Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 19

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 208

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to add a rule that will serve as a loophole in the Culling Game, Itadori and Fushiguro set their sights on a player named Hiromi Higuruma, who has 100 points. But when they enter Tokyo Colony No. 1, the two get separated. They both find others willing to help them, however…

This volume is all about the action of the Culling within Tokyo. A lot of action sequences in this volume. Less about the characters themselves or any big reveal. But we do get a push forward on the large plot. We get to see our main characters attempt to find Higuruma to force a rule addition but of course they are separated and have to encounter a few red herrings in the search. I did enjoy this one, but cannot wait to see what happens next.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wicked Pursuit by Katee Robert

Title: Wicked Pursuit (Black Rose Auction #1)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered!

Spice Rating: 7

A mafia heiress meets her match when a dangerously obsessed stalker claims her as his own. In this scorching reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, bestselling author Katee Robert pulls back the curtain on a world where forbidden tastes are explored, loyalty is lethal, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

I had seen this series teased on Katee Robert’s instagram for months. Unfortunately I do not pay for her Patreon and so had to wait until it was published more traditionally. Thankfully that was in March and I snacthed this up. I didn’t get around to reading until just a bit ago, but devour it I did. We get a Little Red Riding Hood retelling where Red is not so innocent and the Wolf is wearing many disguises. I do love a good stalker romance as an escape fantasy. I don’t often turn there, but I trust Robert to not lead me astray. I could have used a bit more meat to this story, but I understand that they are supposed to be novellas and started as an author challenge. I cannot wait to read the stories from the other authors.

Black Rose Auction

• #1 Wicked Pursuit

• #2 Divine Intervention

• #3 Stolen Vows

• #4 Irresistible Devil

• #5 Shattered Innocence

• #6 Royal Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 7

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2022

Genre: Manga

Pages: 284

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES MY HEART RACE EVER SO IS YOU.”Raeliana is off to save Noah from the terrorists’ trap, gun in hand and ready for action! But when the ominous sounds of explosions reverberate, she is horribly unprepared to find Noah gravely injured. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raeliana finally lets her big, body-jumping secret come tumbling from her mouth…and in the heat of the moment, so too follows a confession of love! With all laid bare between them, the couple should finally be on the path to their happily ever after, right? But the book this world takes place in is called Beatrice, not Raeliana, and the true heroine is fed up with waiting to take her rightful place. She’ll kill Raeliana with her own hands if she has to!

All the things are finally seeing the light of day! I really love where the relationship between Raeliana and Noah is going. I feel like they are finally actually getting not he same page. I do love it when characters finally talk to each other. I heartedly dislike the miscommunication trope. And we get to dig into Beatrice and why she seems so intent on killing Raeliana.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 6

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 6

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2021

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF SHE APPEARS BEFORE YOU…WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME THE SAME?”As the first snow of the year descends in luscious flurries on Chamus, so too follows a romantic legend: Couples whose ties bind under such a sky shall live happily ever after. Noah, swept up by the romantic tale, vows his love once more to Raeliana, offering her a ring anew—only this time, it’s not a contractual farce. Forced to confront her feelings and just how her actions have changed the plot, Raeliana is still none the wiser to how twisted things have become. Enter Beatrice, the original heroine…now turned villain! She’ll do anything to see Raeliana dead—and Noah may very well end up as collateral damage…

A slow volume set in the snow. I know that the series needed a quiet volume before the last three action oriented volumes.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 4

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 4

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF BEATRICE DOES SHOW UP…WILL HE KEEP LOVING ME?”

Raeliana is being held hostage! Well, sort of. After being summoned to the palace by Noah’s half brother, King Siathrich, she’s forced to stay there—and to confront the future of her relationship with Noah. Considering the kiss he planted on her while she was sick, it’s obvious there are feelings involved, but the ever-present weight of Beatrice’s existence complicates things. Still, Raeliana doesn’t intend to sit around waiting for her Duke Charming Noah to come save her, and she’s got a plan…Little does she know, the universe has something else in store!

Loved the introduction of the King. He’s such a mysterious figured. I love how Raeliana is not afraid of him and even challenges him occasionally. I also love the dichotomy between Siathrich and Noah. Added another fun element to this series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 3

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 3

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

It’s off to the temple for the torch-lighting ceremony! But what should be a mundane ritual is turned on its head when the legendary priest Heika Demint takes a liking to Raeliana…and demands Noah break up with her?! Meanwhile, Vivian Shamal is determined to have the duke for herself—and desperate times call for desperate (and deadly) measures. As the day of Beatrice and Noah’s fated first encounter approaches and the terms of Raeliana and Noah’s engagement draw to a close, it seems inevitable for the couple to go their separate ways… So why does Noah insist he still needs his fake fiancée?!

