Stars that Pause by Yi Izzy Yu and John Yu Branscum Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Stars that Pause serves as an interesting new perspective, at least to me, on a previously well discussed topic. As someone who actively engages with a lot of literature regarding ufology and cryptozoology, I found the idea of a book that discusses a more eastern perspective on ufo (or UAP as Yu and Branscum typically refer to them) phenomenon a welcome breath of fresh air.
And the book does deliver on this front, providing a fairly expansive selection of ufo encounters across Asia (though most center around east Asia), and explanations for these phenomena that are based in eastern tradition, spiritualism , and shamanism. I will admit that I felt a bit lost in some of the more in-depth discussion of religious and spiritual practices, simply due to a lack of familiarity. Therefore, I would not recommend this book as a taking off point for understanding these practices. The discussion of the “baffle” threshold, however, was one of my favorites, and I found it quite insightful.
The book did have the tendency to go on tangents that did not quite feel relevant to the topic at hand, and had a tendency to repeat itself from time to time. It is also quite academic at times, which is not a complaint from me, but I could see others being put off by it. Additionally, the “unique” structure that the book advertises does not quite work well in the digital format.
Overall, Stars that Pause would be a solid addition to anyone’s pre-existing library on ufology. However, I would not recommend it for anyone who is just starting out in the topic.
Thanks to BookSirens and Empress Wu Books for a review copy.
📢ARC READERS WANTED!📢
If you're hungry for m/m romance reads, a fan of BL novels, loved "Crazy Rich Asians" or "Red, White & Royal Blue", here's a treat for you -and you can read it for free before anybody else!
Get lost in Shanghai's outrageously opulent setting and join Hanjun and Li Ying as they fight for their happy ending in this spicy, contemporary lgbtq+ romantic comedy, featuring crossdressing and family drama: sign up as an Advance Review Copy reader on Booksirens and read your free copy of "He Is My Bride":
https://booksirens.com/book/PGY8DZ7/XMXV4D0
(if you don't have a Booksirens account and don't wanna make one, reach out to [email protected] and I'll send you an alternative download link via Bookfunnel)
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He Is My Bride release 21.7.2025
Disclaimer: I requested and received this book from book sirens. My review is voluntary.
The Flesh Inherent by Perry Meester is a short queer horror novel that sent me on a journey of self acceptance. I wanted to read this book since reading some of an interview with the author, (GHOULGAB w/ Perry Meester, author of THE FLESH INHERENT). So when I found it on booksirens I nearly jumped out of my own skin with how fast I requested it. I was drawn in by the setting, the flawed characters, and the possibility of a romance. I did not expect to gain existential thoughts and a new appreciation for my own body.
The Flesh Inherent was a bloody, gorey, and sweet book. It was such a a fun read. I loved the characters. Jamie and Sidney are two deeply angry queers who desperately want to change. And I feel that through the book they do change, just not in the way they expected. And honestly I didn't expect it either. I did not expect to feel grateful and more confident in my own skin. This book made me feel so seen. The author managed to perfectly articulate something I struggle to put into words. It's strange to find catharsis in such a dark place but I did.
Overall The Flesh Inherent by Perry Meester is now one of my favorite queer horror books. It far surpassed any expectations I had for it. I'm so happy I got the chance to read it. The last few chapters really put things into perspective for me. This book has left me with a lot of existential thoughts. I read this book while having a flare up and it was so weird/strange to be grateful for and happy in my pain riddled body. I've rewritten this review a few times now. But, I genuinely cannot put into words how this book has affected me. Sometimes it's the shortest books that have the deepest impact. I hope that when you read The Flesh Inherent that you enjoy it as much as I did/do.
Links
Goodreads:
On a hot summer night, something enormous screams down …
Storygraph:
SOMETHING HAS FALLEN FROM THE SKYOn a hot summer night, something enormous screams down from the ...
Title: Thrill of the Chase (Base City Romance: Book 2)
Author: Ellie Roth
Rating: 3/5 stars
Thanks to BookSirens and Ellie Roth for a free advance review e-copy of this book, I am leaving this review voluntarily.
After the collapse of French Industries, a new power is rising in Base City, the criminal gang The Coyotes. Will, an unemployed baddie also known as Infrared doesn’t like where things are going so joins the good guys and starts getting close to the hero known as Greaser. Meanwhile in their real identities Will and Angel (aka Greaser) also meet and start to build a bond.
What I liked: I like the relationship and characters (these are so fully developed). I also like where the series is heading but…
What I didn’t like: The pace was too slow and as much as I enjoyed getting to know Will and Angel barely anything happened plot wise. It took a while to read as nothing hooked me to the next chapter, except once and even that was mild.
Final Thoughts: A sweet filler in a superhero series that is relationship heavy and plot light. Still worth reading though.
Who would enjoy reading this: Those who have read the first book of the series.
Whisper Wells is the first in an upcoming series called "Legends of the Whisper Woods" by Ali Woods. It's a romantasy debut novel set in a world that feels contemporary (cars and cellphones exist) but beings of all kinds (witches, vampires, dragons, centaurs...) are real. Some magical beings have integrated into human society, but many live secluded within a vast woodland known as Whisper Woods. The two main characters are Caelan and Tor. Caelan is part-Shifter (but mostly human) and lives in a homestead on the edge of Whisper Wells, a small town that borders Whisper Woods. Tor is Fae and lives in the large city of Loqueaur. Caelan and Tor meet on a dating app and develop a meaningful friendship until a disappearance brings the two together on a journey into Whisper Woods.
