Lia Anshar's Honest Pages

  Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Thank you to Anas Hakeem for this gifted ARC. Please visit https://www.anashakeem.com/  for more information about the book. It's a story about Adam, an eleven-year-old orphan who's spent his entire life thinking he's cursed. Strange things follow Adam wherever he goes: paint pots fall on people's heads, bathroom taps mysteriously flood, and bullies seem to follow him around. Worst of all, Adam's shadow has started moving on its own, writhing and stretching whenever he feels strong emotions. He's learned to keep his head down, stay invisible, and pray that no one notices the thing on the wall behind him.  But everything changes when Adam discovers that he's not cursed at all. He's Gushmar, a person born with magical energy called Gushoolah and an "Animal" fused within his very being. Suddenly, he's whisked away from the adoption center and into the magical world of Teraquair, where he finds ...

  Genre: Psychological Thriller, Adult Fiction Published: August 18, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)  Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. This story is about Ivy, early 20s, who is dating Kai, a sweet guy whose big dream is making prosthetic arms for veterans. Ivy is super rich, and her father doesn't like their relationship; he already has someone else picked out for her. Kai’s family runs Lindholm Doors, and though the business is struggling, his father is there for him. Meanwhile, Ivy’s father's shadow haunts them. The book switches between Ivy and Kai’s POV. We watch them chase their goals, fight for their love, and actually get married. But then, things get real, and he suddenly changes. They hit a totally unexpected challenge that flips both their lives upside down, and suddenly their relationship isn’t just about disapproving parents anymore; it’s tangled up with mental health and messy circumstances ne...

  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Published: July 28, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Thank you to Hambright PR for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. When Molly gets rejected by her boyfriend to move in together, she decides to move in with her friends instead... and Garett, the mechanic she’s basically hated since the day they first met. When one of Garrett's roommates moves out, he never expected Molly would be the one taking the spare room. But who knows what living together will bring?  This is a slow-burn romance. You'll see how their relationship builds naturally, with no exaggerated drama. It’s all about talking to each other, figuring out how to fit into each other’s lives, and stepping out of your comfort zone just because you want to make it work. It’s the little consistent efforts that get me every time. Their dynamic is so healthy; it’s actually refreshing. So many cute moments and silly little banter between them that just made me smile while reading. No tox...

  Genre: Mystery, Psychological Thriller Published: August 19, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)  Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. Louise and her boyfriend James decide to go on a road trip with the camper van that they build themself. But here’s the thing: James doesn’t know that for Louise, this is not just a fun trip, but a journey to reveal her brother's murder. Years ago, her brother Ben disappeared on a family camping trip. Even though the guy who did it is locked up, he never said where Ben is buried. So now, Louise is determined to find the answers.  I got hooked on the story literally from page one. The thrill and tension are already there. As I read this book, I got haunted by that constant feeling like something’s just off. The road trip part made it even better, all that open space but feeling totally isolated. So atmospheric I was practically holding my breath half the time!  The only thing that disa...

  Genre: Psychological Thriller Expected: January 12, 2027 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)  Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. The story focuses on Ava and Bentley, siblings with only eleven months apart and inseparable growing up. Yet they are perceived very differently. Ava is the golden child, disciplined, driven, and destined for great things. While Bentley is seen as the one who is restless, reckless, and constantly gets in trouble. Everything changes in one night when Ava makes a terrible mistake. She gets behind the wheel and hits her classmate. Terrified that her future will be ruined, she calls the one person she trusts most, Bentley. He arrives within minutes and makes a split-second decision: he takes the blame upon himself. What follows is a cascade of lies and mounting pressure that builds every day. Bentley carries a burden that no one should have to bear until eventually, he reaches his limit. He wants the tru...

  Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Audiobook Expected: August 29, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)  Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and NetGalley for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. In Wallflower in Bloom, we follow Violet Parker, a plant lover who runs her own shop called Bloom and prefers staying out of the spotlight. She has a huge crush on British actor Jack Grant and never imagined he’d end up at her door. When Jack gets caught up in a media scandal, he needs somewhere to lie low while his agent handles the damage control. He's supposed to live at his friend's house, but when his friend's girlfriend is allergic to Jack's cat, he has to find another place, which is Violet's house. Then, they come to a mutually beneficial arrangement: they’ll pretend to date to help repair Jack’s public image, and in return, he’ll help Violet build her confidence, especially when it comes to public speaking. As the summer goes on, they grow closer and sl...

  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Format: eBook & Audiobook Expected: August 27, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Wild About You is about a veterinarian, Cassie Thompson, who comes to Maryland for a fresh start. But then she bumps into an escaped tiger and a grumpy lumberjack/landlord, Noah Reed. Noah’s swamped with work, tricky tenants, and heavy baggage, while Cassie’s sworn off heartbreak, until one wine-fueled night turns their bickering into something far more personal. Now, with Noah's mother's sanctuary and Cassie's career on the line, these reluctant neighbors must set aside their differences and undeniable spark to save what matters most. Here’s the thing that really got me: this book didn’t just give me a cute romance; it gave me great characters. I loved how much we get to see of each character's pasts, their struggles, and all the stuff they’re still healing from. Nothing felt forced, which made me connect with them more easily. It’s got all the good stuff too: the...

