Except that I'm 2 days late. Listen, this is my hobby, my real job is running 2 businesses, swimming lessons on the side, and attempting to raise 3 white boys to be good human beings when the entire world is telling them to be entitled shits. Nina Pool has no MUNEY, I have no TIME.

So what did you miss due to my untimeliness? Let me try to be QUICKABOUTIT

Your Behavior Will Be Monitored by Justin Feinstein (Tachyon Publications) — A near-future satire asking what happens when AI gets just a little bit smarter and the people profiting from it remove the guardrails. Or...is that the future at all? Sounds like now. Epistolary structure (had to look this one up, it's formatted in a series of emails, data readouts, chats, transcripts etc.) Tachyon is indie and this is very timely in this day and age of tech bros and their accountability-free playground otherwise known as Silicon Valley.

Pixerina by Joanne Anderton (Bad Hand Books) — More horror than sci-fi but I don't decide the genre, if it's listed as scifi or if I just feel like it it's here. A ghost story about an artist who is obsessed with a house haunted by a little girl, only it's about writer's block for artists, and the little girl just wants a friend, but the artist wants a muse. Is that actually called artist block? Creative block? Listen, I just paint shitty pictures of my dogs, I don't know. What I DO KNOW is that Bad Hand is a small Australian indie press, gets zero marketing budget and is maximum deserving of your attention. I mean, LOOK AT THAT COVER!

The Blood Year Daughter by G.G. Silverman (Creature) — This is actually a horror short story collection. Silverman described it as "a response to my experience of being female, being the daughter of immigrants, and being disabled." Stories include a woman builds husbands out of gravel and slaughterhouse feathers, two sisters eat cinnamon-scented pieces of their mother, and a charming doctor’s murdered brides whisper warnings to his newest wife. I've seen someone describle it as "a rallying cry against the patriarchy." So no, it's again not really scifi, but it looks hella cool.

Ode to the Half-Broken by Suzanne Palmer (Penguin Random House/DAW) — 40 years after the world almost ended, a worn-out robot in the abandoned New York Botanical Gardens gets attacked and realizes old evils are stirring. I don't really know what that means but that's the blurb. Palmer has been featured in Clarkesworld multiple times and I'll read just about anything about robots. Hope-punk, themes of loneliness and purpose, comped to Becky Chambers' Monk & Robot, which if you haven't read is one of the most complete novelettes EVER. Seriously, how can she change your life in so few pages? Features a very good cyborg dog, which is obviously the most important detail.

The Radiant Dark by Alexandra Oliva (PRH) — Follows a family across fifty years after a first-contact event in Michigan connects their minds. It says Arrival meets Wild Dark Shore, neither of which I've heard of so there's that. Described as a "bold exploration of what it means to be human." Literary sci-fi, standalone. NGL, this cover sucks. Like who is making these decisions?

That old addage "don't judge a book by it's cover" is completely disregarding some pretty major tenets of human psychology. I don't know of a single reader who doesn't browse a bookstore based on covers (well, except maybe that guy who rips books in half to make them easier to carry in his pocket, who KNOWS what's going in in his brain.) Covers are SO IMPORTANT, especially to a newer author. Do better PRH!

A River From the Sky by Ai Jiang (Titan Books) Now THAT is a cover. I hope in person it's got embossing because that would be sexy. Science-fantasy novella sequel to A Palace Near the Wind. Which I haven't read, sorry, I wish I could read them all! Sisters Lufeng and Sangshu fight to protect their culture and their world. For readers of Nghi Vo and Amal El-Mohtar, WHICH I AM.

We Burned So Bright by TJ Klune (Macmillan/Tor) — Elder gay couple, 40 years together, rogue black hole incoming. They have one month and one last road trip to take care of unfinished business before Earth is gone. 176 pages. Remember that Klune pulled some problematic Stephenie Meyer shit with The House in the Cerulean Sea (If you missed it he used for inspiration the Canadian government's practice of abducting Indigenous children and placing them in residential schools for forced assimilation, made no public advocacy for First Nations communities, never addressed the backlash from Indigenous readers, and then wrote a sequel anyway.) So do with that info what you will. I know what I will do with it, and that's read an author who takes some fucking accountability. He doesn't get a snippet of his cover because I am petty.

