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My April 2025 wrap-up!

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ARC Review of “Divine Blessings” by K. R. Thompson

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I want to thank K. R. Thompson for giving me the opportunity to read this book before its release and provide an honest review.

“Devine Blessings” was a remarkably fun read. I was immediately drawn to the elements Thompson highlighted: YA fantasy, mythology, LGBTQ+ themes, and a friends-to-lovers trope. Also, would you look at that gorgeous cover! It seemed like a book that would be right up my alley, and it did not disappoint!

The story follows two main characters, Nsiria and Elara, through alternating points of view. They’ve been living together for nearly two years in a place called “The Grove,” a safe haven of sorts for the city’s so-called “undesirables.” During that time, they’ve become fast friends, and as the story unfolds, both begin to realize their feelings run a bit deeper.

Nsiria has a strong desire to learn how to read and write, but as an undesirable, she can’t pursue this openly. Her passion for knowledge catches the attention of the deity of wisdom, who grants her a blessing that enhances her ability to attain knowledge. When The Grove is attacked—and believing that Elara perished—Nsiria becomes vengeful, leading her down a darker, more destructive path that draws the attention of other deities.

While the story gives us more of Elara’s perspective as well, I want to avoid spoilers. So I will say that she’s determined to make her way back to Nsiria, facing many challenges and meeting some friends that help her along the way.

Thompson’s writing style is creative and engaging. I found it easy to follow the storyline and immerse myself into the world in which the story is based. The style is definitely geared toward a young adult audience, which I didn’t mind, but it might not appeal as much to readers who typically shy away from YA stories.

The story itself was captivating, with plenty of twists and turns (some of which genuinely surprised me)! Themes of divine powers, vengeance, and emotional stakes drive the narrative, with a strong emphasis on grief and revenge. This gave the story a sense of adventure and high-stakes tension. There was also a good mix of humor thrown in. I’m pretty sure I laughed out loud when I read the part below:

“Oh, please turn me into an enormous bird, Elara! I want to caw caw my way into the sky!” - Reginald

In conclusion, if you enjoy YA fantasy with mythological elements, themes of found family, forbidden love, and a sapphic romance subplot, then “Divine Blessings” definitely deserves a spot on your TBR!

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💙💜💖 Bi Books Coming Out April 2025

💖💜💙 Hey there, beloved bookish bats! I get giddy every time I see bi rep in a book! Here are a few bisexual books coming out April 2025 that would make fabulous additions to your never-ending TBR! Happy reading!

💙 I apologize for any discrepancies. Publishing days are subject to change.

💖 Roll for Love - M.K. England 💜 Bone Dresser - Nico Vincenty 💜 Girl Crush - C.H. Williams 💙 Fluid - Mark Cusack

💖 Iron Tongue of Midnight - Brittany N. Williams 💜 Steamy on Set - D.S. Walls 💜 Futbolista - Jonny Garza Villa 💙 Accidentally Joining His Cult - Lexi Amber

💖 A Drop of Corruption - Robert Jackson Bennett 💜 Love, Unexpected - Shannon O'Connor 💜 Make the Play - Lucky Hart 💙 Penance Paid in Blood - Maria J. Hart

💖 Blood Cypress - Elizabeth Broadbent 💜 Advocate - Daniel M. Ford 💜 Nightingale - Frances M. Thompson 💙 Road Trip - Lisa Henry

💖 A Vow of Wrath and Ruin - K.W. Foster 💜 Vincent & Sivan - Cali Kitsu 💜 The Raven Scholar - Antonia Hodgson 💙 A Ballad for Slayers & Monsters - Rita A. Rubin

💖 Where Shadows Meet - Patrice Caldwell 💜 The Coven Tendency - Zoe Hana Mikuta 💜 Tonight, I Bleed - Katharine J. Adams 💙 Venom Bound - I.S. Belle

💖 All Fired Up - M.K. England 💜 Waiting for a Witch - Brigid Hunt 💜 Once Upon You and Me - Timothy Janovsky 💙 Just a Peck - Chelsea Jean

💖 Resisting The Temptation - Daisy Wren 💜 Faithbreaker - Hannah Kaner 💜 Flirting Lessons - Jasmine Guillory 💙 Into The Fiery Woods - Riley Taylor

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💖 Sapphic Books Out April 2025

🩷 Good afternoon, bookish bats. By now, you know that sweet, sapphic romance books have a special place in my heart. Here are only a few of the amazing sapphic books that hit shelves in April 2025.

