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Just a girl, living her life through books

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Remain
Remain
by Nicholas Sparks
tagged: arcs and currently-reading

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2026 Reading Challenge

2026 Reading Challenge
Emma has read 1 book toward her goal of 50 books.
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Professional Reader Camp NetGalley 2025

10 Book Reviews
Read and Release at BookCrossing.com...

  • The House Witch and The Enchanting of The Hearth – Book Review

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    ⭐️ 4/5 stars
    📖 Length: 461 pages
    📱 Format: Paperback
    ⏳ Read Time: 19 days

    Synopsis

    When Finlay Ashowan joins the staff of the King and Queen of Daxaria, he’s an enigma. No one knows where he comes from or how he came to be where he is, which suits Fin just fine. He’s satisfied simply serving as the royal cook, keeping nosy passersby out of his kitchen, and concocting some truly uncanny meals.

    But Fin’s secret identity doesn’t stay hidden for long. After all, it’s not every day a house witch and his kitten familiar, Kraken, take to meddling in imperial affairs. As his powers are gradually discovered by the court, Fin finds himself involved in a slew of intrigues: going head-to-head with knights with less-than-chivalrous intentions, helping to protect the pregnant queen, fending off the ire of the royal mage, and uncovering a spy in the castle. And that’s only the beginning—because Fin’s past is catching up with him just as his love life is getting complicated . . .

    What I thought

    This was my very first read with the Paper + Word Book Club, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a more comforting start. The House Witch is the kind of story that feels like being wrapped in a blanket with a mug of something warm. Light, cosy, and exactly the right vibe when you’re feeling under the weather (which I very much was, if not still am 😅).

    It did take me an age to get through. Like 19 days in total! But that’s more down to being completely addled with illness and pacing myself while reading along with some of the lovely folks in our Discord group. The text in the physical copy was teenie (think level 1 Kindle font without the backlight), which had my eyes working overtime. My trusty book light definitely earned its keep!

    That said, the floppiness of the book itself? Perfection.
    It doesn’t affect my rating, but it absolutely fills my little bookish heart with joy! There is nothing more satisfying than a book that you can rest open on the arm of your sofa whilst you devour a glorious cup of tea. I’m easily pleased.

    Plot and Themes (Spoiler-Free)

    The story follows Finlay, a house witch whose quiet magic focuses on home, hearth, and good food, which is a refreshing change from the usual high-stakes fantasy drama of war and dispute (although there was a nod to an impending war). The world is soft around the edges, with gentle doses of magic, friendship, and found family.

    That said, the main story leans heavily into the romance side of things. The fantasy elements (which are delightful when they appear) often sit off to the side, tucked into subplots that don’t all find closure by the end. Whilst I’m not mad about it, it did leave me wanting a bit more magic, a few more answers, and a touch less swooning.

    Still, it’s clear this is just the beginning of a bigger series, and I’m hopeful those threads will tie together beautifully in the next book 🤞🏻

    Why You Need This Book

    First off, we’ll start with Kraken the cat. He actually gets his own chapter, and it’s every bit as brilliant as you’d hope. I just wish there’d been more of him! His personality shines through and adds a fun, whimsical touch to the story that really stood out for me.

    Beyond the cat, Delemhach’s writing has such a lovely, flowing rhythm that makes it incredibly easy to read. There are moments though where it feels a little unedited or raw. Like something might have slipped through proofing, but it doesn’t detract from the overall charm. In fact, it kind of adds to the feeling that this book was written with genuine warmth.

    If you’re after something to curl up with, something that feels like a warm meal in book form, The House Witch delivers exactly that. Just expect to feel hungry whilst reading, so be prepared with snacks!

    Final Thoughts

    Did I love it? Yes.
    Am I continuing with the series? Absolutely.

    It’s not perfect, but it is comforting, gentle, and quietly magical. This book gave me everything I needed while I was tucked under blankets, and I can’t wait to see how the story unfolds in the next instalments.

    I’m really looking forward to chatting about it with the book club peeps next week and hearing how everyone else found it. For me, it’s a solid 4-star read that reminded me why I love cosy fantasy so much.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    You can grab your copy of The House Witch by Delemhach from trusted retailers:

    Until next time…

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • 🎃 Just a Few Days Left to Enter the Spooky Giveaway! 👻

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    Hey ghouls and book fiends…

    Just a quick reminder that there’s only a few days left to enter my friend’s spooktacular giveaway!

