Shut Up and Book Up!

Book Review 4 out of 5 stars! "I'd never thought I'd crave phone-free time but that honestly sounds so good. I crave being off-grid. Not in a "go live in a forest and bathe in a stream" way but a "not showing the internet what I'm doing every second" way." - Connie Every teenager prays and hopes for the days or even a week of freedom from parents. Being home alone with no rules or siblings to report back to parents! No one looks forward to two weeks without mom in the house more than Connie! Since her mom has become an extremely active vlogger and social media celebrity, Connie and her sister have had zero privacy. Forcing smiles on their faces and playing the part, though Connie wonders if Isla isn't trying so hard and possibly turning into mom 2.0. But whatever, this time alone Connie's going to do what she wants! Only things begin going wrong when an accident happens right in front of her. And she may have a stalker who is a little t...

Manga Review 4 out of 5 stars! Releasing Jan. 20, 2026 Step on a LEGO Original Author S.arang Artist TO WALK(REDICE TO WALK(REDICE STUDIO Adapter "The Baskerville Family is often referred to as the House of Berserkers."  Vikir's served the family faithfully for years, knowing nothing other than being a loyal dog. Until his accomplishments and services land him in a betrayal plot against him and his execution. Before the blade falls he vows that if he were to redo it all he would do it better and serve justice to his "father". Something hears his resolve because he is thrust back in time to his baby self. Vikir realizes he truly does get a redo at this storyline, only all his memories from his past life are with him. Causing him to know things and adapt faster than before! Some things remain the same while there are other plotlines he wasn't prepared for. Will he be able to accomplish his revenge plot? I was intrigued by this title because I grew up with the ...

Manga Review 4 out of 5 stars! Releasing Dec. 16, 2025 "Something about him just made people look twice." Hagiwara enjoys his life as a librarian and taking long, relaxing drives on weekends. Having everything he believes he needs, until Yabumi walks in. Now he's wanting nothing more than to get closer to the older man and understand him. But he shouldn't pry or try and get closer, right? On one fateful night he's able to start bridging the gap between them only causing his feelings to grow. Does Yabumi possibly feel the same? Does he swing the same way? "I'll think of a counterargument." This looked and sounded like a relaxing read. I was interested in another BL manga with the inside of a car being the main scenery for the story. And I mean what's not relaxing about books and going on long car rides with no restrictive timelines and schedules?! I enjoyed the relationship growing between the two men. How it was a slower build and the two trying ...

Manga Review 4 out of 5 stars! Manga by Yo Asami Story by Natsu Hyuuga Character Design by Chiho Shinishi "Once I become an official candidate---I want hazard pay.  . . . And I want that in writing." - Chloe Chloe's a novice cleric by day, but at night while dawning a veil, she's The Sister of Great Fortune. Walking away with several coins and men in tears over their loses with cards. Sounds like a very, peaceful and exciting life. Win-win, literally! Only in this world women who seem to have "unnatural" abilities or are just really good observers are thought to be gifted with a Charism. Chloe has no Charism, but she still lands in the sights of a Erald Bitz who wishes to utilize her powers to solve a murder mystery. She tries to correct him at every turn and even shows her trade secrets, but he isn't convinced. Luckily, he knows how to speak her language and upon the down payment she's in! Though Chloe may not fully understand what she got herself i...

Manga Review 5 out of 5 stars! Manga by Chika Mizube Story by Kanata Hoshi Character Design by Peperon "The young lady who eats monsters. . . The Voracious Villainess."  Melphiera would like nothing more than to continue studying monsters and creating fancy dishes with the meat. But her stepmother gave her an ultimatum she cannot ignore. She must find a match and be betrothed within a year!? Though in "proper" high society Melphiera is shunned and no suitor wishes to approach her. Will she get a proposal of marriage, or will she suffer the consequences of her stepmother? She's just a woman who knows what she wants and has gained the knowledge of how to properly prepare it! And because she is an upstanding lady, she wishes for the finer dishes with gorgeous presentation on the plate! "Really? You're not worried about touching monster blood?" - Duke Aristide "Oh, not at all. You should've seen me last week when I butchered a Backhorn. This i...

Book Review 5 out of 5 stars! "But the thing that’s always been most painful? How gorgeous my jackass stepbrother is. Everyone knows it, including him, which is both part of the reason he’s such an asshole, and part of the reason I still let him get away with what he does. He just looks so pretty doing it." - Val Valentina has been fighting and denying her longtime crush on her stepbrother. If only her father hadn't fallen in love with Banon's minotaur mom! Not really, she's very happy for her dad and the love he shares with Marissa. It just makes things awkward for her, even after the events of HS her heart still wants Banon. Distance and ignoring one another hasn't helped to solve anything between the two. The caps about to blow when the two have to come home for the Holidays and be in close proximity to one another. If Val speaks her truth to Banon will this blowup horribly and ruin their combined family? Could Banon even possibly see her in that way or is ...

Book Review 4 out of 5 stars! "It will be the perfect day--all about you and Isaac and your awe-inspiring love story. And no worries if something goes wrong, Aunt Effie will be there to fix it!" - Lavinia Lavinia's home for her best friend's wedding and to enjoy being in a familiar small town! With all the smells, sights, and that home cooking nothing can replace. It was supposed to be a fun little getaway from the city and a relaxing time of catching up with everyone. But things turn sour when a body turns up! One that sparks a domino effect within the town and the two famous already feuding families. Refusing to just sit on her hands Lavinia decides she will do some amateur sleuthing! Uncovering secrets, fishing out the truths within the rumors, and trying to comfort her best friend. Rediscovering her small towns, she grew up in and understanding the adult version of things. Including the nasty side of a family feud and the not so sweet side of funerals and large su...

Book Review 3.5 out of 5 stars! "She may be terrorized by me, but she' supposed to at least be enjoying the holiday season, dammit!" - Seth Ada used to love the holidays until her anxiety overtook everything. Now she stays wrapped up in blankets and cozy sweaters inside her cabin. Running her business of helping others manage their lives and enjoying the holidays. But Ada has a secret Santa who is refusing to let her ignore the festive time of year. From mysterious packages, text messages, and Christmas lights they won't stop! Unsure if this is an overzealous Christmas lover or a creepy stalker Ada is at a loss. Sleep hasn't been helping to ease her mind because it's full of nightmares. Maybe some of the dreams border on darker desires that she should see a therapist about. Will she get a break or will all this break Ada? "How do I go from being her Krampus to her secret Santa? She's never been anything but good. She deserves presents and candy, not p...