Oh we get a villain character introduced in this volume! I love seeing Raeliana adjust to the differences from the book and what she is actually experiencing. I’m very obsessed with this series. It’s just so much fun!

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 2

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 2

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2018

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Raeliana McMillan thought she was escaping death through her fake engagement to Duke Noah Wynknight…only to realize that he’s a whole different kind of danger! Thoughtful and flirty one moment, cold and calculating the next, Noah is quickly blurring the line between obligation and volition. On top of that, her resentful ex and Noah’s jealous admirers all seem to be plotting against her—as if she didn’t have enough to worry about. And with the heroine Noah is fated to fall for missing, Raeliana’s starting to wonder just how much her actions are changing the story…

Yeah! We finally get this story really going! I loved seeing Raeliana interact with all the characters, especially Adam, and start to figure out her storyline. We get to see elements of more mysteries in the background as well as some great little action scenes. And we get a monster hunt! I am very intrigued as to where this is going. Also, what’s with the seemingly telepathic connection between Noah and Adam? Interesting…

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

Title: Ne’er Duke Well (Belvoir’s Library #1)

Author: Alexandra Vasti

Publisher: Griffin 2024

Genre: Romance

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Sunset Picnic (New-to-me Author); Cover Lover - Period Clothing

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Level: 5

Peter Kent—newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana—must become respectable. Between his radical politics and the time he interrupted a minor royal wedding with a flock of sheep—not his fault!—he’s developed a scandalous reputation at odds with his goal of becoming guardian to his half siblings. For help, he turns to the cleverest and most managing woman of his acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft.

Selina is society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter asks for her help, she suggests courtship and marriage to a lady of unimpeachable reputation. (Which is to say, definitely not herself.)

But matchmaking doesn’t go according to plan. Peter’s siblings run rampant on Bond Street. Selina ends up in the Serpentine. And worst of all, the scorching chemistry between Peter and Selina proves impossible to resist. For the disreputable duke and his unpredictable matchmaker, falling in love just might be the ultimate scandal.

I don’t remember where I saw this book recommended, but the review focused on the wit and comedy along with the steam. Sounded perfect for me! I grabbed it from the library and dove in. Overall, I’m a huge fan of Peter and Selina’s love story. They are two characters clearly meant to be together, but of course, Selina doesn’t see it. I really enjoy romances where the man falls first if it’s a hetero pairing. They do have great banter throughout the book. I loved their interactions and Selina’s schemes to get Peter a wife. My biggest complaint was the quick ending. We didn’t really get to see enough of the two characters after they decide to marry. My eternal complaint about romances.

Belvoir’s Library

• #1 Ne’er Duke Well

• #2 Earl Crush

• #3 Ladies in Hating

Next up on the TBR pile:

Twisted Wonderland Vol. 4

Title: Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul, Vol. 4

Author: Yana Toboso, Wakana Hazuki

Publisher: VIZ Media 2024

Genre: Manga

Pages: 194

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Stranded in the world of Twisted Wonderland, Yu must brave a magical school filled with ghosts, monsters, and uncooperative students!

Now that he’s officially a student at Night Raven College, Yu has to deal with Heartslabyul housewarden Riddle when his magic and emotions go wild! Yu and his fellow students Grimm, Ace, Deuce, Trey, and Cater confront the rampaging Riddle. But is he too powerful for them to get back under control?

Yeah! Such a great conclusion to this story. We get to see Riddle absolutely lose his mind a la the Queen of Hearts. We get to see how the characters react and attempt to put everything right. Chenya was a great addition to the cast. I would love to read more in this world.

Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

Next up on the TBR pile:

Twisted Wonderland Vol. 3

Title: Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul, Vol. 3

Author: Yana Toboso, Wakana Hazuki

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 162

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Stranded in the world of Twisted Wonderland, Yu must brave a magical school filled with ghosts, monsters, and uncooperative students!

Still trying to get his friend Ace out of trouble, Yu attends one of Heartslabyul Dorm’s traditional unbirthday parties. But instead of solving Ace’s problems or having a bit of fun, they wind up incurring the wrath of the housewarden, Riddle!

We finally get to the Unbirthday Party and see everything really start to come to a head. I loved the take on the classic story mixed with the new characters and interpretations. I loved seeing Trey and Cater be at the center of the all the fuss. Riddle is a great tyrant, even if I am slightly tiring of his schtick. I can’t wait to see how Yu and Grim and Ace and Deuce get out of this mess.

Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

Next up on the TBR pile:

Twisted Wonderland Vol. 1

Title: Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul, Vol. 1

Author: Yana Toboso, Wakana Hazuki

Publisher: VIZ Media 2021

Genre: Manga

Pages: 198

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Stranded in the world of Twisted Wonderland, Yu must brave a magical school filled with ghosts, monsters, and uncooperative students!

Yu is whisked away to Night Raven College, an arcane academy in the world of Twisted Wonderland. Stranded until he can find a way home, Yu is allowed to stay on campus despite having no magic of his own. But when his new friends land him in trouble with the headmage, his future at the school looks bleak. Now Yu’s fate hinges on bringing together a pair of argumentative first-years and a fire-breathing monster cat…

I know that this is based on a video game, but I love finding new stories based on Alice in Wonderland. In this one, we get the start of a story involving a new-to-this-world character, new students, tyrants, a mysterious headmaster, a cat?, and some fun adventures. Loved this start of the series. Can’t wait to see what trouble Ace and Deuce get into next.

Twisted Wonderland: Book of Heartslabyul

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

Next up on the TBR pile:

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Title: Great Big Beautiful Life

Author: Emily Henry

Publisher: Berkley 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 432

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Breezy Pier; Read Around the US - Georgia

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 4.5

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: to write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be theMargaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the twentieth century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication.

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad . . . depending on who’s telling it.

I absolutely loved the romance between Alice and Hayden. I loved seeing these almost enemies slowly thaw toward each other and start to connect. I loved their little banter. I even enjoyed their misunderstandings and their miscommunications. Their relationship felt really real to me. I loved those pages within each chapter. What made this not quite amazing to me was the storyline with Margaret. While I enjoyed reading about her life, I found the entire construct to me very very reminiscent to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I found myself drifting slightly during those sections. And the big twists at the end was a bit contrived. I just didn’t really love that whole section, which was a lot of this book. I didn’t hate this book, but definitely not my favorite Emily Henry selection.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Tombs by Junji Ito

Title: Tombs

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2023

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 344

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

Countless tombstones stand in rows throughout a small community, forming a bizarre tableau. What fate awaits a brother and sister after a traffic accident in this town of the dead? In another tale, a girl falls silent, her tongue transformed into a slug. Can a friend save her? Then, when a young man moves to a new town, he finds the house next door has only a single window. What does his grotesque neighbor want, calling out to him every evening from that lone window?

Tombs - I had already read this story, but I really loved it. Creepy creepy.

Clubhouse - Meh. Didn’t really deliver.

Slug Girl - Loved this body horror story.

The Window Next Door - Fun, but I wanted more.

Washed Ashore - I do love creatures from the depths.

The Strange Tale of the Tunnel - Okay story, creepy enough, but not horrifying.

Bronze Statue - Didn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Floaters - I wanted more.

The Bloody Story of Shirosauna - So much gore, but I did enjoy it!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Smashed by Junji Ito

Title: Smashed

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2019

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 416

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

Try not to be noticed when you eat the secret nectar, otherwise you’ll get smashed… What horrific events happened to create the earthbound—people tied to a certain place for the rest of their short lives? Then, a strange haunted house comes to town, but no one expects it to lead to a real hell… Welcome to Junji Ito’s world, a world with no escape from endless nightmares.

Bloodsucking Darkness - Lots of creep in this one. Loved it.

Ghosts of Prime Time - Probably my least favorite in the collection.

Roar - Fun creepy story set in the wilderness.

Earthbound - Loved this creepy story that reminded me of “The Tell-Tale Heart.”

Death Row Doorbell - More sad than scary.

The Mystery of the Haunted House
The Mystery of the Haunted House: Soichi’s Version
Two stories focused on the same family and creepy haunted house. I enjoyed the first one. The second one wasn’t a favorite.

Soichi’s Beloved Pet - Not a big fan of Soichi and his stories.

In Mirror Valley - Strange story focused more on hatred than horror.

I Don’t Want to be a Ghost - I always enjoy Ito’s ghost stories.

Library Vision - Weird, descent into madness story. Lovely nod to Lovecraft.

Splendid Shadow Song - Didn’t quite work for me.

Smashed - Loved this creepy story featuring an alien? Whatever it was, it was great.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

Title: Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games #0.5)

Author: Suzanne Collins

Publisher: Scholastic 2025

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 387

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges:

Where I Got It: Borrowed from a friend

As the day dawns on the fiftieth annual Hunger Games, fear grips the districts of Panem. This year, in honor of the Quarter Quell, twice as many tributes will be taken from their homes.

Back in District 12, Haymitch Abernathy is trying not to think too hard about his chances. All he cares about is making it through the day and being with the girl he loves.

