en-US Tue, 29 Apr 2025 22:00:12 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 223199392 Two good neighbors make the best of a bad Valentine’s Day in a funny and improbably romantic short story by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Just for the Summer.

It’s Valentine’s Day weekend, and Charlotte and Seth are not looking for romance. Armed with emotional-support bear spray, Charlotte is in self-imposed isolation and on guard from men. Having a stalker can do that to a person’s nerves. Just across the hall and giving off woodsy vibes is Seth, a recently divorced arborist. As in today recently. Heights, ���’s fine with. Trust? Not so much. But when disaster traps them one flight up and no way down, an outrageously precarious predicament forces a tree-loving guy and a rattled girl next door to embrace their captivity. Soon their defenses are breaking away. Considering how close they both are to the edge, Charlotte and Seth could be in danger of falling—in love.]]> 82 Abby Jimenez 1662529082 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading 4.11 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.11
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Rounding out my monthly reads with a novella! I’ve been meaning to read this for a while now and it will get me to an even 20.
]]> 63905241
Women are forbidden to wield blades, so she has trained in secret her entire life. Now racing against the clock, she fights to secure her place in the elite guild charged with the protection of the five kingdoms.

The sparring and hazing of the new trainees border on deadly, but even more dangerous is her growing attraction to Wilder Hawthorne, her unwilling warrior chaperone.

All around them, schemes are afoot and darkness looms.

Will Althea pass the perilous initiation test and take her place as a champion of Thezmarr �� or will the invading evil snatch away her dream before it starts?]]> 550 Helen Scheuerer 1922903027 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Slow Burn
�� Race Against Fate
�� Mentor x Mentee
�� Found Family
�� Warrior Training Camp
�� Who Did This to You?
�� Forbidden Love
�� Third Person Multi POV

Have you ever finished a book and felt like you must have missed something?

This book has been recommended to me by SO many people, both friends and strangers, but I honestly struggled to even finish this. The whole format of the story felt super predictable, and most of the time I just felt like I was going through the motions. The slow burn was there, and in theory I should have been into it, but the intimate scenes would come and go and I could barely drudge up even a spark of interest. Based on the ending, the author clearly plans to drag out the slow burn and their denial of their mutual feelings. At this point, I’m pretty worried the next books will just feel like more of the same. There’s only one way to find out and I do still plan to read them, but I’m pretty bummed that I don’t feel more excited about starting book two. Still optimistic that the rest of the series will be better!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I’m excited to read Iron & Embers since the character art I’ve seen of the MMC so closely resembles Thor ]]> 4.20 2023
author: Helen Scheuerer
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/04
date added: 2025/04/28
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Slow Burn
�� Race Against Fate
�� Mentor x Mentee
�� Found Family
�� Warrior Training Camp
�� Who Did This to You?
�� Forbidden Love
�� Third Person Multi POV

Have you ever finished a book and felt like you must have missed something?

This book has been recommended to me by SO many people, both friends and strangers, but I honestly struggled to even finish this. The whole format of the story felt super predictable, and most of the time I just felt like I was going through the motions. The slow burn was there, and in theory I should have been into it, but the intimate scenes would come and go and I could barely drudge up even a spark of interest. Based on the ending, the author clearly plans to drag out the slow burn and their denial of their mutual feelings. At this point, I’m pretty worried the next books will just feel like more of the same. There’s only one way to find out and I do still plan to read them, but I’m pretty bummed that I don’t feel more excited about starting book two. Still optimistic that the rest of the series will be better!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I’m excited to read Iron & Embers since the character art I’ve seen of the MMC so closely resembles Thor
]]> 218559595 Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years--or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: S���’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it.]]> 432 Emily Henry ✨J�ܱ������� 3
“Love isn’t something you can cup in your hands, and I have to believe that means it’s something that can’t ever be lost.��

What to Expect:
�� Grumpy vs. Sunshine
�� Forced Proximity
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Opposites Attract
�� Small Town
�� Workplace Romance
�� Slow Burn
�� Former Celebrity BTS/Tell All
�� Narrated by Julia Whelan
�� First Person Single POV

Emily Henry writes beautifully, Julia Whelan is unmatched as a narrator, and I adored Alice and Hayden, so why didn’t I love this book?

I knew going in that this was going to be a little less romance forward than most of her previous books, so I was braced for that and I think I could have still been on board. The main issue was that I was just completely uninterested in Margaret’s story and I didn’t enjoy the reporter style narration of those portions of the book. Unfortunately, this was about 50% of the book and every time the focus shifted back to Margaret, I felt my eyes glazing over. There is a bit of a twist at the end that rejuvenated my interest, but I can’t claim to have fully enjoyed this book.

I think Emily Henry is so popular because her writing style is kind of a crossover for those who love romance AND those who prefer contemporary fiction (such as Taylor Jenkins Reid). Up until now, she has toed the line and managed to appease both camps, but I think she lost the interest of some of her romance readers with this one. I’m sure she can win us back with her next book, but I think this one will rank low for most of us romance lovers (even those who rate it high). This is her third 3 star for me though, so I may just not be her biggest fan. ]]> 4.20 2025
author: Emily Henry
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/26
date added: 2025/04/28
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

“Love isn’t something you can cup in your hands, and I have to believe that means it’s something that can’t ever be lost.��

What to Expect:
�� Grumpy vs. Sunshine
�� Forced Proximity
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Opposites Attract
�� Small Town
�� Workplace Romance
�� Slow Burn
�� Former Celebrity BTS/Tell All
�� Narrated by Julia Whelan
�� First Person Single POV

Emily Henry writes beautifully, Julia Whelan is unmatched as a narrator, and I adored Alice and Hayden, so why didn’t I love this book?

I knew going in that this was going to be a little less romance forward than most of her previous books, so I was braced for that and I think I could have still been on board. The main issue was that I was just completely uninterested in Margaret’s story and I didn’t enjoy the reporter style narration of those portions of the book. Unfortunately, this was about 50% of the book and every time the focus shifted back to Margaret, I felt my eyes glazing over. There is a bit of a twist at the end that rejuvenated my interest, but I can’t claim to have fully enjoyed this book.

I think Emily Henry is so popular because her writing style is kind of a crossover for those who love romance AND those who prefer contemporary fiction (such as Taylor Jenkins Reid). Up until now, she has toed the line and managed to appease both camps, but I think she lost the interest of some of her romance readers with this one. I’m sure she can win us back with her next book, but I think this one will rank low for most of us romance lovers (even those who rate it high). This is her third 3 star for me though, so I may just not be her biggest fan.
]]> 216405550 From #1��New York Times��bestselling author Alex Aster comes her adult debut novel��Summer in the City—a swoony, fast-paced rom-com set in New York City in which a screenwriter and a sexy tech CEO go from lovers to enemies and back to lovers again��

Twenty-seven-year-old screenwriter Elle has the chance of a lifetime to write a big-budget movie set in New York City. The only problem? S���’s had writer’s block for months, and her screenplay is due at the end of the summer.��

In a desperate attempt at inspiration, Elle ends up back in the city she swore she would never return to, in an apartment she could never afford (floor-to-ceiling windows, skyline views, and a new coffee shop to haunt included). It’s the perfect place to write her screenplay…until she realizes her new neighbor is tech “Billionaire Bachelor�� Parker Warren, her stairwell hookup from two years ago. It’s been a lovers-to-enemies situation ever since.��

When seeing him again turns into a full night of hate-fueled writing, Elle realizes her enemy/twisted muse might just be the key to finishing her screenplay... if she can stand being around her polar opposite. She writes anonymously, and ���’s on the cover of every business magazine. He frequents fancy red carpeted events, and she doesn’t like leaving her emotional support five block radius.��

One summer. One wall apart. He needs to fake a buzzy relationship during his company’s precarious acquisition. She needs to write a movie around a list of NYC locations. Both need a break from their unrelenting schedules, and a chance to rediscover the skyscraper glimmering, pizza crusted, sunlit charms of the city.����

Summers always end, and so will this agreement. It’s all pretend. Promise.��

Until it isn’t.]]> 304 Alex Aster 0063411660 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading The taxi cab edges got me! 3.81 2025
author: Alex Aster
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.81
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: currently-reading
review:
The taxi cab edges got me!
]]> 212174157 From an electrifying new voice in epic fantasy comes The Raven Scholar, a masterfully woven and playfully inventive tale of imperial intrigue, cutthroat competition, and one scholar’s quest to uncover the truth.

Let us fly now to the empire of Orrun, where after twenty-four years of peace, Bersun the Brusque must end his reign. In the dizzying heat of mid-summer, seven contenders compete to replace him. They are exceptional warriors, thinkers, strategists—the best of the best.

Then one of them is murdered.

It falls to Neema Kraa, the emperor’s brilliant, idiosyncratic High Scholar, to find the killer before the trials end. To do so, she must untangle a web of deadly secrets that stretches back generations, all while competing against six warriors with their own dark histories and fierce ambitions. Neema believes she is alone. But we are here to help; all she has to do is let us in.

If she succeeds, she will win the throne. If she fails, death awaits her. But we won’t let that happen.

We are the Raven, and we are magnificent.]]> 656 Antonia Hodgson 152933988X ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Political Intrigue
�� Eight Sacred Animals
�� Possession
�� Murder Mystery
�� Deadly Trials
�� Competing for the Throne
�� Romance Subplot
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Epic Fantasy
�� Third Person POV

I’m gonna be honest, I could have DNF’d this at literally any point. It was 656 pages and once I got about halfway through I just couldn’t bring myself to quit even though I really wasn’t having a good time. I think the premise and the world building were strong, but there were a lot of confusing transitions where the focus shifted to minor characters, different timelines, or the backstories of the eight that really bogged down the story for me. These side stories were not only convoluted and hard to follow, but most of them were just plain uninteresting to me. I’m kind of picky about the POV in stories and I really don’t like for there to be too many deviations that slow down the overall progression of the plot.

I knew going in that this was an epic fantasy and not a romantasy, but the romance subplot was so uninteresting to me that I would have preferred for it to have been excluded all together. If these two characters had just been childhood friends, it could have fulfilled the same role in the plot.

There are some found family vibes at the end, but for most of the book I struggled to like or connect with any of the characters and the eight felt pretty demonic to me which made me mistrustful of their role in the story. A person would have to give them (one of the eight) permission to enter them (essentially possession) but at one point they almost convince her to do something that would have resulted in her death, and after that I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and expected her to be double crossed by the raven.

There’s a murder mystery and also a competition for the throne but I continually forgot about both of these very prominent threads of the plot because there were such long stretches where they weren’t the focus at all. The author does tie together a lot of details by the end, but I still think this was about 200 pages too long. I have a feeling I’ll probably be an outlier on this one, but I personally wasn’t a fan.

Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Slowly chipping away at my ARC’s and ALC’s! Still 6 or 7 to go. ]]> 4.47 2025
author: Antonia Hodgson
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/27
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:
�� 2.45 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Political Intrigue
�� Eight Sacred Animals
�� Possession
�� Murder Mystery
�� Deadly Trials
�� Competing for the Throne
�� Romance Subplot
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Epic Fantasy
�� Third Person POV

I’m gonna be honest, I could have DNF’d this at literally any point. It was 656 pages and once I got about halfway through I just couldn’t bring myself to quit even though I really wasn’t having a good time. I think the premise and the world building were strong, but there were a lot of confusing transitions where the focus shifted to minor characters, different timelines, or the backstories of the eight that really bogged down the story for me. These side stories were not only convoluted and hard to follow, but most of them were just plain uninteresting to me. I’m kind of picky about the POV in stories and I really don’t like for there to be too many deviations that slow down the overall progression of the plot.

I knew going in that this was an epic fantasy and not a romantasy, but the romance subplot was so uninteresting to me that I would have preferred for it to have been excluded all together. If these two characters had just been childhood friends, it could have fulfilled the same role in the plot.

There are some found family vibes at the end, but for most of the book I struggled to like or connect with any of the characters and the eight felt pretty demonic to me which made me mistrustful of their role in the story. A person would have to give them (one of the eight) permission to enter them (essentially possession) but at one point they almost convince her to do something that would have resulted in her death, and after that I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, and expected her to be double crossed by the raven.

There’s a murder mystery and also a competition for the throne but I continually forgot about both of these very prominent threads of the plot because there were such long stretches where they weren’t the focus at all. The author does tie together a lot of details by the end, but I still think this was about 200 pages too long. I have a feeling I’ll probably be an outlier on this one, but I personally wasn’t a fan.

Thank you to Libro.FM for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Slowly chipping away at my ARC’s and ALC’s! Still 6 or 7 to go.
]]> 216269037 A funny and heartwarming debut romance about two exes forced to reunite when a plane crash leaves them stranded on a deserted island.

Piper Adams is totally, one hundred percent, completely over Wyatt, the former love of her life. After he broke her heart, she stopped taking risks and focused instead on building a perfect—and perfectly safe—life. Bumping into him at the airport on the way to her best friend’s destination wedding wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a canceled flight nor Wyatt’s offer of a ride on the tiny plane ���’s flying to attend the same wedding. Desperate to make it on time she accepts his offer, but things go from awkward to full-blown nightmare when their plane crashes in the Caribbean, stranding Piper on a deserted island with the last person she ever wanted to see again.��

At first, rule-following Piper clashes with adventure-driven Wyatt, but as the days tick by, she begrudgingly admits that the boy she once knew has grown into a man. A man who makes her laugh, knows his way around a fire, and is annoyingly hot shirtless. As the chemistry still simmering between them boils over, Piper begins wishing Wyatt could be more than just a survival partner. But for their love to survive a second chance, she’ll have to not only trust Wyatt again, but also learn to trust herself and find the courage to let go of her carefully curated life for the chance at something far greater—if they survive the island long enough for rescue.]]> 304 Annie McQuaid 0063374862 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Second Chance
�� Childhood Best Friends/Lovers
�� Forced Proximity
�� Stranded on a Desert Island
�� Slow Burn
�� Dual Timeline
�� Parental Interference
�� Debut Novel
�� Third Person POV

Second chance romances are hit or miss for me since the backstories often negatively impact my view of the MC’s, but these two characters came out mostly unscathed. I’ll let you read the reason for yourself, but there was some parental interference that sort of forced the MC’s hand. He genuinely believed he was protecting her future in letting her go which was admirable, so we’ll give him a pass.

The plane crash and the circumstances that lead to it felt a little far fetched to me, but once I got past that, I thought this was really well written and well plotted which was particularly impressive considering this is a debut novel. The only real hiccup I had was that I imagined the MMC to be much more dark and rugged than the clean cut blond depicted on the cover. Every time I saw the cover it kind of threw me off, but I think this has more to do with my personal aversion to blondes ]]> 3.58 2025
author: Annie McQuaid
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/24
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves:
review:
�� 3.45 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Second Chance
�� Childhood Best Friends/Lovers
�� Forced Proximity
�� Stranded on a Desert Island
�� Slow Burn
�� Dual Timeline
�� Parental Interference
�� Debut Novel
�� Third Person POV

Second chance romances are hit or miss for me since the backstories often negatively impact my view of the MC’s, but these two characters came out mostly unscathed. I’ll let you read the reason for yourself, but there was some parental interference that sort of forced the MC’s hand. He genuinely believed he was protecting her future in letting her go which was admirable, so we’ll give him a pass.

The plane crash and the circumstances that lead to it felt a little far fetched to me, but once I got past that, I thought this was really well written and well plotted which was particularly impressive considering this is a debut novel. The only real hiccup I had was that I imagined the MMC to be much more dark and rugged than the clean cut blond depicted on the cover. Every time I saw the cover it kind of threw me off, but I think this has more to do with my personal aversion to blondes
]]> 208728 407 Jane Austen 0141028157 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading 3.93 1811
author: Jane Austen
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.93
book published: 1811
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Pre-read: Going with Austen for this month’s classic pick.
]]> 231547784 Once upon a time, a girl found a magical puppy, and her life was never the same again.

Nina Popoca needs help.

So, so much of it.

The only place she can find that help is on a sprawling ranch in Colorado. A place hiding more than a community filled with magical creatures trying to live their lives in safety and in peace. A village that might hold the answers to questions s���’s had her entire life.

And if that ranch is owned by her best friend’s hunky cousin?

…there are worse things in the world than having to live right by Henri Blackrock.]]> 717 Mariana Zapata ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.75 2025
author: Mariana Zapata
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.75
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: to-read
review:
Um�� excuse me?! The slow burn Queen wrote a Romantasy?!
]]> 228691356 What is wrong meets what feels right in this romance set in Italy by the New York Times bestselling author of Deep End.

Maya Killgore is twenty-three and still in the process of figuring out her life.

Conor Harkness is thirty-eight, and Maya cannot stop thinking about him.

It’s such a cliché, it almost makes her heart implode: older man and younger woman; successful biotech guy and struggling grad student; brother’s best friend and the girl he never even knew existed. As Conor loves to remind her, the power dynamic is too imbalanced. Any relationship between them would be problematic in too many ways to count, and Maya should just get over him. After all, he has made it clear that he wants her gone from his life.

But not everything is as it seems—and clichés sometimes become plot twists.

When Maya’s brother decides to get married in Taormina, she and Conor end up stuck together in a romantic Sicilian villa for over a week. There, on the beautiful Ionian coast, between ancient ruins, delicious foods, and natural caves, Maya realizes that Conor might be hiding something from her. And as the destination wedding begins to erupt out of control, she decides that a summer fling might be just what she needs—even if it’s a problematic one.]]> 416 Ali Hazelwood ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read Is Ali a robot?! 4.62 2025
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.62
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: to-read
review:
Is Ali a robot?!
]]> 231148139
Madison Walker left Rome, Kentucky, determined to prove she could make it in the culinary world. But after years of chasing success in New York, all she has to show for it is a shattered confidence and a desperate need for a fresh start. Coming home isn’t part of the plan—until an unexpected job offer lands in her lap, giving her a chance to rebuild everything s���’s lost: the head chef position at a new farm-to-table restaurant in her hometown. The only catch? It comes from James Huxley, owner of Huxley Farm, her brother’s best friend . . . and the last person she wants to work for.

James has always played it safe, keeping his head down and doing what’s expected of him in the family business and never contemplating anything different—until now when Madison’s happiness is on the line. He’s loved her quietly for years, knowing s���’s never seen him as more than an annoyance. Now that s���’s back, ���’s determined to change that–even if it means he can only ever be her friend. The one problem? His charming, wildly successful younger brother, Tommy, seems determined to win her over first.

Then Tommy is called away on business and Madison and James are tasked with launching the dreamy farm-to-table restaurant on their own. But as the town starts meddling in their relationship, Tommy’s pursuit of Madison grows more relentless, and Madison’s fears threaten to hold her back, keeping things strictly professional becomes impossible. And when an unexpected disaster on opening night collides with a long-simmering sibling feud, both Madison and James will have to face their biggest insecurities—and decide if love is worth the risk or if some dreams are safer left untouched.]]> Sarah Adams 0593723724 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.00
author: Sarah Adams
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/27
shelves: to-read
review:
One last trip back to Rome, Kentucky.
]]> 1584974 Once he drove back the darkness.
Once he loved with such passion his name was legend.

Once, driven wild with grief over the murder of his beloved, the majestic Fey King Rain Tairen Soul had laid waste to the world before vanishing into the Fading Lands. Now, a thousand years later, a new threat draws him back into the world—and a new love reawakens the heart he thought long dead.

Ellysetta, a woodcarver’s daughter, calls to Rain in a way no other ever had. Mysterious and magical, her soul beckons him with a compelling, seductive song—and no matter the cost, the wildness in his blood will not be denied.

As an ancient, familiar evil regains its strength, causing centuries-old alliances to crumble and threatening doom for Rain and his people... he must claim his truemate to embrace the destiny woven for them both in the mists of time.]]> 406 C.L. Wilson 0843959770 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.94 2007
author: C.L. Wilson
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.94
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 214269328 Grieving the loss of her best friend, a young woman’s life is turned upside down when she meets a grumpy stranger who swears he can help her live again, in this heartwarming, slow-burn romance by the author of Ready or Not

Lenny’s a bit of a mess at the moment. Her best friend, Lou, recently passed away after a battle with cancer, and her death has left Lenny feeling completely lost. S���’s avoiding her concerned parents, the apartment she shared with Lou, and the list of things s���’s supposed to do to help her live again. The only thing she can do is temporary babysitting gigs, and luckily, she just landed a great one, helping overworked, single mom Reese and her precocious daughter, Ainsley. It’s not perfect: Ainsley’s uncle, Miles, always seems to be around, and is kind of... a huge jerk. But if Lenny acts like she has it all together, maybe no one will notice s���’s falling apart.

Miles sees right through her though. Turns out, he knows a lot about grief and, surprisingly, he offers her a proposition. He’ll help her complete everything on her “live again�� list if she’ll help him connect with Ainsley and overcome his complicated relationship with Reese. Lenny doubts anything can fill the Lou has left behind, but she begins to spend more time with Miles, Lenny is surprised to discover that, sometimes, losing everything is only the first step to finding yourself, and love, again.]]> 416 Cara Bastone 0593595734 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading So excited for this one!! 4.23 2025
author: Cara Bastone
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves: currently-reading
review:
So excited for this one!!
]]> 48891324 Inspired by an astonishing true story from World War II, a young woman with a talent for forgery helps hundreds of Jewish children flee the Nazis in this unforgettable historical novel from the international bestselling author of the “epic and heart-wrenching World War II tale�� (Alyson Noel, #1 New York Times bestselling author) The Winemaker’s Wife.

Eva Traube Abrams, a semi-retired librarian in Florida, is shelving books one morning when her eyes lock on a photograph in a magazine lying open nearby. She freezes; it’s an image of a book she hasn’t seen in sixty-five years—a book she recognizes as The Book of Lost Names.

The accompanying article discusses the looting of libraries by the Nazis across Europe during World War II—an experience Eva remembers well—and the search to reunite people with the texts taken from them so long ago. The book in the photograph, an eighteenth-century religious text thought to have been taken from France in the waning days of the war, is one of the most fascinating cases. Now housed in Berlin’s Zentral- und Landesbibliothek library, it appears to contain some sort of code, but researchers don’t know where it came from—or what the code means. Only Eva holds the answer—but will she have the strength to revisit old memories and help reunite those lost during the war?

As a graduate student in 1942, Eva was forced to flee Paris after the arrest of her father, a Polish Jew. Finding refuge in a small mountain town in the Free Zone, she begins forging identity documents for Jewish children fleeing to neutral Switzerland. But erasing people comes with a price, and along with a mysterious, handsome forger named Rémy, Eva decides she must find a way to preserve the real names of the children who are too young to remember who they really are. The records they keep in The Book of Lost Names will become even more vital when the resistance cell they work for is betrayed and Rémy disappears.

An engaging and evocative novel reminiscent of The Lost Girls of Paris and The Alice Network, The Book of Lost Names is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of bravery and love in the face of evil.]]> 396 Kristin Harmel 1982131918 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on
]]> 4.58 2020
author: Kristin Harmel
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2021/06/07
date added: 2025/04/26
shelves:
review:
Reader beware - DO NOT start this book without first stocking up on tissues (all I had was tp which I don’t recommend for “ugly crying��). Never in my life have I been so emotionally wrecked by a book. This book broke my heart dozens of times and I am frankly NOT okay. Even parts that should have made me happy were often somehow completely devastating to me on so many levels. Despite (or maybe because of) all this, you NEED to read this book! Just make sure you are mentally and emotionally prepared for the heart wrenching realities of WWll before you dive into this because it’s gonna get you right in your feels.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on

]]> 123007281
But Thea’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to navigate her newfound magic and uncover the secrets of her past. Slowly, she begins to untangle the truth about her family, her powers and the evil that threatens to engulf the kingdom.

When Wilder Hawthorne returns to be her official mentor, everything changes. Dark forces are gathering, and he will stop at nothing to prepare her for the challenges to come, even if it means breaking her.

As war looms and their quest for answers leads master and apprentice deeper into danger, the undeniable connection between them intensifies �� defying all odds, but also threatening to tear them apart.

With secrets unravelling and evil closing in, Thea and Wilder fight to save the world, and each other. The fate of the realms rests in their hands �� will they emerge victorious, or will the darkness consume them both?

Full of action, adventure and steamy romance, Vows & Ruins is the second book in the spellbinding epic romantic fantasy series, The Legends of Thezmarr and is perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, From Blood and Ash and The Witcher.]]> 536 Helen Scheuerer 1922903051 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading 4.05 2023
author: Helen Scheuerer
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/24
shelves: currently-reading
review:
I was sad I didn’t love the first book more after hearing so many glowing reviews. I’m really hoping this one works better for me! I so want to love this series as much as you guys do!
]]> 210621494 On a mysterious snowy island ruled by a trickster king where magic comes at a price, a deadly trial commences. The prize: a chance for vengeance.

After her sacrifice on the Ember Moon, Fia is flush with powerful magic and eager to rush into battle against her murderous sister, Eala. However, Fia's new husband Irian suggests they bide their time and retreat to the Silver Isle, a snowy island at the edge of the fae world.

Ruled by the cunning smith-king, the Silver Isle proves far from a safe haven. Fia and Irian become embroiled in the Tournament of Kings competing for a magical forging of immense power. Their relationship will be put to the test as they navigate conflicting motivations, shifting allegiances and ancient magic.

With the end of the tournament looming and Eala's threat growing, Fia must decide just how much she's willing to sacrifice to defeat her sister.]]> 512 Lyra Selene 0356524957 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.74 2025
author: Lyra Selene
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 210428052 What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy.

I didn't sign up for this.

A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That's a recipe for torment.

I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.

But that's not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He's been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we're betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I'm not going down without a fight.

Bloodwing isn't just a school—it's a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you're weak? You're dead.

Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I'm starting to think the real danger isn't the academy—it's what I'm becoming in this twisted game of power.

And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.

They think they can control me. They think they can use me.

But they have no idea what they've awakened.


Bestselling epic fantasy author Briar Boleyn returns with a new series perfect for fans of hate to love romance, heart-pounding action, and dark magic.

On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae, but can be read completely independently. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy books such as Crowns of Nyaxia, From Blood and Ash, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you won't want to miss out on this riveting new saga. ]]> 523 Briar Boleyn ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.01 2024
author: Briar Boleyn
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 226078520 Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them��

Meryn Cooper has never dreamed of being one of the Bonded, the King’s elite warriors who form mental links with massive, vicious direwolves. S���’s made peace with her life scraping by in poverty in the shadows of the castle. But then her younger sister Saela is kidnapped, stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting.

And Meryn’s world falls apart.

Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army—only to discover that there are Bonding Trials this year, where all soldiers are forced to risk their lives in an attempt to connect with a direwolf. It’s too late to turn back; Meryn is thrown into the deadly competition against her will.

Now, she’ll need to survive the next four months of training at the castle if she wants a chance of finding Saela. Everything here is a test, from the brutal classes where one mistake means death, to the glittering court parties where every smile hides a knife.

To make things worse, Meryn is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her gorgeous instructor, Stark Therion, is as malicious as the wolves himself.

Everyone is out to get her—everyone but the dangerously handsome crown prince, Killian Valtiere. But if she loses her heart to him, she may also lose her life.

And the castle is hiding dark secrets��

Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games in dark action-packed fantasy series, perfect for romantasy fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses , The Serpent & the Wings of Night , When the Moon Hatched and Quicksilver!

See why readers love

“A God Tier Fantasy book!!! I just finished and still trying to mentally and emotionally recover to what just happened to me. You need to read it IMMEDIATELY.�� ŷ������ reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐��

“If you’re into dark romantasy with high stakes, fierce characters, and just the right amount of emotional wreckage, Direbound is your next obsession.�� ŷ������ reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐��

��OMG THIS BOOK YOU GUYS!!! I'm OBSESSED and I need to know what happens next like ASAP.�� ŷ������ reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐��

“What an incredible read!! �� I am blown away. �� The romance, the anguish, the BANTER! I love a book with good banter and this was FULL OF IT!�� ŷ������ reviewer ⭐⭐⭐⭐��

��I. Am. OBSESSED. �� Left me spiraling in the best way possible. The morally grey anti-hero? Perfection. The slow-burn tension? Electric. �� I was completely immersed.]]> 610 Sable Sorensen ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.46
author: Sable Sorensen
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 123429260
*A BookTok and Wattpad Viral Sensation*

Fast-paced and sizzling with a forbidden enemies-to-lovers romance, My Fault is the first book in Mercedes Ron's Culpable trilogy. This suspenseful YA series untangles the threads of love, trauma, and secrets, perfect for fans of Ugly Love and After.

Seventeen-year-old Noah Morgan loves her quiet, normal life in Toronto. But when her mother returns from a cruise unexpectedly married to a billionaire and announces they are moving to L.A., Noah is suddenly shoved out of her comfort zone and into a glittering world of illegal street races, lavish pool parties, and spoiled rich kids.

And her new stepbrother Nicholas is the most spoiled of them all. Arrogant, aloof, and viciously attractive, Nick is everything she hates, especially when she learns his bad boy persona isn't just a façade. She's spent her life running from danger, and Nick is danger incarnate. Yet neither of them can prevent the powerful attraction that flares between them―enough to turn their worlds upside-down and tempt them beyond all reason.

But Noah's past may be even more dangerous than their forbidden romance. And if he wants her, Nick will have to decide if he's willing to risk everything.

Filled with angst, danger, and electric attraction, My Fault is perfect for readers looking for:

Contemporary teen romance books
Unputdownable & bingeworthy novels
TikTok books
After meets The Kissing Booth
Colleen Hoover fans
Forbidden romance
Dual POVs and enemies-to-lovers]]> 416 Mercedes Ron 1728290732 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Step Sibling Romance
�� Childhood Trauma
�� Car Racing
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Bad Boy x Good Girl
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

First off, let me start by saying that if you’re a romance lover and you haven’t watched My Fault: London on Amazon yet, what are you even doing?! Yes, it’s a step sibling romance, so if you’re really not into that you maybe won’t like it, but the chemistry between those two actors was sizzling! ]]> 3.75 2017
author: Mercedes Ron
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.75
book published: 2017
rating: 3
read at: 2025/04/22
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Step Sibling Romance
�� Childhood Trauma
�� Car Racing
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Bad Boy x Good Girl
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

First off, let me start by saying that if you’re a romance lover and you haven’t watched My Fault: London on Amazon yet, what are you even doing?! Yes, it’s a step sibling romance, so if you’re really not into that you maybe won’t like it, but the chemistry between those two actors was sizzling!
]]> 216405568 The first novel in an eerie, darkly creative, and romantic new gothic fantasy duology from Maxym M. Martineau, for readers of Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.

Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender. She holds a rare, lifesaving power that can cure disease and heal injuries in the blink of an eye. But magic always comes with a cost, and saving anyone sacrifices a sliver of her own life. S���’s always kept her abilities hidden…until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.

The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, possess powerful magic, and don’t take no for an answer—especially Orin, the head of these ruling elites. When Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight—an incurable virus killing people throughout the town, and an illness too strong for her to heal them both—Orin offers to help. Together at his estate they’ll research a cure while Orin slows their sickness and Edira hones her magic. His kindness and honesty surprises Edira, as does her undeniable attraction to him.

But the other Ferngloves are suspicious of her power and may be more dangerous than the ever-present disease. The longer Edira stays within the confines of the Manor, the more the family’s pristine exterior begins to crack—until Edira discovers a terrifying secret and must choose who she can save and at what cost…]]> 384 Maxym M. Martineau 0063391198 ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Love Triangle
�� Training Scenes
�� Healing Magic
�� Beast Forms
�� Dark Secrets
�� Feminine Rage
�� Complex Family Dynamics
�� Gothic Fantasy
�� First Person POV

I’m generally not that enthralled by gothic tales, but this was one of the best I’ve read! Edira was a strong female lead, doing her best to navigate the secrets of the Fernglove family as she worked to develop her powers. The selfless characters are always my favorite and all of Edira’s choices were made with her brothers in mind. At first glance the castle seems ethereal and pristine, but things are not what they seem. Bit by bit, she slowly peels back the layers and uncovers the truth.

The entire cast of characters were very well developed and I was intrigued from the start by both the magic system and the plot. The gothic vibes of Fernglove Manor were expertly crafted and this was one of the rare instances that I felt the love triangle actually furthered and benefitted the plot. I did draw some parallels to other popular books, but I would still describe this as a very unique story.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gothic tale and maybe even some like me who don’t! I’m excited to read book two as I expect it to deliver some delicious slow burn tension. ]]> 3.99 2025
author: Maxym M. Martineau
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/19
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Love Triangle
�� Training Scenes
�� Healing Magic
�� Beast Forms
�� Dark Secrets
�� Feminine Rage
�� Complex Family Dynamics
�� Gothic Fantasy
�� First Person POV

I’m generally not that enthralled by gothic tales, but this was one of the best I’ve read! Edira was a strong female lead, doing her best to navigate the secrets of the Fernglove family as she worked to develop her powers. The selfless characters are always my favorite and all of Edira’s choices were made with her brothers in mind. At first glance the castle seems ethereal and pristine, but things are not what they seem. Bit by bit, she slowly peels back the layers and uncovers the truth.

The entire cast of characters were very well developed and I was intrigued from the start by both the magic system and the plot. The gothic vibes of Fernglove Manor were expertly crafted and this was one of the rare instances that I felt the love triangle actually furthered and benefitted the plot. I did draw some parallels to other popular books, but I would still describe this as a very unique story.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a gothic tale and maybe even some like me who don’t! I’m excited to read book two as I expect it to deliver some delicious slow burn tension.
]]> 195790535 Two best friends who haven’t spoken in ten years pretend to date after break-ups with their respective exes go viral, in this delightfully fun and deeply emotional novel.

June and Levi were best friends as teenagers—until the day they weren’t. Now June is struggling to make rent on her beachside tea shop, Levi is living a New York cliché as a disillusioned hedge fund manager and failed novelist, and they've barely spoken in years.

But after they both experience public, humiliating break-ups with their exes that spread like wildfire across TikTok rabbit holes and daytime talk shows alike, they accidentally make some juicy gossip of their own—a photo of them together has the internet convinced they're a couple. With so many people rooting for them, they decide to put aside their rocky past and make a pact to fuel the fire. Pretending to date will help June’s shop get back on its feet and make Levi’s ex realize that she made a mistake. All they have to do is convince the world they're in love, one swoon-worthy photo opp at a time.

Two viral break-ups. One fake relationship. Five sparkling, heart-pounding dates. June and Levi can definitely pull this off without their hearts getting involved. Because everyone knows fake dating doesn’t come with real feelings. Right?]]> 320 Emma Lord ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Fake Dating
�� Miscommunication
�� Grief & Loss
�� Sister’s Best Friend
�� FMC Finder Her Own Way
�� Struggling Bakery/Tea Shop
�� First Person POV

This was a decent read, but the subplot threw me off a little. The MC’s haven’t spoken to each other for ten years because of something she overheard him say to her sister (who was also his best friend) when they were in high school. The MC’s both unknowingly carried a torch for each other as teenagers but when her sister asks him about it, he denies it and says that he doesn’t think of her in that way (classic miscommunication ]]> 3.33 2024
author: Emma Lord
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.33
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/12
date added: 2025/04/22
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Fake Dating
�� Miscommunication
�� Grief & Loss
�� Sister’s Best Friend
�� FMC Finder Her Own Way
�� Struggling Bakery/Tea Shop
�� First Person POV

This was a decent read, but the subplot threw me off a little. The MC’s haven’t spoken to each other for ten years because of something she overheard him say to her sister (who was also his best friend) when they were in high school. The MC’s both unknowingly carried a torch for each other as teenagers but when her sister asks him about it, he denies it and says that he doesn’t think of her in that way (classic miscommunication
]]> 209269569
A Fated Purpose
Tessalyn Ausra has taken her revenge, and it’s never tasted so sweet. Feared by the rulers of Devram, s���’s under the protection of the Achaz Kingdom where she can fulfill her purpose. But with power she can’t control and the bond still in place, she finds temptation and chaos around every corner. Correcting the balance promises the ultimate freedom, but the dark still calls, even if destiny beckons. S���’s finally found her purpose in this world. Will it lead to salvation or destruction?

A Broken Destiny
Theon St. Orcas has been planning for this moment his entire life. Finally the Arius Lord, ���’s more alone than ever. Axel is missing, Luka is in another kingdom, and ���’s left with two broody strangers from another realm and no Source. Once again, ���’s racing against time to figure out a history that’s been manipulated. Pulled in all directions, sacrifices are demanded. How can he protect his people when the biggest threat is the one he’d sacrifice anything for?

A Tempting Betrayal
Sent to a foreign kingdom, Luka Mors finds himself the outsider ���’s always dreaded being. Needing to stay at Tessa’s side, ���’s in the center of a dangerous game, but more than that, ���’s forced to stay in the presence of a temptation ���’s been denying for years. He’s always prided himself on his loyalty, but what does he do when that loyalty starts to waver?

Destiny beckons, and sacrifice demands.
This is book 3 of 4 in The Legacy Series, an adult, dark fantasy romance series with elements that may be triggering to some readers. Please be sure to check the updated content information on Melissa's website. Seriously. We know they are all walking, talking red flags at this point. Read the content information, then embrace the darkness.]]> 672 Melissa K. Roehrich ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Morally Gray MC’s
�� Visions & Prophecies
�� Secrets & Betrayals
�� Fated Mates
�� FMC Villain Era
�� Feminine Rage
�� Touch Him/Her and Die
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person Multi POV

Sorry to the fans, but I’m sick of these characters and this series. Tell me why I really thought this was a trilogy and I could get through these 672 pages and be done? ]]> 4.29
author: Melissa K. Roehrich
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/14
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves:
review:
�� 2.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Morally Gray MC’s
�� Visions & Prophecies
�� Secrets & Betrayals
�� Fated Mates
�� FMC Villain Era
�� Feminine Rage
�� Touch Him/Her and Die
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person Multi POV

Sorry to the fans, but I’m sick of these characters and this series. Tell me why I really thought this was a trilogy and I could get through these 672 pages and be done?
]]> 137045553
My husband is dead, and I’m the prime suspect. It gets worse. The law requires I marry by the end of the season or give up��my throne.

I followed my heart once; I can't risk it��again.

An old tradition could help select our next king while protecting my broken��heart, but the last male I expect shows up to compete. Whether��he believes the rumors or not,��it’s clear someone wants him out of the competition and me off the throne.

Caught in a tangled web of political games and deadly secrets, I must choose between following my wounded heart and keeping my crown…before more end up dead.

The Bachelorette meets the Hunger Games in Once the Skies Fade,��the second��in a fantasy romance series of interconnected standalones. This tale of love after loss��and fated mates brings a morally grey queen with shadow magic��and the sarcastic general who could mend her heart…if he doesn’t put a dagger in it first.

Perfect for readers who love:

morally grey FMCs with shadow magic
sarcastic cinnamon roll MMCs
deadly trials... where the MEN compete
"who did this to you?" but SHE says it
grumpy/sunshine
fated mates
high stakes
dragon shifters
love after loss
tension-filled banter
spice with feeling
NO cliffhangers!!!!
guaranteed happily ever after]]> Vanessa Rasanen ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading 4.46
author: Vanessa Rasanen
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.46
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/14
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Taking a break from my other two current reads to prioritize the library books I’ll need to return soon! I’ll be headed home this weekend which means I won’t be getting a lot of reading done so I have less time to read some of my books than I thought.
]]> 216437557 disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediately yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong��

. . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake. But after one incredible and seemingly endless date—possibly the best in living history—Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be.

Only no amount of distance or time is nearly enough to forget that something between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.]]> 416 Abby Jimenez 0349442827 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
“It’s weird knowing what’s going to be in your end-of-life montage, as it’s happening. But I already knew when my life flashed before my eyes, the best parts of it were going to be about her.��

What to Expect:
�� Opposites Attract
�� Right Person, Wrong Time
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Distance
�� Family Bonds
�� Dementia Rep
�� Mutual Pining
�� Veterinarian x Social Media Manager
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Abby does it again! I absolutely adored this book! I’ve seen a lot of negativity about the pop culture references that were used, but I thought the delivery of them was so genuinely funny that I didn’t mind them one bit. It probably helps that Rhysand is my top book boyfriend so I was maybe the target audience for that comparison, but the main thing I remember thinking as I read was “Abby gets it.�� ]]> 4.12 2025
author: Abby Jimenez
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.12
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/07
date added: 2025/04/13
shelves:
review:
�� 4.5 stars ��

“It’s weird knowing what’s going to be in your end-of-life montage, as it’s happening. But I already knew when my life flashed before my eyes, the best parts of it were going to be about her.��

What to Expect:
�� Opposites Attract
�� Right Person, Wrong Time
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Distance
�� Family Bonds
�� Dementia Rep
�� Mutual Pining
�� Veterinarian x Social Media Manager
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Abby does it again! I absolutely adored this book! I’ve seen a lot of negativity about the pop culture references that were used, but I thought the delivery of them was so genuinely funny that I didn’t mind them one bit. It probably helps that Rhysand is my top book boyfriend so I was maybe the target audience for that comparison, but the main thing I remember thinking as I read was “Abby gets it.��
]]> 209813409 Welcome to Phantasma.

There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.

When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize��a single wish.

Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.

Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain.

Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.

Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart��

A Court of Thorns and Roses meets Caraval in this seductive fantasy adventure. With steamy romance, a sexy morally gray love interest, OCD rep and jaw-dropping twists, Phantasma is perfect for fans of Rebecca Yarros, Nisha J. Tuli and Carissa Broadbent.]]> 428 Kaylie Smith 1835251412 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Deadly Competition
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Standalone
�� Ghost Cat
�� Sister Bond
�� Haunted Mansion
�� Early 1900s New Orleans
�� Necromancer FMC
�� Phantoms, Devils, & Witches
�� Hidden Identities
�� OCD Representation
�� Gothic Paranormal Romance
�� Third Person POV

Believe the hype! This book restored my faith in the bookish community. ]]> 4.15 2024
author: Kaylie Smith
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/12
date added: 2025/04/12
shelves:
review:
�� 4.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Deadly Competition
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Standalone
�� Ghost Cat
�� Sister Bond
�� Haunted Mansion
�� Early 1900s New Orleans
�� Necromancer FMC
�� Phantoms, Devils, & Witches
�� Hidden Identities
�� OCD Representation
�� Gothic Paranormal Romance
�� Third Person POV

Believe the hype! This book restored my faith in the bookish community.
]]> 221339877 🔥Dragons. Romance. Magic. Pre-order the sequel to A Fire in the Sky from the bestselling author🔥* * * *

MAGIC AWAKENS.

DARKNESS SWELLS.

AND A HERO RISES.

It’s been a year since Tamsyn transformed from the enemy in Fell’s bed to the wife he sacrificed himself to save. From an ordinary girl to Penterra’s best hope to keep magic from disappearing forever.

With Fell torn from her side in the dangerous swirling mists of the Crags, Tamsyn is alone among the dragon pride. An outsider learning to survive in her new home, she trains until her muscles burn and her blood spills. And slowly, a warrior emerges.

But is Fell truly beyond Tamsyn’s reach? Their bond pulls at her, as does the fierce drive to protect both humans and dragonkind from a relentless enemy determined to destroy her �� and all magic.

Magic stirs in the darkness, strengthening all who believe in it. But will it be enough to save the pride, the kingdom, and a love fated to endure for centuries?

In this explosive sequel to the Sunday Times bestselling A Fire in the Sky, the fate of magic rests on one warrior’s shoulders �� but it could cost her everything ��

🔥Fated mates

🔥Magic, dragons, and witches

🔥Spice]]> Sophie Jordan 0008712530 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.43 2025
author: Sophie Jordan
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.43
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 198562133 In this heart-pounding, much-anticipated sequel to Threads That Bind, Io will face threats even more dangerous and players even more powerful as she discovers what it will mean to follow—or defy—her fate.

It’s been five weeks since Io left Alante to follow the golden thread, and s���’s no closer to finding the god on the other end. She spends her days in constant, grueling travel and her nights worrying over the fate-thread she shares with Edei—which seems to be fraying. Making matters worse, she and Bianca soon realize that their only lead has shaken them off, snapped the golden thread, and disappeared.

But not before Io gathers some crucial clues. Her investigation leads her to a new mystery, a rash of sibling disappearances across the Wastelands that seems to be connected to the murders in Alante. And all signs point to Nanzy, the golden city, as the center of the whole conspiracy.

As Io and Bianca make their way to Nanzy, they face powerful enemies, find allies new and old, and uncover a horrifying plot that traces back centuries. The more Io learns, the more she begins to suspect that the future of the world may truly rest on her shoulders. But she will have to determine how much of the future is her choice—and how much is simply her fate.]]> 336 Kika Hatzopoulou 0593528751 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Fated Love
�� Greek Mythology Retelling
�� Magic
�� YA Fantasy
�� #2 in Duology

Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved Threads That Bind. It was a 5 star read for me and I thought, and still think, that this is one of the most original series I have read in a long time. The author borrows from Mythology, but she has managed to create a world that is all her own.

Unfortunately, in book two, this same originality initially left me feeling a little lost. It had not been long since I read book one, but I was in desperate need of a recap that the author really did not provide. It took me until about 35% in to feel like I had a grasp of the world (characters, magic system, locations, etc.) and how it worked. Because of this, it was difficult for me to really get into the story and the first 1/3 of the book moved along sluggishly.

After this point and once our characters began to reunite, the story picked up and I remembered again all the things that I loved about this series. My favorite aspect of this book is undeniably Io and Edei’s relationship. Their love is timid, but pure and sweet and I loved watching it develop.

I was a little dissatisfied by the ending. I felt like there was more story to tell and I would have at least liked an epilogue to see where our characters end up. The actions they took seemed risky and I would have liked to know that they had found happiness or at least to have been given some indication that they made the right choice. As is, the ending felt abrupt and led me to google whether or not this was truly a duology. Sadly it is, so I will have to rely on my own imagination for closure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on ]]> 4.01 2024
author: Kika Hatzopoulou
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2024/03/07
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Fated Love
�� Greek Mythology Retelling
�� Magic
�� YA Fantasy
�� #2 in Duology

Let me start by saying that I absolutely loved Threads That Bind. It was a 5 star read for me and I thought, and still think, that this is one of the most original series I have read in a long time. The author borrows from Mythology, but she has managed to create a world that is all her own.

Unfortunately, in book two, this same originality initially left me feeling a little lost. It had not been long since I read book one, but I was in desperate need of a recap that the author really did not provide. It took me until about 35% in to feel like I had a grasp of the world (characters, magic system, locations, etc.) and how it worked. Because of this, it was difficult for me to really get into the story and the first 1/3 of the book moved along sluggishly.

After this point and once our characters began to reunite, the story picked up and I remembered again all the things that I loved about this series. My favorite aspect of this book is undeniably Io and Edei’s relationship. Their love is timid, but pure and sweet and I loved watching it develop.

I was a little dissatisfied by the ending. I felt like there was more story to tell and I would have at least liked an epilogue to see where our characters end up. The actions they took seemed risky and I would have liked to know that they had found happiness or at least to have been given some indication that they made the right choice. As is, the ending felt abrupt and led me to google whether or not this was truly a duology. Sadly it is, so I will have to rely on my own imagination for closure.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on
]]> 13580846 My Life with the Walter Boys centers on the prim, proper, and always perfect Jackie Howard. When her world is turned upside down by tragedy, Jackie must learn to cut loose and be part of a family again.

Jackie does not like surprises. Chaos is the enemy! The best way to get her successful, busy parents to notice her is to be perfect. The perfect look, the perfect grades-the perfect daughter. And then...

Surprise #1: Jackie's family dies in a freak car accident.

Surprise #2: Jackie has to move cross-country to live with the Walters-her new guardians.

Surprise #3: The Walters have twelve sons. (Well, eleven, but Parker acts like a boy anyway)

Now Jackie must trade in her Type A personality and New York City apartment for a Colorado ranch and all the wild Walter boys who come with it. Jackie is surrounded by the enemy-loud, dirty, annoying boys who have no concept of personal space. Okay, several of the oldest guys are flat-out gorgeous. But still annoying. She's not stuck-up or boring-no matter what they say. But proving it is another matter. How can she fit in and move on when she needs to keep her parents' memory alive by living up to the promise of perfect?

Ali Novak wrote My Life with the Walter Boys when she was just 15 years old. First a hit on the online community Wattpad, this debut novel has already been read over 33 million times and is loved by readers around the world.]]> 368 Ali Novak 1402297874 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Love Triangle
�� Grief & Loss
�� Big City Girl in a Small Town
�� They Live Together
�� High School Setting
�� YA Romance
�� Series Adaptation on Netflix
�� First Person POV

I’m actually amazed by how similar this was to the show. That being said, if you love the show, you may love this too. ]]> 3.77 2012
author: Ali Novak
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2012
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/10
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves:
review:
�� 2.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Love Triangle
�� Grief & Loss
�� Big City Girl in a Small Town
�� They Live Together
�� High School Setting
�� YA Romance
�� Series Adaptation on Netflix
�� First Person POV

I’m actually amazed by how similar this was to the show. That being said, if you love the show, you may love this too.
]]> 228976961 Two frenemies find a surprising second chance in this timeslip rom-com, starring Mae Whitman ( Parenthood ), Colin Woodell ( The Flight Attendant ), and a full cast.

Mona and Duncan used to be best friends. Now they can’t stand each other. Too bad that’s not a good enough excuse to miss their two families�� annual trip to the cabin. But things get really complicated when they accidentally drive through a wormhole together on the way. Look what playing nice and carpooling gets you.

Now they’re stranded indoors by an epic storm and stuck in an alternate timeline where things are just slightly ... off. Duncan and his dad aren’t speaking for reasons no one knows, Mona’s mom doesn’t like her hair or her career choices, and their siblings are meddlesome as ever.

Oh, yeah, and apparently they're going through a divorce. Which means that in this universe they are married. To each other.

All they can really do is play along until they figure out how to get back to the real timeline. How hard can it be—they already hate each other, don’t they? But figuring out how exactly Mona and Duncan managed to fall epically in love with one another—and then break each other’s hearts—is easier said than done. Navigating all these big feelings is leading to new ones, but are they destined to hurt each other in any universe? And what happens to this new relationship when they’re back to their old lives?

