EGG HUNT

ASHLEY GRAVES

The Spring breeze blew through the open field, turning the green and yellow grass into a rustling ocean full of hidden treasures. Nine-year-old Scarlet’s pastel pink Easter dress tickled the white stockings on her leg as the breeze took possession of the fabric.

Her stomach rumbled and her mouth watered as she thought of all the candy she would gather and consume during the Easter egg hunt. She hoped the church didn’t get stingy with the chocolates like they did last year. The previous egg hunt had too many twizzlers and old lady candy like butterscotches and the icky strawberry ones with the gooey center. Scarlet wanted Kit-Kats, Reeses, and Cadbury Eggs. The good stuff.

She’d waited all morning for the hunt with the church service dragging on for eternity on purpose. Scarlet always wondered if the saying “good things come to those who wait” invoked the slowing of time to make the “wait” longer. Last year’s egg hunt was a failure. The overtly competitive Scarlet lost to the booger picker Michael–her archnemesis. Maybe all that nose picking made his fingers extra sticky. But Scarlet was prepared this year. She would demolish Michael and win the giant bunny prize.

Her fingers gripped the wicker basket tighter as she surveyed the rest of the competition. No one else took this as seriously as she did–well besides Michael of course. The smaller kids felt like gold star winners if they got three eggs. The older kids would rather be playing on their cell phones. 

Scarlet had a few tricks up her sleeve. She knew the deacons liked to hide a few eggs under the piney underbrush of the forest line. And while the forest itself was off limits, she knew the eggs along that line could make or break her victory.

“Ready to lose, Gingy?” A nasally, boyish voice asked Scarlet.

Michael sidled up to Scarlet’s left side. His brown hair was gelled back from his forehead. His blue polo was tucked into his khakis, which already had grass stains on the knees. 

“Not in a million years, Booger Fingers.” She scoffed and rolled her eyes.

“I can grab more eggs with my sticky fingers.” He proceeded to demonstrate his ability by shoving a finger up his nose and pulling out a disgustingly green blob. 

“You’re so gross,” Scarlet replied, scrunching her nose in disgust.

The whistle blew, saving her from dealing with Michael further.

“Girls and boys,” a booming voice echoes throughout the open area, “may I have your attention please. It’s time to kick off Cornerstone’s annual Easter Egg Hunt! A reminder of the rules. No hitting or kicking. Once a hand is on an egg there will be no fighting over it. Whoever picks it up claims it. The woods are out of bounds. No eating the candy until times up. And whoever collects the most eggs in ten minutes is this year's winner.”

Scarlet planted her feet and readied herself to run. 

“Time will start once I blow the whistle. Don’t forget, some eggs are hidden. Look closely under rocks and bushes.”

The high pitched shrill sounded and Scarlet bolted forward. She barely stopped moving long enough to pick up the purple, plastic egg, throwing grass and the egg both in the basket. In rapid succession she snagged three more eggs. One of the eggs she reached for was snatched before her fingers could touch it by Michael. She narrowed her eyes at him but kept moving.

She did her best not to knock down the small kid while still keeping a good momentum. Each egg added made the basket heavier. After a few minutes, she ventured toward the edge of the woods. There she found the eggs hidden under the brown pine needles. 

She looked toward the woods and to her shock, saw a yellow egg sitting a few feet in. Maybe one had fallen and rolled into the woods. Shrugging, she took a few steps in and picked it up. Another egg sat past a fallen log. 

Had one of the egg placers messed up? No egg should be out this far. And it couldn’t have rolled past a fallen log. Picking the egg up, she saw another. And another. Until finally the trail stopped under a tree. 

She hadn’t heard the finishing whistle yet, but her basket was nearly overflowing. A few eggs were stuffed in her pockets. There was no way Michael could top that. Taking a quick glance around, Scarlet saw no one nearby. She could hear the laughter and chatter from the field, but the forest was silent.

She shrugged and sat for a moment. No one was around to see her open one of the eggs and sneak a piece of candy. The plastic popped as she applied pressure on both sides. Lo and behold a Reese’s Cup sat inside. Scarlet smiled wide and ripped the plastic open, peeling the outer wrapper off before throwing the entire piece of chocolate in her mouth. A sharp, stabbing pain hit the roof of her mouth the second she bit down. 

Her eyes watered as warm liquid filled her mouth and ran past her lips. The taste of iron coated her tongue. There was something solid and sharp stuck to the roof of her mouth. Spitting blood on dirt and grass below her, she brought a trembling hand to her mouth and opened wide. Her fingertips brushed against something hard. Through blurred vision, she ripped the object out of her mouth. A warm gush rushed from the freshly vacated wound.