When Haymitch's name is called, he can feel all his dreams break. He's torn from his family and his love, shuttled to the Capitol with the three other District 12 tributes: a young friend who's nearly a sister to him, a compulsive oddsmaker, and the most stuck-up girl in town. As the Games begin, Haymitch understands he's been set up to fail. But there's something in him that wants to fight . . . and have that fight reverberate far beyond the deadly arena..

Multiple people from co-op have read this one and passed a copy around the group. They wanted me to read it so we could discuss, so I did. I was not interested in Snow’s story, but will admit that Haymitch’s story had me intrigued. He’s such an interesting character in the original trilogy. Of course, we know where he ends up and in what state. His book really dives into his experience during the Second Quarter Quell and how it set him up to be the Haymitch that Katniss knows. Of course the story was going to tragic. No happy endings here. The beginning of the book was a little dull. And I truly never really cared about Lenore Dove at all. I just kept reading so we could get to the game and encounter the characters involved there. Once the characters arrive in the Capitol, the story really started picking up for me. I loved seeing Haymitch make connections with characters known to us (Mags, Wiress, Beetee, Effie, and Plutarch) and characters new to us but important to this story. I especially loved seeing a ton of parallels between Haymitch and Katniss’s experiences the games. My biggest quibble with the story is the amount of repeated song lyrics woven through the prose. I started skipping them at some point when I realized that we were just repeating the same things over and over. I am certainly we will have some good discussion at co-op about the book.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 0

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 0

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Yuta Okkotsu is a nervous high school student who is suffering from a serious problem—his childhood friend Rika has turned into a Curse and won't leave him alone. Since Rika is no ordinary Curse, his plight is noticed by Satoru Gojo, a teacher at Jujutsu High, a school where fledgling exorcists learn how to combat Curses. Gojo convinces Yuta to enroll, but can he learn enough in time to confront the Curse that haunts him?

We finally get to see what happened between the falling out between Geto and Gojo and the current timeline. We get to meet a very interesting cursed person and his curse. I called the twist at the beginning, but it still felt like a satisfying twist when revealed. We get to see how Gojo forges his own path, not always relying on the teachers to tell me how to approach a problem. And we get to meet the twins that then appear in the Shibuya Station incident. Very excited that I finally snagged Volume 0 to get more background information for this series.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 0

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 12

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 11

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

And more action in Shibuya Station! We get to see how the good guys start to break down the barriers and infiltrate the place. We get to make some great connections between the curse workers and the sorcerers. I loved Mei Mei and her brother the most in this volume. Such secrets within that family, just like all the sorcerer families. I cannot wait to see how this giant situation gets resolved.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Liminal Zone by Junji Ito

Title: The Liminal Zone

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2022

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 210

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: 

Where I Got It: Library

What destiny awaits them after the screaming?

After abruptly departing from a train in a small town, a couple encounters a “weeping woman”—a professional mourner—sobbing inconsolably at a funeral. Mako changes afterward—she can’t stop crying! In another tale, having decided to die together, a couple enters Aokigahara, the infamous suicide forest. What is the shocking otherworldly torrent that they discover there?

One of horror’s greatest talents, Junji Ito beckons readers to join him in an experience of ultimate terror with four transcendently terrifying tales.

Weeping Woman Way - Lovely and creepy! I especially loved the big twist toward the end.

Madonna - Meh. Not my cup of tea.

The Spirit Flow of Aokigahara - Loved loved loved this body horror story. A real winner here!

Slumber - It was a decent horror story. Not my favorite of his, but definitely better than some of the others.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Title: Swept Away

Author: Beth O’Leary

Publisher: Berkely 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Beachside Cafe; Cover Lover - Birds

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 3

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

I have enjoyed O’Leary’s past books, but had heard grumbles about this newest one. I went in with a bit of trepidation, but was pleasantly supposed. I really enjoyed seeing two characters with the ultimate forced proximity trope learn to rely on each other and eventually love each other. I am always the most excited in romance books for the parts where characters actually talk to each other. That’s what most of this book was about! Absolutely perfect. On the other hand, I knocked off a star because of the last section on land. We get the big reveal/twist that I totally telegraphed early on. That third act break-up was completely unnecessary and definitely should have been changed. I wouldn’t have minded a bit of a struggle at the end, but the way it played out was way too melodramatic. A little switch and this could have been a 5 star read for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 10

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 10

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2020

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

This volume is mostly one big showdown at Shibuya Station starring Gojo! I loved seeing how all the different groups of sorcerers and curses interacted amongst the humans. We get some great little jump scares and reveals. And we learn a bit more about the dynamics between the Womb Paintings, Mahito, and Geto. I cannot wait to see how they resolve this battle in the next volume.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile: