overthinking_bibliophile's reviews
116 reviews

Thank you so much, Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley, for this beautiful ARC. 

This book snuck up on me. When I applied for it, I was into the idea and thought of the movie, Afterlife of the Party, and the show The Good Place. I loved both of them, and now I love this book. It's a simple but touching rom-com about finding yourself, dealing with grief, loneliness, letting go, finding your soulmate, bullying, and the emotional journey of these awesome characters that'll make you root for them.
It also felt like a love letter to the author's favorite stories with the little references here and there.

Here are my reasons why you should read this:

♡ Magical realism
♡ Heartwarming enemies-to-lovers
♡ Amazing chemistry
♡ The perfect cast of side characters
♡ A hint of the paranormal
♡ Emotional depth

Merged Review of the first and second book because I read them together:

I am having such a gala time exploring these new magic systems. Well, new to me, at least. I've never read a book about necromancy before. Like, necromancy!!! It was spooky, atmospheric, and had such intrigue with cliffhanger endings. I devoured it.

The Foxglove King had me in its grip from the beginning. It's a story about destiny and chosen ones in the scheme of religious fervor. The ending left me wanting more, and I dove right into The Hemlock Queen, and it became even more interesting. I needed answers!!!

I found Lore refreshing. She's strong, confident, and can stand up for herself. Bastian reminded me of Dorian Havilliard and Gabe? Well, he's complicated. I can't wait to see how their story evolves in the next book.

Here are my reasons why you should read this series:

♡ You like gothic vibes.
♡ You like unique magic systems.
♡ You like court intrigue.
♡ You like divine forces' intervention (not in a good way).
♡ You like forbidden romance.
♡ You like secrets and betrayals.

I had the most beautiful experience meeting Renn and Maven.

I read this book in a single day. It is a touching, small-town romance with a sci-fi theme. It covers a wide range of topics with such finese - traumatic experiences, loss of a parent, loneliness, friendships, and healing journey. I am in awe of Shandy's writing and how beautifully she wove the words. 

Renn is such a lovable character. He says things that will melt your heart. And Maven? My heart goes out for her. Her journey is so close to me personally that I cried reading about her. 

The sci-fi is not heavily infused in the story, and I like that a lot. It is just a theme, and the focus is entirely on the characters' journey.

Here are my reasons why you should read this:

♡ You like small town romances.
♡ You like strangers to lovers.
♡ You like raw, heart-wrenching stories.
♡ You like cinnamon roll MMC.
♡ You like minimal sci-fi theme.

This was the perfect choice as the first book of my new romantasy book club, Myths & Dreams. 

The best part about the book? 
The tension!!! The banter!!! Kai!!! 😍🔥🥵

The world building was so easy to understand, and the characters were well written. It might actually be one of the good "intro to fantasy" books for those who are looking to dip their toes into the genre.

The angst and slowburn are to die for. It had one of the best banters I've read over time. Kai and Paedyn just fit perfectly well. Pae is a badass FMC who's also funny and vulnerable. Kai is charismatic, charming, and has a way with words. I'm not sure how I feel about Kitt. I feel bad for him but also maybe not?

"Why did I ever think I could have her, ever think she would have me? Because beasts don't get the beauty." **screaming**

Thank you so much, Simon and Schuster, for this ARC.

Let me start by saying that I am a scaredy cat. I do not read horror. I love thrillers. but whenever there's a horror element to it, I go nuh-uh. Having said that, I gobbled this book up. WOW!!!!

I was creeped out from start to finish but could not put this down. I read it in almost one sitting and have loved every second of it. 

I had a single throughout the book, "This will make an amazing movie," and the fact that it is being turned into one by Netflix has me all excited for it.

PS: Beware of strangers and DO NOT read this in the dark!!

Here are my reasons why you should read this:

♡ Canadian author
♡ Debut horror/psychological thriller
♡ Creepy, atmospheric, eerie, and unsettling 
♡ Queer representation
♡ Unreliable narrator

Merged Review of the first and second book because I read them together:

I am having such a gala time exploring these new magic systems. Well, new to me, at least. I've never read a book about necromancy before. Like, necromancy!!! It was spooky, atmospheric, and had such intrigue with cliffhanger endings. I devoured it.

The Foxglove King had me in its grip from the beginning. It's a story about destiny and chosen ones in the scheme of religious fervor. The ending left me wanting more, and I dove right into The Hemlock Queen, and it became even more interesting. I needed answers!!!

I found Lore refreshing. She's strong, confident, and can stand up for herself. Bastian reminded me of Dorian Havilliard and Gabe? Well, he's complicated. I can't wait to see how their story evolves in the next book.

Here are my reasons why you should read this series:

♡ You like gothic vibes.
♡ You like unique magic systems.
♡ You like court intrigue.
♡ You like divine forces' intervention (not in a good way).
♡ You like forbidden romance.
♡ You like secrets and betrayals.

📢 ⚠️ Book Boyfriend Alert! ⚠️📢

Dacre was everything. I loved this book so much because of him!! The things he says, the way he acts around Nyra. Oh, they made me gasp.🥵

I was super into this book and finished it in a single sitting. As I said, I could not put it down!! And that ending????

I am so looking forward to the next book. It's going to be epic. Yes, I already know that. Just trust me on this.

Here are a few reasons why you should read it:

♡ You like uncomplicated world-building.
♡ You like hidden identities. 
♡ You like Enemies-to-Lovers.
♡ You like delicious banter.
♡ You like possessive MC.
♡ You like "Who did this to you?"
♡ You like "You're Mine!"