Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: September 2026

by ZaheerahLeave a Comment on Monthly Rewind: September 2026
Monthly Rewind: September 2026

B O O K S

In September, I read 8 books!

For transparency, every book marked with * is a title I received for free, as I currently work in publishing.

But I Hate Him by Page Powars

Heir to a successful tutoring company, Rory faces a social disaster after a public meltdown sends him to a private academic camp where he must win the top spot or otherwise ruin his reputation. Except Luca, the cause of his meltdown, is also attending, and Rory almost loses all hope. But this time Rory is ready for revenge, plotting to make Luca fall in love with him so he can break his heart and swoop in to take 1st place. But as rivalry turns into real feelings, how far is Rory willing to go to salvage his dying reputation?

PAGE POWARS NEVER DISAPPOINTS! A super cute queer YA romance about a trans teen with an angry bite and a hockey player who is just trying his best despite Rory’s belief that everything he does is effortless. Fast-paced and super witty. I feel like the story doesn’t explore the conflict enough, and the ending wraps up too quickly, but it’s still a sweet coming-of-age story.

Ship Happens by Mason Deaver

When a cruise his best friend gifts him leaves him stuck on a ship with his ex-boyfriend, Jacob, Owen has no choice but to confront the mess that is his life. To him, it feels like everyone has moved on, including Jacob, who admits he would like to try and salvage their friendship. But can they fix what was already dead and buried, or has the ship sailed once and for all?

A lovely second chance romance between two hopeless but lovable characters. I just really think the side characters lacked depth, and the whole crisis they manufactured made them feel like accessories to the plot rather than fully fledged characters. The story starts off really strong, but their involvement in the conflict really soured the ending for me. In fact, I feel like people really underreacted in this book. I would’ve started pushing people off the BOAT.

Head Over Skis by Sophie Davies

A winter holiday goes awry when Lottie discovers her ski instructor is in fact the same guy she had a one-night stand with the night before. Her friends are ecstatic and ready to play matchmaker as Lottie tries to balance her growing feelings for Rory while also coming to terms with her breakup with her ex-boyfriend, Adam.

I was not a fan. For a book about a group of friends in their late twenties, I would’ve expected their behaviour from a bunch of teenagers. Lottie and her friend group should’ve gone their separate ways after graduation, because why am I reading about your ex-boyfriend who can casually call you a whore and not one of your friends even thinks to stand up for you and instead just watches in glee when Rory is the only person who comes to your defence? Lottie is just a very immature main character. There are only so many times I can read about her lamenting and thinking Rory is dating every single person he hangs out with before I lose sympathy for her cause.

‘For god’s sake, will you both grow up, you testosterone-fuelled IDIOTS!’ WHO EVEN SAYS SOMETHING LIKE THIS?? I’m not even joking; this line was the straw that broke the camel’s back with this book.

I will say, regardless of how I felt about this book, I would really recommend following the author on her social media; her content is really fun!

Love Galaxy by Sierra Branham*

Temmi is a trash collector on a long-forgotten planet. In a galaxy so vast, she is barely a speck on anyone’s radar. So when she accidentally pisses off the heir to the empire, she gets fast-tracked into an intergalactic dating show starring the empire’s brother and sister heirs. The producers want Temmi to win over the bookish prince, but it’s the brash princess (and the very reason she’s here) who confuses her daily. And when Temmi’s fellow contestants wind up dead, she finds herself in the middle of a conspiracy that not even the empire can control.

I’ll be honest: I didn’t realise this was a series until the very end of the book. I genuinely went into this book thinking it was a standalone and was wondering why the heck it was taking so long for the story to move on. Turns out, there was more to come. The concept is fun; I feel like the mystery behind the murder was a genuine shock, but the execution was rather lacklustre.

I think my main problem was that the story doesn’t really commit to the plot you’re promised. On one hand, you’ve got a girl competing in a Love Island-like show while also trying to be social commentary on imperialism. On the other hand, there’s a murder mystery plot that doesn’t feel like a mystery because it seems like even the main character has forgotten about it for the most part. The biggest drawback was that, despite some amazing world-building, the story falls flat. I just hope I’m proved wrong in the next book.

