The Arun Nixes Series by Ali Williams

Book One - Nix and Tell

I recently finished this short, spicy sapphic paranormal romance set in the super cute and intriguing Godstouched Universe, and honestly? I had a good time. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a quick read that’s sweet, sexy, and sprinkled with divine drama and delicious kink.

Meet Chlo — a nix (water demon) who’s basically a talented tailor but is also like, firmly not into water or her river, odd? yes. She’s living that quiet life working her craft in a cozy British town, basically avoiding her true nature. Enter Violet, her super bubbly best friend, a witch who runs a crystal and healing shop next door, Spellbound. Sparks fly from the jump, but with a goddess meddling from above (because of course she does), suddenly the universe is pushing Chlo to explore love and drown her in it—literally.

I loved how this book just pops with charm and a strong sense of cozy worldbuilding. The magic feels natural, and the divine politics add some nice tension without making it overwhelming. Plus, the town festival vibe? Loved all the small-town feels. Williams truly does a good job balancing romance, magic, and divine shenanigans without overloading you.

And the chemistry? Chef’s kiss. Chlo and Violet’s connection is just so good. The spice is there but it’s also really tender — you can tell they genuinely care about each other. I really appreciated how clear and thoughtful their boundaries were, especially with how some of the sex scenes include kink (rope play, fisting, etc.), and it’s done with care and respect. Also, the characters’ dynamics—like a service top with a submissive streak and a bossy domme—are chef’s kiss again, super diverse and refreshing.

Now, full transparency: since this is a novella, it’s kinda on the shorter side, which means some of the inner struggles and world-expanding stuff feel like they could’ve been fleshed out a bit more. But honestly? That didn’t ruin my enjoyment. The prose is simple and clean—maybe a little too sparse at times—but it’s enough to keep you hooked. The scenes, especially in the water, could’ve been more detailed, but they hit the right emotional beats for what this story aims to be.

So if you’re after a quick, fun, and totally smokin’ sapphic read with divine vibes and a sprinkle of magic, I’d say go for it. It’s a feel-good, sexy palate cleanser, and I’m excited to see what Williams does with the other couples in this series.

TL;DR: Cute town, divine matchmaking, sizzling chemistry, and a ton of queer magic. Would totally recommend for a little escape and some spicy feels. Can’t wait for what’s next!

Book Two - Never Nix Up

This story focuses on Hazel, a sweet artist who’s caught between her love for creating and her role as a Nix, a river demon, and an acolyte under the goddess Trisantona’s watch. Hazel’s got a lot on her plate—nightmares, constant pressure from her family, and the silent ache of forbidden love for Finn, a vegan baker who owns one of the local shops. Finn is all about helping Hazel forget her stress—whether that’s with sensory deprivation or just a good old-fashioned pastry binge. And honestly? Their chemistry is so palpable. You can feel the tension and the sparks flying, even when they’re just talking about boundaries and limits.

Williams really steps up her worldbuilding here, adding new layers to the Godstouched Universe — more magic, more politics, more of the divine interference we loved in book one. It’s great to see characters from the first book pop up, plus new faces and fresh stakes. We also get to see Hazel’s family making things more complicated, since they’re involved in some darker, more dangerous stuff connected to Finn’s town and friends.

And speaking of spice, oh my God, this book goes there—in the best way. The chemistry between Hazel and Finn is sizzling, with plenty of kink, body paint, and consent discussions that felt mature and respectful. It’s refreshing to see a book that highlights boundaries, limits, and the importance of communication. There’s also more representation here—plus size characters, more masc/femme dynamics, autism with sensory issues, and a sweet, genuine handling of queer identity.

Overall, Never Nix Up is a fabulous mix of forbidden love, divine meddling, and genuinely good storytelling. If you loved the first book, or just want a sapphic fae romance with emotional depth, spice, and higher stakes, this one’s definitely for you. Can’t wait for what’s next in the series—bring on more Hazel and Finn!