❓ What was the last sapphic book you read?

💖 I Hated You in High School by Kathleen Gros 🩷 To Be Loved by Shannon O’Connor 💖 Carousel Summer by Kathleen Gros 🩷 Coming Up Clutch by Anna Gram 💖 Just a Peck by Chelsea Jean 🩷 Francine’s Spectacular Crash and Burn by Renee Swindle 💖 Anywhere You Go by Bridget Morrissey 🩷 Ordinary Saints by Niamh Ní Mhaoileoin 💖 Everything Is Fine Here by Iryn Tushabe

💖 Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff 🩷 The Unlikely Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Lindz McLeod 💖 Reluctant Witch by Melissa Marr 🩷 A Fellowship of Bakers & Magic by J. Penner 💖 The Lie That Binds Them by Matthew Ward 🩷 Renegade Girls by Nora Neus & Julie Robine 💖 Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffins 🩷 Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell 💖 Waters of Destruction by Leslie Karst

💖 Sometimes We Fly by Cheyenne Blue 🩷 Sweet, Spicy, Delicate by Allison Ashton 💖 Some Body Like Me by Lucy Lapinska 🩷 Advocate by Daniel M. Ford 💖 My Lady Hiraya by Steven Sy 🩷 Whisk Me Away by Georgia Beers 💖 Mothers of Fate by Lynne Hugo 🩷 Lady Chaos by Kate Elliott 💖 A Body Not Her Own by Eileen Farren

💖 Firecamp by Jaycie Morrison 🩷 All Fired Up by M. K. England 💖 In Her Sanctum by Emma Bailey 🩷 Defective by Ivy Lovell 💖 black&white – Episode 1: HUE by Soph Tang 🩷 Every Sweet Thing is Bitter by Samantha Crewson 💖 Skin by Kathe Koja 🩷 Mere by Danielle Giles 💖 Tonight, I Bleed by Katharine J. Adams

💖 A Ballad for Slayers & Monsters by Rita A. Rubin 🩷 You Belong to Me by Hayley Krischer 💖 A Line You Have Traced by Roisin Dunnett 💖 Low Orbit by Kazimir Lee 🩷 Roll for Love by M. K. England 💖 I Love You S’more by Auriane Desombre 🩷 If We Were a Movie by Zakiya N. Jamal 💖 Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory 🩷 Nav’s Foolproof Guide to Falling in Love by Jessica Lewis

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Bi4bi books where all of the people in the romance are people of color

f/f - 1, m/m- 4, m/f - 8, adonic (romance with enbies) - 2 and polyamorous romance - 1

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ocean books 🌊📘🐟

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ARC Review of “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” by Elee Rose

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I originally had the opportunity to read “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” ahead of its official release—but surprise! Elee Rose decided to release it early! So here’s my honest review of the book, now that I’ve read it.

““Why is it so big?!” In the center of my living room, I watched Drea struggle to set up the inflatable photo booth. “That’s what she said!” Drea shouted…”

When a book starts with a “that’s what she said” joke, you just know it’s going to be good! “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” was such a fun read—definitely a bit of a rollercoaster, but in the best way. It had so many of my favorite tropes: enemies to lovers, found family, and a slow burn sapphic romance. The story follows Fallon and Mackenzie, neighbors in the same apartment building, who meet under less-than-ideal circumstances. Remember that enemies-to-lovers trope I mentioned? Yeah, these two HATED each other at first. But of course, as with any good enemies-to-lovers story, things start to shift, and by the end, they’re totally falling for each other.

Elee Rose’s writing was honestly fantastic! It’s hard to believe that this was her debut book! Her storytelling was super engaging and easy to follow, and she gave just the right amount of detail to bring the world to life. I could picture everything so clearly in my mind. She also included a lot of moments that really hit close to home for me, and the way she captured those emotions and thoughts really impressed me.

