thelesbianlibrary's reviews
299 reviews

This memoir was reflective, honest, and full of beautiful prose. Jennifer Boylan takes us on a journey from boyhood to womanhood and all the stops between. With each chapter, she questions how one’s gender identity shapes or is shaped by the aspects of life. These chapters, such as food, friends, and history are a deep dive into Jennifer’s experiences and thoughts surrounding them. However, she has done so in a way that allows readers to reflect and connect to their own lives, loves, and losses. She also discusses how she's changed from coming out in 2000 to now and is shaped by society's ever-shifting opinions on being transgender. Alongside an unwavering commitment to raw honesty that I think everyone, not just trans people can relate to.

What makes Jennifer’s story truly stand out though is her writing style. Which felt less like a non-fiction memoir and more akin to spoken word. It was as though she was telling you her stories in real time, her unfiltered thoughts and commentary littered throughout the more concrete details. This chapter structure helped move the story along without getting muddled. The blocking and breaking up of topics helped me ponder the questions without being interrupted or distracted by a new name or event. This also helped as the book is non-linear, so I didn’t have to keep track of several time jumps at once. I did appreciate the mention of her privilege and how great of an impact intersectionality has on experiences transitioning. When queer white people do not acknowledge their privilege or trans ancestors, it honestly makes me want to put the book down. So, I was relieved to find that was not the case here.

All in all, this thoughtful and heartwarming memoir is a great read. From the stunning prose to the witty humor, you will not want to put it down. Not to mention wishing for an invite to have a homemade pizza and a glass of wine by her fire pit. If you like laughing and crying in the same chapter, you are in the right place. Happy reading!

TW: Depression, anxiety, transphobia, homophobia, death of a friend, misgendering.

Thanks so much to Celadon for sending me an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more sapphic reviews follow @the.lebian.library on Instagram, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Tiktok

Vivian has never fit in with the rest of her coven. While the other witches worship the dark Vivian has always been pulled towards the light. The only person she connects with is her aunt, but even she supports Vivian giving her soul to the Devil, just as every other witch does on their 18th birthday. But when the time comes and Vivian finally comes face to face with The Dark Lady something inside her tells her to flee…so she does. 

Ten years later Vivian is still on the run, never staying in one place too long. After an accident with a dead succulent though her magic gives her location away and Vivian’s nightmares come to life. But Vivian soon finds out someone has been killing covens and The Dark Lady is desperate enough to let Vivian keep her soul on the condition she helps. Vivian reluctantly agrees but as the two investigate the answer becomes much darker and ancient than she ever could have realized. Will Vivian and The Dark Lady be able to come together and defeat this evil? Or will The Dark Lady’s secrets poison whatever chance they have at saving the world? All the witchy nightmare-fueled hijinks in When Flowers Wilt.

This book was a perfect pre-Halloween read. It was such a great queer twist on the “dark romance” genre that is sweeping book lovers. The author did a great job blending the smutty scenes with strong emotional development from both main characters. Alongside easy-to-digest lore that kept me guessing while giving me just enough to be on the edge of my seat. The dual POV lent well to the story's pacing, allowing it to move without any big lulls. The writing style kept me engaged and wasn't juvenile or cheap. If you like spicy, grumpy/sunshine romances with high-stakes fantasy vibes, then you are in the right place! 

The character development stood out in a way I was not expecting. Usually, books are heavily plot-led or character-led, yet this somehow managed to do both. Although they do fall into gimmicky or stereotype territory occasionally both Vivian and The Dark Lady manage to pluck at your heartstrings. From Vivan’s struggles with her autonomy to The Dark Lady’s guarded walls, you get to grow along with them. And their struggles and setbacks are grounded in reality as people can’t change overnight.
 
Yet despite all the character arcs, the plot never takes a backseat. You are immediately thrust into a world that is so like our own yet has deep secrets and forgotten gods. Which allowed the lore to flow seamlessly and never bog the story down with outlandish rules. The deep emotional themes and healing push the story forward and work well with the external plot. And with this unlikely pair seeming to be the key to saving the world, you never get a moment of peace. Not to mention some of the kinkiest sex scenes I have read in a long time. Although you have to read the trigger warnings before diving in, please remember to check those pre-readings, as there are some heavy and dark themes portrayed and discussed throughout. 

All in all this witchy paranormal romance is a must-read. From the smutty kinky scenes to the high-stakes cliffhanger ending. Not to mention wishing you could take a tour of hell and maybe even sell your soul. If you like enemies to lovers with deep emotional themes and spell casting then you are in the right place. Happy reading! 

TW: Sexually explicit scenes, anxiety, depression, death of a family member, torture, dubious consent, blood play, wing play, shadow play, bondage, mental and emotional abuse (discussed), assault (not between MCs)

Thanks so much to GE Masters for sending me a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

For more sapphic reviews follow @the.lebian.library on Instagram, StoryGraph, Goodreads, and Tiktok