A Bi Between Pages

Greetings!

Welcome to my Book(ish) Blog! I plan to share books I'm reading, book reviews, and just general bookish things!

I finally have a bookstagram: @a_bi_between_pages

Follow if you’d like bookish updates there!

Current reads:

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Up next:

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A little bit about me:

Towards the end of 2023 I found my love of reading again and I haven't stopped! I'm hoping this blog will help me get thoughts out and just more connected to the book community.

I enjoy reading on my Kindle Paperwhite and the plethora of physical books I have on my bookshelves.

I read a variety of genres, but I tend to lean towards fantasy and romance. I especially love reading sapphic books. As a late-blooming bisexual married to a fantastic man, sapphic books really help me live vicariously!

ARC Review of “Red Light” by Frances M. Thompson

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I want to start this review by thanking Frankie for giving me the opportunity to read “Red Light” before its official release, TODAY, JUNE 2!!!

“Red Light” is the first of six books in a series of small town sapphic romances that happen over Pride weekend in Pine Grove and can I just say that it was a fantastic start to the series! The story follows Lucie and Marissa, who meet under extremely unexpected circumstances. After seeing photo text messages from another woman pop up on her boyfriend’s phone, Lucie decides to respond and head over to the woman’s place herself. I’m sure you can guess what happens next!

I thoroughly enjoy Frankie’s writing and always love seeing the Bi+ representation in her books! This book not only features Bi+ representation, but also great neurodiversity representation. I really loved Lucie’s character and the way she learned to navigate her autism. There were several aspects of her experience that I was able to relate to.

Not only was the story super sweet, but it was also super spicy! Frankie always does such an amazing job writing spicy scenes, and I always enjoy reading them.

ARC Review of “Stalking Not Required” by Corina Bair

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I truly enjoy discovering new authors and was happy when Corina Bair reached out to see if I’d be interested in reading “Stalking Not Required” before its release! I do want to apologize that this review is being posted a little later than I had hoped, as I’ve had a lot happen in my personal life recently that kind of threw off my reading schedule. Anyway, I really enjoyed “Stalking Not Required” and thought it was a wonderful introduction to Corina’s work! The following are my thoughts about the book.

The story follows two main characters: Ro, a happy-go-lucky demon; and Lor, a discontent star-chaser. Ro, despite being a demon who has tendencies to light things on fire and steal random objects of unimportance, is desperately trying to be a good person. However, when seeing Lor for the first time, a new urge surfaces: his inner demon is determined to stalk this mysterious silver-haired woman. Lor is trying her best to keep her identity a secret, because star-chasers are known to be taken advantage of as stardust is a valuable commodity. However, Lor doesn’t make the best decisions and winds up working for a man doing just the thing she was trying to avoid. Long story short, Lor gets into a bit of trouble and Ro wants nothing more than to protect her, which winds up getting himself in even bigger trouble! Lor has to figure out whether Ro is worth saving by giving up her secret, or whether saving herself and keeping her secret is the better choice. To figure out what she decides, grab a copy of this story today!

I really enjoyed Corina’s writing, which was smooth and engaging. I loved the queer-normative world she built and felt very immersed into the story while reading. The characters were also written very well, and I really enjoyed the playful banter and shared chemistry between them. I also absolutely loved Kahlo, the stray tabby cat, and all their appearances throughout the story.

ARC Review of “What I Want” by Frances M. Thompson

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I have thoroughly enjoyed France M. Thompson’s work and “What I Want” is no different! I absolutely loved this story and getting to know Cassie and Pia! Huge thanks to Frankie for allowing me to read this book before its release, today, April 21!!!

“What I Want” is a story set in 1979 and follows two rock stars who are the leading ladies of their respective bands. Cassie Everard and Pia Lindberg are long time rivals, that is, until they are forced to write a song together. What happens when folk rock’s golden girl and English rose and punk rock’s black cat and rebel with a cause are put in a hotel room together to write a love song?! Well, let’s just say they’re not just finding their rhythm on paper, if you catch my drift.

I really enjoy Frankie’s writing. It’s relaxing and easy to get lost in. I found myself not wanting to put “What I Want” down and was genuinely invested in the story from page one. I also love the layers she gives to her characters. There’s enough depth to get a good feel for them and make an emotional connection. You really want to root for Cassie and Pia to get their happily ever afters! I also may be a bit BI-as 😏, but I love the bisexual representation in most of Frankie’s books! I related to Cassie a lot in her sexuality self-discovery, and it always feels good to be represented!

ARC review of “The Best Part of You” by Elee Rose

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“Don’t change who you are just because you want your circumstances to change.”

“The Best Part of You” is the third installment of the Sapphic in Seattle series by Elee Rose, and this story was so wholesome!!! I want to thank Elee for allowing me to be a sensitivity reader toward the end of last year and for letting me read it before its release TODAY, March 24th!!!

One of the things that I really loved about this story was how Elee included important details from the previous two books in the series. If someone hadn’t read them, they would still get a bit of the history of all the characters and their relationships, which I think is a nice touch.

