ieemee's reviews
333 reviews

At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca

Go to review page

challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0


At Dark I Became Loathsome is an unsettling, deeply disturbing descent into the mind of a man consumed by self-loathing and twisted ideology. Our narrator sees himself as a savior of sorts—freeing others from their emotional suffering through murder. What follows is a relentless exploration of human darkness, touching on themes of serial unaliving, homophobia, and the horrific impact of trauma.


This book does not shy away from its brutal subject matter, including the harrowing presence of SA against a child. The writing is raw and unflinching, making it a difficult but gripping read. While it’s impossible to feel sympathy for the protagonist, the novel forces you to sit with his warped logic and confront the most depraved aspects of humanity.


The reason this wasn’t a 5-star read for me was the sheer weight of its darkness—it’s one of those books that lingers, but not necessarily in a way that feels satisfying. Still, if you can handle extreme psychological horror and morally bankrupt narrators, this one will leave a lasting impression. Proceed with caution. I do wish my Audio ARC had come with Content Warnings.


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander

Go to review page

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

3.75

A Victim for Valentine was a fun, easy listen with just the right amount of holiday charm! While it didn’t blow me away, it was an enjoyable ride, perfect for when you want something light but still engaging. The cute references sprinkled throughout added an extra layer of charm, making it a great seasonal read.


The mystery itself was solid—nothing groundbreaking, but it kept me entertained. The pacing was smooth, and the audiobook made it even easier to sink into the story. If you’re looking for a cozy, Valentine’s-themed whodunit that won’t demand too much from you, this one is a solid choice!


A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander

Go to review page

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

3.75

A Victim for Valentine was a fun, easy listen with just the right amount of holiday charm! While it didn’t blow me away, it was an enjoyable ride, perfect for when you want something light but still engaging. The cute references sprinkled throughout added an extra layer of charm, making it a great seasonal read.

The Narrator voice adds to the cozy mystery vibe. It’s upbeat and maintains intrigue without making it too tense.

The mystery itself was solid nothing groundbreaking, but it kept me entertained. The pacing was smooth, and the audiobook made it even easier to sink into the story. If you’re looking for a cozy, Valentines themed whodunit that won’t demand too much from you, this one is a solid choice!


Central Avenue Poetry Prize by Beau Adler

Go to review page

emotional reflective fast-paced

4.0

This collection is a powerful showcase of 21st-century form and rhythm, capturing raw voices and emotions in a way that feels both intimate and expansive. Each piece brings something unique to the table, offering a variety of perspectives that feel deeply personal yet universally resonant. The range of styles keeps the collection engaging, making it a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary literature. While some pieces stood out more than others, the overall impact is undeniable.A thought-provoking and beautifully crafted read.


The Pink Agave Motel: & Other Stories by V. Castro

Go to review page

3.0

Graphic: Death, Cannibalism, Death of parent, and Colonisation
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Gore, Sexual violence, Suicide, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Cannibalism, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

A Transgressive Horror collection 
This book gives Eric La Rocco vibes.
What I loved💕
💕the twist on popular tales 
💕The Four Horsemen Inn
💕 LGBTQIA+ rep

Not my cuppa tea ☕️ 
☕️The Cannabilism 
☕️ Spicy horror was less butcher and black bird than I’d like 

Ideal reader:
⭐️ Fan of spicy horror
⭐️ Fans of Eric Larrocco 
The Three Lives of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

Go to review page

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A slice of life novel that flickers through a lifetime
Loved 💕
💕 flawed everyday character trying to be better
💕 That the author experimented with narrative structure 
💕 Themes of reinvention and reconciliation 
💕 Great author representation( accurate inside information)

Not my cuppa tea ☕️ 
☕️ shifts can be disorientating 
☕️meta part of character writing a slice of life book and your reading one
Book left me wanting more of the moments we only got a glimpse into. I personally don’t see that similar to The Seven husbands of Evelyn Hugo but rather it’s more like reading a queer woody Allen movie. 
Ideal reader ⭐️
⭐️ Reader looking for something hopeful 
⭐️ Reader who enjoys reading books with interesting narrative structures
⭐️ Great LGBTQIA+ representation due to it being an own voices book
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Go to review page

hopeful lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A book that feels like a stroll in Starshallow. This book is all golden retriever energy & no black cat.
What I loved💕:
💕 The banter between Jack and Bryony
💕 Up and coming author FMC
💕 Literary events 
💕 Bryony sassiness 
💕 that it included bookclub questions 

What’s not my cuppa tea:☕️ 
☕️ all the extra information- it slowed down the book and I’m reading a romance to focus on the main characters
☕️ Hate for affirmations in the bathroom scene 
The Perfect Rom-Com by Melissa Ferguson

Go to review page

funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

A book that feels like a stroll in Starshallow. This book is all golden retriever energy & no black cat.
What I loved💕:
💕 The banter between Jack and Bryony
💕 Up and coming author FMC
💕 Literary events 
💕 Bryony sassiness 
💕 audio book narrator is easy to listen to and upbeat. 

What’s not my cuppa tea:☕️ 
☕️ all the extra information- it slowed down the book and I’m reading a romance to focus on the main characters
☕️ Hate for affirmations in the bathroom scene 

Falling Madly by Enni Amanda

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny hopeful medium-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

4.5

4.5 ⭐️
Obsessed with this one!! 😍 Falling Madly by Enni Amanda gave me all the feel!
banter? 4/5
spice? 3/5
cuteness? 3/5
The perfect mix of swoon and sass, & I ate it up. 🫶💖
The No-Show by Beth O'Leary

Go to review page

2.5

Misleading Marketing more dark romance - book needs trigger warnings 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings