tristatereader's reviews
57 reviews
A Circle of Stars by Craig Montgomery
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
6/5 stars oh my fucking god
I will be back to scream and convince you all to read this book, I just need 3-5 business days to recover from this masterpiece
Ok, I’m back
This book was absolutely incredible and you need to read it ASAP 😊
A Circle of Stars tells the story of Casper, a high school senior living in Chicago who gets kicked out of his home as a result of his parents blatant homophobia. While on the street, Casper is attacked by what appears to be coyotes. When an older woman steps in to save him, he finds himself suddenly transported to an entirely new world located inside a moon called Novilem. The Novilites harness powers from the aether based on their zodiac signs or “houses”. And Casper is shocked to find out that he is the Telos: the first person in nearly 80 years that has the ability to access powers from all 12 of the houses. Casper is kept locked away to train and hone his powers by the woman who saved him on Earth, Brissa, the most powerful of the Novilem council members. But as his isolation starts to feel suffocating, it’s Brissa’s charming young grandson, Helix, who helps Casper feel less alone. As the two begin to spend more time together, they start to uncover dark secrets that are threatening Novilem and its people.
This book is a coming of age, fantasy romance. The writing was incredible and I could not believe this was a debut novel. The world building was executed beautifully and while I’m still a newbie in the fantasy reading world, I was able to quickly catch on to the lingo. And the author included a glossary which was so helpful! I absolutely loved all of the characters in this book and watching Casper and Helix’s romance blossom was such a privilege. I think my favorite part of this book was the healthy communication between these two 🥰. I also adored how queernormative Novilem was written and it warmed my heart seeing Casper be able to live his authentic self.
You guys don’t want to miss this one written and published by an amazing indie author. It was perfection all the way through. And there’s a book 2 coming next year!
I will be back to scream and convince you all to read this book, I just need 3-5 business days to recover from this masterpiece
Ok, I’m back
This book was absolutely incredible and you need to read it ASAP 😊
A Circle of Stars tells the story of Casper, a high school senior living in Chicago who gets kicked out of his home as a result of his parents blatant homophobia. While on the street, Casper is attacked by what appears to be coyotes. When an older woman steps in to save him, he finds himself suddenly transported to an entirely new world located inside a moon called Novilem. The Novilites harness powers from the aether based on their zodiac signs or “houses”. And Casper is shocked to find out that he is the Telos: the first person in nearly 80 years that has the ability to access powers from all 12 of the houses. Casper is kept locked away to train and hone his powers by the woman who saved him on Earth, Brissa, the most powerful of the Novilem council members. But as his isolation starts to feel suffocating, it’s Brissa’s charming young grandson, Helix, who helps Casper feel less alone. As the two begin to spend more time together, they start to uncover dark secrets that are threatening Novilem and its people.
This book is a coming of age, fantasy romance. The writing was incredible and I could not believe this was a debut novel. The world building was executed beautifully and while I’m still a newbie in the fantasy reading world, I was able to quickly catch on to the lingo. And the author included a glossary which was so helpful! I absolutely loved all of the characters in this book and watching Casper and Helix’s romance blossom was such a privilege. I think my favorite part of this book was the healthy communication between these two 🥰. I also adored how queernormative Novilem was written and it warmed my heart seeing Casper be able to live his authentic self.
You guys don’t want to miss this one written and published by an amazing indie author. It was perfection all the way through. And there’s a book 2 coming next year!
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
fast-paced
I wrote and erased this review like 6 different times. I couldn’t really figure out why I wasn’t happy with what I was saying. And then I discussed the book with a friend and I realized that trying to publicly speak on Britney’s personal thoughts and feelings felt a bit ick to me.
While I won’t be reviewing this book, I will say that I’m glad Britney got to speak her truth. I hope she found the writing process freeing and therapeutic.
While I won’t be reviewing this book, I will say that I’m glad Britney got to speak her truth. I hope she found the writing process freeing and therapeutic.
Luke and Billy Finally Get a Clue by Cat Sebastian
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
So I finished my first Cat Sebastian book (We Could Be So Good) and loved it. And then I saw this book (Luke and Billy Finally Get a Clue) posted on my friend’s IG stories and was immediately intrigued. Historical romance? Cat Sebastian? Baseball?! Say less please. I couldn’t hit the buy button fast enough.
The year is 1953 and Phillies baseball player Luke Novac has just suffered a serious head injury at the hands of a wild pitch. After being discharged from the hospital, Luke disappears. He takes his phone off the hook and plunges into to isolation. His teammate Billy Reardon tries everything to see and speak to him. But Luke remains holed up in his apartment with no contact to the outside world. Luke’s behavior has Billy angry, frustrated, and scared.
When the off season arrives, Billy begrudgingly leaves Luke in Philly and travels to his family’s home in the woods of North Carolina. The house is old and in desperate need of repairs since the passing of his father. It’s also extremely secluded and currently empty (as his sister and mom have temporarily relocated for pregnancy safety). As Billy begins to make mental notes of all the projects he needs to accomplish during his time off, Luke suddenly shows up on his front porch. After weeks of no contact and fearing the worst, Billy experiences a range of emotions and feelings that he just may need to look into a little deeper.
This story was adorable. Billy and Luke were such fun and sassy characters. Their chemistry was so organic and I found myself cracking up at their witty banter. They loved with their whole hearts and it was so refreshing to see. This is a novella so it was a very quick read and I was desperate for more. Currently living for the idea of domestic Lully in Philly 🥹 Highly recommend this sweet story for an instant serotonin boost!
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Bishop Martínez is living in a home that is haunted by creatures. Bishop is desperate to reclaim their home so they seek out the help of exorcist Colin Hart. But Bishop neglects to tell Colin that they actually know the most powerful and dangerous creature lurking in their home. As the truth unravels, Colin and Bishop begin opening up to one another in an emotional, spiritual, and physical way. But will their connection and magical powers be enough to successful (and safely) exorcise Bishop’s home?
Y’all… this book was a wild fucking ride. I made a poor judgment call and started reading this at night in the dark and let me tell you, every single noise I heard in my house had me shook lol. It was a book club pick for October and I will be sending my therapy bills to the co-leaders 😂😘.
The grief that Bishop and Colin were experiencing in this story captivated me. I really empathized with both of them; they were both trying so hard to grieve their lost loved ones but there was also so much trauma attached to their loss. The author’s writing style and poetic imagery made me feel like I was in the house with the MCs, experiencing first-hand what they were feeling. I loved all of the representation and the story itself was solid, complex, and heartbreaking at times. But I can’t lie: there were a few things that took place in this book that had me cringing 🥴 PLEASEEE read the content note at the beginning and know that some of the things listed are graphic! All in all, the representation (T4T, non-binary, Mexican) and imagery really carried this book for me and it was the perfect read to kick off spooky season.
Y’all… this book was a wild fucking ride. I made a poor judgment call and started reading this at night in the dark and let me tell you, every single noise I heard in my house had me shook lol. It was a book club pick for October and I will be sending my therapy bills to the co-leaders 😂😘.
The grief that Bishop and Colin were experiencing in this story captivated me. I really empathized with both of them; they were both trying so hard to grieve their lost loved ones but there was also so much trauma attached to their loss. The author’s writing style and poetic imagery made me feel like I was in the house with the MCs, experiencing first-hand what they were feeling. I loved all of the representation and the story itself was solid, complex, and heartbreaking at times. But I can’t lie: there were a few things that took place in this book that had me cringing 🥴 PLEASEEE read the content note at the beginning and know that some of the things listed are graphic! All in all, the representation (T4T, non-binary, Mexican) and imagery really carried this book for me and it was the perfect read to kick off spooky season.
The Neighbor Favor by Kristina Forest
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Lily is working in a job she hates, living on her sister’s pull out couch in NYC, and can’t seem to find love. When her sister gets engaged, she and their 3rd sister make a bet with Lily that if she brings a date to the wedding, they’ll stay out of her love life. Desperate to win and still reeling from heartbreak after an online romance ghosted her, Lily asks her new neighbor Nick. He declines but says he’ll help her find a date. But the two can’t deny the amazing emotional and physical chemistry between them… and then Nick drops a bomb. Can their strong connection survive?
This book was so sweet. I loved all of the characters in it, especially Nick and Lily. I was rooting for them every step of the way. Nick had some serious trauma to deal with in regards to an unstable upbringing. The author did a great job showing readers how that affected him in his interpersonal relationships, especially with Lily. I loved watching him not only acknowledge but slay his demons. I loved that as a Black man, he recognized that he needed help and actively sought out therapy. This representation is everything. I also can’t say enough about Lily’s journey. She really came into herself in the book. She initially presented as pretty timid and was hidden in her sisters shadows. But as the story evolved, so too did Lily as a person. Her confidence blossomed and she honed in on what she wanted, what made her happy, and didn’t let anything stop her from having it. A+ character growth for both MCs.
