Lia Anshar's Honest Pages

  Title:  The Strange House (Manga) Vol. 1 by Uketsu, Kyo Ayano (Illustrator) Genre: Thriller, Mystery, Horror Published: August 6, 2024 Rating: 5.0 ⭐ Blurb: Based on the hit novel, this series follows a chilling mystery about a house designed for murder—which is now a live-action movie! I’ve always had a fascination with the occult; you might even call it my specialty. I’ve been brought in as a consultant on many supernatural and strange mysteries. But nothing could have prepared me for this house. It seemed so ordinary at first, except for that one room. It had no doors, no windows, and was tucked away, leaving anyone to think it was just a wall. I knew that there was something more to it. It shouldn’t be there, it shouldn’t exist, and yet… Just what is this house, and what dark secrets does it hold? This is the manga adaptation of Uketsu's novel, Strange Houses. As far as I know, the manga has 7 volumes. In Volume 1, the story focuses on the first strange house case, with n...

  Title: Unexpectedly Bookish by Elise Kennedy, Rachel Dane (Narrator), Grayson Owen (Narrator) Format: Audiobook Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: September 5, 2026 Rating: 4.5 ⭐ Thank you to the author, Elise Kennedy, and NetGalley for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. Reed and Pearl are total opposites. While Reed has golden retriever energy, Pearl has a dark vibe with piercings and tattoos. They can barely stand each other in person; unknowingly, they've been chatting online this whole time.  It’s such a fun, messy, perfect little setup, and I absolutely ate it up! Beyond being super entertaining, these characters really got to me. Both Reed and Pearl are figuring out who they are, what parts of themselves they’re scared to show, and that they don’t have to hide their messy sides to be loved. The autism and plus-sized representation is also well done. It just made them feel even more real and easy to relate to. And the audiobook, I totally loved it, j...

  Title: Breakaway Bet by Lisa Suzanne Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: October 22, 2026 Rating: 4.0 ⭐ Thank you to Valentine PR and the author, Lisa Suzanne, for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. I’d never read anything by Lisa Suzanne before, but as soon as I heard this one was a marriage of convenience romance, I was hooked right away! Apparently, it’s the final book in the series, so probably not the ideal place to start, but I’m honestly so glad I picked it up anyway and didn't have a problem following the story. This book was just really fun. I felt giddy all the time while reading it! Cash and Ivy were so cute together. The connection felt instant, but it grew into something so much deeper once they really got to know each other. I loved watching things go from that silly little bet to them actually falling so hard in love that the thought of losing each other completely messed with their heads.  Overall, such a lovely read. If you’re looking for ...

  Title: Laplace's Witch by Keigo Higashino Genre: Mystery, Japanese Literature Published: October 13, 2026 Rating: 4.0 ⭐ Thank you to Avocado House and NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. I didn’t expect this book to be so science-heavy! It’s built around Laplace’s Demon theory by Pierre-Simon de Laplace: if someone (the demon) knows the precise location and momentum of every particle in the universe, their past and future values for any given time are entailed and can be calculated from the laws of classical mechanics. In other words, the person can predict the future in a scientific way. So, basically, this is what this book is about. The story starts with a body found in a hot-spring town, dead from hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Geochemist Shusuke Aoe gets called in to look into it. Everyone writes it off as an accident, but something just doesn’t sit right. While he’s there, he meets a young woman looking for her missing friend, and she calls he...

  Title: Exit 8 by Genki Kawamura Genre: Horror, Thriller Published: April 16, 2026 Rating: 5.0 ⭐  Blurb: From the award-winning film director and New York Times bestselling author of If Cats Disappeared from the World, a surreal novelization of his hit film Exit 8, adapting the indie horror game of the same name. A path with no beginning, no end. A man with a life-changing decision to make finds himself trapped in a seemingly infinite corridor in a Tokyo subway station. Each time he passes through the sterile, quiet hallway, he discovers himself back at its beginning, walking past the same doors, the same posters, and disturbingly, the same people, as he did the previous time. He soon discovers that in order to reach the elusive "Exit 8", he must look more closely at his surroundings, and notice the tunnel's bizarre anomalies. Spot one, and he must turn back. Spot none, and he can proceed. Make it to eight, and he'll be free. Make a mistake, and he must st...

