Crystal Clear Books

15/12/2025

Fireball! 😂🤣

05/12/2025

Valid.

25/09/2025

TLDR of all those classic novels your English Teacher wanted you to read in high school:

19/09/2025

CHANGES in HOLDS and DELIVER LATER: Libby has made updates in how deliver later works for your holds. You might notice the change being implemented now. Read further to find out about how HOLDS work and how you can use it better. https://bit.ly/46cXAqi

12/09/2025

Me: ignoring fantasy plot holes since 2010 😂

12/09/2025

A WHITE KOBO CLARA COLOUR. I repeat: WHITE. But only Kobo Canada. I have never ordered anything through BuyAndShip, but this might make me use it for the first time. WHHHHHAAAAAAT.

28/07/2025

New Kindle Colorsoft Kids Edition and a cheaper 16gb Kindle Colorsoft is apparently available! Amazon did a quiet release of this edition.

What do you get with a Kindle Colorsoft that is $30 cheaper?

From 32 gig to 16 gig
No wireless charging
No auto brightness adjustment

Would you pay the extra $30 for the Signature features or is the discount worth the reduced features?

Bringing color to the whole family with two new Kindle Colorsoft devices—available today.

19/07/2025

How I Got Over My Reading Slump:
I broke my golden rule of "Never-Read-An-Unfinished-Series" at the start of 2025 and plummeted into a five-month reading slump that has resulted in my Kindle being uncharged for months, only ever going from 98% to 85%. A record for my Paperwhite 4s aging battery. Everything I have attempted to read has been DNF'd before the fifth chapter.

A few weeks ago, I came across Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being In Love aka to all fanfic lovers out there.

Now, if you need to know anything about me, it is these things:
1. I am a snob (✌😅) and never read fanfiction after years spent devouring Wattpad before the content got good; think circa 2008-2009. I am a dinosaur, yes. I was there when Wattpad was brand-spanking-new in 2006 and it was slim pickings. Trauma has given me a preference for well-edited books for cohesiveness and zero wastage of time because I am old and only have a finite amount of time left on this earth.
2. My OCD manifests in adhering to the Golden Rule of Never Read An Unfinished Series. Every time I have broken this rule, I end up loving characters that I have to wait for and it drives me straight into a reading slump that lasts months. Also, George RR Martin has scarred me for life because Winds of Winter, George Goddamit Don't Die Old Man. It also manifests in unreasonable rage over badly written fanfic of well-beloved and already concluded books.

So Dramione fanfiction? The first instinct is to swipe left and move on, do not touch with a six-foot pole for fear of triggering OCD-induced rage and ranting.

But it got me thinking instead: why are there so many? To the point of these fanfics getting a cult following of their own, an actual book of their own? Might I be missing something?

I am aware of fanfiction. It is not always my cup of tea but is definitely a worthwhile idea, especially if you, like me, become rabidly obsessed with books with vague endings and loose ends. It is wish fulfillment for unsatisfying book cannon. But I was okay with the ending of Harry Potter and happy when JKR gave a minute glimpse into what adult life is like for Harry, Ron, and Hermione.

Upon more muni-muni though, being an adult myself, I can totally understand why Dramione fanfiction is a thing. Most of us who read the books as little girls want to see the Wizarding World from Hermione's POV. How tempting it is to imagine her as an adult woman: smart, beloved, infamous, magical. What was her journey into womanhood like? And you gotta admit that half of us were in love with Draco the first moment his blonde head appeared in Sorcerer's Stone. Book Draco was also good imagination fodder: handsome, rich, tortured past, morally ambiguous, probably grew up into bad-boy-prince-not-so-charming. The what-ifs are endless and intriguing.

So it is with this intrigue that I read Manacled, because you will never see a Dramione or Harry Potter fanfic conversation that does not include it. And maybe, just maybe, these women must be onto something. Besides, I had nothing to lose. My reading slump was severe and I had resorted to reading self-help books of all things. Why not read a fanfic that is rated as "good" by general consensus?

So I did. I will not spoil it for you, but it had the vibe of The Deathly Hallows movies if it was told from the Death Eaters' POV sprinkled with a bit of Handmaid's Tale and coated with a thin slime of sexual abuse, violence and repressed emotions. Good premise. Storytelling method is nice and plot is thought-out. Ending is satisfying but melancholy. Happy Ever After with a dollop of Bitrex. 🌟🌟🌟 out of five because of pacing.

But Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being In Love has the sole honor of pulling me out of the chasm of my reading slump. It checks all my boxes for reading anything romance or romance-adjacent:
✅ BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN: written in a way that believes in the reader's intelligence. Chemistry is SHOWN on page. The author never writes "They were so good for each other" or "He was so funny" but instead shows the reader what that was like in plot, dialogue, action and energy. You could feel the British-ness and dry humour with every word. The vibes were immaculate.
✅ Happily Ever After: I know reality is not always HEA and romance books with "realistic endings" are edgy and whatnot, but I AM NOT HERE TO READ REALISTIC BOOKS. If I wanted that, I would just go on Facebook and read the multitude of caught-cheating-at-a-Coldplay-concert posts in real life because that's more interesting and the comments are funnier than most books could ever hope to be.
✅ Funny and fun book. Easy to read. Pacing is good. Spice was the right amount, SLOW BURN is KING for me. Overall very happy about the whole experience.
🌟🌟🌟🌟 out of five

Imagine my happiness to find out that this same author now has an actual book: The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy. They say it is not a transposition of DMATMOOBIL, but I want something else anyway. I am here for the way this author, Brigitte Knightley, weaves words and makes the pages burn.

It is on Libby. The waitlist is long. But now I have it. Wish me luck because this book is part of a duology and is unfinished and may actually put me in another reading slump. But isn't that how it usually goes?

XOXO Crissel

12/07/2025

Thank you for your service Sarah! 😁

03/07/2025

Rich People Problems, but make it murdery, mysterious, thrilling or all of the above. Here are a few featured Libby titles if you are looking for your next murder mystery read:

1. The Heiresses by Sara Shepard
The Heiresses follows the lives of the wealthy and powerful Saybrook sisters, who, after one of them dies under mysterious circumstances, begin to unravel family secrets. As the story unfolds, the sisters are forced to confront their complicated pasts and a killer who may be closer than they think.

Why It's Interesting: The Heiresses offers a thrilling combination of family drama, mystery, and high-society intrigue. Its twists and turns keep readers guessing about who's guilty and who can be trusted in the glamorous world of the rich.
Who Would Like It: Fans of Sara Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars series or readers who enjoy mysteries with family secrets and high-stakes tension will love this book.

Notable: While The Heiresses didn’t win major awards, it received positive reviews for its engaging plot and complex characters.
Spice Rating: Minimal; there's some romance, but it's not the focus of the story.
Trigger Warnings: Death, deception, family secrets, and manipulation.

2. The Beach at Summerly by Beatriz Williams
A historical thriller set in the 1940s, The Beach at Summerly tells the story of two women—a Hollywood starlet and a war correspondent—whose fates intertwine when a tragedy strikes a beachfront estate. As secrets are uncovered, both women must confront their darkest fears.

Why It's Interesting: The blend of historical fiction with a gripping mystery makes this book a page-turner. Williams’ vivid descriptions and strong, complex characters bring the story to life.

Who Would Like It: Fans of historical fiction with a strong mystery element will appreciate this novel. It’s perfect for those who enjoy suspenseful narratives with a touch of glamour.

Notable: Beatriz Williams is an accomplished author, though this book has not won major awards.

Spice Rating: Low to moderate; there are some romantic elements but no explicit scenes.

Trigger Warnings: War, loss, emotional trauma, and betrayal.

3. The Family Game by Catherine Steadman
When a woman marries into an old-money family, she soon discovers that their “games” are more dangerous than she imagined. Secrets, lies, and betrayal surface as the family’s dark past threatens to destroy everyone in its path.

Why It's Interesting: With its mix of dark humor, suspense, and psychological thrills, The Family Game is an addictive read that’s hard to put down. Steadman excels in weaving a compelling narrative full of twists and shocking revelations.

Who Would Like It: Fans of psychological thrillers and twisty plots will enjoy this book, especially those who loved Steadman’s Something in the Water.

Notable: It has received positive reviews for its suspenseful writing and well-crafted characters, though it hasn't garnered major awards.

Spice Rating: Moderate; there are some sensual moments, but it’s not overly explicit.

Trigger Warnings: Psychological manipulation, betrayal, and family conflict.

4. Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
In this taut psychological thriller, a young woman enters an elite society where secrets are currency and betrayal is inevitable. She soon realizes that no one is as they seem and must navigate a dangerous world of lies, manipulation, and deceit.

