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Railed: A Why Cho-Cho-Choose Romance
Emma was happy with her life. Sure it wasn't normal, but she wasn't built for normal. As a train-sexual, yes those kind of trains, her hometown island was paradise. Full of railways and trains that the locals didn't pay much attention to, she was usually free to not so discretely indulge in her urges while riding the rails.
Except now that her ex-boyfriend’s car company is threatened to rip up the tracks and destroy the trains, Emma’s at risk of losing far more than just reliable transportation.
If she wants to save the trains, she'll have to open her heart a little and ask for help. Lucky for her, she caught the attention of a trio even more determined to save the rails than she is…the trains.
Railed is a spicy why-cho-cho-choose romance between a woman and her three train shifters (f,m,x) full of train puns and trains arriving...loudly.
Except now that her ex-boyfriend’s car company is threatened to rip up the tracks and destroy the trains, Emma’s at risk of losing far more than just reliable transportation.
If she wants to save the trains, she'll have to open her heart a little and ask for help. Lucky for her, she caught the attention of a trio even more determined to save the rails than she is…the trains.
Railed is a spicy why-cho-cho-choose romance between a woman and her three train shifters (f,m,x) full of train puns and trains arriving...loudly.
113 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 1, 2026
About the author
Zane E. Stori
1 book1 followerZane E Stori (she/her) is a chaos bisexual who lives for a good pun. Zane has never met a bit she wouldn't commit to. Her entire goal as an author is to make you tilt your head in confusion and ask yourself and others why these books exist. Packed full of puns and queer joy, Zane hopes her stories bring a little bit of humor and queer joy back into the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
What.
This was one of the dumbest things I have read in a while, which was as expected. The author is self-aware, don’t worry. What I didn’t expect was how incredibly hilarious it was, and entertaining.
The plot, and basically everything else, was awful. Relationship development? What’s that? Everything was rushed and/or phoned-in and honestly you can barely call this a novella.
However… so entertaining! The PUNS! So many train puns packed into every single page. The wild plotline just made me laugh through the entire read. There were a lot of “spicy scenes”, however they were far too hilarious to be considered sexy. I love the pro-public transit agenda of this novella as well. Honestly it was a great time as long as you don’t try to take it seriously.
Thank you (very much) to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
This was one of the dumbest things I have read in a while, which was as expected. The author is self-aware, don’t worry. What I didn’t expect was how incredibly hilarious it was, and entertaining.
The plot, and basically everything else, was awful. Relationship development? What’s that? Everything was rushed and/or phoned-in and honestly you can barely call this a novella.
However… so entertaining! The PUNS! So many train puns packed into every single page. The wild plotline just made me laugh through the entire read. There were a lot of “spicy scenes”, however they were far too hilarious to be considered sexy. I love the pro-public transit agenda of this novella as well. Honestly it was a great time as long as you don’t try to take it seriously.
Thank you (very much) to NetGalley for providing a free ARC. This honest review was left voluntarily.
April 19, 2026
"I'm going to bury my train so far in your tunnel," I growled. "All aboard,"
🚂🚂🚂
Do I know why I read this? No.
Am I upset I read this? Also no.
This was exactly what I thought it would be and I cracked up. There is plot though. And it low key reminded me of Two Weeks Notice with Sandra Bullock where she wants to save a historic landmark. Except this was about trains…and the trains also happen to be conductors/people.
And she has an unhealthy obsession with trains. And riding them 😈
No further questions or statements 😅
🚂🚂🚂
Do I know why I read this? No.
Am I upset I read this? Also no.
This was exactly what I thought it would be and I cracked up. There is plot though. And it low key reminded me of Two Weeks Notice with Sandra Bullock where she wants to save a historic landmark. Except this was about trains…and the trains also happen to be conductors/people.
And she has an unhealthy obsession with trains. And riding them 😈
No further questions or statements 😅
March 17, 2026
My goodness. When I saw this pop up on NetGalley, I was like “…say what now?” My son is obsessed with trains and I’m far more attuned to train sounds than I ever have been before, so I figured I had to read this.
It is as off the rails (pun intended) as you’d expect. What I didn’t anticipate was how hilarious, queer, inclusive, and great at consent it would be! There are three train characters who are poly, one of whom is nonbinary. It’s told in an alternate POV between the trains and our human protagonist. There are SO MANY TRAIN PUNS. I laughed out loud multiple times and was reading passages to my husband and sending them to friends.
There’s also a lot more plot than I expected? The protagonist is running a save the railways project because her bitter ex boyfriend, a car company nepo baby, is trying to tear up all the train tracks to bring more cars to the island in a quest for revenge. It’s of course super easy barely an inconvenience solved away at the end, but hey, this is a train-sexual erotic novella, what did you expect? 🤪
Every time a train got off and went WOOOO WOOOO I died. This book was too funny.
Rating solely based on enjoyment, not on its quality as ~literature~
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
It is as off the rails (pun intended) as you’d expect. What I didn’t anticipate was how hilarious, queer, inclusive, and great at consent it would be! There are three train characters who are poly, one of whom is nonbinary. It’s told in an alternate POV between the trains and our human protagonist. There are SO MANY TRAIN PUNS. I laughed out loud multiple times and was reading passages to my husband and sending them to friends.
There’s also a lot more plot than I expected? The protagonist is running a save the railways project because her bitter ex boyfriend, a car company nepo baby, is trying to tear up all the train tracks to bring more cars to the island in a quest for revenge. It’s of course super easy barely an inconvenience solved away at the end, but hey, this is a train-sexual erotic novella, what did you expect? 🤪
Every time a train got off and went WOOOO WOOOO I died. This book was too funny.
Rating solely based on enjoyment, not on its quality as ~literature~
Thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC!
April 8, 2026
oh u know times are desperate when i will literally read anything to get out of this reading slump
but i 100% picked this up bcos of the pun in the title and that i would do anything for the bit so like yeah, why not??
but lowkey i was confused the entire time like how does this whole train shifters thing work irl?? like do people just not notice these guys being METAL?? where do the trains go when they’re in human form like do people just not realise there’s like 3 trains missing at night?? am i thinking too much about the logistics???
the plot gives hallmark movie (but more explicit) and its so bad but also somehow exceeded my expectations at the same time??
but hey it was entertaining (sort of) and i finished it in one sitting yay.
but i 100% picked this up bcos of the pun in the title and that i would do anything for the bit so like yeah, why not??
but lowkey i was confused the entire time like how does this whole train shifters thing work irl?? like do people just not notice these guys being METAL?? where do the trains go when they’re in human form like do people just not realise there’s like 3 trains missing at night?? am i thinking too much about the logistics???
the plot gives hallmark movie (but more explicit) and its so bad but also somehow exceeded my expectations at the same time??
but hey it was entertaining (sort of) and i finished it in one sitting yay.
April 11, 2026
Railed
By: Zane E. Stori
Format: eBook, eARC, on KU
Genre: PNR/Shifter Romance
Approx 120 pages
4/5🌶️
This was a fun, unhinged and hilarious why- choo choo choose novella about polyamorous alien trains and the woman they love. Listen. This was an immediate read because of the title alone and the puns throughout had me chuckling. If you’re looking for a quick little low-angst, high-spice read about train-sexual woman discovering herself while finding her true loves and trying to save her home from tearing down the railways, this’ll be right up your alley. Big ole thank you to the author for reaching out to me for this novella and giving me an ARC, I enjoyed reading so much.
🚂 Obsession to lovers
🚂 Why choose
🚂 Pretty immediate self love scene
🚂 Open door spice
🚂 MFFX poly love rep
🚂 Queer romance rep
🚂 Train shifters
🚂 Train puns and innuendos galore
🚂 Small town island
🚂 Multi POV
By: Zane E. Stori
Format: eBook, eARC, on KU
Genre: PNR/Shifter Romance
Approx 120 pages
4/5🌶️
This was a fun, unhinged and hilarious why- choo choo choose novella about polyamorous alien trains and the woman they love. Listen. This was an immediate read because of the title alone and the puns throughout had me chuckling. If you’re looking for a quick little low-angst, high-spice read about train-sexual woman discovering herself while finding her true loves and trying to save her home from tearing down the railways, this’ll be right up your alley. Big ole thank you to the author for reaching out to me for this novella and giving me an ARC, I enjoyed reading so much.
🚂 Obsession to lovers
🚂 Why choose
🚂 Pretty immediate self love scene
🚂 Open door spice
🚂 MFFX poly love rep
🚂 Queer romance rep
🚂 Train shifters
🚂 Train puns and innuendos galore
🚂 Small town island
🚂 Multi POV
April 2, 2026
Have you ever wanted to rail a train? What about 3? Well Emma sure does. We follow her as she fights to keep trains as a main source of transportation on her island home, while also following her story of being a train-sexual. Is this book the peak of literature? No. But is it an absolutely hilarious story that *takes you for a ride*? For sure. It was definitely worth the couple of hours I put into it just for the laughs.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing for the ARC.
April 26, 2026
This was a fun and hot rear! PUNS galore and so much more!
If you enjoy sentient object, you'll love this!
If you enjoy sentient object, you'll love this!
