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Reba

@reading_with_reba

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✨ Romance, Fantasy, Romantasy, & Historical Fiction
⭐️ Book Reviews, ARCs, & Cats
📖 goal: 18/45
✨Follow me on GR, Fable, & StoryGraph

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“The stairs were the only way out, and there was nothing but f*cking orchids everywhere else. I took a step back when I was yanked into a veil of hanging blooms. Kore’s dagger was already in my hand”

Working on my art, and no better way than to do it with these delightful characters: Revel and Axus.

If this isn’t on your TBR, put it on there 🙂‍↕️

#tinamars #thiswretchedalchemy by @reading_with_reba

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a month ago

Update on life:

I am planning on coming back soon but after getting diagnosed with MS on my wedding anniversary (happy 5 years to us), it’s a little hard to enjoy reading. As one can imagine, it’s mind reeling. I don’t think I even really have the words to describe the emotions and feelings of it all. I don’t even know what normal is anymore or what to expect and as a person who loves to have control, I feel like I have none and that I’m so behind.

I appreciate this bookish space and everyone involved. I’ll be back soon , just need to readjust my lens on life 💕🫶🏼

- Reba, Phoebe, and Brit by @reading_with_reba

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6 months ago

Hello! I’m sorry for being inactive. It has been a whirlwind between the past week and a half and then being stuck in the ER for 24 hours (what an anniversary present to my spouse and me 😭). Now I’m trying to navigate what feels like an impossibility but am trying to take it day by day.

I will try and pop on here soon and be more active, but right now, I’m just working on compartmentalizing things 💕🫶🏼 I appreciate each and every one of you. Don’t forget to say you appreciate healthcare workers whenever you can! by @reading_with_reba

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6 months ago

Book Review
Out September 15

Silk and Sensibility by @margaretliseeley is beautiful depiction of sisterhood, sacrifice, duty, and love during 16th century China.

Ailin is the oldest who bears the weight of familial responsibility while trying to navigate her own emotions. It’s hard for her to express herself when there are rules in place from not only society, but the ones that she places in herself. Throughout the book, you get to see Ailin grow more comfortable with her emotions but also who she is as a person.

Meilin is the middle daughter, one who is known for being a little emotional and saying whatever comes to mind. She dreams of romance like the kind she reads about in her plays. With the move to a new place, her ideas flourish as well as her musical talent, but with the move comes its own challenges: family wise and society wise.

The dual POV allows the reader to engage from both sister’s perspective and root for them. Where Ailin was reserved, Meilin was outspoken. Where Meilin was talented with the zither, Ailin was talented with the paint brush. But even with their opposites, the truth remains that they hold love for each other and their family.

Mengxi’s debut novel where Ming 16th Cebtury China meets Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility is beautiful. I’m always a sucker for Jane Austen inspired stories/retellings and this one is no exception. If you liked Behind Five Willows by June Hur, you should absolutely pick this up!

QoTD?: do you like retellings? Give me all of them when they involve Jane Austen 🤭 by @reading_with_reba

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a month ago

Book Review
Releases 8/25/26 (TODAY!)

Heir of Prophecy by Analeigh Sbrana is one that sticks with you and ushers in dark academia for the year.

Audra wants freedom from the monotony of life, but not through the form of kidnapping by the Zenaidan fae who are frantically searching for the Heir to complete the cycle.

Zhaire did not ask for the throne or responsibility of his realm to be thrust on him. Instead, he is more comfortable leading the armies and strategizing attacks. Now? He has to try and convince the Heir to leave and come with him on their own free will.

This book has twists and turns with something sinister lurking underneath at Holyvere Academy-the place where the fae hope the Heir will reveal themselves through classes and trainings.

Audra is strong willed, smart, and loyal. She wants to protect her friends, herself, and most importantly her secrets. This journey throughout the book is one of self discovery (in more ways than one) and one of resilience in the most difficult of positions.

Analeigh weaves a story that is addictive and gripping from the very beginning to the end. I highly recommend this book if you love dark academia and twists/turns.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for this eARC!