Available in Dolby Atmos on Audible.]]> Cara Bastone ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.50
author: Cara Bastone
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.50
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:
Um�� excuse me?! A Cara Bastone timeslip rom-com publishing in a month?!! Losing it!!
]]> 217182344 Ready or Not meets Throne of the Fallen in a spicy, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, where an Italian getaway turns deadly after a young woman is trapped in her host family's cursed game.

Ready or not, the game has begun.

Genevieve Grimm has felt adrift ever since her sister became the head of the family. So when a mysterious friend of their mother's invites her to Italy, she accepts. She arrives at his grand palace, expecting passion and magic, decadence and luxury... perhaps even a midnight ball.

She doesn't expect the owner's ruthlessly handsome son to slam the door in her face. Rowin Silver is tall, dark, and exceptionally rude, and invitation or not, he demands Genevieve leave and never come back. But Genevieve follows nobody's orders, especially those of arrogant rich boys. She slips inside—and immediately discovers her mistake.

Rowin and his family are caught in an insidious game of hide and seek, where only one can win. The rest will be trapped in Hell... until the competition begins again.

Genevieve must either join the hunt or forfeit any hope of escaping. But to her dismay, her best chance of survival lies with Rowin. Since lovers may play as a pair, Rowin and Genevieve agree to form an alliance under the guise of a fake courtship. However, as they race through the game's elaborate labyrinth, trapped among gleaming gold and shining marble, their loathing gives way to irresistible attraction. Only Rowin is keeping secrets, especially when it comes to his ruthless family, and Genevieve can't help but wonder if she's trapped in two treacherous games: Enchantra and the one Rowin is playing with her heart.]]> 448 Kaylie Smith 1538770806 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.37 2025
author: Kaylie Smith
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 228948121 What would you do if you woke up in a deadly game, relying only on your instincts and a mystical bond with a dangerous being to survive?

Cassie is trapped in a shimmering crystal cage, deep within Darkland, a magical theme park ruled by goddesses who revel in human trials. Armed with only a mysterious key, she must navigate a world where reality shifts and danger lurks at every turn. The mirrors taunt her with eerie reflections, each one hiding secrets she must uncover to escape.

As she ventures deeper, Cassie crosses paths with Khaos, a god of strategy and mischief. His cryptic guidance could lead her to freedom or pull her further into the game's dark grip. Can she trust him, or is he just another piece in this twisted puzzle?]]> 467 Laura Vega ✨J�ܱ������� 0 currently-reading
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to read this before the release date, but I’ve heard good things!

Fingers crossed for 5 stars! ]]> 4.68
author: Laura Vega
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.68
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/11
shelves: currently-reading
review:
I was gifted an ARC copy of this book, but it’s actually available on KU if you’re interested in reading it!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to read this before the release date, but I’ve heard good things!

Fingers crossed for 5 stars!
]]> 217245572 In the first book of a searing new dystopian trilogy, a young woman must conceal her psychic powers—and her attraction to her handsome, infuriating commanding officer—as she works undercover to take down a brutal government from within.

The world is divided. On the Continent, you’re either a Prime—immune to the biotoxin that nearly wiped out the Earth’s population 150 years ago—or a Modified, one who was enhanced by the toxin, developing powerful psychic gifts.

As conflict rages between the two sides, Wren Darlington lives in hiding. Occasionally running the odd op for the rebel Uprising against the Primes�� oppressive rule, she must keep a low profile. After all, if the enemy finds out that she is a Mod with a staggering four psychic abilities, she won’t just be sent to the labor camps. She’ll be executed—immediately and without trial.

When a careless mistake puts Wren in the crosshairs of the Continent’s military, she is taken captive and forced to join their most elite Silver Block. Unwittingly, they’ve handed her the perfect opportunity for the Uprising to strike a devastating blow from inside their ranks. That is, if she can keep her powers hidden, survive training, and prove herself to Cross Redden, her maddeningly cocky commanding officer.

Despite the explosive chemistry between them, Cross doesn’t trust her—even as he seems determined to destroy the remaining shreds of Wren’s self-control. Yet as the war between Primes and Mods escalates, and as Wren and Cross find themselves unable to stay away from each other, they must decide how far they’re willing to go for their secrets—and how much of the Continent is worth saving.]]> 528 Dani Francis 059387546X ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.41 2025
author: Dani Francis
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 216052869 An American travel writer who has never found a place to belong and a reclusive Scot with a surprising secret find a shocking connection when she enters a Highlands manor house that has been turned into a three-week long Edwardian experience.

Katie Campbell has traveled her entire life. As the daughter of an army chaplain, changing homes--or even countries--was commonplace, so when her wild childhood storytelling turned into a lucrative career as a travel writer, she thought she'd found her perfect match. But as she's nearly thirty with no real place to settle down, she's starting to wonder where "home" actually is. Her own family hadn't felt like home since her sister's death left them all limping through life.

When a lengthy project in Scotland promises to not only give her travel fodder for months but also a shot at a coveted editing position, she accepts and is sent to spend three weeks in the newly created Craighill House, a Scottish home redesigned to offer guests an Edwardian experience. But her entrance to Craighill introduces her to a quirky group of characters and a surly Scot who is helping refurbish the magnificent woodwork of the estate house.

As Katie attempts to live "Edwardian," she learns that all that glitters does not a comfortable lifestyle make . . . and surly Scots may turn out to be dashing and creative uncles raising their orphaned nephews. When a few escapades from the Downton era lead Katie on hunts for mermaids and dragons or to a fireside chat with a family who has grown stronger through tragedy, Katie begins to wonder if "home" looks a whole lot like rolling green hills, magnificent braighs, and a few extra "ayes" thrown in for good measure. But can her world-traveling lifestyle fit in with a Scot whose heart is double-knotted to home?]]> 384 Pepper Basham 0840716745 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Grumpy Scottish Carpenter MMC
�� Accident Prone Travel Writer FMC
�� Grief & Loss
�� Found Family
�� Scotland Setting
�� Highland Cows
�� Clean Romance
�� Christian Fiction
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Okay, Katie is actually living my dream! ]]> 4.02 2025
author: Pepper Basham
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/08
date added: 2025/04/08
shelves:
review:
�� 2.45 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Grumpy Scottish Carpenter MMC
�� Accident Prone Travel Writer FMC
�� Grief & Loss
�� Found Family
�� Scotland Setting
�� Highland Cows
�� Clean Romance
�� Christian Fiction
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Okay, Katie is actually living my dream!
]]> 55345190
Nico Cruz has a secret. A motive, rather. To subtly stalk and seduce Violet until she finally recognizes they are fated to be together. Ever since their heated encounter in Austin on New Year’s Eve two years earlier, ���’s been dying to get his hands—and his tongue—back on her body. He knows a woman like Violet can’t be courted in the usual way. Luckily, Nico has no scruples about misbehaving to get what he wants.

But when his former pack roams into town, and an old friend is far too interested in Violet, his focus shifts to the threat venturing into his territory. Nico may come across as the quiet, broody one, but the intruders are about to regret stepping foot in New Orleans. And when Violet goes missing, no charm or spell can keep Nico’s wolf at bay. ]]> 390 Juliette Cross ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Witch x Werewolf
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Forced Proximity
�� Workplace Romance
�� Friend-to-Lovers
�� Sisterhood
�� Violet’s Story
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Violet is probably my least favorite of the sisters, so I wasn’t expecting much from this one, but I ended up having a great time! There were details that did feel a little recycled from the previous books, but Violet really grew on me once I was in her head. I loved that we got to read from both main character’s perspectives and that each sister has such a unique personality and their own complex powers. Violet’s powers really worked with this particular storyline and made the two year delay in her and Nico getting together actual make sense. Nico is a pretty standard protective/dominant werewolf type, but I could honestly read that character over and over, so it works. ]]> 4.13 2021
author: Juliette Cross
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.13
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/05
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Witch x Werewolf
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Forced Proximity
�� Workplace Romance
�� Friend-to-Lovers
�� Sisterhood
�� Violet’s Story
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Violet is probably my least favorite of the sisters, so I wasn’t expecting much from this one, but I ended up having a great time! There were details that did feel a little recycled from the previous books, but Violet really grew on me once I was in her head. I loved that we got to read from both main character’s perspectives and that each sister has such a unique personality and their own complex powers. Violet’s powers really worked with this particular storyline and made the two year delay in her and Nico getting together actual make sense. Nico is a pretty standard protective/dominant werewolf type, but I could honestly read that character over and over, so it works.
]]> 214283601 A steamy chance encounter between a professional hockey player and the manic pixie dream girl he just can’t seem to forget takes a turn when the pair realize that their parents are engaged—in an all-new rom-com by #1��New York Times��bestselling author Tessa Bailey.

When professional hockey player Sig Gauthier’s car breaks down and his phone dies, he treks into a posh private country club to call a tow truck, where he encounters the alluring Chloe Clifford, the manic pixie dream girl who captivates him immediately with her sense of adventure and penchant for stealing champagne.

Sparks fly during a moonlight kiss and the enamored pair can’t wait to see each other again, but when Sig finally arrives to meet his dad’s new girlfriend over dinner, Chloe is confusingly also there. Turns out the girlfriend is Chloe’s mother. Oh, and they’re engaged.

Sig’s dream girl is his future stepsister.

Though the pair is now wary of being involved romantically, Chloe, a sheltered harp prodigy, yearns to escape her controlling mother. Sig promises to teach her the ins and outs of independence in Boston—but not inside his bedroom. They both know there can never be more than friendship between a famous hockey player and his high-society, soon-to-be stepsister. But keeping their relationship platonic grows harder amid the developing family drama, especially knowing they were meant for so much more��


]]> 320 Tessa Bailey 0063380781 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Forbidden Love
�� Friends-to-Lovers
�� Mutual Pining
�� Hockey Player x Harp Prodigy
�� Insta Love
�� Slow Burn
�� Future Step Siblings
�� Opposites Attract
�� He Falls First
�� Sports Romance
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person POV

Maybe I read too much romance, but I really don’t understand why this relationship would be so taboo. They met when they were both adults and before they even knew their parents were together. I feel like they would have been able to control the narrative if they would have just come clean about it up front. I’m sure they would have received some backlash, but surely that would still be better than the approach they chose.

As an independent woman, Chloe is precisely the kind of character I hate. It’s one thing to be pampered, but it’s another thing entirely to be too stupid to figure out how to do your own laundry. I mean�� google exists, so there’s really no excuse. I was already bothered that she was so quick to accept his offer to foot the bill for her life in Boston, but her blowing her rent money on expensive face creams from Sephora knowing he would have to bail her out was so gross. Sig was a complete simp for her from day one and while there’s something romantic about it in theory, I didn’t see enough evidence that she deserved that kind of devotion from him.

There was at least some plot to this one, but as usual, Tessa eventually circled back to the smut. I can handle a little dirty talk, but TB always crosses my threshold. When I say that the writing was cringe I mean it literally. I was physically cringing through half this book and the entirety of the explicit scenes. I actually just downloaded a clean romance as a palate cleanser�� I’ll probably regret that. ]]> 3.45 2025
author: Tessa Bailey
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.45
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/06
shelves:
review:
�� 2 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forbidden Love
�� Friends-to-Lovers
�� Mutual Pining
�� Hockey Player x Harp Prodigy
�� Insta Love
�� Slow Burn
�� Future Step Siblings
�� Opposites Attract
�� He Falls First
�� Sports Romance
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person POV

Maybe I read too much romance, but I really don’t understand why this relationship would be so taboo. They met when they were both adults and before they even knew their parents were together. I feel like they would have been able to control the narrative if they would have just come clean about it up front. I’m sure they would have received some backlash, but surely that would still be better than the approach they chose.

As an independent woman, Chloe is precisely the kind of character I hate. It’s one thing to be pampered, but it’s another thing entirely to be too stupid to figure out how to do your own laundry. I mean�� google exists, so there’s really no excuse. I was already bothered that she was so quick to accept his offer to foot the bill for her life in Boston, but her blowing her rent money on expensive face creams from Sephora knowing he would have to bail her out was so gross. Sig was a complete simp for her from day one and while there’s something romantic about it in theory, I didn’t see enough evidence that she deserved that kind of devotion from him.

There was at least some plot to this one, but as usual, Tessa eventually circled back to the smut. I can handle a little dirty talk, but TB always crosses my threshold. When I say that the writing was cringe I mean it literally. I was physically cringing through half this book and the entirety of the explicit scenes. I actually just downloaded a clean romance as a palate cleanser�� I’ll probably regret that.
]]> 199531937 Margot is on the quest to uncover and reassemble an ancient—and cursed—vase, with the help of a boy who went missing in 1932, because it's the only way to put back together her broken heart in this stand-alone adventure rom-com, perfect for fans of What the River Knows and The Lost City.

The mythical Vase of Venus Aurelia hasn’t been seen since 1932, but Margot Rhodes is determined to change that.

Drawn by the vase’s supposed magical properties, Margot embarks on her school’s archaeological trip to Pompeii. Sure, it’s her first time holding a shovel, but s���’s got something no one else does: lost teenage explorer Van Keane’s journal.

Poring over the poetic entries that serve as a map to the vase’s missing shards, Margot finds herself falling in love with the boy who wrote it a century ago. S���’s shocked when her search leads her to a statue that looks exactly like Van, and then the statue comes to life.

Catapulted into the present, Van is nothing like the wordsmith Margot imagined. He’s all sharp edges, intent on retrieving the relic for all the wrong reasons. But it takes two to survive Venus’s death-defying challenges, and, together, Margot and Van must excavate the treasure—and their buried pasts—before their story ends in ruins.

With a blend of humor, magic, and love, Rachel Moore crafts another stand-alone adventure rom-com full of double- and triple-crosses, hilarious shenanigans, and frustration-fueled banter, where the best treasure is true love.]]> 368 Rachel Moore 0063284685 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Hate-to-Love
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Opposites Attract
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Adventure Rom-Com
�� Stand-alone
�� The Mummy Vibes
�� Ancient Curse
�� Third Person POV

With a few changes, I think I could have loved this, but there were some issues I just couldn’t get past. My biggest hang up was the FMC. After following the clues left in his journal, Margot discovers that the MMC (Van) was turned to stone nearly a hundred years ago and she is miraculously able to bring him back to life. This would be an absolutely amazing and terrifying event to witness for her, but can you imagine how traumatic it would have been for him? Any normal person would treat him with kindness and explain what happened to him with care. Not Margot, she immediately starts arguing with him about unimportant things and unceremoniously reveals to him that he had been a statue for 100 years without an ounce of empathy.

She is laser focus on her desire to find the shards and put together the vase and seems unconcerned by what that could mean for Van (you will see that it means a lot). At the very least you would think they would both be concerned about being turned into a statue for good, but I’m not sure that thought ever even crossed their minds. At one point during a discussion/argument she tells him something along the lines of “at least everyone who hated you is dead.�� I was shocked by this line. Honestly, how inconsiderate and unfeeling can a person be?

I guess it’s really just the FMC that needed some tweaks. I think the author was trying too hard to make this enemies-to-lovers. Yes, we love that trope, but not everything needs to be enemies-to-lovers and I think this is a good example of that. I would have much rather she have shown him empathy and support as the only person in the world who knew what he had been through. This had so much potential! I really wish I had loved it more!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Whoever is doing this author’s cover art deserves a raise. ]]> 3.58 2024
author: Rachel Moore
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
�� 2.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Hate-to-Love
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Opposites Attract
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Adventure Rom-Com
�� Stand-alone
�� The Mummy Vibes
�� Ancient Curse
�� Third Person POV

With a few changes, I think I could have loved this, but there were some issues I just couldn’t get past. My biggest hang up was the FMC. After following the clues left in his journal, Margot discovers that the MMC (Van) was turned to stone nearly a hundred years ago and she is miraculously able to bring him back to life. This would be an absolutely amazing and terrifying event to witness for her, but can you imagine how traumatic it would have been for him? Any normal person would treat him with kindness and explain what happened to him with care. Not Margot, she immediately starts arguing with him about unimportant things and unceremoniously reveals to him that he had been a statue for 100 years without an ounce of empathy.

She is laser focus on her desire to find the shards and put together the vase and seems unconcerned by what that could mean for Van (you will see that it means a lot). At the very least you would think they would both be concerned about being turned into a statue for good, but I’m not sure that thought ever even crossed their minds. At one point during a discussion/argument she tells him something along the lines of “at least everyone who hated you is dead.�� I was shocked by this line. Honestly, how inconsiderate and unfeeling can a person be?

I guess it’s really just the FMC that needed some tweaks. I think the author was trying too hard to make this enemies-to-lovers. Yes, we love that trope, but not everything needs to be enemies-to-lovers and I think this is a good example of that. I would have much rather she have shown him empathy and support as the only person in the world who knew what he had been through. This had so much potential! I really wish I had loved it more!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Whoever is doing this author’s cover art deserves a raise.
]]> 173754979 A brilliant reimagining of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn—both harrowing and satirical—told from the enslaved Jim's point of view

When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he runs away until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck has faked his own death to escape his violent father. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.

Brimming with nuanced humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a literary icon, this brilliant and tender novel radically illuminates Jim's agency, intelligence, and compassion as never before. James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first-century American literature.

Alternate cover edition of ISBN 9780385550369.]]> 303 Percival Everett ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Winner of the 2024 National Book Award
�� Explores themes of Race & Racism
�� Reclaiming Identity (choosing James, rejecting Jim)
�� Reimagining of a Classic (Huckleberry Finn)
�� First Person POV

“At that moment the power of reading made itself clear and real to me. If I could see the words, then no one could control them or what I got from them. They couldn’t even know if I was merely seeing them or reading them, sounding them out or comprehending them. It was a completely private affair and completely free and, therefore, completely subversive.��

This was such a phenomenal read! I honestly do regret not rereading Huckleberry Finn first though. If you wanted to pick this up without ever reading Huck Finn, you could do so without difficulty or confusion, but I personally would have liked to make a more detailed comparison in my mind of what was altered as I read.

I wish I could say I was surprised that this book was added to the banned book list, but I imagine some of these lines caused some pretty severe white discomfort. ]]> 4.46 2024
author: Percival Everett
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
�� 5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Winner of the 2024 National Book Award
�� Explores themes of Race & Racism
�� Reclaiming Identity (choosing James, rejecting Jim)
�� Reimagining of a Classic (Huckleberry Finn)
�� First Person POV

“At that moment the power of reading made itself clear and real to me. If I could see the words, then no one could control them or what I got from them. They couldn’t even know if I was merely seeing them or reading them, sounding them out or comprehending them. It was a completely private affair and completely free and, therefore, completely subversive.��

This was such a phenomenal read! I honestly do regret not rereading Huckleberry Finn first though. If you wanted to pick this up without ever reading Huck Finn, you could do so without difficulty or confusion, but I personally would have liked to make a more detailed comparison in my mind of what was altered as I read.

I wish I could say I was surprised that this book was added to the banned book list, but I imagine some of these lines caused some pretty severe white discomfort.
]]> 219335705
Ripped from her family as a young girl, Rowan Cleary has been forced into a cloistered life learning to please the wolf and wield her spirit-enchanting voice. Though none of the previous maidens have survived their five-year term, Rowan is determined to beat the odds and protect the women who have become family to her.

When a deathly blight breaks out in the Dark Wood, and the acting maiden is murdered, Rowan vows to strike a new bargain with the god of death to ensure her survival. The Wolf has always been someone to fear—even more so now that the townspeople blame him for the blight—but ���’s far from the vengeful death god she expects.

To unravel the mystery, Rowan must seduce the Wolf. Soon, the attraction between them grows into a relentless magical force, threatening to shatter the delicate balance between realms and unleash a darkness eager to swallow their world.

SONG OF THE DARK WOOD is the first in a series of interconnected standalone gothic fairy tale fantasy romances. SONG blends a fractured Red Riding Hood retelling with a hint of Hades and Persephone. This "coming of rage" character-driven romance follows Rowan Cleary as she tries to free herself from an oppressive religion and seduce the grumpy god of death Wolf. SONG is a spicy, dark romantasy perfect for fans of feminine rage, strong female friendships, unique magic systems, angsty romance, and ominous mysteries. This book will appeal to readers who enjoyed Rachel Gillig's ONE DARK WINDOW, Rebecca Ross's A RIVER ENCHANTED, and Hannah Whitten's FOXGLOVE KING.]]> 400 Sheila Masterson 1960416138 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� She Ferries Ghosts
�� He’s the God of Death
�� Music Based Magic
�� He Falls First
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Haunted Forest
�� Mystery
�� Feminine Rage
�� Dark Red Riding Hood Retelling
�� Hades & Persephone Inspired
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual Third Person POV

A dark and atmospheric Red Riding Hood retelling with nods to Hades & Persephone. Reader’s familiar with JLA’s work, will also notice many similarities to From Blood & Ash.

Because of her magical singing voice, Rowan must serve a 5 year term ferrying the dead through the Dark Wood to the God of Death. She spent her childhood training to “please�� the God of Death and was expected to maintain her virginity to offer to him and eventually serve as a sacrifice to protect the rest of her people. The virgin sacrifice bit did not need to be included and frankly didn’t make a lot of sense. How did she “train�� to please him if she must remain pure? Don’t answer that. ]]> 3.60
author: Sheila Masterson
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.60
book published:
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/03
date added: 2025/04/03
shelves:
review:
�� 2.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� She Ferries Ghosts
�� He’s the God of Death
�� Music Based Magic
�� He Falls First
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Haunted Forest
�� Mystery
�� Feminine Rage
�� Dark Red Riding Hood Retelling
�� Hades & Persephone Inspired
�� Dual Narration
�� Dual Third Person POV

A dark and atmospheric Red Riding Hood retelling with nods to Hades & Persephone. Reader’s familiar with JLA’s work, will also notice many similarities to From Blood & Ash.

Because of her magical singing voice, Rowan must serve a 5 year term ferrying the dead through the Dark Wood to the God of Death. She spent her childhood training to “please�� the God of Death and was expected to maintain her virginity to offer to him and eventually serve as a sacrifice to protect the rest of her people. The virgin sacrifice bit did not need to be included and frankly didn’t make a lot of sense. How did she “train�� to please him if she must remain pure? Don’t answer that.
]]> 213618276 A hilarious and sexy romance about a woman who gets dropped on a strange planet only to fall for not one, but two, aliens, from the author of I Got Drunk and Yeeted a Love Potion at a Werewolf.

Dorothy Valentine is close to getting her PhD in wildlife biology when s���’s attacked by a lion. On the bright side, s���’s saved! On the not-so-bright side, it’s because they’re abducted by aliens. In her scramble to escape, Dory and the lion commandeer an escape pod and crash-land on an alien planet that has...dinosaurs?

Dory and her new lion bestie, Toto, are saved in the nick of time by a mysterious and sexy alien, Sol. On their new adventure, they team up with the equally hot, equally dangerous Lok, who may or may not be a war criminal. Whether it be trauma, fate, or intrigue, Dory can’t resist the attraction that’s developing in their trio....

As this ragtag group of misfits explore their new planet, Dory learns more about how and why they’ve all ended up together, battles more prehistoric creatures than she imagined (she imagined...zero), and questions if she even wants to go back home to Earth in this hilarious and steamy alien romance adventure comedy romp.]]> 287 Kimberly Lemming 0593818636 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Humor
�� Alien Abduction
�� Alien Breeding Program
�� Talking Animals & Prehistoric Creatures
�� Forced Mate Bound
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� First Person POV

S���’s on another planet with pink T-Rex’s, talking animals and literal aliens, but she crashes out over a big frog? Homegirl seriously needs to straighten out her priorities. ]]> 3.66 2025
author: Kimberly Lemming
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.66
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/04/01
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
�� 2.45 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Humor
�� Alien Abduction
�� Alien Breeding Program
�� Talking Animals & Prehistoric Creatures
�� Forced Mate Bound
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� First Person POV

S���’s on another planet with pink T-Rex’s, talking animals and literal aliens, but she crashes out over a big frog? Homegirl seriously needs to straighten out her priorities.
]]> 62801928 By that logic, hate and construction may as well be condemned.

LaRynn Lavigne and Deacon Leeds had one short and contentious summer fling when they were teens.
Certainly nothing to build a foundation on.
But a decade later, when their grandmothers have left them with shared ownership of their dilapidated Santa Cruz building, they're thrust back together and have to figure out how to brace up the pieces.
LaRynn has the money, but to access her trust, she has to be married.
Deacon has the construction expertise, but lacks the funds.
A deal is struck: Marry for however long it takes to fix up the property, collect a profit, and cut ties.
Thrust into a home without walls, they quickly learn that it's easy to hide behind emotional ones, even in a marriage. But, with all the exposure and pitfalls that come with living with the opposite sex (and none of the perks) they'll also have to learn what it means to truly co-operate as a team.

