Tag: LGBTQ+

Book Review

Hazelthorn

TheShelfLife

Hazelthorn by CG Drews

Publication Date: October 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Not a book for everyone, but those tolerating botanical body horror will love the imagery as well as the characters.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Billionaire Byron Lennox-Hall took in Evander as a child, and in order to keep him safe has kept him relatively secluded in the estate of Hazelthorn. Evander must avoid going into the gardens and has been told to avoid Byron’s grandson Laurie, as he tried to kill Evander years ago. For some reason though, Evander is obsessed with Laurie. When Byron dies suddenly, Evander takes advantage of a new found freedom and his inheritance of Hazelthorn. As the secrets of the Lennox-Hall family come to light, Evander finds himself drawn closer to the growing garden. He quickly realizes that the garden is out of control, and has a taste for blood.

My Analysis: There is something about CG Drew’s writing that sticks with me. Even having read Don’t Let the Forest In quite awhile ago, I still find myself thinking of it from time to time. I have a feeling it will be the same with this one. Not everyone will enjoy this book. You have to like or tolerate botanical body horror as it is the main feature of this story. It is excellently done however, and the writing is simply beautiful. In addition to the plant horror, trigger warning for child abuse. The characters are interesting and all of them have their own individual flaws, which I appreciated. The story itself mostly revolves around the characters and their growth and relationships. It was very intriguing to see Evander’s character change from beginning to end. I did think that the ending was a little abrupt, but things are were wrapped up enough to satisfy readers. I’m curious to read more reviews on this one and see others thoughts. Overall, if you’re looking for horror and can take the botanical descriptions, this is a solid novel.

Book Review

The Leaving Room

TheShelfLife

The Leaving Room by Amber McBride

Publication Date: October 2025 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Lyrically presented in verse, this novel provides a short but sweet story about the power of connection.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Gospel is a Keeper of The Leaving Room, providing a place and help for those who pass on. Whether it’s playing a game, talking or cooking food, Gospel helps the children that come to her room to move on. When she meets another Keeper named Melody, things begin to change. Everything that has been routine suddenly is interrupted and the connection between Melody and Gospel becomes entangled.

My Analysis: The concept of The Leaving Room being this place where someone can pause for a moment if they need before they move on is a powerful one. I thought this was beautifully written in a verse format that suited the story. If you are not a fan of novels in verse, this one may not be for you. It does incorporate more of a poetic style than some verse writing does. I do wish there was more to this though. This is just a little snippet of a much larger idea, and if you’re accepting of that then it was well done. I however always want more background information than not, and that was not the way this book was presented. Touching on the impact of connection, I appreciated how things wrapped up at the end. Overall it is a quick and worthwhile read if you’re looking for a powerful yet fantastical story.

Book Review

Don’t Let the Forest In

TheShelfLife

Don’t Let the Forest In by CG Drews

Publication Date: October 2024| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Not a book everyone will love, but those who do will fall deep into the characters and their monsters.

4.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Andrew finds solace in Thomas and his twin sister Dove. They are what get him through days at Wickwood Academy. Andrew finds balance with Thomas’s drawings of the dark and twisty fairytale stories he writes. When arriving back at school, Thomas learns his parents are missing with a bloody mess left behind. As he pulls away from everyone, Andrew realizes that Thomas is not only fighting internal monsters, but actual monsters of his drawings come to life.

My Analysis: This is not a book that everyone will enjoy, you have to be willing to tolerate the slow pace and really getting to know the deeper minds of the characters in order to fully appreciate it. I think this particularly applies to the general YA reader population. The style of writing is very artistic as well, with a TON of imagery throughout. That being said, I thought it was great. I was a little skeptical at first, but once I got into it I couldn’t stop thinking about it. The way the author describes some of Andrews thoughts is truly mesmerizing. The depth of Andrew and Thomas’s relationship toward one another…chef’s kiss. There are some trigger warnings to be aware of, which are also presented at the start: depiction of eating disorders, self-harm, and quite a bit of blood/gore. There is a solid twist towards the end that I did not see coming, but very much appreciated. If you’re looking for something hauntingly beautiful and deep with a touch of psychological thriller, you need to read this one. Side note, it’s a perfect book to read for the fall season.

Book Review

The Last Bookstore on Earth

TheShelfLife

The Last Bookstore on Earth by Lily Braun-Arnold

Publication Date: January 2025| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A well-written but one dimensional, post-apocalyptic debut novel.

3.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Ever since The Storm devastated civilization, Liz has secluded herself in the bookstore she used to work at. The Storm caused weather-related damage, including body melting acid rain. Liz has gotten used to her time alone since her only companion left to find out what else was left of the world, until she finds herself with an unexpected intruder turned guest. When Maeve comes into Liz’s life, she pushes her beyond her comfort zone as they continue to survive and prepare for yet another coming Storm.

My Analysis: For a debut novel, I really enjoyed the authors writing style. I felt very connected to the main character Liz and her emotions and experiences both past and present. I however did not care for Maeve’s character at all. I found her to be very annoying and I’m not sure what Liz saw in her really other than the fact that she was simply there. I liked the concept of this novel and of course was intrigued by the idea of her being in a bookstore in an end of the world situation. The novel is all from Liz’s perspective, but does share a past timeline as well. There are also some mini journal entries throughout of others peoples stories. I liked how those all came together to share the overall story. I did find the novel to be a bit one dimensional, I wish there was a little more substance or another subplot to compliment the rest of the main story. Maybe more of the romance between Maeve and Liz as well? It all felt very surface level. I am glad though that there’s another new decent YA dystopian out, it is something lacking right now! If you’re into post-apocalyptic scenarios, give this one a try.

Book Review

I Wish You Would

TheShelfLife

I Wish You Would by Eva Des Lauriers, Narrated by Max Meyers & Victoria Villarreal

Publication Date: May 2024 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC | Audiobook Version

Overall Verdict: A little cliche in its story, but readers really get to know some fascinating characters deeply in a short amount of time.

4/5 Stars – Novel

4/5 Stars – Narrators

Book Summary: Kicking off their last year of High School at Senior Sunrise, a group of teens find out more than they bargained for about themselves and their fellow classmates. The Seniors follow a tradition of writing private letters describing what they would do if they were braver. When Natalia second guesses what she wrote and attempts to take it back, some of the secrets are scattered in the wind along the beach. Drama ensues, secrets revealed, connections made and romances ignite.

My Analysis: This is a cute realistic fiction story, seeped in friendship and romance drama. I liked that this whole book takes place within two days, and even with the short time frame you’re really able to see character growth. Even the secondary characters are well thought out and have depth. Basically the entire story is a miscommunication plot, so if you aren’t into that sort of thing I’d avoid this one. For the most part I didn’t mind it, but sometimes it did get a little old. There were also a lot of cliche moments, but if you can be accepting of them it was ultimately a nice coming of age novel with a heavy dose of romance. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version of this. The narrator for Natalia was spectacular. I was less impressed by the narrator for Ethan. His voice was a little aged for the character and his intonation of female characters I found to be a bit grating. If you are looking for a cute summer read with some friendship drama and romance, I recommend this one.

Book Review

Better Left Buried

TheShelfLife

Better Left Buried by Mary E. Roach

Publication Date: August 2024 |Thanks Netgalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A cool premise that falls short. The secrets long buried don’t make up for the journey to discover them.

1/5 Stars

Book Summary: Lucy’s spring break takes a drastic detour when her private investigator mother brings her along to one of her cases. When they come across a body at the abandoned amusement park, she knows they’re going to be staying awhile. What Lucy doesn’t expect however is the connection her mother has to this town and just how many secrets are buried. Swept up in the investigation herself, Lucy partners with Audrey, a local with a personal vendetta, to figure out what exactly is going on in this creepy small town.

My Analysis: I feel like I have been hit with letdowns lately when it comes to ARC’s. I wanted to like this one based on the premise, but it fell woefully short. I thought this was going to be more about the mom/daughter relationship, but the mom barely confides anything in her daughter and they’re at odds for the most part. The whole novel is this huge build up to a secret that her mother can’t bring herself to talk about, while also investigating a murder that you’re trying to unfold the details of. The ENTIRE thing is build up. And the conclusion was a let down. Honestly the only thing that kept me going was thinking I was going to find out something crazy, but I personally didn’t think it made up for powering through the book. The relationship between Lucy and Audrey is cute, almost a little too cute, but they offer each other a nice balance. That being said, this book is dual POV of the two of them, and for characters that are supposed to be so different, I sometimes forgot whose perspective I was in the middle of reading. I think it would have been better served all from Lucy’s perspective or even having a dual POV with Lucy and her mother. I unfortunately don’t have much positive to say about this one other than the cover is awesome.

Book Review

The Invocations

TheShelfLife

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland

Publication Date: January 2024 |Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A beautifully written but ultimately unsatisfying story revolving around witches and the occult.