April 12, 2026
Railed: A Why Cho-Cho-Choose Romance is one of those books where you go in knowing it’s going to be a little chaotic… and somehow it still manages to surprise you.
This is absolutely not a “normal” romance, and it doesn’t even try to be. It fully leans into the absurdity of its premise, and instead of holding back, it just commits. And weirdly? That confidence is what makes it work. There’s this playful, tongue-in-cheek tone running through the entire story that makes it feel self-aware without losing the emotional core underneath all the chaos.
Emma is… honestly kind of iconic in her own way. She knows who she is, she knows what she likes, and even when things get complicated, there’s never a sense that she’s pretending to be anything else. There’s something really refreshing about that level of unapologetic self-acceptance, especially in a story that could have easily turned into pure parody. Instead, she feels grounded in her own reality, no matter how unconventional that reality is.
And then you have the dynamic with her three love interests which is where things somehow shift from “this is ridiculous” to “okay wait, I’m invested now.” Each of them brings a different energy into the relationship, and there’s an ease in how they interact with her that keeps things from feeling forced. It’s less about over-the-top drama and more about this oddly supportive, chaotic connection that just… works for them.
The tone of the book walks a fine line between humor and sincerity. The puns, the situations, the overall concept it’s all very over-the-top, but there’s still this underlying thread of heart running through it. It touches on belonging, acceptance, and finding your people (or, in this case… your very specific people) in a way that doesn’t feel heavy, but still lands.
Atmosphere-wise, it has that slightly quirky, almost whimsical vibe layered over something a little more emotional underneath. It never takes itself too seriously, but it also doesn’t completely brush off the stakes either, which keeps it from feeling shallow.
Overall, this is one of those reads that you pick up for the chaos and stay for the unexpected emotional connection. It’s weird, it’s funny, it’s definitely not for everyone—but if you’re someone who enjoys off-the-wall concepts, why choose dynamics, and stories that fully embrace their own uniqueness, this is absolutely worth the ride.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
This is absolutely not a “normal” romance, and it doesn’t even try to be. It fully leans into the absurdity of its premise, and instead of holding back, it just commits. And weirdly? That confidence is what makes it work. There’s this playful, tongue-in-cheek tone running through the entire story that makes it feel self-aware without losing the emotional core underneath all the chaos.
Emma is… honestly kind of iconic in her own way. She knows who she is, she knows what she likes, and even when things get complicated, there’s never a sense that she’s pretending to be anything else. There’s something really refreshing about that level of unapologetic self-acceptance, especially in a story that could have easily turned into pure parody. Instead, she feels grounded in her own reality, no matter how unconventional that reality is.
And then you have the dynamic with her three love interests which is where things somehow shift from “this is ridiculous” to “okay wait, I’m invested now.” Each of them brings a different energy into the relationship, and there’s an ease in how they interact with her that keeps things from feeling forced. It’s less about over-the-top drama and more about this oddly supportive, chaotic connection that just… works for them.
The tone of the book walks a fine line between humor and sincerity. The puns, the situations, the overall concept it’s all very over-the-top, but there’s still this underlying thread of heart running through it. It touches on belonging, acceptance, and finding your people (or, in this case… your very specific people) in a way that doesn’t feel heavy, but still lands.
Atmosphere-wise, it has that slightly quirky, almost whimsical vibe layered over something a little more emotional underneath. It never takes itself too seriously, but it also doesn’t completely brush off the stakes either, which keeps it from feeling shallow.
Overall, this is one of those reads that you pick up for the chaos and stay for the unexpected emotional connection. It’s weird, it’s funny, it’s definitely not for everyone—but if you’re someone who enjoys off-the-wall concepts, why choose dynamics, and stories that fully embrace their own uniqueness, this is absolutely worth the ride.
As always be mindful of any trigger warnings, what I like you may not.
Happy Reading! ✨📚
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for an arc. All opinions are my own.
★ Rating: 4/5
Genre: Sentient object/shifter romance
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
This book is incredibly unserious and by the author's own admission, a huge bit. But like, it's fun if you have a heart full of whimsy and a willingness to suspend your disbelief entirely.
What I liked: This book is a silly fun time that's very queer. I saw the tagline, and the fact this book was about train shifters and immediately knew I had to read it. It delivered exactly what I was hoping it would to be honest. The plot is barely there, and you won't get explanations for anything (for example the fact that no one has ever noticed that the trains drive themselves), but I didn't care that much. If you pick up this book expecting it to be high level literature, that's a you problem.
