_kayreads_'s reviews
326 reviews

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I want to say first that I have been putting this book on hold and I am glad I waited until I was in the right headspace. 

I will also say, I get why some people don’t like this book and others love it. I did enjoy the book overall. Was it my favorite? No. Was it the worst I read? No. 

I will read the other two books in the series because I am curious about the stories. I did like that the story itself was a happy ending with the smallest cliff hanger. 

The plot was really nice and original. I love when serial killlers fall in love. I will say that the game aspect was a little slow and kind of a let down. I was expecting more but that’s okay. I did enjoy the banter between the main characters. I felt we didn’t get to really understand Solan’s and Lark’s relationship. I know they are best friends and they have a past. I am hoping in the second book that is laid out a bit more. 

The page in a half of trigger warns was so helpful and I am grateful for it. I will say the only part throughout the book that was hard to watch was the ‘ice cream’. It actually made me nauseous but I continued on with the story. 

I am happy to have read this book and learn about the characters. 

I look forward to reading book two. 


Futbolista by Jonny Garza Villa

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I was so excited to read this book. I have read all of Jonny’s books previously and I always feel so my so much heart and happiness.

I felt so much fear and pain for Gabi. Being so sure of yourself but learning something new about yourself that is different than “traditional” is so scary. But I was so proud of him to listen to his heart and not his fear. 

Val was such a great friend and partner. They spoke and were supportive of each other. 

One of the main reasons, I adore these authors books is because I learn something . I feel so much. 

It was a great story, the characters were wonderful. 

Thank you so much for the arc! 



When the Tides Held the Moon by Venessa Vida Kelley

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emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Book : when the tides held the moon 
Author: Vanessa Vida Kelley
Release date: 04/22/2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

 I was a bit apprehensive to read the book. I sometimes, have a hard time connecting to period pieces. 

This book pleasantly surprised me. I enjoyed the overall plot as well as the characters. The romance was beautiful. 

I am not a fan of circus and that time but it makes sense for the overall tone. I did find some parts predictable but I still enjoyed the story. 

I thought that it ended well as well as something that wasn’t to drawn out. 

I  appreciated the glossary and the lyrics as well. I have learned and embraced this story of finding yourself. 

Thank you so much  Netgallay and Erewhon Books. 


Just Bromantically Invested by Saxon James

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

We Set the Dark on Fire by Tehlor Kay Mejia

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

I want to like this book so bad. I enjoy the representation and the premise however, the overall story feels drawn out. 

I can’t connect to the narrator.  I can’t. I just didn’t enjoy it. 
Recommended Reading by Paul Coccia

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emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I was slow to get into the book. I enjoyed the overall story and the representation of  bigger queer characters. 

I think the over all sweet moments make you feel the warmth that is sometimes, missing in romance books.  But this was a really nice book. 

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read it! 
Not Catching Love by Saxon James

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

First let me say, I love this series so much.  It is one my favorite!


Zander is a character that I feel like you love or hate and that’s it. He is very love able but at the same time, heartbreaking because of everything he has been through. 
I will say I am so happy that while he and seven learned to be apart and he grew. He didn’t. But his relationship with his brothers is wonderful and supportive.


I enjoyed Derek. I am glad we got to learn more about him and his likes. I will say I am happy he stood up for himself. 

Overall, it ended wonderfully and made me cry. I am so happy with it. 
Leaving the Station by Jake Maia Arlow

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

 Book one: Leaving the Station
Author: Jake Maia Arlow
Release date: August 19th 2025
Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Can I say that this was fucking adorable and sweet? 

The fact that there was so much depth in the different stories, different lives in such a short book was amazing! 

Zoe and Oakley were asking questions about themselves, their past and their relationships within the world and the religion aspect wasn’t what I expected but I like that they both spoken the meaning and the message translated to them. 

Zoe, is a person who is trying to understand how to feel within themselves, their bodies as their heart. 

Oakley is a free spirit but also very grounded. She wanted to feel safe and she learned that sometimes, finding a community is within yourself. 

I loved that this took place on a train. It shows that you can learn so much as your grow and also, just learning everyday. 

I will say that I wasn’t a fan with how Oakley pushed the issue in one are but overall, I really liked the conclusion. 

I thought ending it with the fact they are young and they want to be together and to figure it out as they go. 



Thank you so much NetGalley and Harpercollins for the chance to read this arc. 
Boys With Sharp Teeth by Jenni Howell

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 It’s set as a dark academia with LGBTQ+. I was ecstatic about the overall premise of the story. 
The cover is beautiful and haunting. It does pull you in. 

However, I will say toward the middle and end it sort of loses the audience. I felt so confused by the MC’s motivations after a while. There is no flashback to full circle to the relationship of her and her cousin. There was no real connection. 

There was some lost in descriptions because the set in housing made little to no sense. As well as, the adults in the story having no real power. 

I will say the story showed the depth of how far someone will go but you also are reminded that they are teenagers. 

One of the biggest things that bugged me was this was labeled as “LGBTQIA book” nope. We had some queer moments but nothing that is worth labeling it. 

 It comes down to fun and lust. I hate that they did it  for fun but that says so much about their culture and the fact that Henry smiled. 

I am not sure  if the ending makes me happy or upset.   

Thank you Netgally and Macmillan Publishers. 

Stix & Stone by Courtney W. Dixon

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The plot was fantastic as well as the characters development overall. 

I enjoyed the narration.