“If the person who was supposed to love you no matter what can hurt you like that, how do you trust anyone?”

~~~

“What man takes in a woman with a child, not to mention, heavy baggage from a previous marriage, raises them as his own, and loves those two women with his whole heart?”

This story had so many amazing elements! It was funny, spicy, emotional, hopeful, reflective, lighthearted—and even a little inspiring. If you’re into contemporary romance that explores rebuilding trust, navigating new relationships, and features strong found family dynamics, then “Tell Me Not to Kiss You” is definitely one to check out!

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Violet: Did you have to stab them?

Ridoc: You weren’t there. You didn’t hear what they said to me.

Rhiannon: What did they say?

Ridoc: "What are you going to do, stab me?"

Sawyer: That’s fair.

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💛 I’m a yellow reader 💛

have you guys done that “what kind of reader are you” quiz and if so what did you get

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Ridoc: Okay, listen, bestie- Xaden: I’m not your fucking bestie. Ridoc: OKAY, then listen, WORSTIE-

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it's the end of the month. you've done so well. i'm so proud of you. you kept going, even when it felt impossible. you're strong, and kindhearted, and resilient. you deserve a little treat (yes, that book you've been eyeing all month, the one that will fit perfectly onto your already overflowing shelves).

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Book Review of “Going Bicoastal” by Dahlia Adler

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I want to first give a shout out to my best friend for getting me this book for my birthday last year, thanks bestie!!!

“Going Bicoastal” by Dahlia Adler is such a fun and unique read! Not only do you get one love story—you get two! You also get to choose how the main character’s happily ever after unfolds.

The story follows Natalya Fox as she faces a life-changing decision at the start of her summer: stay in New York City with her dad or fly to Los Angeles to reconnect with her mom, whom she rarely sees. Each choice comes with its own challenges and opportunities, making the decision anything but easy. But luckily for us, Adler lets us explore both possibilities!

In one timeline, Natalya stays in NYC, works on mending her relationship with her mom from afar, finally gathers the courage to talk to her long-time girl crush, and spends quality time with her dad. In the other timeline, she heads to LA, takes on an internship at her mom’s job, rebuilds their relationship, and unexpectedly falls for a guy she never saw coming.

With its fresh take on parallel storylines and swoon-worthy romance, “Going Bicoastal” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good “what if” story with a twist!

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Happy April! Here are bi books out in April.

This is not an exhaustive list.

Books listed:

Blood Cypress by Elizabeth Broadbent

Where Shadows Meet by Patrice Caldwell

Venom Bound (Blood Tethered #2) by I.S. Belle

Love, Unexpected by Shannon O'Connor

Steamy on Set by D.S. Walls

Iron Tongue of Midnight (The Forge & Fracture Saga #3) by Brittany N. Williams

Bone Dresser by Nico Vincenty

Fluid: A Guide for People with Flexible Sexuality by Mark Cusack

Girl Crush by C.H. Williams

A Drop of Corruption (Shadow of the Leviathan, #2) by Robert Jackson Bennett

Advocate (The Warden, #3) by Daniel M. Ford

The Coven Tendency by Zoe Hana Mikuta

Make the Play by Lucky Hart

Accidentally Joining His Cult by Lexi Amber

Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa

All Fired Up by M.K. England

Waiting for a Witch by Brigid Hunt

Once Upon You and Me by Timothy Janovsky

Nightingale by Frances M. Thompson

Roll for Love by M.K. England

Just a Peck by Chelsea Jean

Coded in Control by KL Hill

Eat the Ones You Love by Sarah Maria Griffin

Into The Fiery Woods by Riley Taylor

Road Trip by Lisa Henry

A Ballad for Slayers & Monsters by Rita A. Rubin

The Assassin and the Sorceress by N.R.G. Selove

Flirting Lessons by Jasmine Guillory

Penance Paid in Blood (The Blood of Tenazeryth Book 3) by Maria J. Hart

Love at First Spin by Lauren R. Stephens

Tonight, I Bleed (The Witches of Halstett, #2) by Katharine J. Adams

Faithbreaker (Fallen Gods, #3) by Hannah Kaner

The Raven Scholar (The Eternal Path, #1) by Antonia Hodgson

Resisting The Temptation by Daisy Wren

A Vow of Wrath and Ruin (The Mind Breaker, #2) by K.W. Foster

Vincent & Sivan by Cali Kitsu

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My March 2025 wrap-up!

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💕 Local Bookshop Appreciation Post! 💕

📚 The Novel Nest Bookstore 📚

📖 Wilson, NC 📖

The best part: there’s a store cat!!! Shout out to Brenda for being the best and cutest bookstore cat!!! 🐈 Happy Caturday!

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Shameless Birthday Post!!! 🌈✨🥳

34 years around the sun complete! 💕