Why It's Interesting: The gripping atmosphere of exclusivity, combined with sharp prose and psychological depth, makes this novel stand out. The pacing is intense, and every chapter holds a new twist that keeps readers hooked.

Who Would Like It: Perfect for readers who love thrillers about secret societies, mystery, and deception, similar to books like The Secret History by Donna Tartt.

Notable: The book has been praised for its strong character development and dark, suspenseful tone.

Spice Rating: Low to moderate; there are some sensual themes but minimal explicit content.

Trigger Warnings: Deception, manipulation, and psychological abuse.

5. One Perfect Couple by Ruth Ware
When a wealthy couple is found murdered at their luxurious vacation home, a group of friends must confront their dark secrets to uncover the truth. The investigation reveals the complexities of their relationships and their hidden pasts.

Why It's Interesting: Ruth Ware is known for her atmospheric settings and intriguing plots, and One Perfect Couple is no different. The unraveling mystery and interpersonal drama are brilliantly executed.

Who Would Like It: Fans of The Woman in Cabin 10 and The Death of Mrs. Westaway will love this psychological thriller, full of tension and suspense.

Notable: Ruth Ware is a New York Times bestselling author and has garnered numerous awards for her previous works.

Spice Rating: Low; while there are some romantic undertones, the book focuses more on the psychological drama.

Trigger Warnings: Murder, betrayal, and lies.

6. The Next Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
In this psychological thriller, a woman who has been obsessively pursuing a wealthy man finally gets the chance to marry him. But when the previous wife’s death becomes suspicious, the new wife starts to uncover unsettling truths that may threaten her perfect life.

Why It's Interesting: The dark, obsessive nature of the relationships in The Next Mrs. Parrish keeps the suspense high, with unexpected twists and revelations.

Who Would Like It: Fans of psychological thrillers with femme fatale elements and complex, morally grey characters will enjoy this one.

Notable: The book has been well-received for its engaging plot and shocking twists.

Spice Rating: Moderate; there are a few steamy moments, but the focus is more on psychological tension.

Trigger Warnings: Manipulation, obsession, and death.

7. Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum
A group of friends at a summer retreat find their idyllic vacation marred by jealousy, lies, and betrayal. What begins as a relaxing getaway turns into a tense thriller as their darkest secrets come to light.

Why It's Interesting: Rosenblum masterfully builds tension as the seemingly perfect summer slowly unravels. The book explores friendship, greed, and the consequences of living in the shadow of others.

Who Would Like It: Those who enjoy character-driven mysteries and psychological thrillers will love this one, especially fans of books like Big Little Lies.

Notable: It’s been praised for its sharp writing and gripping character dynamics.
Spice Rating: Moderate; there are sexual undertones and some explicit content.

Trigger Warnings: Infidelity, betrayal, and toxic relationships.

8. The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
A group of friends gathers for a weekend at a remote manor, but when one of them dies, their weekend getaway turns into a murder investigation. Tension builds as the secrets of each person are slowly revealed.

Why It's Interesting: Foley’s ability to create suspense with her atmospheric settings and multi-perspective storytelling makes The Midnight Feast a compelling read. The setting and the dynamic between the characters add layers of intrigue.

Who Would Like It: Fans of locked-room mysteries and multi-perspective narratives will be drawn to this one.

Notable: Lucy Foley is known for her bestsellers, including The Guest List, and this book continues her reputation for gripping thrillers.

Spice Rating: Low to moderate; there are some romantic moments, but they are not central to the plot

Trigger Warnings: Murder, deception, and emotional tension.

9. One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose
A dark and twisted story about the residents of a posh neighborhood, One of Us Is Dead follows a group of women whose lives spiral out of control after one of them is found dead. With lies, betrayals, and simmering resentments, no one is above suspicion.

Why It's Interesting: Jeneva Rose excels at creating morally ambiguous characters and building suspense. The book’s shocking twists and social commentary make it an addictive read.

Who Would Like It: Readers who enjoy dark thrillers and books about complex female friendships and rivalries will be drawn to this one.

Notable: It has gained attention for its engrossing plot and vivid character work.

Spice Rating: Moderate; the book includes some explicit content.

Trigger Warnings: Violence, death

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30/05/2025

Every time someone asks me why I have a Kindle, the answer is always this: so people don’t know what I’m reading based off of the cover.

Oh, and also because of adjustable fonts because my vision is not visioning anymore 😂