, all these women before me either died from childbirth or were manipulated by these men, I don't want to die like that so it makes logical sense to, y'know, not do the whole marriage thing #anneboleyn #nonfiction

Anne's brother saying "with his [Henry's] problems, it's hard to see how the king ever produced Elizabeth" is soooooo funny ? Like, he's gonna die anyway, so I applaud him getting in an insult at the king before that.

"But it is partly thanks to such scurrilous remarks..." nah man, they believed what they wanted to be the truth, it was going to haunt her even if he'd played nice #anneboleyn #nonfiction

Apparently I had this physical Netgalley backlog title?!?! So far it's been an interesting read. I like it because it's easy to read #nonfiction, but I'm also (sort of) reading it together with another book that's abt Anne. The different pictures of her make me more curious about her character and her ambitions #anneboleyn

Finished! Ngl, Idk what to say. I did warm up to the couple, but I felt like the world and magic were a bit lacking. The story focuses more on the smut, which was decent, but I guess I wanted a bit more. The family drama was technically resolved, but again, it didn't feel as well done as the holiday prince series. A decent read #queer

Finally got back to reading this one. Ngl, not the biggest fan, I prefer her other titles, there's just something about the couple I'm not really feeling (esp our blonde main). I'll be traveling soon so the plan is to get through it and maybe one other book? Possibly even start a third?! We'll see 😆 #queer

Not bad, but it feels like it wasn't exactly what I was looking for (I wanted more food and coziness), which (in a way) reflects the world we live in now. Many of the essays were more serious than I expected but I was also impressed by how food could be so #political. Or rather, I know it is, but these essays really pushed me to think about to what extent that could mean. The last essay was a fun one to end with #queer

Originally planned to read You Weren't Meant to Be Human, but started this one instead 😅 I also downloaded What Fell From the Sky and When the Tides Held the Moon a few weeks back... I might hold off on those to focus on my Netgalley backlog since I'm going home soon (which means I'll finally have physical book access!!)

So far the food writing has been ok

Review 1/2: Finally finished it! I mentioned it was a bit raunchier than I wanted which is crazy considering all the fanfic I read, but HMMMM, it was more interesting than I thought. The story revolves around Lucifer, hell, angels, and a clan of women who end up spun up in a revenge plot. Pretty typical, but I'd say the highlight was def the non-monogamous relationship it featured! I've never seen it in other books #queer

Review 2/2: I'd say there's nothing esp special about the story but I have to praise it for the relationships and sex positivity, esp as female empowerment. I'm no expert but based on this chart, I'd say this features some form of poly-fidelity and relationship anarchy? which I've NEVER seen in other books 🤔 #queer

I DIDNT KNOW THEYD PULL IT, I WAS HALFWAY DONE! ;-;

Started this one a few weeks ago, but put it on pause while I listened to the Infinity Alchemist. Now that I'm done, I'm back to this one. It's a bit raunchier than I expected (why I stopped lol). Not sure about the plot yet but I'm hearing there's devils? Hmm

A really good read. There *was* something about the MC I didn't really like, which somehow made him more "real". I also like that he realizes that a part of him is a lot like his father. The final battle felt a bit anticlimactic, which honestly doesn't surprise me, it usually is LOL. but I liked the relationship dynamics and how it all ended. It feels complete but there is a sequel. I wonder what's next #queer #trans #nonbinary

I'm a bit confused with the passage of time. Our MCs have "only just' met but then there will be passages that imply it's been "a while" ? anyways, started this one bc the sequel is on my #netgalley backlog, no opinions so far, everything's been ok so far. The MC is a bit angry and judgemental, which is a bit annoying, but this is YA/NA so it's expected #queer #transrep

Pretty good read ⭐ There were some parts that felt repetitive and Ngl, I didn't like one of the girls, but I thought the premise was interesting. A story about witches, superstitions, and vampire-like creatures. One part I did really like was that the contemporary MC wasn't forced into a relationship #queer

Tw below

About halfway through this book and idk, it's not bad, but it's also not that good. I always end up getting her books, even when most tend to be 2.5~2.75 reads, idk, ig since she's the only fem Mx horror writer I know 😅 this book might also end up being a meh read, we'll see how it goes #amreading

I'll be deleting this IG acct, but I keep procrastinating on it bc I've written quite a bit ? I just don't get much engagement and I keep forgetting to post my "reviews" on there. Since I've moved to Bsky, I've been doing more of that there (again, not much engagement but I like it). I think this is a sign to post on here again ?

I know I can just leave it but I have other accts and want to declutter a bit #random

Fell in love with another 2D guy, too bad he's from a series that isn't all that good, LOL. I keep remembering JJK and Blue Exorcist while reading this series and I wish it was better, up to par with those two. So far, Mudano's the only reason I keep reading (and bc it's an easy read). #hauntedshelf #blackcatcrew #manga #spooky #demons

Another IG update: "today" as in yesterday lol!!