She spit again and used her arms to wipe her eyes. With her vision focusing slightly, she saw a steel razor blade coated in chocolate and specks of her blood sitting in her hand. A hard swallow sent her warm blood down her throat and made her stomach churn. She’s going to be sick.

Vomit rushed up and stung the wound on the roof of her mouth. There’s pain from one of her teeth as well. Taking her tongue, she probed one of her bottom molars and found it cracked and loose. 

Scarlet snatched another egg from the basket and forced it open. A scream rushed past her lips as she dropped the egg and stumbled back, tripping over a tree root. She knocked over her egg basket and more eggs popped open. But she’s still staring at the second egg. The one that has a human, bloody eyeball in it. The stalk and all.

She glanced around, she saw a severed finger, a tongue, and teeth scattered about the forest floor.

Her heart threatened to break through her rib cage. She can barely catch her breath as she attempted to fight off the black encroaching on her vision.

A figure stepped out from behind a tree, into her field of vision. Relief flooded Scarlet veins. Help was here. She didn’t care how much trouble she would be in for sneaking a bite of candy. She was saved.

When the figure came into view, her heart fell. They were dressed head to toe in a giant gray Easter Bunny costume. The fur was dirty, with mud, grass, and a rustic color stained on it. The face haunted Scarlet. Black, beady eyes peered at her. The rabbit’s once happy smile now felt twisted and threatening. The more her vision cleared, the more menacing the rabbit appeared. A chunk of skin hung from the corner of the rabbit’s mouth.

The figure took a step closer to her and cocked it’s head. Warmth soaked Scarlet’s thighs and she realized she’d urinated on herself.

She had to get out of here. And fast. Her eyes darted around the forest. Which way had she come? She tried to focus on the sounds of laughter. 

“Go away!” She sputtered, spewing blood a few inches in front of her. Taking one of the eggs, she chucked it at the bunny and sprung to her feet. 

As if she was once again racing for Easter eggs, she took off running in the direction she hoped was her salvation. 

Heavy footsteps pursued behind her. The bunny was fast. 

She dared a glance back and saw the figure only feet behind her.

 “Leave me alone!” She screamed.

The rabbit said nothing, just stretched out his hands as if to grab her.

She turned her head back forward but it was too late. She tripped over something hard and went face first into the mossy ground. Her head ached. SHe reached a hand to her temple and it came away bloody. Her vision swam and she tried to stand but the world spun and she fell straight back down. As her sight produced triples of everything in front of her, she slowly began to make out what she stumbled over.

It was Michael. His lifeless, bloody body lay slumped on the floorbed. A few of his fingers were missing. Black, bloody sockets sat where eyes once had been. 

The eggs she picked up in the forest must’ve been from the bunny, containing bits of Michael…

The footsteps sounded once more, and Scarlet’s scream timed perfectly with the finishing whistle.

Ready to feel nostalgic? March 1st I'm launching a book club exclusive to Inner Circle Bindery Members. The Goosebumps Bookclub is making a comeback. I had a goosebumps bookclub on my patreon for awhile, but then my doggo kept getting sick and I didn't have time to properly run it.

Now that my doggo is doing much better, I'm bringing it back for Bindery.

What the bookclub will entail:

-Exclusive discord chat

-Reading a goosebumps book every 2 weeks

-watching episodes based on the current book

-readalikes based on the book

-and a fun nostalgic journey

If you've needed an excuse to become an Inner Sanctum Member, here it is! After we finish the Goosebumps series we will visit other nostalgic horror classics such as Scary Stories to Tell In The Dark and Fear Street!

Come join and let's have a good time!

I want to share an update and bring you into the process a bit.

The book box is still happening. Frankie and I chose to move in a new direction and keep it separate from The Tenth Muse. The focus is still, obviously, sapphic. The covers WILL BE NSFW. The vision feels clearer and more aligned with what we want to build.

We are deep in planning mode right now. Brand direction. Artist outreach. Book curation. Community pieces. All of it. The goal is to build something that feels intentional and worth your time and money.

I also want your input. What do you want more of at this tier?

Talks on deconstruction
Sex Ed stuff
Short form videos
Thoughts on current book space discussions
Exclusive essays or reading guides
Live chats
Discord discussions
Sneak peeks of upcoming boxes

I have a lot I could offer. I want to focus on what feels valuable to you. Tell me what you would be excited to see and what would make this space worth staying in.