The Co-op is a steamy story about restoration and renovation, and uncovering all the things that build character within ourselves. It's about the never-ending construction project that partnership is, and finding enjoyment at every stage.]]> 364 Tarah DeWitt ✨J�ܱ������� 1
“I like to keep people where I understand them. I typically choose to do that through charm. Keep them happy with you, but keep it surface level. Keep them just far enough so they stay in focus and I can see every move before it comes. Too close and they blur, too many things are easy to miss. When someone’s arms are wrapped around you it’s easy to miss the knife in their hands.��

What to Expect:
�� Marriage of Convenience
�� Forced Proximity
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Dual POV

Y’all�� I did not like the main character AT ALL. Her backstory described a weak willed, self centered human being who did not show up for her loved ones in their time of need. She seems very entitled when she shows up and demands her half of the house despite not seeing her grandma for years. The MC’s get married with almost no supporting reason and they aren’t even forced to showcase their relationship in public to add sexual tension, etc. This was a major plot point and I’m not understanding why either of them would have agreed to it.

Also, I felt like the main character was always crying and the book would just graze over it and the characters wouldn’t talk about it at all. The author basically says “and then she cried�� and then cuts to the next scene. It was completely bizarre.

Maybe I shouldn’t hold this against the book, but the voice actor who did the male portion of the book put on a very hokey accent that really grated on me. It might have been better to have physically read this one but I honestly don’t think I would have made it all the way through if I had. ]]> 3.79 2022
author: Tarah DeWitt
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2022
rating: 1
read at: 2023/05/24
date added: 2025/04/01
shelves:
review:
�� 1 star ��

“I like to keep people where I understand them. I typically choose to do that through charm. Keep them happy with you, but keep it surface level. Keep them just far enough so they stay in focus and I can see every move before it comes. Too close and they blur, too many things are easy to miss. When someone’s arms are wrapped around you it’s easy to miss the knife in their hands.��

What to Expect:
�� Marriage of Convenience
�� Forced Proximity
�� Second Chance Romance
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Dual POV

Y’all�� I did not like the main character AT ALL. Her backstory described a weak willed, self centered human being who did not show up for her loved ones in their time of need. She seems very entitled when she shows up and demands her half of the house despite not seeing her grandma for years. The MC’s get married with almost no supporting reason and they aren’t even forced to showcase their relationship in public to add sexual tension, etc. This was a major plot point and I’m not understanding why either of them would have agreed to it.

Also, I felt like the main character was always crying and the book would just graze over it and the characters wouldn’t talk about it at all. The author basically says “and then she cried�� and then cuts to the next scene. It was completely bizarre.

Maybe I shouldn’t hold this against the book, but the voice actor who did the male portion of the book put on a very hokey accent that really grated on me. It might have been better to have physically read this one but I honestly don’t think I would have made it all the way through if I had.
]]> 212127083
In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn't much a girl wouldn't do for a glass of water.

Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about the strange powers she possesses, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen's reservoirs for as long as she can remember.

But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.

When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently re-opens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, of legend, of nightmares... but it turns out they're real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.

The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior, who has secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist's magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.

Death has a name. It is Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he's the only way Saeris is going to make it home.]]> 588 Callie Hart ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Morally Grey MMC
�� Fated Mates
�� Fae, Vampires & Witches
�� Animal Side Kick
�� First Person POV

I had SO many people message me when I started reading this book. Half of the messages were from fans who were excited for me to read it and the other half were from people who didn’t get the hype. I’ve spent plenty of time in the second camp, so I totally understand where they’re coming from, but this time around, I’m so happy to be in the fan camp! Go ahead and give me a foam finger - number one Quicksilver hype girl here! ]]> 4.35 2024
author: Callie Hart
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.35
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/31
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves:
review:
�� 4.75 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Morally Grey MMC
�� Fated Mates
�� Fae, Vampires & Witches
�� Animal Side Kick
�� First Person POV

I had SO many people message me when I started reading this book. Half of the messages were from fans who were excited for me to read it and the other half were from people who didn’t get the hype. I’ve spent plenty of time in the second camp, so I totally understand where they’re coming from, but this time around, I’m so happy to be in the fan camp! Go ahead and give me a foam finger - number one Quicksilver hype girl here!
]]> 217513554 B.K. Borison ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.71 2026
author: B.K. Borison
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.71
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/31
shelves: to-read
review:
I’d do unspeakable things to get my hands on this ARC.
]]> 207677585 A curse that drove a queen mad.
The heroine that failed to stop her.
A shifter that refuses to give up.
A world that needs them both again.

One hundred years after the Queen of Faerie sacrificed her own people in the name of salvation, the fae are on the verge of extinction and a suspicious power is on the rise. Remnant Ezra Solaire Dark, the once legendary war general, is the last of the shadow fae. Living in exile, only she holds the power to save the kingdom of Faerie. Enter Emon, a tempting shifter fae they call The Golden One who has been hunting for Remnant for the past century. When an unnatural power comes for them both, they must join together to reset the wrongs of the past in order to heal the future, not only for the world of Faerie but also for themselves.

Be warned. Remnant and Emon will journey through desolate lands long abandoned, to the shadowy underworld of the ocean, and into the dangerous kingdom of the shifters. This is no innocent adventure story. This is the world of the fae—power, vengeance, and half truths are the laws of the land. And the worst monsters are the ones hidden within.]]> 571 B.K. Cavaleri ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.52
author: B.K. Cavaleri
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.52
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 211096516 EVERY ACT OF TRANSLATION REQUIRES SACRIFICE

Welcome to Bletchley Park�� with dragons.

London, 1923. Dragons soar through the skies and protests erupt on the streets, but Vivian Featherswallow isn’t worried. S���’s going to follow the rules, get an internship studying dragon languages, and make sure her little sister never has to risk growing up Third Class. By midnight, Viv has started a civil war.

With her parents arrested and her sister missing, all the safety Viv has worked for is collapsing around her. So when a lifeline is offered in the form of a mysterious ‘job��, she grabs it. Arriving at Bletchley Park, Viv discovers that she has been recruited as a codebreaker helping the war effort �� if she succeeds, she and her family can all go home again. If she doesn’t, they’ll all die.

At first Viv believes that her challenge, of discovering the secrets of a hidden dragon language, is doable. But the more she learns, the more she realises that the bubble s���’s grown up in isn’t as safe as she thought, and eventually Viv must What war is she really fighting?

An epic, sweeping fantasy with an incredible Dark Academia setting, a clandestine, slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance, and an unputdownable story, filled with twists and turns, betrayals and secret identities, A Language of Dragons is the unmissable debut of 2025, from an extraordinary new voice.]]> 432 S.F. Williamson 0063353849 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Morally Grey FMC
�� Dragons x Humans
�� Romance sub plot
�� Set in Alternate 1920s London
�� Debut YA Fantasy
�� Political Intrigue
�� Historical Fiction
�� First Person POV

This book made me realize how similar real life in The U.S. is to a fantasy novel right now and I gotta say, it’s not nearly as fun as I always imagined. ]]> 3.83 2025
author: S.F. Williamson
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/29
date added: 2025/03/30
shelves:
review:
�� 3.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Morally Grey FMC
�� Dragons x Humans
�� Romance sub plot
�� Set in Alternate 1920s London
�� Debut YA Fantasy
�� Political Intrigue
�� Historical Fiction
�� First Person POV

This book made me realize how similar real life in The U.S. is to a fantasy novel right now and I gotta say, it’s not nearly as fun as I always imagined.
]]> 211742041 The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin�� and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.]]> 400 Sasha Peyton Smith 0063372525 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Faerie Bargains
�� Forbidden Love
�� Marriage Competition
�� Dangerous Trials
�� Kissing for Practice
�� Love Triangle
�� Only One Bed
�� Alternate History (1848 England)
�� Immortal Fae Queen ruling England
�� Unexpected Twists
�� First Person Multi POV

This is a stunning book (I own the Fairyloot edition) that had a very intriguing premise that unfortunately I won’t be recommending.

The author had me hooked at the beginning but from there my interest started to wane. I struggled to connect with the FMC (Ivy) and I couldn’t muster up much interest for either MMC. (Also hate a love triangle. ]]> 3.97 2025
author: Sasha Peyton Smith
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/25
date added: 2025/03/26
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Faerie Bargains
�� Forbidden Love
�� Marriage Competition
�� Dangerous Trials
�� Kissing for Practice
�� Love Triangle
�� Only One Bed
�� Alternate History (1848 England)
�� Immortal Fae Queen ruling England
�� Unexpected Twists
�� First Person Multi POV

This is a stunning book (I own the Fairyloot edition) that had a very intriguing premise that unfortunately I won’t be recommending.

The author had me hooked at the beginning but from there my interest started to wane. I struggled to connect with the FMC (Ivy) and I couldn’t muster up much interest for either MMC. (Also hate a love triangle.
]]> 65137920 The Keeper of Stories meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets.

‘The thing about books,�� she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.��

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found��

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder�� where nothing is as it seems.]]> 432 Evie Woods 0008609209 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
I get that the bookshop was magical, but there were too many things left unexplained and the parts the author did explain felt a little too far fetched to me. Especially the part about the tattoo. I really still don’t get that at all. And the author just casually drops that the MC can read minds?? Maybe the author just rushed her revelations a bit at the end and I missed something? It all somehow felt both too convenient and nonsensical. Maybe if the magical history or purpose of the book shop was more established? She pretty much only told the reader that it was reconstructed there and that people used to think it was haunted. How does it exist? What is its purpose? And who was the lady she worked for? Was that supposed to be like a ghostly Opaline? If so, why was she so cranky? I’m so lost. Oh well, on to the next book.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on ]]> 4.03 2023
author: Evie Woods
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2023/10/19
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves:
review:
Maybe spoilers?

I get that the bookshop was magical, but there were too many things left unexplained and the parts the author did explain felt a little too far fetched to me. Especially the part about the tattoo. I really still don’t get that at all. And the author just casually drops that the MC can read minds?? Maybe the author just rushed her revelations a bit at the end and I missed something? It all somehow felt both too convenient and nonsensical. Maybe if the magical history or purpose of the book shop was more established? She pretty much only told the reader that it was reconstructed there and that people used to think it was haunted. How does it exist? What is its purpose? And who was the lady she worked for? Was that supposed to be like a ghostly Opaline? If so, why was she so cranky? I’m so lost. Oh well, on to the next book.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on
]]> 59406549 Why save the world when you can have tea?

On the streets of White Roaring, Arthie Casimir is a criminal mastermind and collector of secrets. Her prestigious tearoom transforms into an illegal bloodhouse by dark, catering to the vampires feared by society. But when her establishment is threatened, Arthie is forced to strike an unlikely deal with an alluring adversary to save it—and she can’t do the job alone.

Calling on some of the city's most skilled outcasts, Arthie hatches a plan to infiltrate the sinister, glittering vampire society known as the Athereum. But not everyone in her ragtag crew is on her side, and as the truth behind the heist unfolds, Arthie finds herself in the midst of a conspiracy that will threaten the world as she knows it.

From the New York Times—bestselling author of We Hunt the Flame comes the first book in a hotly anticipated fantasy duology teeming with romance and revenge, led by an orphan girl willing to do whatever it takes to save her self-made kingdom. Dark, action-packed, and swoonworthy, this is Hafsah Faizal better than ever.]]> 338 Hafsah Faizal 0374389403 ✨J�ܱ������� 1
This was one of the worst “popular�� books I have ever read and I was truly so relieved when it ended. If this were written in first person perspective it might have been alright, but there were too many characters with completely undifferentiated character voices. I was so confused about who was who and who was speaking and even how many characters I was dealing with and none of them hooked me enough to care about their plight. I’ll be honest, I also hated We Hunt The Flame, so perhaps this author just isn’t my cup of tea. Pun intended. ]]> 3.49 2024
author: Hafsah Faizal
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.49
book published: 2024
rating: 1
read at: 2024/04/27
date added: 2025/03/24
shelves:
review:
Based on the premise, I was anticipating an action packed fast paced novel. I most definitely did not expect to read this absolute snooze fest of a book. With all the inane planning sessions and talk talking, you would think I would have an extremely comprehensive grasp on the plot, but she somehow lost me along the way. Now I’m not even really sure what the point was? Did they ever pull off the heist? I think I must have blacked out or disassociated at the end there and all I can say is that it was necessary for my mental health.

This was one of the worst “popular�� books I have ever read and I was truly so relieved when it ended. If this were written in first person perspective it might have been alright, but there were too many characters with completely undifferentiated character voices. I was so confused about who was who and who was speaking and even how many characters I was dealing with and none of them hooked me enough to care about their plight. I’ll be honest, I also hated We Hunt The Flame, so perhaps this author just isn’t my cup of tea. Pun intended.
]]> 213309864
Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.

Returning home to Alaha, s���’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.

When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything��

…including her heart.]]> 497 Rachel Schneider ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.28
author: Rachel Schneider
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 208430658 Magic has made the city of Tiran an industrial utopia, but magic has a cost—and the collectors have come calling.

An orphan since the age of four, Sciona has always had more to prove than her fellow students. For twenty years, she has devoted every waking moment to the study of magic, fueled by a mad desire to achieve the impossible: to be the first woman ever admitted to the High Magistry. When she finally claws her way up the ranks to become a highmage, however, she finds that her challenges have just begun. Her new colleagues will stop at nothing to let her know she is unwelcome, beginning with giving her a janitor instead of a qualified lab assistant.

What neither Sciona nor her peers realize is that her taciturn assistant was once more than a janitor; before he mopped floors for the mages, Thomil was a nomadic hunter from beyond Tiran’s magical barrier. Ten years have passed since he survived the perilous crossing that killed his family. But working for a highmage, he sees the opportunity to finally understand the forces that decimated his tribe, drove him from his homeland, and keep the Tiranish in power.

Through their fractious relationship, mage and outsider uncover an ancient secret that could change the course of magic forever—if it doesn’t get them killed first. Sciona has defined her life by the pursuit of truth, but how much is one truth worth with the fate of civilization in the balance?

A standalone dark academia brimming with mystery, tragedy, and the damning echoes of the past. For fans of Leigh Bardugo, V. E. Schwab, and Fullmetal Alchemist.

(Content warnings for gore, sexual assault, and suicidal ideation)]]> 430 M.L. Wang 0593873351 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.40 2023
author: M.L. Wang
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 62335396 Love is a sacrifice at the altar of power.

In the wake of the Kejari, everything Oraya once thought to be true has been destroyed. A prisoner in her own kingdom, grieving the only family she ever had, and reeling from a gutting betrayal, she no longer even knows the truth of her own blood. S���’s left only with one certainty: she cannot trust anyone, least of all Raihn.

The House of Night, too, is surrounded by enemies. Raihn’s own nobles are none too eager to accept a Turned king, especially one who was once a slave. And the House of Blood digs their claws into the kingdom, threatening to tear it apart from the inside.

When Raihn offers Oraya a secret alliance, taking the deal is her only chance at reclaiming her kingdom–and gaining her vengeance against the lover who betrayed her. But to do so, she’ll need to harness a devastating ancient power, intertwined with her father’s greatest secrets.

But with enemies closing in on all sides, nothing is as it seems. As she unravels her past and faces her future, Oraya finds herself forced to choose between the bloody reality of seizing power �� and the devastating love that could be her downfall.]]> 626 Carissa Broadbent ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Prisoner in Her Own Kingdom
�� Political Intrigue
�� Warring Kingdoms
�� Betrayal & Redemption
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Marriage
�� Vampires
�� Fantasy Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

This wasn’t five stars for me like the first book, but it was still a great read! The reviews for this have been very mixed and I now feel like I understand why. Simply put, this was a completely different book from book one. People who loved the trials and back-to-back action of The Serpent & the Wings of Night were likely disappointed by the plot of book two, which was much more character driven and slower paced. There was also a lot of focus on her father and unearthing the secrets he kept from her and discovering his motivations for hiding those things from her. I honestly thought this thread of the plot was bery moving and I really enjoyed the way it was written, but I imagine there was probably a large group of people who weren’t as interested in reading this portion of the plot.

Since this is a Duology and I just finished Rebel Witch, (the conclusion to another very popular enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance) I couldn’t help but compare the two. I gotta say that Kristen Ciccarelli did a much better job with the slow burn aspect of her novels. It’s a fair argument that Oraya was grieving and therefore not as focused on romance, but as a reader, much of this book felt more like a healing journey for Oraya than a romance which is maybe just not what a lot of people were hoping for.

Anyway, it probably doesn’t sound like it, but I really did like this, just playing Devil’s advocate for why it may not have been everyone’s cup of tea. I did feel like the ending was a little abrupt, so I’m glad there are other books already written in this world that I can pick up at a later date to hopefully get a little more closure. I know Oraya and Raihn won’t be the main characters, but after everything they went through, it would be nice to get a glimpse into what they’re able to accomplish together. A little nervous about what fresh Hell Carissa Broadbent might dream up to keep the series going, but we won’t think too hard on that now. ]]> 4.10 2023
author: Carissa Broadbent
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/23
date added: 2025/03/23
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Prisoner in Her Own Kingdom
�� Political Intrigue
�� Warring Kingdoms
�� Betrayal & Redemption
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Marriage
�� Vampires
�� Fantasy Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

This wasn’t five stars for me like the first book, but it was still a great read! The reviews for this have been very mixed and I now feel like I understand why. Simply put, this was a completely different book from book one. People who loved the trials and back-to-back action of The Serpent & the Wings of Night were likely disappointed by the plot of book two, which was much more character driven and slower paced. There was also a lot of focus on her father and unearthing the secrets he kept from her and discovering his motivations for hiding those things from her. I honestly thought this thread of the plot was bery moving and I really enjoyed the way it was written, but I imagine there was probably a large group of people who weren’t as interested in reading this portion of the plot.

Since this is a Duology and I just finished Rebel Witch, (the conclusion to another very popular enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance) I couldn’t help but compare the two. I gotta say that Kristen Ciccarelli did a much better job with the slow burn aspect of her novels. It’s a fair argument that Oraya was grieving and therefore not as focused on romance, but as a reader, much of this book felt more like a healing journey for Oraya than a romance which is maybe just not what a lot of people were hoping for.

Anyway, it probably doesn’t sound like it, but I really did like this, just playing Devil’s advocate for why it may not have been everyone’s cup of tea. I did feel like the ending was a little abrupt, so I’m glad there are other books already written in this world that I can pick up at a later date to hopefully get a little more closure. I know Oraya and Raihn won’t be the main characters, but after everything they went through, it would be nice to get a glimpse into what they’re able to accomplish together. A little nervous about what fresh Hell Carissa Broadbent might dream up to keep the series going, but we won’t think too hard on that now.
]]> 213015262 A bed-and-breakfast for the brokenhearted might hold the key to another chance at love in this achingly hopeful debut romance.

Louisa Walsh emerged from a tumultuous childhood with a degree in counseling, a wealthy boyfriend, and her sunny outlook on life mostly intact. But that optimism is tested when s���’s dumped and left unable to afford rent on their gorgeous house in the mountains of Colorado. Even with her life in disarray, Lou knows losing the one stable place s���’s ever called home is not an option.

Her plan: ask her reclusive landlord, Henry Rhodes, to let her stay for free in exchange for renting out the house’s many rooms as a bed-and-breakfast. S���’s shocked when he agrees to her terms, and even more surprised to discover Henry is a handsome thirtysomething veterinarian with silver at his temples and sadness in his eyes. One who does not take it well when Lou starts marketing her B and B as a retreat for the recently heartbroken.

But as the Comeback Inn opens its doors to its weary, hopeful guests, Lou and Henry find themselves dancing around both their undeniable connection and the closely held secrets that threaten to topple this fragile new start. A chance at love, here, could be too close to home…or it could be exactly where their hearts finally heal.]]> Ellen O'Clover ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.51 2025
author: Ellen O'Clover
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.51
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 84944828
Damien and Amma have landed themselves in the midst of Yvlcon, the preeminent congregation of the vilest and most unscrupulous villains in existence. Once again amongst his peers, Damien’s moral growth is threatened just when ���’s learning to be slightly less evil. Consequently, Amma finds her own virtue in peril when faced with so much temptation, namely in the form of a domineering blood mage she can’t—or doesn’t want—to say no to.

But a burgeoning romance is doused in the coldest of baths when the Grand Order of Dread commands Damien to once again face the swirling vortex of entropy that’s been hunting them all over the realm. The coming eclipse points to devastation and destruction, and there seems to be no avoiding annihilation, prophecy being, well, prophecy, after all.

But there’s an entire fortnight before the world is supposed to end, and surely that’s enough time to find some way around it, or to at least confess one’s devotion to the other before it all burns down around them.]]> 464 A.K. Caggiano ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Human x Half Demon Mage
�� Magical Quest
�� Opposites Attract
�� Forced Proximity
�� Paranormal Creatures
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Third & Final Book
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual Third Person POV

This series was so fun from start to finish! The first book was probably my favorite, but not by much! Amma is meant to be the “good�� one out of the two MC’s, but Damien is such a softy for Amma. It’s adorable and so endearing! ]]> 4.37 2023
author: A.K. Caggiano
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.37
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/20
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Human x Half Demon Mage
�� Magical Quest
�� Opposites Attract
�� Forced Proximity
�� Paranormal Creatures
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Third & Final Book
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual Third Person POV

This series was so fun from start to finish! The first book was probably my favorite, but not by much! Amma is meant to be the “good�� one out of the two MC’s, but Damien is such a softy for Amma. It’s adorable and so endearing!
]]> 198853583
During last year’s Frozen Four, the Waterfell University hockey captain, and NHL legacy, took a brutal hit that left him with a concussion and a new discomfort on the ice. Plagued by nightmares and panic attacks every time he attempt to skate, Rhys wonders if he’ll ever play again �� if he’ll ever want to.

Sadie Brown is staying focused this semester �� no matter what.

Currently drowning in debt, custody hearings for her younger brothers and skating practices, she's just trying to make it to the next day. A spitfire figure skater known for her bad attitude and frequent disappearing acts, she has a reputation on campus. And it’s not a pretty one.

When she accidentally witnesses one of the golden boy hockey captain’s panic attacks and attempts to help him, a strange sort of understanding strikes up between them.

No questions asked. Just comfort.

But Rhys finds himself drawn to Sadie. Where he feels empty, a shell of the man and player he was before, Sadie is so full of everything it bursts from her; every emotion she feels seems like it’s blasted at max. Rhys is desperate to feel anything, Sadie wants to stop feeling so much.

But healing doesn’t mix with secrets, and they’re both skating a thin line, unsteady .]]> 384 Peyton Corinne ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� He Falls First
�� Hockey Player x Figure Skater
�� Black Cat x Golden Retriever
�� Found Family
�� Alcoholic Father/Absent Mother
�� Mental Health Rep
�� College Romance
�� Sports Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� Duel First Person POV

I’ve been really struggling with this review. I would describe this book as having high readability and I flew through it as a result, but there were some key details that just weren’t quite right. I liked their initial meeting, but from there, the way their relationship developed felt very rushed and left me feeling like there were deleted scenes. They spent a decent amount of time together on the ice, but it read like they were just in the same place at the same time and not really interacting or doing anything that would grow their relationship. They jumped rather abruptly into a benefits only relationship, but there is a long stretch of time where they don’t have sex so they felt pretty much like a couple from the start.

The FMC has an alcoholic father and an absentee mother, which leaves the care of her two younger brothers to her. She has an abusive coach who overtrains her and threatens repeatedly to have her removed from the team. Since this would result in the loss of her scholarship, she is desperately trying to keep it all together in the hopes that she will one day be able to formally adopt her siblings. It’s no easy task as she juggles her grades, her training schedule, and works to earn enough money to support them while also bearing the sole responsibility as caregiver for her siblings. Some of her actions were kind of frustrating, but as an oldest girl who’s practically incapable of asking for him, I can relate. ]]> 3.82 2023
author: Peyton Corinne
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.82
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/18
date added: 2025/03/20
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� He Falls First
�� Hockey Player x Figure Skater
�� Black Cat x Golden Retriever
�� Found Family
�� Alcoholic Father/Absent Mother
�� Mental Health Rep
�� College Romance
�� Sports Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� Duel First Person POV

I’ve been really struggling with this review. I would describe this book as having high readability and I flew through it as a result, but there were some key details that just weren’t quite right. I liked their initial meeting, but from there, the way their relationship developed felt very rushed and left me feeling like there were deleted scenes. They spent a decent amount of time together on the ice, but it read like they were just in the same place at the same time and not really interacting or doing anything that would grow their relationship. They jumped rather abruptly into a benefits only relationship, but there is a long stretch of time where they don’t have sex so they felt pretty much like a couple from the start.

The FMC has an alcoholic father and an absentee mother, which leaves the care of her two younger brothers to her. She has an abusive coach who overtrains her and threatens repeatedly to have her removed from the team. Since this would result in the loss of her scholarship, she is desperately trying to keep it all together in the hopes that she will one day be able to formally adopt her siblings. It’s no easy task as she juggles her grades, her training schedule, and works to earn enough money to support them while also bearing the sole responsibility as caregiver for her siblings. Some of her actions were kind of frustrating, but as an oldest girl who’s practically incapable of asking for him, I can relate.
]]> 218460284 Once a servant, now a princess, a young woman thrust into power challenges everything about the underground Fae realm in the next installment of Sarah Hawley's new romantasy series.

Kenna Heron is still reeling from her lover's betrayal and the threat of an impending war. With only her two closest--and most powerless--friends by her side, she must navigate the treacherous politics of Mistei while coming to terms with her new identity as not just Fae, but princess of her own house.

With the king dead, three candidates are vying for the right to wear the crown next. A princess who claims the throne as her birthright and two rebel princes, both of whom are depending on the support of Blood House to break the stalemate between them. Old loyalties fray as new, dangerous alliances form, and Kenna finds herself caught in a web of violence, deceit, and unexpected passion.

Kenna has the power to shape Mistei's future... but someone's willing to kill to make sure she never gets the chance.]]> 512 Sarah Hawley 0593818385 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read And we have our cover!! 4.76 2025
author: Sarah Hawley
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.76
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves: to-read
review:
And we have our cover!!
]]> 61215384
The inspiration for the upcoming original series on Prime Video, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

The Return of the King is the third part of J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic adventure The Lord of the Rings.

One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them, One Ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.

The Dark Lord has risen, and as he unleashes hordes of Orcs to conquer all Middle-earth, Frodo and Sam struggle deep into his realm in Mordor.

To defeat Sauron, the One Ring must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom. But the way is impossibly hard, and Frodo is weakening. The Ring corrupts all who bear it and Frodo’s time is running out.

Will Sam and Frodo succeed, or will the Dark Lord rule Middle-earth once more?]]> 432 J.R.R. Tolkien ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Love, Loyalty, & Sacrifice
�� Final Book in the Trilogy
�� High Fantasy
�� Classic Literature
�� Third Person POV

We all agree that Sam is the real hero of this story, right? Frodo schmodo. ]]> 4.67 1955
author: J.R.R. Tolkien
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.67
book published: 1955
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/19
date added: 2025/03/19
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Love, Loyalty, & Sacrifice
�� Final Book in the Trilogy
�� High Fantasy
�� Classic Literature
�� Third Person POV

We all agree that Sam is the real hero of this story, right? Frodo schmodo.
]]> 32822135
Archer's Voice is the story of a woman chained to the memory of one horrifying night and the man whose love is the key to her freedom. It is the story of a silent man who lives with an excruciating wound and the woman who helps him find his voice. It is the story of suffering, fate, and the transformative power of love.]]> 377 Mia Sheridan 1538727374 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on ]]> 4.14 2014
author: Mia Sheridan
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2014
rating: 2
read at: 2023/04/21
date added: 2025/03/17
shelves:
review:
Solid 2 star book. Mind boggling that this book seems to be so universally loved. Storyline was somewhat original but highly predictable and the writing was mediocre at best. I can’t believe how many times she wrote the words “this man�� or “my tummy.�� Was this book a tik tok sensation or something? Baffled once again by the preferences of the majority.

�� �� �� �� ��

Connect with me on
]]> 212808709 A competitive diver and an ace swimmer jump into forbidden waters in this steamy college romance from the New York Times bestselling author of The Love Hypothesis.

Scarlett Vandermeer is swimming upstream. A Junior at Stanford and a student-athlete who specializes in platform diving, Scarlett prefers to keep her head down, concentrating on getting into med school and on recovering from the injury that almost ended her career. She has no time for relationships—at least, that’s what she tells herself.

Swim captain, world champion, all-around aquatics golden boy, Lukas Blomqvist thrives on discipline. It’s how he wins gold medals and breaks records: complete focus, with every stroke. On the surface, Lukas and Scarlett have nothing in common. Until a well-guarded secret slips out, and everything changes.

So they start an arrangement. And as the pressure leading to the Olympics heats up, so does their relationship. It was supposed to be just a temporary, mutually satisfying fling. But when staying away from Lukas becomes impossible, Scarlett realizes that her heart might be treading into dangerous water...]]> 464 Ali Hazelwood ✨J�ܱ������� 3
“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.��

What to Expect:
�� Diver x Swimmer
�� College Sports Romance
�� Swedish MMC
�� Slow Burn
�� Her Friend/Captain’s Ex
�� He Falls First
�� STEM
�� Light BDSM
�� Secret Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� First Person POV

Before diving in (pun intended), I saw quite a few negative reviews for this. I know I know, I shouldn’t have read them, but I did, and I actually think they may have improved my overall reading experience.

This book was marketed as being more on the kinky side and if you went in expecting/hoping for that, I think you would likely be disappointed. This was definitely a slow burn and it took quite a while for the characters to work out the guidelines for their sexual relationship. They each made a list of the kinks they wanted to explore, but the intimate scenes on the page felt pretty similar to every other romance I’ve read. Yes, he was in charge so it’s technically BDSM, but that’s pretty much how every alpha male in a Romantasy talks so�� ]]> 3.93 2025
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.93
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/03/16
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 3.5 stars ��

“From the very start, you had all the power. From the very start, I was in the palm of your hand.��

What to Expect:
�� Diver x Swimmer
�� College Sports Romance
�� Swedish MMC
�� Slow Burn
�� Her Friend/Captain’s Ex
�� He Falls First
�� STEM
�� Light BDSM
�� Secret Romance
�� Duet Narration
�� First Person POV

Before diving in (pun intended), I saw quite a few negative reviews for this. I know I know, I shouldn’t have read them, but I did, and I actually think they may have improved my overall reading experience.

This book was marketed as being more on the kinky side and if you went in expecting/hoping for that, I think you would likely be disappointed. This was definitely a slow burn and it took quite a while for the characters to work out the guidelines for their sexual relationship. They each made a list of the kinks they wanted to explore, but the intimate scenes on the page felt pretty similar to every other romance I’ve read. Yes, he was in charge so it’s technically BDSM, but that’s pretty much how every alpha male in a Romantasy talks so��
]]> 60217777 The stakes are even higher in this epic, romantic conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Crimson Moth duology.

A WITCH...
Rune Winters is on the run. Ever since the boy she loved, Gideon Sharpe, revealed who she was and delivered her into enemy hands, everyone wants her dead. If Rune hopes to survive, she must ally herself with the cruel and dangerous Cressida Roseblood, who’s planning to take back the Republic and reinstate a Reign of Witches—something Cressida needs Rune to accomplish.

A WITCH HUNTER...
Apparently it wasn’t enough for Rune to deceive Gideon; s���’s now betrayed him by allying herself with the witch who made his life a living hell. Gideon won’t allow the Republic to fall to the witches and be plunged back into the nightmares of the past. In order to protect this new world he fought for, every last witch must die—especially Rune Winters.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHOICE...
When Rune makes Gideon an offer he can’t refuse, the two must pair up to accomplish dangerous goals. The more they’re forced into each other’s company, the more Gideon realizes the feelings he had for Rune aren’t as dead and buried as he thought. Now ���’s faced with a terrible choice: sacrifice the girl he loves to stop a monster taking back power, or let Rune live and watch the world he fought so hard for burn.

In Kristen Ciccarelli's Rebel Witch, the exciting conclusion to The Crimson Moth duology, love has never been so deadly.]]> 464 Kristen Ciccarelli ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Forced Proximity
�� One Bed
�� Witch x Witch Hunter
�� Magic
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Miscommunication
�� Who did this to you?
�� Hidden Identity
�� Third Person POV

It’s official, I’m obsessed with this duology! I personally want to thank Kristen Ciccarelli for writing two amazing books and not dragging this series out with extra books or hundreds of unnecessary pages which seems to be the norm these days. I LOVED book one, but Rebel Witch was even better! This is easily my favorite witch series of all time, it’s just perfection!

This series is a true example of enemies-to-lovers, but it’s written in a way that still made Gideon Sharpe completely swoon worthy even as he repeatedly tried to unalive Rune. Every bit of the story was well plotted and made logical sense, and both of their motivations felt completely justified based on their worldview and personal experiences. I’m always nervous to read the second book in a series because they so often suffer from the syndrome, but K.C. really rose to the occasion and wrote a phenomenal book! Did I mention I love this book? ]]> 4.23 2025
author: Kristen Ciccarelli
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/11
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 4.75 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Forced Proximity
�� One Bed
�� Witch x Witch Hunter
�� Magic
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Miscommunication
�� Who did this to you?
�� Hidden Identity
�� Third Person POV

It’s official, I’m obsessed with this duology! I personally want to thank Kristen Ciccarelli for writing two amazing books and not dragging this series out with extra books or hundreds of unnecessary pages which seems to be the norm these days. I LOVED book one, but Rebel Witch was even better! This is easily my favorite witch series of all time, it’s just perfection!

This series is a true example of enemies-to-lovers, but it’s written in a way that still made Gideon Sharpe completely swoon worthy even as he repeatedly tried to unalive Rune. Every bit of the story was well plotted and made logical sense, and both of their motivations felt completely justified based on their worldview and personal experiences. I’m always nervous to read the second book in a series because they so often suffer from the syndrome, but K.C. really rose to the occasion and wrote a phenomenal book! Did I mention I love this book?
]]> 212808316 Brimming with magic and romance, a young fairy queen must form an unlikely alliance or risk an unspeakable danger destroying all she holds dear in this standalone YA novel from New York Times bestselling author Allison Saft.

It’s been centuries since a warm-season fairy in Pixie Hollow has crossed into the Winter Woods, and while most fear the legends of monsters lurking in the frozen lands, Clarion, can’t help being intrigued by Winter’s stoic beauty. But under the watchful eyes of the current monarch and the court's seasonal ministers, Clarion has little time to dwell on daydreams while the days to her coronation dwindle away.

That is, until reports of a monster crossing from Winter into Spring make their way to the palace. Clarion sees defeating this threat as an opportunity to prove that she is worthy of her new role. But instead of finding a monster at the edge of Winter, she finds Milori, a young guardian of the Winter Woods. Together, they form an unlikely bond as they race to save their lands.

But as their alliance warms to something more, they will discover there is a reason a warm-season fairy and a winter fairy must not be together. And the cost could be just as deadly as the monsters that prowl the Winter Woods.

Discover the origin of the sweeping, star-crossed romance between the queen of Pixie Hollow and the lord of the Winter Woods.]]> 400 Allison Saft 1368098452 ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Star-crossed Lovers
�� Coming-of-Age
�� Pixie Magic/Pixie Hollow
�� Forbidden Love
�� Self-discovery
�� Invading Monsters
�� Mystery/Hidden Truths
�� Adventure
�� Sacrifice
�� Yearning
�� Third Person POV

Tell me there’s a part two. ]]> 4.25 2025
author: Allison Saft
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/12
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 4.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Star-crossed Lovers
�� Coming-of-Age
�� Pixie Magic/Pixie Hollow
�� Forbidden Love
�� Self-discovery
�� Invading Monsters
�� Mystery/Hidden Truths
�� Adventure
�� Sacrifice
�� Yearning
�� Third Person POV

Tell me there’s a part two.
]]> 64627957
Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was.

But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that.

When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did.

Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.]]> 366 Rachel Moore ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Boarding School
�� Haunted Library
�� Century-Old Mystery
�� Paranormal
�� YA Romance
�� Third Person POV

I thought this had a similar vibe to the show Wednesday except it was a little moodier. I honestly found the plot to be a little predictable, but I still enjoyed the ride as the mystery unfolded. I didn’t initially realize this was a YA novel so I had to recalibrate my expectations a bit in the middle. I’m mostly glad there wasn’t any ghostly intimate scenes included, but I think I might have liked a little spice at the end, and maybe Mateo’s POV?

I also think the plot would have felt a little more realistic if the school had been a college rather than a boarding school and that her dad should have played a larger role in the story. The author could easily have included more clues left by him to give the mystery a bit more complexity. Overall I really enjoyed this, but I think it could have been a bit more compelling.

I originally read this book because I saw someone reading the second book in the series, Us in Ruins, so I’m excited to start that one soon! Her cover artist is killing it!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Currently crushing my reading goals! Staying caught up on reviews? Eh�� not so much. ]]> 3.56 2023
author: Rachel Moore
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/13
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 3.75 stars �� l

What to Expect:
�� Boarding School
�� Haunted Library
�� Century-Old Mystery
�� Paranormal
�� YA Romance
�� Third Person POV

I thought this had a similar vibe to the show Wednesday except it was a little moodier. I honestly found the plot to be a little predictable, but I still enjoyed the ride as the mystery unfolded. I didn’t initially realize this was a YA novel so I had to recalibrate my expectations a bit in the middle. I’m mostly glad there wasn’t any ghostly intimate scenes included, but I think I might have liked a little spice at the end, and maybe Mateo’s POV?

I also think the plot would have felt a little more realistic if the school had been a college rather than a boarding school and that her dad should have played a larger role in the story. The author could easily have included more clues left by him to give the mystery a bit more complexity. Overall I really enjoyed this, but I think it could have been a bit more compelling.

I originally read this book because I saw someone reading the second book in the series, Us in Ruins, so I’m excited to start that one soon! Her cover artist is killing it!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Currently crushing my reading goals! Staying caught up on reviews? Eh�� not so much.
]]> 7488244 Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn't easy.

Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place and out of place at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.

As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

Unearthly is a moving tale of love and fate, and the struggle between following the rules and following your heart.]]> 435 Cynthia Hand 0061996165 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Nephilim and Humans
�� Love Triangle
�� Secrets
�� Visions
�� First Love
�� Fulfilling Her Purpose
�� Paranormal
�� YA Romance
�� First Person POV

Sigh* Score one for my bank account. I guess I’ll be saving my money on this series after all. I knew going in that this was YA, but the characters and storyline were extremely juvenile in a way that just didn’t work for me. I thought a lot about whether or not I would give this a higher rating if I had been a teen when I read it, but I still think the answer would be no. It honestly felt like an older person trying hard to write from a young person perspective and missing the mark. All the name calling in particular felt very lame and annoying to me. The FMC comes to a new school and everyone calls her things like bozo/hot bozo, dork/dorkina (really?), or my favorite, “carrots,�� which we as the reader are meant to find endearing (I didn’t). Most of these names were in reference to her temporarily orange hair which played a far too prominent role in the story. IYKYK.

The main thread of the plot is that the FMC is part angel and has been having visions that indicate she will soon need to fulfill her one true purpose on earth. These visions lead her and her family to pack up and move to a new state. Her mom is half angel and tells her almost nothing about her heritage so there is still a lot that could be revealed in later books, but this whole idea of “one true purpose�� really bugged me because it’s just nonsensical. Her mom is over a hundred years old, but her only reason for living was to save one person? Seems like a waste of heavenly resources to me. Even if I was to buy into that, there’s nothing inherently romantic about saving someone so it seemed odd that all the characters kept pushing it as a romantic connection between Christian and the FMC. I get that the visions were somewhat romantic in nature, but she’d be expected to save him not marry him, right?

The word “love�� was thrown around between two characters and I had to just roll my eyes. I wouldn’t call it insta love, but it still felt very sudden and as I said earlier, very juvenile. These were high school crushes, not true love. And no, I’m not saying an epic love story isn’t possible between high schoolers, I’m just saying that this most certainly was not that.

My final gripe was the audio. This was simply the wrong narrator choice for Clara. The voice and inflection was all wrong and didn’t sound remotely like a teenager which really threw me off. This was a flop all around honesty, but I’m awarding it an extra star simply because it’s YA and I’m not the target audience.

If you want to read bad YA Angel lit, pick up Fallen or Hush Hush, not this.

If you want to read YA Angel lit that I might even reread by choice, read White Hot Kiss or Sweet Evil. ]]> 4.01 2011
author: Cynthia Hand
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2011
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/14
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 1.75 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Nephilim and Humans
�� Love Triangle
�� Secrets
�� Visions
�� First Love
�� Fulfilling Her Purpose
�� Paranormal
�� YA Romance
�� First Person POV

Sigh* Score one for my bank account. I guess I’ll be saving my money on this series after all. I knew going in that this was YA, but the characters and storyline were extremely juvenile in a way that just didn’t work for me. I thought a lot about whether or not I would give this a higher rating if I had been a teen when I read it, but I still think the answer would be no. It honestly felt like an older person trying hard to write from a young person perspective and missing the mark. All the name calling in particular felt very lame and annoying to me. The FMC comes to a new school and everyone calls her things like bozo/hot bozo, dork/dorkina (really?), or my favorite, “carrots,�� which we as the reader are meant to find endearing (I didn’t). Most of these names were in reference to her temporarily orange hair which played a far too prominent role in the story. IYKYK.

The main thread of the plot is that the FMC is part angel and has been having visions that indicate she will soon need to fulfill her one true purpose on earth. These visions lead her and her family to pack up and move to a new state. Her mom is half angel and tells her almost nothing about her heritage so there is still a lot that could be revealed in later books, but this whole idea of “one true purpose�� really bugged me because it’s just nonsensical. Her mom is over a hundred years old, but her only reason for living was to save one person? Seems like a waste of heavenly resources to me. Even if I was to buy into that, there’s nothing inherently romantic about saving someone so it seemed odd that all the characters kept pushing it as a romantic connection between Christian and the FMC. I get that the visions were somewhat romantic in nature, but she’d be expected to save him not marry him, right?

The word “love�� was thrown around between two characters and I had to just roll my eyes. I wouldn’t call it insta love, but it still felt very sudden and as I said earlier, very juvenile. These were high school crushes, not true love. And no, I’m not saying an epic love story isn’t possible between high schoolers, I’m just saying that this most certainly was not that.

My final gripe was the audio. This was simply the wrong narrator choice for Clara. The voice and inflection was all wrong and didn’t sound remotely like a teenager which really threw me off. This was a flop all around honesty, but I’m awarding it an extra star simply because it’s YA and I’m not the target audience.

If you want to read bad YA Angel lit, pick up Fallen or Hush Hush, not this.

If you want to read YA Angel lit that I might even reread by choice, read White Hot Kiss or Sweet Evil.
]]> 54217084
It’s just Alice’s luck that when she finally begins to get her life on track, s���’s kidnapped by reptilian creatures and forced into a cell with a fierce incoherent alien for some kind of breeding experiment.

Even though they aren’t able to communicate, Alice and Luka find solace in each other’s company. As the days drag on, it becomes harder to keep her heart locked away, until she can’t help but wonder what a life with Luka might look like outside their dark prison. When an opportunity to free herself, Luka, and the other human prisoners presents itself, Alice takes it.

Once free, can Alice and Luka’s tenuous relationship survive on this planet? Will the evil men that held them prisoner ever see justice? And can they play a part in the rescue of the other women being held captive around this strange new world? Alice knows only one thing for certain—her life will never be the same again.]]> 368 Victoria Aveline ✨J�ܱ������� 4
The story lines are cheesy as hell and I can’t claim that the writing is particularly good, but I am eating these up. The only explanation I can give is that the author has tapped into some secret fantasy I didn’t even know I had. These grumpy men are bizarrely perfect and apparently I am fully on board with someone acting like a possessive caveman if it means they’re obsessed with me. (obviously I’m always the main character ]]> 3.77 2020
author: Victoria Aveline
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.77
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2024/05/29
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
My love for this series transcends all reason.

The story lines are cheesy as hell and I can’t claim that the writing is particularly good, but I am eating these up. The only explanation I can give is that the author has tapped into some secret fantasy I didn’t even know I had. These grumpy men are bizarrely perfect and apparently I am fully on board with someone acting like a possessive caveman if it means they’re obsessed with me. (obviously I’m always the main character
]]> 203800257 “A love letter to books and reading. This debut is catnip for any book geek. I just loved it.�� —Cesca Major, author of Maybe Next Time, a Reese’s Book Club Pick

A story of second chances and new beginnings, this is a love letter to books—and a love letter to life

Still reeling from a recent tragedy, Erin Connolly knows she needs to start living, but has no idea how. When she accidentally donates her favorite book—a heavily annotated copy of To Kill a Mockingbird containing a memento she can’t be without—to a local little community library, s���’s devastated. But then the book turns up a week later, back in the library with fresh notes in the margins, along with an invitation in a copy of Great Expectations to meet her newfound pen pal.

A life-changing conversation, written only in the margins of beloved classic books, begins between Erin and her Mystery Man. Following each other through the pages of their favorite novels as the book exchange continues, they both begin to open up, falling into a friendship…and maybe something more.

But Erin and her pen pal have a shared history that neither of them has guessed. Faced with painful reminders of the past—and the one person she swore never to forgive—Erin finds herself at a crossroads. One that could change her life forever.

A book-lovers dream! References to the following classics can be found in The Book Swap:
�� TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD
�� GREAT EXPECTATIONS
�� WUTHERING HEIGHTS
�� MANSFIELD PARK
�� THE GREAT GATSBY
�� MIDDLEMARCH
�� BELOVED
�� ON THE ROAD
�� THE BELL JAR]]> 336 Tessa Bickers 1525836706 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Second Chance
�� Personal Growth & Self-Discovery
�� Complex Family Dynamics
�� Flashbacks/Ghostly Visions
�� Trauma from Childhood Bullying
�� Familial Guilt
�� Grief & Loss
�� Terminal Illness
�� Mental Illness
�� Romance Subplot
�� Duet Audio
�� Dual First Person POV

My biggest issue with this book is that the cover does not match the book. At face value, I was expecting a cute rom-com for book lovers and what I got instead was a never ending stream of heavy topics with a side of romance. The sheer number of difficult topics frankly made my head spin and the writing felt disjointed as the author jumped from one to the next.

The timeline isn’t completely linear and there are some flashbacks included, but there are also portions of the book where the FMC had conversations with her deceased best friend in the present as if she was still alive and sitting next to her in her flat. I often struggled to understand if a given scene was in the past or present in these instances. Her delusions are so complete that she can physically see her sitting in the chair beside her. This bothered me a bit because the MMC’s mother had some pretty severe mental health issues so you would think the author would have at least included therapy for the FMC along with all of her other serious topics, but she chose to write her visions like magical realism instead.

The whole time I was reading I wondered what in the world the MMC could have done that would have been so bad, but yea that was pretty bad. Somewhat understandable, but bad. The made for tv bullies in this book are awful, but still, that would be hard to forgive especially because that decision would have had a long lasting impact on her life and her family. As far as his guilt over his dad’s career choice goes? That logic was pretty thin in my opinion. If his mom had bullied him and blamed him for being born all his life, I guess it’s possible he would feel that way, but it seems excessive.

Maybe I would have had a better time with this if I had a more realistic idea of what to expect going in, but then again, maybe I wouldn’t have picked it up at all. ]]> 3.56 2024
author: Tessa Bickers
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.56
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/03/15
date added: 2025/03/16
shelves:
review:
�� 2.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Second Chance
�� Personal Growth & Self-Discovery
�� Complex Family Dynamics
�� Flashbacks/Ghostly Visions
�� Trauma from Childhood Bullying
�� Familial Guilt
�� Grief & Loss
�� Terminal Illness
�� Mental Illness
�� Romance Subplot
�� Duet Audio
�� Dual First Person POV

My biggest issue with this book is that the cover does not match the book. At face value, I was expecting a cute rom-com for book lovers and what I got instead was a never ending stream of heavy topics with a side of romance. The sheer number of difficult topics frankly made my head spin and the writing felt disjointed as the author jumped from one to the next.

The timeline isn’t completely linear and there are some flashbacks included, but there are also portions of the book where the FMC had conversations with her deceased best friend in the present as if she was still alive and sitting next to her in her flat. I often struggled to understand if a given scene was in the past or present in these instances. Her delusions are so complete that she can physically see her sitting in the chair beside her. This bothered me a bit because the MMC’s mother had some pretty severe mental health issues so you would think the author would have at least included therapy for the FMC along with all of her other serious topics, but she chose to write her visions like magical realism instead.

The whole time I was reading I wondered what in the world the MMC could have done that would have been so bad, but yea that was pretty bad. Somewhat understandable, but bad. The made for tv bullies in this book are awful, but still, that would be hard to forgive especially because that decision would have had a long lasting impact on her life and her family. As far as his guilt over his dad’s career choice goes? That logic was pretty thin in my opinion. If his mom had bullied him and blamed him for being born all his life, I guess it’s possible he would feel that way, but it seems excessive.

Maybe I would have had a better time with this if I had a more realistic idea of what to expect going in, but then again, maybe I wouldn’t have picked it up at all.
]]> 221866459 Birthed in shadow. Forged in fire.

A Splintered Kingdom

An ancient grudge has kept humans and the magical races of Arcanis at odds for centuries. The Arcane Crucible, a legendary series of trials that occurs every 25 years, offers a chance for peace.

A Haunted Warrior

Elyria Lightbreaker, once a celebrated fae war hero, is a shadow of her former self. Drowning in grief after losing the man she loved to the previous Crucible, now she must rise to stop his sister from falling to the same fate.

A Vengeful Knight

Hardened by loss and fueled by hate, Cedric Thorne’s lifelong goal to conquer the Crucible on humanity’s behalf is finally within reach. The only problem? Getting through the trials alive means working with Elyria—the very fae he blames for his parents�� deaths.

An Unwinnable Challenge

With alliances fragile as spun glass and betrayal lurking at every turn, Elyria and Cedric must navigate deadly trials that test their strength, spirit, and magic�� as well as their increasingly complex feelings for each other.
��
This is the Arcane Crucible.]]> 466 Gretchen Powell Fox 0988468921 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.45
author: Gretchen Powell Fox
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 219655872 “A hilariously fresh and spicy rom-com that I couldn’t put down!�� -Meghan Quinn, USA Today Bestselling Author

Help Wanted: Grumpy mountain man seeks baby momma. Job is an incubator position only. Surrogate must be impervious to grunting as the form of communication and nosy brotherly neighbors. Rustic mountain range housing available upon request.

I wanted to pummel my irritating brothers when they posted their own version of a wanted ad to help me with my life.

But I can’t fault the results once the right woman lands in my lap.

Becoming a single father is not a decision I made lightly. In fact, it’s the biggest decision of my entire life.

Which is why when I interview Trista, I know s���’s perfect.

S���’s wild, s���’s opinionated, she wears cowboy boots. Even my pet goat loves her��

S���’s the exact type of person I was holding out for.

And to my great horror, I realize on our first night of attempting this baby-making dance—when the lights are low, the cheap wine is flowing and the home-insemination supplies are laid out on the kitchen counter—I want to do a lot more than just make her my surrogate.

I want to make her mine.

Perfect for fans of:
�� Grumpy/Sunshine
�� Small Town Romance
�� Age Gap
�� Curvy FMC
�� Meghan Quinn and Tessa Bailey]]> 358 Amy Daws ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.95 2024
author: Amy Daws
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 208894884
Columnist Anna Appleby has left her love life behind after a painful divorce. Who needs a man when she has two kids, a cat, and uncontested control of the TV remote? Besides, she’d rather be single than subject herself to the hell of online dating. But her office rival is vying for her column, and no column means no stable source of income. In a desperate attempt to keep her job, Anna finds herself pitching a unique angle: seven dates, all found offline, chosen by her children.

From awkward encounters to unexpected connections, Anna gamely begins to put herself out there, asking out waiters, the mailman, and even her celebrity crush. But when a romantic connection appears where she least expected it, will she be brave enough to take another chance on love?]]> 368 Sophie Cousens 0593718909 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.10 2024
author: Sophie Cousens
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 212294464 After a case of mistaken identity and an almost one-night stand, two stranded wedding guests have to find their way to their final destination together, in this riotously fun debut romance.

Ada’s little sister is getting married. Which should be a happy thought, right? But the once close sisters have been in a year long fight, the wedding is all the way in Ireland, and Ada is so broke that she just barely managed to get a ticket on a budget airline. And as if things couldn’t get worse, said airline just cancelled her connection. Which means Ada is stuck in London with no way to make it to the wedding.

Surely s���’s hit rock bottom?

So, there’s no reason for her not to spill her heart out about the over-the-top wedding, her sister’s worryingly quick engagement, and the womanizing best man s���’s dreading meeting to a handsome also-stranded stranger at the bar. Until she realizes the stranger is headed to the same wedding. Oh, and ���’s the infamous best man.

Now, Jack and Ada must put their simmering attraction behind them to make it to Belfast before they miss the nuptials. But between flat tires, missed trains, and suspect hostels, Jack and Ada start to question whether their feelings are worth going the distance, or just a distracting detour along the way.]]> 400 Heather McBreen 0593817621 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.90 2025
author: Heather McBreen
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/13
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 75532088 For fans of Practical Magic and Gilmore Girls, The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic is a debut novel that explores the shields we build around our hearts to retain our own magic.

Sadie Revelare has always believed that the curse of four heartbreaks that accompanies her magic would be worth the price. But when her grandmother is diagnosed with cancer with only weeks to live, and her first heartbreak, Jake McNealy, returns to town after a decade, her carefully structured life begins to unravel.

With the news of their grandmother's impending death, Sadie's estranged twin brother Seth returns to town, bringing with him deeply buried family secrets that threaten to tear Sadie's world apart. Their grandmother has been the backbone of the family for generations, and with her death, Sadie isn't sure she'll have the strength to keep the family, and her magic, together.

As feelings for Jake begin to rekindle, and her grandmother growing sicker by the day, Sadie faces the last of her heartbreaks, and she has to decide: is love more important than magic?

Readers who love the magic of The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake and the sense of community found in The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches will enjoy this warm, witchy novel.]]> 322 Breanne Randall 1639105735 ✨J�ܱ������� 1 3.16 2023
author: Breanne Randall
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.16
book published: 2023
rating: 1
read at: 2023/11/29
date added: 2025/03/12
shelves:
review:
This book somehow managed to do way too much and not enough in equal measure. If you want an author who quotes frozen lyrics non ironically and thinks collectible spoons are peak romance, this is the book for you.
]]> 63852823
Lady Ammalie Avington, Baroness of Faebarrow, has discovered the truth, and it should not come as a surprise: the blood mage who threatened, spellbound, and abducted her intends to bring ruin to the realm--the very one she is sworn to serve. It's just a terribly inconvenient fact to learn because, well...he's rather cute.

But it's not safe to pine after the son of a demon, especially not whilst locked up in a tower surrounded by infernal beings and a rival for your affection, nor trapped below ground in a den of beguiling vampires, nor even in the heart of a wild jungle under the tutelage of esoteric witches. Amma just can't help herself around Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne, danger be damned, but, truly, what danger is there? Damien's heart, the one he swears to not have, has been softening right before her eyes. Nevermind the weird smoke that sometimes unwittingly emanates from his hands or that faraway look he gets to his eyes, and a voice she can't hear telling him that he's meant to be a vessel? Surely it's all just a bad dream.

After finally tasting freedom and learning that Amma may have ancient, innate magical powers of her own, why not use them to do exactly as she pleases?]]> 428 A.K. Caggiano ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Human x Half Demon Mage
�� Magical Quest
�� Opposites Attract
�� Forced Proximity
�� Vampires, Fae, etc.
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Third Person Multi POV

I love Damien and Amma! I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first, but the first half felt a little dry. In this genre, the comedy ratio is so important and the beginning felt a little too serious which had me worried that this might be headed for a lower rating. Thankfully it picked up and the second half mostly made up for it. Her teaching the Fae how to have fun in the snow was my personal favorite. ]]> 4.30
author: A.K. Caggiano
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.30
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/03/09
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
�� 3.85 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Mutual Pining
�� Human x Half Demon Mage
�� Magical Quest
�� Opposites Attract
�� Forced Proximity
�� Vampires, Fae, etc.
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Third Person Multi POV

I love Damien and Amma! I enjoyed this one almost as much as the first, but the first half felt a little dry. In this genre, the comedy ratio is so important and the beginning felt a little too serious which had me worried that this might be headed for a lower rating. Thankfully it picked up and the second half mostly made up for it. Her teaching the Fae how to have fun in the snow was my personal favorite.
]]> 209220944
But Sarah has begun to wonder... Who is she without her other half?

When she decides to take on a project of her own, a fundraising gala in memoriam of her late mother, Sarah wants nothing more than to prove to herself—and to everyone else—that she doesn’t need Caleb’s help to succeed. S���’s still her mother’s daughter, after all. Independent and capable.

That is until the event fails and Caleb uninvitedly steps in to save the day.

The rift that follows unearths a decade of grievances between them and doubts begin to grow. Are they truly the same people they were when they got married at nineteen? Are they supposed to be?

In a desperate attempt to fix what they fear is near breaking, Sarah and Caleb make the spontaneous decision to join a grueling hiking trip intended to guide couples through rough patches.

What follows is a life-affirming comedy of errors as two nature-averse people fight their way out of the woods in order to find their way back to their roots.]]> 336 Hannah Bonam-Young 0593871863 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Marital Rut
�� High School Sweethearts
�� Wilderness Retreat
�� Grief
�� Self Discovery
�� Forced Proximity
�� Dual Timeline
�� Interconnected Standalone
�� First Person POV

“If you give me the space to grow, I’ll plant myself next to you. Always.��

I adore HBY and will sing her praises forever, but I honestly didn’t love this as much as I hoped I would. I really struggled with the FMC and felt that her whole vibe was pretty ungrateful, especially at the beginning. Oh�� so your trust fund baby husband who loves you unconditionally and would do anything for you wrote a check to help you save face and protect you from failure? Poor you. She has every right to want to grow and change, but I was really bothered that she even insinuated that this event could be grounds for divorce when she had nothing but good things to say about him otherwise. He was clearly a very supportive cinnamon roll of a man who I’m frankly not sure she even deserves.

Maybe it was the single girl in me that caused such a strong reaction, but she should be counting her blessings every single day to have someone like Caleb in her corner. Why would it bother her for him to refer to the event as theirs vs. hers? Are they not partners in all things as husband and wife? Just a really weird basis for a “marital rut�� that kind of spoiled the rest of the story for me. Caleb was perfect and all the stars are for him. I did also enjoy their easy banter that can only be the result of knowing and loving someone for so many years. It was kind of fun to read about a married couple for a change, but the plot needed some major tweaks to truly win me over.

“I can’t feel my legs.��
Caleb leans in close.�� What do you want me to do about it? Roll you?��
“Roll me to our tent?�� I scoff. “You thought of rolling me before carrying me?��
“Carrying you would be a little obvious,�� he says, shrugging. “If you don’t want people to notice.��
“But rolling me wouldn’t?!��

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: should I just go ahead and rate this 5 stars? Or��

Another HBY?! Heck ya!! Take my money ]]> 3.98 2025
author: Hannah Bonam-Young
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/28
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Marital Rut
�� High School Sweethearts
�� Wilderness Retreat
�� Grief
�� Self Discovery
�� Forced Proximity
�� Dual Timeline
�� Interconnected Standalone
�� First Person POV

“If you give me the space to grow, I’ll plant myself next to you. Always.��

I adore HBY and will sing her praises forever, but I honestly didn’t love this as much as I hoped I would. I really struggled with the FMC and felt that her whole vibe was pretty ungrateful, especially at the beginning. Oh�� so your trust fund baby husband who loves you unconditionally and would do anything for you wrote a check to help you save face and protect you from failure? Poor you. She has every right to want to grow and change, but I was really bothered that she even insinuated that this event could be grounds for divorce when she had nothing but good things to say about him otherwise. He was clearly a very supportive cinnamon roll of a man who I’m frankly not sure she even deserves.

Maybe it was the single girl in me that caused such a strong reaction, but she should be counting her blessings every single day to have someone like Caleb in her corner. Why would it bother her for him to refer to the event as theirs vs. hers? Are they not partners in all things as husband and wife? Just a really weird basis for a “marital rut�� that kind of spoiled the rest of the story for me. Caleb was perfect and all the stars are for him. I did also enjoy their easy banter that can only be the result of knowing and loving someone for so many years. It was kind of fun to read about a married couple for a change, but the plot needed some major tweaks to truly win me over.

“I can’t feel my legs.��
Caleb leans in close.�� What do you want me to do about it? Roll you?��
“Roll me to our tent?�� I scoff. “You thought of rolling me before carrying me?��
“Carrying you would be a little obvious,�� he says, shrugging. “If you don’t want people to notice.��
“But rolling me wouldn’t?!��

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: should I just go ahead and rate this 5 stars? Or��

Another HBY?! Heck ya!! Take my money
]]> 223854848 From the beloved USA Today bestselling author Falon Ballard comes a seductive romantasy that blends Macbeth and Moulin Rouge! into a hypnotic saga of sex, love, and murder.

The country of Avon is in deep turmoil. The Uprising has overthrown Avon's monarchial rulers, and a decree has been issued. Candidates for the first presidential election will be selected by the completion of a special to kill the former monarch of their home province.��

Callum, the son of the recently dethroned king, is determined to be in the running. But to do so, he must come to terms with killing his father, the key to which lies in the hands of Lady Caterine, a Gifted courtesan at La Puissance, Avon’s premiere sex club.

Lady Caterine has always had the magical ability to manipulate the emotions of anyone who experiences an orgasm in her presence. If Callum can only open up to Cate, he will be able to commit the newly fated murder without suffering the guilt and take his place as the rightful candidate from his province. But Callum has a deep-seated mistrust of the Gifted. And the last thing he expects is to be confronted with an undeniable connection with Cate that neither of them understands, nor wants.

With the fate of the country at stake, Callum and Cate search for ways to bare themselves to each other, and discover a darker force building within La Puissance, one that might ruin the future of Avon for good.��To stop Avon from violently falling to ashes, they must sacrifice everything they have . . . even if it requires betraying each other.]]> 384 Falon Ballard 0593854675 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.17
author: Falon Ballard
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.17
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 210721284 “Your land is not the one you take, it is the one you die for.�� �� Still reeling over her discovery of a staggering secret about her closest ally, Keera has no time to rest. She and her fellow rebels plan a desperate rescue mission after King Damien takes one of their own hostage. Opening the kingdom’s magical seals has transformed Keera in ways even the wisest Fae elders could not have anticipated. With the kingdom’s Halfling population suddenly posing a risk to the crown, the land is plunged into violence as the king begins a new blood purge. �� �� Keera and her allies gather an army to meet Damien’s forces in a final confrontation of epic, and tragic, proportions. ��The epic final installment in the Halfling Saga will thrill fans of Melissa Blair’s lush, action-packed, romantasy series.]]> 480 Melissa Blair 1454954949 ✨J�ܱ������� 1
What to Expect:
�� Fae, Elves, Halflings & Mortals
�� Evil King
�� Magic
�� Training
�� Found Family
�� Kingdom at War
�� 4th & Final Book
�� First Person POV

This was boring as hell and should have been a DNF. I firmly believe that book three and four should have been significantly edited and condensed into one book. Almost nothing happens in this book until the 70% mark and I’m shocked that I made it that far. There is way too much focus on side characters with zero personality that I frankly do not care about. Gerarda in particular was mentioned endlessly and added almost nothing to the story.

I’m pretty sure I said this after finishing book three, but this series desperately needed a few funny characters for comedic relief. I get that war is serious but this was such a dull read. Also, where the heck was Riven?! He’s barely in this book at all and they spend zero time building their relationship or sorting out their issues.

This is a spoiler so turn away now if you don’t want to know, but at the end, Keera says she needs a year to go find herself and leaves Riven to pick up the pieces and build the kingdom on his own. I’ve seen other readers applauding this decision but this is such a cop out in my opinion. If you’re in a relationship with someone, you don’t just get to run off on your own. You work through things together and support each other. At this point, I honestly hope she never comes back and that Riven finds someone who is deserving of him. Such a selfish choice.

I hate not finishing a series, but this one should have been left unread.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: The third book was honestly pretty disappointing, but I feel compelled to finish out the series. Hopefully I’ll be able to drum up some interest in these characters this time around. ]]> 3.95 2025
author: Melissa Blair
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.95
book published: 2025
rating: 1
read at: 2025/03/07
date added: 2025/03/08
shelves:
review:
�� 1 star ��

What to Expect:
�� Fae, Elves, Halflings & Mortals
�� Evil King
�� Magic
�� Training
�� Found Family
�� Kingdom at War
�� 4th & Final Book
�� First Person POV

This was boring as hell and should have been a DNF. I firmly believe that book three and four should have been significantly edited and condensed into one book. Almost nothing happens in this book until the 70% mark and I’m shocked that I made it that far. There is way too much focus on side characters with zero personality that I frankly do not care about. Gerarda in particular was mentioned endlessly and added almost nothing to the story.

I’m pretty sure I said this after finishing book three, but this series desperately needed a few funny characters for comedic relief. I get that war is serious but this was such a dull read. Also, where the heck was Riven?! He’s barely in this book at all and they spend zero time building their relationship or sorting out their issues.

This is a spoiler so turn away now if you don’t want to know, but at the end, Keera says she needs a year to go find herself and leaves Riven to pick up the pieces and build the kingdom on his own. I’ve seen other readers applauding this decision but this is such a cop out in my opinion. If you’re in a relationship with someone, you don’t just get to run off on your own. You work through things together and support each other. At this point, I honestly hope she never comes back and that Riven finds someone who is deserving of him. Such a selfish choice.

I hate not finishing a series, but this one should have been left unread.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: The third book was honestly pretty disappointing, but I feel compelled to finish out the series. Hopefully I’ll be able to drum up some interest in these characters this time around.
]]> 213243908 A hopeless romantic meets a jaded radio host in this cozy, Sleepless in Seattle-inspired love story from beloved author B.K. Borison.

Aiden Valentine has a secret: he's fallen out of love with love. And as the host of Baltimore's romance hotline, that's a bit of a problem. But when a young girl calls in to the station asking for dating advice for her mom, the interview goes viral, thrusting Aiden and Heartstrings into the limelight.

Lucie Stone thought she was doing just fine. She has a good job; an incredible family; and a smart, slightly devious kid. But when all of Baltimore is suddenly scrutinizing her love life-or lack thereof—she begins to question if she's as happy as she thought. Maybe a little more romance wouldn't be such a bad thing.

Everyone wants Lucie to find her happy ending... even the handsome, temperamental man calling the shots. But when sparks start to fly behind the scenes, Lucie must make the final call between the radio-sponsored happily ever after or the man in the headphones next to her.]]> 448 B.K. Borison 0593641191 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Workplace Romance
�� Opposites Attract
�� Grumpy x Sunshine
�� Single Mom
�� Radio Cohosts
�� Romantic x Commitment Phobe
�� Sleepless in Seattle Inspired
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Now this is a romance for the romantics! ]]> 4.06 2025
author: B.K. Borison
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/03/06
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
�� 5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Workplace Romance
�� Opposites Attract
�� Grumpy x Sunshine
�� Single Mom
�� Radio Cohosts
�� Romantic x Commitment Phobe
�� Sleepless in Seattle Inspired
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual First Person POV

Now this is a romance for the romantics!
]]> 52122096
Fanfiction for Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling.
Words: 370,256]]> 925 SenLinYu ✨J�ܱ������� 5
WOW!! This was an absolute masterpiece and is so deserving of all the praise it has received. I am completely blown away and cannot stop talking about Manacled to literally anyone who will listen. This was my first experience reading fan fiction and I am amazed by how spectacular this was. ]]> 4.64 2019
author: SenLinYu
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.64
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2024/05/05
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
‘Her hand pressed against her stomach, and she gave a low sob. “I don’t want to choose.�� Her voice was rasping, and it hurt to speak. “I always have to choose, and I never get to choose you. I’m so tired of not getting to choose you.��

WOW!! This was an absolute masterpiece and is so deserving of all the praise it has received. I am completely blown away and cannot stop talking about Manacled to literally anyone who will listen. This was my first experience reading fan fiction and I am amazed by how spectacular this was.
]]> 37829640 236 L.M. Montgomery ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Self-Discovery
�� Live Like You’re Dying
�� Romance Subplot
�� Slow Burn
�� Overbearing Parents
�� Secret Identity
�� Forced Proximity
�� Marriage Arrangement
�� Standalone
�� Canadian Classic
�� Third Person POV

At the age of 29, Valancy’s unmarried status and lack of marital prospects has already earned her the label of spinster in the late 1920s. She lives a drab repetitive life in her family home where she is never allowed to truly choose anything for herself. Her days are planned out for her from the moment she wakes up and she isn’t even allowed the freedom to decorate her own room. She is miserable and feels stuck. S���’s also been experiencing heart pains that she knows she needs to consult with a doctor about. Her birthday provides the perfect opportunity to sneak away, but unfortunately, the news the doctor has to share is dire. He tells Valancy that she likely only has a few months to year left to live. She is devastated by the news, but the knowledge that she is going to die inspires her to truly live for once. I loved joining Valancy on her journey of self-discovery as her confidence grew and she learned to say no to her family and yes to life. There is a romance subplot that initially felt very unromantic, but we do get a grand gesture in the end! Gonna leave it at that to not give away too much of the plot.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Classic pick for February! ]]> 4.35 1926
author: L.M. Montgomery
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.35
book published: 1926
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Self-Discovery
�� Live Like You’re Dying
�� Romance Subplot
�� Slow Burn
�� Overbearing Parents
�� Secret Identity
�� Forced Proximity
�� Marriage Arrangement
�� Standalone
�� Canadian Classic
�� Third Person POV

At the age of 29, Valancy’s unmarried status and lack of marital prospects has already earned her the label of spinster in the late 1920s. She lives a drab repetitive life in her family home where she is never allowed to truly choose anything for herself. Her days are planned out for her from the moment she wakes up and she isn’t even allowed the freedom to decorate her own room. She is miserable and feels stuck. S���’s also been experiencing heart pains that she knows she needs to consult with a doctor about. Her birthday provides the perfect opportunity to sneak away, but unfortunately, the news the doctor has to share is dire. He tells Valancy that she likely only has a few months to year left to live. She is devastated by the news, but the knowledge that she is going to die inspires her to truly live for once. I loved joining Valancy on her journey of self-discovery as her confidence grew and she learned to say no to her family and yes to life. There is a romance subplot that initially felt very unromantic, but we do get a grand gesture in the end! Gonna leave it at that to not give away too much of the plot.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Classic pick for February!
]]> 203956681 NATIONAL BESTSELLER �� An exiled princess teams up with the last man she thought she could trust in the start of a dazzling and unforgettable epic fantasy romance series.

As a child, Elowen Atarah was ripped away from her dragons and imprisoned by her father, King Garrick of Imirath. Years later, Elowen is now a woman determined to free her dragons. Having established a secret kingdom of her own called Aestilian, s���’s ready to do what’s necessary to save her people and seek vengeance. Even if that means having to align herself with the Commander of Vareveth, Cayden Veles, the most feared and dangerous man in all the kingdoms of Ravaryn.

Cayden is ruthless, lethal, and secretive, promising to help Elowen if she will stand with him and all of Vareveth in the pending war against Imirath. Despite their contrasting motives, Elowen can’t ignore their undeniable attraction as they combine their efforts and plot to infiltrate the impenetrable castle of Imirath to steal back her dragons and seek revenge on their common enemy.

As the world tries to keep them apart, the pull between Elowen and Cayden becomes impossible to resist. Working together with their crew over clandestine schemes, the threat of war looms, making the imminent heist to free her dragons their most dangerous adventure yet. But for Elowen, her vengeance is a promise signed in blood, and she’ll stop at nothing to see that promise through.

An immersive fantasy filled with a sizzling reluctant-allies-to-lovers romance, a world to get lost in, dangerous quests, dragon bonds, and an entertaining band of characters to root for, Fear the Flames marks the stunning debut of Olivia Rose Darling.]]> 384 Olivia Rose Darling 0593873890 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Insta Love
�� Forced Proximity
�� Enemies-to-Lovers (kind of)
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Mother of Dragons Vibe
�� Princess in Hiding
�� Warring Kingdoms
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Lies & Betrayal
�� Found Family
�� First Person POV

I said everyone was either loving or hating this, so of course I find myself giving it three stars. ]]> 3.76 2022
author: Olivia Rose Darling
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2024/11/14
date added: 2025/03/07
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Insta Love
�� Forced Proximity
�� Enemies-to-Lovers (kind of)
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Mother of Dragons Vibe
�� Princess in Hiding
�� Warring Kingdoms
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Lies & Betrayal
�� Found Family
�� First Person POV

I said everyone was either loving or hating this, so of course I find myself giving it three stars.
]]> 62232755
Dark lord
Demon spawn
Prophesied realm destroyer

With a demon for a father, Damien Maleficus Bloodthorne’s destiny could be nothing but nefarious, and with the completion of his most vicious spell, Damien is on the cusp of fulfilling the evil inevitability all of his dark machinations have led to.

And then, her.

Bubbly
Obnoxious
Blonde

Harboring secrets of her own, a tiny yet troublesome thief calling herself Amma completely upsets Damien’s malevolent plans when she mistakenly gets chained to his side through magic, forcing him to drag her across the realm. Killing her would fix things, of course, but the nauseatingly sweet Amma proves herself useful on Damien's unholy crusade and then proves herself the source of something even more sinister: feelings.

Will Damien be forced to abandon his villainous birthright to help the tender thorn in his side? Or will he manage to overcome the virtue Amma insists on inspiring and instead cut it out at the heart?]]> 459 A.K. Caggiano ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Grumpy x Sunshine
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Half-Demon Mage x Human
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Banter
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Blood Magic (His Own)
�� Opposites Attract
�� Magical Quest
�� Secret Identity
�� Third Person POV

“Did you hear that?�� Amma’s sharp whisper cut into Damien’s mind as it began to drift into sleep.
He groaned. “You mean that terrifying cry that sounded like a woman being gutted?��
�Ԩ���!��
“No, I didn’t. Go to sleep.��

This is a true grumpy x sunshine slow burn romance between Damien, a Half-Demon Mage and a blonde bubbly soft hearted human named Amma. Just as Damien is on the cusp of completing his evil quest, he crosses paths with Amma whose penchant for theft finds her tied to the one magical artifact he needs to enact his nefarious plot. He could of course just kill her and be done with it, but Amma’s tender nature brings out a softness in him that takes him on yet another quest to safely separate her from the object.