QoTD?: how do you stay motivated? Because your book goblin friend (me!) is struggling! by @reading_with_reba

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2 months ago

UK cover reveal day for This Wretched Alchemy by Tina Mars! Isn’t it so pretty? 😍 In addition to that, look at the stunning cards. They will be slipped into preorders (while supply lasts of course!) so who knows what fate will throw at you!

Phoebe gives her paw print and boop of approval, so I highly suggest preordering!

Participating stores ⬇️:

Sunny’s (Tarzana, CA
Burning Pages (Wilmington, NC)
The Last Chapter (Chicago, IL)
Love & Legends (Brooklyn, NY)
A Novel Romance (Louisville, KY)
Novel Grounds (Chesapeake, VA)
Birdie’s Bookshop (Canada)

Now back to my book goblin cave where I’m trying to learn digital art 💕🫶🏼

#thiswretchedalchemy #coverreaveal #romantasy #tinamars by @reading_with_reba

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2 months ago

This Wretched Alchemy: How Dare You, a documentary coming to Netflix November 2026

Edited by @thatsemibasicgirl

(When you have angry readers and they make you this. But in all seriousness, I have the most unhinged readers thank you for surprising me with this work of art.) by @reading_with_reba

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3 months ago

BOOK REVIEW
RELEASES JUNE 30, 2026

Big Stick Energy by @sarina.bowen is a fake-dating hockey romance that you can’t get enough of.

Darcy accidentally hits send on a DM that was meant for her friend, but instead goes to her crush, the Captain of the team, Eric Tremaine. Embarrassed and wanting to climb into a hole, he suggests that they actually follow through on her suggestion: being each other’s wedding date. Both Darcy and Eric have things that hold them back, which they have in common, their families. Eric is trying to navigate a wedding while also handing his parents who are stuck in the past. Darcy is stuck navigating between a sister who is envious and a dad who caters to the jealousy. Together they are trying to help each other survive and be the buffer between the chaos. What they get out of it? Eric gets his parents off his back and Darcy doesn’t have to completely interact with her drama filled family. The deal? That it’s just this and nothing else, or is it?

Darcy is engaging, fun, and smart. She is organized and knows what she wants. She handles the prickly boss by giving it right back to him while also managing the chaos of the hockey team. Eric is also the same way, but his organizational and commanding presence comes into play in other aspects. Their dynamic is adorable and supportive, especially when it comes to the search for mini foods.

I devoured this book and highly suggest if you’re still in a slump from Off Campus, then pick this up expeditiously!

Thank you Forever for this eARC!

QoTD?: what are you currently reading?

#offcampus #hockeyromance #bigstickenergy #sarinabowen #yescaptain by @reading_with_reba

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4 months ago

BOOK REVIEW
RELEASES JUNE 30, 2026 (TODAY)

The River She Became by @emilyvargabooks is full of vivid imagery, cultural embracement, and relic hunting.

Yaseema, a scholar for the oppressive Citadel, makes the difficult decision to go across the River for a fae relic that will help rescue her people. The problem? Landing in an unknown land with stories, songs, and poems to guide you proves a little tricky, especially when the fae lands are just as turbulent as her own.

Kiyan is hiding in plain sight. His goal is to take down Reza and give the River Court their lives and power back from the Salt Court. The wrench in the plans? A human girl from across the River.

Together they have to form a tenuous trust to accomplish what they both want, but with that comes secrets that threaten to destroy both of their plans.

Their relationship is complicated yet beautiful. Yaseema brings out a drive in Kiyan that he hasn’t had in a long time. Her boldness, intelligence, and kindness to those around her makes her stand out throughout the book. Her resilience is not formed by hatred, but rather the love of her people and the love of her family. She does everything for them.

Ever since reading/listening to For She is Wrath, Emily has become on of my auto buy authors. Her way with incorporating Pakistani culture into her storytelling, invokes vibrant imagery through out the story. I highly recommend picking this one up and reading.

Thank you so much Wednesday Books for this eARC.

QoTD?: Could you be an archeologist?

#themummy #cruelprince #therivershebecame #romantasy #fantasy by @reading_with_reba

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4 months ago

BOOK REVIEW
OUT NOW! (Go get it!)

Scandal of the Summer by Alexandra Vasti is about self-discovery and love.