Long time no talk, but I have been busy building a sapphic empire. I will talk about that this week. I have been mulling over the anti-intellectualism conversation moving through social media and had thoughts, but I recently picked up ten client,s and the last two weeks have been busy. Here I am on sapphic Sunday with two quick things before I get into it. Book club is tonight at 7 pm on Discord. Even if you did not read the book, come hang out and get to know people. I am also working on a schedule so I show up here more consistently.

There has been a lot of noise about a rise in anti-intellectualism in online book spaces. That claim needs care. People often use it in ways that slide into ableism by equating intelligence with academic language, formal education, or a narrow reading culture. Many readers engage deeply through romance, lit fic, non-fiction, fan spaces, and community-driven recommendations. Those are valid forms of connection and learning. Dismissing them limits who gets seen as thoughtful or informed.

At the same time, fear of knowledge creates real harm. When people are taught to distrust history, journalism, and critical thinking, power concentrates. Disinformation spreads. Simplistic narratives replace complex truth. Attacks on libraries, educators, and marginalized voices follow. Access to knowledge is tied to the health of any democracy. We are currently seeing its fall in real time with the defunding of libraries, the banning of books, etc.

Algorithms also shape what we see. Platforms reward straight, cis, white, western beauty standards and quick, polished content. The tropification of books as reviews, belittling deeply romantic and beautiful stories to one-liners like “Where is my wife?” Creators who fit those expectations get more visibility. The shorter, flashier, and more outlandish a video is, the more it gets engagement. The books pushed in those spaces often feel safe, familiar, and forgettable. Visibility gets mistaken for quality. That narrows the range of tastes and limits exposure to voices that challenge readers.

The response is not gatekeeping. The response is expansion. Follow disabled creators. Follow queer and trans reviewers. Follow Black, Indigenous, and global readers who bring history and lived experience into their analysis. Seek people who name power, context, and impact. That builds perspective and keeps the book space alive and relevant.

I recently read an ALC of Was That Racist? By Evelyn Carter. This is also where that book fits. The book works as an entry point for readers who want to understand racism as a system, not only as overt harm. It explains how Whiteness functions as a standard and why many White readers have not been socialized to recognize bias in the same ways people of color often must. The tone is gentle and inviting, keeping readers engaged rather than defensive.

Readers already immersed in anti-racism work will recognize much of the material. The strength lies in delivery and in the personal stories. The examples show how bias shows up in everyday moments and how unlearning requires attention and accountability. The author names her own bias, reinforcing the idea that everyone carries learned patterns.

This is not a theoretical text. It is a practical tool for conversation, reflection, and early learning.

The broader goal is not to win debates online. The goal is to widen what people read, who they listen to, and how they think about knowledge. Curiosity and critical thought protect communities. The book space has a role in that work. Showing up, reading widely, and amplifying voices outside the algorithm’s comfort zone matters.

Happy Sunday, mis internet amigxs!

February 28th is the last day to post your #MeltIceBookStack on Instagram! I encourage you to do the same to help raise funds for Minneapolis. Your stack can help raise necessary funds for mutual aid to assist those in immediate need.

I have a few book club and Discord announcements before we get to this week's releases...

BIEN LEIDOS BOOK CLUB

All the winners of the Now I Surrender giveaway have been contacted via their Bindery email. As a reminder, since the book doesn't release until March 3rd, we won't be opening up discussion on Discord until the 4th. Our chat will be spoiler-free throughout the month, as per usual, so feel free to jump in as soon as you receive your copy. Also, we WILL be chatting with Alvaro again! I'm currently talking to his team to confirm availability and will more than likely poll in Discord, if you want to have a say in those dates.

March 1st also begins our nonfiction sidequest, Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here by Johnathan Blitzer. We'll be reading through the end of April, so feel free to join us whenever you want in the next couple of months. There is a possiblity we'll be chatting with Johnathan. I'm in talks with his team to see if schedules align.

I'll be posting polls this week in Discord for spoilery book club discussions of Sparks Fly and Racial Innocence.

April and May fiction book club selections have been finalized. Watch this space for some exciting giveaways and announcements coming up very soon!

COMING UP THIS WEEK ON DISCORD

Every Monday, we host productivity/reading sprints on Discord at 8:00 PM EST.

Discord has voted and the 4th Wednesday of every month will be Sticker/Journal night. Name for this monthly event is pending, but for the time being it's Chaos: A Love Story. If you're into journaling, pens, stickers, this is a fun night on Discord where you can share your newest stickers, journal spreads, pens, etc...

*THIS WEEK'S LATINE'S RELEASES*

We've got a massive selection of Latine books releasing this week, so let's get to them!

HISTORICAL FICTION

The Other Moctezuma Girls by Sofia Robleda: In 16th Century Mexico, a fearless young woman strives to uncover the secrets her mother kept as the last aztec empress in a sweeping historical epic.

