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Book Review: Sublimation by Isabel J. Kim

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The border cuts you in two.

PLOT SUMMARY:


When you immigrate, you leave a copy of yourself behind, an instance. One person enters their new country; the other stays trapped at home.

Some instances keep in touch, call each other daily, keep their lives and minds in sync in the hopes of reintegrating and resuming a life as one person. Others, like Soyoung Rose Kang, leave home at ten years old and never speak to their other selves again. Rose, in America, never imagined going back to Korea until her grandfather died and her Korean instance called her home for the funeral.

She doesn’t know that Soyoung plans to steal her body and her life.

How far would you go to live the choice you didn’t make?

GRADE: A

REVIEW:

Sublimation is equal parts tech thriller and diaspora story, set in a fascinating world where emigration creates two versions of a person: one remains in their country of origin while another begins life in their new home. It’s a bold, thought-provoking premise that immediately drew me in, and the excellent audiobook narration made the story even more immersive.

At the heart of the novel are the two versions of Soyoung Rose, each living a life the other envies. Watching them grapple with their separate identities, desires, and regrets was compelling. When they ultimately choose to merge into a single self, they discover that becoming whole comes with consequences neither could have anticipated. Their lives—and their understanding of who they are—can never return to what they once were.

This is the kind of complex science fiction that’s difficult to summarize but deeply rewarding to experience. Beyond its inventive technology, Sublimation explores questions of identity, belonging, and the different versions of ourselves that emerge from the choices we make. As someone who is both Italian and American, I found its exploration of dual identities especially resonant.

I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy thoughtful science fiction that blends cutting-edge ideas with emotional depth. If you’re looking for a story that combines futuristic technology with a heavy dose of soul, Sublimation is well worth your time.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & MacMillan Audio for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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How to Recharge During Spring Without Turning Into a Productivity Robot

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Spring has officially entered the chat. The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and suddenly everyone online is acting like this is the season to “reinvent yourself.” New routines. New goals. Green juice. Sunrise yoga. A personality built entirely around matcha.

Meanwhile, some of us are just trying to recover from winter and remember what joy feels like.

Good news: spring doesn’t have to be about becoming a brand-new person. It can simply be about recharging your batteries like a slightly overheated iPhone. Here’s how to do it without making your life feel like a self-improvement boot camp.

Romanticize Literally Anything

Spring is the perfect time to become the main character of your own mildly chaotic little life.

Drink iced coffee like you’re in an indie movie. Open the windows dramatically. Take a walk while pretending you’re “clearing your mind,” when really you’re just avoiding emails.

Tiny moments count. A five-minute dance break in your kitchen absolutely counts as wellness.

Touch Grass. Seriously.

Winter turns everyone into an indoor crypt keeper. Spring is your reminder that sunlight exists.

You do not need to suddenly hike a mountain at 6 a.m. Just go outside. Sit on a bench. Wander through a farmers market. Stare at flowers like you’ve never seen colors before.

Fresh air is weirdly effective. Nature really said, “Here, have some serotonin.”

Declutter One Tiny Thing

Not your entire house. This is not a reality show makeover montage.

Pick one thing:

  • Your junk drawer
  • Your car
  • The chair covered in “not dirty but not clean” clothes
  • Your camera roll full of blurry screenshots

Tiny acts of organization feel suspiciously powerful. Like your life may not be fully together, but at least your sock drawer isn’t plotting against you anymore.

Make Your Evenings Softer

Spring evenings hit differently. The light stays longer. The air feels lighter. Your nervous system deserves a little softness too.

Try:

  • Reading outside
  • Taking an “I survived today” walk
  • Lighting a candle for absolutely no reason
  • Listening to a playlist that makes you feel like you have your life together

Not every evening needs to end with doomscrolling until your eyes dry out.

Stop Treating Rest Like a Reward

You do not need to “earn” rest by being productive enough first. Existing while exhausted is not a personality trait.

Spring energy isn’t about doing more. It’s about feeling more alive again. Sometimes recharging looks productive. Sometimes it looks like laying in the sun like a sleepy house cat. Both are valid.

Do Something Just Because It Sounds Fun

This is your official permission slip to:

  • Buy flowers for yourself
  • Wear brighter colors
  • Start a random hobby
  • Eat lunch outside
  • Make chaotic spring playlists
  • Say yes to spontaneous plans

Joy is productive too.