Book Three - Don’t Give a Nix

I really enjoyed Don’t Give a Nix, the third novella in the Arun Nixes series—it’s probably my fave so far! Kit, a plus-size butch pub owner, just wants an easy, normal life, but divine interference and her own past threaten to shake things up. Her slow-burn romance with Johnny, the rugged mortal mechanic, feels authentic and sweet, with plenty of meaningful moments.

This story adds more weight with Johnny’s death and Kit’s family’s involvement, giving the plot some real stakes. I loved the strong queer representation—Kit’s body and gender expression are celebrated—and the bedroom scenes challenging gender stereotypes, making for a really fresh, respectful, and sexy dynamic.

Perfect for quick, cozy reads packed with magic, drama, and sapphic love. While it’s best enjoyed after the first two books, it works wonderfully as a standalone. Can’t wait to see where Ali Williams takes this series next!

When do you DNF? Do you push through discomfort in a book when it’s a good book? Does it depend on the identity of the MCs? I can push through discomfort when it’s not my own identity, because that discomfort is there for a reason. I can learn from it, unlearn. But when “the call is coming from inside the house” it’s almost always a hard pass for me.

I recently DNF'd a book at about 50%. Completely out of nowhere, I just had to put it down. The reason? One of the FMCs straight-up lied to her mom about being bi.

Honestly, I was vibing so hard with the secondary plot line—like, it was really doing the heavy lifting, honestly. An Armenian woman who is reconnecting with her culture and connecting with other Armenians her age. FMC one was out, had her family and friends’ support, and was just living authentically. Meanwhile, FMC two wasn’t out because she didn’t feel confident her family would accept her (even thought spends a good portion of the part I read talking about how she thinks her mom would be accepting. Oh and the two FMCs met at a cultural event because they are from the same community.

What really broke me was how FMC two’s story was affecting me emotionally. I’m talking chest pain—like, reading about someone denying who they are just sent my body into trauma mode. I get it — queerness isn’t always safe, and some people have to hide or lie to stay protected. I did that for almost 20 years, so I know the drill. But at this point in my journey, I just can’t handle reading about someone hiding their authentic self, especially from the person who should be their biggest supporter.

What hurt even more was the fact that FMC two didn’t give her the benefit of the doubt. She believed her mom would be accepting—before she was caught kissing FMC two in a photobooth at a gala, and then she somehow puts the blame on the other FMC. Like, that’s not what I want to be reading about, you know? It’s not just about personal safety; it’s about trust, love, and the foundational support everyone deserves.

And in today’s political climate, it’s even more raw. We are witnessing a full-on genocide against queer and trans folks in this country—literally trying to erase us. Just reading about queer trauma in a fictional story felt like too much when real lives are at risk every single day.

So yeah, I had to hit pause on that book. It was just too triggering, too real. I needed a mental health break. Honestly, books are supposed to be a safe space, and sometimes, that means knowing when to step back. If you’re in the place emotionally to read this kind of stuff, I really loved the books up until that point, and it’s a romance so I know it will end with an HEA, but I just can’t read the kind of stuff that hurts right now.

Tell me in the comment section, besides problematic or harmful content, what usually makes you DNF a book if you like it and hit the 10% or more mark, because if I'm going to DNF a book I always know within the first chapter or two that it isn't form, or it becomes a NRN (not right now) because I'm not in the mood.

The shortest read of the month has, so far, been the most powerful. It reminded me of the importance of intentionally cultivating spaces of inclusivity. I kept thinking about the trickle down affect, and how the longer we are on this journey of becoming, the more experience we have to share with people who are new to self-discovery. This is also why I wrote my book. But it also got me thinking about how we can intentionally create an online family.

We are living in scary times, it’s more important now, than ever, to cultivate spaces where queer folks, alongside allies, can feel truly seen, heard, and supported. The current political climate is uncertain and even frightening—many of us are navigating fears about safety, acceptance, and belonging, both in our local communities and online. The longing for connection runs deep, especially when it seems like safe spaces are hard to find in our immediate surroundings, especially for those of us who live in conservative communities.

Many of us turn to the internet seeking community—places where we can share our stories, voice our struggles, and celebrate our identities without fear of judgment or harm. While online spaces can be a lifeline, they also highlight the urgent need for real-world communities rooted in affirmation, acceptance, and mutual support.