I also loved pretty much all the side characters (minus Eddy because FU Eddy). Lily’s family was incredible, Nick’s found family was so supportive, and their neighbors were seriously the cutest. Would loveeee to read a book about Yolanda and Henry! Or Iris and Angel! Kristina Forest blink twice if either of these are in the works 👀
This book was so sweet. I loved all of the characters in it, especially Nick and Lily. I was rooting for them every step of the way. Nick had some serious trauma to deal with in regards to an unstable upbringing. The author did a great job showing readers how that affected him in his interpersonal relationships, especially with Lily. I loved watching him not only acknowledge but slay his demons. I loved that as a Black man, he recognized that he needed help and actively sought out therapy. This representation is everything. I also can’t say enough about Lily’s journey. She really came into herself in the book. She initially presented as pretty timid and was hidden in her sisters shadows. But as the story evolved, so too did Lily as a person. Her confidence blossomed and she honed in on what she wanted, what made her happy, and didn’t let anything stop her from having it. A+ character growth for both MCs.
I also loved pretty much all the side characters (minus Eddy because FU Eddy). Lily’s family was incredible, Nick’s found family was so supportive, and their neighbors were seriously the cutest. Would loveeee to read a book about Yolanda and Henry! Or Iris and Angel! Kristina Forest blink twice if either of these are in the works 👀
Charming Young Man by Eliot Schrefer
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I was lucky enough to score this ARC of Charming Young Man from Epic Reads (thank you so much!) and have spent days trying to formulate coherent thoughts regarding all the reasons that I loved this book.
So first and foremost, the book is based on real people. Léon Delafosse, Marcel Proust, John Singer Sargent, Robert de Montesquiou… all real. Which left this history lover absolutely giddy. Have I dived head first into Wikipediaing these people? You betcha. And the Author’s Note at the end of the book also provides some detail about their real lives, but definitely read it after you finish the book.
Honestly if you take anything away from my review, I hope it’s that the author did an outstanding job researching the people in this book and creatively weaving together the most incredible, fictional story.
The year is 1890 and Léon Delafosse is a 16-year-old French piano prodigy attending the Paris Conservatory. He comes from a life of poverty and has to secure a patron in order to afford his last year of tuition and living expenses. He meets several young men in high society, including the eccentrically wealthy Robert, who agrees to be his patron. Léon knows he has feelings for boys and as his social status climbs, so too do his romantic prospects. But he soon finds himself entangled in a web of deceit stemming from the romantic interests of those he trusted the most.
This book had some romance, but at its core this story is about self-discovery and embracing family (both bio and found). Léon was one of the most pure characters I think I’ve ever read and it broke my heart watching him be burned by those he trusted. His journey was captivating and I was so invested in his success (whatever form that came in). It was one of those books that I genuinely could not figure out what was going to happen next and those are rare finds (and wins) for me. For anyone who’s worried, you know your girl wouldn’t be raving about a book without a HEA and this one was perfect.
Look for Charming Young Man on 10/10/23
So first and foremost, the book is based on real people. Léon Delafosse, Marcel Proust, John Singer Sargent, Robert de Montesquiou… all real. Which left this history lover absolutely giddy. Have I dived head first into Wikipediaing these people? You betcha. And the Author’s Note at the end of the book also provides some detail about their real lives, but definitely read it after you finish the book.
Honestly if you take anything away from my review, I hope it’s that the author did an outstanding job researching the people in this book and creatively weaving together the most incredible, fictional story.
The year is 1890 and Léon Delafosse is a 16-year-old French piano prodigy attending the Paris Conservatory. He comes from a life of poverty and has to secure a patron in order to afford his last year of tuition and living expenses. He meets several young men in high society, including the eccentrically wealthy Robert, who agrees to be his patron. Léon knows he has feelings for boys and as his social status climbs, so too do his romantic prospects. But he soon finds himself entangled in a web of deceit stemming from the romantic interests of those he trusted the most.
This book had some romance, but at its core this story is about self-discovery and embracing family (both bio and found). Léon was one of the most pure characters I think I’ve ever read and it broke my heart watching him be burned by those he trusted. His journey was captivating and I was so invested in his success (whatever form that came in). It was one of those books that I genuinely could not figure out what was going to happen next and those are rare finds (and wins) for me. For anyone who’s worried, you know your girl wouldn’t be raving about a book without a HEA and this one was perfect.
Look for Charming Young Man on 10/10/23
Icebreaker by A.L. Graziadei
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
HELP.
I finished Icebreaker this morning (after starting it last night) and I can’t think of anything else.