    If you love all things creepy and cozy (and let’s be honest, who doesn’t this time of year?), you don’t want to miss out. One lucky winner will receive the entire prize bundle, packed with creepy-cute horror goodies below. Perfect for adding a little scream queen energy to your reading nook this Halloween.

    🕯️ Closes: 29th October
    🌎 Open: Worldwide
    🕸️ How to enter: All the details are over on the giveaway post — click here to check it out and get your entries in before it’s too late!

    Go show my friend some love, cross your (skeleton) fingers, and may the most haunted reader win.

    Until next time… 👻🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • When Books Get Too Descriptive — Does Every Sentence Really Need It?

    You know that feeling when you’re deep in a book, fully hooked, and then suddenly… you hit that paragraph? The one that goes on and on about how the sunlight glints off a teacup for what feels like three pages? Or when you’re fresh into a new book and every sentence is another bloody metaphor? Yeah. That’s where I start to lose the will to live. Like how many times can a curtain billow like a forgotten dream?

    Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely love good writing. Give me a line that hits me right in the heart, and I’ll happily reread it ten times like a weirdo. But sometimes, a book crosses from beautifully written into trying too hard, and that’s when you’ve lost me.

    Does every single sentence really need to sparkle?

    The moment words get in the way

    Description is meant to pull you in, right? To make you see, smell, and feel the world the author’s built. But when a book insists on describing everything — every dust mote, every sigh, every thread in a cloak — it starts to feel like noise. The story gets buried under the pretty words.

    And here’s the thing, sometimes a sentence just needs to do its job. Move the plot. Build tension. Give the reader a moment to imagine. If every line is trying to be poetic, nothing actually feels special anymore.

    Immersive vs. indulgent

    There’s a difference between writing that brings a world to life and writing that’s showing off. Immersive writing makes you forget you’re reading. You’re just there. Indulgent writing reminds you of the author sitting behind the keyboard, flexing their creative muscles.

    And honestly? That’s when reading becomes a chore. And more importantly, when I start skimming. When the paragraphs start feeling like a wordy endurance test, I’m just scanning for dialogue, desperate to find out what’s actually happening.

    Quick disclaimer before the pitchforks come out

    I’m in no way coming for any author here. I’m not a writer, and I don’t claim to have even an ounce of the skill it takes to be one. Let alone imagine the sheer mental gymnastics involved in piecing together an entire novel. I’ve never tried, and honestly, I’ll happily leave that to the experts who actually know what they’re doing.

    But as someone who devours books like they’re snacks, I’ve read my fair share of descriptive-heavy stories. Enough to know when a little extra detail becomes too much. Because sometimes, what could’ve been a brilliant book gets buried under its own pretty words and that’s annoying.

    It’s all about balance

    The best writers do know when to pull back though. They trust their readers to fill in the gaps. You don’t need to describe every wall hanging and table leg, just give us a spark, and our imagination will do the rest.

    So if the best writers can find that balance, why can’t everyone else? It’s not about stripping away the magic, it’s about knowing when enough is enough.

    Think of description like seasoning: the right amount brings a story to life, but dump in too much, and you’ve ruined the adventure.

    Final thoughts

    Description is great… until it isn’t. It should paint the picture, not wallpaper the entire house.
    Give me atmosphere, give me texture, but for the love of books, give me story. I don’t need to know what every cloud looked like on the Tuesday before the plot kicked off.
    I just want to feel something real.

    Until next time….

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • Daily Writing Prompt; What have you been working on?

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    Daily writing prompt
    What have you been working on?
    View all responses

    If you’ve been keeping up with my posts lately, you’ll already know the answer to this one: absolutely nothing glamorous. I’ve been working on getting better after being completely knocked off my feet by what can only be described as the “lurgy from hell”.

    We’re on day 11 now. Yes, 11… and it’s still hanging around like an uninvited guest who refuses to take the hint 🙄. One minute I think I’m improving, the next I’m coughing like there’s a sudden need to vacate my lungs and wondering if I’ll ever have energy again.
    Honestly, it’s been a vibe. A very mucus-y vibe.

    The first few days were the worst though. That dizzy, feverish stage where even making a cup of tea feels like climbing Everest. I had grand plans for blog posts, ARC reviews, and another unachievable weekend reading challenge/binge… and instead I ended up curled under a blanket surrounded by tissues, tea, a years supply of paracetamol and two very pleased cats. Atlas and Otis have fully appointed themselves as my feline nurses. Mostly by sleeping on my legs so I physically can’t get up.

