Imagine a perfect world where women are the stronger sex—protectors of men, leaders of armies, rulers of empires. They have their own harems, and if tImagine a perfect world where women are the stronger sex—protectors of men, leaders of armies, rulers of empires. They have their own harems, and if they want a husband, they simply kidnap a prince from a rival kingdom. Yes, this girl-powered concept deserves a standing ovation! Tricia Levenseller brings this thrilling, feminist romantasy to life, and it’s absolutely irresistible.
The fierce characterization, the empowering world-building, the sizzling chemistry, the throne-room politics, forbidden love, and high-stakes intrigue—all of it was executed so well. I devoured this book in one sitting.
The story centers on Olerra, the warrior princess of Amara, who is locked in a battle for the throne against her scheming cousin—who is guided by her ruthless, power-hungry mother. Meanwhile, Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus and the eldest of five brothers, has spent years being abused by his tyrant father, King Atalius. He stays quiet, refusing to rebel for the sake of protecting his mother and younger sister.
To win the throne, Olerra plans to kidnap Prince Andrastus, the second-born son of their greatest enemy. He’s known to be soft, poetic, and more easily manipulated. But her plan backfires when, during a drunken night at a brothel, it’s actually Sanos who ends up being taken in Andrastus’s place.
Waking up in a carriage with Olerra and her best friend Ydra, Sanos immediately begins plotting his escape—terrified that his absence will give his cruel father the chance to hurt the people he loves. He’s determined to resist Olerra’s forced marriage plans, but as the days pass, he begins to see another side of the warrior princess. And as sparks fly, he finds himself drawn to the fierce woman who stole him away. The chemistry is undeniable—but Sanos is hiding a secret that could destroy everything between them. And he’s not the only one—Olerra is also harboring a truth that could hand her enemies the power to destroy her.
Will they be able to find happiness and claim the power they both deserve? Or will they be forced to choose between love and victory, each option carrying its own heartbreak?
Overall: I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to a solid 5 for the fresh, feminist concept and the red-hot chemistry between Olerra and Sanos. I also definitely wouldn’t say no to a sequel about Ydra—I’d love to return to this girl-powered universe again! I’ve enjoyed Tricia Levenseller’s YA books before, but her adult romantasy work has me hooked. I’m eagerly looking forward to whatever she writes next.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan/Feiwel & Friends for sharing this delightful romantasy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Joanna Miller’s The Eights is a breathtaking, deeply moving novel that swept me away from the very first page. Set in 1920, at a time when women were Joanna Miller’s The Eights is a breathtaking, deeply moving novel that swept me away from the very first page. Set in 1920, at a time when women were just beginning to carve out space for themselves in academic institutions that had long shut them out, this story follows four remarkable young women who find themselves bound together by both circumstance and an unshakable friendship.
Beatrice, Dora, Otto, and Marianne—each carrying their own burdens, secrets, and dreams—become known as "The Eights" when they move into neighboring rooms in Oxford’s Corridor 8. But what begins as a simple coincidence quickly transforms into something far more profound. Through heartbreak, personal loss, academic battles, and the ever-present weight of societal expectations, these women find strength in one another, forming a sisterhood that feels both fragile and indestructible all at once.
Miller’s writing is nothing short of mesmerizing, balancing historical accuracy with raw, emotional depth. She doesn’t just tell us about the struggles these women face—she makes us feel them. We walk alongside Dora as she wrestles with grief, knowing she is only here because war stole the lives of the men in her family. We hold our breath as Marianne desperately hides a truth that could upend everything she has worked for. We ache with Otto as she tries to reclaim pieces of herself after serving as a war nurse, and we cheer for Beatrice as she refuses to let misogynistic professors and sneering male students determine her worth.
What makes The Eights so special is the way it captures the resilience of women—how they hold each other up, how they push back against a world that insists on diminishing them, and how, despite everything, they refuse to back down. It’s an ode to the power of education, to the fire that burns in those who dare to demand more, and to the kind of friendships that leave an imprint on your soul.
This novel will stay with me for a long time. If you love historical fiction that is both beautifully written and deeply resonant, if you adore stories of determined women standing together in the face of adversity, then The Eights is a book you absolutely cannot miss.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sharing this remarkable historical fiction's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Does a person truly feel a void that only darkness can fill?
Equation is a riveting psychological thriller that masterfully blends mystery, crime, and Does a person truly feel a void that only darkness can fill?
