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Month: March 2025

High on Books/

Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A Domestic Political Thriller

Book Review: The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams, A Suspenseful Political Thriller

The Bitter Truth by Shanora Williams – A suspenseful political thriller with secrets, ambition, and deception. A must-read for domestic thriller fans.

The Bitter Truth Book Review” dives into a domestic political thriller that blends ambition, deception, and hidden secrets. Shanora Williams delivers a suspenseful read where power and lies collide, making this a gripping story that keeps you questioning every character’s true intentions. I typically struggle with political thrillers, but I can’t pinpoint why. Perhaps, one day, I’ll figure it out. However, The Bitter Truth touches on politics without venturing too deeply, making it an easier read. It includes enough campaign drama and high-stakes deception to set the scene without overwhelming the reader with policy discussions or complicated political strategies, which worked in its favor.

Shanora Williams is one of my favorite authors; she knows how to create a thriller that captivates you. Jolene “Jo” Baker embodies the role of the ideal political wife, polished, and ready to stand by her husband, Dominic, as he runs for governor. However, as the campaign intensifies, so do the secrets. A woman from Dominic’s past resurfaces, causing Jo to question whether she truly knows the man she married. As Jo investigates further, she uncovers a tangled web of deceit that extends beyond her marriage and into the very essence of the campaign. This story goes beyond politics; it explores themes of control, ambition, and how far someone will go to keep their past hidden.

The book combines domestic suspense and conspiracy thriller elements. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps the story engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but the way everything unfolded made the read worthwhile.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.5/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: The writing is solid. It keeps you engaged without requiring you to track complex details, so you won’t get lost if you’re a little altered.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Some twists hit hard, while others fall flat. If you’ve read many thrillers, you might see a few coming from a distance, but how they play out remains intriguing.
  • Vibe Check: This is more of a character-driven thriller than an in-depth political analysis. If you enjoy domestic thrillers with elements of power struggles, this one delivers.
  • Smokability: Best enjoyed with something that keeps your mind sharp without causing overanalysis. A sativa-heavy hybrid.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Maybe not immediately, but it’s a fun one-time ride.

I approached The Bitter Truth cautiously since I don’t usually prefer political thrillers. However, this book resonated with me because it focuses more on secrets, personal ambition, and high-stakes deception than policy debates. It feels like a blend of Scandal and a domestic thriller, offering just enough complexity to keep it entertaining. If that sounds appealing to you, check it out! You can find it on Amazon here.

This story combines elements of domestic suspense with a conspiracy thriller vibe. While some twists are predictable, the execution keeps things engaging. I anticipated a few reveals, but how everything unravels adds to the intrigue.

High on Books/

The Bigamist Book Review by Rona Halsall, When One Life Is Not Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall Book Review, When One Life Just Isn’t Enough

The Bigamist by Rona Halsall book review – A psychological thriller with twists, reviewed by Ashley Jane’s Lit Reads.

What happens when one life isn’t enough? This book review is about The Bigamist by Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller packed with deception, double lives, and jaw-dropping twists. But does it hit different when you’re high? If you love thrillers that keep you guessing, this one might be for you. Read my full review to see if it’s worth the hype or just another overhyped plot twist.

Things aren’t always what they look like, especially when someone’s hiding behind a web of secrets.

Rona Halsall is a psychological thriller in The Bigamist that keeps you side-eyeing every character. Emma’s got the whole “perfect life” thing down—loving husband, cozy home, the works. But when stuff stops making sense, she starts asking questions. Let’s say, the answers? Not what she signed up for. One discovery leads to another; before you know it, her world feels more upside down than a snow globe.

Emma is kinda complicated. She’s not the kind of character you slap on a “World’s Best MC” mug. She’s messy, makes terrible calls, and you’ll either yell at or cheer for her (sometimes both in the same chapter). But that’s what makes it so hard to put this book down. If you love stories packed with secrets, lies, and enough twists to make you say, “Wait, WHAT?”, you’ll have a good time with this one.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.75/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: Super readable. But if you’re too zoned out, some sneaky details might slip by. Nothing tragic, you’ll still get the main story. Maybe bookmark anything that feels shady.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: Twists hit you in waves instead of a one-punch KO. It’s a more “wait for it…” vibe that leaves you guessing at every turn.
  • Vibe Check: Solid slow burn. It’s tense but doesn’t slap you with nonstop adrenaline. You’ll want to keep turning pages, but it’s chill enough not to fry your nerves.
  • Smokability: Perfect for a hybrid strain. Something balanced that you’ll stay sharp enough to connect the dots but relaxed enough to enjoy the ride.
  • Would I Reread Baked? Eh, maybe. Once you know the twists, the shock factor’s gone. But Emma’s train-wreck moments might be worth revisiting when you’re in the mood for drama.