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Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: August 2026

by ZaheerahLeave a Comment on Monthly Rewind: August 2026
Monthly Rewind: August 2026

B O O K S

In August, I read 8 books!

For transparency, every book marked with * is a title I received for free as I currently work at PRH UK.

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine*

Amelia is done dealing with her family, who are keen to finally see her settle down. In a desperate moment, she lies and tells them she has a boyfriend she’ll bring to a family wedding. And the only person willing to pretend is the random, strange man she bumps into on the street…

The IRS being a bigger problem than vampires is the funniest thing in this book. Again, like with My Roommate is a Vampire, this sequel is very silly and very fun. I found the romance a bit awkward, super insta-lust. It seems like a pattern for this series. The only reason I wanted to read this was that Reginald from My Roommate is a Vampire was the male lead this time around. He really carries the story because Amelia just felt like a cardboard character. Zero personality and no identity beyond being an accountant and making quirky quips every now and then – plus so many, many mentions of Taylor Swift; you would think we’re on her payroll.

How My Fake Alien Boyfriend Learned to Cook and Saved the Family Business by Lacey Hawthorne

After a bad breakup and watching her family restaurant slowly go downhill, Lola expects the worst for her family. She’s ready to throw in the towel until a competition promises the money she so desperately needs. Kal is a complete outcast on his planet, so when he accidentally launches himself to Earth, he should keep his head down and await rescue. But his curiosity gets the better of him, and now he has to put his knowledge to the test: with his first-ever job in a restaurant.

Lacey Hawthorne was inspired to write this novel after seeing a poorly AI-generated cover for a romance book in which the male lead was holding the whisk incorrectly. And that is how Lola and Kal were born. Super silly and very fun! Reading this immediately after finishing My Vampire Plus-One made me realise how much I actually didn’t enjoy that book, and this one had exactly what I was looking for. The only downside was the pacing, as I felt it wrapped up too quickly, and the stakes that were introduced basically came and went before they really had an impact.

How Lucky Am I* by Christian Watson

A gorgeous illustrated novel about Mr Skelly as he explores what makes a meaningful life. Developed by 1924us studio, this follows Mr Skelly as he recounts life lessons, reminding us that despite our differences, we are all made of the same bones. I’ve been following 1924us studio on TikTok since 2024, so when I heard the publishing announcement, I was over the moon! So stunning, each page a work of art.

Roadtrip with a Vampire* by Jenna Levine*

Reformed bad witch Zelda finds herself on a cross-country road trip with Peter, a vampire who doesn’t remember who he is. As they piece together his past, Zelda realises that she can’t hide from her own past either, and together they must work to save their future.

This was genuinely the worst. It felt like the terrible parts of the first two books in the series all combined to create this final mess. Insta-lust without an ounce of character development? Check. Extremely embarrassing moments disguised as romance? Check. Convenient plot device that makes zero sense? Check. I’m spoiling it here because I don’t think it’s worth reading, but Zelda conveniently forgetting the safe that she rigged, which made Peter forget his memory was originally hers, was the most boring way the story could’ve gone. Like, convenient in the most annoying way possible. I was already annoyed without how immature Zelda and Peter both were, and I was hoping the plot could already make up for it, but it didn’t.

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Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: July 2026

by Zaheerah1 Comment on Monthly Rewind: July 2026
Monthly Rewind: July 2026

A R T

Wow, finally an art update! If you haven’t heard of Art Fight: it is an annual, month-long online art gifting game held every July on Art Fight where artists join themed teams to “attack” opponents by drawing their original characters for points. I’ve always been hesitant to join for years (2026 is their 10th anniversary!), but I finally decided to join two weeks before the event started, so I didn’t have much time to set up my original characters on the site. I only managed to post the character that I use for streaming. My username is (to no one’s surprise) zaheerah. Here are some of the “attacks” I’ve done this year; some are more detailed than others, not shown here, but there is one that I drew and posted within twenty minutes. The beauty of Artfight is that, as long as you rate your artwork correctly to get your points, anything goes really. I even managed to do a Mass Attack where you can draw multiple characters together. (can be from the same user or other users!) If you’re aware of the Valko situation, please mourn with me; we’ve lost a good one.

B O O K S

In July, I read 5 books (+2 short stories)!