WOW. I was not in any way QUICKABOUTIT. I make no apologies for rambling. I yam who I yam.

See you next week. I'll definitely be here, at my house, because with gas prices i can't afford to go anywhere.

— Zee

If you liked this and want more of whatever THIS is (unhinged book analysis, barely contained rage at the state of the world, and occasional Tamsyn Muir references and em dashes that I will never apologize for) consider subscribing for $5/month. Every cent goes to people who actually need it, because I have a day job and a cause, not a brand deal. This is my middle finger to Big 5 publishing, dressed up as a book blog. Come hold it up with me.

A Deep Dive into the Heart Mage Trilogy

If you’ve been hanging out with me on Instagram, you know I recently spiraled in the best way possible over A King’s Trust and A Villain’s Hope by S.E. McPherson. While a quick caption is great for the highlights, some books just demand a deeper look especially when they involve secret societies, cinnamon roll princes, and the kind of romantic tension that makes you forget to breathe.

If you are looking for your next binge-worthy fantasy romance series, let’s get into why the Heart Mage Trilogy should be at the top of your stack.

A King’s Trust: The Reluctant Heir & The Grumpy Duchess

In the first installment, we are introduced to Beau, the spare prince who suddenly finds himself thrust onto a throne he never wanted after the suspicious death of his brother. Beau is a rare find in fantasy: he’s a genuine cinnamon roll. He’s kind, he’s magical, and he’s trying his absolute best in a world that wants to use him as a pawn.

But he isn’t alone. He’s flanked by two of the most compelling characters I’ve read this year:

• Elias: His loyal guard who is carrying a weight of secrets that could sink a ship.

• Penny: A brilliant duchess who has zero time for Beau’s royal growing pains.

The Trope Factor: This book is a masterclass in the enemies-to-lovers and royal/guard tropes. Watching this trio navigate their distrust while searching for lost relics is pure entertainment. It’s a slow-burn buildup that feels earned, set against a backdrop of a secret society pulling political strings from the shadows.

A Villain’s Hope: High Stakes and Supernatural Debts

While the first book sets the stage, the sequel, A Villain’s Hope, completely raises the bar. We shift into higher gear as the consequences of the first book come knocking.

Elias takes center stage here. Having been resurrected with deadly supernatural powers, he’s no longer just a guard, he's a wildcard. The theme of identity is so strong in this installment. Elias has to reckon with the man he was before he met Beau and the man or monster he might have to become again to save their kingdom.

The world-building expands significantly here. We move beyond palace intrigue into a centuries-old battle between ancient magic and the defenders who want to suppress it. The stakes aren’t just about who wears the crown anymore; they’re about whether magic will break the world entirely.

Why This Series Stands Out

1. The Power of Three

The chemistry between Beau, Elias, and Penny is the beating heart of these books. S.E. McPherson writes relationships that feel messy and multidimensional. It isn't just about romance; it’s about a found family learning to survive together.

2. A Different Kind of Hero

Beau is such a refreshing protagonist. In a genre full of dark and brooding lords, having a mage-king who leads with empathy even while discovering he has dangerous power is a breath of fresh air.

3. The Atmosphere

The blend of political maneuvering and spooky supernatural elements creates a vibe that is both cozy and high-tension. You’ll feel for the characters during their quiet moments and bite your nails during the magical showdowns.

Final Thoughts

The Heart Mage Trilogy is a must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy. It has the heart of a romance and the bones of an epic adventure. I’m currently waiting impatiently for book three to see how this beautiful, chaotic trio finally saves their world.

Perfect for fans of: The Bridge Kingdom, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and anyone who loves a "he’s a 10 but he’s possessed by ancient magic" love interest.

Question for the comments:

When reading fantasy, do you prefer a story that focuses more on the political game of thrones or the gritty, ancient magic systems? Let’s chat below! 🏰✨

#AKingsTrust #AVillainsHope #SEMcPherson #FantasyRomance #BookReview #HeartMageTrilogy #FoundFamily

I haven’t been posting much about what I’ve been reading so here are some thoughts on books I’ve read recently!