TRANSLATED FICTION

Technology and Barbarism: or how billionaires will save us from the end of the world by Michel Nieva: Argentine wunderkind, Nieva, is back with a collection of essays about the crossroads of technology, science and art and all they inspire for better or worse.

The Invisible Years by Rodrigo Hasbun and translated by Lily Meyer (Audiobook) Bolivian writer, Hasbun, is back with is 9th work, about 2 friends reunited decades after a night that changed them and their friend group forever.

I Give You My Silence by Mario Vargas Llosa and Translated by Adrian Nathan West: new translation of Peru's Nobel Prize-winnning author.

NONFICTION

Tumbleweed Underworld: A Saga of Morphine and Mayhem in the Arizona Territory by Eduardo Obregón Pagán: history of the US's first opiod epidemic at the turn of the 20th century that exposes a dark underground of the "Old West."

CHILDREN’S

La Golondrina by Sonia De Los Santos and Illustrated by Teresa Martínez |

ROMANCE

The Hope Once Lost by Ambar Cordova, releasing on February 25th, this Kindle-exclusive romance is a small town emotional romance where a widowed single mom and a guilt-ridden retired hockey player, find friendship and love after life has thrown curve balls at them. 11/10 would purchse just for the library ladder on the cover.

xoxo,

Carmen

Why I Love Love Stories!

I have always been in love with love stories. There’s something magical about witnessing two people fall for each other, whether it’s on the page of a book or on the screen,  that fills me with pure joy. 

It’s the excitement, the anticipation, the butterflies you feel in your own stomach simply because the characters are feeling them too.

But it’s not just the swoony moments. I love the messy parts as well, the misunderstandings, the slow-building trust, the imperfect attempts to connect. Real relationships aren’t straight lines, and romance stories embrace that beautifully. They remind us that love is rarely tidy, but is always worth the effort.

When I pick up a romance, I’m 100% escaping… but I’m also immersing myself in a world built on hope! Hope that two people will find their way through the chaos. Hope that they’ll choose each other again and again. I get so freaking invested in their journey that, my own worries and issues fade away into the abyss. 

But even in the escape, I find pieces of myself. I see my own quirks reflected in the characters habits, fears, or desires. I recognise my own patterns, Romance doesn’t just entertain me, it makes me more aware about myself.

The heart of every great love story for me is this: characters you can adore, relate to, or feel deeply for. When you care about the characters, the romance becomes unforgettable.

So with all this being said! Here are 4 binge worthy and swoony romances!

Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Percy and Sam are childhood friends, turned lovers, turned exes. They reunite at the cottage where they spent all their summers together after ten years of not speaking.

Coming back together under sad circumstances, Percy and Sam battle their still‑strong feelings for each other while also confronting their past.

This is the perfect second‑chance romance meets coming‑of‑age story.

Seven year Slip by Ashely Poston

Clementine works hard at her job and she’s good at it, but she’s also feeling a little lost. After losing her aunt, Clementine has been struggling with grief and guilt. She inherits her aunt’s old apartment, which has the ability to take you seven years back or forward in time. One day, an aspiring chef appears in her apartment and they form a connection. Only issue: he’s seven years from the past.

A book filled with so much yearning you can barely handle it. We follow Clementine and the chef as they find their way back to each other and uncover what really happened in the apartment seven years ago.

Sweet Heat by Bolu Babalola

After the breakup between Malakai and Kiki, Kiki went through a lot to heal from the heartbreak. Just as things in her life begin to improve, everything somehow starts to fall apart again. Her one joy is her best friend’s wedding, except the wedding brings Malakai and Kiki back together, and things between them are still very heated.

The way this book embraces friendships, family, second chances, and cultural community is incredible. A book absolutely worth the read.

OBS! This is the second book in the Honey & Spice series, but you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one!

Faking It in Manhattan by Riley Winters

Scarlett works in marketing, and she’s darn good at it. She gets hired by the fiancé of one of her closest friends. The fiancé runs a company with his close friend Blake, a bit of a playboy who is damaging the company’s reputation. Scarlett is asked to fake‑date Blake to capture positive press and brighten his public image. The only issue? Scarlett and Blake had a one‑night encounter that ended badly, leaving things tense between them. But that doesn’t mean the chemistry isn’t still there.

A great story about learning to trust, opening up, and allowing yourself to rely on others.

OBS! This is the second book in the Uptown series, but you don’t need to have read the first book to enjoy this one!

Vote down below which books you would like me to read in March. Mot voted will be the choice.

Hello by Brigaders! My dear Mushies!

Welcome back to Snippet Saturday!!!!!!!!