I read this curled up on the couch, Kindle in one hand, a nice blunt in the other. Ideal setup. This book doesn’t slap you in the face with action, but it’s sneaky. The twists creep in like, “Hey, there didn’t see that coming, huh?” Low-key addicting. If character-driven drama and slow-burn mysteries are your jam, grab a cozy spot and give The Bigamist a go. Here’s the Amazon link if you’re curious. Enjoy my stoner loves!

High on Books/

Book Review of The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden: A Twisty and Addictive Thriller

Book Review of The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden: A Twisty and Addictive Thriller

The Boyfriend by Freida McFadden – A twisty and addictive thriller packed with suspense, drama, and shocking twists. Read the full book review!

In this The Boyfriend book review, I read a lot of thrillers and thought I had this one figured out, but then the end came, and I was like, “Oh, Ms. Freida, I was not familiar with your game!” The twist got me, and this has to be one of my favorite thrillers from her. Everyone raves about The Housemaid series (which I will review soon—I’ve read the entire series plus The Housemaid’s Wedding), but The Boyfriend holds a special place in my thriller-loving heart. This book was the epitome of a Lifetime movie in book form, and I loved every second of it.

Freida McFadden has a way of making simple premises spiral into chaotic, fast-paced, unputdownable thrillers. In The Boyfriend, we follow a classic too-good-to-be-true relationship that quickly becomes a psychological nightmare. The story revolves around a woman who believes she’s found the perfect man, but we all know better than that. As secrets unravel, her world flips upside down in a way that only McFadden can execute.

The Boyfriend delivers if you love messy characters, semi-surprising twists, and “this could be a Lifetime movie” energy. The pacing is relentless, and even if you think you’ve figured it out, there’s always that one last turn that will leave you questioning everything.

🔥 Lit Meter: 4.85/5 Lighters

  • Readability When High: This book is a breeze to read. The short, punchy chapters make it nearly impossible to put down, even if you’re a little zoned out.
  • Mind-Blown Factor: That final twist? Yeah, it got me. I honestly thought I had it, and then bam!
  • Vibe Check: This is it if you love fast-paced thrillers that don’t waste time with unnecessary fluff.
  • Smokability: Pairs well with a potent hybrid, which keeps you engaged but lets you sit back and enjoy the chaos.
  • Would I Reread While Baked? Absolutely. The twist alone is worth revisiting to see what clues I missed.

I knew The Boyfriend would be entertaining, but it exceeded my expectations. It’s proof that Freida McFadden knows how to keep readers on their toes. If you love Lifetime thrillers, unpredictable plots, and those “Wait, WHAT?!” moments, this one must be on your list. I hope this one gets made into a small movie. I know The Housemaid adaptation is coming later this year, but I would love to see The Boyfriend brought to the screen too.

Check it out on Amazon here.

Beauty Hits/

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Review – Hydration That Lasts

A set of Buff City Soap Mini Body Butters in three different scents, known for their rich hydration, long-lasting moisture, and skin-loving ingredients.

No Affiliate Links or Sponsorships for this post! Just sharing my genuine love for these products I personally purchased.

Buff City Soap Mini Body Butter Set: A Stoner’s High-Drated Skin

Buff City Soap is known for its handcrafted, plant-based bath and body products, which are free from harsh chemicals and are full of skin-loving ingredients. Their body butters are rich, ultra-moisturizing, and long-lasting, making them a perfect addition to any self-care routine. As someone constantly searching for hydrating, durable, and delicious-smelling skincare, I grabbed a couple of their Mini Body Butters to test out multiple scents before committing to a full-size. Safe to say, I have thoughts.

First Impressions:

This was a thicker, more decadent butter, not just some essential lotion with a fancy name. It melts into the skin beautifully and keeps everything soft and smooth for hours. The scent is strong but in the best way—not overwhelming, but noticeable enough to keep catching whiffs throughout the day.