This was such a fun and lighthearted read! The author has a great sense of humor and her writing had me smiling and laughing through out. Everything was just really well done! The side characters were quirky and well developed, the banter between the MC’s was on point, the world the author created was somehow both simple and creative. Honestly I think fantasy rom-coms are for everyone, but certainly if you loved Assistant to the Villain, you will love this book! I honestly think I enjoyed this one more! A great book for anyone who wants to disassociate and take a break from the real world for a little while. ]]> 4.10 2022
author: A.K. Caggiano
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/20
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
�� 4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Grumpy x Sunshine
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Half-Demon Mage x Human
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Banter
�� Fantasy Rom-Com
�� Blood Magic (His Own)
�� Opposites Attract
�� Magical Quest
�� Secret Identity
�� Third Person POV

“Did you hear that?�� Amma’s sharp whisper cut into Damien’s mind as it began to drift into sleep.
He groaned. “You mean that terrifying cry that sounded like a woman being gutted?��
�Ԩ���!��
“No, I didn’t. Go to sleep.��

This is a true grumpy x sunshine slow burn romance between Damien, a Half-Demon Mage and a blonde bubbly soft hearted human named Amma. Just as Damien is on the cusp of completing his evil quest, he crosses paths with Amma whose penchant for theft finds her tied to the one magical artifact he needs to enact his nefarious plot. He could of course just kill her and be done with it, but Amma’s tender nature brings out a softness in him that takes him on yet another quest to safely separate her from the object.

This was such a fun and lighthearted read! The author has a great sense of humor and her writing had me smiling and laughing through out. Everything was just really well done! The side characters were quirky and well developed, the banter between the MC’s was on point, the world the author created was somehow both simple and creative. Honestly I think fantasy rom-coms are for everyone, but certainly if you loved Assistant to the Villain, you will love this book! I honestly think I enjoyed this one more! A great book for anyone who wants to disassociate and take a break from the real world for a little while.
]]> 51901147
The odds are against him. He's been given the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Their fates are now completely intertwined -- every choice Coriolanus makes could lead to favor or failure, triumph or ruin. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute... and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.]]> 541 Suzanne Collins ✨J�ܱ������� 3
Initially, I found it difficult to get into this since it was written from Snow’s point of view. I would always rather read about the underdog and knowing going in that Snow would be the villain made his character hard to connect with. If I am honest though, I might have disliked Lucy Gray’s character even more. For someone who could hold their own in the Hunger Games, she sure was gullible and I found it pretty annoying when she sang.

I was prepared to rate this two stars but the ending really brought the book home for me. I thought the conclusion was very strong and well developed and that Snow’s character was perfectly written. Seeing inside his mind, you get a sense that he was always a villain at his core and that he would do anything to save his own neck. He reminded me a lot of the main character in “You�� and it was eerie to read about how easily he could rationalize his decisions and convince himself that all of his actions were justified and necessary. Snow is essentially a high functioning psychopath, just the person you want in politics. ]]> 3.99 2020
author: Suzanne Collins
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.99
book published: 2020
rating: 3
read at: 2024/01/31
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
Lucy Gray was the songbird. Snow was the snake.

Initially, I found it difficult to get into this since it was written from Snow’s point of view. I would always rather read about the underdog and knowing going in that Snow would be the villain made his character hard to connect with. If I am honest though, I might have disliked Lucy Gray’s character even more. For someone who could hold their own in the Hunger Games, she sure was gullible and I found it pretty annoying when she sang.

I was prepared to rate this two stars but the ending really brought the book home for me. I thought the conclusion was very strong and well developed and that Snow’s character was perfectly written. Seeing inside his mind, you get a sense that he was always a villain at his core and that he would do anything to save his own neck. He reminded me a lot of the main character in “You�� and it was eerie to read about how easily he could rationalize his decisions and convince himself that all of his actions were justified and necessary. Snow is essentially a high functioning psychopath, just the person you want in politics.
]]> 198107923
A choice to make.

Tessalyn Ausra’s fate has always been out of her hands. Still bonded to the Heir of Endings, she now finds herself with more control than ever before. Everyone wants something from her, and she has to choose a side. But in a realm full of villains, she trusts no one, and she has secrets of her own to keep.

A plan to salvage.

Control and knowledge have always been Theon St. Orcas’s greatest weapons, but both have slipped through his fingers. Given a task by the rulers of the realm, ���’s racing against the clock to get his plans back on track. But as myths become reality, he finds himself fighting more than time in an effort to keep what’s his or lose it all to fury.

A fate to alter.

Axel St. Orcas has never minded rubbing shoulders with the depraved rather than the elite. It’s easier to hide his shame among the corrupt. But with each passing day, he risks triggering a curse and endangering those he cares for most. He’ll sacrifice anything to keep them safe, even if that means giving up everything he is.

Who will be left standing when Chaos comes to reign?

Storm of Secrets and Sorrow is book two of four in The Legacy Series. This is a new adult, dark fantasy romance series with elements that may be triggering to some readers. Please be sure to check the updated content information. Seriously. We know the MMC is a morally gray, walking red flag. Read the content information, then embrace the darkness.]]> 660 Melissa K. Roehrich ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Enemies w/Benefits
�� Special Snowflake FMC
�� Reluctant Allies of Sorts
�� Kingdom Politics
�� Secondary Romance
�� Hints at a Love Triangle
�� Third Person Multi POV

There’s honestly a lot about the plot and characters in this series that I strongly dislike, but there’s no denying the readability of these books. I have flown through them and they have consistently held my interest. My favorite addition to this story was the secondary romance between Axel and Katya. Theon has very few redeeming qualities so Axel’s goodness was a welcome and needed addition to the story. I’d frankly much rather read their story than the impending throuple that is likely on the way between Tessalyn, Theon, and Luka. Let’s just push Theon and his dad off a cliff and call it a day. ]]> 4.16 2024
author: Melissa K. Roehrich
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.16
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/17
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves:
review:
�� 3.75 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Forced Proximity
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Enemies w/Benefits
�� Special Snowflake FMC
�� Reluctant Allies of Sorts
�� Kingdom Politics
�� Secondary Romance
�� Hints at a Love Triangle
�� Third Person Multi POV

There’s honestly a lot about the plot and characters in this series that I strongly dislike, but there’s no denying the readability of these books. I have flown through them and they have consistently held my interest. My favorite addition to this story was the secondary romance between Axel and Katya. Theon has very few redeeming qualities so Axel’s goodness was a welcome and needed addition to the story. I’d frankly much rather read their story than the impending throuple that is likely on the way between Tessalyn, Theon, and Luka. Let’s just push Theon and his dad off a cliff and call it a day.
]]> 228256271 A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the New York Times bestselling Bride.

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…]]> 432 Ali Hazelwood 0593955013 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.44 2025
author: Ali Hazelwood
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.44
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:
¡Attention! We have a cover!!
]]> 220812301 Enchanting, atmospheric, and addictive—Of Withering Dreams is a steamy dark fantasy romance set in a dying world where dreams, magic, and corruption intertwine. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and LJ Andrews.

DREAMS DECAY.

The Dormancy was meant to be the mortal realm’s salvation. From autumn to spring, citizens must enter a magically induced slumber to conserve dwindling resources. The divine Ancients, who gifted mortals magic, disappeared long ago, leaving humanity at the mercy of the Elders. These powerful and elusive oligarchs have one motto: "Through Dormancy, we blossom!" Yet, this seems more like a cruel jest than a promise.

For Seryn, this Dormancy will change everything. Except for the little details�� you know, like her realm progressively decaying and people vanishing. As the threads of reality unravel, she soon discovers her hidden identity as a Druik, one who wields magic. But her abilities are�� unusual. Unpredictable.

DESIRES BLOOM.

While her inherited powers bloom, so do her desires for her charming best friend, Kaden. She wouldn’t dream of risking their friendship, but the Fates can’t be bothered with mortal dreams.

DESTINY UNRAVELS.

Navigating a treacherous path where dreams and nightmares blur, Seryn must confront haunting truths. Her newfound courage and magic might be the key to saving her realm, but will they be enough when even dreams can wither into oblivion?

Don't miss this captivating debut in the Fate of the Embered series—a spellbinding tale of passion, peril, and profound sacrifice—where every twist and turn challenges the heart and the soul.

Click Read Now or Buy Now to explore a world of magic, steamy romance, and the battle against the darkness within and beyond.

-----
This is the first book in the Fate of the Embered series, featuring a heroine who discovers her strength, morally complex characters, and an engaging supporting cast. This friends-to-lovers tale, with a touch of love triangle, is intended for adult readers (18+) who enjoy open-door spice, tension, and intricate plots. The story includes explicit content, strong language, themes of trauma, betrayal, dark pasts, blood/gore, battles, and supernatural elements. Please review the trigger warnings before reading, as your mental well-being is important.]]> 387 Rowyn Adelaide ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 4.49 2025
author: Rowyn Adelaide
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.49
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/03/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 154462768
Eve Hatch is pretty content with her life. Her apartment in Brooklyn is cozy and close to her childhood best friend Willa, but far from her midwestern, traditional family who never really understood her. While her job is only dream- adjacent , s���’s hoping her passion and hard work will soon help her land a more glamorous role. And sure, her most recent romantic history has consisted of not one but two disappointing men named Derek. At least she always knows what to expect…until she finds herself expecting after an uncharacteristic one-night stand.

The unplanned pregnancy cracks open all the relationships in her life. Eve's loyal��friendship with Willa is feeling off , right when she needs her most. And it’s Willa’s steadfast older brother, Shep, who steps up to help. He has always been friendly, but now ���’s checking in, ordering her surprise lunches, listening to all her complaints, and is�� suddenly kinda hot? Then there’s the baby's father, who is supportive but conflicted. Before long, Eve is rethinking everything she thought she knew about herself and her world.

Over the course of nine months, as Eve struggles to figure out the next right step in her expanding reality, she begins to realize that family and love, in all forms, can sneak up on you when you least expect it.]]> 400 Cara Bastone 0593595718 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Unplanned Pregnancy
�� Found Family
�� Slow Burn
�� Childhood Friends-to-Lovers
�� Best Friend’s Brother
�� Self-Discovery
�� Cinnamon Roll MMC
�� Brooklyn Setting
�� First Person POV

Oh my goodness! ]]> 3.96 2024
author: Cara Bastone
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2024
rating: 5
read at: 2025/02/09
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Unplanned Pregnancy
�� Found Family
�� Slow Burn
�� Childhood Friends-to-Lovers
�� Best Friend’s Brother
�� Self-Discovery
�� Cinnamon Roll MMC
�� Brooklyn Setting
�� First Person POV

Oh my goodness!
]]> 207677131 A woman investigates her brother's mysterious death while coming to terms with her own haunting past in this atmospheric novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Unmaking of June Farrow

The only thing James and Johnny Golden have ever had is each other. For as long as she can remember, James’s��deep connection with her twin brother,��Johnny,��has gone beyond intuition—she can feel what he feels.��So, when Johnny is killed in a tragic accident, James knows before her phone even rings that her brother is gone and that s���’s alone—truly alone—for the first time in her life.��

When James arrives in the rural town of Hawthorne, California to settle��her brother’s��affairs,��s���’s��forced to rehash the ominous past she and Johnny shared and finally face Micah, the only person who knows about it. He’s also the only man s���’s ever loved.��

But James soon discovers that the strange connection she had with Johnny isn’t quite gone, and the more she immerses herself into his world, the more questions she has about the brother she thought she knew. Johnny was keeping secrets, and ���’s not the only one. What she uncovers will push her to unravel what happened in the days before Johnny’s death, but in the end, she’ll have to decide which truths should come to light, and which should stay buried forever.]]> 288 Adrienne Young 0593598709 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Magical Realism
�� Supernatural Twin Connection
�� Murder Mystery
�� Buried Secrets
�� Small Town
�� Romance Subplot
�� Second Chance
�� Atmospheric
�� First Person POV

As much as I love Adrienne Young, this one just didn’t really do it for me. I’m really not a mystery thriller girly and this is definitely a mystery thriller. I’m wondering if many of her other fans would agree with that sentiment based on the lower ratings. For the genre, I think this was a decent book, but I’m wondering if it‘s just not finding the right readers.

The Magical Realism genre is also a little hit or miss for me and this was not the type I’m looking for. Their connection felt more eerie and almost like a haunting which is not what I gravitate towards at all. The romance was very much a subplot so not much there for me either.

I don’t think it was the book’s fault this time, I just wasn’t the target audience for this one. ]]> 3.70 2025
author: Adrienne Young
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.70
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/13
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Magical Realism
�� Supernatural Twin Connection
�� Murder Mystery
�� Buried Secrets
�� Small Town
�� Romance Subplot
�� Second Chance
�� Atmospheric
�� First Person POV

As much as I love Adrienne Young, this one just didn’t really do it for me. I’m really not a mystery thriller girly and this is definitely a mystery thriller. I’m wondering if many of her other fans would agree with that sentiment based on the lower ratings. For the genre, I think this was a decent book, but I’m wondering if it‘s just not finding the right readers.

The Magical Realism genre is also a little hit or miss for me and this was not the type I’m looking for. Their connection felt more eerie and almost like a haunting which is not what I gravitate towards at all. The romance was very much a subplot so not much there for me either.

I don’t think it was the book’s fault this time, I just wasn’t the target audience for this one.
]]> 174547967 From the number one bestselling author Catherine Doyle comes the most fiery enemies-to-lovers romantasy of the year. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo and Stephanie Garber.����

In the dark underbelly of a beautiful city, two rival assassins are pitted against each other in a deadly game of revenge, where the most dangerous mistake of all is falling in love��

In Fantome, a kingdom of cobbled streets, flickering lamplight, beautiful buildings, and secret catacombs, Shade-magic is a scarce and deadly commodity controlled by two enemy the Cloaks and the Daggers �� the thieves and the assassins. On the night of her mother’s murder, 17-year-old Seraphine runs for her life. Seeking sanctuary with the Cloaks, Sera’s heart is set on revenge. But are her secret abilities a match for the dark-haired boy whose quicksilver eyes follow her around the city?

Nothing can prepare Sera for the moment she finally comes face-to-face with Ransom, heir to the Order of Daggers. And Ransom is shocked to discover that this unassuming farmgirl wields a strange and blazing magic he has never seen before�� Among rumours of monsters stalking the streets and the rival guilds grappling for control of Fantome’s underworld, Sera and Ransom are drawn together by something more than just magic and must face a deadly choice - forgiveness or vengeance? Kiss or kill? Dagger or Flame? ��]]> 509 Catherine Doyle 1398528455 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Assassins & Thieves
�� Shade Magic
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Found Family
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Revenge
�� Kiss or Kill
�� Monsters Lurking
�� Family Secrets
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person POV

This entire book had a very solemn vibe to it that made it hard for me to maintain interest in the story. The MC’s are in rival gangs of sorts and the MMC has been tasked with assassinating the FMC. There is a star crossed/tragic element to their connection, but I never fully understood how he got away with putting off the completion of his task for so long.

I also would have liked her powers to have played a bigger role in the story. I understood the ending, but I was left with a lot of questions about some of the character motivations and how her powers could impact the plot moving forward. Taking into consideration a few major events at the end, I really don’t see where the author could be going with the storyline at this point. Perhaps other characters will be introduced to make it make sense, but it seems like our MC’s will again be on opposing sides which sounds like we’ll be in for a boring book two featuring the same overly solemn angst. Unless the ratings are 5 stars, I likely won’t be reading it. Could easily drop this to two stars but I’m feeling kind.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I’m about 20% in and I’m not feeling very invested. Not bored enough to DNF but I’m not really connecting to the characters or the plot so far�� hoping things pick up!]]> 3.86 2024
author: Catherine Doyle
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.86
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/02/16
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 2.55 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Assassins & Thieves
�� Shade Magic
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Found Family
�� Forbidden Romance
�� Revenge
�� Kiss or Kill
�� Monsters Lurking
�� Family Secrets
�� Dual Narration
�� Third Person POV

This entire book had a very solemn vibe to it that made it hard for me to maintain interest in the story. The MC’s are in rival gangs of sorts and the MMC has been tasked with assassinating the FMC. There is a star crossed/tragic element to their connection, but I never fully understood how he got away with putting off the completion of his task for so long.

I also would have liked her powers to have played a bigger role in the story. I understood the ending, but I was left with a lot of questions about some of the character motivations and how her powers could impact the plot moving forward. Taking into consideration a few major events at the end, I really don’t see where the author could be going with the storyline at this point. Perhaps other characters will be introduced to make it make sense, but it seems like our MC’s will again be on opposing sides which sounds like we’ll be in for a boring book two featuring the same overly solemn angst. Unless the ratings are 5 stars, I likely won’t be reading it. Could easily drop this to two stars but I’m feeling kind.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I’m about 20% in and I’m not feeling very invested. Not bored enough to DNF but I’m not really connecting to the characters or the plot so far�� hoping things pick up!
]]> 212364043
“Be ready for a deadly contest for a bride, mistaken identities, hidden magic, and secrets that will keep you guessing until the end.�� –NISHA J. TULI, internationally bestselling author of Trial of the Sun Queen

A bladesmith blessed by the stars. A prince with a dangerous secret. A god bound in shadows. From USA Today bestselling author Amalie Howard comes a scorching new romantasy that will leave you spellbound.

“His Imperial Majesty King Zarek requests your presence as his esteemed guest.��

When the gold-dusted court invitation arrives at Suraya Saab’s forge, she believes it’s a joke. Nobles might seek her skills as a bladesmith—one of few who can imbue her work with precious jadu, the last source of magic in the realm—but she has no qualifications as a potential bride for the crown prince. Still, the invitation is the chance at adventure, and the means to finally visit the capital city her late mother loved.

But what awaits her in Kaldari is nothing she could have imagined—and fraught with danger. It’s not the crown prince, but his impossibly handsome, illegitimate half-brother, Roshan, who captures her interest…and her ire. The invitation isn’t a quest to find a suitable bride, but a veiled hunt for the Starkeeper—a girl rumored to hold the magic of the stars in her blood. And across the city, unrest is brewing between the noble houses and the rebel militia.

When the rebels attack, Suraya and Roshan find themselves on the run, trying to deny their simmering attraction and the knowledge that Suraya herself might be the Starkeeper. But Roshan is guarding secrets of his own. And with no control over the power stirring within her, Suraya has drawn the attention of a dark god, an immortal whose interest might be the biggest threat of all.

“Consumes all your attention and leaves you longing for more!�� —Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“Stunning .�� —Brigid Kemmerer, New York Times bestselling author

“Pure addictive delight." —Thea Guanzon, New York Times bestselling author

“Amalie Howard at her finest!�� —Danielle L. Jensen, New York Times bestselling author]]> 368 Amalie Howard 0063355841 ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Deadly Trials
�� Bride Selection
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Chosen One
�� Hidden Magic
�� Prophecy
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Persian & Indian Mythology
�� Hidden Identities
�� Third Person POV

Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how many top Romantasy authors Amelie Howard’s team got to read and recommend this book?! Check out the book description�� that’s more than I’ve ever seen included!

Weirdly, I’m the person who reads all of those glowing recs and decides they are all lying to me ]]> 3.31 2025
author: Amalie Howard
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.31
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/19
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 3.55 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Deadly Trials
�� Bride Selection
�� Slow Burn
�� Forced Proximity
�� Chosen One
�� Hidden Magic
�� Prophecy
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Persian & Indian Mythology
�� Hidden Identities
�� Third Person POV

Can we just take a moment to acknowledge how many top Romantasy authors Amelie Howard’s team got to read and recommend this book?! Check out the book description�� that’s more than I’ve ever seen included!

Weirdly, I’m the person who reads all of those glowing recs and decides they are all lying to me
]]> 209439584 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Kresley Cole’s sizzling series, a fierce werewolf and a bewitching vampire become unlikely soul mates whose passion will test the boundaries of life and death.

After enduring years of torture from the vampire horde, Lachlain MacRieve, leader of the Lykae Clan, is enraged to find the predestined mate ���’s waited millennia for is a vampire. Or partly one. Emmaline Troy is a small, ethereal half Valkyrie/half vampire, who somehow begins to soothe the fury burning within him.

Sheltered Emmaline finally sets out to uncover the truth about her deceased parents—until a powerful Lykae claims her as his mate and forces her back to his ancestral Scottish castle. There, her fear of the Lykae—and their notorious dark desires—ebbs as he begins a slow, wicked seduction to sate her own dark cravings.

Yet when an ancient evil from her past resurfaces, will their desire deepen into a love that can bring a proud warrior to his knees and turn a gentle beauty into the fighter she was born to be?]]> 336 Kresley Cole 166807494X ✨J�ܱ������� 1
What to Expect:
�� Fated Mates
�� Werewolf King x Half Vampire/Half Valkyrie
�� Nonconsensual Intimacy
�� Abduction of the FMC by MMC
�� Cringe Lines Galore
�� Too much modern jargon
�� Special Snowflake FMC
�� Scottish MMC
�� Virginal FMC
�� Third Person POV

It’s so rude to call an author’s hard work garbage, but believe me when I tell you that this was garbage. ]]> 3.39 2006
author: Kresley Cole
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.39
book published: 2006
rating: 1
read at: 2025/02/23
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 1 star ��

What to Expect:
�� Fated Mates
�� Werewolf King x Half Vampire/Half Valkyrie
�� Nonconsensual Intimacy
�� Abduction of the FMC by MMC
�� Cringe Lines Galore
�� Too much modern jargon
�� Special Snowflake FMC
�� Scottish MMC
�� Virginal FMC
�� Third Person POV

It’s so rude to call an author’s hard work garbage, but believe me when I tell you that this was garbage.
]]> 223010100 "I defy the stars."

In a world where no entities exist but the Stars, cruel and merciless gods that watch over the world, Elara has been cursed by fate. A prophecy that promises she will fall for a Star, and it will kill them both.

But when one descends to wreak havoc on Elara's Kingdom, she is forced to flee into the arms of her enemy in the neighbouring country.

As she learns more about her own magic, and the depth of the Stars' deceit, she also finds herself learning more about the country she is forced to take refuge in, and the enemy prince forced to train her into a weapon.

Something dark brews within her, a power made of night and shadows that begs to be broken free.]]> 518 Imani Erriu ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Captive FMC
�� Prophecy/Fated Future
�� Enemies-to-Allies-to Lovers
�� Slow Burn
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Found Family
�� Star Gods
�� Rival Kingdoms
�� Secret Identities
�� Third Person POV

This started out strong, but my interest lagged at about 45%. I took a break and read another book and then really struggled to get back into the story. Our FMC had already been captured by the MMC’s kingdom, so when she ended up being held captive by someone else, I just kind of lost respect for her character.

The idea that she is to be used as a weapon is a little flimsy and needed too much propping up by the prophesy that could surely have been altered once it was known. There were also maybe too many revelations at the end that could have been written a little better. I had to reread it because it was too much info to take in at once, especially since some of the information we were told was then quickly walked back by other events.

Additionally, I know authors love a training sequence, but this plot would have felt much more sturdy if she had already been a skilled fighter. There were some angsty moments to the romance that were well executed, but once they were truly together I really wasn’t the biggest fan of their romance. Some swoon worry lines here and there, but also several I would have removed.

All in all this was a decent start to the series and I do plan to continue. I hope to see more of the winged creature depicted in the Fairyloot edition in book 2!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: So many of my most anticipated reads are currently downloaded in my Libby account! I can barely read them fast enough at this point! ✨✨]]> 4.05 2022
author: Imani Erriu
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2022
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/25
date added: 2025/02/26
shelves:
review:
�� 3.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Captive FMC
�� Prophecy/Fated Future
�� Enemies-to-Allies-to Lovers
�� Slow Burn
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Found Family
�� Star Gods
�� Rival Kingdoms
�� Secret Identities
�� Third Person POV

This started out strong, but my interest lagged at about 45%. I took a break and read another book and then really struggled to get back into the story. Our FMC had already been captured by the MMC’s kingdom, so when she ended up being held captive by someone else, I just kind of lost respect for her character.

The idea that she is to be used as a weapon is a little flimsy and needed too much propping up by the prophesy that could surely have been altered once it was known. There were also maybe too many revelations at the end that could have been written a little better. I had to reread it because it was too much info to take in at once, especially since some of the information we were told was then quickly walked back by other events.

Additionally, I know authors love a training sequence, but this plot would have felt much more sturdy if she had already been a skilled fighter. There were some angsty moments to the romance that were well executed, but once they were truly together I really wasn’t the biggest fan of their romance. Some swoon worry lines here and there, but also several I would have removed.

All in all this was a decent start to the series and I do plan to continue. I hope to see more of the winged creature depicted in the Fairyloot edition in book 2!

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: So many of my most anticipated reads are currently downloaded in my Libby account! I can barely read them fast enough at this point! ✨✨
]]> 141275671 619 Amber V. Nicole ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Fated Mates
�� Betrayal
�� Revenge
�� Villainous FMC
�� Found Family
�� Processing Grief
�� Concealed Identities
�� Burn the World Energy
�� First Person Multi POV

Who gave these emotional idiots unlimited power? I’d like to speak to a Manager because this is out of hand. I’m honestly wondering if I read the same book as everyone else at this point because this was nowhere close to a 5 star or even a 4 star read. I had similar issues with this book as I did with the previous book, but the most glaring issue was Dianna.

The author should have written Dianna as 35 instead of 1000+. Her murderous rampage felt so excessive knowing that her sister lived 1000 years. I could get behind calculated revenge, but it’s implied that she fed off numerous innocents to beef up her power. It makes sense that she would grieve, but all the “burn the world down�� nonsense was too much. There were literally 400+ pages dedicated to her temper tantrum and as soon as she finished she fell straight into an insecure thought spiral about how no one could ever love her because she was too evil, blah blah blah. Again, she is 1000, this is such immature behavior and I have no time for it.