Recent discourse online between bisexual and lesbian communities has reminded me that, just because you are a member of the broader 2SLGBTQ+ community, does not automatically mean you are an ally or that you fully support or affirm everyone within it. I should not be, yet I’m constantly shocked at how many republican/conservative lesbians and gay men are out there. How many of us do not want to “do gay shit” (somehow I ended up on the wrong side of queer tiktok and was disturbed). Sometimes, these conversations reveal the gaps in understanding and the importance of being intentional about how we show up for each other. It’s a reminder that finding a community that genuinely validates, sees, and affirms you is crucial—spaces where your experiences are recognized and honored.

Creating spaces where we can openly share hard things, ask for help, and celebrate each other is vital. These aren’t just casual meetups; they are sanctuaries where vulnerability is welcomed, where difficult conversations can happen with compassion, and where growth is nurtured. When we foster these environments, we’re building bridges—connecting people across different backgrounds, identities, and experiences—and ultimately creating a sense of safety that can ripple outward into our broader communities.

For many of us, the journey involves bravery—trusting that we can be our authentic selves without fear of rejection. It’s about listening without judgment, offering empathy instead of advice, and showing up consistently. Small gestures—whether a kind word, an open invitation, or a willingness to listen—can have a profound impact.

Remember, many of us got here because of stories—whether through books, TV, or films—that allowed us to see ourselves reflected, to feel seen, and to imagine lives full of possibility. For many of us, that meant stories of  romance—where we saw ourselves on the page, living and loving in queer normative spaces. These stories helped us find a place where we belonged, and they continue to inspire us to create the communities we need today.

Let’s work together to build those communities that validate, support, and uplift one another. A community where every person feels seen and loved for exactly who they are—because that’s how we grow stronger, more resilient, and more connected. We’ve all come so far, and the future is brighter when we collaborate to foster the spaces that so many of us deserve.

If you’re feeling scared or isolated right now, remember: your presence matters. Your story matters. And your voice can help shape spaces where others find solace, strength, and affirmation.

Together, let’s continue to cultivate genuine connection, understanding, and support—creating a community so many of us need and deserve. Because when we uplift one another, we create a world where everyone can thrive in their full, authentic selves. Join me on discord and let’s get into community with one another!

Happy Pride, thank you so much for being a member of the paid tier. You have no idea how much this means to me. Especially considering I'm 3 weeks out from the closure of my agency due to federal Medicaid budget cuts.

The state is taking forever with my paperwork, and I was notified that I sent the wrong kind of check so, fingers crossed, hopefully in about 3 weeks my license to practice privately will be official. Then the next step is to apply for a PLLC through my state board, which will take like another month. So at this point it's looking like I'll be out of work until about August. I have a lot planned for this tier, but I want to know what you want from me. Why did you join the paid tier? What kind of content are you looking for? I don't want to post things that aren't interesting or engaging to you. Tell me in the comments what brought you here.

Over a year's worth of work and the paperback is live. I'm not sure I have fully let myself feel this and once I get the physical copy in my hands I might just lose it, but for right now, I'm drinking my scotch, and basking in the joy of a job well done. A dream come true.

When I started this journey, I'll be honest here because we are all friends, it was out of spite. Someone sent a message to the group chat saying that there was YET another anthology of MM stories coming out and all the featured authors were women. I am in NO way saying that non-men can't write achillean stories. I have a deep love for several authors who write a wide variety of relationship dynamics, but a whole anthology and not one gay man?

That was possibly the last straw. On a wing and a prayer I reached out to a friend of a friend who I knew was trusted in the anthology world, and 24 hours later I was emailing authors to ask them to participate. The spite eventually wore off (ok it wore off after 30 seconds because I'm autistic and I don't experience deep emotions for long) BUT the idea lingered and turned into this beautiful project that connected me to so many amazing people.

So, during pride month, since you all are here, I will be dropping secrets about volume 2 on the paid tier, and while I'm telling you the incentives, there is also a discount for the merch in my shop for followers of the paid tier.

