January Recap is finally here and boy did I have fun!

Let’s deep dive into my January reads 🫣 grab your drink & let’s get into it!

• Book of Azrael — okay soooo this was bomb as hell and I knew it would be. I loved the writing style and the progression of the story. This is a series that I am happy has 7 books (I think only up to book 4 has been released as of now) and I cannot wait to read book two

Well, you may have seen my detailed book reviews on the rest of these books soo I won’t go into too many of the details…..

• Speak of the Devil — this is the continutation of over my dead body. This YA witchy graphic novel with lgbtq+ rep and a diverse cast really captured my heart in book one. It was full of nostalgia similarly to the witchy movies I loved to watch back in the day. However, this follow up didn’t capture me in the same way. Still pretty good but not better than the first.

• Captured Prey — now this book is the first monster romance I have read and it was okay. The author did an amazing job having consent as the forefront which I appreciate but overall it was just a so-so read. However, I think any other works that focus on fantasy I would definitely read and I think I would love those more.

• Portal to Pleasure — Deciding to give it another go, I tried another new to me author in the similar category & novella. Now this one? Was reallly good! Consent was definitely front and center — again I appreciate this, AND the personalities and dynamics of relationships were really enjoyable and made me look forward to what happens after this novella. Well good news! Did you know book 2 is out now? It’s automatically on my TBR.

• Hotel Limbo — Now this graphic novel had an interesting premise of being in purgatory/hell. There were many different artists which really bothered me at first but I ended up liking in the end. The beginning was rough bc it was super hard to read / not legible. It improves, luckily otherwise I would’ve had to DNF this one. The story really comes together and by the end I was sad it was over and again wanted to know what happens next?

• His and Hers — Now, this one was really good! I enjoyed his&hers and I really enjoyed the limited series. Its not my favorite book nor do I need a trophy but it was really enjoyable. For me, thrillers that make me obsessed and can’t stop thinking about them are a little tough to come by but I would still recommend reading this one.

Do you have any book recs for me?

Here’s what I am currently reading (altho I did just finish The Book of Azrael this morning ☺️)

Well, here’s something SPICY af and new (to me) —

Portal to Pleasure by Viano Oniomoh

I have been getting back to reading novellas. I was recommended an ARC this year (involving a leshy?) that was okay but that’s about it. 😅

I never read a book quite like this one but I decided to give it a go, especially since it’s on KU. I always like tontry new genres or even things that are taboo or shocking. I always enter with an open mind bc you never know what gem you could come across.

I really like Viano’s writing style. It was nice to have a glimpse into what Melody was dealing with in her life — that toxic job, family issues, and an ex that always seems to come back around.
I really appreciate CONSENT in this book. It was tastefully done without being over kill.

Very explicit of course but gave an immersive feel and had moments of sweetness that wasn’t corny.

This definitely put this author on my radar so read Viano’s other work.

Would recommend!

Thank you #SimonTeen for the digital ARC =) Here is my genuine review: 

Wow. I honestly wasn’t too sure how much I was going to enjoy this read (especially since I’ve never read “Little Women”). However, I am so glad I read this. This mystery thriller was done extremely well. 

Likes: 

I enjoyed the relationships and distinct personalities of the sisters. The timeline jumps from now vs then was also enjoyable to read. It was refreshing to read about many different characters (not just the sisters, but their close relationships) but they were descriptive enough to where it wasn’t just another name for the sake of it.  I truly didn’t know who the killer could be until nearish to the end. The 4 POVs and timeline jumps really helped the story come alive.

Dislikes:

I don’t have any. I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. I think YA and beyond would enjoy this book. 

Highly recommend. 

#SimonTeenInfluencer #BethisDeadBook