Final Thoughts

Spring is less about becoming a “better” version of yourself and more about waking back up after winter drained the life out of everyone collectively.

Recharge slowly. Romanticize your life a little. Open the windows. Let yourself feel lighter.

And if all else fails? Sit in the sun with a snack and pretend you’re photosynthesizing.

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Book Review: Pretty Evil by Zoe Rossi

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GLAMOUROUS. TOUGH. RUTHLESS.

PLOT SUMMARY:

Camilla Black is not your average serial killer. As the editor of fashion magazine Couture, Camilla is a commanding presence. Impeccably dressed and regularly snapped at the front row of Fashion Week, Camilla is respected and revered.

And yet, Camilla has a secret.

When she’s not sipping martinis with London’s elite, she’s scouring the streets for the worst of the worst–the most despicable predators around. And then she finds them, she shows no mercy.

Camilla is the very last person a predator would ever want to meet….

GRADE: A-

REVIEW:

If you loved Dexter and always wished for a female serial killer vigilante targeting bad men, then you’ll definitely get a kick out of Camilla in Pretty Evil. Despite the graphic violence of her murders, it’s hard not to sympathize with her once you learn about the trauma she’s endured. Her revenge is fueled by pain, and there’s a heartbreaking reason behind her madness.

This is a dark, rage-filled revenge thriller that doesn’t hold back. While I know the ending may not work for everyone, I personally loved it. The audiobook narrator also did an incredible job bringing Camilla’s voice and emotions to life, which made the story even more immersive.

I’d definitely recommend this to fans of dark, gritty thrillers with morally complex characters.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Lighthouse Books for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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Book Review: Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane edited by Grace R. Reynolds and Wendy Dalrymple

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A sprinkling of the macabre….
A dash of depravity…
And a whole lot of insanity.

PLOT SUMMARY:

Welcome to POISONED SOUP FOR THE MACABRE, INSANE, and DEPRAVED.
51 INGREDIENTS OF NOSTALGIA AND HORROR
Curated by Wendy Dalrymple and Grace R. Reynolds
Grab a bowl and nourish yourself with the nostalgic flavors of our favorite genre. Together, these tales create a stew of heartwarming memories and moods inspired by your favorite author’s first brush with those dark corners of film, literature, and art.

GRADE: A

REVIEW:

If you’ve ever read Chicken Soup for the Soul, you’ll have an easier time understanding the spirit of this anthology. Like that series, it’s a collection of diverse voices and styles—ranging from short stories and essays to poetry—but instead of uplifting life lessons, Poisoned Soup for the Macabre, Depraved, and Insane serves up darker, stranger, and more unsettling themes.

This anthology shines most when it taps into a strong sense of ’90s nostalgia. Many of the pieces feel like heartfelt tributes to horror itself, with contributors reflecting on how the genre became a source of comfort, escape, and inspiration in their lives. In many ways, the collection reads like a love letter to horror fans.

There’s a little something here for every kind of horror reader. If you grew up devouring Goosebumps, this anthology may stir up fond memories while still delivering eerie and macabre fun. I’d especially recommend it to readers who are curious about exploring horror for the first time and want to sample a wide variety of voices and styles within the genre.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Brigids Gate Press for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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Book Review: The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton

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PLOT SUMMARY:

Hazel Russon’s life in 1882 Utah territory is defined by three things: the Mormon church, polygamy, and the men who control both. She knows she’s supposed to suppress her sinful dreams of a monogamous life with her sweetheart, and her desire for the freedom to play her beloved piano. Every Mormon woman’s duty is to live obediently and meekly, devoted to her husband and her calling as a sister wife. Her eternal salvation depends upon it.

Commanded to become the fourth wife of a man she’s never met, Hazel is relieved that Jacob Manwaring is attentive and handsome. However, she is shocked to discover that instead of living separately as is custom, all of Jacob’s wives and children live in the same house—a large, dilapidated manor that inexplicably fills Hazel with dread.

Despite Jacob’s tenderness, Hazel senses dark secrets and resentments among her sister wives. She hears strange music, sees blood oozing from the very walls, and glimpses apparitions that grow more terrifying every day. And as her nightmares worsen, Hazel can’t be sure if she has more to fear from the living—including her mysterious husband—or from a sinister presence that seems to animate the house itself . . .