Historically, many romance novels have reinforced conventional gender roles—male protagonists often embodied strength, assertiveness, and provider qualities, while female/femme characters were portrayed as nurturing, emotional, and dependent, needing rescuing or fitting into passive, supporting roles. These narratives perpetuated stereotypes by prescribing specific behaviors and expectations based on gender, limiting the spectrum of human experience.

In contrast, books that feature gender non-conforming, gender-expansive, non-binary, or genderqueer characters challenge these stereotypes. These stories highlight individuals whzo do not fit neatly into binary categories, showcasing a range of identities and expressions that reflect the fluidity of gender and that traditional roles are a societal construct enforced so men in power can remain in power. Romance narratives that include these characters often explore themes like self-discovery, authenticity, and the rejection of societal constraints.

Femme Main Characters as Heroes
Modern romance novels have begun to subvert these tropes by centering femmes or female-led characters as the heroes of their own stories. This shifts the narrative from a male-centric heroism to one where gender identity, expression and roles are fluid, and where women or femmes can embody strength, agency, and vulnerability simultaneously. These characters are unapologetically complex—they pursue their desires, face challenges head-on, and lead stories that focus on their growth and empowerment.

This redefinition defies long-standing societal norms. It tells us that heroism isn’t rooted solely in masculinity or aggressive leadership; it can be found in resilience, authenticity, emotional intelligence, and self-acceptance—traits often associated with femininity or non-binary identities but now recognized as powerful.

Implications for What We Can Be
When romance stories showcase femme or female protagonists as the heroes, it broadens the spectrum of what it means to be a hero. We move past the idea of “the unlikely hero” because what truly makes them unlikely? Is it that they don’t fit what society says a hero should look like? How they should act? These stories validate that embracing one’s true self, superseding societal expectations, and leading with vulnerability and strength are heroic acts. They tell us that heroism isn’t confined to traditional roles; instead, it can be expressed through diverse gender identities and presentations.

At this point most of us are reading books celebrating female characters as the central protagonists and heroes. But it’s important to expand beyond having an “FMC” to having a femme, nonbinary, genderfluid, etc, main character. Romance novels actively challenge stereotypes, empower otherwise marginalized identities, and highlight that bravery, love, and heroism are accessible and achievable regardless of gender expression. These stories serve as powerful models for expanding our understanding of what it means to be a hero—and to be true to oneself.

Who is your favorite heroine? Tell me about her in the comments?

The journey of self-awareness and growth often involves exploring multiple interrelated areas: loving yourself more deeply, observing your internal experiences with curiosity rather than judgment, and fostering a compassionate attitude toward yourself. Together, these practices create a foundation for greater emotional resilience, inner peace, and authentic living.

Last week I was the recipient of a troll who, when claimed I wasn’t a leftist because I disagreed with her and made content on how we shouldn’t pirate books. She decided to attack me as a person, my profession and misgender me. She attempted to bait me with questions that were separate from the conversation I was attempting to have. The reason I point this out is because I had to really use these tenets because “old Sarah” would have gone in swinging. I set a strong and very obvious boundary of just deciding I wasn’t going to engage with her, and I blocked her. She then became upset because I didn’t want to “tussle” while telling her followers to come for me in the comment sections of my posts, sharing my profile to her community.

This is not the type of behavior I engage in or condone but let me tell you I desperately wanted to engage. I applied these ideas outwardly instead of inwardly, but they can be done both ways. 

Setting boundaries can look like blocking someone, telling them you won’t engage, prioritizing your mental health over their desire to fight. Clearly defining what is acceptable and what isn’t in your relationships and commitments. Setting boundaries might include saying no to extra work when overwhelmed, limiting time with draining people, or communicating your needs assertively. Boundaries protect your energy and reinforce your self-respect, making it easier to practice self-love and observation without overextending yourself.

Taking time for more observation can look like watching to see how someone else will engage with you, getting a vibe check before jumping into something, trusting your intuition, or it can look like observing your experiences without labeling them as good or bad, which allows for personal insight and compassionate change.

