Functionally Fictional is a place for readers to discover books, celebrate stories, and share a love of reading.
What initially started as a desperate need to obsess about books with other people has grown to something so much more. Today, Functionally Fictional features book reviews, reading updates, featured books, recommendations, and a collection of resources to authors reach their next biggest fans.
Whether you’re looking for another fantasy to consume your whole life, a cozy romance, a hidden indie gem, or just someone else who gets overly attached to fictional characters… welcome!
Please note: Prior to 2026, Functionally Fictional featured a team of reviewers, so you’ll still find reviews and posts written by multiple contributors throughout the site.
Meet Cait Marie!
I’ve loved stories for as long as I can remember. Before I could even read on my own, I’d follow along while someone read to me, and one of my favorite childhood possessions was a giant fairytale book that I practically wore out. Somewhere along the way, that lifelong love of stories turned into Functionally Fictional.
One of my favorite things is helping readers discover their next obsession while giving authors a chance to connect with those who will love their stories.
Somewhere along the way, I also became a multi-genre author, writing under two pen names: Cait Marie and CM Haines. I have a Bachelor of Arts in forensic psychology and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing, meaning I love reading and writing about morally complex characters.
When I’m not doing something book related, I can usually be found watching Doctor Who or Disney movies, working on digital art, or singing show tunes to annoy my two cats. But 99% I’m reading, writing, illustrating, or thinking about books. That’s why Functionally Fictional is such an important space to me, and I hope it continues to grow and reach fellow readers. 💕
My Reading Tastes
Genres: Anything with at least a little bit of a romance thread and a happy or hopeful ending, but especially…
- Romantasy
- Contemporary romance
- Everything from YA to spicy adult
- Sports romance *chef’s kiss*
- Small-town romance
- LGBT+ romance
- Dark romance
- Light sci-fi
- Dystopian
Auto-buy Authors:
- Cassandra Clare
- Sarah J. Maas
- Tahereh Mafi
- M. Lynn & Melissa A. Craven
- Becky Moynihan
- C.J. Redwine
- Robin D. Mahle & Elle Madison
- Kasey West
- Casey McQuiston
- Lynn Painter
- Rebecca Jenshak
- Michelle MacQueen & Ann Maree Craven
- Lynn Dare
- Becky Albertalli
Characters:
- Funny, sarcastic or seemingly laid-back side characters who get serious when it matters most, like
- Cassian
- Kenji Kishimoto
- Ruhn Danaan
- Will Herondale (not a side character, but same attitude)
- Magnus Bane
- Beckett Anderson
- Kick-butt females, like
- Nesta
- Aelin
- Juliette Ferrars
- Emma Carstairs
- Violet Sorrengail
Contact
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