Equation is a riveting psychological thriller that masterfully blends mystery, crime, and the human psyche’s darkest corners. It raises thought-provoking questions about morality, the power of suggestion, and how far a person will go when pulled into a web of manipulation. With the gripping investigative depth of Numb3rs and the eerie, mind-bending intrigue of Robert Rodriguez’s Hypnotic, this novel keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
The story follows Detective Jaydon Lynch, a determined investigator whose life takes a devastating turn when his young daughter, Sophia, is kidnapped by the notorious Doll Face killer. As he hunts for answers, Jaydon becomes entangled in a perplexing series of crimes, all seemingly disconnected—except for one chilling detail. Three ordinary individuals—Caitlyn Colburn, a dedicated mother and aspiring lawyer; Isaac Carpenter, a Catholic doctor committed to his patients; and Harold Mansfield, a high-ranking pharmaceutical scientist—each commit shocking acts of violence with no history of aggression, no clear motive, and no external influences like drugs or mental illness. The only link between them? A cryptic phone call that triggers their actions and a mathematical equation left behind at every crime scene, marking their sins like an ominous signature.
As Jaydon delves deeper, he realizes that these crimes are mere fragments of a much larger and more sinister puzzle. The true mastermind—a highly intelligent and ruthless killer—operates from the shadows, orchestrating chaos with chilling precision. But this case is more than just another investigation; for Jaydon, it’s personal. Solving this mystery might be his only chance to find Sophia and face the trauma that has haunted him for years. However, the closer he gets to the truth, the more he realizes that catching this elusive predator is far more dangerous than he ever anticipated. What if the key to stopping the killer means confronting his own darkest fears?
Overall Thoughts:
Equation is an intense, thought-provoking thriller that explores ethics, the influence of science on the human mind, and the blurred line between justice and revenge. With themes of grief, trauma, and manipulation woven throughout the narrative, this book doesn’t just deliver suspense—it challenges the reader to consider the psychological and moral implications of the crimes committed.
One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its intricate plot, which keeps the reader guessing at every turn. The pacing is relentless, with short, impactful chapters that create a sense of urgency, making it nearly impossible to put down. The writing style is cinematic, almost reminiscent of a thriller screenplay, pulling readers into a fast-moving narrative filled with action, suspense, and unexpected twists. The final revelation is cleverly executed, providing both a satisfying conclusion and subtle hints at a potential sequel.
However, if there’s one drawback, it’s the sheer number of characters and subplots. While each character’s backstory is compelling, the narrative occasionally becomes overcrowded with dramatic personal histories, including Jaydon’s colleagues, Gavin’s struggles, Berg’s sister’s illness, and even the villains� pasts. At times, these additional layers, while interesting, can slightly overshadow the central mystery. Similarly, the frequent flashbacks—though effective in building depth—can disrupt the flow of the present-day storyline, making certain moments feel abrupt or disorienting.
That said, these minor issues do not take away from the novel’s overall brilliance. Equation is a gripping, high-stakes thriller that delivers a unique and compelling mystery. Its fast pace, original concept, and mind-bending twists make it a must-read for fans of psychological crime fiction. I highly recommend it, and I can’t wait to see what the author has in store next!...more
Lisa Scottoline is one of my auto-approved thriller authors, and I always enjoy grabbing one of her books, settling into my favorite couch, and devourLisa Scottoline is one of my auto-approved thriller authors, and I always enjoy grabbing one of her books, settling into my favorite couch, and devouring her words as the tension escalates, keeping me on the edge of my seat. This time, she takes a different approach, blending paranormal thriller and women’s fiction. The Tuscan setting and the incorporation of astrology immediately drew me in—especially as someone who has spent years studying astrology and dreaming of visiting every Italian city (me: an Aries rising, Scorpio sun, and Sagittarius moon).
Before diving into the plot, I have to say—this book is a page-turner! Two central mysteries drive the story: what’s really happening in the Tuscan villa, and who Julie’s biological family is (not to mention, who killed her husband). Both are executed in an exciting, gripping way, and the pacing is absolutely heart-throbbing. However, I found some of the paranormal elements—despite being explained—over the top, and the way the Italian characters accepted them so easily without seeking a logical explanation had me shaking my head. Maybe it’s a cultural thing—artistic, creative nations tend to be more open-minded about the unexplained. If this story were set in the U.S., Julie would likely have ended up locked in a room wearing a straitjacket, and the ending would have taken a much darker turn.
There’s a lot happening in this book, and while some of the twists felt a little far-fetched, most of the plot holes were filled in, and many of the surprises were well-executed (though some had me rolling my eyes). That said, I always appreciate authors taking risks to create something unique. By the time I finished, I had an irresistible urge to pour myself a glass of Chianti!
