I have been meaning to read "Orientalism" by Edward W. Said for years now and I finally picked it up a few months ago. Yes, it took me a few months to get through. This book is a dense piece of academia, but it's so foundational when understanding the narratives that the western world abscribes to the east.

Summary

In this wide-ranging, intellectually vigorous study, Said traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and, from its position of power, defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. This entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and, because it does not allow the East to represent itself, prevents true understanding. Essential, and still eye-opening, Orientalism remains one of the most important books written about our divided world.

What I learned

• "What our leaders and their intellectual lackeys seem incapable of understnding is that history cannot be swept clean like a blackboard, clean so that 'we' might inscribe our own future there and impose our own forms of life for these lesser people to follow."
  
  History, culture, and collective memory cannot be discarded just because they are inconvenient to colonialism and its leaders. This is still especialy relevant today as leaders continue to frame domination as a "fight for democracy" or a "new start" while ignoring the people whose histories and identities are already deeply rooted in the place that they want to occupy.
  

• "It does not occur to Balfour, however, to let the Egyptian speak for himself, since presumably any Egyptian who would speak out is more likely to be 'the agitator [who] wishes to raise difficulties' than the good native who overlooks the 'difficulties' of foreign domination."
  
  The former prime minister of Britian and one of the figures behind the Balfour Declaration which supported a "national home for Jewish people" in Palestine in 1917 assumes authority to define Egypt and Egyptians without ever considering their own perspectives. Unsurising that Balfour did the same to Palestinians.
  

• "Most important, such texts can create not only knowledge but also the very relity they appear to describe."
  
  Descriptions of other cultures are never neutral. In fact when they're repeated enough, they shape how people see the world and how institutions behave. The "Orient" was not simply discovered through Western writing, it was constructed by it.
  

• "According to Israeli law only a Jew has full civic rights and unqualified immigration privileges; even thought hey are the land's inhabitants, Arabs are given less, more simple rights: they cannot immigrate, and if they seem not to have the same rights, it is because they are 'less developed'. Orientalism governs Israeli policy towards the Arabs throughout, as the recently published Koenig Report amply proves. There are good Arabs (the ones who do as they are told) and bad Arabs (who do not, and are therefore terrorists). Most of all there are those Arabs, who once defeated, and be expected to sit obediently behind an infallibly fortified line, manned by the smallest possible number of men, on the theory that Arabs have had to accept the myth of Israeli superiority and will never dare attack."

  Orientalism isn't just a thing of the past, but still shapes our world today, most notably in Palestine. This is a key example where entire populations can be divided into categories of "good" and "bad" based on their willingness to accept existing power structures.

  

As Echoes of Love, the second book in The January Rose Chronicles, prepares to release on June 30th, we sat down with romance author Emily Rose Brlevich to talk about balancing family life and writing, creating rockstar romances, favorite book tropes, music, character inspiration, and the emotional heart behind her stories.

From school pickups and voice memos to tea-fueled writing sessions and original song lyrics, Emily shares an honest look behind the scenes of her writing journey.

1. A Day in the Life Balance

Q: Your bio mentions the beautiful chaos of family life, school runs, and being a brand rep with your daughters. How do you find the quiet moments to slip away into the world of your characters and write?

Emily: This some days, even weeks, can prove extremely difficult. Some days I might only get in half an hour of writing once the housework is done and while I wait for school pickup to arrive.

When things pop into my head and I don't have time to write it into my manuscript, you'll find me scrambling for my phone to either make a voice memo or write it down in my notes until I can get back to my computer.

A lot of the time this happens while I'm shopping or waiting at school pickup. When we have a weekend with nothing planned, which isn't very common, I try to organize an activity or movie for the kids so I can get a little extra time to write or research.

2. The Reality TV Vibe

Q: If the characters from The January Rose Chronicles were forced to go on a reality television show together, which show would it be, and who would win?

Emily: Maybe something like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

I think Aries would win because he always seems to be so level-headed in high-stakes situations. But then again, maybe Phoenix would win because he likes to treat everything with a fun attitude and always has a joker side to him.

3. The Glam Factor

Q: As a qualified makeup artist, do you ever find yourself mentally designing the makeup looks or aesthetics for characters like Ariana or Delaney while you're writing them?

Emily: Definitely. I do it all the time and then spend so much time describing them before realizing readers probably don't need a full detailed description.

When writing Ariana's makeup looks, I chose a red lip as her comfort color. For me, it's like body armor and makes me feel powerful, which is exactly what I wanted to portray for Ariana.

4. The Ultimate Romance Mix

Q: If you had to pick romance tropes you'll always auto-buy, what would they be?

Emily: I love a second-chance romance.

I also love bad boy x good girl. My favorite movie is A Walk to Remember and I loved the dynamic between those characters.

I also love a good redemption arc.

And honestly, I have to add one more—the illness trope. If a character is sick and falls in love, I'm there. That trope is my go-to when I need a good cry.

5. The Gateway Book

Q: What was the first book that made you fall in love with reading?

Emily: I don't remember any specific books. I just always remember loving stories.

Growing up, books were always around me. Even now, I still have some of them and have passed them on to my girls.

6. The Comfort Read

Q: What book can you reread forever?

Emily: I've fallen in love with Siena Trap's books during my reading journey and would happily reread them over and over again.

I've recently started rereading them in audiobook format, which is great because I can listen while still following along with the physical book whenever I want.

7. The To-Be-Read Pile

Q: What books are currently waiting on your TBR?