Continue reading “Monthly Rewind: July 2026” →
Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: June 2026

by ZaheerahLeave a Comment on Monthly Rewind: June 2026
Monthly Rewind: June 2026

B O O K S

In June, I read 5 books (+1 prequel novella)!

Exit 8 By Genki Kawamura

A young man receives a text from his ex-girlfriend, and as he exits the train to meet her, he discovers he cannot escape. Stuck in an endless loop, he must follow strict rules: Don’t overlook any anomalies; if you do, turn back immediately. If the room appears correct, then carry on forward until you reach Exit 8.

Out of all the games I’ve played, Exit 8 is the last one I would’ve expected to become a movie. This book is a novelisation of the film adaptation of the game. (Yeah, a mouthful…) I was impressed that Kawamura was able to adapt and add a story to a game with no real story beyond finding anomalies and escaping the station. It’s a fun quick read, and the film was fun to watch too! The only downside is the movie/book’s decision not to utilise many of the game’s anomalies.

The Sun King’s Dawn by Briar Niran / The Squire and his Prince by Briar Niran

King Richard of Ardenia discovers his kingdom is at risk when a neighbouring realm, filled with unimaginable horrors, threatens to attack his homeland. As he hunts to protect his land, he finds himself at odds with Sir Kaelen, a loyal guard, who has spent years yearning for a King who has no interest but to protect his land.

This BOOK! Oh my goodness. I am still reeling from A Gaze So Longing from last month, and then I’m immediately hit with another pairing to die for. Set in a queer-normative fantasy realm, Richard is asexual and has to balance his duties as king and the very growing whispers amongst his people as they are keen for him to find a match. It doesn’t help that the demon king wants not only his kingdom but also his body. Poor Richard just wants to protect his siblings, and even they aren’t making it easy for him. SUCH sweet moments between him and his family; I loved it!!!

I wasn’t aware of the prequel, The Squire and his Prince, until after I had finished Book 1, and I would definitely recommend reading it first. One thing I didn’t particularly enjoy while reading Book 1 was how insistent Kaelen was with Richard; there were moments when I thought his behaviour was borderline detrimental to the entire story. The prequel provides much more context for Kaelen’s actions, but I still wouldn’t excuse it. (Though it gave some devastating foreshadowing that I know will kill me once we reach that scene.) Overall, I really loved this story, and I just hope that Kaelan goes through some much-needed development and backs off.

We Have Always Been Here: A Queer Muslim Memoir by Samra Habib

A memoir by Pakistani-Canadian activist Samra Habib recounting her childhood as an Ahmadi Muslim in Pakistan, her teenage years in Canada, and her adult life as she explores the world around her. Very beautiful thoughts about art and spirituality. A really well-written memoir. I’ve had this on my TBR for years, and I’m kicking myself for taking so long to read it.

The Other World’s Books Depend on the Bean Counter Volume 3 by Yatsuki Wakatsu

The final instalment of the series, which follows Seiichirou as he is appointed as a guide for a delegation led by a neighbouring kingdom while also trying to figure out the spell to get back home to Japan.

This is the best of all three volumes of the light novels. A big problem with volumes 1 and 2 was that they constantly reminded readers who everyone was. We’re given a constant reintroduction to people we’ve basically just met. In the final volume, the pacing is much better and more thrilling. If you’re not a fan of the miscommunication trope, then you probably shouldn’t even pick up the series to begin with. Aresh is the biggest yearner, but he also cannot communicate to save his life. I’m not surprised Seiichirou basically throws in the towel as he goes head-to-head with his now boyfriend. Still, this series is really fun. The current manga adaptation has ended, but I really hope it continues because the plot is a lot of fun!

The Tapestry of Fate by Shannon Chakraborty

As Amina al-Sirafi continues her task of hunting down arcane artefacts, her next quest is a fate-rewriting spindle from a sorceress on an inescapable island. But her crew is on the edge, and this journey might just rewrite the fate of her entire crew.

It must’ve been tough to write a sequel to what is arguably one of my favourite books of all time. Such a strong sequel that gives such good development to all the characters we had come to love in Book 1. (Jamal, my son, I WISH you were here more in this book) I had finished this book at 2am and genuinely exclaimed WHAT THE FUCK at the final page. It is cruel I have to wait so long for the third instalment.