This book had me hook, line, and sinker from the first page. This is a hockey romance that follows the MC in a heartbreaking and heartwarming journey toward finding his own path. Mickey is a hockey legacy who is in his first year of college, but plans on entering the NHL draft in the summer. He is slated to take the #1 draft spot, as his grandpa and dad did before him. But he’s just joined a team with his sworn enemy, Jaysen Caufield (Cauler), who is also hovering around that #1 spot. In addition to tension flaring between him and Cauler, Mickey is also suffocating under the pressure of expectations.
I absolutely adored the MCs. I loved how much Cauler genuinely cared for the people in his life, especially Mickey. This was such a well-written story with perfect pacing and such a natural progression in all of Mickey’s relationships. And the rep!!! The author introduces readers to a very happy and loving poly relationship (not involving the MCs), describes trichotillomania in a sensitive and informative manner, mentions endometriosis (who cheered?!), and really hones in on living life with depression.
I am in full book withdrawal from this story and these characters. I miss them so much that I’m unsure if I will ever fully move on. And I’ll definitely be in a state of emotional distress for a minimum 7-10 business days. I’m already heavily manifesting to the book gods (cc: A.L. Graziadei) that they bless us with a sequel 🙏🏼🔮
I finished Icebreaker this morning (after starting it last night) and I can’t think of anything else.
This book had me hook, line, and sinker from the first page. This is a hockey romance that follows the MC in a heartbreaking and heartwarming journey toward finding his own path. Mickey is a hockey legacy who is in his first year of college, but plans on entering the NHL draft in the summer. He is slated to take the #1 draft spot, as his grandpa and dad did before him. But he’s just joined a team with his sworn enemy, Jaysen Caufield (Cauler), who is also hovering around that #1 spot. In addition to tension flaring between him and Cauler, Mickey is also suffocating under the pressure of expectations.
I absolutely adored the MCs. I loved how much Cauler genuinely cared for the people in his life, especially Mickey. This was such a well-written story with perfect pacing and such a natural progression in all of Mickey’s relationships. And the rep!!! The author introduces readers to a very happy and loving poly relationship (not involving the MCs), describes trichotillomania in a sensitive and informative manner, mentions endometriosis (who cheered?!), and really hones in on living life with depression.
I am in full book withdrawal from this story and these characters. I miss them so much that I’m unsure if I will ever fully move on. And I’ll definitely be in a state of emotional distress for a minimum 7-10 business days. I’m already heavily manifesting to the book gods (cc: A.L. Graziadei) that they bless us with a sequel 🙏🏼🔮
The Borrow a Boyfriend Club by Page Powars
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Noah Byrd is a trans boy who transfers high schools in the middle of the year due to transphobia at his old school. He’s ready for a fresh start and his goal is to be accepted by his new classmates just as he is: a boy. He decides the best way to ensure that he is seen as himself is to join the elusive and highly coveted ‘Borrow a Boyfriend Club’ at school (disguised as an Italian culture club). But the President of the club, Asher, seems devoid of all emotion. He heartlessly cuts Noah about 5 seconds into the 1st round of interviews. Noah is able to finagle a 2nd try, but this entails wooing Asher. The two begin to form an unlikely bond, but the archaic rules of the club hinder the progression of their relationship.
This is the book that queer kids, adolescents, and adults need to read. While Noah struggles with his own self-acceptance, his classmates whole heartedly embrace the boy he is without giving it a second thought. Noah’s battle with imposter syndrome broke my heart, but his incredible support system put the pieces back together. And y’all know I love my character growth… Noah’s was so inspiring and beautiful to watch.
Also, I loved legit everyone in this book. Even the unlikeable characters wormed their way into my heart. For legal purposes, this is a joke (or is it?), but I would commit crimes for Lenny. PLEASE Page tell me what I need to do to get a Lenny book or short story or drabble 😭 I would do anything to see that boy achieve everything he’s ever dreamed 🥹
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Children’s for this ARC. Look for The Borrow a Boyfriend Club on 9/12/23💕
‼️ IMPORTANT ‼️
The author has teamed up with The Ripped Bodice for a very special campaign. Please consider checking out the link in his bio and donating a copy of The Borrow a Boyfriend Club to organizations created to help trans youth access stories like Noah’s. You’ll also receive a copy of TBABC theme song as a thank you, which I personally can’t wait to hear 🕺🏻
The (Fake) Dating Game by Timothy Janovsky
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Holden James loves the game show Madcap Market. He and his late mother watched it religiously while he was growing up and he promised her he would someday win the show himself. So when he excitedly asks his live-in boyfriend of 4 years, Buckley, to come on the show with him, he’s shocked when Buckley says no, and then promptly breaks up with him.
