Welcome!

Whether you’re an author pitching a book, a publisher arranging a blog tour, a brand with a product, or a tourism rep sharing a tucked-away travel gem, this page will walk you through exactly what I accept, how to submit, and what to expect.

What I Review:

This blog primarily focuses on books, but not just any books. My readers are bold, bookish, and often somewhere between raising kids and raising hell. I cater to readers craving escape, edge, and emotion.

Preferred Genres:

• Romantasy (Romantic Fantasy with lush world building, magical systems, court politics, dragons, fae, etc.)
• Dark Romance (emotional trauma arcs, morally gray love interests, high spice, and complicated hearts)
• Fantasy (YA & Adult) (especially with chosen ones, forbidden magic, and fierce female leads)
• Historical Romance (Tudor, Gothic, or anything brooding and windswept)
• Mythological Romance (Greek, Norse, Celtic, or fully invented mythos)
• Supernatural & Paranormal Romance (ghosts, vampires, shape shifter’s, grim reapers, witches, you name it)
• Midlife heroines or mature characters with complex arcs

Sometimes Considered:

• Gothic horror with romantic or psychological themes
• Time travel and alt-history romance
• Taboo
• Non Romantic (on a case by case basis, think GOT, HP, LOTR, etc…)

I Do Not Review:

• Non-fiction (memoir, self-help, political)
• Poetry or short story collections
• Cozy mysteries or traditional thrillers
• Religious fiction
• Children’s books or middle grade
• Books with extreme or glorified violence against women or minorities without narrative consequence

If your book falls outside my reading lane, it’s unlikely to be accepted.

Book Review Format & Style:

If your book is accepted, here’s what you can expect:

• Honest reviews, think witty, warm, no fluff, no fake sugarcoating
• Spoiler light or spoiler free unless otherwise marked

Each review includes:

• Brief summary/synopsis
• Standout themes (characters, spice, plot, pacing)
• Trigger/content warnings
• Spice rating (0–5 🌶️)
• Final thoughts and star rating

Where Reviews Are Posted:

• My blog (Once Upon A Midlife Crisis)
• Goodreads and NetGalley (ARC books)
• Amazon and Barnes and Noble (if available and requested)
• Shared on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook depending on content fit

Side Notes:

• No pay-for-play. All reviews based solely on content and brand fit.
• Turnaround times vary: ARCs with 4–6 weeks’ notice get priority; otherwise, I’ll slot your request based on relevance and timing.
• Interview and non-book features are scheduled on a case by case basis depending on editorial fit and timing.
• If I DNF a book, I may decline to post a review unless I believe it provides constructive insight. I don’t post hit jobs or shakedowns, this is a space for passion, not punishment. (You won’t get public critique, but I may still consider an alternative feature.)

How to Submit a Book:

Please do not send unsolicited files or DMs.

Instead, head to the Review Request Page and fill out the form. Include the following:

• Title & Author
• Genre/Sub-genres
• Blurb or synopsis
• Format(s) available (ePub/Kindle/NetGalley preferred; also accept PDF and physical ARCs. I do NOT accept audiobooks at this time)
• Release date (and whether it’s a finished copy or ARC)
• Any time-sensitive requests (cover reveals, tours, launch week, etc.)
• Content/trigger warnings and spice level
• Goodreads or Amazon links (if available)
• Why you think your book is a good fit for my readers

Submission does not guarantee a review. I receive more requests than I can possibly accept, and I only say yes to what I believe I’ll genuinely enjoy and what fits my readers. If I don’t reply, it’s not personal, I’m juggling a chaotic TBR, a business, a family, and a semi-feral flock of chickens.

Review Timing

I prioritize:

• ARCs with upcoming release dates (if I receive them at least 4–6 weeks in advance)
• Books by marginalized or indie authors within my genres
• Titles that speak to my current blog themes, series, or seasonal content (e.g., zodiac posts, midlife main characters, dark romance months, etc.)

For finished copies or backlist/published titles, reviews may take longer, or I may feature them as a spotlight or roundup instead.

If you’re hoping for a specific date or blog tour feature, please note that clearly in the submission form. I’m happy to discuss blog collaborations in advance.

Star Ratings & Transparency

I rate all books on a 5-star scale with optional .5 intervals. I also include a spice rating (0–5 🌶️) and trigger/content warnings when necessary.

I always disclose if I received a copy for free in exchange for an honest review. I do not accept payment for book reviews.

Additional Coverage Options

If a full review isn’t possible, I may still offer one of the following:

• Cover Reveal or Spotlight Post
• Book Aesthetic Graphic (Pinterest-style)
• Quote Teaser Carousel (for Instagram)
• Author Interview or Feature
• Inclusion in a themed recommendation list (e.g., Zodiac Recs, Dark Romance Deep Dive)
• Zodiac Book Recs
• Instagram and Pinterest promos with branded graphics

These options are especially great for authors seeking extra visibility even if a full review won’t fit in my reading schedule.

Author Interviews & Blog Tours:

If you’re an author looking to connect beyond the review, I offer Author Spotlight Features that can include:

• Q&A style interviews
• Fun “get to know the author” mini-features
• Character-inspired playlists or features
• Blog tours (participation in launch events, etc.)

Want to be featured? Select “Author Interview or Tour” when submitting through the Review Request Page, and tell me your vision. I especially love highlighting debut authors, indie projects, or midlife-friendly heroines.

Non-Book Reviews & Brand Collabs:

While Once Upon A Midlife Crisis is bookish at its core, I also accept a limited number of non-book related review requests, if they align with my blog themes and reader interests.

I currently consider:

• Bookish lifestyle products (candles, teas, self-care boxes, handmade items, fandom-inspired goodies)
• Cruelty-free beauty, bath, and wellness products
• Travel destinations and experiences (haunted hotels, charming bookstores, writer/reader friendly retreats, historical landmarks, book related destinations)
• Local Louisiana features (markets, events, offbeat travel)

These items may be featured as:

• Standalone product reviews
• Mini social campaigns
• Travel recaps or “Booked & Boarding” blog posts (upcoming)
• Lifestyle reviews or blog posts (upcoming )

Email: [email protected] to pitch a non book item or destination, or use the Review Request form and select “Non Book Review” as your category.

Why It Matters, A Final Note:

Once Upon A Midlife Crisis is a sanctuary for midlife adventurers, romantasy dreamers, and seekers of second chances. I embrace emotionally rich, edge of your seat storytelling and creative lifestyle experiences.

I’m not just a reader, I’m a storyteller, a traveler, a tea obsessed reviewer, and a midlife woman who believes in second chances and big magic.

If your book, brand, or travel experience fits that heartbeat, boldness, reinvention, or literary magic, I want to hear from you.

Head to the Review Request Page and let’s make something unforgettable together.

🫶🏻 – Ali