I feel like a total fangirl with a massive crush on this electrifying start to what promises to be a perfect enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy. And I feel like a total fangirl with a massive crush on this electrifying start to what promises to be a perfect enemies-to-lovers romantasy trilogy. And wait for it—this book is written by none other than Julie Soto, the genius behind "Not Another Love Song," which I loved so much I read three times (despite my never-ending TBR pile)! So yes, you can imagine me doing an awkward yet passionate cheer routine in my living room to celebrate this book. Hooray!
This story delivers on every level—strong female friendships, resilience in the face of adversity, and a world that refuses to let women wield power. Briony Rosewood is everything I love in a heroine: brilliant, courageous, and unfairly forced into the shadows of her twin brother Rory, the so-called chosen one. She’s more powerful, more strategic, and yet relegated to a supporting role—until fate intervenes and changes everything.
Her time at the academy makes it clear just how exceptional she is—so much so that she catches the attention of the smug, silver-haired Toven Hearst, a charismatic enigma who has the power to set her heart racing and her temper flaring in equal measure. But the prophecy fails, Rory dies, and Briony finds herself imprisoned with fellow captives, including her former rival, Larissa. What follows is a brutal auction where Briony is sold to the highest bidder—none other than her old adversary, Toven, whose family is notorious for their cruelty.
With no allies and no freedom, Briony must play a dangerous game to survive, escape, and reclaim her destiny. But unexpected alliances and undeniable attraction blur the lines between friend and foe. Can she trust Toven, or is he the enemy she’s sworn to destroy?
The twists in this book left me gasping, the tension had me screaming, and that cliffhanger? I’m still trying to recover! The world-building is immersive, the characters are deeply compelling, and the pacing is so gripping that I found myself glued to the pages until the very end.
This is easily one of the best romantasy books of the year, standing tall among an already stellar lineup of releases. If you love slow-burn, high-stakes romance with masterfully crafted intrigue and a protagonist you’ll root for with your whole heart, this book is for you. I am beyond excited for the next installment and am already counting down the days! Five radiant, rose-covered stars from me!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sharing this brilliant ARC in exchange for my honest review.
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Oh boy! I think I’ve found my new obsession—the book I’ll be chanting “I love it! I love it! I love it!� at least a thousand times over!
The poetry, thOh boy! I think I’ve found my new obsession—the book I’ll be chanting “I love it! I love it! I love it!� at least a thousand times over!
The poetry, the lyrical and sensational prose, the way it wraps around you like the softest blanket—it’s a breathtakingly beautiful tale of endless love and reincarnation. This book doesn’t just tell a story; it takes you on a journey through time and space, redefining the very essence of soulmates, making you cry, filling your heart with joy, and shocking you with its mind-blowing twists. And let’s not forget the revelation—the reason why these two connected souls are doomed to kill each other to be reborn! That twist made me scream—it pulled the rug right out from under me. It was so clever and masterfully executed!
Suffice it to say, I don’t have the talent to write a love song or compose a poem grand enough to capture how deeply this book touched my soul. Words aren’t enough! It may be early to decide, but I’m certain this book has already secured its place as one of the top ten must-reads of the year. This isn’t a book to let get lost in your ever-growing TBR pile—it needs to be read!
The plot follows Evelyn, an immortal soul who has lived countless lifetimes in different bodies, only to be killed each time by Arden—her soulmate, her home, her true love... and also her executioner. They are bound together by fate, cursed to find each other in every reincarnation, with one always taking the other’s life before they turn 18. Now, Evelyn is living a peaceful life on a cozy Welsh farm, still grieving her father, cherishing her loving mother, and adoring her sarcastic, quirky sister—her person. But her sister is battling leukemia, and Evelyn’s spinal cord is her only hope for survival. The surgery must happen before her 18th birthday. The problem? Arden is out there, once again in a new body, and she has to find him before he kills her.
But who is Arden this time? The charming blond newcomer who just moved to town and asked her on a date? Or her quiet, bookish coworker—who just so happens to be reading a newly published novel, anonymously written by Arden himself, recounting their days in Siberia?
How can she stop him this time before he takes her life? Why does he keep doing it, even though it breaks him, too? Are they cursed? Did they make an irreversible deal with the devil? Is this all about revenge? Evelyn is determined to uncover the truth and convince Arden to break the cycle—so she doesn’t have to leave behind the people she loves yet again, including Arden, the only one she has ever loved, the only one she will ever love.