    It’s funny how being ill completely distorts your sense of time. I swear I’ve been living the same day over and over again: wake up, cough, drink tea, take tablets, wipe nose, attempt to read, fall asleep, repeat. 11 days later, and my main achievement is probably the number of Jakemans cough sweets I’ve consumed (if that counts as a skill, I’m an expert now).

    But in a weird way, slowing down has been kind of… nice? Once I stopped being annoyed at myself for not doing anything “productive,” I realised that maybe this forced break was exactly what I needed. Resting doesn’t come naturally to me and I’m usually juggling work, adventures, and an ever-growing TBR pile… but sometimes your body just hits the brakes for you and you have to stop.

    Of course, I’ve tried to read here and there, note the emphasis on tried. My brain feels like mush half the time, so getting through more than a few pages is an achievement. I even started a comfort reread, but five pages in and I was out cold, so it’s now been safely returned to the TBRA pile for another day. Still, it’s something.

    So, what have I been working on? Truthfully, just getting better. That’s it. No big projects, no dramatic life updates. Just me, my cats, my endless mugs of tea, and the slow process of feeling human again. It’s not the content I planned to be posting this week, but maybe it’s the only content I had. Gotta love WordPress prompts in times of need, eh 😅.

    Here’s hoping day 12 brings fewer coughs, more energy, and maybe even the ability to focus on a full chapter without nodding off.

    Until next time… stay healthy, friends. And if you need me, I’ll be over here trying to remember what breathing through my nose feels like.

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • 💀 The ARC Effect: When Free Books Cost Honesty

    Earlier this year, I gave a book a one star review.
    Not a soft, “maybe two if I’m being kind” kind of one star either. A full-on, unapologetic this was terrible one star review. The writing was clunky, the plot was incoherent, and by the halfway mark, I was actively rooting for the end (and not in a good way).

    At that stage in my reading journey, my OCD simply would not allow me to not finish a book, although it was a close call! It feels like failure, like I might miss a turn of events if I don’t continue and somehow the book might improve? So I pushed through, page by painful page, dragging my poor brain through the swamp. Honestly, that one star was generous considering I actually finished it.

    If I had today’s mindset, the one that knows life’s too short and the TBR is endless; I’d have DNF’d it the moment it became problematic and unreadable. But back then, I persevered… and regretted every chapter.

    Then I went online and saw glowing 4 and 5-star reviews, overflowing with praise. For a moment, I genuinely questioned my own reading ability. Had we even read the same book? Was I missing something? Or… and here’s the uncomfortable question… does receiving a free book sometimes change how people perceive it?

    🕯️ The ARC Paradox

    For anyone who doesn’t live in the world of NetGalley, Edelweiss, or publisher proofs; ARCs (Advanced Reader Copies) are early editions of books sent to reviewers in exchange for honest feedback.
    That’s the keyword here: honest.

    In theory, it’s a brilliant system. Bloggers and reviewers alike help generate buzz before release day, publishers get early visibility, and readers get valuable insight.
    But somewhere along the process the lines start blurring.

    I’ve noticed a pattern (not universal, but frequent enough to notice) where some reviewers seem more focused on keeping ARC access than keeping their integrity. Suddenly, every book is “the best thing I’ve read all year.” Every author is “an instant buy.” Reviews begin to sound less like opinions and more like marketing material.

    Let’s be realistic and statistically speaking, not every book can be amazing. Right?

    🕵️‍♀️ Why Some Bloggers Inflate ARC Reviews

    It’s not usually publishers waving a magic wand and demanding 5 stars. Most of the time, the push comes from the system itself and the way we, as reviewers, perceive it. Here’s the truth:

    Access equals approval. ARCs are limited, and if you’ve spent months building a good track record on NetGalley or Edelweiss, a harsh review can feel risky. A glowing review? Safe. Keeps the freebies coming. Even if no one told you to inflate your stars, the system nudges you that way.

    Social media pressure. Seeing other bloggers unbox shiny ARCs and gush about them can make you feel like you’re missing out. Or worse, that you’re the party pooper. That fear of being “out of sync” with the hype can soften your reviews more than you’d like.

    Fear of backlash. Some books generate passionate communities. Giving a lower rating can feel like starting drama. It’s easier to give 4 or 5 stars than risk confrontation, even if the book wasn’t great.

    The “maybe I’m wrong” trap. When a book is hyped everywhere, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. “Everyone else seems to love it… am I missing something?” Suddenly, your honest opinion gets tempered by doubt.

    The takeaway? It’s rarely about publishers actively telling bloggers to give 5 stars. It’s a mix of system pressure, social influence, and human psychology. The solution? Honesty with context. Give your opinion, explain why, and don’t let hype or fear of losing ARC access compromise your integrity. That’s how you build trust; with readers, with yourself, and yes, even with publishers.

    📦 The Pressure to Please

    And honestly, I get it.
    Your reviewer ratio starts feeling like a credit score. You worry that a negative review might quietly impact future approvals. Meanwhile, everyone else is posting those stunning proofs with gold foiling and sprayed edges, and you want in on the excitement.

    But where’s the line between enthusiasm and performance?

    When we start sugar coating poor writing or pretending a weak plot “just wasn’t for me” purely because it was free, we’re no longer reviewing, we’re advertising. And the irony is, publishers don’t actually want that. Most of them would rather read a thoughtful, balanced critique than a hollow five-star rave.

    🖋️ Why Honesty Matters

    A dishonest review helps no one.
    It doesn’t help the author grow.
    It doesn’t help readers make informed decisions.
    And it certainly doesn’t help the reviewer build credibility.

    I’ll always respect someone who says, “This book wasn’t for me, and here’s why”, far more than someone who gushes purely to stay in a publisher’s good books.

    If I didn’t enjoy something, I’ll tell you and more importantly, I’ll tell you why. I’ll show you the pacing issues, the inconsistent characterisation, the lazy tropes, the moments that lost me. Because that’s what readers deserve: honesty, not performance.

    Singing praises for a poorly written book just isn’t cricket.

    💬 The Bottom Line

    I understand the thrill of receiving an ARC. That email notification, that feeling of trust, that early access buzz. But free books shouldn’t buy silence.

    If I loved it, I’ll shout about it.
    If I hated it, I’ll explain why. Clearly, kindly, but truthfully.

    Because at the end of the day, the only thing more valuable than an ARC is authenticity.
    And that’s something no publisher can send in a padded envelope.

    Until next time… Keep reading honestly, and don’t be afraid to tip the scale 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

    11 comments on 💀 The ARC Effect: When Free Books Cost Honesty
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  • Love Notes To Myself; Aging

    Dear Me,

    Tonight, I’m writing this from the sofa. Wrapped in a blanket, hair a mess, half-drunk tea somewhere nearby. My body feels like it’s been through a war waged entirely in coughs and sneezes. I’ve been ill for what feels like an eternity now, and it’s made me feel ancient. Not just tired, but really, really old.

    It’s strange how quickly a cold can unravel the illusion of youth. One minute you’re powering through the day like a semi-functional adult, the next you’re groaning as you bend down to pick something up, wondering who you pissed off in life so much that they’ve been playing with your voodoo doll again.

    However, there is something quietly humbling about being forced to stop though, right? Illness doesn’t ask for permission (although I wish it would give me a heads-up). It just presses pause whenever it feels like it. And when it does, you start to notice things: how much noise you carry in your head, how little rest you actually allow yourself, how often you confuse productivity with worth.

    And then the thought creeps in: is it the voodoo doll, or is it actually me? Maybe this is my body’s way of saying, “Sit down before I make you.”

    So, to the version of me who feels old tonight… Sit down.
    You don’t owe the world anything right now. Let it spin without you. Crawl into bed, sink into the pillows, breathe. You’ve earned this respite.

    And if tomorrow you still feel a little broken, that’s okay.
    Go easy on you.

    With love always,

    Me 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • Spotlight on Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan – 2025 Supernatural Romance

    Today’s a very exciting day, Remain by Nicholas Sparks and M. Night Shyamalan is finally out in the world, and honestly, I’m still not over it.

    I read this one as an ARC back in September, and it completely blew me away. It was an instant five-star read for me and I’ve been (not so patiently) waiting for release day so I can finally shout about it properly.

    My Thoughts on Remain

    I rated this novel 5 out of 5 stars, and here’s why:

    • Atmosphere: Cape Cod has never felt so alive, or so eerie. You’ve got the moody coastal skies, creaking inns, salt in the air… the whole thing feels cinematic. You can practically hear the waves crashing while you read. It’s got that classic Nicholas Sparks warmth, but then Shyamalan swoops in with just enough unease to make you glance over your shoulder. Autumnal perfection.
    • World-building: The supernatural bits? Chef’s kiss. They’re handled so subtly that half the time you’re questioning what’s real and what’s not. It never goes full ghost story, just this gentle hum of something otherworldly. It’s eerie but believable, like the kind of thing you’d swear you imagined but secretly know you didn’t.
    • Characters: Oh, Tate and Wren. I adored them. Their connection is electric but fragile and messy. Both are carrying so much grief and guilt, yet there’s this spark (no pun intended… okay, maybe a little). And the side characters? I loved them all – Well, maybe not all (no spoilers here!). They add so much texture and heart, like the gossiping background characters in a small-town movie you secretly want spin-offs for.
    • Pacing: Slow burn, but absolutely 100% worth it. There’s space to breathe, but you still get those little moments that make you sit up straighter. The reveals are timed perfectly. No rushed twists, no dragging sections. It’s the kind of book that makes you want to take your time, maybe with a blanket and a mug of tea.

    Overall: Remain is such a gorgeous mix of heart and suspense. Sparks brings the feels, Shyamalan brings the goosebumps, and somehow it all blends into this perfect, emotional rollercoaster. It’s part love story, part ghost story, and somehow still feels totally real. It left me a very weepy, a little spooked, but most of all completely obsessed.

    Should You Read Remain?

    If you’re on the fence, here’s why Remain deserves a spot on your TBR (and honestly, why you should read it today):

    • If you love character-driven stories with a twist, this is your moment. It’s not horror or heavy fantasy. It’s just the right amount of supernatural sparkle.
    • It will make you feel all the things. Love, grief, hope, heartbreak… you name it, it’s got it all.
    • The vibes are immaculate. Moody seaside setting, emotional writing, and a ghostly edge? Perfect autumn read.
    • The collaboration actually works. Sparks and Shyamalan together sounded wild at first, but somehow it’s magic.
    • It stays with you. Weeks later, I’m still thinking about that ending (and not entirely sure I’ve recovered).

    Final Thoughts

    Remain is easily one of my top reads of 2025 so far. It’s emotional, eerie, and beautifully written. The kind of story that wraps around your heart and doesn’t let go. I know I’ll reread it when I’m craving something that makes me cry and question reality a little bit.

    If you pick it up, let me know what you think in the comments.

    Remain by Nicholas Sparks & M. Night Shyamalan is available now from Amazon UK, or even better grab it from your local bookshop (support your bookish community!).

    Want to know more, you can read my full blog and book synopsis here.

    Until next time… 🖤📖

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • Limerence – ARC Review

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    ⭐️ 4/5 stars
    📖 Length: 327 pages
    📱 Format: ePUB
    ⏳ Read Time: 9 days

    Synopsis

    Kara and Dante.

    You may not know them by name, but you know them by deed. You feel them in the space between dreams and reality, in the inevitable crawl of time.

    They have burned continents and sunk kingdoms. They’ve been worshipped and feared. Those in power call them demons. Those above power call them monsters.

    They aren’t human but they once were. To each other, they are survivors, eternal mates and lovers. Their attraction is at the very foundation of existence. 

    When a virus older than memory returns, Dante must find a way to contain it before it injures Kara and corrupts the fabric of reality. Ghosts vanish, worlds shift, and the laws of physics can no longer be trusted.

    As reality collapses, the two must return to the origin of their timeline to face the Abomination that still lurks there.

    A richly woven fantasy about power, love, identity, and the weight of rewriting the world.

    What I thought

    Okay, so Limerence by L.S. Delorme absolutely melted my brain, in a good way (mostly). It’s one of those books that feels like falling into a dream: gorgeous, disorienting, and a little bit unsettling. Kara and Dante aren’t your standard fantasy couple, they’ve burned continents, rewritten history, and basically exist as the universe’s most chaotic power couple. Once human, now… something else entirely. Their love literally holds reality together, and when an ancient virus starts messing with that balance, everything, time, space and logic begins to fall apart.

    The writing is lush, heavy on the atmosphere, and just dripping with cosmic-ness (if that isn’t a thing, it is now!). There were moments where I had to stop and reread because my brain was like, “Wait, what just happened?” But once I found the rhythm, I was completely absorbed.