Emily: I'm probably one of the only people in the world who hasn't read the Off-Campus series yet. I know, I know!

They're on my list, along with the Boys of Tommen series and the Chestnut Springs series. Since adaptations are coming, I'd love to read them beforehand.

8. The Soundtrack of Writing

Q: Do you listen to music while writing?

Emily: Surprisingly, no.

When I'm drafting, I usually have a TV show or movie on in the background. Music tends to muddle my thoughts.

When I need songs for my book playlists, I step away from writing and spend time researching songs that fit the mood and characters. Sometimes I'll even look for female covers of songs originally sung by men, or vice versa, depending on the POV character.

I also love that this helps showcase smaller artists trying to make a name for themselves.

9. The Happily Ever After Guarantee

Q: What makes romance your ultimate genre?

Emily: I am a hopeless romantic and I love love.

It sounds corny, but nothing makes me happier than seeing two people in love. I love the warm feeling romance ignites within readers, myself included.

10. From Book One to Book Two

Q: What can readers expect from Echoes of Love?

Emily: Book two dives much deeper into the characters.

Ariana wasn't a huge character in Book One, so readers really get to know her, watch her grow, and see her relationship with Hendrix develop.

Book two also tackles some hard-hitting subjects that artists and rockstars face within the industry, including drugs and alcohol, and how those struggles affect the entire group.

11. The Rockstar Life

Q: What do you enjoy most about writing the contrast between fame and vulnerability?

Emily: The life of a rockstar isn't always sold-out arenas and screaming fans.

Real-life rockstars have quiet, vulnerable moments too, and I wanted to showcase that side of fame. Famous people are still people who deal with things privately, and reminding readers of that is important.

12. Small Towns vs. Big Lights

Q: How much of your own perspective influences Ana's story in Kissing in the Spotlight?

Emily: Honestly, my idea of a small town came mostly from movies.

Australia's version of a small town feels different than the American version. My interpretation was based on imagining what that experience would be like.

13. The Early Spark

Q: Have any of your childhood poems or song lyrics made their way into your books?

Emily: Not directly.

However, I have incorporated my songwriting skills into my books. Every book contains original lyrics.

One of the songs in Melodies of the Heart was actually written with help from my daughter, who wanted to learn about my songwriting process.

Writing lyrics from a character's perspective is much harder than people realize because you're writing from experiences that belong to fictional people rather than yourself.

14. Plotter vs. Pantser

Q: How do you approach a new project?

Emily: I have a document where I outline the characters and plans. I include images of what I think they'll look like and continue adding to it as I write.

I know where I generally want the story to go, but sometimes the characters take me somewhere unexpected and I have to go back and adjust my plans.

I already have ideas written down for a brand-new series once The January Rose Chronicles is complete.

15. The Writing Setup & Routine

Q: What does your writing space look like?

Emily: My desk is currently a fold-out table in my living room, and honestly, it's perfect.

I like having the TV on while I write, and being in the living room makes it easy to write a few lines here and there between chores and taking care of the kids.

I don't really have a set creative time because inspiration shows up whenever it wants to.

16. The Fuel

Q: Coffee, tea, or something else?

Emily: Tea. Always tea.

There is always a cup of tea beside me when I'm writing.

17. The Hardest Part

Q: What comes easiest to you, and what is the most difficult part of writing?

Emily: The hardest part is definitely writing intimate scenes.

I don't want them to be boring, but I also don't want them to feel unrealistic. Since my books aren't dark romances, I don't want those scenes to suddenly feel completely different from the rest of the story.

The easiest part is coming up with plot ideas. I always have a million story ideas running through my head. I also love creating characters.

18. The Cast

Q: If you could spend one day with one of your characters, who would it be?

Emily: That's such a hard choice.

Probably Phoenix. His story hasn't been told yet, but from what readers have seen so far, he's fun, charming, and I know he has a deeper story beneath the surface.

Although honestly, I'd love to spend a day with all of January Rose. Their love of music and brotherhood would be amazing to experience.

19. Writing Healing

Q: Your books tackle trauma, healing, and loyalty. How do you balance those heavier themes with hope and romance?

Emily: I believe everyone deserves a happy ending.

It can be difficult knowing where to draw the line between trauma and romance, but that's part of the art of being a writer.

Book two is definitely heavier emotionally, and I had to make sure those moments remained grounded in contemporary romance without becoming too dark.

Some of the emotions I draw from come from my own experiences. While the events may not have happened to me personally, I use those emotions to help shape what my characters feel.

20. The June 30th Countdown

Q: What does release day look like for you?

Emily: Honestly, it usually feels like a normal day except for the endless butterflies.

My girls are excited for me, but they don't fully understand what publishing a book means. My husband is proud of me, but he's not a reader, so he doesn't quite share the excitement either.

I struggle with celebrating my successes. That probably comes from childhood and never really feeling celebrated for achievements.

It's heartbreaking but honest.

I do usually treat myself to something small, though. A chocolate is always a good choice.

Where to Find Emily Rose Brlevich

🌐 Website: www.emilyrosebrlevichwrites.com

📚 Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/ebrlevichauthor

📖 Pre-Order Echoes of Love: https://amzn.asia/d/09oVspCS

🛒 Previous titles are available through Amazon.

Final Note

In addition to writing her novels, Emily has also taught herself how to create her own character art, which she uses to bring the cast of The January Rose Chronicles to life.

As Echoes of Love approaches its June 30th release, we can't wait to see where the music, romance, and heart of this series take readers next.