Drawing on little-known Mormon folklore and the author’s own polygamous ancestors, this fascinating, suspense-filled historical novel debut is by turns darkly romantic, spine-tingling, and wholly unforgettable.

GRADE: B

REVIEW:

I went into The Fourth Wife by Linda Hamilton knowing almost nothing about Mormons beyond the idea of plural marriage—and honestly, that alone hooked me. Add in the “historical horror” label, and I was all in.

The story follows Hazel, who agrees to become Jacob’s fourth wife after learning her longtime crush won’t marry her. It’s a desperate choice… and not a great one.

Jacob initially comes across as charming, but that illusion falls apart fast. When Hazel arrives at his home, she discovers the truth: instead of wealth and stability, she’s walked into a crumbling house shared with his three other wives—and possibly something else lurking there.

Here’s the thing: if you’re expecting a full-on haunted house story, this isn’t it. The ghostly elements are interesting but feel underused, popping in just enough to remind you they exist before fading into the background again.

That said, the central mystery is compelling, and I ended up enjoying the ride—especially in audiobook form, which kept me engaged throughout.

Overall, I liked it and would try another book by this author. Just don’t go in expecting true horror—this leans much more toward historical drama with a hint of the supernatural.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Recorded Books for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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Blurred Makeup: 💄 The Viral Spring Makeup Trend Everyone Is Low-Key Obsessed With

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There was a time (not long ago) when makeup was all about precision. Sharp wings. Crisp lip lines. Contour so sculpted it could cut glass.

Spring 2026 said: absolutely not.

This season’s biggest viral trend is all about blurred beauty—soft edges, diffused color, and skin that looks like it’s glowing from within, not sitting under a layer of product. Think romantic, slightly undone, and effortlessly cool.

🌸 So… What Is Blurred Makeup?

Imagine your makeup after a perfect golden-hour selfie—slightly softened, perfectly blended, and somehow more flattering than real life.

That’s the vibe.

Instead of harsh lines, everything is:

  • softly smudged
  • gently blended
  • intentionally imperfect

According to recent beauty coverage, smudged lips and diffused edges are leading the charge, creating a “just kissed” effect that feels romantic and wearable.

Even luxury brands are leaning in, launching products specifically designed to give that soft-focus finish.

💋 The Key Elements of the Look

1. Blurry Lips (The Star of the Show)

Forget lip liner perfection. This trend is all about:

  • tapping lipstick in with your finger
  • soft, feathered edges
  • a lived-in, slightly faded finish

Bonus: it’s way easier than a perfect bold lip.

🌷 2. Watercolor Blush

Blush is having a main character moment—but make it dreamy.

Instead of one harsh stripe, think:

  • layered creams + powders
  • soft washes of pink, peach, or coral
  • blended up toward the temples

It’s giving “I just went on a romantic walk through a garden.”

✨ 3. Skin That Looks Like Skin

Heavy foundation? Not invited.

The new base is:

  • lightweight
  • glowy
  • skincare-infused

The goal is what experts call a “lit-from-within” complexion—basically your skin, but thriving.

👁️ 4. Soft Eyes, No Drama

Sharp eyeliner is taking a break.

Instead:

  • smudgy liner
  • hazy shadows
  • pastel or muted tones

It’s less “perfect cat eye,” more “cool girl who didn’t try too hard.”

📱 Why This Trend Is Everywhere

Blame TikTok (in the best way).

This look is blowing up because:

  • it’s beginner-friendly
  • it works on everyone
  • it looks amazing on camera

Plus, after years of ultra-polished “clean girl” makeup, people are craving something more expressive and relaxed. In fact, 2026 beauty trends are shifting toward color, creativity, and individuality over minimalism.

💖 The Vibe Check

If last year’s makeup said:

“I am polished and put together.”

This year’s makeup says:

“I’m glowing, I’m soft, and I didn’t stress about it.”

🌼 How to Try It (Without Buying a Whole New Makeup Bag)

You probably already have everything you need:

  • Use your lipstick as blush
  • Blend everything a little more than usual
  • Skip precision tools—fingers are your friend
  • Add glow, not coverage

Messy = better. Seriously.

Final Thoughts

The biggest reason this trend is going viral? It feels human.