Life has been lifing as of late, and it has sapped me of my creativity when it comes to writing.

Well, that just means we have a new story to share. Or at least, the bare bones of one!

It is a modern romance, following Jas and River as they navigate their budding romance and the complexities that their own separate lives create. Jas, a 36 year old single mother to an 11 year old daughter, has to deal with life after grief, issues with her in laws, as well as the day to day expenses that seem to pile up. Thankfully, she has the greatest support system in her mother and best friends, all who act as an anchor in Jas and Nora's life.

River is a 27 year old returning student to college after dealing with their own blowbacks that had them drop out. Studying anthropology and history, River works at a local museum as well as does cosplay at cons and on social media. They use any and all pronouns but do love using they/them the most.

So yes, this is going to be a sapphic/queer romance with queer, lesbian, genderfluid representation. This will also be dual POV.

This story, still unnamed, is currently in the plotting phase, but I did indeed write a bit of a scene between our two main characters where they are out at a club, Jas with her friends and River with theirs.

And here is a snippet of that scene:

Lights flashed all around, beats muffled to background haze as my heart synced with the electronic tempo. Glistening skin, clothes dampening,  but the clinging fabrics Weren’t the only thing I feel. All night, no matter how many partners I danced with, her eyes were on me. Perhaps it was that knowledge that led me back out on the dance floor. 

A gorgeous body pressed up against my behind, a palm brushes against my hip dip as we rock together fluidly to the music. As the hand skated further up my hips, my eyes found hers. Those rich brow eyes gleaming in the strobe lights, pupils flaring as she takes further notice of the scene before her. I watch as her brows begin to crease together, the frown settling in. A small gasp leaves my lips as her nostrils flare, a sound that coaxes a small squeeze at my side. The sensation causes me to temporarily break eye contact, lashes fluttering closed, lips parting slightly. 

Perhaps it was the knowledge that I was driving River wild with this teasing. Maybe seeing that sliver of something whisper to his features as my favorite spot on my body gets a gentle squeeze. Maybe it was the euphoria of being touched or Vi’s special snack finally kicking in, but I was feeling myself. 

“Can I cut in?” 

A rich vanilla scent lulled me in, as a hand brushed against mine. Turning to face River, I gave a soft smile. 

“Mm, perhaps.” I look over to my gorgeous dance partner who gives me a knowing wink. Looking between River and I, she blows me a kiss before walking off to dissappear into the crowd. I don’t get much of a look at the sight of her walking off because my chin is tilted in River’s direction, their thumb brushing lightly at my cheek. 

“May I have this dance?” They ask as she steps dangerously closer, encapsulated my senses in vanilla musk. “I promise I can keep up.”

A smirk curled their lips, those eyes traveling down my frame in delicious appreciation. If looks could devour, I’d be their meal. 

Gladly…. 

Quickly pushing that thought down, lest I want to melt the touch alone, I closed the distance between us. Inhaling in, the warmth Cradled at my flesh as I brushed against them, turning until they were at my back. 

“You are trouble.” 

Keeping them behind me made it easier to hid the flush that threatened to creep up my neck. I had to keep myself steady. There was no way I could catch myself stumbling for this gorgeous person. 

A younger gorgeous person. I had to remind myself. 

“I’d personally like to see myself as good.” Leaning in closer, their voice must have dropped an octave and it nearly had my heart stop. The hairs on my neck stood as whispers of breath blew through the follicles, ticking my skin. “Good as in—-” 

They smell too fucking good….

“Good… For you.”

With a hand firmly holding each of my hips, there would have needed to be a caution sign immediately because I was a puddle. Thighs lightly pressed together, I took a deep breath for clarity before turning towards her. 

“Careful River,” I warn. “You are going to end up biting off more than you can chew with me.” 

And there was that grin. That cocky ass grin that, on anyone else, would look condescending. 

“Oh, see now, when I bite, I plan on doing more than just nibble on you, Jas.”

Hi friends!

March is just around the quarter which means it’s time for a quick recap on March’s Read Disabled 2026 challenge as well as bring you some recommendations for books to read! All of these books are by disabled authors.

Also! Before I get into it, I just wanted to give you all a heads-up that voting for our March book club picks is open in the Discord, and many of the options fit one or both of these prompts!

Without further ado–let’s get into prompts and book recs!

Main Prompt: A Book by a Female Author

What I’m Planning to Read: That’s a Great Question, Thank You for Asking by Elyse Myers (Autism and ADHD representation)

March is Women’s History Month here in America, and to celebrate, our main prompt this month is a book by a female author (read: any book by an author who identifies as a woman), and I’m planning on going the non-fiction route with That’s a Great Question, I’d Love to Tell You by Elyse Myers.