We are incredibly excited to welcome small-town romance author Emily Rose Brlevich to the blog today! As a self-proclaimed hopeless romantic who simply loves love, Emily writes heartfelt stories filled with hope, healing, and deep emotional connection. With her highly anticipated rockstar romance, Echoes of Love Book 2 in The January Rose Chronicles, hitting shelves on June 30th, we sat down to talk about her creative process, favorite tropes, and how she balances writing with the beautiful chaos of family life.

For our free community members, here is your exclusive look into Emily's writing world, featuring the complete 9-question Q&A!

The Q&A Preview with Author Emily Rose Brlevich

1. A Day in the Life Balance

Q: Your bio mentions the beautiful chaos of family life, school runs, and being a brand rep with your daughters. How do you find the quiet moments to slip away into the world of your characters and write?

Emily: Some days, even weeks, can prove extremely difficult! Some days I might only get in half an hour of writing once the housework is done and while I wait for school pickup to arrive. When things pop into my head and I don't have time to write them into my manuscript, you will find me scrambling for my phone to either make a voice memo or write it down in my notes until I get a chance to get back to my computer. A lot of the time, this happens when I am out shopping or waiting to pick up the kids from class. When we have a weekend with nothing planned, which isn't very common, I do try to organize the kids with an activity or a movie so I can get a little extra time on the computer to write or do research.

2. The Reality TV Vibe

Q: You love unwinding with reality TV! If the characters from The January Rose Chronicles were forced to go on a reality television show together, which show would it be, and who would win?

Emily: Maybe something like I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! I think Aries would win; he always seems to be so level-headed in high-stakes situations. But then again, maybe Phoenix, because he likes to treat everything with a fun take and always has a jokester attitude about himself!

3. The Glam Factor

Q: As a qualified makeup artist, do you ever find yourself mentally designing the makeup looks or aesthetics for characters like Ariana or Delaney while you're writing them?

Emily: I definitely do all the time! I'll spend so much time describing them until I realize that readers probably don't necessarily need a full, detailed description, lol. When writing Ariana's makeup options, I specifically chose a red lip as her comfort color. For myself, a red lip is like body armor. It makes me feel powerful, which is exactly what I wanted portrayed for Ariana.

4. The Ultimate Romance Mix

Q: Your bio mentions a love for romance and rom-coms. If you had to pick three fictional tropes that you will always auto-buy or read, what are they?

Emily: I do love a second-chance romance, and I'm a big fan of bad boy x good girl. My favorite movie is A Walk to Remember. I just loved the dynamic of the main characters in that story. I also love a good redemption arc. Actually, I have to throw in one more, which is the illness trope. If a character is sick and falls in love, I am there! That trope is my absolute go-to when I need a good cry.

5. The Gateway Book

Q: What was the first book you remember reading that made you absolutely fall in love with reading?

Emily: I don't remember any specific titles, I just always remember loving stories. Growing up, I always had books around me. In fact, I still have some of my childhood books today, which I've been able to pass down to my girls.

6. The Comfort Read

Q: What is the one book you can re-read over and over again and never get tired of?

Emily: I have fallen completely in love with Siena Trap, a fellow indie author, during my reading journey. I would happily reread her books over and over again. I have actually just started re-reading them as audiobooks, but the good thing is I can follow along in the physical copy when I feel like I want the book in my hand, too.

7. The To-Be-Read Pile

Q: What books are currently sitting on your nightstand waiting to be read next?

Emily: I'm probably one of the only people in the world right now who hasn't read any of the Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy. I know, I know! They are firmly on my TBR list. There are also a couple of other series with adaptations coming soon or just announced that I want to try and read beforehand, like the Boys of Tommen series and the Chestnut Springs series.

8. The Soundtrack of Writing

Q: Music plays a massive role in both Melodies of the Heart and Echoes of Love. Do you listen to specific playlists or rock music when you are drafting, or do you need absolute silence?

Emily: When drafting and writing, I actually have the TV on with a show or a movie playing in the background. I don't like listening to music while writing because it muddles my head. However, because my books have playlists to accompany them, when I feel like a song match for a specific scene is needed, I step away from writing to research. I spend time listening to find the right aesthetic for the storyline. For example, if a chapter is in a female POV but the original song I like is written by a male artist, I will search for covers, or vice versa. I feel like this is also a great way to showcase smaller, independent artists trying to make a name for themselves!

9. The Happily Ever After Guarantee

Q: What is it about the "quiet magic of two people finding their way to each other" that makes romance your ultimate genre to write?

Emily: I am a hopeless romantic and I just love, love! It sounds corny, I know, but nothing makes me feel better than seeing two people in love. I love the warm, cozy feeling that romance ignites within readers, myself included.

Coming June 30th: Echoes of Love

While Book 1, Melodies of the Heart, introduced readers to Aries and Delaney, the upcoming Echoes of Love shifts the spotlight to Hendrix and Ariana. Readers can look forward to deeper character development, immense emotional growth, and a poignant storyline that explores some of the difficult realities and struggles artists face behind the scenes.

The Story: Echoes of Love is a heart-gripping story of trauma, healing, loyalty, and a love that refuses to fade. A love that lingers through the hurt, the triumphs, and the quiet moments that change everything. A love that doesn’t disappear. It forever echoes.

Want Deeper Access? 💎

This is just a small preview of our wonderful conversation with Emily! The First Editions, can log in now to read our massive, exclusive 20-question interview.