    Now, full confession: I had no idea this was part of a series (note to self: do better research next time). And I didn’t have time to cram 4 other books in before picking this up! But there were definitely a few points where the characters were referencing things and I was just sitting there like, “WTF are they talking about?” But it wasn’t a deal breaker. I still managed to follow the main story fine, you just know you’re missing a bit of background in places.

    One thing that really helped, though, was the glossary at the end. Absolute lifesaver. More books should do this, I think! It explains all the names, worlds, and concepts that pop up throughout the book, without spoiling anything. If you start feeling lost, seriously, go check that. It definitely helped my lurgy-addled brain keep track of what was going on when I was too tired to remember my own name.

    Speaking of the lurgy… this one felt like it took me ages to finish. My brain’s been full of cold medicine and tea, so tackling cosmic fantasy probably wasn’t the smartest move, but it was worth it. Even through the brain fog, I found myself hooked on Kara and Dante’s connection. Love here isn’t romanticised; it’s something that consumes, destroys, and reshapes everything it touches. I weirdly loved that.

    All in all, Limerence is weird, beautiful, and a little mind-bending. It’s not an easy or quick read, but if you’re in the mood for something lyrical, ambitious, and slightly unhinged, this one’s worth the journey.

    You can grab your copy on Amazon UK, Amazon US, or add it to your Goodreads shelf.

    Thank you to Love Books Tours, the publisher and the author for having me on this tour and providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

    Until next time… ✨

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • Why We Can’t Resist Morally Grey Characters (And Their Chaotic Charm)

    Okay, so let’s be honest if a book has a broody, morally grey character, I’m immediately hooked. Like, shut up and take my money. Forget the golden heroes, or the knights in shining armour; give me someone with questionable morals, a tragic backstory, and just enough suave to keep everyone on edge.

    (Also, full disclosure: I’ve been sick this week 🤒 so while I haven’t managed to finish any books, I have had plenty of time to sit here thinking about why we all collectively lose our minds over morally grey characters. Priorities, right?)

    But why are we all so obsessed with them? Let’s break it down:

    1. They Feel Real

    No one is 100% good all the time (if you are, congrats… I don’t trust you 😏). Grey characters mess up, make bad calls, and sometimes even redeem themselves. It’s messy, it’s human (unless you’re not), and it makes them so much more interesting to swoon read about.

    2. They Make Us Question Ourselves

    Would I side with them? Would I make the same choice? Absolutely!
    Reading about them forces us to look at our own morals… and then gently nudge them out the window.

    3. They Keep Us Guessing

    There’s something irresistible about a character you can’t quite figure out. One moment they’re ruthless, the next they do something that makes you swoon or gasp. We watch, fascinated, trying to predict their next move… and failing every time. That tension, that thrill of not knowing, is part of their dangerous charm.

    4. Let’s Face It… They’re Hot

    Broody, morally dubious, tragic past, probably wears black — do I need to say more? Somehow, we’ve conjured up the most beautiful being in the entire universe, and we’d agree to anything just to get a glimpse of them. That “bad guy but secretly soft for the right person” energy is basically BookTok catnip right now, and honestly… we’re here for it.

    Some of My Personal Faves:

    • Rhysand (ACOTAR) – he’s basically the blueprint.
    • The Darkling (Shadow and Bone) – did I root for him? Yes. Do I regret it? Also yes.
    • Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows) – he could rob me blind and I’d say “thank you.”
    • Jude Duarte (The Cruel Prince) – messy, ruthless, iconic.

    So tell me, who are your favourite morally grey book crushes? And are you normal about them… or are you like me, feral? 😂 Drop your picks in the comments because I definitely need more to add to my ever-growing TBR pile.

    (P.S. I’m off back to my blanket fort to recover, so make your recommendations extra juicy!)

    Until next time…. keep reading, keep swooning, and never underestimate the power of a perfectly broody anti-hero 🖤

    Dead Girl Reads

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  • Sick Days, Comfort Reads, and Too Many Books on the Go

    So… I’ve been a bit quieter here the past few days. Not because I’ve vanished into a bookcase (though that does sound tempting), but because I’ve been feeling rough. Yesterday my throat decided to betray me, and today I honestly feel like death warmed up. Not the cosy “tucked under blankets with hot chocolate” kind of sick day either, sadly it’s more like dragging myself around, feeling grumpy, and wishing someone would magically appear and bring me some stew.

    And honestly, if there’s one thing keeping me from completely losing it, it’s books. Even with my brain operating at half-speed, I can’t stop myself from reading. Somehow I’ve ended up with three books and one audiobook going at the same time. Because apparently chaos is my coping mechanism.