It’s not about perfection—it’s about softness, movement, and a little bit of imperfection that makes everything look more real (and honestly, more beautiful).

So if your eyeliner smudges a little this spring…
congrats. You’re trending. 🌸

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Book Review: What Rough Beast by Mindy McGinnis

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In a small town like Presnick, nothing stays buried forever…

PLOT SUMMARY:


Ava Germaine has learned her see something, don’t say something. Cast out at school, the only place she can find peace is Restoration Acres, the town’s animal sanctuary. Though the place sometimes seems more like an animal graveyard than a rehabilitation center, Ava’s job there is at least a constant distraction from the night everything went wrong—and the boy she still holds responsible.

Micah Harding is always prepared for the worst. As the sheriff’s son, he tries not to do things that reflect poorly on his family, especially since his dad helped him cover up his worst mistake yet. But he knows his secret is bound to come out.

Hailey Wagner is sick of being judged. And finally, things are going according to plan—until Ava Germaine starts talking. So if Hailey has to shut her up…she will.

As a strange entity begins to stir, ready to awaken—Ava, Micah, and Hailey find themselves wrapped in a centuries-old exchange, while barreling towards the truth of what ties their fates together.

GRADE: A

REVIEW:

Mindy McGinnis is back—and she’s as fierce as ever. What Rough Beast immediately brought to mind The Female of the Species, with its simmering current of female rage, but this time there’s an added layer of eerie, folklore-tinged supernatural elements that deepen the story’s edge.

At the heart of the novel are three protagonists Ava, Micah, and Hailey, who feel strikingly real. Their voices are raw, their choices messy, and their emotions unmistakably teenage in the most authentic way. McGinnis excels at capturing that intensity, and as their lives begin to intertwine in unexpected ways, the tension only grows.

The story weaves together small-town drama with the shadow of a centuries-old curse, creating a mystery that slowly unravels. Watching the pieces connect is part of the thrill, and it kept me fully hooked from start to finish.

I won’t give away any plot details, but if you’re familiar with McGinnis’s work, this is her at her boldest—darker, stranger, and even more gripping than before. Pick this one up, you won’t regret it!

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & HarperCollins for the digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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🌸 Spring Citrus Elderflower Spritz Recipe

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Spring is the perfect excuse to trade in heavy, cozy drinks for something light, fresh, and a little playful. As the days get longer and everything starts blooming, a cocktail that reflects that energy just feels right. This one is bright, citrusy, slightly floral, and incredibly easy to make—ideal for a sunny afternoon or a relaxed evening outside.

🌸 Spring Citrus Elderflower Spritz

This cocktail leans into delicate floral notes with a refreshing citrus kick. It’s crisp without being too sharp, and just sweet enough to feel indulgent.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 oz gin
  • 1 oz elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
  • 1 oz fresh grapefruit juice
  • 0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
  • 2–3 oz sparkling water or prosecco
  • Ice
  • Grapefruit slice + fresh mint (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Fill a glass with ice.
  2. Add gin, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, and lemon juice.
  3. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Top with sparkling water for a lighter drink, or prosecco if you want something a bit more celebratory.
  5. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit and a sprig of mint.

Why it works

The elderflower brings a soft floral sweetness that screams spring, while the grapefruit and lemon keep things bright and refreshing. The bubbles add just the right amount of lift, making it feel festive without being heavy.

Make it your own

  • Prefer it sweeter? Add a splash of simple syrup or honey.
  • Want it stronger? Skip the sparkling water and go all-in with prosecco.
  • Not a gin fan? Vodka works just as well for a cleaner, more neutral base.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, having a picnic, or just unwinding after a long day, this cocktail fits the mood perfectly—fresh, vibrant, and a little bit fancy without trying too hard. 🍹

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Book Review: Darkrooms by Rebecca Hannigan

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What secrets lurk in the Hanging Woods?

PLOT SUMMARY:


On the night of the Summer Solstice in 1999, nine-year-old Roisin O’Halloran marched into the Hanging Woods, the mysterious copse that had inspired fear in decades of children in the small Irish town of Bannakilduf. She was never seen again.

Twenty years later, two women are drawn together to discover the truth of what happened to Roisin: Roisin’s older sister Deedee, a rookie cop who’s barely hanging on to the appearance of keeping it all together, and Roisin’s childhood best friend Caitlin, a petty criminal who was the last person to see the young girl before she disappeared, now returned to her hometown after her mother’s death.