Now, let’s talk about the plot: Julie Pritzker, in her mid-thirties, believes she’s cursed after witnessing her husband’s brutal murder—stabbed in the middle of the street by a hooded stranger. The most shocking part? He sacrificed himself to protect her. But why would anyone want to harm Julie? Now paralyzed by fear, she barely leaves her house, struggling to make ends meet, with only her best friend, Courtney, to talk to. Having lost her adoptive family years ago, she’s completely alone in the world. Or is she?
One day, she receives a letter from an Italian lawyer’s office, informing her that she has inherited a villa in Tuscany from a woman named Emilia Rossi—a complete stranger. Could Emilia be the biological grandmother Julie never knew, or is this an elaborate scam?
Intrigued, Julie abandons her reclusive life and flies to Tuscany, only to find the villa in a state of disrepair. As she tries to learn more about Emilia, she’s met with hostility from the townspeople and vague, unhelpful answers from the lawyer. The villa’s caretakers insist Emilia never had children and describe her as a paranoid woman on the verge of a breakdown, convinced she was related to Italian royalty, Caterina Sforza. Meanwhile, a pushy realtor pressures Julie to sell the property, but soon, she begins experiencing strange visions of Caterina and eerie nightmares that leave her with unexplained scratches.
Could the villa be haunted? Is Julie losing her mind, just like Emilia supposedly did? Or is something far more sinister happening behind the villa’s closed doors? On top of it all, she realizes she’s being stalked. The only person willing to help is the charismatic librarian Gianluca, who urges her not to sell the villa and instead uncover the truth about her birth parents. But what if the visions she’s experiencing are trying to warn her? What if she’s in more danger than she realizes? As she gets closer to unraveling the villa’s dark past, she also inches toward the truth about her own origins. And she won’t back down—no matter the cost, even if it means risking her sanity.
Overall: This is a riveting thriller that I mostly enjoyed! The romance had a bit of a Hallmark feel, with some elements of instant and eternal love that didn’t fully work for me. The resolution of the main mystery was mostly satisfying, though parts of the scheme felt a bit exaggerated. However, I’m rounding up my 3.5-star rating to 4 because of the unique concept, intriguing mystery, and strong characterization (even though I don’t always get along with Cancer women!). I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an unputdownable page-turner that will have you searching for flights to Tuscany!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this intriguing paranormal mystery in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Finally, the wait is over, and the earth-shattering conclusion to the Nightshade Crown series is here! As the saying goes, "save the best for last"—anFinally, the wait is over, and the earth-shattering conclusion to the Nightshade Crown series is here! As the saying goes, "save the best for last"—and that couldn't be truer because this final book surpasses them all, leaving me clapping so hard my hands hurt. Honestly, I’ve read everything Hannah Whitten has written, and each book has been a five-star read, but this one? It belongs in a special category that deserves more than ten stars. I can't express just how much I loved it!
This book is a masterclass in storytelling—Whitten weaves an intricate, emotionally charged narrative that grips you from the start and refuses to let go. Lore’s journey in this finale is nothing short of breathtaking, balancing high-stakes action, raw vulnerability, and an ever-present sense of impending doom. Banished to the Burnt Isles, she must not only find a way to defeat the god who has stolen everything from her but also face the growing power within herself—one that might be just as dangerous. The stakes are higher than ever, the emotional turmoil cuts deep, and every twist and turn left me in awe.
What truly sets this book apart is its rich worldbuilding, the complexity of its characters, and the way it effortlessly balances dark, gothic beauty with moments of hope and resilience. The multiple POVs were handled brilliantly, each perspective adding layers to the narrative rather than distracting from it. The last stretch of the book? Pure, unrelenting intensity—I was on edge, heart pounding, as everything unraveled in the most spectacular way. And the epilogue? I’m still recovering. It broke me, healed me, and left me in stunned silence, cherishing every moment spent in this world.
I cannot recommend this book enough. If you’ve followed The Foxglove King and The Hemlock Queen, then brace yourself—because The Nightshade God will shatter your heart in the best way possible. Hannah Whitten has truly outdone herself, and I will be first in line for whatever she writes next.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for sharing this brilliant fantasy book’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts!
13 Months Haunted" is an eerie, adrenaline-pumping horror novel that flawlessly blends early 2000s nostalgia with spine-chilling supernatural suspense13 Months Haunted" is an eerie, adrenaline-pumping horror novel that flawlessly blends early 2000s nostalgia with spine-chilling supernatural suspense. Jimmy Juliano masterfully weaves an unsettling tale of isolation, technology, and the kind of horror that lurks in the spaces we least expect.
