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Ellie Lieberman @ellielieberman.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Some of the indie books I read in January & their reviews... Monster Realm Short Story Collection by @joharraharper.bsky.social The Knight Saves the Dragon by @bookspotlight.bsky.social Undergrounder by @jaeeglass.bsky.social Lady of the Forge by Girl God Books (@tristahendren.bsky.social)

5 star review of Monster Realm Short Stories by Joharra Harper

* Adoption: very sweet short story, featuring an adorable couple and an adorable baby you can't help but love.

*Eric's Story: Exciting to learn more lore about the different monsters and very interesting to learn about some of the early years of the Monster Realm and some of the challenges Astoria had to overcome with all these different factions coming together. Eric's family story is a tragic one, with Romeo and Juliet vibes, with great messages about letting people love who they love and self-love. I absolutely LOVED the ending, too!

* Proposal: So great to learn about some of the traditions, as well as more of Isabella and Jeremy's relationships! Another very sweet one!

* Meeting the Parents: This was one I was really excited for!!! Really fun to see both Roxanne's family with such a reminder of her growth as a character from the very start of the series, and Callista interacting with modern technology! Important conversations with Harper's signature healthy communication and powerful speeches Roxanne delivers with topics that range from making her own choices, confronting prejudice, and coming out.

* Wedding: The wedding story all the fans of this series needed!!! The found family in this is just chef kiss!!!

* Kami heritage: Cool magic, a forbidden romance, a daughter learning about her parents, betrayal, redemption, & so much heart break!

* Elena & Matteo: Elenao & Matteo are fun characters! Another cozy look at some slice of life! Love their relationship, especially the "you are my other whole." And it was great getting to see another character from the main trilogy!

* First Love: I really enjoy the way these short stories show more about the characters we've come to love in the main trilogy! Reign is a favorite character of mine, so this story is, of course, a quick favorite, as well! More cool monster lore and lore about the Realm, too! And I am totally here for the Reign and Hazel ship…

5 star review of The Knight Saves the Dragon by Rebecca Crunden

Fun twist on a fairy tale about knights, dragons, princesses, & kings. Particularly enjoy the 2nd POV & the banter between the knight and the dragon! Another Rebecca Crunden classic short story!

5 star review of Undergrounder by J.E. Glass

Cannot begin to describe just how much I absolutely love the writing in this, or the characters!!! And the pop culture references are a lot of fun! Interspersing that with what was going on politically/ socially/ culturally following 9/11 really roots you in the New York setting.

Always a fan of a slow-burn friends to lovers and this is top-notch, including superb banter and yearning! Plus, sapphic Beauty and the Beast!!! Alongside the romance are the crime and mystery elements!

While I'm glad we got answers to those burning questions strung throughout the narrative, that cliffhanger, though, might just kill me!!! I need the next book like yesterday!!!

5 star review of Lady of the Forge by Girl God Books

It feels so right to start the year off with Brigid! Not only has this book found me at the right time, but I really appreciated many of the writings! Great array of poetry, essays, and art!

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Jae E Glass @jaeeglass.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

I'm absolutely flattered and gushing all over the place. Thank you so much for reading, enjoying, and reviewing my work =) I swear, swear, SWEAR the next two books are in the pipeline....life just got way too wild for a few years there.

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Ellie Lieberman @ellielieberman.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

Totally understand that! And the next books will be well worth the wait!

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