I’ve been following Elyse Myers for a few years now. I find her content at turns very relatable and absolutely hilarious, and I was even able to meet her at Shelves and the City last March (she was so kind!) where she revealed the cover for this book! This is part memoir, part essay collection, and part poetry, talking about her life in a similar way to her video content, but a bit longer form. I’ve heard audio is the way to go for this one, so I’m hoping my library hold will come in by the end of the month for a tandem read, but if not I’ll settle for the physical copy.

My Recommendations:

A Prayer for Vengeance by Leanne Schwartz (autism representation)

This YA fantasy follows Milo, a devout, autistic temple steward who accidentally awakens a girl who was cursed to become a statue a thousand years before. Now awoken after a millennia trapped in stone, Gia is on a mission to kill the corrupt religious leader who cursed her–and she will kill anyone who gets in her way, even Milo.

What Does It Feel Like? by Sophie Kinsella (glioblastoma, memory loss, and aphasia representation)

Sophie Kinsella’s final book, a novella fictionalizing her own experience with Glioblastoma is beautiful, heartbreaking, and hopeful. It follows Eve, a renowned novelist and mother of six who wakes up in a hospital bed with no memories, and must come to terms with a terminal diagnosis and fight to remember what is important to her.

The Fall of Whit Rivera by Crystal Maldonado (PCOS representation)

When Whit Rivera is forced to plan her school’s Fall Formal with her nemesis, Zay, she knows it’s going to be a disaster–and she’s right. But what she wasn’t expecting was the sparks that begin to fly between the two of them.

Bonus Recommendation:

Fairest: A Memoir by Meredith Talusan (albinism representation)

This is a bonus recommendation because I haven’t read it. It’s another that is on my March TBR, but I’ve been in a bit of a reading slump, and don’t know if I’ll 100% manage to get this one read as well as the other two (which I’m prioritizing because they’re on my physical TBR, whereas this one i’d have to get from the library). It’s a memoir following the author’s experience  growing up albino in the Philippines, immigrating to America, and coming out as a transwoman.

Bonus Prompt: A Book Featuring a Developmentally Disabled Main Character

What I’m Planning to Read: Happy Ending by Chloe Liese (ADHD representation)

March is also Developmental Disability Awareness Month! Developmental disability is a broad category of disabilities including things like autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, Down Syndrome, and more. It’s defined as categorizing disabilities that arise early in life and cause difficulties with communication, knowledge/skill acquisition, social interaction, and/or mobility. I’m planning to read Happy Ending by Chloe Liese for this prompt!

Chloe Liese is one of my favorite authors when it comes to disability representation, and I was under the impression that her upcoming release did not have any, but a few of my friends read early copies and have informed me that one of the main characters has ADHD. I was already excited to see Chloe Liese edge into a more women’s fiction bent in her romance (I’ve heard Emily Henry comped!) but with the added rep I’m doubly excited. This one isn’t out in the world until April, but I was lucky enough to receive an Advanced Reader Copy from Gallery Books.

My Recommendations:

King of the Neuro Verse by Idris Goodwin (ADHD representation)

This feels a little like cheating because I talked about it last month so it was already on your radar, but I just read it and it was phenomenal, so I need to scream about it. This follows Pernell, a 17 year old Black boy as he finds himself back in summer school for the third summer in a row and struggles to catch up with his peers. This book is stuffed full of Black disabled joy, and I love how the author knew exactly who his target audience was and wrote a story just for them. There were some really interesting (read: cool!) decisions made in story structure, pacing, and prioritization of different story elements to make this book more accessible and easier to connect with for teens with ADHD–escpecially those who struggle with reading. Cannot recommend this one more.

What Stars Are Made Of by Sarah Allen (Turner Syndrome representation)

When twelve year old Libby’s sister tells her she’s pregnant, Libby is thrilled–and also worried. She knows her sister is struggling financially and that not all babies are born healthy. So Libby strikes up a deal with the universe: she’ll enter a science competition, and if she wins the grand prize, she’ll give that money to her sister and the baby will be perfect.

Where You See Yourself by Claire Forrest (cerebral palsy and wheelchair user representation)

As Effie starts her senior year, all of her focus is on college applications. She can’t wait for college, and she already knows the perfect place: a college in NYC with her dream program. But Effie is a wheelchair user, which means there’s a lot more to consider when choosing a college, and as senior year progresses she learns that sometimes growing up means being open to a world of possibilities you never even dreamed of.