3/5

Book Summary: Zara Jones will do anything to bring back her murdered sister, even if that means partaking in the occult to raise the dead. Jude Wolf is cursed after a deal with a demon went horribly wrong, and she has been suffering the consequences ever since. Emer Byrne is a cursewriter, helping desperate women exchange part of their soul for power. As these three paths cross, the more each realizes they must work together for their goals to succeed. When Emer’s clients start to be murdered, they turn to one another for answers.

My Analysis: Sutherland’s writing is beautiful. The imagery she provides is outstanding. The story however- absolutely boring. I had hoped this one would be an improvement over House of Hollow, but to me it wasn’t. Both written elegantly but the plots just aren’t interesting enough. I’m not sure if she’s just trying to hard to make it this gruesome story that has shock value and is failing, but the overall story is not satisfying. The characters she portrays are well developed, and I did appreciate their relationships with one another. Especially given the fact that these characters are pushed together as strangers who become friends. If you’re really into witches and the occult, it’s worth a read, but if not I say it’s one to skip.

Book Review

And Don’t Look Back

TheShelfLife

And Don’t Look Back by Rebecca Barrow

Publication Date: October 2023| Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: This one will keep you in suspense with multi-dimensional mysteries.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: Harlow and her mother have always been running from something, never staying very long in one place before moving on to another. When her mother dies suddenly, Harlow is forced to confront her mothers past and the secrets that she has kept hidden all these years. With the ability to choose her future for the first time, Harlow must decide how much to let in and just how much she really wants to know.

My Analysis: I couldn’t put this one down, and just had to know what was going to happen next. And Don’t Look Back was very suspenseful and I appreciated that it had multiple mysteries going on at once in the plot. There were a couple of moments that I thought were a bit annoying, and that the characters had an overreaction to an event, but overall I enjoyed it. Seeing the main protagonist come into her own was also very intriguing. After so many years of having to pretend to be others she can finally discover who she actually is. That combination of self discovery alongside the uncovering of family history is secrets made for a satisfying read. If you’re into thrillers and mysteries, I recommend this one!

Book Review

The Meadows

TheShelfLife

The Meadows by Stephanie Oakes

Publication Date: September 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: Dystopian reminiscent of The Handmaids Tale that dives deep into an alternative society, for a story full of emotion. If you are a dystopian fan, this one is definitely recommended.

4/5 Stars

Book Summary: A new society has emerged after natural disasters plague the planet, focusing on conformity. Anything that is deemed to upset the ‘natural order’ is forbidden. When Eleanor receives a letter to go to The Meadows, she thinks that she has finally found her place. As she begins her time at the school however, she realizes that the motivations of the Matrons may not be what she originally thought. When she meets Rose, Eleanor begins to further question her place in The Meadows and within society.

My Analysis: Overall I enjoyed the journey of reading this book. I thought that is was a unique take on a dystopian society and that it was mostly well done. I do wish the author would have described a bit more background either at the beginning to set the stage more or have revealed it throughout. I wanted to know more of the how and why behind all of the details that led to this society and the way it is. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, and I thought it was nicely done how you are able to see how different people coped and reacted to similar circumstances. Definitely led to some emotional moments! There is a ‘then’ and ‘now’ format to the book which at first I didn’t care for, but I enjoyed more as I read on. The connection between the two helped to add to the overall story and character development. It could be just the ARC, but I didn’t love that it wasn’t indicated in the chapter heading whether we were in the past or present. Didn’t take long to figure it out, but just a little per peeve of mine for that kind of writing. Overall, a solid dystopian!

Book Review

Pride and Prejudice in Pittsburgh

TheShelfLife

Pride and Prejudice in Pittsburgh by Rachael Lippincott

Publication Date: August 2023 | Thanks NetGalley for an ARC

Overall Verdict: A solid romance and coming of age story, so long as you can look past the lack of explanation of time travel and historical aspects.

2.5/5 Stars

Book Summary: Audrey feels the future she dreamed of falling apart. When a family friend visits the convenient store she works at, things get even more strange when she finds herself transported back to the year 1812. There she meets Lucy, who is currently being courted despite her own hesitations about her future. The two become instantly close and begin to realize they bring out the best in one another.

My Analysis: As far as romance goes, this was solid. I enjoyed the building relationship between Lucy and Audrey and the challenges that both of their lives present. The historical aspects of the book though were underwhelming. They were not nearly as detailed as they could have been, and I don’t really see historical fiction fans enjoying this one. Like I said though, if you’re looking for some romance, this would work for you! Another thing that I really couldn’t get past in this book was the time travel. Really cool in concept and I was very interested in reading this, but again it just didn’t deliver. Everyone was just so accepting of the idea of time travel and it is extremely fanciful. It is however very neatly wrapped up at the end, which I appreciated.