That’s it for this month! Tell me what went on in YOUR life this month! What sort of things was important for you this month? New obsessions? New TV shows? Or book? Any new song recs (I’m always open to new music!)? Best books you read this month?

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Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: May 2026

by Zaheerah4 Comments on Monthly Rewind: May 2026
Monthly Rewind: May 2026

B O O K S

In May, I read 5 books!

For transparency, every book marked with * are titles I received for free as I currently work at PRH UK.

First to Finish by Rebecca J. Caffery

Recovering from a breakup, driver Johannes Muller reaches an all time low. And its up to his race engineer, Caleb Hughes, to get his driver back in pole position.

I really hated Pole Position that I actually sworn off from reading the rest of this series. Until I found a copy of this in a charity shop for £2 so I thought to myself “why not?” That being said, this was 100% better than Pole Position, but Pole Position was like ten feet under in the ground for me. Like Pole Position, the book is mainly dragged by the tropes the author wanted to use instead of letting the story naturally grow into its own.

Johannes and Caleb are miles better than Kian and Harper. Even with the miscommunication, it felt more real and emotional. That being said, it was a decent read. Nothing to shout about but a silly fun quick read. Personally, this entire series just feels like low quality mush being published for the sake of following trends.

We Don’t Hear Crickets Anymore by Kel Bryon

A selection of Midwestern Gothic horrors that felt truly haunting and unsettling. Having loved The Lonely Broadcast series and now this, Kel Bryon has consolidated herself as an author I’ll always read.

A Gaze So Longing by River Flynn

In a palace ruled by a tyrant king, Favian has spent the last five years governed by fear. When the King’s only son and his first love, Leonardo, returns from the war, Favian must keep his distance or face the King’s wrath. But Leonardo is eager to return to their old ways unaware of how much his home has changed. Together, they must work together to topple the system or risk losing everything.

10000/10!!! I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! PLEASE IF YOU CAN, IT’S ONLY LIKE £4 ON SMASHWORDS. THE YEARNING, THE SADNESS, THE ANGER, EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir*

Ryland Grace has no memory of who he was and why he is currently aboard a tiny space ship alone. Only aware of an impending doom, he must fight to recall his memories or risk extinction-level threat to humanity.

Yes, I am five years late to the game. I’ve been recommended this book since its release and I only just got around to reading it, thinking I had enough time to see it in cinema. (I was in fact late to see it in cinemas, but I did buy it on YouTube and have already watched the film 4 times already….. )

I went into this not realising this was hard science fiction which did throw me off a bit but the book does a good job and still making it easy to understand. The audiobook is fantastic! I had to swap to audio during a car ride home and it was as Rocky would say: Amaze, amaze, amaze.

Tsubaki Stationary Store by Ito Ogawa*

A young woman returns to her hometown to inherit her late grandmother’s store and becomes a professional scribe to her community. As she takes on the request of her local community, she undercovers the secrets her grandmother had kept hidden from her. A charming story about the importance of community and the magic of the written word. It was adapted to a TV back in 2017 and I really wish it was available to watch here in the UK!

That’s it for this month! Tell me what went on in YOUR life this month! What sort of things was important for you this month? New obsessions? New TV shows? Or book? Any new song recs (I’m always open to new music!)? Best books you read this month?

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Monthly Rewind

Monthly Rewind: April 2026

by Zaheerah1 Comment on Monthly Rewind: April 2026
Monthly Rewind: April 2026

L I F E

All I’ve done this month is play Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream. Send help.

B O O K S

In April, I read 7 books!

For transparency, every book marked with * are titles I received for free as I currently work at PRH UK.

Yuki, I Love You!

A cute slice of life one shot following Haru and Yuki, two childhood friends turned lovers, as live their lives together. I feel like I rarely read manga where the main couple is already established. This one is short but sweet. I found it randomly while scrolling through TikTok!

We’ll Prescribe You Another Cat*

We return to the Kokoro Clinic for the Soul with new patients in dire need of some feline assistance. A lovely sequel! I was worried it would feel rather repetitive considering the format of the plot. But instead it continues its heart-warming streak from the first book!