    So here’s what’s keeping me busy during my time of need;

    The House Witch and The Enchanting of the Hearth by Delemhach, which also happens to be our October book club pick. I’m about 34% in and absolutely loving it. Cosy fantasy is basically medicine for days like this. The domestic magic, the food, the warmth, it’s like a little hug from the page.

    And Fin… I need a Fin in my life right now. Someone to keep me fed, bring endless mugs of tea, and maybe make me stop feeling sorry for myself. (Soup is off the table, by the way. I don’t even like it.)

    I love how our book club is introducing me to things I wouldn’t normally reach for and I’m already planning to grab the next book in the series for my November TBR because I cannot resist this kind of comfort reading.

    Then there’s Limerence by LS Delorme, which is an ARC I requested. Surprise, it’s actually the fifth book in The Limerent Series. Did I know that when I clicked “request”? Of course not. Am I a little annoyed at myself? Sure. But I’m about 20% in, and it’s an easy, breezy read.

    There are references to the earlier books that I’m missing, but honestly, it’s holding up pretty well on its own. Lesson learned: do a little more research before requesting ARCs next time.

    And then we have the wonderfully weird A Night in the Lonesome October by Roger Zelazny. This book is delightfully odd, and I’m doing it properly; one chapter per day because the chapters are all dated. It’s basically a spooky little advent calendar for October. Talking animals, gothic vibes, sly winks at classic horror characters… it’s just weird enough to keep me intrigued, but short enough that my foggy brain can handle it. I genuinely look forward to each chapter, and it’s been a nice way to feel seasonal even when I’m feeling rubbish.

    Of course, I can’t forget my audiobook saviour: The Fellowship of the Ring, narrated by Andy Serkis. I’m about halfway through, and I’d forgotten just how much singing Tolkien managed to cram into the first book. Honestly, the idea of Frodo and friends bursting into song mid-quest cracks me up.

    But Serkis is amazing. He gives each character so much personality, and the pacing is perfect. If you’ve ever been intimidated by Tolkien, an audiobook like this is magic. Honestly, it’s keeping me sane on days when my throat and brain are both going, “nope.”

    So yeah, four books. Maybe it’s too many? Probably. But when you’re sick, moods swing like crazy. Some days you want cosy and warm, some days dark and gothic, some days light and easy, and some days you just want someone else to do the reading for you. Having options is basically the only thing stopping me from going stir-crazy.

    Reading while sick is funny like that. It’s both perfect and terrible. Perfect because I can finally let myself slow down, curl up, and enjoy reading guilt-free. Terrible because concentration is basically on holiday. I’ve reread the same passage multiple times this week, and don’t even get me started on how often I’ve hit “rewind 30 seconds” on the audiobook. But you know what? It doesn’t matter. Books are patient. They’ll wait for us.

    Anyway, enough about my sick-day chaos. Let’s talk about comfort reads. If there’s one thing I’ve learned this week, it’s that we all need that one (or four🙄) books that make everything a little better. Here are my top picks for when you’re feeling rubbish:

    My Top 5 Comfort Reads for Sick Days

    1. The House Witch by Delemhach – cosy, magical, full of warmth. Perfect for days when life feels heavy.
    2. Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree – coffee, found family, and light, feel-good fantasy.
    3. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende – sometimes comfort means revisiting the books that shaped your childhood.
    4. Persuasion by Jane Austen – calm, witty, and quietly romantic. Austen is basically tea in book form.
    5. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien – whimsical, adventurous, and short enough that a foggy brain can keep up.

    And of course, I have to give an honorary mention to any audiobook narrated by Andy Serkis. His voice alone can make a bad day slightly less terrible and the bonus? He’s narrated the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. If you’ve never heard his Gollum voice slip seamlessly into Gandalf or Sam, you’re seriously missing out.

    So, that’s me: sore throat, grumpy, juggling four books, but somehow still comforted by them all. If you’re under the weather this month too, I hope your books are keeping you company as much as mine are.

    Now I want to know: what’s your go-to comfort read when you’re feeling rubbish? And which fictional character would you want looking after you? Personally, I’m sticking firmly with Fin from The House Witch. He’s practical, magical, and way better than anyone bringing soup.

    Until next time… may your tea be hot, your throat lozenges effective, and your books cosy 🥰

    Dead Girl Reads

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