What I didn’t like: No Jamie pov chapters :( In fact we kind of gloss over Emma's relationship with Jamie in my opinion, which was a shame.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
★ Rating: 4/5
Genre: Sentient object/shifter romance
Are There Gay People in this?*: ✅
This book is incredibly unserious and by the author's own admission, a huge bit. But like, it's fun if you have a heart full of whimsy and a willingness to suspend your disbelief entirely.
What I liked: This book is a silly fun time that's very queer. I saw the tagline, and the fact this book was about train shifters and immediately knew I had to read it. It delivered exactly what I was hoping it would to be honest. The plot is barely there, and you won't get explanations for anything (for example the fact that no one has ever noticed that the trains drive themselves), but I didn't care that much. If you pick up this book expecting it to be high level literature, that's a you problem.
What I didn’t like: No Jamie pov chapters :( In fact we kind of gloss over Emma's relationship with Jamie in my opinion, which was a shame.
* I count a book as including gay people if any of the main or secondary characters are implicitly or explicitly queer or trans. This does not necessarily mean the protagonist is queer or that there is a queer romance
March 22, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
What a fun, quirky, and unapologetically unique read!
I actually picked this up on a rough day while sitting in the hospital, and the title and cover alone made me laugh out loud for the first time in days. I immediately knew I had to see how this one played out - and I’m so glad I did.
At just over 100 pages, this is a quick, steamy read packed with train puns and innuendos that had me smiling (and sometimes fully laughing) the whole way through. I especially loved how the author swapped out common phrases for train themed ones. It really helped immerse you in this slightly absurd, but very entertaining world.
Is it a little silly? Absolutely.
But that’s part of the charm. This isn’t about deep, complex plotting - it’s about having a good time, and it delivers on that.
I do wish we got more depth when it came to the characters and the lore behind the train shifters. It all felt a bit surface level and fast paced, and I would’ve loved more insight into how they came to be on Emma’s island.
That said, the queer joy in this story really stood out to me. In a world that can feel heavy, this was a bright, playful escape. My bisexual heart was very happy with this chaotic, loving group, and I’m so glad Emma the train sexual got her HEA.
What a fun, quirky, and unapologetically unique read!
I actually picked this up on a rough day while sitting in the hospital, and the title and cover alone made me laugh out loud for the first time in days. I immediately knew I had to see how this one played out - and I’m so glad I did.
At just over 100 pages, this is a quick, steamy read packed with train puns and innuendos that had me smiling (and sometimes fully laughing) the whole way through. I especially loved how the author swapped out common phrases for train themed ones. It really helped immerse you in this slightly absurd, but very entertaining world.
Is it a little silly? Absolutely.
But that’s part of the charm. This isn’t about deep, complex plotting - it’s about having a good time, and it delivers on that.
I do wish we got more depth when it came to the characters and the lore behind the train shifters. It all felt a bit surface level and fast paced, and I would’ve loved more insight into how they came to be on Emma’s island.
That said, the queer joy in this story really stood out to me. In a world that can feel heavy, this was a bright, playful escape. My bisexual heart was very happy with this chaotic, loving group, and I’m so glad Emma the train sexual got her HEA.
April 9, 2026
3.25
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Zane E. Stori for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are following Emma as she is on a mission to save her island's railway because she really loves trains... like is REALLY into trains. Along this journey she meets a trio of train-shifters who are just as attracted to her as she is to them and you will have to read the novella yourself to know how that plays out...
I requested this for the title and it is still making me laugh. A why-choose romance full of train puns - it is such a fun, silly read.
I went into this novella expecting a parody and I think that is the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did - I wasn't expecting super high quality; I was there for enjoyment and the book really delivered on the silliness. The author's acknowledgement that this is a "commit to the bit" kind of book really shone through and this made it a fun, hilarious and easy read. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this but I guess I really love puns.
I liked the characters a lot but I would have loved to have seen their relationships more fleshed out and for this to have felt less rushed, especially Emma and Rosie's relationship beyond the sexual aspects. I would have loved to have explored Jamie's character more, too. I think there was missed potential there. However, I enjoyed the time we did get to spend with each of these characters!
I would recommend this novella if you are looking for a fun, silly read to fly through, and are into train-shifter smut. Just don't take the book too seriously because the book certainly doesn't.
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Zane E. Stori for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
We are following Emma as she is on a mission to save her island's railway because she really loves trains... like is REALLY into trains. Along this journey she meets a trio of train-shifters who are just as attracted to her as she is to them and you will have to read the novella yourself to know how that plays out...
I requested this for the title and it is still making me laugh. A why-choose romance full of train puns - it is such a fun, silly read.