Inside Emily dishes on:

• Deep-dive, behind-the-scenes world-building details for The January Rose Chronicles.

• How she balances heavy themes like trauma and healing with bright, hopeful romance.

• More details on her daily writing routine, her tea obsession, and her creative process.

• Exclusive character secrets you won't find anywhere else!

Connect with Emily Rose Brlevich

Don't miss out on Hendrix and Ariana's emotional journey! Secure your copy before June 30th and follow Emily online:

• Pre-Order Echoes of Love: Amazon AU Store Link (Can be easily adjusted to your preferred local Amazon store)

• Shop Previous Books: All titles are available on Amazon

• Follow Emily: Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Threads

There's something magical about seeing a favorite book come to life on screen especially when that book is a beloved college romance like The Deal by Elle Kennedy.

When Prime Video announced Off Campus, fans of the bestselling series immediately started wondering: Would Garrett and Hannah feel the same? Would the chemistry translate? And how closely would the adaptation follow the book that launched so many readers into their hockey romance era?

Let's dive into the similarities, differences, and book club discussion points surrounding The Deal and its television adaptation.

🏒 The Story at the Heart of Both Versions

At its core, both The Deal and Off Campus tell the story of Hannah Wells and Garrett Graham.

Hannah is a talented music major carrying emotional baggage that has made relationships difficult. Garrett is Briar University's star hockey player whose academic struggles threaten his future on the ice.

When Garrett convinces Hannah to tutor him in exchange for pretending to date her, what begins as a mutually beneficial arrangement slowly turns into something much more meaningful.

The fake dating trope, opposites-attract chemistry, found family friendships, and personal growth remain the foundation of both the novel and the television series.

📖 What Readers Loved About The Deal

One reason The Deal became such a fan favorite is the balance between humor, romance, and emotional depth.

Readers often praise:

• Garrett's confidence mixed with genuine vulnerability

• Hannah's strength and personal growth

• The witty banter between the main characters

• The strong friendship dynamics among the hockey team

• The emotional themes woven into the romance

The novel gives readers direct access to Hannah and Garrett's thoughts, making their emotional journey feel especially intimate.

📺 How Off Campus Brings the Story to Life

The Prime Video adaptation expands the world of Briar University by leaning into the ensemble cast and campus atmosphere.

While Season 1 focuses primarily on Hannah and Garrett's romance, viewers also get more opportunities to see the friendships, rivalries, and team dynamics that make the Off-Campus universe so popular.

The series embraces the college-drama format, blending romance, friendship, hockey, and coming-of-age moments in a way that feels approachable for both longtime fans and newcomers.

🔍 Biggest Differences Between the Book and Show

1. Expanded Supporting Characters

One of the most noticeable changes is the amount of screen time given to supporting characters.

In the novel, the focus stays tightly on Hannah and Garrett. The television adaptation broadens the spotlight, allowing viewers to connect with other characters who may become central figures in future seasons.

2. Visual Storytelling Changes

Books allow readers to spend time inside a character's head. Television relies on performances, dialogue, and visual cues instead.

Some emotional moments may feel different simply because the show has to show rather than tell.

3. Updated Campus Dynamics

Like many modern adaptations, Off Campus updates certain aspects of campus life and social interactions to better fit today's television audience while maintaining the spirit of the original story.

4. Pacing

Readers can spend hours immersed in Hannah and Garrett's developing relationship. The television series must condense story beats into episodes, which can make certain moments feel faster or more streamlined.

❤️ Did the Chemistry Survive the Adaptation?

For many fans, this is the most important question.

The success of The Deal has always depended on the connection between Hannah and Garrett. Their banter, emotional growth, and slow-building trust are what elevate the story beyond a typical fake dating romance.

While every reader imagines characters differently, the adaptation succeeds when it captures the emotional heart of their relationship: two people helping each other become stronger versions of themselves.

🏆 Book Club Verdict Categories

Rate each category from 1–5 stars:

⭐ Hannah's Character Development

⭐ Garrett's Character Development

⭐ Chemistry Between the Leads

⭐ Faithfulness to the Book

⭐ Supporting Characters

⭐ Briar University Atmosphere

⭐ Hockey Representation

⭐ Overall Entertainment Value

💬 Discussion Questions

1. Did Hannah and Garrett match the versions you imagined while reading?

2. Which scenes felt most faithful to the book?

3. Were there any changes you actually preferred in the television adaptation?

4. Did the expanded focus on supporting characters improve the story?

5. Which character surprised you the most on screen?

6. If you've never read the book, did the show make you want to pick it up?

7. What are you hoping to see in Season 2?

8. Which Off-Campus couple are you most excited to see adapted next?

📚 Final Thoughts

Whether you're a longtime fan of The Deal or discovered Briar University through Prime Video's Off Campus, both versions offer plenty to love.

The novel delivers an intimate, character-driven romance filled with heart, humor, and growth, while the television series expands the world and introduces a new audience to Hannah and Garrett's unforgettable story.

For book clubs, this adaptation creates the perfect opportunity to compare what works on the page versus what shines on screen and debate which version scored the winning goal.

Now it's your turn: Team Book or Team Show?

July is almost here, OMG. This year has been a blur, but here's what I've got my eye on for July releases.

Perverts by Mac Crane - July 7 - Nothing is off limits for Mac Crane as they rework classic stories of rejection, isolation, and connection to suggest that the so-called pervert, by existing in the margins of society, may be the one who sees the world most clearly.