With old wounds made fresh after decades of mistrust, Caitlin and Deedee must reckon with their shadowy pasts, the monsters that still haunt them, and the role they each may have played in Roisin’s disappearance. The secrets of that long-ago summer rise to the surface, and they will expose the truth that many in the small town are desperate to keep buried.

The siren of the Hanging Woods rings out once more. After all, nothing can stay hidden forever.

GRADE: B+

REVIEW:

This story leans more into emotional mystery than edge-of-your-seat thriller, exploring grief, memory, and the stories we tell ourselves to survive.

Years ago, Roisin vanished without a trace. The last person to see her was her friend Caitlin. In the aftermath, Caitlin’s mother takes her away to London, putting distance between them and the whispers back home in Ireland. Caitlin stays away for years—until her mother’s sudden death pulls her back.

Now, Roisin’s older sister Deedee is a police officer, still carrying the weight of her sister’s disappearance. She’s determined to uncover the truth, no matter how much time has passed. When Caitlin returns, the two women are forced to confront each other—and the silence, suspicion, and unresolved pain that’s lingered for years.

I can already see some readers finding both Caitlin and Deedee difficult to like—and that’s fair. But for me, their flaws made the story feel more real rather than less enjoyable. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, and the way everything comes together in the end is genuinely satisfying.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, high-stakes thriller, this might not fully deliver. But if you enjoy character-driven mysteries with emotional depth, Darkrooms is definitely worth picking up.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & William Morrow for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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Book Review: Lucien by J.R. Thornton

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PLOT SUMMARY:

The son of working-class Czech immigrants, Christopher “Atlas” Novotny is a talented painter who arrives at Harvard on a full scholarship. Raised amid hardship, he is unprepared for the privileged world introduced to him by his freshman roommate, Lucien Orsini-Conti.

Born to wealthy European diplomats, Lucien plays the part of the confident, sophisticated bon vivant. Where Lucien is bold and brash, Atlas is timid and introverted. Growing up a lonely outsider, Atlas is insecure, impressionable, and in awe of his brilliant roommate. But is Lucien all that he seems?

Sensing a willing disciple, Lucien introduces Atlas to a glittering new world of lavish parties and elite social clubs. When Atlas struggles to afford his new lifestyle, Lucien offers a solution, convincing the naïve artist to become a forger, passing off fakes to galleries and dealers.

But Lucien’s charismatic facade conceals something darker and more sinister. As Lucien’s behavior grows increasingly unstable, Atlas is forced into escalating risks with devastating consequences.

GRADE: C

REVIEW:

Lucien by J.R. Thornton suffers most from how it was marketed. Billing it as The Secret History meets The Talented Mr. Ripley sets up expectations the novel simply doesn’t meet. The comparison feels misleading, and ultimately works against the book rather than for it.

The story follows Christopher—renamed “Atlas” by his enigmatic roommate, Lucien—who comes from a modest background and finds himself immersed in the rarefied world of Harvard. There’s an interesting premise here: the tension between his upbringing and this new, elite environment. But instead of digging into that contrast in a meaningful way, the novel drifts. Much of it revolves around Atlas attending parties, with the central plot feeling thin and underdeveloped.

As literary fiction, the book seems to lean heavily on style and dialogue, but this is where it falters most. The conversations are long and frequent, yet rarely compelling. There are no standout lines or moments of insight, and at times the dialogue feels surprisingly shallow. If the intent was to portray a certain emptiness or privilege among Harvard’s elite, that idea never quite sharpens into something purposeful, it just comes across as dull.

Honestly, I likely would have DNF’d this if I hadn’t been listening to the audiobook. The narrator does a lot of heavy lifting, bringing some much-needed energy to an otherwise flat reading experience.

I also found myself hesitating over the perspective. When an author from a wealthy background writes about financial struggle, there’s always a risk it feels more like performance than lived understanding. Here, that distance occasionally shows, making parts of Atlas’s experience feel less authentic than they could have been.

Overall, Lucien has the bones of an intriguing story, but it never quite comes together in a satisfying or memorable way.

*Thank you so much to NetGalley & Harper Perennial for the audiobook copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

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