I went into this novella expecting a parody and I think that is the reason I enjoyed it as much as I did - I wasn't expecting super high quality; I was there for enjoyment and the book really delivered on the silliness. The author's acknowledgement that this is a "commit to the bit" kind of book really shone through and this made it a fun, hilarious and easy read. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this but I guess I really love puns.
I liked the characters a lot but I would have loved to have seen their relationships more fleshed out and for this to have felt less rushed, especially Emma and Rosie's relationship beyond the sexual aspects. I would have loved to have explored Jamie's character more, too. I think there was missed potential there. However, I enjoyed the time we did get to spend with each of these characters!
I would recommend this novella if you are looking for a fun, silly read to fly through, and are into train-shifter smut. Just don't take the book too seriously because the book certainly doesn't.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I saw the "why cho-cho-cho-choose romance", and I needed nothing more to decide that I needed to read this book. I don't think I ever tried to get a hold of a book this quickly.
🚂💨💨💨
I hoped the book had just as funny train puns as the "cho-cho" part of the title had, and I was not disappointed. There were a few epic ones in there! And also, the plot was fun! (Yes it had an actual plot besides the 'railing'!) The way the story was written was also great, because the pace was very quick and it was easy to read.
I kind of wish I got to know all the characters a little bit better, even if it was just a little tiny bit more, because I feel like the characters deserve a lot more depth than they have now, but besides that, I had a great time.
Disclaimer: I got this book as an ARC (thank you to the author and the publisher!), and I'm cho-cho-choosing to leave this review 100% voluntarily. (See what I did? -lol-)
If you'd like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile.
🚂💨💨💨
I hoped the book had just as funny train puns as the "cho-cho" part of the title had, and I was not disappointed. There were a few epic ones in there! And also, the plot was fun! (Yes it had an actual plot besides the 'railing'!) The way the story was written was also great, because the pace was very quick and it was easy to read.
I kind of wish I got to know all the characters a little bit better, even if it was just a little tiny bit more, because I feel like the characters deserve a lot more depth than they have now, but besides that, I had a great time.
Disclaimer: I got this book as an ARC (thank you to the author and the publisher!), and I'm cho-cho-choosing to leave this review 100% voluntarily. (See what I did? -lol-)
If you'd like to read about more books I liked, check out my Goodreads profile.
April 13, 2026
I went into this book expecting a light, tongue-in-cheek read but it turned out to be an absolute express to enjoyment. From the very first page, the story pulls out of the station at full speed and never loses momentum. What started as a joke pick quickly became something I was fully on board with.
Despite its novella length, the story delivers a surprisingly rich and engaging journey. It feels like it could easily expand into a longer, cozy romance, but there’s something to be said for how efficiently it stays on track while still building a unique and memorable world. Rosie, in particular, is the character who kept me guessing at every stop, unpredictable in the best way, not just for the reader but seemingly for the other characters as well. She adds just the right amount of delightful derailment to keep things exciting.
And let’s not overlook the train puns, they were right on track and added an extra layer of charm that made the whole experience even more fun. I truly couldn’t get enough. All in all, this was a first-class ride that I’d happily board again.
Despite its novella length, the story delivers a surprisingly rich and engaging journey. It feels like it could easily expand into a longer, cozy romance, but there’s something to be said for how efficiently it stays on track while still building a unique and memorable world. Rosie, in particular, is the character who kept me guessing at every stop, unpredictable in the best way, not just for the reader but seemingly for the other characters as well. She adds just the right amount of delightful derailment to keep things exciting.
And let’s not overlook the train puns, they were right on track and added an extra layer of charm that made the whole experience even more fun. I truly couldn’t get enough. All in all, this was a first-class ride that I’d happily board again.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.5⭐️ okay so…this one was weird. And I am sorry to report that it is weird in a good way…
The story focuses on a girl with a little more love for trains than the average person who is trying her best to save her islands trains from “Big Car-ma.” Along the way she ends up meeting three beautiful strangers who she finds herself shockingly attracted to and- you see where this is going.
I picked this up while scrolling through NetGalley and the title just made me pause for a minute. I mean, a train themed why choose romance? Sign me up! And i’m glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. A few things felt rushed but not enough to cause any major concern and the A plot seemed a little paw patrol villain to me, but boy did I have fun reading it.
Pick this book up if you’re a fan of quick, hot, and weird romances and I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this ARC!
The story focuses on a girl with a little more love for trains than the average person who is trying her best to save her islands trains from “Big Car-ma.” Along the way she ends up meeting three beautiful strangers who she finds herself shockingly attracted to and- you see where this is going.