Moss'd In Space by Rebecca Thorne - July 7 - Former smuggler Torian Razner finally bought a starship, and contrary to Amelia’s assessment, it was not “a meteoric sign of stupidity.” Except Torian’s first flight reveals a surprise passenger: the moss is actually an organic computer with a snarky attitude and serious abandonment issues. (Psst - snag yourself a copy of this one if you're part of my Found Family Book Club!)

Not With A Bang by Temi Oh - July 14 - Station Eleven meets Leave the World Behind in this family drama at the end of the world about a crumbling household’s attempts to find their way back to each other amidst a cataclysmic event from the Alex Award–winning author of Do You Dream of Terra-Two? and More Perfect.

Hustle, Baby by Priya Guns - July 14 - From the incendiary voice behind Your Driver is Waiting, a riotous novel following a family of Tamil refugees who fled civil war in Sri Lanka to pursue a better life, just for it to be up-ended by the schemes of a self-proclaimed day-trading savant, jeopardizing everything they’ve worked so desperately to secure.

Free Girls by Kristen McCallum - July 14 - A heartfelt coming-of-age debut about a girl starting over while keeping secret that she’s spent the last year in juvenile detention. Perfect for fans of Nicola Yoon and Leah Johnson.

What are you hoping to pick up in July?

Who could have known a Frankenstein-inspired book about two gay Victorian London-era men using mycelium to build a daughter would be so thoughtful about the human condition? No me, that's for sure.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! I went in expecting a fun reset or a weird story about some scientists who play build-a-bear with plants. I ended up immersed in a complicated story about love, family, sacrifice, personhood, identity and what is sentience. We follow Jennifer, Gregor, and Simon in the use of an exotic mycelium to turn a corpse into their sentient daughter Chloe. She begins as an experiment and turns into a member of their bizarre family who live in a beautiful greenhouse.

This story takes place in 19th century Victorian-era London where queerness was understood and discouraged, but one of those oft-not discussed features of life. Gregor and Simon love one another dearly, but they test each other a lot between Simon's fervent worry and Gregor's megalomania. Jennifer is their housekeeper-turned-family whose best friend's unexpected passing paves the way for Chloe, the "substrate" for this experiment.

We watch Chloe develop and behind to get away from her fathers' original ambitions, turning into something entirely herself. It forces Gregor to consider what is personhood? What does it mean to be sentient? At what point has Chloe earned a right to autonomy? Simon, on the other hand, is horrified at first. Over time, he learns what it means to love paternally and how to see Chloe as her own person instead of an identity crafted around what he hoped she might be.

The style is very gothic and the prose is springy and fluid, but can be a bit drab at times. I loved some of the imagery and the moments where we see Jennifer start to come out of her shell from "quirky village girl" to fully realized passionate woman. Watching her interactions with Chloe and how she becomes an advocate for her independence is charming, in a weird "this woman is made of plants" way.

One thing I found surprising, personally, was how I forgot at a certain point Chloe was just a jumble of plant life. When she is given a voice and subsequently robbed of it, I was furious for her. It was beautiful commentary on the way women are often silenced to sate the egos of men. I appreciated Medlock's subtlety with showing how gay men in Victorian London still had more power and voice than a woman did, despite both of them being subjugated and shackled by their own society. Gregor could pretend and society would be happy to let him, but Jennifer and Chloe can't hide their womanhood despite Jennifer's affinity for suits.

Gregor, I think, was a fantastic Dr. Frankenstein-inspired mad scientist. He was stiff-upper-lip and completely convinced of his own superiority to the point of nearly destroying everything he loved. His megalomania and pathological need to be right almost ruined his relationship with Simon and had me scowling at the text because how dare he say such things to my precious Simon. His ego started this experiment and nearly destroyed him.

Simon learned to pull past his timidity and fear because of his growing love for Chloe. At first, she was an abomination to him, but then she becomes his daughter as much as any flesh and blood child could. Her curiosity and her desire to be free and participate in the world inspires him to stop fearing life and shying away from valiantly loving the way he wishes. Neither he nor Gregor seek to change London's societal woes around queerness, but they stop pretending to be anything other than themselves.

This was much more than I was expecting in a pleasant way. A quick, easy read that got delightfully weird and a little gross. It asked questions of me I did not expect and for that I am very grateful.

Gregor with your testy letters to Julian though? You better keep my man happy or it's on sight.

This one is for my inner circle.

Welcome!

While Hexes Go Well with Tequila is being recorded for audio, by award winning Patricia Santomasso, I met with my agent before I took a vacation with my dearest friend.

What should I work on next?

Hay House, a lovely imprint with Penguin Random House, bought all three Lost Souls books which will start re-releasing starting this October.

I Have finished a first book in a new duo logy, and while it sits for a while I've decided to jump back into The Lost Souls world again.

More to come on that, but I do have 7 chapters of the next Lost Souls series. I am so excited to be back with these characters, and with no plans on what we will do with these next 2 books, this adventure has warmed my heart.

So, any guesses on the next character focus?

Hello, everyone! Happy New Release Tuesday! Sorry for the late post, but here are some new releases we're excited for!

• The Sixth Nik by Daniel Kraus

• Tillinghast by Clare Cavenagh

I haven't been reading as much (hello, slump!) but I did find a copy of Fabulous Bodies by Chuck Tingle so I'm reading that and it feels like the slump buster I've been looking for!

Till next time!

-Ryn

Hi everyone!! I can’t believe we are already going into July… so it’s time to vote for which books we will be reading next month!

