We all have our quirks when it comes to books. Some readers love a steamy romance, others crave a gritty dystopian world where everyone’s doomed by chapter three. Me? I read for joy, for escape, and for the thrill of a twisty plot or a heartwarming slow burn.
In this post, I’m breaking down the kinds of stories that instantly grab my attention—and the ones that make me back away slowly (or close the book dramatically mid-sentence). Think of it as a peek into my TBR personality: equal parts cozy, curious, and caffeine-fueled.
So whether you’re looking for reading recs or just want to know if we vibe as book besties, here’s where I stand on all things bookish. Grab your favorite mug and settle in—because I’ve got opinions, and they’re best served with caffeine.
Yes, Please!
Clever Mysteries & Quirky Detectives
If there’s a crime to solve and a character with sass and sarcasm (looking at you, Stephanie Plum), I’m all in. Bonus points for books that blend humor and suspense like Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone.
Dystopian With Purpose
While I don’t do dark for the sake of dark, I do love a well-written dystopian world with meaning (Hunger Games, Fahrenheit 451, Divergent). If the rebellion comes with emotional depth and moral dilemmas, I’ll devour it.
Magic With Boundaries
I love magical stories like Harry Potter and The Book of Doors—as long as the magic feels story-driven and not tied to realistic occult vibes. Whimsy? Yes. Witchy rituals? I’ll pass.
Classic & Thought-Provoking Literature
I’m a sucker for rich storytelling that makes me think (Fahrenheit 451, Edgar Allan Poe). If the writing sticks with me after I close the book, it’s a keeper.
Wholesome & Heartfelt Coming-of-Age
Anne of Green Gables is my forever comfort read. I’m always here for coming-of-age stories filled with charm, adventure, and characters that feel like old friends.
No, Thank You!
High-Spice or Graphic Romance
We’re keeping it PG around here. Closed-door, please and thank you.
Excessively Grim or Hopeless Stories
While I love a good dystopian world with purpose, I skip anything that’s just suffering on repeat. I need a glimmer of hope—or at least a solid plot twist.
Romanticizing Toxic Relationships
Drama is fine. Emotional manipulation dressed up as love? Nope.
Realistic Witchcraft or Occult Themes
I’ll take my magic with a side of whimsy, not a user manual for casting spells.
Excessive Cussing or Disrespectful Language
Strong language can make a point—but when every paragraph reads like a bleeped-out reality show, I’m out. I also steer clear of books that use God’s name carelessly. Respect in writing matters to me.
Next Book, Please!
For authors, publicists, and publishers interested in a coffee-fueled book review
Thank you for considering Bookish by the Cup for your book! I’m always open to discovering new stories—but I do review selectively and with intention. If you think your book is a good match for me, feel free to reach out!
Review Format:
If I accept your book, here’s what you can expect:
- An honest review posted on my blog, Goodreads, and Instagram (@bookishbythecup)
- A casual, coffee-themed tone with both critique and charm
- Disclosure that the book was received for review
- Typical turnaround time: 4–6 weeks (sooner if possible)
Review Transparency:
If a book receives a 2-star rating or below (please review my rating post to get a feel for how I rate books), I will not publish the review publicly.
Instead, I will send a private message to the author or publicist with my honest thoughts and reasoning. What doesn’t work for me might still be the perfect cup of tea for someone else—reading is subjective, and I want to give every book the grace of that truth.
I reserve the right to decline books that don’t align with my preferences or capacity. I may also DNF if the content crosses personal boundaries—but I’ll always communicate that respectfully.
Thank you for your interest, and I look forward to discovering stories worth sipping over.
How to Submit:
Please submit a contact form below with the following:
- Book title, synopsis, trigger warnings, and genre
- Format offered (print preferred; digital copies compatible with Kindle or Apple Books accepted)
- Audiobooks are welcome—I use Audible, Apple Books, Google Play Books, and Chirp
- Any deadlines or timelines
- Why you think it’s a good fit for Bookish by the Cup
Quotes & Content Use Policy
I love when something I’ve written resonates with readers, authors, or publishers. If you’d like to use a quote from one of my reviews, you’re absolutely welcome to do so—as long as you give proper credit. Please include my name (Rhea Kelley) and my blog name (Bookish by the Cup) wherever the quote appears.
That said, here’s where I draw the line:
🚫 Do not copy and paste my entire review or blog post to your website, newsletter, or promotional material—even with credit.
🚫 Do not slightly reword my content and present it as your own.
🚫 Do not assume giving me a mention makes it fair game to republish my work in full. It doesn’t.
✅ Do feel free to include a short quote with attribution and link directly to the original blog post.
✅ Do reach out if you’d like permission to use more than a snippet or want to collaborate in a way that respects content boundaries.
I put a lot of time, thought, and cold brew into what I create here. Please respect that—and if in doubt, just ask. I’m more than happy to work something out the right way.
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