Piper Lowery, a small-town librarian, never expected her job to lead her into a nightmare. But when she befriends Avery Wallace—the strange new eighth grader who refuses to touch technology and whose mother never leaves her side—her life takes a terrifying turn. As whispers of dark family secrets spread and unexplainable events unfold, Piper realizes that something sinister is following her. Something that won’t stop until it finds a new home.
Juliano’s storytelling is immersive, with fast-paced, tension-filled chapters and a clever mixed-media format that makes the horror feel disturbingly real. The book crackles with a creeping sense of dread, balancing psychological tension with moments that feel ripped from a late-night urban legend thread. And let’s talk about the setting—if you lived through the Y2K era, the references to dial-up internet, chatrooms, and pre-social media paranoia will hit you with both nostalgia and unease.
This isn’t just a ghost story—it’s a deeply unsettling exploration of fear, memory, and the digital imprints we leave behind. Fans of The Ring, Stranger Things, and Dead Eleven will devour this one. Just don’t read it alone at night—you’ve been warned.
A huge thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Dutton | Dutton for sharing this remarkable horror novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
A haunting and immersive gothic horror novel, House of Monstrous Women seamlessly blends Philippine folklore, supernatural suspense, and historical unA haunting and immersive gothic horror novel, House of Monstrous Women seamlessly blends Philippine folklore, supernatural suspense, and historical unrest into an unforgettable narrative. Set in 1986 against the backdrop of the People Power Revolution, the story follows Josephine, a young woman still reeling from the tragic loss of her parents. With her brother Alejandro forging his own path in Manila, she’s left to maintain their crumbling family home, struggling under the weight of loneliness and grief. When an invitation arrives from her childhood friend Hiraya—whose family is shrouded in dark rumors of witchcraft—Josephine sees an opportunity to escape. But this isn’t just a casual reunion. Hiraya extends an intriguing offer: a game, one with high stakes and the promise of granting the winner their heart’s deepest desire.
Desperate for change, Josephine takes the risk and steps into Ranoco House, a vast and eerie estate perched dangerously near the sea. The mansion itself feels alive, its endless corridors twisting in unnatural ways, dimly lit rooms steeped in a sickly-sweet scent, and shadowy figures lurking just out of sight. The deeper she delves into the game, the more she realizes that nothing is what it seems. The walls whisper secrets, the air is thick with tension, and Josephine can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched at every turn. As the sinister nature of the game unravels, she comes to a terrifying realization: this isn’t just a test of skill—it’s a battle for survival, and victory may come at a horrifying price.
What makes House of Monstrous Women stand out is its ability to merge traditional gothic horror elements with the rich, mythological roots of Filipino folklore. The novel masterfully builds tension, starting with a slow, creeping dread that escalates into full-blown terror. The setting is deeply atmospheric, the historical backdrop adding layers of real-world horror to the supernatural frights, and the exploration of feminine power and generational trauma gives the story an even sharper edge.
With its eerie, labyrinthine house, unsettling atmosphere, and a protagonist forced to navigate both political turmoil and supernatural horrors, this novel is a gripping and nightmarish descent into the unknown. A must-read for fans of gothic horror, folklore-infused thrillers, and stories that linger in your mind long after the final page.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with a digital reviewer copy of this unique horror novel in exchange for my honest opinions.
My mind is spinning! I loved the lockdown-in-hospital/asylum concept—it always gives me that suffocating, walls-closing-in sensation, making every momMy mind is spinning! I loved the lockdown-in-hospital/asylum concept—it always gives me that suffocating, walls-closing-in sensation, making every moment more intense until you can’t hold back your screams! And trust me, I screamed. I screamed while flipping through the pages, unable to stop, completely consumed by this masterfully unsettling story. I'm already a devoted fan of the author, but this book? This book pushed me over the edge! It was mind-blowing, deeply unsettling, and so immersive that I felt physically tense while reading. My body is still recovering from the sheer adrenaline rush!
Margaret’s journey through this experimental medical trial is a slow-burning descent into paranoia, where reality twists and shifts like a fever dream. The sterile, cold walls of Graceview Memorial hide secrets that claw at the edges of her sanity, and as she grapples with her own failing body, the terror lurking within the hospital tightens its grip. The sense of isolation is suffocating, and the creeping dread only intensifies with each new revelation. The medical aspects feel disturbingly real, making Margaret’s suffering all the more visceral. You can feel every ache, every fevered hallucination, every pulse of uncertainty as she tries to hold on to what’s left of herself.
What makes this story truly terrifying is how it burrows under your skin—not just with body horror, but with its exploration of medical ethics, power imbalances, and the psychological torment of feeling trapped, both physically and mentally. The claustrophobic atmosphere, unreliable narration, and a cast of characters who may or may not have sinister motives make for a nerve-wracking, mind-bending read. Just when I thought I had a grasp on what was happening, the story twisted in another direction, keeping me on edge until the very end.
This is not just a story—it’s an experience. A pulse-pounding, mind-warping ride that lingers long after you’ve turned the last page. If you love atmospheric, intelligent horror that messes with your perception and keeps you guessing, do not miss this one!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the digital reviewer copy of this gripping gothic/psychological thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts!
This book was everything I wanted and more! From the first page to the last, Arcana Academy pulled me into its darkly magical world and refused to letThis book was everything I wanted and more! From the first page to the last, Arcana Academy pulled me into its darkly magical world and refused to let go. Elise Kova has crafted a spellbinding story packed with danger, intrigue, and an irresistibly slow-burn romance that had me hooked.
Clara Graysword is the kind of protagonist I love—clever, stubborn, and just reckless enough to keep things interesting. She’s spent her life surviving on the fringes of Eclipse City, but when she’s caught practicing forbidden magic, she’s given an impossible choice: rot in prison or fake an engagement to the enigmatic headmaster of Arcana Academy, Prince Kaelis. From the moment she steps into the academy’s halls, the stakes skyrocket, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.
Let’s talk about the worldbuilding because WOW. The tarot-based magic system is so intricate and original that I found myself completely fascinated by it. The concept of inking magical cards, each with unique powers and costs, adds an extra layer of strategy to every moment. And the academy itself? Dark, dangerous, and filled with secrets—exactly how I like my fantasy settings! The moment Clara started uncovering hidden corners of the school (and the people within it), I knew I was in for something special.
And then there’s Kaelis. Prince. Headmaster. Schemer. Broody enigma. He and Clara are constantly at odds, and their dynamic is pure gold. The tension between them is thick enough to cut with a blade, and every interaction crackles with intensity. Their relationship develops through moments of trust, betrayal, and reluctant partnership, and I was absolutely living for it.
If I had one tiny critique, it would be that the pacing wavers a bit—some sections felt like they needed more breathing room, while others flew by at lightning speed. But honestly? I didn’t care. I was too wrapped up in the drama, the stakes, and the sheer fun of this book.
By the time I reached the final pages, I was desperate for more. Arcana Academy delivers everything I crave in a fantasy novel—high-stakes magic, a dangerous yet alluring academy setting, characters who are flawed but oh-so-easy to love, and a romance that burns. If you love dark academia, cunning heroines, and books that leave you breathless, DO NOT SLEEP ON THIS ONE.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group- Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sharing this perfect fantasy novel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Dark academia is one of my absolute favorite genres, and Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin delivers everything I crave—atmospheric magic, deep eDark academia is one of my absolute favorite genres, and Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin delivers everything I crave—atmospheric magic, deep emotional struggles, and a compelling found family dynamic that kept me hooked from beginning to end.
Faith’s journey is one that immediately tugs at the heartstrings. As an immigrant navigating both the mundane and magical worlds, she’s spent her life feeling like an outsider. Now, marked with the dreaded Red Stripe after a mysterious and tragic incident in the forest, she’s more alone than ever. But when strange occurrences begin to shake Ellery West, Faith and her fellow Red Stripes are forced into a reluctant alliance, uncovering secrets that could change everything.
What I absolutely adored about this book is how it weaves personal identity and belonging into a gripping fantasy. The relationships between the Red Stripe students are beautifully written, full of raw moments of trust and camaraderie that made my heart swell. Alex, in particular, is a standout—I wanted to reach through the pages and protect him at all costs! The magic system is also incredibly well-crafted, with each class of magic feeling distinct and purposeful. I only wish we got to see even more of the magical lessons because the glimpses we did get were fascinating.
The pacing is quick, and the mix of past and present storytelling keeps the mystery unraveling in a way that’s both satisfying and suspenseful. While romance is touched upon, I appreciated that the novel prioritizes friendships and self-discovery, proving that love comes in many different forms.
If you love dark academia that isn’t just about aesthetics but also dives deep into the complexities of academia itself—especially for students who don’t always feel welcome in those spaces—this book is a must-read. Lovely Dark and Deep is thrilling, thought-provoking, and full of heart. I’ll be thinking about these characters for a long time!
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for providing me with an ARC of this intriguing novel in exchange for my honest thoughts!
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