Everyone will get two votes, so that if you want to read in both genres, you can vote for both!!

Voting will end on 6/30

One of my goals this year is to help you spend less time wondering what to read next and more time actually reading.

This week's releases took me from the courts of ancient Egypt to Regency ballrooms, magical baking competitions, haunted forests, remote cabins, and even a city run entirely by animals.

As always, these are just my personal reactions. A book that didn't work for me may end up being your next five-star read, and a book I loved might completely miss the mark for someone else.

Let's get into it.

👑 Isis of Egypt: Goddess of Thrones by Malayna Evans

Read or Skip: READ

Rating: 4.25 stars

After years of Greek mythology retellings dominating bookshelves, Isis of Egypt felt like a breath of fresh air.

This novel reimagines the story of Isis, goddess of magic, as she searches for her lost husband Osiris while navigating betrayals, rival gods, and the future of Egypt itself.

What stood out most to me was the atmosphere. Evans creates a version of ancient Egypt that feels vibrant and alive, filled with rich descriptions, colorful imagery, and divine figures who feel both larger-than-life and surprisingly human. I loved seeing familiar gods and goddesses portrayed with unique personalities and quirks that made them feel approachable without losing their power.

The prose is lyrical without becoming inaccessible, and the story does an excellent job introducing Egyptian mythology to readers who may not already be familiar with it. Through Isis's perspective, readers naturally learn about the world, its gods, beliefs, and traditions without ever feeling like they're sitting through a history lesson.

I was also impressed by the pacing. The novel spans enormous stretches of time, yet never feels rushed or bogged down. Instead, it successfully captures the immortal perspective of the gods while still maintaining momentum.

Final thought: If you've been wanting a mythology retelling that steps outside the Greek pantheon, this is an excellent place to start. Beautiful prose, fascinating mythology, and a compelling heroine make this a standout addition to the genre.

💌 The Very Definition of Love by Sophia Benoit

Read or Skip: READ

Rating: 4.75 stars

This was billed as Bridgerton meets Emily Henry, and for once, the marketing comparison actually delivered.

Lady Harriet would much rather spend her time compiling a slang dictionary than searching for a husband. Unfortunately, a scandalous misunderstanding leaves her compromised with the infamous Lord Alexander, forcing the pair into a marriage of convenience.

Naturally, their plan to keep things strictly practical goes spectacularly off the rails.

Harriet completely stole my heart. She's intelligent, endlessly curious, delightfully awkward, and refreshingly unapologetic about wanting to learn everything she can about the world around her. Whether she's researching slang, asking scandalous questions, or pursuing her latest obsession, she approaches life with such enthusiasm that she became one of my favorite romance heroines of the year.

And Alexander? For someone who claims he isn't capable of love, he spends an awful lot of time absolutely worshipping his wife.

The chemistry between these two is phenomenal. The banter sparkles, the tension is delicious, and the yearning had me grinning more than once. Their romance feels both swoony and emotionally satisfying, helped by the fact that both characters are carrying complicated family dynamics that add real depth to their emotional journeys.

I also have to mention the writing. The Regency setting remains intact, but the dialogue feels fresh, sharp, and genuinely funny. It's the kind of historical romance that feels approachable for newer readers while still delivering everything longtime Regency fans love.

Final thought: Charming, funny, romantic, and full of heart. This is one of the most enjoyable historical romances I've read this year, and I already can't wait to see what Sophia Benoit writes next.

🖤 Night Witch by Jaymin Eve

Read or Skip: SKIP

Rating: 3 stars

This is one of those sequels that left me frustrated because I could clearly see the version of the story I wanted to love.

The first book introduced a fascinating magic system, complicated family dynamics, rival magical families, and plenty of mystery surrounding both the world and its characters. I finished it excited to see how everything would come together.

Unfortunately, Nightwitch tries to resolve so many storylines so quickly that very little has room to breathe.

The pacing was my biggest issue. Major events, revelations, confrontations, and world-altering developments arrive one after another with almost no time to process them. Instead of building tension, the final portion of the novel felt like it was racing through a checklist of plot points before the finish line.

The romance also didn't fully work for me. While I enjoyed the mystery and tension between Paisley and Logan in the first book, the progression here felt abrupt. The story leans heavily into fated-mates energy and instant devotion, which isn't typically my favorite trope. I wanted more time watching their relationship develop before reaching the level of all-consuming commitment the book asks readers to buy into.

That said, Logan was easily my favorite part of the story. If you're looking for a protective, touch-her-and-die hero, he absolutely delivers. His loyalty is unquestionable, and I can easily see readers falling head over heels for him.

Final thought: Readers who love fast-paced paranormal romance, fated mates, magical academies, and fiercely protective heroes will likely have a great time here. For me, the rushed pacing and underdeveloped emotional beats kept the story from reaching its full potential.

Also Hitting Shelves This Week

Didn't see your next read above? Here are a few other releases arriving this week that caught my attention.

🌾 Whisper Creek by Allison Brennan

A family struggling to save their Texas farm becomes trapped between devastating storms, mounting tensions, and a mystery that turns increasingly dangerous.

I'm only about 20% into this one, but I'm already addicted. If you love family-centered thrillers, rural settings, and stories where nature is just as dangerous as the people involved, this one deserves a look.

Pick this up if you enjoy: family drama, survival thrillers, rural mysteries, and high-stakes suspense.

🥖 All We Hunger For by Anna Mercier

A magical baking competition determines political power in a divided city, and a young woman from the slums risks everything to compete.

This sounds like a perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and revolution.

Pick this up if you enjoy: magical competitions, political fantasy, slow-burn romance, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

🏴‍☠️ A Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti

A rebellious heiress hiding out for the summer collides with a charming smuggler posing as staff at an abandoned estate.

The setup alone sounds ridiculously fun.

Pick this up if you enjoy: Regency romance, pirates, fake identities, witty banter, and summer adventures.

📚 Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen

Two teens fall for each other through notes hidden in library books while completely misunderstanding each other in real life.

Honestly, this sounds adorable.

Pick this up if you enjoy: libraries, books-about-books, academic rivals, secret identities, and wholesome YA romance.

⚔️ Asperfell by Jamie Thomas

A young woman escapes execution by fleeing into a legendary prison for mages and must convince an exiled prince to help her survive.

The premise gives me classic fantasy adventure vibes with a dash of romance.

Pick this up if you enjoy: magical prisons, exiled royalty, dark fantasy, and reluctant allies.

🦝 Green City Wars by Adrian Tchaikovsky

Philip Marlowe meets Redwall. Need I say more?

A raccoon private investigator searches for a missing mouse in a futuristic city populated by genetically engineered animals.

Pick this up if you enjoy: noir mysteries, anthropomorphic animals, detective stories, and wildly original concepts.

🌲 Little Wild by Laura Evans

A young woman is banished to a remote cabin after her forbidden relationship is discovered, only to find herself haunted by strange dreams and something awakening deep within the woods.

I'm currently about 30% into this one and completely intrigued.

Pick this up if you enjoy: historical horror, feminist folklore, queer stories, atmospheric settings, and slow-building dread.

🔪 Slasher Summer by EL Chen

A group of former friends reunites at the filming location of a cult 1980s slasher movie, only to discover someone wants to make the experience terrifyingly real. This sounds like pure popcorn horror.

Pick this up if you enjoy: slasher movies, nostalgia horror, friend reunions gone wrong, and campy horror fun.

🌫️ Rainsong by Lila Riesen

A fog-covered coastal town, a missing girl, supernatural powers, and a mystery tied to generations of secrets.

This one sounds tailor-made for readers who love atmospheric YA thrillers.

Pick this up if you enjoy: supernatural mysteries, small-town secrets, missing-person stories, and angsty romance.

This week feels like a great example of how varied publishing can be.

Whether you're looking for mythology retellings, historical romance, magical competitions, atmospheric horror, paranormal romance, or a raccoon private investigator solving crimes in a city of genetically engineered animals, there's probably something here for you.

My personal favorites were The Very Definition of Love and Isis of Egypt, but I'm also very curious to see where Whisper Creek and Little Wild go from here.

Happy Tuesday, mis internet amigxs,

We're back with another week of amazing Latine releases, but, before then, a few announcements!

We have one more week of reading And I'll Take Out Your Eyes by A.M. Sosa and Accordion Eulogies by Noe Alvarez. We may be winding down our discussion of those books, but that ALSO means we're only 8 days out from...

SUMMER SCHOOL

On July 1st, we're starting summer school with TWO nonfiction reads for July (well, we technically we have 2 months for one of them). We're highlighting 2 Caribbean countries this July--

Our first read is BAD BUNNY themed. As he winds down his tour, we'll be reading P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance by Vanessa Diaz and Petra R. Rivera-Rideau. This is our main July read that we'll finish by July 31st.

As our nonfiction side quest, we'll be reading Cuba: An American History by Dr. Ada Ferrer. We'll have 2 months to read this longer and more challenging read on Cuba through the lens of US intervention.

WILL YOU BE JOINING US?!??!

As always, these discussions will be taking place on Discord, which you can access through your Bindery subscription.

Speaking of Discord...

MID-YEAR JOURNALING UPDATE

If you're new to journaling or wanting to do a mid-year assessment, our very own Angie will be leading a mid-year planner meeting on the morning of July 12th over on Discord. Time is to be determined through a poll I will be posting later today.

Speaking of polls...

WORLD CUP

Nani and G. have been leading World Cup discussions for every match on Discord. They have a bingo that will be starting soon and I've contributed a number bookish and non-bookish prizes, some of which are HIGHLY coveted. I'll leave it to them to announce, but tempting you over if you're looking for online community to watch matches with.

I'll have polls for today's matches up in a bit on Discord, but until then, let's go through today's Latine releases...

Translated Fiction

Animal Spiral by Luis Othoniel Rosa and translated by Katie Marya

It's All River by Carla Madeira and translated by Alison Entrekin (Audiobook)

History

Cuba: A Brief History by Sergio Guerra-Vilaboy and Oscar Loyola-Vega (Audiobook)

xo,

Carmen

Lit Agent Update!

It's a new week and I have some exciting things happening in my professional life!!

I officially signed my first author last week! EEEEE!!! I'm very much looking forward to getting this author ready to pitch and edit from the ground up. My goal is to become an editorial-focused agent to not only help my authors hone their voice, but to help me hone my storytelling abilities as well!

Another fun "first": I'm also going to send out my first pitch! I've been helping with edits for another author at the agency and I got to build my first pitch list and am drafting pitch emails to editors as we speak.

I also have an idea for a new series on TikTok in the same vein as my 'western wednesday' posts. I want to keep highlighting western media that I think is really changing the game, i.e., video games, movies, tv shows, podcasts, etc! I'm leaning toward calling it 'western media mondays' (groundbreaking--i know /j), so be on the lookout for my first post today as I highlight one of my favorite western movies.