  Title: The Little Shop of Gentle Magics Genre: Fantasy, Romance Available: October 20, 2026 Rating: 3.75 ⭐ Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. The story is about Meg MacIntosh, who comes from a long line of kitchen witches, but she doesn’t seem to have the same magical abilities as the women around her. After her marriage falls apart, she moves to a tiny Scottish town and opens a cozy teashop. As she settles into her new life, she meets Arthur, a man who sees her like no one else, and suddenly everything changes. One day, Meg’s magic finally awakens in ways no one expected.  I picked up this book expecting a cozy, witchy fantasy, but apparently, it’s more of a romance. The romance develops pretty quickly, and there are some unexpected moments that had me thinking, “Are you sure about this?”  But above all, I enjoyed the chemistry between Meg and Arthur. There’s also a found family aspect to the story, which ...

  Title: Conveniently in Bloom Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: Audiobook Published: August 17, 2026 Rating: 5.0 ⭐ Thank you to Elise Kennedy for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. Lily Parker has no intention of staying in Fairwick Falls for long. She’s already planning to leave town when an accident puts her in physical therapy plus she somehow forgot to get health insurance, so she ends up moving in with her longtime crush, Nash Donnelly. Meanwhile, Nash has his own problem. He needs a wife to keep his position as the bank president and stop his brother from using an old family bylaw to take control of the bank. Apparently, the solution to both their problems is getting married.  I really enjoyed Lily and Nash together. Nash is such a great hero. He's sweet, dependable, and absolutely gone for Lily, while Lily is lively and free-spirited. On the outside, they have opposite personalities, but they work so well together. There’s a lot of silly banter and als...

  Title: Mistletoe All the Way by Lauren Blakely Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: October 6, 2026 Rating: 4.5 ⭐ Thank you to Atria Books and Lauren Blakely for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. Noah is a veterinarian who isn’t exactly a fan of Christmas, but when his grandfather decides to retire and leave the family farm to either Noah or his cousin, Stephen, Noah has no choice but to play along. Enter Eloise, a sunshine and Christmas lover, who is determined to make Noah the next Mr. Holiday and hopefully give her career a boost in the process.  The romance is cute, and while the story definitely embraces the cheesy Christmas love story, I think that’s exactly what makes it fun. I really enjoyed the contrast between Noah and Eloise. Eloise is full of energy, optimism, and Christmas spirit, while Noah is much quieter and a bit grumpy. This opposite personality makes their banter so much fun!  The story also has plenty going on besides the romance. ...

  Title: Mrs. Levengood's Corner Bakery by Corinne Fox Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: October 1, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)  Thank you to the author, Corinne Fox, for this gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed how easy it was to get into this book. It’s one of those books that pulls you in without making you work too hard to understand what’s going on. I had spent hours completely immersed in Charlie’s story.  Charlie has pretty much given up on love after losing several people close to her. She’s convinced that the women in her family are cursed to lose the men they love, so romance is definitely not something she wants to dive into. Until Hank, her childhood best friend and almost-first love, comes back into her life after fifteen years.  Then a terrible accident happens and makes the “curse” feel all too real, leaving her to choose between keeping Hank safe or finally risking her heart to find out the truth about whether love was ever...

  Title: The Tea Shop at the Edge of the Wood Format: Audiobook Genre: Fantasy, Adult Fiction Published: September 21, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Thank you to Tourmaline & Quartz Publishing and NetGalley for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. In this story, we have Galantina, who lives in her cute cottage at the edge of the woods, gathering herbs, making all kinds of lovely tea blends, basically living a peaceful life. Until one day, a mysterious girl shows up out of nowhere, and suddenly her cottage starts acting "weird", magically weird. And as if that’s not enough, the Duchess needs her to make the perfect tea blend for an important festival. Can she pull it off?  This story feels like a Ghibli movie: warm, gentle, so cozy, with magic surrounding it. There’s a hint of trouble here and there, but so subtle, and that’s exactly why it’s so nice. If you're looking for high-stakes adventure, this is not it. The magic is soft and sweet, not super complicated,...

  Title: Not on the Same Page by Allie Sambert Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: August 18, 2026 by Page & Vine Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)  Thank you to Page & Vine and NetGalley for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. Trina and Casey couldn’t be more different, but somehow, they were exactly what each other needed. They started with a no-strings arrangement, convinced they could keep their feelings out of it. Of course, things don’t quite go according to plan. After spending a year trying to avoid each other, they’re forced to work together again, and all those feelings they tried to bury quickly come back.  I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop. They both tried so hard to resist turning their connection into something real, but little by little, they became the person each other needs. Seeing them finally let each other in was honestly one of my favorite parts of the book. Another favorite part is the setting. I love how the story i...