I picked this up while scrolling through NetGalley and the title just made me pause for a minute. I mean, a train themed why choose romance? Sign me up! And i’m glad to say that I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing. A few things felt rushed but not enough to cause any major concern and the A plot seemed a little paw patrol villain to me, but boy did I have fun reading it.
Pick this book up if you’re a fan of quick, hot, and weird romances and I’m certain you won’t be disappointed.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with this ARC!
April 14, 2026
~I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book for free, and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.~
I saw this in my recommended ARC reads and did a double take. Nooooo.... train shifters? I laughed and moved on. Then came back. Closed the tab. Opened it up again. Sighed in resignation. Thanked past me that this account is anon.
Plot: Threadbare but it held up, and let's not kid ourselves, it's not the reason any of us are here.
Smut: Honestly, the reason for the low rating is that there wasn't enough train smut. For being so short it felt a bit tame and reserved.
Humor: I was in absolute stitches. The author is very aware that this is train shifter romance and come on this is not serious in the slightest. I was losing it over the fact that their swear words are "tracks" and "scrapyard" and call it juvenile but referring to a train shifter's dick as "smokestack in his pants" is peak comedy.
I saw this in my recommended ARC reads and did a double take. Nooooo.... train shifters? I laughed and moved on. Then came back. Closed the tab. Opened it up again. Sighed in resignation. Thanked past me that this account is anon.
Plot: Threadbare but it held up, and let's not kid ourselves, it's not the reason any of us are here.
Smut: Honestly, the reason for the low rating is that there wasn't enough train smut. For being so short it felt a bit tame and reserved.
Humor: I was in absolute stitches. The author is very aware that this is train shifter romance and come on this is not serious in the slightest. I was losing it over the fact that their swear words are "tracks" and "scrapyard" and call it juvenile but referring to a train shifter's dick as "smokestack in his pants" is peak comedy.
April 5, 2026
Have you ever wanted to read a book about a woman who falls in love with a group of aliens train shifters and proceeds to get busy in the control room of one of their partners while shifted with another partner while finding a creative way for the shifted partner to be involved? Well.. here is the book for you!
Emma loves the island she lives on, but Emma loves the trains on the island even more. When her beloved railways become endangered at the hands of her ex and his family car company Emma must find a way to save the trains, fortunately for help may come in the form of a trio of baddies who have everything to lose with if the railways go away.
This was such a weird and chaotic read which I absolutely love. If you are looking for an award worthy novel that takes a deep dive into the evils of the automotive industry, if you are looking for a book that takes anything seriously this is not for you ,BUT if you are looking for a fun read with gremlin energy then please have at it. The interactions between the three characters are wildly entertaining and the train puns are absolutely cringy but in a good way. I 100% adore the unapologetic way that the author put this together and if you love weird books like me then I cannot recommend this one enough.
Emma loves the island she lives on, but Emma loves the trains on the island even more. When her beloved railways become endangered at the hands of her ex and his family car company Emma must find a way to save the trains, fortunately for help may come in the form of a trio of baddies who have everything to lose with if the railways go away.
This was such a weird and chaotic read which I absolutely love. If you are looking for an award worthy novel that takes a deep dive into the evils of the automotive industry, if you are looking for a book that takes anything seriously this is not for you ,BUT if you are looking for a fun read with gremlin energy then please have at it. The interactions between the three characters are wildly entertaining and the train puns are absolutely cringy but in a good way. I 100% adore the unapologetic way that the author put this together and if you love weird books like me then I cannot recommend this one enough.
April 22, 2026
Emma is a bit obsessed with trains. she’s trying to save her local island train line for the good of the community but she has selfish motivations as well. Emma loves trains, like love-loves trains. and unsurprisingly, the trains love Emma, too.
the premise of this novella was excellent. the execution, unfortunately, faltered a bit. personally, i felt the mystery of Gauge, Rosie, and Jamie’s identities went on a little too long given the subtitle of the book. i did like the aspect that not only did Emma love the trains but the stakes were high bc Big-Carma was trying to shut the line down.
the train puns were punning. the spice was spicing but i found it lacked some polish. it read really quick and i do consider that a win.
i’m not sure this one is worth picking up.
this is an honest ARC review. eARC courtesy of the author via BookSirens.
the premise of this novella was excellent. the execution, unfortunately, faltered a bit. personally, i felt the mystery of Gauge, Rosie, and Jamie’s identities went on a little too long given the subtitle of the book. i did like the aspect that not only did Emma love the trains but the stakes were high bc Big-Carma was trying to shut the line down.
the train puns were punning. the spice was spicing but i found it lacked some polish. it read really quick and i do consider that a win.
i’m not sure this one is worth picking up.
this is an honest ARC review. eARC courtesy of the author via BookSirens.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book was everything I want from a weird sexy romance. It was well written with a bit of plot, full of sexy scenes, and topped with lots of corny train puns. What's not to adore?
