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Kay Elle Cee

@caffeinated_reads3

1.5K

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2819

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📖 Mood Reader•ARC Reviewer
❤️AAPI/BIPOC/Diverse Authors
💫Fantasy•Translated Lit•Nonfiction
☕️Caffeine•Spicy Brain
🐶Remmi’s Book Club
📍NY➡️SC
🚫 ay-eye

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It’s me. I’m here to share the books I’ve read.

What books might you find here? Fantasy, non fiction, memoirs, poetry, classics, new fiction, sci-if, food.

Why am I here? To share, to find, and find a community to talk about the words we read.
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#readmore #newbie #bookstagram #bookworm #bookproblems by @caffeinated_reads3

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3 years ago

Do you hate books? Hate reading? Hate dogs, too? That's okay, we don't like you very much either. We will be over here in our corner, drinking coffee, eating snacks, and keeping our nose in our books.

But if you love books, too (reading and/or buying them), let's be the bestest of friends!

#caffeinatedreads #bookishfriends #readallthebooks #sundayscaries #bookopinions taken in Bookstagram by @caffeinated_reads3

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16

3 months ago

One month and one day later...

Thank you to all for the birthday wishes and gifts. This year was a little hard to be in a celebratory mood, IYKYK (check recent life update post). However, I am TRULY grateful and appreciative of the community here and in real life that have been nothing but supportive and kind.

The books, amazing. The gesture, priceless.

Thank you again to all and if you dont follow these people already you should @hummingbirdbookproject @beyond_thebindings @cherryredsreads

And do not worry, Remmi got PLENTY of treats for being the best boy around. There was also plenty of drool and wiping up said drool.

#bookishlife #diversereads #remmisbookclub #bananacoffee #bookbuddy by @caffeinated_reads3

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12 days ago

October ARC Hopefuls

Do you ever look back and wonder what were thinking when you got into the Netgalley ARC game? Because I am questioning everything at this point. To be clear, my ratio is less than the suggested 80%, as life has taken a huge down turn. Trying to turn it around, but that's a huge wish.

Currently reading:
The Kamogawa Food Detectives: A Serving of Hope by Hisashi Kashiwai

What I am really looking forward to:
- Needle Mouth by K Ming Chang
- Mortal Things by Marie Lu (a physical ARC I paid heavily for with my time and tears at BookCon 2026)
- Mark of the Warrior by Shannon Lee & Fonda Lee

Already consumed:
Hallowed Bones by Lucy Smoke (interesting romantasy, initial vibes of a 3/3.5 out of 5 stars).

Are you looking forward to any of these titles? Any titles that I should look out for in October?

Hope your weekend coffee and book heal your soul.

#netgalleyshelf #shelfie #ARCreviewer #bookstagram #octoberbooks taken in Bookstagram by @caffeinated_reads3

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16 days ago

Happy National Coffee Day!!!

Does coffee help you get you through the day? If you do not drink coffee, is there a beverage that is a comfort for you?

Coffee (caffeine in general), has become a daily self prescription and cure all. Does it sometimes increase anxiety? Heck yes. However, when used correctly, it helps life a little more tolerable and a little less sad.

Finding local coffee places has also become a thing when traveling, and a thing the hubs has learned is a must when going somewhere new. I tagged a few of my favorite places that I love. If you are ever in Peekskill, NY, I highly recommend @peekskillcoffee for the atmosphere and friendly staff. It was my go to place to study.

#nationalcoffeeday #shoplocal #itsalwaysicedcoffeeseason #drinkcoffee #coffeesolvesallproblems by @caffeinated_reads3

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20 days ago

📍Bookmarks Festival 2026
Winston-Salem, North Carolina

📚 Books & Authors
I had a plan to only bring 1 book ("Sublimation" by Isabel J Kim) and transparent labels for signings because I did not want to bring a stack of books like I did at BookCon. Now, I am never under the impression authors will ever recognize my face as they meet so many fans... So when Kylie Lee Baker and Isabel J Kim did, it made my day.