Final verdict? Ten billion stars! Five stars aren’t even close to enough! I loved this book with every fiber of my being! Read it! Read it! Read it!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Wednesday Books for providing me with a digital review copy of this fantastic book in exchange for my honest thoughts—I truly appreciate it!
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As one of the biggest fans of Alessandra Torre’s darker works (though I’ve also enjoyed her romance novels in the past and hope she writes more in theAs one of the biggest fans of Alessandra Torre’s darker works (though I’ve also enjoyed her romance novels in the past and hope she writes more in the future), I was eager to dive into this twisty thriller. Torre is known for crafting stories filled with deception, secrets, and couples with sinister agendas, so I had high expectations. Unfortunately, this time, I couldn't fully enjoy the wild, batshit-crazy ride, even though the book started off promising—especially the early pages detailing Joe and his future plans for his beloved wife.
The plot follows Dinah, a hardworking Los Angeles cop from a dysfunctional family, who carries deep-seated resentments toward her mother and sister, Marci. She dedicates herself to solving missing persons cases, which have been piling up lately, and finds solace in her marriage to Joe—a respected professor and psychiatrist specializing in treating troubled women. Years ago, Joe even helped Dinah during her darkest moments, pulling her back from the edge. She loves and trusts him completely, believing he is her safe place.
But behind Joe’s polished, hardworking psychiatrist façade, he harbors dangerous secrets—and he’s not the only one. Dinah, too, has a life-altering secret from her past. As she investigates a chilling case involving a terminally ill mother who was murdered just months before her expected death—and her now-missing daughter, Jessica—she’s faced with troubling questions. Did Jessica kill her mother? Was she abducted? Could she be a victim of sex trafficking? Meanwhile, a rookie detective is poking around Dinah’s cases, questioning her every move and putting her career at risk. To complicate matters further, Dinah realizes that the missing girl might have been one of her husband’s patients.
Now, Dinah must choose: does she cross ethical lines to do her job, potentially jeopardizing her marriage, or does she protect herself at all costs? With her deepest secret threatening to surface, she stands to lose everything she’s built.
Overall: I predicted Dinah’s secret early on, as well as the novel’s biggest twist before even reaching the halfway mark—it all felt too obvious. While the story started strong, things took a nosedive midway, with abrupt, underdeveloped twists that ultimately derailed the execution. I struggled to connect with any of the characters, including the victim, which made it difficult to stay invested. That being said, the ending, with its dark sense of humor, made some sense. Still, I expected more.
I’m giving this book a solid 3 stars (rounded up from 2.5) for its promising start and my love for the author’s work. However, I’ll be skipping this one in favor of looking forward to her future books, hopefully with stronger twists and better character development.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for providing this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I’m proudly announcing my top romance pick for 2025! I’m so certain nothing will surpass this one!
I’ve always adored B.K. Borison’s romcoms, but her fI’m proudly announcing my top romance pick for 2025! I’m so certain nothing will surpass this one!
I’ve always adored B.K. Borison’s romcoms, but her fresh take on the Ghosted series with this magnificent paranormal romance is something truly special. I loved every part of it! The grumpy-meets-sunshine trope was perfectly executed, the main characters were absolutely delightful, and I even considered knitting scarves for them! They’re sweeter than fig jam, lemon drops, and blueberry Danish combined!
This is the kind of book that makes you want to shout your love from the rooftops!
The story follows Harriet York, who inherits her Aunt Mathilda’s antique shop. She may see herself as a people-pleaser, but in reality, she’s the kindest soul—always putting others first, even when her loved ones criticize her for not standing up for herself. In her mid-twenties, with curly hair, a love for colorful fashion, a sweet tooth, and a home filled with Christmas cheer, she’s basically the anti-Scrooge!
But one night, as she sips on stale peppermint tea, she discovers an unexpected visitor in her home—Nolan, a ruggedly charming Irish sailor in his mid-twenties. He introduces himself as the Ghost of Christmas Past, claiming he’s haunting her for the wrongs she’s committed. His mission? To take her on a journey through her past so she can face her mistakes, after which he’ll disappear forever.
But two things Nolan doesn’t anticipate:
Harriet is genuinely one of the sweetest, most selfless people ever—far from the Scrooge he expected to redeem. The more time they spend together, the less ghostly Nolan feels. His magic starts to wane, and for the first time, he begins to feel something real. If Harriet isn’t the Scrooge he was meant to haunt, why was he sent to her? And how can he possibly walk away when he’s falling so hard for her?