Monstrilio- SO worth the hype. I loved how real this story felt despite being tilted with a grim fantasy strangeness. I find that takes a really talented and creative writer. It is beautiful but totally gutting (pun….intended). I can’t wait to see more from this author.

Best quote “god is a scumbag“ lmaoo

How to Lose Everything- this hurt my heart so much. The title says it all- someone who really loses everything. And this is felt hard while reading. The author is a queer Indigenous woman who went through hell but still grew a life blooming with flowers and joy. A very empowering memoir.

Heart the Lover- I had super high hopes for this one and I think it met them?? It was extremely well written. I didn’t love the plot but the writing was so engaging, I really felt like I too was experiencing everything the characters were going through. The references to other renowned works was a cool element in this one. Also, the card game I am dying to play because it sounds so good lol who wants to play Sir Hincomb Funnibuster???

Lost Lambs- Major ICK. How does this have so many rave reviews? It’s racist and ableist as fuck.

There is a way to portray shitty characters and this just isn’t it. I don’t even feel comfortable typing out the quotes. 🥴 gross

This isn't even remotely related to bookish content, but it's been on my mind and ties in with yesterday's post. Being upset about an interaction that didn't go the way you wanted is valid; however, we rarely, if ever, have all the facts about an interaction, because we cannot know everyone's perspective.

So we have this interaction, feel something, and our brain tells us it must be true. That belief drives much of our emotional suffering.

From a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy lens, there's an important distinction that changes how we relate to our internal world.

All emotions are valid. Not all emotions are accurate.

This difference matters because it shapes how we respond to ourselves in moments of distress. If we treat every emotion as proof of reality, we react to our thoughts as facts. And one thing I always tell my clients: "Thoughts aren't facts."

If we dismiss our emotions, we lose useful information about our needs and patterns. CBT offers a middle path. We take our emotions seriously without assuming they're telling us the full truth.

Let's start with what validity means.

An emotion is valid when it makes sense based on our internal experience. Our brain processes a situation, generates a thought, and produces a feeling. That sequence happens quickly and often outside of awareness. The feeling that follows isn't random. It's a direct response to how we interpreted what happened. Our perception of events.

If we feel anxious after someone doesn't respond to a message, that anxiety is valid. Our mind may have linked the silence to rejection. If we feel shame after making a mistake, that shame is valid. Our mind may have linked the mistake to our sense of worth.

Validation does not mean agreement. It means acknowledging that our emotional response has a cause.

Accuracy is a separate question.

An emotion is accurate when the thought driving it reflects the full context of the situation. In CBT, thoughts are evaluated for distortions. These include mind reading, catastrophizing, overgeneralizing, personalization, and more. When a thought is distorted, the emotion that follows feels intense and convincing, but it may not match reality.

Here's an example of a common experience we have.

You send a message and don't get a reply.

Your automatic thought might be, “They are ignoring me. I did something wrong.”

The emotion that follows is anxiety or rejection.

That emotion is valid. It follows the thought.

Now examine the thought.

What evidence supports the idea that you're being ignored?
What evidence suggests other explanations?
Have there been times when this person responded late for neutral reasons?

When you step back, you often see that you don't have enough information to confirm the original belief.

You try a reframe.

“They might be busy. I don't know why they haven't responded yet.”

The emotional shift is immediate. Anxiety decreases. Curiosity or mild concern replaces it.

The first emotion was valid. The second emotional response is more accurate because the thought aligns better with available evidence.

This is the core of perspective taking.

Perspective-taking expands the frame beyond our initial interpretation. It asks us to consider multiple explanations, not only the one that feels most emotionally charged. This doesn't invalidate our experience. It updates it.

Another example shows how this plays out with self-evaluation.

You make a mistake at work.

Your automatic thought is, “I'm incompetent.”

The emotion is shame.

That shame is valid. It reflects the meaning you assigned to the mistake.

Now challenge the thought.

Does one mistake define your overall ability?
What is the actual impact of this error?
What would you say to a colleague in the same situation?

A more balanced thought might be, “I made a mistake. I can correct it and learn from it.”