The story is light and reminds me a little of the cozy fantasy books I've read. There is that mystery but nothing is too dark and the stakes are low overall. The spice level, however, is high! Caelan and Tor are smitten with each other from the beginning and the story mostly focuses on their developing relationship as they adventure through the various perils of Whisper Woods.
The story is also filled with a host of really great characters. Tor and Caelean are, of course, fantastic, but they also encounter a lot of other fun characters during their journey. Towards the end of the book, there is even some potential setup of Book Two with two of the supporting characters!
Whisper Wells is perfect for any m/m romance fans who are looking for a lighter, fluffier story with a quest-style plot and great characters. The book is enjoyable, smutty, and funny. The main relationship is charming and has a lot of depth and emotion along with the spice. The ending is satisfying and the setup for future books left me excited to read all upcoming additions to the series. I'm especially hoping for a future book about Seff!
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes/Tags: Achillean, queer, romance, romantasy, spicy, Fae, Werewolves/Shifters, Fated Mates, jealousy, protectiveness, found family
If you liked this I think you will like Whisper Wells: I think fans of Lily Mayne's "Monstrous" series will enjoy this. It reminded me a little of Soul Eater but with a cozy fantasy background instead of a sci-fi dystopia background.
Whisper Wells will be available on Kindle Unlimited on April 3, 2024 and is currently available for pre-order!
This book was made available to me in advance thanks to BookSirens! I received a free digital copy of this book in exchange for this review. The above are my honest feelings on the provided book.
What happens when the Prince of Wales falls in love with the Prime Minister?
My boring life working in an insurance call center in sunny California just took an unexpected turn. Thanks to my misbehaving relatives, I’ve leapt from obscurity to royalty as the new heir to the British throne.
But my welcome in England is about as warm as the weather. I arrive to discover a country horrified at the thought of an American version of Prince Charming and ready to revolt against the monarchy. I vow to my grandmother, the Queen, that I will do everything possible to help her save the crown.
Unfortunately, royal life isn’t easy. From bewildering traditions, traitorous friends, and malevolent swans, the only thing I’m succeeding in is providing entertainment for the tabloids and social media trolls.
And then the broodingly handsome Prime Minister, Oliver Hartwell, bursts into my life.
With his meteoric rise from poverty to the most powerful man in the country, Oliver understands my current plight. Innocent messages of support turn into late-night chats—and unexpected feelings.
But there’s one major problem. The royal family must remain politically neutral at all times.
So how can I keep my promise to save the monarchy when I’m falling in love with the Prime Minister?
A forbidden romance filled with humor and drama featuring a bumbling Prince of Wales and a stern yet dashing Prime Minister, with a love that could transform a nation.
My Rating: ★★★★★
*My Review and Favorite Quotes below the cut.
My Review:
I picked this up because the cover and synopsis were cute and because I desperately needed something to fill the void left after finishing the new Red White & Royal Blue movie. And this was absolutely perfect.
This a deliciously swoony slow-burn romance, with Callum, unlikely American heir to the British throne, and Oliver, Prime Minister of the UK, sloooooowly falling in love over nightly text messages that evolve into phone calls that evolve into video calls and then more.
I loved Callum, with his bumbling but cheerful approach to life, his random facts and obsessions, and always seeing the magic in the small things and trying to make people's days brighter with every conversation. He was so genuine and likeable and good. He occasionally reminded me of a golden retriever lol.
I also loved Oliver, with his passion to improve the lives of the common people and his witty comebacks and political savvy. He was so serious all the time - it was nice to see Callum making him laugh and relax.
Would this absolutely bonkers political scenario ever happen in real life? Hell no. Did I care? Absolutely not. It worked because the heart of the story is Callum and Oliver falling in love.
I was 100% there for them falling for one another and in some sense the political trappings of the story were secondary to that. Yes it was amusing, and it certainly caused plenty of conflict and provided the forbidden relationship angle, but I'm not going to nitpick historical or political details.
Why would I? I loved this too much. I flew through it in a day and did absolutely nothing else I had planned to because I couldn't tear myself away from it.
To be fair, when presented with an epistolary novel, especially a slow-burn in the form of text messages, I'm almost guaranteed to like it. There have been a few notable exceptions, but only a few. Callum and Oliver, however, are the heart of this novel and their personalities and interactions are what drew me in and kept me hooked.
This is absolutely a new favorite and I will be checking out the author's other works asap.
*Thanks to Booksirens and NetGalley for providing an early copy for review.
Favorite Quotes:
“You need to cut your toenails,” I say because, you know, that’s an appropriate thing to say to the prime minister.
“I’ve been wondering why my socks are suddenly getting holes in them,” he says.
---
“There is no magic to be found in the EU agricultural trade negotiations, trust me,” I say.
---
Herbert’s my usual go-to person for dress etiquette, but I’m not sure if even he would know how to dress when you’re meeting the prime minister for a suspiciously vague mission.
---
Maybe that’s what the prime minister actually is. School principal to the entire nation.
Book review of 'These Deadly Words' by Nicole Heydenburg. ARC received for free from @booksirens.
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Four young adults are stuck in a snowstorm and find sanctuary in a cabin in the woods.
Nicole Heydenburg has managed to add an interesting development to the classic horror film set up which was intriguing. Four people (Leah, Vincent, Noah, and Ava) get stranded in a snowstorm and stumble upon…