Books That Fit Both Prompts: A Book by a Female Author with a Developmentally Disabled Main Character

For anyone who isn’t able to read two separate books, but wants to fit each prompt nonetheless–here are three books that are both by a woman and feature a developmentally disabled MC!

The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang (autism representation)

When Stella decides that she needs to practice dating, she does the only thing that makes sense: She hires a male escort to teach her all about dating and intimacy. Before long, Stella finds their no-nonsense partnership to make a strange sort of sense, and maybe is becoming something more than she planned for.

Second Chance Summer by Sarah Kapit (dyspraxia representation)

Maddie and Chloe are ready to move on after the dissolution of their best friendship, but when they end up at the same theater summer camp and find themselves repeatedly forced together, they discover that maybe the universe isn’t ready for their friendship to end.

Unseelie by Ivelisse Housman (autism representation)

This YA fantasy follows autistic Changeling Seelie in the aftermath of a heist-gone-wrong as she’s forced on the run with her twin sister and unexpected allies. As they flee a murderous sorceress intent on retrieving what they’ve stolen, Seelie and her friends begin to unravel a mystery with its roots in both human and fae history.

Happy reading!

~Kaley

Hi everyone, sorry for the late notice but I am hosting reading sprints today. I would've had this up sooner but I've been having computer issues since Sunday and just picked up my computer from the repair shop yesterday.

I'll be holding live reading sprints for two hours (12pm-2pm ET). These will act as our monthly book club sprints so feel free to bring the book you're reading for our book club —Feb's theme is "Events"— or any book you're reading for the readathon. (Must have queer rep or be by a BIPOC author)

They're open to all free and paid members of my Patreon and Bindery. If you can't make it, the recording will stay up so you can rewatch it.

CLICK HERE to access the stream.

I hope to see you there!

It’s time to pick our book club read for March! We have three great options lined up—a grimdark epic fantasy, a character-driven sci-fi, and a standalone fantasy romance. I’ve heard amazing things about each of these and will be so thrilled with whatever direction we decide to go in ☺️ I hope you all are having a great month! I’m not going to lie—February has been kicking my trash. But reading Red City by Marie Lu with you all has been such a highlight. I hope you’ve loved it as much as I did!

Whispers of the Storm by Z.B. Steele

Described as a moody, banter-laced, violent, and poetically framed story—“I wasn't always the monster they see me as. Half of the songs they sing are stories of my grandeur. The other half are tales of my misdeeds. The sad truth is that they're all true. So, listen to my tale and learn why it all happened. Learn the reason for the war, the reason for all the death. Listen to my tale and listen well. I won't be alive long enough to tell it again.”

These Burning Stars by Bethany Jacobs

“A dangerous cat-and-mouse quest for revenge. An empire that spans star systems, built on the bones of a genocide. A carefully hidden secret that could collapse worlds, hunted by three women with secrets of their own. All collide in this twisty, explosive space opera debut.”

The Swan’s Daughter by Roshani Chokshi

“In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.”

Some have you have already seen it but I'm super hyped to announce that we have a new development to announce. 2026 is the year A Complement of Scoundrels by S.V. Lockwood releases and to celebrate, Bindery is launching our own Kist Reads, Sickos Society book box!

This is my highest-tier membership, built for readers who love morally gray chaos, have
impeccable taste, and want to support the future of the kinds of books we actually want to exist.
Sicko Society is for readers who want to go deeper than recommendations and become part of
the inner circle supporting my creative work and the Kist Reads publishing mission.

It combines everything from my previous tiers with a quarterly book box, exclusive extras, and a
deeper way to back bold, tastemaker-led publishing.

This year’s theme is Year of the Scoundrel: a curated journey through fantasy’s most iconic
liars, thieves, con artists, criminals, and criminally charming masterminds.

Across four quarterly shipments, you’ll receive handpicked heist and/or scoundrel-centric novels, plus my personal commentary, additional online discussion, and a community-driven reading experience.

By joining Sicko Society, you:

• Support the mission of Kist Reads imprint

• Help fund the discovery, championing, and success of bold new authors

• Back ambitious editorial projects and tastemaker-led storytelling

• Get a community-driven, premium reading experience in return

Every Sicko Society member receives:

• ALL perks from previous membership tiers including advance e-books + exclusive
  advance print copies of original Kist Reads books, tour name in the "Thank You" page of
  to-be-published books

• A quarterly curated fantasy novel each quarter

• Exclusive notes and commentary from me

• Priority access to future perks and benefits

$25/month, billed monthly. Limited availability. Cancel anytime. Physical benefits unlock after 90 days. Shipping available to U.S. residents only.