Self-love is about treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance. It means recognizing your worth and prioritizing your needs without guilt. When you develop a compassionate attitude toward yourself, you create a supportive inner environment that encourages growth and well-being.

Recommended Books by Therapists

If you're interested in exploring these themes further, several respected therapists have authored books that can serve as guides on your journey:

• "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown is an exploration of embracing vulnerability, cultivating self-compassion, and living authentically—even with imperfections.

• "Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches" by Audre Lorde is a collection of essays that explore intersectionality, self-identity, and the power of boundaries and self-awareness.

• "The Little Book of Self-Care for Black Women" by Oludara Adeeyo focuses on self-care, boundary-setting, and cultivating self-love within Black women’s experiences.

• "Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff fffers practical exercises to develop self-kindness and reduce harsh self-criticism, laying the groundwork for self-love.

Moving Forward

Remember, cultivating self-love, observing without judgment, and setting boundaries are skills that grow over time. Be patient and compassionate with yourself on this journey—seeking support from books, mindfulness practices, or a mental health professional can make your path smoother and more meaningful.

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation of your overall well-being—nurture it with kindness, curiosity, and acceptance.

Please enjoy these absurdly cute photos of Penny on the walk, and this absurd photo of me, giving "who's this lesbian in our neighborhood" vibes.
This morning, as I took my usual walk around the neighborhood with the pup, I started thinking about how we engage with books. You know, the whole “critically engaging” versus “reading for the vibes” debate that’s currently happening on BookTok? And honestly, it’s totally not an either/or situation, you can do both, depending on what you need in the moment.

When I think about critically engaging with a book, I imagine a reader who questions, analyzes, and really digs into the work. It’s about unpacking themes, questioning motives, examining literary devices, and connecting the dots. Critical engagement often involves taking a deliberate, analytical approach—reading with a purpose beyond simply enjoying the story. It’s about understanding deeper meanings, context, and sometimes even challenging the author’s perspectives. Also if I’m honest, the phrase “critically engaged” sometimes feels like a buzzword, but for me, it essentially means to read something with a conscious Mindfulness—questioning what we’re reading and being aware of our responses. It’s not necessarily about finding flaws or disagreeing; it’s about actively participating in an intellectual conversation with the text. I’ll be even more honest, this approach feels intimidating and sometimes seems like it’s only “serious” readers. Wait, I’m a serious reader, I seriously like to read. But do I need to critically engage with everything I read?

And then there’s reading for the vibes—definitely a more relaxed, immersive experience. It’s about soaking in the atmosphere, feeling the emotions, and enjoying the aesthetic or mood the book creates. Sometimes it’s just reading a book because you heard the spice was top notch. What if we just want to read to escape, to feel something intensely without overthinking?

Sometimes I pick up a book just to get lost in it. Other times, I’m in a mood to be challenged by themes, question characters, and dive into the symbolism. And honestly? I do both within the same week. Why limit yourself? Reading isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of thing.

You don’t have to pick just one approach, despite what booktok says. You aren’t a vapid reader (no one has actually used this term–that I know of) if you only read to escape, you can still escape into diverse and inclusive narratives that teach you things unconsciously. Some days, you want that chill, “just for the feels” read, and other days, you’re craving mental stimulation. Both are valid. There’s no rule that says you have to be “serious” or “not serious”—it’s all about what your brain and heart need in that moment.

Does not analyzing make you less of a reader? Not at all. Just because you’re not dissecting every symbol or questioning every motive doesn’t mean your love for books is any less real. Sometimes, reading for the vibes helps you unwind, inspire, or just let yourself feel everything without overthinking. That’s just as meaningful.

So here’s the real talk — books are what you make of them. Whether you’re analyzing or just soaking in the mood, both ways are legit. Think of it like a playlist for your reading life: some days you want the deep cuts, other days just the feel-good jams. So, stop stressing about what “counts,” and read how you wanna read. Because as I was walking this morning, I realized the best thing we can do is embrace all of it — the critical and the vibey, the thoughtful and the relaxed.

And honestly? That’s what makes reading so endlessly good.