Love the narration, not so sure about the story?? But it's only just started. Ig I'm not convinced yet bc I'm not sure where it's going, but let's read a bit more

#blackcatcrew #hauntedshelf #readingupdate

#hauntedshelf updates on my IG story

Loved this book!! It's so hard to describe. A sort of murder mystery, but also a book of healing, grief, and love. It tells the story of Vivek through the eyes of others and the tragedy of not knowing a trans person until their death (bc prejudices). Def rec'd, esp the audiobook!

The last chapter had me crying 😭 and the reveal 💔

I'll post a blog about this on the blog soon

TW below

This was such a cute read!! I've been following the creator for a few years now, but kind of forgot since I stopped using my og IG, but seeing this is now in physical form?! Wow!

It's my first time seeing their story and it's so silly, cute, and wholesome. Kang Dae is such a prickly character, but Bo Seon is literal sunshine and can melt anyone's heart. Also, ghosts, which I didn't expect LOL

I made a 5 reasons to read post
3.25 ⭐ on SG

I've been meaning to read this book for a while now and wow. WOW. I can't believe the author went there, kudos to her!

As usual, the story is really well written. I love the web of "is it fantastical or real" that was never really explained, as well as the theme of the 5 virtues and how all of them had "something wrong with them". And the Ghost Bride crumbs!!! #magicalrealism #mystery #spooky

⚠️ ?

It wasn't a bad read, but considering my age, it was very simple and the lessons taught are things I've already picked up in life naturally. An ok read (Mostly decided to read it bc I know a lot of ppl like it lol)

I may have gotten excited when making these rec lists! I just really like these books. Similar to my own TBR, I chose a few spooky levels ? #hauntedshelf @BookwormAHN

Scary & real are titles that either have magical realism or fall more into a "fiction" genre but have some fantasy element #reclist #blackcatcrew

More info in comments too

https://bookmarksthat.wordpress.com/2025/09/21/challenge-hauntedshelf-my-tbr-boo...

So ready for #hauntedshelf!! Here's part of my TBR since the other part is dependent on if I get approved on Netgalley 🤪 I'm on the #blackcatcrew 😺 hehe @BookwormAHN

Signup form: https://forms.gle/wmcY27wyx6awp3EfA

@PuddleJumper post: https://www.litsy.com/web/post/2895375

I'll also be writing about my progress on my blog!

https://bookmarksthat.wordpress.com/2025/09/21/challenge-hauntedshelf-my-tbr-boo...

THIS WAS SUCH A GOOD READ!!

I didn't think I'd like it as much as I did, but there's something about adult problems, family stories, and happy endings that feel so good right now. Don't esp like the narrator but everyone has unique voices and the story will pull you in. Honestly, I could read more, I wanna know how the last story continues! Only 2 stories felt a bit weak but still entertaining #fiction #koreanlit

Sept 17: I'm probably SUPER BEHIND on my reading goals so will try to read more in the next few weeks. I wasn't really sure what I was in the mood for next but this one's been on my #tbr for a bit so figured why not start it now. It'll be a bit of a break to the fantasy killing ORV 😅 #amreading #koreanlit #shortstories

I think the mystery genre in novel format just isn't for me 😆 or maybe it's just #Japanese #mystery novels? The pacing is slow and I have mixed feelings about the detectives. Their methods were nice to see, if tedious at times. I did like the revelation, tho it sucked the person in question didn't get away w the crime 😔

Have you heard of this? What are your thoughts?

https://bookmarksthat.wordpress.com/2025/06/29/did-you-read-before-you-were-10/

#blogpost

This was such a nostalgic story!! Def recommend it to anyone who was growing up in the 90s. I loved the formatting, the use of little dialogue, the note taking, and how melancholy it felt. Sometimes things don't seem like they're going right, and they're not, but they're just moments in time. This felt like opening a universal time capsule, lol

I thought the art and character designs were cool, but in terms of the story, I felt the pacing wasn't for me. We follow a comic artist who feels like their art (and life) is missing purpose, a spark, *something*. Then they encounter an alien who reveals that Earth is going to be destroyed. It's pretty much a rollercoaster of events after that. If you like fast paced stories with a *saving the world* theme, I think you'll like this.

Similar to the 1st book, this story, was fun and full of banter, sexy accents, and growing friendships (enemies to friends to lovers, AHHHHH), but I actually liked it more bc of the healing aspects. Being the 2nd prince, Kris has a low self-esteem and seeing him (eventually) start to heal from his traumas was 🤌💯

I loved the brotherly moments, the vulnerability, and ✨ body worship ✨. Because Kris deserves all that kindness and affection 👏👏

I saw a lot of boo bloggers excited about this title before it ended up in my ARCs pile. Tho I didn't see many reviews after the fact. For me, this was mostly a miss. I think the idea is very interesting, mixing belief/religion, family, and transness. But I felt like the *actual story* fell flat. I wasn't invested in Noon and the story moved slow. The mystery aspects also weren't very mysterious. But the magical realism at the end was beautiful.