Bad Queer

A novel in verse following a non-binary teen falling in love for the first time. I loved the illustrations that were all around this book! A punchy and intimate look of first love and loss. I’m not big on novel in verse but this was so, so lovely.

A Prince Among Pirates

Running away from an arranged marriage, Kit Davenport finds himself embarking a ship he should ever be seen on. The Deliverance is manned by a crew of misfits led by a charismatic Reggie Sharpe. Life at sea is not for all but Kit has no choice if wants to keep running from his past.

I refuse to acknowledge the existence of the U.K cover. The U.S. cover above is so stunning and is what caught my eye when I first saw the book on Instagram. HarperCollins UK, please see me in the backrooms, we have some things to discuss..

I don’t know why but for some reason, I thought this was a fantasy at first glance but it’s actually historical fiction! A light-hearted fun read but still manages to tackle serious topics of its time such as colonialism and piracy. Also, I found it funny that Reggie’s name is in the book description but for most of the book, it’s actually hidden from the reader. Kit is even shocked to learn his name and I just sat there thinking, “was I supposed to be shocked too?😅”

The romance is so sweet! I actually preferred the growing friendship of Kit and his fellow crewmates on the ship but it was fun seeing Kit and Reggie grow as the story developed.

I have to admit there is only one thing that I hated about this book but it’s not the fault of the book at all. Reggie refers to Kit as Kitten constantly. And if you watch my streams where I play the game Love and Deepspace, then you will already know how I feel about pet names. (Spoiler: I don’t like them at all!) It’s the ONE thing I couldn’t get over this entire book. I loved this book and it made me feel so bad that this one little thing was so close to ruining my reading experience. My rating for this book is 5/5 because it deserves it but just know in my soul that a little part of me died every time Reggie said Kitten.

The King in Yellow*

A collection of weird fiction stories linked to The King in Yellow. This book is very odd and can be divided into two sections. The first part that deals with stories through the theme of The King in Yellow which is a title to a play that causes people to go mad when they read it. The second half of the book turns more light hearted. I kind of love how confused this book made me feel.

A fun reason as to why I was reading this book: Minecraft.

Yes, Minecraft.

This month, I had watched a video called “Searching for a World That Doesn’t Exist” – a Minecraft Alternate Reality Game (ARG). A Minecraft ARG is a horror-theme narrative where fiction blends with reality to create this unfolding story. The story follows a player named Avery exploring a corrupted Minecraft world on a used laptop. This two part series draws heavily on the King in Yellow mythos, focusing on the psychological impact of forbidden knowledge and how it breaks down Avery.

The video is pure psychological horror and was such a phenomenal watch that it made me want to read The King in Yellow to understand the mythos a bit more.

An Elixir for Wonderlust

Tal has spent the last nine years on the run, but he’s not a criminal. Instead, he is being chased by a Wraith, a spirit which manifested after twenty-four townspeople of Shearwater, including Tal and his father, walked into the river and drowned – except only Tal returned unscathed. When he returns home to attend his grandfather’s funeral, Tal doesn’t plan on staying until his sibling convinces him to see the town’s newest healer who so happens to be the very person he had a one-night stand with the night prior. But Tal is determined to end the curse once and for all but the wraith is unforgiving and they might just drown under the pressure of Shearwater Spring.

NEW ALISTAIR REEVES BOOK MEANS I GET TO BE EVEN MORE ANNOYING ON THE INTERNET.

10/10. No notes. I might have cried a little when we had the cameo from Briar/Rowan and Ambrose/Emery. (the previous couples from the series) I’m sorry if you’re a Twitch viewer because you must be SICK of me constantly talking about this series.

Voices in the Sea Foam

A modern manga retelling of The Little Mermaid where the mermaid is reincarnated into Aito who has his memories from his past life returned to him when he meets the current reincarnation of his prince.

Once again, I am cursed to read beautiful one-shot mangas where I yearn for more. I do think this story would’ve benefitted from being a bit longer to let the reincarnation part settle in but it was beautiful nonetheless. I’m so glad I found this while randomly scrolling through Netgalley.

That’s it for this month! Tell me what went on in YOUR life this month! What sort of things was important for you this month? New obsessions? New TV shows? Or book? Any new song recs (I’m always open to new music!)? Best books you read this month?

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