The emotional response shifts to disappointment or accountability. These emotions are still uncomfortable, but they're proportionate to the situation and more useful for problem-solving.

The distinction between valid and accurate emotions becomes especially important in relationships.

When someone cancels plans, we might feel hurt and think, “They don't care about me.” The hurt is valid, but the conclusion may not be accurate. Without examining the thought, we risk reacting in a way that damages the relationship. With perspective-taking, we create space to respond rather than react.

This approach changes how we treat ourselves.

Instead of saying, “I shouldn't feel this way,” we say, “It makes sense that I feel this way, given what I'm telling myself.” That reduces shame around the emotion. Then we ask, “Is my thought the only explanation, or the most accurate one?” That invites flexibility.

The goal is not to eliminate emotion. The goal is to align our emotional responses with reality as closely as possible.

In practice, this means slowing the process down.

Identify the situation.
Notice the thought that came up.
Name the emotion that followed.

Then examine the thought.

What am I assuming?
What evidence supports this?
What evidence does not?
What are alternative explanations?

When the thought shifts, the emotional experience shifts with it. This is not about forcing yourself to feel better. It is about responding to a more complete picture.

You don't have to choose between honoring your emotions and staying grounded in reality. You can do both.

Happy La Casa De Los Espiritus release day to all who celebrate!

I can't believe that it's been TWO months since I announced our April book club selection would be The House Of The Spirits in anticipation of the release of the Amazon Prime series and it's FINALLY HERE today! The first 3 episodes are out today and it appears the remaining 5 episodes will release in the next 2 weeks. I had the privilege of seeing the first 2 episodes at the premiere, but, unfortunately, forgot my notebook and we weren't allowed to take out phones, so my very surface-level first impressions will appear at the bottom of this post. Before that, I wanted to tell you all about this trip that Amazon Prime invited me on...

(A BRIEF NOTE: having issues importing in photos, so will use social media photos for now and maybe a seperate post after I figure out with more behind-the-scenes photos. Apologies!)

HOW DID IT HAPPEN?

Apparently my video announcing our April book club selection somehow made it to the Prime Video team, who were looking to select some Latinx content creators from the US--overall, there were 16 influencers from all over Latin America and Spain in my cohort. There were several other groups of Chilean and Latin American influencers that weren't with us, but that we met up with at the premiere. In the spirit of transparency, this was not a paid opportunity, but my travel, accommodations, and meals were paid by Prime Video (I hope this isn't oversharing, but as many of you know, I take care of my elderly mother full-time, so it did weigh heavily to be away from home for so long. This opportunity appeared in my inbox the day after Veela left me and I felt like it was the universe saying...DO IT. The pull of attending the premier of the adaptation of one my favorite Latine books, combined with travel to explore a place I've never been before was just too alluring to pass up. I made arrangements for Mami's care for the week and packed my bags).

THE AGENDA

I was away for 5 nights total--Monday - Friday last week. Only 3 nights were at the hotel in Santiago, the other 2 nights were overnight flying to the destination. To say that my neck and back are feeling it STILL, is an understatement. I'll be sharing a reel and some carousels on socials this afternoon with more photos and videos, but here's a little more detail of what this trip was like (in addition to what was already shared on Discord while I was away).

TUESDAY

I arrived early Tuesday morning and was greeted by the Prime Video team and was surprised that they immediately asked me to make content! This was my first "influencer trip" outside of the book community and upon landing, it was already SO different. It took a couple of takes (I was both surprised and EXHAUSTED), but I got a little snippet that they used in this video, which is a little private recap of the day created by the team. Also, let me know if you're interested in seeing the two other videos.

Once we made it into Santiago, I had most of the day to myself, as the others were all flying in. I walked down to the MUT which was a 10 minute walk from the hotel because it appeared there were some bookstores in and around it--I wasn't prepared for what an incredible public space awaited me, full of Latin American brands and crafts. What I thought was one bookstore inside, was, by my counts, three...and I do think there were more because they were having a bookstore night on Saturday, April 25th.

I didn't buy any books because when I got to my room, there was a giant box of goodies from La Casa De Los Espiritus awaiting me and I knew it was going to be a challenge to even fit that in my suitcase (spoiler: she DID, in fact, get the box to fit in and safely fit in her suitcase!).

I rested and had a snack in the afternoon in anticipation of preparing for our first event Tuesday evening, which took place at the rooftop of our hotel.

You'll note in all the activations that they did a beautiful job with every single detail, whether it was the flowers which play a big role in the first episodes, the beautiful blue and gold design on everything from the tarot cards to notecards, the consistent La Casa De Los Espiritus sign for all our individual and group photos. No detail went unnoticed and you could tell the team worked tirelessly planning every single detail of these experiences (and they all tie to the beautiful opening credits of the show).

Tuesday's cocktail hour was a mix of appetizers, cocktails, and wine. There was a sommelier there who was so knowledgeable about Chilean wines (did you know they're at the same latitude as California?) The one that stood out to me was the 2023 Antiyal Pura Fe Carmenere from the Maipo Valley. It was one of the best red wines I've ever had and I regret not bringing back bottles with me (see the story of the box I stuffed into my suitcase instead). I tasted some spectacular wines as I got to know my new creator friends I would be spending the next few days with.

WEDNESDAY

Wednesday morning, we were up early for an activation at Palacio Bruna, which is the house that you see on the movie poster for the show and is the primary house of The House Of The Spirits AND the primary filming location for those scenes.

The crew, once again, set up a beautifully detailed experience with a picnic embroidery activation, a book to write our memories, a journaling experience, a beautiful set-up for brunch, including a cello serenade, and an outdoor photography session with a retro camera.

Afterwards, we walked through Santiago's Lastarria neighborhood, Parque Forestal, a stop at Museo Bellas Artes, and a little stop for some trinkets with local street vendors. Overall, I was already charmed and VERY in love with Santiago just seeing the little bit that I had.

Tuesday night, we headed to Liguria Restaurant, where we had our fortunes told on a three legged table (ala Clara) and had a lovely dinner inside a La Casa De Los Espiritus library. The bookstagrammer in me tried everything possible to not just take 10,000 photos with those bookshelves.

THURSDAY

We were up early, yet again, for our final and MOST JAM-PACKED AND IMPORTANT DAY!

We headed over to Casa Sanz for our second-to-last activation AND a PANEL WITH Alfonso Herrera (Esteban Trueba), Nicole Wallace (Clara joven), Dolores Fonzi (Clara vieja), Fernanda Castillo (Ferula Trueba) and Juan Pablo Raba (Tio Marcos). Two of the major highlights of the panel for me, other than getting to briefly speak with the actors as I walked up and take a photo of them were Dolores Fonzi hyping up The Open Veins of Latin America as a book she'd like to see get an adaptation. The second was Alfonso Herrera on an international stage discussing that in some Florida school districts, you can't find The House of the Spirits because it's been banned. Seeing an international spotlight put on what is happening here in Florida made me so emotional--people are seeing what's happening here and are as shocked and outraged as I am. I felt so validated (and, secretly, did he see this post of mine from Latinx Heritage Month?).

We had about 90 minutes between events and Thursday night's event was THE PREMIERE! We were greeted by a caravan of vintage cars used in the show, where got to take some photos before heading out to the event. One of the most delightful thing I've ever seen are the looks of sheer joy on people's faces as we drove by--they were sharing in the joy with their friends, taking photos and videos of us--again, this goes back to the level of detail and care the planners of this event took, but that caravan of vintage cars with La Casa De Los Espiritus magnet on the side were better than ANY billboard.

We arrived JUST in time to the event (actually, it involved all of us getting out of our cars about a block and a half before arriving and literally sprinting for our lives down the street to get on the blue carpet ahead of the actors). This was my first premiere and it was so exciting and thrilling.

We were ushered into the Municipal Theater of Santiago and then the director and showrunners, Francisca Alegría, Fernanda Urrejola, and Andres Wood all gave very emotional speeches--this show, based on a book by a Chilean author, made and directed by Chileans, for the rest of the world premiering in its home country? The anticipation and emotions were running high...my review of the show is below.