This story follows Kaia and Daisy’s budding relationship (yes, pun intended)! We previously met these two characters in the Sapphic in Seattle universe, and I love that we get to read their story; especially because Daisy is Deaf. As someone who is a part of the Deaf community, I’m always here to see more Deaf representation in books!

“I reached up and tenderly caressed her ear. “These. I love the fact that you’re deaf. That, Daisy, is the best part of you.”

I’ll be honest… while reading the story, I wanted to slap both Daisy and Kaia for not just talking to each other sooner! But I think the pining and the buildup of them finally being able to express themselves made it that much sweeter.

“Kaia, you don't know that. Nobody chooses me, okay? I can’t be loved. You deserve someone better. Someone who doesn’t have a disability. You should be with someone who isn’t broken.”

I absolutely loved that Elee constantly noted how they would both “tell” each other their feelings through their actions, even when the other didn’t quite know the depth of those feelings.

This was a fantastic continuation and addition to the Sapphic in Seattle series! Will there be more?! Will we maybe get Cara’s happily ever after?! I feel like it is hinted at a bit… I definitely can’t wait to find out!

ARC Review of “Decay and Devour” by G. E. Masters

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“I always thought the infected were the monsters, but maybe I’m one too.” - Kate

“Decay and Devour” by G.E. Masters was deliciously thrilling! I honestly don’t think there’s a genre that G can’t write, and I’m totally obsessed with her work. I want to thank her for allowing me to be on her street team and giving me an advanced peek at this post-apocalyptic sapphic romance! All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

“The self-hatred swirls around me over and over again, not letting up until it’s dug so deeply into me that I don’t even exist anymore.” - Kate

As stated above, “Decay and Devour” is a post-apocalyptic sapphic romance written in dual points of view that follows two main characters: Kate, an optimistic researcher working with a team to find a cure for the virus that has spread; and Jordan, one of the infected who somehow regained control over the beast within, yet still feels compelled to kidnap Kate.

“Want her, the beast snarls in my head. Want her, want her. All right, well, we have her now. The beast and I knew she’d never come willingly, so I had to knock her out.” - Jordan

Naturally, tension is high at first and Kate is terrified of Jordan. Eventually though, they make a deal: Jordan will bring Kate back to her safe zone to continue working on a cure, but once it’s found, Kate must return with Jordan. The journey is long and brutal. Along the way, they encounter other infected, merciless raiders, a religious cult in the mountains, and a shadow stalker (the most dangerous infected out there).

“No one is coming to save us. We’re on our own.” - Kate

On top of the physical threats, they also have to face their own inner demons. Though the journey is tough, they wind up working together, learning more about each other, and connecting in a way they never saw coming. Will they survive all that this world throws at them or will it tear them apart?

“I’ve ripped my chest open with my bare hands, fingernails digging into my flesh and bone to expose my broken core underneath.” - Jordan

In previous reviews of G’s work I’ve commented on her writing style and this book is no different. The writing is smooth and captivating, with every detail thoughtfully considered. I easily get lost in the story, joining the characters on their riveting journey. As usual, I look forward to more of her work!

Readers who love gripping dark romance with sapphic yearning, enemies-to-lovers tension, dystopian zombie chaos, flamethrowers, SPICE, and muscle mommies, will definitely enjoy “Decay and Devour”. Add this one to your TBR now! Expected release: spring 2026 (date TBD).

Helping out Eel Lovesick with this cover reveal!!!

Some days I really feel helpless because there’s honestly not much I can personally do to help what’s going on in the US. When I saw this initiative, I knew I had to do it! It’s not much, but it is something I CAN do.

🔥Head over to instagram to post yours and help raise money to help those affected by ICE🔥

Original Caption:

🔥With the warmth of your compassion, we can help melt ICE🔥

As many of you have seen in news headlines, public interviews, legal observer videos, and social media posts, ICE presence and violence in Minneapolis have been escalating. Minnesotans have been developing networks of care and resistance on the ground, but they need your help!

Through the end of February, for every post of a “flame” stack of yellow/orange/red books using #MeltIceStack and tagging @readerbotdiaries, Lou will be donating $1 to the @womensfndnmn Immigrant Rapid Response Fund, up to $200.

🔥Carmen @tomesandtextiles will match $200!

🔥Haley @spoonie.reads will match $100!

🔥Aurora’s Bookstagram @auroralovesherbooks will match $100!

🔥Ad astra @adastra_stories will match $200!

🔥Luv Bug Collective @luvbugcollectivee will match $50

🔥Amity @amitymalcomwrites will match $50

🔥Ash Jayy @thepictureofromance will match

$100

🔥Lauren @laurensbookvibes will match $100

🔥Kalynn @delightfullychaotickay will match $100

🔥Sara @novel.novice will match $50

🔥Rachel @alltheradreads will match $200

🔥Nikki with Rubber Rose Books & Print @rubber_rose_books will match $100

🔥Aidan @cavanaughaidan will match $200

🔥Michelle @musingsbymichelle will match $100

🔥Sofia @sofiarobleda will match $100

This means if we get 200 posts for the challenge, that is $1950 directly to the urgent basic needs and legal fees of immigrants in the state of Minnesota (and border communities in the Dakotas).