Now stuck crashing at his dad’s house in the burbs, Holden decides to fly to LA on a dream and a prayer that he can convince one of Buckley’s friends to go on the show with him. Of course she says no, and Holden ends up drowning his sorrows in his hotel room mini bar. When the cute guy at concierge, Leo, comes to his room to tell him guests are complaining about his wallowing, they end up forming a connection over pizza and monopoly. A plan is hatched for the two to pretend to be a couple and go on Madcap Market together. Because fake dating always works exactly as it should, right?
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. I’ve read all of Timothy Janovsky’s books and this one definitely tops the list. And he’s showing us a new side to his writing as he has the spice factor turned all way up with this one 🔥 Although Holden and Leo’s connection could be described as somewhat of an insta-love, don’t be deterred; it felt so organic. This is a sweet and fun romance, but please note that our boy Holden is definitely going through it. I empathized with Holden’s grief and some of the rash decisions he made were so relatable and real. Grief is a central theme throughout this book and my heart broke, but the author did a beautiful job putting it back together.
I found myself smiling constantly throughout this book. I loved watching Leo help Holden reclaim his self-confidence in all facets of life. I loved when Leo didn’t push Holden and gave him the space he needed to heal. I loved learning about Leo’s Korean culture and meeting Ms. Min. And I loveddd Holden’s character growth and the perfect little epilogue to tie up their story. This is the author’s first book with Harlequin and it hit the ball out of the park for me. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
‼️ Just adding a CW: Leo is written as a light dom in the bedroom, but each sexual encounter takes place between two adult characters with explicit consent between both partners. They constantly check-in with one another and have a safe word, if needed.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC. Look for The (Fake) Dating Game on 1/23/24 💕
Now stuck crashing at his dad’s house in the burbs, Holden decides to fly to LA on a dream and a prayer that he can convince one of Buckley’s friends to go on the show with him. Of course she says no, and Holden ends up drowning his sorrows in his hotel room mini bar. When the cute guy at concierge, Leo, comes to his room to tell him guests are complaining about his wallowing, they end up forming a connection over pizza and monopoly. A plan is hatched for the two to pretend to be a couple and go on Madcap Market together. Because fake dating always works exactly as it should, right?
I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, which is rare for me. I’ve read all of Timothy Janovsky’s books and this one definitely tops the list. And he’s showing us a new side to his writing as he has the spice factor turned all way up with this one 🔥 Although Holden and Leo’s connection could be described as somewhat of an insta-love, don’t be deterred; it felt so organic. This is a sweet and fun romance, but please note that our boy Holden is definitely going through it. I empathized with Holden’s grief and some of the rash decisions he made were so relatable and real. Grief is a central theme throughout this book and my heart broke, but the author did a beautiful job putting it back together.
I found myself smiling constantly throughout this book. I loved watching Leo help Holden reclaim his self-confidence in all facets of life. I loved when Leo didn’t push Holden and gave him the space he needed to heal. I loved learning about Leo’s Korean culture and meeting Ms. Min. And I loveddd Holden’s character growth and the perfect little epilogue to tie up their story. This is the author’s first book with Harlequin and it hit the ball out of the park for me. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
‼️ Just adding a CW: Leo is written as a light dom in the bedroom, but each sexual encounter takes place between two adult characters with explicit consent between both partners. They constantly check-in with one another and have a safe word, if needed.
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC. Look for The (Fake) Dating Game on 1/23/24 💕
Kit & Basie by Tess Carletta
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Basie Yeats is 77 years old, but stopped aging at 25. He and his mom, Della, are the only two immortal people Basie knows. So when Della unexpectedly decides to end her immortality, Basie finds himself overcome with feelings of grief and loneliness. He vows to leave Long Lily, Pennsylvania (where he’s lived for 77 years) in an attempt to do immortality “the right way”. But when his house is sold to a charming and charismatic outsider from Maryland named Kit Elliot, Basie can’t seem to leave.
This was a sweet story about overcoming grief. Basie is so blinded by anger and sadness, he decides running from the only life he’s ever known is his one lchance at happiness. He makes some unsafe decisions, such as squatting in an abandoned diner in the woods, just to avoid processing his grief. My heart broke for Basie throughout this book. And then it broke for Kit, who couldn’t help falling for this grief-stricken Basie. Don’t worry though, this was a HEA and the epilogue was chef’s kiss.
Pick this book up for the magical realism, stay for the serendipitous connection between Kit & Basie 🥰
Thank you so much to the author for the gifted copy of this gorgeous book