This was my first blue (ie, red) carpet and it was incredible to experience the press, the party, the general splendor of it all. It was also so great to just see the actors hanging out afterwards among the attendees, many of whom were friends and family. One of the creators from LA who does lots of red carpet events told me that this would NEVER happen in LA.

In fact, as I made my way to the service bar (I couldn't get a passed drink) for a glass of champagne, I casually ran into Noelia Coñuenao, who plays Pancha Garcia, and obviously from these photos, we're now best friends.

FRIDAY

I was EXHAUSTED from going nonstop by the time I woke up on Friday, but I did manage to spend a little time sightseeing in the Santiago Metropolitan Park and ride the Fenicular (historic elevator) and cable cars to get beautiful vistas of the city from San Cristobal Hill.

I had a brief lunch at one of the 50 best sushi restaurants in Latin America, Karai, and then it was time to origami my suitcase together before heading home.

Overall, the experience felt like a Hollywood film to me, but Santiago was grounding and welcoming. I didn't get a good feel for the city, but every time I found out something new about the city, it made me want to return even more. I left a part of my heart in Santiago and I intend to return, this time with less of an agenda and more to visit the sites and beautiful country.

Before I leave you, my quick thoughts on the show...

MY QUICK REVIEW of LA CASA DE LOS ESPIRITUS (could be spoilery for those who want to know NOTHING before watching)

I audibly gasped when the show began--it begins with a little foreshadowing (a view of the house) and, if you read the book, it begins out of order from the book. I always go into a book adaptation expecting differences and I really enjoyed this creative angle the directors and show runners took. After that short introduction, the story remained mostly true to the novel, from Clara's childhood, her relationship with Rosa was so beautifully played out, Esteban (UGH) existed and was deliciously played by Pocho.

You can tell that the production levels of the show were extremely high--from the filming locations all over Chile, to the gorgeous was some of the magical realism symbolism were displayed via CGI, the costuming and hair and make-up details. You felt like you were living in that time period 100 years ago. The sets and every single detail of everyday life were tediously accounted for the time period and care and love for the story. I have no complaints on anything EXCEPT (warning, slight spoiler for first 2 episodes and tw: rape)...

There was one thing that did not appear in the first 2 episodes, which have me a bit concerned for the whole of the story. As readers of the book know, all these women had to live in Esteban's life for him to finally understand the consequences of his politics and actions, the most cruel of which was that he was a serial rapist. This was vividly and viciously depicted in the novel and it is a central aspect of who Esteban is as a man. I don't think there is a way to appropriately convey him as a character without examining that aspect of his actions and neither of the episodes depicted it--there was possibly a hint, maybe, but I would be very disappointed with the show if it's not portrayed in later episodes because I'd see it as a whitewashing of Esteban.

I have hopes that the show will remain true and just wanted to build certain pillars of the story before introducing this aspect of Esteban's character. I'll definitely be tuning in and hope to hear your thoughts if you decide to as well...

I hope you enjoyed me taking you along on this ride and beyond the social media posts.

xo,

Carmen

Please submit your creativity to this month's newsletter by FRIDAY. 🍃

This month's theme is: Around the Table.

Spring seems to pair beautifully with "gathering". The weather is nice, so we all begin the slow, careful tiptoe toward the outdoors. Festivals abound, grill out invitations arrive. I even like to move my reading to a local park or a friends backyard.

That's why this month I wanted to feature all the different ways we gather, whether it be virtually or in person, and why it feels so meaningful.

If you'd like to add something to our newsletter this month, here's a list of what I'd love to include:

• A recipe that feels meaningful and the story behind it.

• Anything that reflects what “gathering” looks like in your life right now, in big or small ways.

• A book, show, or piece of writing you’ve “shared at the table” with others, or that feels connective to you.

• A photo of a meal, table setting, kitchen moment, or anything that shows how you gather.

• A moment of generosity or care, like something you made, shared, or offered to someone else recently.

Ready to submit? CLICK HERE to send in your piece.