Sicko Society is for readers who want to go deeper than recommendations. It’s for the people who:

• Trust my taste

• Love villain-coded characters and/or a good ol' heist vibe

• Want to support the publishing mission I’m building

• And want to be part of the inner circle shaping what comes next
  

If that’s you, welcome. Let’s cause some literary crimes together.

FAQ’s

Does Sicko Society include perks from lower tiers?

Yes. Sicko Society includes ALL perks from previous membership tiers, plus premium physical benefits and exclusives.

How much does it cost?

$25/month.

When do physical perks start?

Physical benefits unlock after 90 days of active membership.

Can I cancel anytime?

Yes, cancel before the next billing deadline to avoid future charges.

Can I join mid-year?

Yes, as long as you join before the cutoff date for each shipment.

Is shipping international?

Shipping is currently available to U.S. residents only. (I'm hoping this changes soon as we have wonderful folk from all over the world here and I would love to be able to include them. From a business perspective it's just not feasible right now but I promise you we will continue to revisit this)

Is this a limited program?

Yes, this is a limited pilot with capped spots while we test demand and fulfillment.

What books are planned?

• The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

• Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

• The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick

• A Darker Shade of Magic by VE Schwab

I was in a reading slump.

Like, genuinely not interested in picking up a book. And instead of accepting that, my brain said, “How can we make this more fun?”

And somehow the answer was… make it more complicated. LOL.

So I started annotating more intentionally, and then I thought, if people on TikTok can make these whole reading journals, I can too. So I made one.

Nothing fancy. I decorated the cover with a few stickers. The first page explains why I started it and what my reading goals are this year. Then I listed out my TBR, which is long because I own about 40 unread books. We’re working through it.

For each book I read, I answer three questions:

• What was my initial reaction?

• What was the craft and emotional depth like?

• What themes and lingering thoughts stayed with me?

That’s it. Simple structure.

I like that I can flip through it and see a catalog of what I’ve read and what I thought about it. Is it the prettiest journal in the world? Absolutely not. But it’s mine, and I know it’ll evolve as I keep going.

In between reviews, I also added some journaling prompts for myself. Things like:

• Why did I buy the books on my shelves?

• What themes keep finding me?

• What kind of Black love feels safe to me?

• What does being a Black woman reader mean to me?

• What am I outgrowing in my reading taste?

These aren’t assignments. They’re just ways to think more intentionally.

If I’m being honest, part of this whole thing is about stopping the brain rot. I needed something tactile. Something slower. Something that gets me off social media and back into my body.

Annotating, journaling, crafting these pages, even just sitting with a prompt, has helped with that. It feels grounding. It feels regulating.

You definitely don’t have to do all this. I know I’m creating a project for myself. But if you’ve been in a reading slump or you want to dig deeper into your hobby, this might actually make it more fun.

Sometimes making it “extra” is exactly what makes it click.

My dear Froomies.

It is Friday, everyone's favorite day, and we are back to spotlight another author that is near and dear to my heart.

Drum roll please..........

ANALEIGH SBRANA!!!!!!

It truly should not come as a shock to you that I adore Analeigh. I've written analysis of both Lore of the Tides and Lore of the Wilds, both are published on here, and I have a book tree that is just her books. Safe to say, she is one of my favorites.

The moment I picked up Lore of the Wilds, or it picked me as my friend gifted me a physical copy, I was unaware that this book would spark an obsession. That I was going to be served a beautiful fantasy narrative that is imaginative, full of heart, and something that all book readers should be exposed to. We are exposed to the world of Lore through her eyes, and from the beginning, we are met with two facts:

1. The inhabitants of her town were ripped away from their world to Alytheria, and cannot leave.

2. Lore loves books and and has a vast collection of them.

While those two points may not connect on the surface, it becomes apparent to the reader that the stories are of high value because they are used as ways to teach the youth of what life was like in their rightful land. Given that this is black fantasy, the practice of elders retelling stories and becoming storykeepers is something that is important within Black History, preserving them through oral means to be used as celebrations and warnings. Beautifully described by Analeigh, we follow Lore as she carries the narratives and history throughout the first and second novel, making choices in order to make a place for her people where they can be safe.

In her second novel, we see the growth in Analeigh's writing, as well as seeing Lore through devastating lows, that also mirror Black history.

"To every Black reader who grew up looking for themselves on the fantasy shelves, this one's for you"
-Analeigh Sbrana

That is the quote that I needed in my life, and Analeigh is an author who understands the need for Blackness in Adult Fantasy. Around 6% of traditionally published authors are Black and the number is even smaller within the fantasy space. Which is abysmal.

We need more authors like Analeigh, more people like her, who fill this space with their words, creating an impact where it needs it most.