Plus, it's poly and very queer, and did I say super sexy? Because 🥵I'll never see a train the same way.
I don't know if I would recommend you read it on a train or not? It depends on how badly you can blush, and how much you care about blushing in public, I guess.
I don't want to say more, because I don't want to spoile how trains are trains but also people, and how it all plays out, but I found it hilarious. Definitely one I'd recommend and an author I'll keep my eyes on for more.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Plus, it's poly and very queer, and did I say super sexy? Because 🥵I'll never see a train the same way.
I don't know if I would recommend you read it on a train or not? It depends on how badly you can blush, and how much you care about blushing in public, I guess.
I don't want to say more, because I don't want to spoile how trains are trains but also people, and how it all plays out, but I found it hilarious. Definitely one I'd recommend and an author I'll keep my eyes on for more.
A copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
March 23, 2026
This short, hilarious, 113 page book was exactly what I hoped it would be. Whimsical and fun with just the right amount of crazy! Described as a why choo-choo-choose, this book has Polyamorous alien trains and the woman who loves them all fighting for their little island and slice of paradise. The best part, the writing and story are actually good. This book isn’t just smut, it has plot that’s interesting.
The puns were over the top in the BEST WAY! Some swear words that made me cackle: Engines. Scrapyard. Tracks 🤣
This is a book you buy and gift to your friends to make them laugh or to display proudly on your shelf because why wouldn’t you?! Love it! Keep writing these Zane, you’re my SHEro!
The puns were over the top in the BEST WAY! Some swear words that made me cackle: Engines. Scrapyard. Tracks 🤣
This is a book you buy and gift to your friends to make them laugh or to display proudly on your shelf because why wouldn’t you?! Love it! Keep writing these Zane, you’re my SHEro!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
All aboard a for a chugging, fun ride! If you ever wished you could ride around the Isle of Sodor from Thomas the Tank Engine and ride a transformer version of him, too, well this book is for you. Zane. E. Stori doesn't hold back—full steam ahead!
Railed: A Why-Cho-Cho-Choose Romance is so steamy it will blow your whistle, it manages to capture unique characters, all with distinctive voices. A minor (happy) nitpick, it's not a why-choose, but a healthy, queer polycule and that representation should be celebrated!
Obviously not reading this for the plot, but I would have liked some more explanation on why the history of the trains played a part in the conclusion of the story. Thank you for the book review consideration via NetGalley, and it is written with full honesty.
Railed: A Why-Cho-Cho-Choose Romance is so steamy it will blow your whistle, it manages to capture unique characters, all with distinctive voices. A minor (happy) nitpick, it's not a why-choose, but a healthy, queer polycule and that representation should be celebrated!
Obviously not reading this for the plot, but I would have liked some more explanation on why the history of the trains played a part in the conclusion of the story. Thank you for the book review consideration via NetGalley, and it is written with full honesty.
April 13, 2026
Oh to be a train-sexual and to find the perfect train-aliens to form a polyamorous relationship with, a girl can only dream!
This was such a surprisingly wonderful read! I had an absolute ball of a time reading, absolute great craic!
There was a plot, fantastic smut, it left me cackling with the puns! Fast paced and wholesome, absolutely binge worthy.
As an absolute hoe for weird erotica, I just wanted a little more in the smut department!! But aside from that, what we got was wonderful, and it was such an enjoyable and hilarious read. I'll be recommending to everyone!
If you're looking for something to toot your horn and leave you steaming, this is what you need!!
This was such a surprisingly wonderful read! I had an absolute ball of a time reading, absolute great craic!
There was a plot, fantastic smut, it left me cackling with the puns! Fast paced and wholesome, absolutely binge worthy.
As an absolute hoe for weird erotica, I just wanted a little more in the smut department!! But aside from that, what we got was wonderful, and it was such an enjoyable and hilarious read. I'll be recommending to everyone!
If you're looking for something to toot your horn and leave you steaming, this is what you need!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok so this was pretty funny! I wasn't sure how I'd feel about train shifters and how they'd practically fit into the story, but they really do easily. I wish there was more time spent on backstory & originating poly relationship dynamics, but it is a novella, so fair. What we do get was pretty good! The plot was suspenseful and ended with a satisfying conclusion.