I can't wait to see how you gather!
Meg

It might be spring, but winter is coming for The Coterie! We’re reading The Red Winter by Cameron Sullivan in May 🐺🩸🗡️

I’ve heard that this is an incredible debut historical fantasy novel and I’m so excited to read it with you guys! Also, don’t forget to check the Discord for this month’s giveaway winner 📱

"This is a risk. The idea of loving him, of losing him, scares me to death But living safe hasn't made me happy. Hasn't brought me joy. We're on the path. Now we have to keep going. Day by day. Step by step. That's how we'll climb the mountain. That's how we'll get to the top."

GENRE: Romance
RATING:4.75/5
FORMAT:eBook Arc
Tropes:Grumpy x Sunshine, Found Family, Only one Tenet, City Girl x Country Boy, Dislike to Lovers

Review:
If you've been around for a while, you know I love grumpy x sunshine and the reason is that we get to see beneath BOTH of these type of personalities. While they're both on the opposite end of personality types, they stem from the same thing: hiding the vulnerabilities of who we are and eventually, really, it becomes who we are.

Walk this Way focuses on both Angus and Rowan as they meet during their hike that they both need as a breather from life and just stepping away from everything else. These two individuals are looking to heal in this walk set in the highlands in Scotland with beautiful views.

We dive deep in this book in a lot of themes, including grief, mental health, struggling to fit in and accepting who you are and finding your place in the world. There is also discussion of family, how they shape us and how unconditional love may not be so unconditional or at least, it never truly feels that way.

The author does an amazing job of diving into these themes, showing us how heavy some things are in life and how we cope with them. Some of us (Rowan) cope by putting up a front, wearing clothes that are bright and trying to bring them brightness into our lives through that means. Others (Angus) go back home and reclaim the space we always called home, while trying to make it our own.

Essentially, this is a journey of two characters finding each other, learning more about themselves and making their way back to each other when they are both ready, rather than rushing into it. I think it was a lovely book and the fact that it's set in Scotland is a bonus point with a Scottish hiking trip and beautiful description of the Highlands. Oh and the found family/friends they make along the way? So wholesome! I think we get a little insight into all of their lives in a way that doesnt take anything out of Angus & Rowan's story and I enjoyed that so much!

Thank you to the author for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.

"To those readers, I simply say, look closer. The path to happily ever after is rarely a straight line. And every love story - no matter how predictable - is always earned."

GENRE: Romance
RATING:4.25/5
FORMAT:eBook Arc
Tropes: This one is in the book cover as given by the title (love this!)

Review:
Tropesick was an interesting (in the best of ways) read, one that is filled with emotions and sadness. I'll admit it definitely broke my heart and fixed it, only to have it broken again throughout reading the book.

This is a SAD Romance with a HEA. It's sad because it's true, love stories aren't always easy. Not everyone finds their person and hits it off immediately without life getting in the way and oh, how life got in the way for these two. When it's time to try again, it's difficult because giving anyone a second chance is like saying to them that actually, hey, you hurt me so much the first time but I love you so wholeheartedly that I'll give you another chance so please don't hurt me again

Both Katie and Tyler are hurt and broken from the past, from losing someone close to them and the aftermath of it all. Katie, dressed in all colourful and glitter, is trying so hard to hold it all together and pretending to be normal. She's struggling with grief, loss and so much more after losing her brother. Meanwhile Tyler, who lost his best friend (Katie's brother), has to continue to face his inner demons and we all know those never rest and let us breathe.

And when they come together to ghostwrite for Meredith Bradford? Oh, the sparks that fly. The way they start to be vulnerable and learn who they are again while healing from their past.

There's a lot of emotional heaviness in Tropesick, it's worth ensuring you're in the right headspace before you dive into it and checking the trigger warnings for this book but what's a little Romance and love story if it doesnt hurt in the process, especially if it has a little bit of magic in it?

I will say that while I really enjoyed reading the story, I think the main thing that brought the rating down a bit for me was that the connections between the tropes, the story that Katie & Tyler were writing and their own story was a bit all over the place. We have dual-pov, timeline jumps and two stories happening at once so it was a tad bit a lot at times to keep up but it was a well worth journey at the end of it, to see how their love story folded out.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the Arc copy in the exchange for my honest opinion.