If you would like to join us in matching our donations in any amount, large or small, please let me know! We want to raise as many funds as we can for our neighbors trying to survive state-sanctioned genOcide.

The Sword of the Queen Series by Jasmin Joachims

I’ve really been enjoying making carousels for my bookstagram. I figured, why not make one for a series I recently finished and thoroughly enjoyed?!

These are the books in the Sword of the Queen series by Jasmin Joachims! The story follows special agent, Elianorra Salazar, as she adventures through the galaxy with her crew on their ship “The Despite”. There’s plenty of action, witty humor, a sapphic romance sub-plot, lots of aliens, diverse planets, badass female main characters, and so much more! Jas’ writing is also phenomenal! You really get lost in her words and join the crew on their space adventures. I really cannot recommend this series enough!

ARC Review of “Despite Deceit” by Jasmin Joachims

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“Life does not always go how we expect it to, Elia. It does not ask our permission. Sometimes it breaks us before it gives us the chance to put ourselves back together. And sometimes it presents us with challenges, just so we can grow.”

“Despite Deceit” was an absolutely fantastic conclusion to the Sword of the Queen series. I am beyond grateful to have been given the opportunity to read it prior to its release on January 22! I am also thankful to have stumbled upon this series, as I have truly enjoyed it and have since read other sci-fi, space opera–style books because of it. I hope to one day buy physical copies and proudly display them on my bookshelf!

As stated above, this story concludes the adventures of Elianorra Salazar, her ragtag crew of misfits, and of course, Allen Haggerty. They all head back to Elia’s home planet, Dolor, but as usual, trouble winds up following them. An unexpected attack, a mysterious woman whose warships help dismantle the invasion, political drama because of this woman, reconnecting with family, finally figuring out her relationship with Haggerty, and a very, very unexpected surprise (no spoilers!)—Elia really has her work cut out for her!

As I’ve shared in my previous reviews, I truly enjoy Jas’ writing style! It sucks you straight into the story, and before you know it, five chapters have gone by. It’s relaxing, the pace is comfortable, and the details are just right. The character development is also phenomenal; you can really tell she put a lot of thought into everything.

ARC Review of “Always, Her” by A.J. Knight

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“Maybe that’s how eternity begins again. One small kindness at a time.”

“Always, Her” was a really good introduction to A.J. Knight’s work, and I’m happy I got the opportunity to read it as my first book of the year! The following thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

“My mind was a cruel artist, painting phantoms I couldn’t touch.”

The book follows Vespera and Leilani, two women bound by fate, whose souls are tethered together across all lifetimes. They’ve loved each other and lost each other over and over again. The timeline we follow in the story begins with Leilani having no recollection of her tethered soul or of the fae magic hidden deep within her, only a feeling that something is missing.

“My soul remembered even when my mind didn’t.”

It isn’t until Vespera finds her again in the quaint town of Larkhollow that Leilani begins to feel that pull, that missing link. Memories slowly creep back into Leilani’s mind through her dreams, and the thread that binds her to Vespera grows more insistent. With their souls united once again, they must figure out a way to live out this lifetime—to survive, to love, and be loved—together.

“The ache in my chest became color. The longing became motion. The guilt, the endless guilt, became light falling over her imagined face.”

A.J. Knight has a relaxing and easygoing writing style. They include enough detail to build the world in which Leilani and Vespera live and to really immerse the reader in the story. I genuinely enjoyed reading and was eager to see where the journey of their love and fate would take them. Knight’s writing is sprinkled with moments and lines that linger, and I’ve highlighted a few quotes throughout this review that especially stood out to me.

“They preached purity and law while bathing their halls in the blood of those who dared love beyond the borders of their own kind.”

As I continued reading, I did begin to notice some repetition around the 70% mark, which made the final portion feel a bit less impactful for me personally. Because of this, the ending didn’t resonate with me quite as strongly as I had hoped. This is ultimately why I’m not giving the story five stars, though I was a little disappointed, as I had been thoroughly enjoying the story up until that point.

My favorite reads each month of 2025!

Picking just one was hard for some months, especially July! I read A LOT of amazing books in July! If I could have added more to my graphic, I would have included "Broken Wings and Tangled Webs" by Gigi Zambian, "Theseus and the Sky Labyrinth" by Gwenhyver, and "The Fate of Stars" by SD Simper! All were 5 star reads for me!

2025 Reading Challenges!

Not only did I read 105 books last year, I also participated in the I Heart SapphFic Official 2025 Sapphic Reading Challenge and completed all 50 prompts!!!

I also attempted to do the A-Z reading challenge but was 5 short. I'm still pretty proud of myself though!

My December 2025 wrap-up!