Yes if: Train vibrations can be stimulating
No if: Nepo baby ex-boyfriends who won't take no
🚂 Poly - MMFFX
🚇 Train shifters
🚂 Tourism Marketer
🚇 Cars coming to the island
🚂 Evil ex-bf
🚇 Riding the rails
Yes if: Train vibrations can be stimulating
No if: Nepo baby ex-boyfriends who won't take no
🚂 Poly - MMFFX
🚇 Train shifters
🚂 Tourism Marketer
🚇 Cars coming to the island
🚂 Evil ex-bf
🚇 Riding the rails
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you like sentient object romance and a good pun this book is for you. I adored that Stori committed to the crazy premise and had fun! The FMC Emma meets three train shifters (which I appreciate is explained not by magic) in the midst of trying to preserve the railroad tracks on her island. This short erotic story gets you running on all cylinders quickly through a fun, and a little bumpy, ride. Queer and Poly representation as well. Have a good laugh, don't underestimate the spice, and relax. Conductor Stori has got you.
April 3, 2026
STOOOOOOOP. This book was so rotted and hilarious in the best way. The puns were chefs kiss. It was absolutely ridiculous- which was the authors intention, so if you’re looking for literary beauty standards (as you shouldn’t with this one, obvious by the title)… then don’t buy a ticket. What a goofy little story. This was the perfect thing to read in between heavy fantasy books. Thank you Booksirens for the free ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Add some whimsy to your life and give this a read!
Add some whimsy to your life and give this a read!
April 14, 2026
REVIEW OF ADVANCED READER COPY VIA NETGALLEY
I thought this book was fantastic.
It’s a unique concept and should be difficult to comprehend but it’s written here in a way where it absolutely isn’t. It makes total sense to me that she is in a relationship with a train because….why wouldn’t she be?
I like that there’s a backstory to follow and something to root for that isn’t just the romance/spice, especially in such a short story that element was done very well.
It’s definitely a ‘what did I just read’ kind of moment but it’s well worth it if you like this kind of thing.
I thought this book was fantastic.
It’s a unique concept and should be difficult to comprehend but it’s written here in a way where it absolutely isn’t. It makes total sense to me that she is in a relationship with a train because….why wouldn’t she be?
I like that there’s a backstory to follow and something to root for that isn’t just the romance/spice, especially in such a short story that element was done very well.
It’s definitely a ‘what did I just read’ kind of moment but it’s well worth it if you like this kind of thing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Okay, but why was I so shocked at how much I loved this book even though I know I love the author’s other books?! This was my first read of this type and I was curious but honestly didn’t know if I’d end up liking it. I throughly enjoyed it and can’t wait to dive further into the genre of wacky sexual interests. Zane does such a great job with the train puns and it just worked so well as a concept! I’m looking forward to more Zane E. Storis and to the world of nontraditional shifter romances!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author for a copy of this book.
This was a fun train shifting alien MFFX why choose romance where everyone is with everyone else. Emma is a train-sexual, and she falls for the trains that steam around her island. Little does she know that they want her back! This was full of steam and train puns and surprisingly more plot than I expected going in!
This was a fun train shifting alien MFFX why choose romance where everyone is with everyone else. Emma is a train-sexual, and she falls for the trains that steam around her island. Little does she know that they want her back! This was full of steam and train puns and surprisingly more plot than I expected going in!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
"I preferred the bumpy ride."
This was such a fun read!!
I loved the puns and was here for the ride.😉🚂
The story was well paced, the main characters just stupid enough to make the plot believable and the spice kept me turning the pages!🌶️
"My trains certainly were reliable in getting me to my destination every night, usually multiple times a night." LOVE IT!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC!!
This was such a fun read!!
I loved the puns and was here for the ride.😉🚂
The story was well paced, the main characters just stupid enough to make the plot believable and the spice kept me turning the pages!🌶️
"My trains certainly were reliable in getting me to my destination every night, usually multiple times a night." LOVE IT!!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’m not usually a fan of why choose but I guess a why cho-cho-choose is where I needed to be 🤣. Honestly, when I saw this I expected a short dirty romp with plenty of puns but I was pleasantly surprised to find the plot quite interesting as well. I liked the idea of the •Save The Train• initiative and also a •trainssexual• is a term I never even dreamed of but now I can put a picture to. Who knew? Magical.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Emma, a train-sexual, is determined to do whatever she can to save the railways from being destroyed by her shitty ex.
There are tons of train puns and the story itself is so fun! I was laughing throughout the book because of how silly it is.
It's a super quick story at 113 pages, so you won't regret giving it a ride- I mean read.
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book. I had such a blast reading it!
There are tons of train puns and the story itself is so fun! I was laughing throughout the book because of how silly it is.
It's a super quick story at 113 pages, so you won't regret giving it a ride- I mean read.
Thank you so much to the author for an ARC of this book. I had such a blast reading it!
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