Sisterly love outshines romance in Jessica S. Olsen’s sophomore novel, A Forgery of Roses. After being blown away by her first book, Sing Me Forgotten (it was my favorite debut of 2021), I couldn’t wa…
‘Being Mary Bennet’ review: J. C Peterson’s debut gives a fresh twist on the Bennet family
Being Mary Bennet, the debut novel from J. C. Peterson, is a love letter to every nerdy girl who wishes she was Lizzie Bennet, but secretly knows that she is Mary. Most of us are in this boat, and it …
‘Full Flight’ interview: Ashley Schumacher discusses her favorite Disney movies, her high school band experience, and writing about grief
For many of us, music is the reason we are alive. This could not be more true for Weston Ryan and Anna James, both members of the Enfield Marching Band. Wesley is the infamous bad boy of their small T…
‘The Roughest Draft’ review: Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka’s adult debut promises a wild, often frustrating ride
Emily Wibberley and Austin Siegemund-Broka break into Adult with their newest romance, The Roughest Draft, a spicy story about two co-writers who loathe each other… or do they? Two soulmates, wrenched…
‘One True Loves’ review: Elise Bryant’s sophomore novel celebrates Black love and self discovery
In One True Loves, companion novel to her debut, Happily Ever After, Elise Bryant crafts a dreamy, escapist romance that leans into some tropes while cleverly twisting others. A main character s…
Ranking 2021 Movie Musicals
2021 is the year of the movie musical. No, that’s not what’s officially written on the zodiac calendar, but it really should be. Movie musicals are coming back into style again, partly thanks to strea…
Trope Tuesday: West Side Story proves that the forbidden love trope still endures
On December 10, the new film adaptation of West Side Story hit theaters. This musical has been a mainstay on Broadway since it premiered in 1957, prompting multiple revivals and tours and more than on…