Purchased and was able to get "The Poet X" and "Anger is Only A Shadow" by Elizabeth Acevedo signed. Did not get the chance to get "Our Cut of Salt" signed by Deena Helm, but happy enough to buy (just poor planning on my end).

☕️ Coffee & Other Things
Consumed at least 4 coffees (the last one I did not capture a picture). Walked around all the amazing vendors that showed up. It felt surreal some artists had to say "this is my original artwork" versus assuming that it was. Plenty of vendors selling 3D printed merchandise, and seemingly copy and paste bookish themed things.

🍔 🥂 Food & Drink
It was a pleasant time getting to partake in fun drinks and good food! Burgers and wine on our first night, a little fancier of a crab cake and Aperol spritz on our second night.

It was a great experience to attend this book event, put together by a local, independent bookstore. Very impressive that this was their 21st year! Hopefully I will be able to attend in the future! taken in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by @caffeinated_reads3

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21 days ago

Life Update

If you have noticed the lack of posting, engagement, and presence here, there's a reason. NOT on my bingo 2026 card... my Dad was found to have pancreatic cancer. We are very lucky because it was caught very early. There's a plan.

You could say there is good reason for my inconsistency, and ENDLESS book buying habits (trying to feel a spark). Mental health is real, and not all coping mechanisms are great for the wallet.

While back in NY to help and be with my Dad during the beginning I've done a lot of the following:
- Worked out at Planet Fitness. I need something to help with the anxiety and for a healthy coping mechanism.
- Spent time being with Calvin and Mabel
- Thought I found a decent alternative to feed my Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew obsession. It was temporary to say the least.
- Met with a some close friends, grabbed food (missed the food in NY), and shared with the 4 legged family members.
- Got updates about Remmi, as he was with his Aunt.
- Found photos of yesteryear. If you go to the end you'll see the classic baby bangs era.

What I got to read:
- Basic Pistol (physical galley) by Harel Shapira
- Kill Your Darlings (eARC) by
Yuvashri Harish
- Hallowed Bones (eARC) by Lucy Smoke
- Bodies of Magic (ALC) by Freya Marske

What the future holds:
I am going back to SC to be reunited with hubs and Remmi. I will be back to NY for the next phase in my Dad's treatment plan. I cannot guarantee or promise much of anything at this point. Random stories versus posting seem to be easier. I don't know. Thank you all who have stuck with me and this account. See you out there <3 by @caffeinated_reads3

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a month ago

Just playing. Remmi can't read, but if he could he would recommend this one...

Who doesn't love a collection of short stories with a sci-fi futuristic twist of what does not seem far off from what could be? As in, AI is real, the world and society as we know is crumbling, technology is ever evolving, and humans are selfish and destructive.

The Passing of the Dragon and Other Stories written by Ken Liu incorporates all that. However, it leaves you with a sense of hope and humanity, hoping the reader remembers that this planet is the only one we have and we should take care of it and of one another. That's at least what I took away from this very well written collection.

Highly recommend sitting down with these stories. Available today!

Thank you @sagapressbooks #sagasayscrew for the free book, and @netgalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

#newbookrelease #sciencefiction #thepassingofthedragon #asianauthor #kenliu by @caffeinated_reads3

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a month ago

What's better than just Read a Book Day? That it's also your birthday and you grabbed yourself a stack of books. Also, that you have a dog willing to sit for any treat. Do not worry, Remmi most definitely got to have himself a mini cupcake, frosting, sprinkles and plus some because if I'm celebrating, he's going to be there with me.

The haul:
✶ Death of the Author by Nnedi Okorafor
✶ Crook Manifesto by Colson Whitehead
✶ King of Kings by Scott Anderson
✶ Strangers by Belle Burden
✶ East of Eden by John Steinbeck
✶ Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter by Mario Vargas Llosa
✶ One Hundred Years of Solitude by Garcia Marquez
✶ Dora, Doralina by Rachel de Quieroz
✶ One Day of Life by Manlio Argueta
✶ Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
✶ The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro

As I turn 37, I am trying to remember all the moments, good and bad, with the ones I love. Life is short. You never know what's going to happen, nor who will come and go.