Overall: THIS BOOK IS CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR MY SOUL! I can’t even put into words how much I adored it! It may be early in the year, but I already know this will be my favorite romance of 2025. I genuinely can’t imagine loving another book as much as this one!
â� 10 stars, easily! â�
A massive thank you to B.K. Borison for writing such an incredible book—I cannot wait for the next installment in the Ghosted series!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon & Harper Voyager for providing me with a digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Okay, let me gush about this book I just finished - "For the Record" by Emma Lord! You know those stories that just hit all the right notes? (Sorry, cOkay, let me gush about this book I just finished - "For the Record" by Emma Lord! You know those stories that just hit all the right notes? (Sorry, couldn't resist the music pun! )
So picture this: Mackenzie Waters and Sam Blaze, these two amazing musicians who used to be at each other's throats in the spotlight, but you just KNOW there was something more brewing underneath. Now Mackenzie's dealing with this huge vocal change that's turning her whole career upside down, while Sam's traded in his wild rockstar days to be a dad (which, honestly? Super sweet!).
The best part? Their record labels basically force them to make an album together - talk about awkward! But watching them navigate all that old tension while trying to make music together? It's like watching fireworks, I swear! Their chemistry just leaps off the page, and the way Lord writes their creative process had me completely hooked.
I really loved getting both of their perspectives too - it really lets you see what's going on behind those public personas they put up. Though I will say, sometimes it felt a bit young for an adult romance (not necessarily a bad thing, just unexpected!), and there were a few parts in the middle where I was like "okay, let's get moving!"
But honestly? The way they write together, the fantastic group of people around them, and that epilogue that just made my heart melt - it all totally makes up for any slow spots. I'd give it 3.5 stars, bumped up to 4 because it just left me with such a good feeling!
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and raw emotion that pulls you in from the very first page. It’s not just a treasure hunt—it’sThis book is a captivating blend of adventure, romance, and raw emotion that pulls you in from the very first page. It’s not just a treasure hunt—it’s a journey through love, loss, and the hope of second chances. Stella Moore, a fearless and passionate treasure hunter, lives for adventure alongside her tight-knit group of friends. But when Huck Sullivan, the famous novelist who once swept her off her feet and then vanished without a trace, suddenly reappears in her life, Stella’s world is turned upside down. Their first meeting on Iceland’s black sand beaches was unforgettable, but his abrupt departure left her heartbroken. Now, a year later, as Stella sets off on another daring expedition, Huck is back, ready to write a new book—and maybe, just maybe, rewrite their story.
What makes this novel truly stand out is its rich, immersive storytelling and characters that feel so real you’ll swear you know them. Stella is a force to be reckoned with—strong, independent, and fiercely loyal to her friends. Huck, despite his fame, is deeply human, wrestling with his own demons. The chemistry between them crackles with tension, and their slow-burn journey back to each other is as gripping as the treasure hunt itself. Beyond the romance, the story delves into themes of ambition, trust, and redemption, giving it a depth that lingers long after you’ve finished reading.
The adventure is just as thrilling as the emotional stakes. From vividly painted settings to high-seas escapades, the book keeps you on the edge of your seat. The bond between Stella and her friends is so genuine and heartwarming, it feels like you’re part of their found family. Sure, some plot twists might feel predictable, but the ride is so enjoyable that it doesn’t matter. The story balances action-packed moments with tender, heartfelt scenes, and while the ending ties things up a little too neatly for some, it’s still deeply satisfying, giving the characters the growth and closure they deserve.
In the end, this book is a perfect escape—a mix of pulse-pounding adventure and a touching second-chance romance. If you love treasure hunts, emotional depth, and love stories that weather even the stormiest seas, this one’s for you. It’s a ride you won’t want to miss.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me this heartfelt and entertaining novel's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
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When someone tells me there's a book waiting at my digital library with an enemies-to-lovers trope, I jump on it without hesitation! This is my addictWhen someone tells me there's a book waiting at my digital library with an enemies-to-lovers trope, I jump on it without hesitation! This is my addiction and even my vice! The Irresistible Urge to Fall for Your Enemy delivers everything I crave in a romantasy—razor-sharp wit, a simmering slow burn, and a rich, immersive world that pulls you in from the first page.
Picture this: two characters, Aurienne and Osric, who absolutely cannot stand each other. But oh my goodness, their banter! I found myself literally laughing out loud at their exchanges - they're both so quick-witted and sharp-tongued. And the way they slowly, painfully start to see each other differently?
The best part is that it's not just surface-level enemies-to-lovers (you know the type, where they're supposedly enemies but they're making eyes at each other by chapter three). These two have genuine reasons for their animosity, and watching their walls come down bit by bit was absolutely delicious. I kept wanting to shake them both while simultaneously wanting them to never stop arguing because their chemistry was just that good! Knightley didn't just give us a romance, though - she wrapped it in this gorgeously crafted fantasy world that had me completely hooked. There's this whole mystery element that kept me guessing, and the adventure aspects had me on the edge of my seat. But it never overshadowed the romance - everything worked together perfectly.
And that ending? Utterly brutal in the best way, leaving me desperate for the sequel. If you love slow burns that actually take their time, enemies-to-lovers where the enemies part isn’t just a label, and world-building that enhances the romance rather than distracting from it—then drop everything and read this book.
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Ace for sharing this irresistible romantasy's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts....more
Grief is a sensitive, deeply personal, and often triggering subject. Everyone experiences it differently, and the process is sacred, painful, and uniqGrief is a sensitive, deeply personal, and often triggering subject. Everyone experiences it differently, and the process is sacred, painful, and unique to each individual. While it’s said that grief has five stages, some people never move past the second or third, unable to find closure or a way to move forward.
Poppy Fields explores this profound question: What if you had the chance to sleep for one or two months in a specialized facility and, upon waking, no longer felt crushed under the weight of your grief? What if you could finally breathe without feeling like glass shards were stabbing your heart with every inhale—moving on without wearing your pain like an invisible scar? Would you take that chance, or would you still cling to your grief, even as it slowly eroded your sense of self?
Ellis, the enigmatic, fiercely dedicated founder of this remote treatment center in the California desert, believes she is helping people process their pain. The facility, an innovative yet highly controversial institution, was never about financial gain—she personally selects each candidate through a rigorous application and interview process, shaping the program based on her own life experiences. But her work is not without its critics. Protesters challenge the ethics of the treatment, and some former patients report an unsettling side effect: a small percentage emerge emotionally numb, detached from their past and memories, stripped of sentimentality.
Ellis’s sister, Ava, resents her for prioritizing this work over family. Determined to confront Ellis, Ava embarks on a journey to the facility, only to be rerouted by a natural disaster. Along the way, she finds herself traveling with two strangers—Sasha, a young Korean occupational therapist who was on the verge of becoming a runaway bride, and Ray, a firefighter grieving the loss of his brother Johnny, who underwent the treatment and came back� different. Convinced something sinister is happening behind closed doors, Ray is determined to uncover the truth. They are later joined by Sky, an adventurous 18-year-old taking a gap year, as their paths converge on the facility.
What awaits them when they arrive? Will they find the closure they seek, or uncover something far more unsettling? Most importantly, if given the chance to heal simply by closing your eyes and disconnecting from the world for two months—would you take it?
Overall, this is a thought-provoking, deeply moving, and philosophical journey with well-developed characters and unforgettable emotional depth. A compelling exploration of grief, healing, and identity, this book will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled to move forward while holding onto the past.
Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing me with this incredible digital review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
When you have the chance to read an ARC copy from one of your auto-approved thriller authors, like Sarah Pekkanen, the only thing you can do—after danWhen you have the chance to read an ARC copy from one of your auto-approved thriller authors, like Sarah Pekkanen, the only thing you can do—after dancing in your study to celebrate your luck—is dive straight into the book. Especially when it presents an intriguing concept like twin connections, psychological thriller vibes with claustrophobic asylum chapters, and a twisty whodunnit premise!
The story revolves around two twin sisters� perspectives:
Georgia, who is locked in an asylum after being arrested for murdering her sister Annabelle. She pleads insanity and awaits her trial, holding onto the last hope that Mandy will believe in her innocence and help her get out before she’s killed by hidden enemies controlled by powerful figures. Mandy (Amanda), who runs her family’s bar after inheriting the place following her parents� deaths. She left her PR job behind, only to find herself at the center of a shocking revelation: the murderer making headlines—the one accused of vengefully killing her stepsister—is actually her twin sister, a sibling she never even knew existed. One day, Georgia’s lawyer calls Mandy, urging her to visit the hospital and meet her sister. Though skeptical, Mandy is too intrigued to resist confronting the presumed cold-blooded killer. When they finally meet, the unexplainable physical bond between them is undeniable. Then, Georgia hands over strands of her own hair, encouraging Mandy to conduct a DNA test. But deep in her gut, Mandy already knows the truth—Georgia is her real sister, and someone deliberately separated them at birth.