Ruby Ballimore is a little eccentric, that is, according to her father and London society. She has too much knowledge for a lady which puts her at odds with what is expected. After a disastrous ball, to which she reveals a man *gasp* falls prey to fraudulent artwork, Ruby and her 2 close friends come up with a scheme to give them some breathing air and some freedom.

Captain Malcom Archer is running a smuggling scheme to keep himself and his ragtag crew afloat. Pretending to be the princess’ staff at her abandoned estate provides the perfect cover. But nothing says wrench in the plans more than 3 ladies showing up saying they are the princess’ ladies-in-waiting. (Surprise! Everyone is in some form of ruse)

Anything @alexandravasti writes, you should read! Her stories are fun, witty, and spicy. They tackle the regency era and its standards, but with fun twists. Ruby is a soft FMC but one who has a good head on her shoulders and will tackle any problem. She is also extremely intelligent, which Archer spots immediately. Archer is the charismatic MMC that has a little bit of a tortured past which comes into play as the book progresses.

I highly recommend this one as it was fun and engaging with some humorous moments.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for this eARC!

TROPES:
🏴‍☠️ cunning pirate
🌟 runaway heiress
♟️ schemes and plots
🌊 rake -> wife guy pipeline

QoTD?: would you prefer London seasons (regency era) or an abandoned manor? by @reading_with_reba

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4 months ago

BOOK REVIEW
OUT NOW (huzzah!)

Chase Me if You Can by Heather Frances is perfect for those who crave yearning, emotional growth, and a strong FMC.

Sloane is a wedding photographer, who for a few months out of the year, chases storms for the beauty and love of it. This year, she chases them for the chance to have her cover on Nature Shots, a prestigious magazine and one that historically has never had a female photographer spotlighted. Of course, who is in the picture being a tad reckless? Wes who is known as “Wild Wes”. Together, they take a journey of chasing/finding the perfect shot and traverse the storms of emotions and growth together.

Sloane is strong, but also shows a vulnerable side allowing Wes to see the parts of her that she keeps buried. Being the eldest daughter is hard, especially when the weight of the world rests on her shoulders from managing her mom and wrangling her brothers into caring. Her emotional growth throughout the book is beautiful and shines a light on the emotional labor that elder daughters take on.

Wes through and through throws caution to the wind, but when fate puts him and Sloane together, he realizes that having someone care for his wellbeing challenges his way of thinking and pursuing things.

This book was such a fun and addictive read. I absolutely recommend for those who crave the yearning MMC and the thrill of storms: whether physical or emotional.

Thank you to NetGalley/Berkeley for the eARC!

TROPES/VIBES:

🌪️ Characters in their 30s
🌸 down bad MMC
🌪️ yearning GALORE
🌸rivals to lovers

QoTD?: would you ever want to be a storm chaser?

#microtropes #twisters #chasemeifyoucan #berkleybooks #yearningmmc by @reading_with_reba

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4 months ago

BOOK REVIEW
Releases June 23, 2026 (today!!)

In Every Possible Way by Alicia Thompson is a book that embraces change, growth, and the impossible.

Jess is in a cycle of life where it is rinse and repeat every single day. Trying to get out of that cycle, she goes on a date which doesn’t go very well. When she gets shoved to the ground from a mugging, she wakes up in Ireland when she was only just in the US. Unsteady on her feet and confused by what’s going on, she stumbles to a mechanic garage where she meets Eamonn who reluctantly takes her under his wing. They journey through Ireland where they discover their connection to one another but also some things about themselves.

This book is like While You Were Sleeping, but tilts it on its head. It’s a mix of time travel/reality travel and was a wonderful read. Jess’ thought process is relatable as she coaches herself to not ask certain things. She’s thoughtful and genuinely takes an interest in everything. Eamonn is quiet and kind. He breaks out of his shell as the book progresses which makes Jess shine even more.

I loved these two together. Their dialogue, their thoughts, their dreams, all of it together makes this book that much better. This book was such a beautiful read, and one I highly encourage picking up!

Thank you to NetGalley/Berkley for this eARC!

#whileyouweresleeping #romancebooks #bookreviews #microtropes #ireland by @reading_with_reba

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4 months ago