Stoner Scent Breakdown:

  • Narcissism: This one has a noticeable patchouli base, making it feel warm and earthy. It wasn’t my favorite for public use, so I keep it in the bathroom as a go-to hand cream after washing my hands throughout the day.
  • Island Nectar: Fruity, bright, and perfect for summer. If you love a tropical, fresh vibe, it makes your skin feel like it’s on vacation.
  • All Hail the Queen: I’m obsessed with this scent. A coworker let me try it during a conference, and I immediately had to get my own. It’s soft and comforting, and the fragrance lingers in the best way. Every time I apply it, I keep smelling where I put it because it’s that good. I’m already thinking about getting the full-size version.

Pricing:

  • Mini Body Butter (2 oz): $9 each
  • Mini Body Butter Set (3 x 2 oz): $24
  • Full-Sized Body Butter (8 oz): $16

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Leaves skin feeling soft and smooth for hours.
  • Glow Factor: Provides a healthy, moisturized look without feeling greasy.
  • Stoner Friendly: Easy to apply and absorbs quickly, no waiting around and it smells AMAZING.
  • Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely. I already have my eyes on the full-size All Hail the Queen.
  • Price Point: Fair pricing for a handmade, plant-based product that actually delivers.

Final Verdict:

Buff City Soap’s Mini Body Butter Set is worth checking out if you love rich, deeply hydrating body butters with strong, long-lasting scents. This was my first dive into the brand, but now I’m seriously eyeing their soaps and laundry detergent next. Grab a few of these ASAP if you want to smell amazing and stay moisturized all day! It pairs best with a post-smoke body care session, freshly shaved skin, and a night of vibing out with your favorite playlist.

Check out Buff City Soap’s offerings on their website.

Beauty Hits/

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm Review Hydration & Shine

A set of ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balms in various flavors, providing hydration, glossy shine, and long-lasting moisture.

ColourPop Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm: A Stoner's Go-To for High-Drated Lips

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you. However, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are mine. I personally bought and tested this product.

As a full-time worker and perpetually broke doctoral student, I always search for affordable beauty gems that fit snugly into my wristlet alongside my Buff City Soap mini, weed vape, and eyeliners. Enter ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm, a product with my stoner heart singing!

First Impressions:

Right off the bat, the texture had me hooked. It feels like a balm but shines like a gloss without that dreaded sticky sensation. Plus, it’s packed with peptides. Now, I had to refresh my memory, what exactly are peptides? They’re short chains of amino acids that help build essential proteins like collagen and elastin, which are crucial for maintaining skin’s structure and hydration.

Long-Term Love:

After a couple of weeks, I noticed my lips were softer than ever. Those peptides were doing their thing, improving hydration and smoothness by strengthening the skin barrier and encouraging lip repair.

Packaging Thoughts:

The packaging is cute, but I wish it were more compact. I love my wristlets and prefer flatter items to maximize space. It may be time to upgrade to a mini bag and stop playing.

Flavor Faves:

I indulged in Vanilla Cake, Caramel Latte, and Strawberry Milk. Honestly, I can’t pick a favorite because they’re all delightful. But ColourPop didn’t stop there. They also have Mango Sorbet, Watermelon Sugar, Cherry Glaze, Chocolate Milkshake, and Wildberry for even more flavor variety.

Since I’m saving those coins, I haven’t splurged on the Summer Fridays Lip Balm yet, but I’ve heard great things. Until then, ColourPop’s version at $10 (compared to Summer Fridays $24) is a fantastic addition to my collection. Is it really a dupe if I haven’t tried Summer Fridays yet? Who knows, I’m stoned.

Stoner Lip Struggles:

As a stoner, finding a daily balm that combats the dreaded dry, darkened lips from smoking (even without blunts!) has been a journey. I’ve tried countless products, and finally, I have something worth raving about.

🔥 Beauty Hits Rating: 4.9/5 Hits

  • Hydration High: Leaves lips feeling moisturized and looking glossy without stickiness.
  • Glow Factor: Provides a natural, healthy shine that’s perfect for any occasion.
  • Stoner Friendly: Easy to apply on-the-go, making it ideal for quick touch-ups during smoke sessions.
  • Stoner Repurchase Worthy? Absolutely. It’s affordable and effective, a win-win.
  • Price Point: At $10, it’s a steal for the quality, especially when compared to higher-end alternatives.

When compared to higher-end alternatives, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm stands out!

Final Stoner Verdict:

If you’re looking for a lip balm that provides hydration, shine, and affordability, ColourPop’s Fresh Kiss Glossy Lip Balm is a must-try. It has become a staple in my beauty routine and fits seamlessly into my stoner lifestyle. It is best suited for daytime use. Are you interested? You can get it here for only $10! Try it out!