Alex

You Won't Forget Me is a love letter to those that pushed down the attraction of same gendered folks and had no idea they were doing so until it hits like a ton of bricks. Cubby, girl, same. It is quite different from the typical romance novels, it is heavily focused on the themes relating to social media addiction, mental health and compulsory heterosexuality. All of these themes hit so close to home for me, the most recent of which I have been dealing with being comp het. The theory that heterosexuality is assumed, expected, and enforced upon people by patriarchal and heteronormative societal pressures. It asserts that being attracted to the opposite sex is treated as the default, "natural" way of life. Cubby having kissed her best friend Darcy believes it was just platonic because of course she is attracted to boys, right? RIGHT???

It is only through talking it out to a couple of friends that she questions her sexuality. My personal awakening came in the way of Is This A Cry for Help? by Emily Austin. I was already questioning things but that book made it very clear to me that my lack of sexual attraction to men was not in fact because I am demi or ace, but rather that I was trying to fix into a box that society planned for me. I felt so deeply for Cubby in so many ways.

When I was younger I also dealt with a social media addiction, it was only that after stepping away for days that I could take a moment to grasp how unhealthy it was. That compulsion to check socials is so real and is really so toxic. I don't see very many books touch on this subject so that was nice to see.

I will say that I noticed the relationship between Darcy and Cubby took a back seat to the themes in the book, I was hoping for more of the focus being on the relationship, but overall I really enjoyed this story and the writing captivated me. I finished the book in just two days.

  Thank you @coloredpages book tour for the finished copy. Thank you to @Libro.fm and @SimonMaverick for the ALC. 

Another cozy fantasy win for me! ✨ Recipes for an Unexpected Afterlife is exactly what I look for in the genre, it ticked off every single box I've been searching for. Of course, we all know Legends & Lattes 🍵, but if you're craving something in the same vein kicked up a notch, you're going to love RFAUA. This story dives deep into grief, second chances, and the idea that no matter your age (or mortality), you can still shape your own life. Our OKMC (orc knight main character) Raz is among the undead, a former indentured servant turned retired cook, finally deciding what he wants to do with his time. He opens a restaurant, and what follows is a delightful blend of daring adventures, sweet found family, and quiet reflection.
It's slice-of-life with a kick. A lovely story that left me full in the best way, and I'll definitely be checking out the author's other books set in this world. 💀🍽️✨ 

 A Billion Butterflies is my first non-fiction of the year and its completely out of my comfort zone: weather prediction and how the system came to be. This novel was equal parts science and memoir. I was not expecting that, but it was a lovely surprise. I loved learning about Dr. Shukla's upbringing in rural India. This book is not something I would typically gravitate towards (you have the cover to thank for me picking this one up) and I am so thankful I did. The last 1/4 of the book was an interesting turn talking about the vitriol thrown his way with the current administration and their lack of trust in science at the highest rate than it has ever been. I am so thankful for getting the opportunity to read this book especially during our current political climate. I feel like this such an important one because as the verbiage goes, we can't know where we are headed if we don't remember where we have been. 

Jade Legacy by Fonda Lee Series: The Green Bone Saga, Book 3 Genre: Urban Fantasy Release date: November 30, 2021

Synopsis: Jade, the mysterious and magical substance once exclusive to the Green Bone warriors of Kekon, is now known and coveted throughout the world. Everyone wants access to the supernatural abilities it provides, from traditional forces such as governments, mercenaries, and criminal kingpins to modern players, including doctors, athletes, and movie studios. As the struggle over the control of jade grows ever larger and more deadly, the Kaul family and the ancient ways of the Kekonese Green Bones, will never be the same. The clan must discern allies from enemies, set aside bloody rivalries, and make terrible sacrifices… but even the unbreakable bonds of blood and loyalty may not be enough to ensure the survival of the Green Bone clans and the nation they are sworn to protect.

Thoughts: The same narrator is used for each of the books, and I loved the consistency; he does a fantastic job at differentiating all of the different characters that we meet throughout our time in Kekon. I sometimes read the book solely on audio, switched up to just physical, but ended with an immersive read. No matter the format, this series slaps.

What a way to end a thrilling and complex series! I will be recommending this book to everyone, because it truly is for every reader. Especially if you want to dip your toes into fantasy but are not ready for intense world-building, The Green Bone Saga is for you. The martial arts, the elemental magic system, the political machinations, the family drama, the wide swath of characters—but never an overwhelming amount—and the romantic and platonic love throughout the series. In short: everyone needs to read these books. No matter what you are looking for, I promise you it is in this series.

I can't get into too much with this review since it is the third and final book in the series. But I will say it's an actual crime that this series has not been made into a visual format. This series would work best as a TV series; I really hope that one day this can be adapted. Fonda's depiction of her action scenes is so vivid that I am compelled to pause and visualize them mentally, as they are consistently impeccably choreographed. In all of Fonda's books I've read so far, she excels in many aspects of her writing, but I always enjoy the action sequences. I need to talk about Hilo for a second; I have so many complex feelings for him. I hate him, but also love him? It's hard to say, but I will say he has some of the best lines of any character I've ever read.

 ✨ 5/5 ✨

Local Heavens by K.M. Fajardo is a bold and electrifying sci-fi reimagining of The Great Gatsby, set in the fractured New Americas of 2075. In this world of cyberpunk capitalism and shimmering decadence, the story unfolds against a backdrop of sharp class divides, tangled desires, and the haunting cost of chasing the American dream. Or perhaps, the American nightmare.

This stunning novel asks one unforgettable question: What are you willing to sacrifice for love, money, and fame?
As a lifelong Great Gatsby fan, I've read several retellings (and I'm eagerly awaiting The Disillusionment of Nick and Jay), but Local Heavens stands apart. The sci-fi elements heighten the themes of privilege, longing, and illusion that made the original so timeless. Fajardo seamlessly blends the decadence of Fitzgerald's prose with a futuristic grit that feels both familiar and wholly new.
What truly captivated me was the infusion of Filipino heritage and the bi4bi love square of my dreams. Every relationship was messy, magnetic, and deeply human. I'm not usually a romance reader, but I was fully invested in every connection and heartbreak. The writing is lush and atmospheric, perfectly balancing the allure of glamour with the ache of desire and despair. Local Heavens doesn't just retell The Great Gatsby—it reinvents it for a new era, peeling back the glitz to reveal what remains when we reach too high for our own reflections.