Thankful to my hubs ❤️ for making this weekend one to forget the current hardships, and allow me to enjoy the moments without too much brain work. Grateful that he enables my book buying habits, and understood the assignment.

#buddyread #readabookday #bipocauthors #bookstack #bookishlife taken in South Carolina by @caffeinated_reads3

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a month ago

Looking for the perfect book to start off the -ber months with a magical mystery?

Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray is a low stakes, gilded-age historical fantasy with a romantic plot. It follows a young female, Vesper, aspiring to be a news reporter/writer has a chip on her shoulder against the upper classes who hold power and magic. Vesper is present when an invention is revealed that could equalize magic for all, potentially changing life for many. However, shortly after the grand show, the inventor is found murdered. Our FMC partners with the most likely suspect, Max, a high society mage. Max and Vesper work together under the guise of a fake engagement to keep Max from being falsely accused as the murderer.

I really enjoyed this young adult fantasy. Enjoyed the gilded age type of setting, horse and carriage, using old school investigation, the old timey charm and "genteel" ways and manners. The romance was welcoming, "cute" and not thrown in your face. My one comment is the FMC's inner thoughts of her sexuality and attraction to others that seemed to be a distraction to the overall story. However, I did love the strong and good hearted MC's who were able to come together to solve the case.

Are you ready for the -ber months and hopefully cooler weather?

On a serious note, there were themes of classism, prejudice, discrimination, injustice of the working class, the horrors that were had in the early days of industrialism, and how greed can corrupt landlords. There is some history in there! I will hope that there will be more to the series with that ending :)

Grateful for being able to pick up this physical ARC while at BookCon this year. Thankful to @netgalley and @macmillan.audio for the ALC (free and unpaid review) which helped bring the story to life! Remmi and I were captivated, him more by the treats.

#remmisbookclub #audiobookreview #ayanagrey #youngadultfantasy #historicalfiction taken in Bookstagram by @caffeinated_reads3

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2 months ago

Sunday Shelfie Scaries

Anyone else have a Netgalley shelf that causes them to have more of a scare than what Monday can bring? My Monday is bringing some dental work that I have pushed off for a very long time, so that may be scarier than trying to keep my Netgalley ratio alive.

September is full of anticipated releases, and I am super excited for a handful of them! These books are mostly fantasy, but you can also find a mix of horror, thriller, contemporary, romance, paranormal, adult and young adult reads. Let me know if any of these are on your radar!!!!

Thank you @netgalley and all the wonderful publishers for these opportunities. Unpaid, of course.

#anticipatedreads #newbooks #diversebooks #mustreadbooks #shelfiesunday taken in Bookstagram by @caffeinated_reads3

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2 months ago

“I’m ready for my close up” 📸

Celebrating International Dog Day by featuring the bestest pitbulls and staffs I know (this is not biased in anyway).

Remmi has become the stereotypical dog that someone who adopts a dog to help their anxiety, but winds up with a dog with more anxiety. Slightly kidding. He has some separation anxiety but I love him. Remmi does his best to the two brain cells together for ALL the treats, pup cups, and cuddles. But don’t tell him he doesn’t have to work that hard.

For those who have been around since the beginning, Calvin is the OG. My family’s first dog. He’ll forever be my first book buddy, and one of the bestest dogs ever. I love him. I do feel bad though, because though he loves me so much, he does not like Remmi is attached with me LOL!!!! Calvin tolerates Remmi at best.

And Rose. I miss Rosie. She was the first staffordshire who I learned to learn and loved me so much. Hated her picture taken, but loved her cookies!!! She was a wanderer, an escape artist, and all she ever wanted was to be outside in the sun. Miss you girl.

Hope you give your fur babies (dog, cats, or other) a giant hug and tell them you love them.

#internationaldogday #adoptdontshop #remmisbookclub #bookbuddy #fureverhome by @caffeinated_reads3

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2 months ago