If you're reading this, thanks for being here! I'm trying to draft out post ideas for my followers and I'm always open to feedback. I've also been sitting on my master's dissertation for three years about feminism in westerns and this might be my platform to start sharing bits and pieces of it.

I hope y'all have a great week!

xo ellen

Sickos! I'm back from my birthday week staycation and we got a lot of catching up to do. Let me know what you plan on reading this week in the comments and here's what I've been working on...

READING

REVIEW

THE SPEAR CUTS THROUGH WATER by SIMON JIMENEZ (fantasy)

Progress: Finished

Somehow I loved this even more on a re-read and even held off on the last little chunk for a while because I didn't want it to end. I feel bad for people that don't click with this early on because it's so doggone elite. Read it read it read it (but be in the right headspace for it when you do).

MALIBU RISING by TAYLOR JENKINS REID (historical celebrity fiction)

Progress: Finished

A strong second half saved a first half that felt too slow and melodramatic (although I get the contrast she was setting up). While this is at the bottom of my TJR rankings regarding the three books I've read (Daisy Jones > Atmosphere > Malibu), I still found it just as addicting as her other works and there were a ton of eyebrow popping reveals and moments. Think I'll tackle The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo from her when I feel like getting back to her work.

THE HORDE: HOW THE MONGOLS CHANGED THE WORLD by MARIE FAVEREAU (scholarly historical nonfiction)

Progress: 206/309

Though often treated as a book about the Mongols broadly, The Horde is primarily a history of the Jochids and the Golden Horde.

I have mixed feelings on this one. When Favereau sticks to history, it's quite informative and excellent. When she moves into broader theorizing, I find it less convincing. An increasing number of modern scholars are attempting to "rehabilitate" the Mongol image and while they are undoubtably more complex than their old caricatures, it does no good to completely breeze past the atrocities they committed for the sake of making a point.

For example, I do agree with Favereau's central argument that the Jochids left a lasting imprint on Russia and were remarkably savvy operators. But to simply say that they "sacked Kiev" without engaging with the sources that claim roughly 48k of the city's 50k inhabitants were massacred is an intentional omission. Acknowledging the administrative and political achievements of the Horde doesn't require glossing over the scale of the violence that accompanied its rise and can even be used as a counterweight to further an argument that they largely transitioned from conquerors to rulers.

The writing is also dry af, but I expect that from a more scholarly work even though I'm sure the marketing will tell you it's accessible for a general audience. Making the Mongols this boring is an achievement on its own, though it does have just enough juicy chunks.

WE WILL BE JAGUARS: A MEMOIR OF MY PEOPLE by NEMONTE NENQUIMO (Indigenous environmental memoir)

Progress: 249/353

Nenquimo is a Waorani Indigenous leader and environmental activist from the Ecuadorian Amazon who become internationally known after helping lead the fight against oil drilling on about 500,000 acres of her people's territory. This is her story about growing up under siege by missionaries who cleared the way for oil companies to ravage the Amazon she calls home. There are some profoundly disturbing moments and its no wonder those events shaped her into being one of the most prominent Indigenous voices advocating for rainforest protection and Indigenous rights.

From page 220...

TL;DR, yes, I'd recommend this!

AND THE BAND PLAYED ON: POLITICS, PEOPLE AND THE AIDS EPIDEMIC by RANDY SHILTS (historical nonfiction)

Progress: 115/605

Early doors with this chonker that I'm reading with the History Sickos Book Club and I'll mostly be sharing my thoughts in the Discord, gonna try to take down a big chunk and finish it by the end of the week. This is super detailed (too much so?) and filled with personal zoom-ins; it won't be everyone's favorite style but definitely well worth it for the information.

PREVIEW

I'm gonna see if the Sicko Society is wanting to read The Lies of the Locke Lamora with me since they've all received their first quarterly book box, but if not I'm thinking I'm gonna take a stab at my first Discworld with Guards! Guards! ... For nonfiction,

EVERYTHING ELSE

Almost wrapped up with the last season of Better Call Saul (justice for Howard) and I'm currently binging all of Outlast and Outlast: The Jungle for my survival show fix, even though it's getting even more gimmicky with each new season. Of course the new season of House of the Dragon will be on very week. Plus, World Cup bb!

You know what's crazy? I've never played the newest God of War. Might fix that before the new AC: Black Flag comes out next month.

Went climbing a butt-ton last week and this morning. Started working the Kilter Board, which holy hell that thang is tough but I can tell how it gets ya strong, especially with fingers and tension.

Hi paid members! Just a reminder that this is the final week to help populate our monthly newsletter with all your cozy, creative joy. This month’s theme is: Things Worth Lingering Over.

I love the thought of lingering, just taking your time and letting the moment really settle in. Lingering has this sense of presence, of appreciation, and I think that's worth prioritizing especially as we enter the summer season.

With that in mind, if you’d like to add something to our newsletter this month, here’s a list of what I’d love to include photos, a piece of writing, book recs, recipes, art, anything that sparks your imagination and suits the prompt. Here are some examples:

• A place you stayed longer than planned

• A book/series you never wanted to end

• A beautiful view or cozy corner

• A slow morning or chill summer evening

• A simple summer recipe you savor

Ready to submit? CLICK HERE to send in your photo, piece of writing, book rec, drawing, etc. by June 26th and I’ll do my best to include it.

I can’t wait to see what you submit!
Meg