However, the biggest revelation is yet to come: Georgia insists she’s innocent. She warns Mandy that if she doesn’t help get her out, someone will kill her. But is Georgia telling the truth? Or is Mandy just a pawn in her twin’s dangerous endgame?
Determined to uncover the truth—not just to help Georgia, but also to piece together her own fragmented identity—Mandy is drawn into the elite’s scandalous secret circles. She learns more about the Cartwrights, the powerful family that adopted Georgia. Was Georgia the black sheep of the family, envious enough to kill her own sister? Or was she a victim of neglect and mistreatment, driven to desperation?
As Mandy digs deeper, she realizes there are people who would rather see Georgia dead—and in doing so, she unknowingly puts herself in more danger than she ever imagined. But even at the cost of her own life, she is determined to push forward and bring justice.
Overall Thoughts: The mystery surrounding Georgia’s innocence and the secrets of the Cartwright family are executed with a strong trajectory, featuring short, fast-paced, action-packed chapters. While some twists were a bit predictable, and I had hoped for a more earth-shattering conclusion, I still thoroughly enjoyed the character development and the magnetic—at times, eerie—bond between the sisters. That connection alone made me round my rating from 3.5 stars up to 4!
I highly recommend this well-crafted thriller to devoted fans like me and to any reader looking for a gripping, unputdownable read from the very first page.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC of one of this year’s most anticipated thrillers in exchange for my honest feedback—I truly appreciate it!...more
Well, I’m a little mad at Carley Fortune for making us wait so long for Charlie Florek’s story after Every Summer After—which was quite a fascinating Well, I’m a little mad at Carley Fortune for making us wait so long for Charlie Florek’s story after Every Summer After—which was quite a fascinating read for me� until it wasn’t (yes, I’m talking about that big twist in the last quarter that made me hate the book). But even that didn’t stop me from rooting for Charlie—an incorrigible flirt, a human beam of sunshine with his smart-ass comments, huge ego, and Greek-god-level looks, including those green eyes you could get drunk on with just a quick glance!
Thankfully, the wait is over, and this book turned out to be my favorite of Fortune’s works. Maybe I’m biased, maybe reading about Charlie and seeing his character evolve made me extra giddy, but I couldn’t help feeling pure joy as I followed Alice and Charlie’s slow-burn, opposites-attract, steamy romance that had me grinning from ear to ear until my face hurt. It was an absolute pleasure to return to Barry’s Bay, with its spectacular views that make you want to dive into the pages and never return to reality.
In this novel, Alice Everly returns to this magical place after 15 years to lift her grandmother’s spirits as she recovers from hip surgery. This town holds special meaning for Alice—it’s where she first found her purpose as a photographer. She even once photographed three familiar faces—young Sam, Charlie, and Percy (yes, the main characters from Every Summer After), though she was too shy to introduce herself. Instead, she submitted the photo to a contest that won her an award and kick-started her career.
But now, Alice feels lost. With her sisters moving on with their lives, her divorced parents in their own worlds, and a fresh heartbreak from the long-term boyfriend she planned to build a life with (who, by the way, had the audacity to get engaged to someone else immediately after their breakup), she buries herself in work. Needing a reset, she heads to Barry’s Bay to recharge. The one thing she didn’t count on? The absolute flirt, walking sex magnet that is Charlie Florek—who, in addition to taking care of the place she’s staying in, is adamant about taking care of both her nan and her. Charlie never takes no for an answer, easily getting under Alice’s skin despite her best efforts to resist. But the sparks don’t just fly—they’re about to set the whole town on fire. The only way to survive? Giving her heart a second chance, even though Charlie insists he’s not the kind of guy she can build a future with. But with him, she feels alive again—like she’s 17, refreshed, reborn, laughing more, finding her path, and falling hard. Will they take a chance on love, despite Charlie’s hesitations?
I loved this book with my whole heart. Alice’s journey of self-discovery was beautiful to witness, like watching a butterfly emerge from its cocoon. And Charlie? He completely melted me with his charm, witty banter, and undeniable presence. I only docked half a point because I rolled my eyes at the final twist revealing the biggest obstacle between them—it was hinted at the beginning, but still made me groan. That said, I adored their intense friends-to-lovers romance so much that I’m rounding my 4.5 stars up to a full 5. Carley Fortune, thank you for finally giving us Charlie Florek’s story—it was absolutely worth the wait!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an ARC of one of my most anticipated romances in exchange for my honest thoughts. Special thanks to Carley Fortune for finally delivering Charlie Florek’s story!
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