  Title: The Unfluencer by Mia Heintzelman Format: Audiobook Narrator: A.M. Elizabeth Kay, Sean Crisden Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: September 8, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)  Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this gifted ALC in exchange for an honest review. The Unfluencer by Mia Heintzelman is such a lovely story, and the audiobook experience made it even better! The story follows Whitney Graves, who’s built the most respected gallery in town and isn’t about to let anything, especially not a relationship, get in the way of her dreams. She’s chasing this incredible, one of a kind art collection to really cement her legacy, and that’s exactly how she crosses paths with Warner Easton: the tall, mysterious, billionaire widower who holds all the cards. He’s still putting his life back together after losing his wife, and letting go of her art feels like a big, brave step toward starting over. So when Whitney’s gallery brochure lands in his hands, it truly f...

  Title: Holding Ground by Piper Rayne  Genre: Contemporary Romance Published: September 10, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Thank you to Hambright PR for this gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. Emelia comes to Echo Lake hoping to get the town council’s approval for her expansion project. Elliott, a single dad and summer camp owner, isn’t thrilled. He loves the town just the way it is. But when Emelia ends up renting a bunkie on his property, they’re forced to see each other every day. As they get to know each other, they slowly realize they may have been wrong about one another.  This story flows so well and has all those cozy vibes I’m always craving in a small-town romance. The romance feels natural, and the chemistry is totally there, but what stands out most is how it handles heavier themes. It adds such a nice layer to the story that makes it feel more meaningful.  Baylor, Elliott’s daughter, is absolutely adorable. Her bond with Emelia is such a swee...

  Title: Confessions by Kanae Minato Genre: Psychological Thriller Published: August 19, 2014 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Synopsis: Her pupils killed her daughter. Now, she will have her revenge. After calling off her engagement in wake of a tragic revelation, Yuko Moriguchi had nothing to live for except her only child, four-year-old Manami. Now, following an accident on the grounds of the middle school where she teaches, Yuko has given up and tendered her resignation. But first she has one last lecture to deliver. She tells a story that upends everything her students ever thought they knew about two of their peers, and sets in motion a maniacal plot for revenge. Narrated in alternating voices, with twists you'll never see coming, Confessions explores the limits of punishment, despair, and tragic love, culminating in a harrowing confrontation between teacher and student that will place the occupants of an entire school in danger. You'll never look at a classroom the same way aga...

Title: Code Violation by Ruth Stilling Genre: Contemporary Romance Format: eBook & Audiobook Expected: September 17, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) Thank you to Hambright PR for this gifted ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. Code Violation is such a fun and sweet hockey romance that you can totally enjoy as a standalone even though it’s book two in the series. We follow Silas, captain of the Seattle Rogues. He’s loyal, tough, and has been hiding his feelings for his brother’s girlfriend, Vesper. He promised his late mother he’d always look out for his brother Kane, but Kane is far from a good guy. He’s toxic, abusive, and doesn't deserve Vesper at all. Vesper is the kind of girl who’s always had to fend for herself. She works at a bar, lives paycheck to paycheck, and is finally finding the courage to walk away from a bad relationship. Silas can’t help but show up for her, slowly building a connection that starts with hanging out, pizza, and movies, pretending t...

  Title: I Hate Nothing About You by Ella Sparkle  Genre: Romance, Adult Fiction Expected: September 8, 2026 Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Thank you to Hawthorn & Aster for this gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review. In I Hate Nothing About You, we meet Cassie, a real estate agent who’s starting therapy because she's carrying a heavy fear: everyone who loves her will eventually leave. That hurt got way worse when her ex Finn left for Australia and never came back. To protect herself, she sticks to one strict rule: only two dates, no commitment, and definitely no “love” word. But then comes Mike: handsome, charming, and such a sweet “boy next door” type. He’s not her usual type, but she can’t help liking him anyway. Cassie finds it so hard to open up because love has always meant pain for her. In this story, we get to see her work through all that trauma and insecurity through her therapy talks, and it feels really real. Mike is such a great guy. Kind, respectful, and totally ...

  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: 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...