  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Expected Publication: September 1, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)  Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance copy in exchange for an honest review. A Fall to Remember is focused on Miranda Brown, who just wanted a nice, quiet vacation away from running her family’s beloved market, but then her terrible travel photos go viral, and suddenly she’s internet-famous. A travel company quickly signs her up to showcase her hometown’s Fall Harvest Festival, and that’s where she meets Jim, a charming and handsome photographer, who is sent to work right alongside her. Along the way, Miranda starts falling for him. But when she finds out his job depends on how well this campaign does, she can’t help wondering: does he really like her, or is she just part of his marketing plan? I loved how cozy this book felt. Ellie Alexander writes the setting so beautifully that I could practically feel the nuance vividly. Half Moon Bay felt ...

  Genre: YA Romance Format: Audiobook Published: May 4, 2021 by Simon & Schuster Audio Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Liz Buxbaum has had a crush on Michael since forever, and now that he’s back in town, she’s determined to get his attention, even if it means teaming up with Wes Bennet. Her annoyingly handsome next-door neighbor has been her favorite "pain" since they were kids, but when he and Michael become close, she turns Wes into her unlikely ally. As they plot to help Liz catch Michael’s eye, something unexpected happens: she starts looking forward to Wes’s company. And suddenly, she’s questioning everything she thought she knew about love and what a happy ending really looks like. This feels so much more than a standard romance. The banter between Liz and Wes is absolutely perfect! Their relationship builds naturally with slow, comfortable moments rooted in friendship, even though Wes has cared about her for ages. It feels warm and real, not rushed at all. I also really appre...

  Genre: General Fiction, Japanese Literature Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐(5/5) Expected Publication: August 27, 2026 The story starts when Amane Morikawa inherits her grandfather’s old bookshop in Onomichi. When she arrives, she finds a dusty space with empty shelves and a bunch of cats who’ve already moved in and made themselves at home. Freshly out of work and returning to a place she’d stepped away from for years, Amane slowly finds comfort in these furry new friends. As she gets to know the people around town, she starts to reconnect with her love for books, her hometown, and even parts of herself. She sets her heart on reopening the shop, but it’s not going to be easy; maybe these cats knew how. I’ve always loved how Japanese stories often feel so peaceful and healing, and this one hits just right. The plot is straightforward and moves at a nice, steady pace. This isn’t a book you’ll race through, but one you’ll want to take your time with and enjoy over a few sittings. Even with a simple s...

  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) Published: July 28, 2026 by Kensington Publishing The story focuses on Ella Rendale and Justice Beathach, who come from powerful rival families, the kind loaded with old grudges, high stakes, and all the tense drama you’d find in mafia-style circles. Ella’s father left her his company, only for her stepmother to take it away. But this is no ordinary Cinderella story; Ella is sharp, tech-gifted, furious, and fueled by pure vengeance. And Justice, he has every reason to hold a grudge, seeing as Ella nearly killed his brother. I went into this book expecting an action-driven Cinderella retelling, and Ella absolutely brings that bold, take-charge energy I was hoping for. That said, the story leans heavily into the intense attraction between the two leads; so much so that it often takes center stage. It’s instant and fiery, which at times felt like it left less room for everything else. This is the third book in the Grimm Bargains series...

  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)  Published: July 28, 2026 by Cranthorpe Millner Publishers Trigger Warnings: Self-harm, domestic abuse, attempted suicide, body dysmorphia, depression, anxiety, and anxiety attacks Tilly’s marriage has ended, and it triggers her low sense of self-worth. With nowhere else to go, she finds herself staying with the one person she never expected to turn to: her childhood nemesis. Connor Wilson, her best friend’s older brother, has always had a way of getting under Tilly’s skin. But as she struggles with anxiety, body image, and the heavy feeling of never being enough, he slowly becomes the one person who truly understands her. What began as teasing and sharp words grows into quiet, late-night conversations, and maybe more. This book did more than tell a story. It broke my heart and healed it too. Long after I finished reading, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences and how I navigate life’s harder moments. Rhi Steele wri...

  Genre: Horror, Mystery, YA Fiction Published: June 28, 2026 by The Book Guild Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Set in 1952, the Winston family are all back at Timerton Rectory for great-aunt Geraldine’s funeral and will reading. For widower Professor Winston and his two daughters Margaret and Clara, this place is full of hard memories. They’re still hurting from losing their mum and grandparents in the Blitz. The girls are curious kids craving a bit of adventure, and things get interesting when they find out Geraldine had a twin sister who vanished without a trace years ago. Then weird things start happening, there’s a ghostly presence hanging around, and they get pulled into all kinds of old secrets. They dig up clues linking to mysteries that have been swept under the rug for generations. First off, the setting is great, so dark and spooky; it really feels like Timerton is hiding something the whole time. I was hooked right from the start, wanting to know what really went on there. The chara...

  Genre: Horror, Thriller, YA Fiction Expected Publication: August 4, 2026 by Entangled Publishing  Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)  16-year-old Georgie is already annoyed enough when her influencer stepmother ships her and her brother Hamish off to some random wilderness reality show. Two weeks in the woods, no phones, constant cameras, and everyone there was basically forced to sign up, some for the money, some because their families didn’t know what else to do with their "troubled child". Then one morning the counselors are just gone. And something’s definitely out there in the dark, watching them, picking them off one by one. And the worst part? It’s not just hunting. It’s playing. This gives me a Hansel & Gretel meets Hunger Games vibe, set in the creepiest woods, and it works so well. It gets weird in the best way: supernatural spooky, tense, and you can tell how dangerous things are straight away. These kids are actually fighting to stay alive and figure out what is going ...