So, apparently, not only is Dracula gay, it also wasn't the first vampire novel like it's been marketed for years?! At this point, I'm not shocked it's a lie, especially not after finding out that the OG queer vampires were actually lesbians. Maybe it's because I'm older (and know I'm queer), but it was easier to spot the gay vibes while reading this (it was not subtle). I hope to re-read it regularly, get myself acquainted w the real vampire lore

A story abt a greedy Mr. Clause and the "pesky kids" (his kids and their found family) that stepped up to stop him. The story starts off tense, but overall there's a lot of bantering, cute friendship moments, and FLIRTING. It's such a sexy and emotionally charged read, I def recommend it if you like personified holidays drooling over each other *respectfully* and, after consent, disrespectfully ? #holidayread

This book specifically talks about (imp) trials in history where someone was accused of being a "witch", why they were accused, who accused them, and what was at stake. We get to see how accusers conflated this idea of being a "witch" with religious beliefs involving the devil, as a way to really people to their side (bc oh no, the devil).

But my fav part was the contemporary section. I think that part brought things into perspective #feminism

Penn and Kim definitely made me feel at ease, and it was so fun to learn and listen to how they both had good times and bad times dealing with Penn's #ADHD brain. It honestly felt like listening to a podcast and I wish more #nonfiction narrators were as charismatic. It'd be easier to focus, lol. Also, while I did appreciate Penn's POV, I also think it's a limited scope. I'd love to read more POVs from others, specifically POC and queer ADHDers.

I wish there were more books like this, as well as more funding for researching regarding the bodies of people with vulvas. This book was informative but also casual, and I liked the inclusive language that was used (something I still struggle with, help). I think if I'd had this book when I was younger, it would have been a huge help and relief. I still appreciate it today though, because there's a lot I still don't know

Gemma is such a funny protagonist, not just bc she's in her own bubble, but bc she just can't let go of that one project perfect Xander ruined! There's a lot of heart in this book, not just for a culture that Gemma was purposely excluded from, but also for her family and, yes, even that pesky cardboard dog. I loved the puzzles, the banter, the reluctant friendship, and the obvious HUGE CRUSH only Gemma couldn't see. I wanna reread it now 😂 #ya

I wanted to like this one bc #pirates, but...

I know that real pirates sucked and I think Ames wanted to convey some of that with our MC, who felt like she had to be ruthless in order to get respect, which, I guess can be hard to get when you're single-mindedly chasing after your adopted "brother" (and keep failing to capture him). Still, I think the MC could have had more personality. Nothing she ever did truly made me want to follow her story.

I have to admit that maybe it just wasn't for me. But I do recommend it to anyone who likes the miscommunication trope (personally, I felt the miscommunication DRAGGED). We do have some fun scenes with other characters "helping" and the beloved "we were stuck in a blizzard", but I just wish the two mains had been honest sooner. It does end on a sexy and good note tho, so there's that to look forward to #lesbian #queer #lgbtqia #winterholidays

Oh I'm so conflicted! I wanted to love this one more but it was too slow a read. I think it's interesting that so far this author has written all 3 paces (imo) and I wish they'd write another medium-paced one like Spell Bound. As usual, I love how effortlessly #queer their books are and the ideas are always cool. A perpetual winter, religious beliefs, and one jaded soul who falls for a non-human entity. Sadly...it drags Orz

#fantasy

A #blogtour title, I loved the take on #vampire lore in this one! As well as all the Latine culture *everywhere* 😘 I did think it was a bit too fast-paced, but I think it worked with the story since both characters are on borrowed time. A 3.75 ⭐ read #fantasy

https://www.instagram.com/p/DDoXVByBrYG/?igsh=czhwYWg1NzVneXN6

i was reluctant to read this at first because i'm still hungover from boyfriend material but O-M-G. i'm sorry but i do indeed love a grumpy violent man who gets his emotional support from a cat that isn't his and sunshine but actually very lonely man who got abandoned by said cat. one of Alexis's weaker titles but still entertaining 😆 #queer #gay #funny

#Romantasy has become more popular recently and idk how to feel about that. This was my first foray into the genre and not bad. We have some #sapphics on a heist as they try to make ends meet. To the point that they make a deal with a green faerie. It's good if you want a quick read but don't expect too much depth in terms of the fantasy. I'd rate it somewhere in the 3-3.5 range #queer

I really wanted to like this book, especially since it touches on topics like nuclear testing on "uninhabited" sites and the effects of radiation on the land and pregnancy. But the story was very slow, the revelations came late, and it felt unresolved. I thought we'd get some thought-provoking message but it's like the author changed their mind (abt a lot) & decided not to say anything/make it out to be "nothing". It felt disingenuous

I've only heard praise for this book, which is how it ended up on my tbr but after having read it I felt underwhelmed. It *is* a good read, but mostly I felt that after all was revealed. The story lacks excitement and all I could think was "if I had a sister like that it'd be over" but perhaps that's the point. I grew up with "family is Everything" and we kind of see that here. Still, it was missing something & I found myself (mostly) indifferent