Another issue was the length of the book. I honestly really hate the audiobook narrator and probably should have read the book the old fashioned way, but I’d likely still be reading it in 2025 if I had tried. It is TOO long and too much time is dedicated to Dianna’s “villain phase�� to hold my interest. There were also one or two too many sex scenes and I wasn’t a fan of how they were written. Don’t even get me started on her calling him “Sami�� during sex, major cringe. ]]> 4.21 2023
author: Amber V. Nicole
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.21
book published: 2023
rating: 2
read at: 2024/10/08
date added: 2025/02/25
shelves:
review:
�� 2.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Fated Mates
�� Betrayal
�� Revenge
�� Villainous FMC
�� Found Family
�� Processing Grief
�� Concealed Identities
�� Burn the World Energy
�� First Person Multi POV

Who gave these emotional idiots unlimited power? I’d like to speak to a Manager because this is out of hand. I’m honestly wondering if I read the same book as everyone else at this point because this was nowhere close to a 5 star or even a 4 star read. I had similar issues with this book as I did with the previous book, but the most glaring issue was Dianna.

The author should have written Dianna as 35 instead of 1000+. Her murderous rampage felt so excessive knowing that her sister lived 1000 years. I could get behind calculated revenge, but it’s implied that she fed off numerous innocents to beef up her power. It makes sense that she would grieve, but all the “burn the world down�� nonsense was too much. There were literally 400+ pages dedicated to her temper tantrum and as soon as she finished she fell straight into an insecure thought spiral about how no one could ever love her because she was too evil, blah blah blah. Again, she is 1000, this is such immature behavior and I have no time for it.

Another issue was the length of the book. I honestly really hate the audiobook narrator and probably should have read the book the old fashioned way, but I’d likely still be reading it in 2025 if I had tried. It is TOO long and too much time is dedicated to Dianna’s “villain phase�� to hold my interest. There were also one or two too many sex scenes and I wasn’t a fan of how they were written. Don’t even get me started on her calling him “Sami�� during sex, major cringe.
]]> 226100300 Ruthless. Bloodthirsty. Killer. And now? Her husband.

Ilsevel knows exactly how brutal the fae raiders are. She watched them attack the holy shrine of her god, slaughter the priests, and drag her sister away screaming into the darkness.

When she's forced up onto the auction block to be sold off as a warbride to the highest bidder—and when the chilling warlord, Taarthalor, pushes his way to the front of the crowd and lays down an outrageous bid—Ilsevel fears her nightmare is only just beginning.

Taar took one look at the fiery little human, and something in him sparked. He cannot explain it. He knows only that he will not see her sold off to one of the soulless monsters trying to outbid each other for a chance to use and discard her soft, womanly flesh. If that means binding himself to her by marriage, so be it.

Can this dark king convince his bride not to murder him in his sleep before he can decide what to do with her? Or do the gods have other plans in store for the captive princess and her terrifying new husband?

War Bride is book one of a dual point-of-view (his and hers) forced marriage fantasy trilogy with a dangerous, brooding hero, kiss-or-kill vibes, and swift-to-ignite steam that will leave you begging for more. If you love watching a cold-hearted fae warlord discover his one weakness just might be the spitfire princess who drives him crazy, this is the book for you. Perfect for fans of Elise Kova, Laura Thalassa, and Danielle L. Jensen.]]> Sylvia Mercedes ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.40 2024
author: Sylvia Mercedes
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.40
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 218035327
Guided by enigmatic allies and pursued by ancient enemies, Seraphine ventures through the treacherous Weeping Forest and into the shadowy depths of the Shadow Market. Here, legendary creatures—mischievous Pookas, sinister hags, and the ominous Grim Wanderer—reveal a world of dark enchantments and hidden power.

As she delves deeper, Seraphine discovers a dark destiny intertwined with her lineage. The Grim Wanderer, an ethereal figure cloaked in shadows, pushes her towards a fate shrouded in mystery and danger. This is not a tale of heroes, but the genesis of a villain, forged from heartbreak and betrayal.

In a web of deceit and ancient prophecies, Seraphine's path is one of transformation and darkness. Will she succumb to the shadows that seek to consume her, or will she rise as a force of vengeance, altering the balance between realms forever?

The Crimson Snow is a dark, gripping fantasy of magic, resilience, and the birth of a new power in a world where heroes are myths and villains are made. Embrace the mystery and uncover the secrets beneath the snow.]]> 368 Laura Vega 9695692532 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Dark Magic
�� Caught in a Cursed Cycle
�� Betrayal & Redemption
�� Tragic Backstory
�� OUABH Vibes
�� Third Person POV

I genuinely wish I was a bigger fan of Once Upon a Broken Heart, because this was definitely giving the same energy. If you’re a OUABH super fan, this book is for you! For me personally, they were both 3 star reads. Good enough, but not my favs. ]]> 4.57
author: Laura Vega
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.57
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/18
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� Dark Magic
�� Caught in a Cursed Cycle
�� Betrayal & Redemption
�� Tragic Backstory
�� OUABH Vibes
�� Third Person POV

I genuinely wish I was a bigger fan of Once Upon a Broken Heart, because this was definitely giving the same energy. If you’re a OUABH super fan, this book is for you! For me personally, they were both 3 star reads. Good enough, but not my favs.
]]> 60682785 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout comes book two in her Flesh and Fire series��

The only one who can save Sera now is the one she spent her life planning to kill.

The truth about Sera’s plan is out, shattering the fragile trust forged between her and Nyktos. Surrounded by those distrustful of her, all Sera has is her duty. She will do anything to end Kolis, the false King of Gods, and his tyrannical rule of Iliseeum, thus stopping the threat he poses to the mortal realm.

Nyktos has a plan, though, and as they work together, the last thing they need is the undeniable, scorching passion that continues to ignite between them. Sera cannot afford to fall for the tortured Primal, not when a life no longer bound to a destiny she never wanted is more attainable than ever. But memories of their shared pleasure and unrivaled desire are a siren’s call impossible to resist.

And as Sera begins to realize that she wants to be more than a Consort in name only, the danger surrounding them intensifies. The attacks on the Shadowlands are increasing, and when Kolis summons them to Court, a whole new risk becomes apparent. The Primal power of Life is growing inside her, pushing her closer to the end of her Culling. And without Nyktos’s love—an emotion ���’s incapable of feeling—she won’t survive her Ascension. That is if she even makes it to her Ascension and Kolis doesn’t get to her first. Because time is running out. For both her and the realms.]]> 652 Jennifer L. Armentrout 1957568151 ✨J�ܱ������� 3 4.58 2022
author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.58
book published: 2022
rating: 3
read at: 2023/02/25
date added: 2025/02/17
shelves:
review:
The first half of this book could have been an email. Sorry not sorry. Lots of very repetitive scenes, conversations and circumstances with no forward movement. The storyline picked up a little after that but still had far too much internal monologuing which has always been JLA’s Achilles heel. Love the characters and the world she created but this book would have benefited from a massive edit.
]]> 211399784 To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER �� An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

“P������ Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of By Any Other Name

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story�� through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, s���’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.]]> 448 Layne Fargo 0593732049 ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Childhood Friends-to-Lovers
�� Chosen Family
�� Ice Dancing Partners
�� Olympic Skaters
�� Toxic Relationships
�� Child Abuse
�� Poverty & Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
�� Character Growth
�� First Person POV

If you’re a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan, this book is for you. The writing style of these two authors is so similar that I had to google pictures of each of them and look at them side by side to convince myself that they were in fact two different people. I’m going to take it one step further and say that I personally liked this book more than any of the TJR books I’ve read. ]]> 4.17 2025
author: Layne Fargo
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
�� 4.65 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Childhood Friends-to-Lovers
�� Chosen Family
�� Ice Dancing Partners
�� Olympic Skaters
�� Toxic Relationships
�� Child Abuse
�� Poverty & Dysfunctional Family Dynamics
�� Character Growth
�� First Person POV

If you’re a Taylor Jenkins Reid fan, this book is for you. The writing style of these two authors is so similar that I had to google pictures of each of them and look at them side by side to convince myself that they were in fact two different people. I’m going to take it one step further and say that I personally liked this book more than any of the TJR books I’ve read.
]]> 211164792 Two feuding second-grade teachers (and neighbors) find themselves teaming up in this rivals-to-lovers romance.

Emily Walker hates having her carefully crafted world disrupted by anyone, most of all her legendary nemesis, Jack Bennett. He's the opposite of the wonderful heroes she dreams up in her double life as a romance writer, which is why Emily was perfectly happy when Jack left Rome, Kentucky, mid-school year, with his fiancée. The last thing Emily saw coming was Jack’s return at the start of the summer after calling off the wedding and ending his relationship, but ���’s here to stay—as her colleague and her neighbor.

Jackson Bennett is glad to be back, eager to renovate his house and work on the next mystery novel under his bestselling pen name. But when he realizes ���’s now neighbors with the one woman who has always pushed his buttons, he discovers something ���’s even more excited for—thwarting Emily and her petty plans to sabotage his return.

With their chemistry-fueled animosity at an all-time high, Emily accidentally sends an email to their school’s principal that could reveal her secret literary side hustle. She needs to steal back her manuscript, and Jack—she hates to admit—is just the man to help her. Surprisingly, Jack agrees. Will their unlikely alliance put an end to their rivalry? Or could it lead to a steamy plot twist they never saw coming?]]> 384 Sarah Adams 0593723694 ✨J�ܱ������� 4
What to Expect:
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Coworkers
�� Hidden Identity
�� Neighbors
�� Both Teachers
�� Second Chance
�� Banter
�� Small Town
�� Forced Proximity
�� Slow Burn
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual POV

Just look at that stacked trope list, was there ever any doubt that this would be a winner?! I’m kind of amazed by how many people sleep on this author. I guess because her books are lower on the pepper meter and all people seem want these days is smut?? ]]> 4.06 2025
author: Sarah Adams
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/02/02
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
�� 4.25 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Coworkers
�� Hidden Identity
�� Neighbors
�� Both Teachers
�� Second Chance
�� Banter
�� Small Town
�� Forced Proximity
�� Slow Burn
�� Duet Narration
�� Dual POV

Just look at that stacked trope list, was there ever any doubt that this would be a winner?! I’m kind of amazed by how many people sleep on this author. I guess because her books are lower on the pepper meter and all people seem want these days is smut??
]]> 200757096 From the Ashes, a Goddess Must Rise��

After proving herself through a series of harrowing trials, Karys has found a home among the gods, alongside the Marr of Fire. Her new divine family and magic have allowed her to ascend from the rebellious, dangerous life she once led—yet the ghosts of past mistakes and betrayals linger.

Her once sworn enemy, Dravyn, understands the pain of lingering ghosts better than most. Haunted by the memories of the family he lost—and by the lives he took in retribution—the God of Fire now has one plan: Protecting the ones he has left at whatever the cost.

But the shadow of war is spreading across the realms. A war that will force both Karys and Dravyn to confront past demons. And when those demons collide, the resulting fires might burn everything to ash��

Forcing something new to rise if they want any hope of a future.]]> 580 S.M. Gaither ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Touch Her & Die
�� One Horse
�� Found Family
�� Gods, Elves & Mortals
�� Multiple Realms
�� Duet Audio
�� Dual First Person POV

Boring, too domestic, not nearly enough Moth�� I’m very sad to report that this one was a dud. This was very character driven which could have been fine, but after loving them in book one, I was surprised by how little interest I had in these characters in book two. We get to read a lot from the MMC’s POV and while he still seemed like a solid dude, nothing about him felt godly while reading from his perspective. I usually love hearing from the MMC, but for some reason his parts were a turn off for me. The FMC has an experience at the end that should have very emotional, but again, I felt completely detached. Sorry to say that this book was more along the lines of what I’ve come to expect from this author, which is frankly not much.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: We’ll see if this one lives up to book one! Others have mentioned being dissatisfied with the ending which is ominous since this is a Duology. Hoping I won’t feel the same! ]]> 3.91 2024
author: S.M. Gaither
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/06
date added: 2025/02/16
shelves:
review:
�� 2 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Touch Her & Die
�� One Horse
�� Found Family
�� Gods, Elves & Mortals
�� Multiple Realms
�� Duet Audio
�� Dual First Person POV

Boring, too domestic, not nearly enough Moth�� I’m very sad to report that this one was a dud. This was very character driven which could have been fine, but after loving them in book one, I was surprised by how little interest I had in these characters in book two. We get to read a lot from the MMC’s POV and while he still seemed like a solid dude, nothing about him felt godly while reading from his perspective. I usually love hearing from the MMC, but for some reason his parts were a turn off for me. The FMC has an experience at the end that should have very emotional, but again, I felt completely detached. Sorry to say that this book was more along the lines of what I’ve come to expect from this author, which is frankly not much.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: We’ll see if this one lives up to book one! Others have mentioned being dissatisfied with the ending which is ominous since this is a Duology. Hoping I won’t feel the same!
]]> 221979619 Callahan

Fighting wildfires is the only thing I’ve ever wanted to do and I’m damn good at it. Being the captain of an interagency hotshot crew of wildland firefighters is high-risk, high-reward. The risk blindsided me five years ago when I lost one of my crew and was changed forever. Now the only rewards I allow are to work harder, smarter, and enjoy easy, sexy nights with strangers.

Until I meet Prescott Timmons. Her smart-mouth and adventurous spirit have me forgetting all of my rules—until her past shows up and lies start to feel too familiar. I swear to never spare her a second glance, but when she finds herself in a life or death situation with mother nature, my instincts kick in, and I take action. Stranded and sharing a bed again, we’re forced to face our truth. Do we let this fire burn out or fight?]]> 379 Sloane St. James ✨J�ܱ������� 0 to-read 3.91 2025
author: Sloane St. James
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> 63214317
Two weeks later, her sister disappeared, leaving nothing but a trail of blood in her wake.

Convinced the gods were responsible for the disappearance, Karys has spent the past five years plotting her revenge with the help of a cutthroat band of likeminded elven rebels. So when Dravyn—one of her world’s most powerful deities—descends upon her kingdom in search of humans worthy of serving him, Karys knows what she must do. Earning a place at the god’s side will allow her to find out what truly happened to her sister…and then destroy the gods from the inside out for what they did.

Thrown into the dazzling but deadly world of the divine courts, she must navigate complicated politics, strange magic, and dangerous trials to prove herself worthy of standing among the gods.

Among the most dangerous of these trials is Dravyn himself.

Karys knows better than to trust the enigmatic God of Fire. The flames of passion that stir between them are only divine trickery. And yet, the more she learns about him, the hotter the forbidden sparks burn. The more she begins to question all she thought she knew about the world of gods and mortals and everything in-between.

And the more she risks betraying her own secrets, which may be the most dangerous thing of all.

This is a romantic epic fantasy with some adult language and spicy content. Though it’s set in the same universe as the Shadows and Crowns series—in the distant past—it can be read and completely enjoyed without reading any previous books in this world. Book two will end with a HEA, but beware the cliffhanger at the end of this first book!]]> 662 S.M. Gaither ✨J�ܱ������� 5
What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Elves, Gods, and Mortals
�� Trials
�� Adorable Beasties
�� Revenge & Scheming
�� Found Family
�� Banter
�� He Falls First
�� Slow Burn
�� First Person POV

I really loved this one! It was a bit predictable, but it’s a formula that works. Both MC’s were VERY likable and I really enjoyed how healthy their interactions felt even though they started out on different sides. (Don’t worry, there was still plenty of banter!) The FMC had some valid reasons for wanting revenge and answers but she always seemed very open to learning and accepting new information and giving each individual person she encountered a clean slate. The author found a great balance in that I felt like the female character was always making logical informed decisions rather than acting on biases and prejudices OR going the other direction and being too naive and trusting.

This couple gave me strong Nytos & Sera vibes which was super exciting to me since I personally think that author tanked that series in book three. ]]> 3.89 2023
author: S.M. Gaither
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
�� 4.5 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Enemies-to-Lovers
�� Elves, Gods, and Mortals
�� Trials
�� Adorable Beasties
�� Revenge & Scheming
�� Found Family
�� Banter
�� He Falls First
�� Slow Burn
�� First Person POV

I really loved this one! It was a bit predictable, but it’s a formula that works. Both MC’s were VERY likable and I really enjoyed how healthy their interactions felt even though they started out on different sides. (Don’t worry, there was still plenty of banter!) The FMC had some valid reasons for wanting revenge and answers but she always seemed very open to learning and accepting new information and giving each individual person she encountered a clean slate. The author found a great balance in that I felt like the female character was always making logical informed decisions rather than acting on biases and prejudices OR going the other direction and being too naive and trusting.

This couple gave me strong Nytos & Sera vibes which was super exciting to me since I personally think that author tanked that series in book three.
]]> 123349658
Rain of Shadows and Endings is book one in The Legacy Series and ends on a cliffhanger. This is new adult dark fantasy romance series and includes elements that may be triggering to some readers.]]> 670 Melissa K. Roehrich ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Fae & Legacy
�� Forced Proximity
�� Political Intrigue
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� FMC w/no Free Will
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Enemies w/Benefits
�� Secret Identity
�� Emerging Powers
�� Third Person POV

What in the Tamlin was this?!

Friends, are we not bothered by this storyline? This was basically a socially accepted trafficking. I mean�� he mostly seems like a decent person and he certainly was in a position to be a lot more awful than he was, but he forced her into a role she didn’t want and has completely stolen her free will. There were a few circumstances where I do believe he was saving her from a much worse fate with his actions and I even get the argument that he saved her from an awful fate by selecting her in the first place, but some of the things he did were inexcusable and purely the result of his own pride and need to assert dominance over her.

I saw the twist at the end coming, but I have no idea where the storyline will go from here. I also don’t really understand the MMC’s motivations. They don’t seem completely nefarious but I don’t quite grasp what he is trying to accomplish or prevent. I guess I’ll have to read on and find out. Most of the plot seemed aimed at making the reader like the MMC, but I’m still hoping the other guy (Tristan) is end game. All of the MMC’s “it’s not your place to know”comments and all the times he abused their connection to make her docile and silent made him a nope for me, and that was BEFORE he locked her in a cellar overnight. ]]> 4.01 2023
author: Melissa K. Roehrich
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.01
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/31
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Fae & Legacy
�� Forced Proximity
�� Political Intrigue
�� Morally Gray MMC
�� FMC w/no Free Will
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Enemies w/Benefits
�� Secret Identity
�� Emerging Powers
�� Third Person POV

What in the Tamlin was this?!

Friends, are we not bothered by this storyline? This was basically a socially accepted trafficking. I mean�� he mostly seems like a decent person and he certainly was in a position to be a lot more awful than he was, but he forced her into a role she didn’t want and has completely stolen her free will. There were a few circumstances where I do believe he was saving her from a much worse fate with his actions and I even get the argument that he saved her from an awful fate by selecting her in the first place, but some of the things he did were inexcusable and purely the result of his own pride and need to assert dominance over her.

I saw the twist at the end coming, but I have no idea where the storyline will go from here. I also don’t really understand the MMC’s motivations. They don’t seem completely nefarious but I don’t quite grasp what he is trying to accomplish or prevent. I guess I’ll have to read on and find out. Most of the plot seemed aimed at making the reader like the MMC, but I’m still hoping the other guy (Tristan) is end game. All of the MMC’s “it’s not your place to know”comments and all the times he abused their connection to make her docile and silent made him a nope for me, and that was BEFORE he locked her in a cellar overnight.
]]> 62329962 Has she been sent to save the realm or destroy it?

As Spymaster to the Queen, Aya's blood oath ensures she protects those she fights alongside - including Will, the Queen's Enforcer and Aya's bitter rival.

When rumors of dark magic rise in a nearby kingdom, both are sent to investigate.

But when Aya's power acts beyond her gods-given affinity, she risks being turned into a weapon in a war she doesn't know how to win.

And when her relationship with Will unexpectedly shifts, neither knows the danger that will follow . . .]]> 480 Kate Dramis 0241630908 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Political Intrigue
�� Knife to Throat
�� Slow Burn
�� Chosen One
�� He Falls First
�� Love Triangle
�� Touch Her/Him and Die
�� Forced Proximity
�� Magic & Prophesy
�� Third Person POV

Based on the trope list, this should have been five stars, but it ended up being pretty lackluster and unmemorable. I saw the author advertising this as Enemies-to-Lovers, but Rivals-to-Lovers feels much more accurate. None of the 3 characters really stood out to me and the pacing was on the slow side. Aya is the “chosen one�� and her powers are talked about a lot, but they didn’t seem particularly impressive. There was also just a little too much talk of the gods which gave the book a fanatical vibe. The “love triangle�� was kind of a joke since Aiden very clearly has no shot. Overall I feel like the author just tried to include too many things and ended up not doing any of them justice. I don’t think I will continue the series.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Late to the party on this one! This series has been recommended to me by several people, but the ratings aren’t the highest�� Hoping it’s at least easy to follow and an entertaining read. ]]> 3.72 2023
author: Kate Dramis
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/27
date added: 2025/02/15
shelves:
review:
�� 2.75 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Rivals-to-Lovers
�� Reluctant Allies
�� Political Intrigue
�� Knife to Throat
�� Slow Burn
�� Chosen One
�� He Falls First
�� Love Triangle
�� Touch Her/Him and Die
�� Forced Proximity
�� Magic & Prophesy
�� Third Person POV

Based on the trope list, this should have been five stars, but it ended up being pretty lackluster and unmemorable. I saw the author advertising this as Enemies-to-Lovers, but Rivals-to-Lovers feels much more accurate. None of the 3 characters really stood out to me and the pacing was on the slow side. Aya is the “chosen one�� and her powers are talked about a lot, but they didn’t seem particularly impressive. There was also just a little too much talk of the gods which gave the book a fanatical vibe. The “love triangle�� was kind of a joke since Aiden very clearly has no shot. Overall I feel like the author just tried to include too many things and ended up not doing any of them justice. I don’t think I will continue the series.

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: Late to the party on this one! This series has been recommended to me by several people, but the ratings aren’t the highest�� Hoping it’s at least easy to follow and an entertaining read.
]]> 209439446
Now Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.

Even if it means keeping a secret so big, it could destroy everything. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming...and not everyone can survive its wrath.]]> 527 Rebecca Yarros 1649374186 ✨J�ܱ������� 2
What to Expect:
�� Found Family
�� Looking for a Cure
�� Forbidden Love
�� War/Combat
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Repetitive/Full of Filler
�� Dragons, Wyverns, & Gryphons
�� Cliffhanger Ending
�� Third Person POV

I’m sick to death of this book, so let’s just get this over with. I will never understand how so many people are rating this 5 stars. If I hadn’t read Iron Flame, I might have bumped this up to 3 stars, but at this point Rebecca has written an unbelievable amount of filler and so much of this book felt completely unnecessary.

Fourth Wing was a good book. It definitely wasn’t my favorite book, but it was a promising start to a new series. I thought the intimate scenes were too mature for how immature their relationship felt and I would have preferred a little more slow burn, but if it had been a trilogy, I would have been totally on board. Sadly though, that was not to be. Rebecca chose the money over the integrity of her writing and I honestly can’t hate her for that, but it has definitely had a negative impact on the story.

S���’s had to contrive multiple reasons for Xaden & Violet not to be together and as a result, I’ve completely lost interest in their relationship. In Iron Flame it was a ridiculous amount of miscommunication and repetitive arguments. In Onyx Storm it was his Venin status and his role as a Professor at her school. ]]> 4.17 2025
author: Rebecca Yarros
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/02/01
date added: 2025/02/13
shelves:
review:
�� 2.4 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Found Family
�� Looking for a Cure
�� Forbidden Love
�� War/Combat
�� Touch Her & Die
�� Repetitive/Full of Filler
�� Dragons, Wyverns, & Gryphons
�� Cliffhanger Ending
�� Third Person POV

I’m sick to death of this book, so let’s just get this over with. I will never understand how so many people are rating this 5 stars. If I hadn’t read Iron Flame, I might have bumped this up to 3 stars, but at this point Rebecca has written an unbelievable amount of filler and so much of this book felt completely unnecessary.

Fourth Wing was a good book. It definitely wasn’t my favorite book, but it was a promising start to a new series. I thought the intimate scenes were too mature for how immature their relationship felt and I would have preferred a little more slow burn, but if it had been a trilogy, I would have been totally on board. Sadly though, that was not to be. Rebecca chose the money over the integrity of her writing and I honestly can’t hate her for that, but it has definitely had a negative impact on the story.

S���’s had to contrive multiple reasons for Xaden & Violet not to be together and as a result, I’ve completely lost interest in their relationship. In Iron Flame it was a ridiculous amount of miscommunication and repetitive arguments. In Onyx Storm it was his Venin status and his role as a Professor at her school.
]]> 56783258 When everything is lost, it’s our stories that survive.

How do we weather the end of things? Cloud Cuckoo Land brings together an unforgettable cast of dreamers and outsiders from past, present and future to offer a vision of survival against all odds.

Constantinople, 1453:
An orphaned seamstress and a cursed boy with a love for animals risk everything on opposite sides of a city wall to protect the people they love.

Idaho, 2020:
An impoverished, idealistic kid seeks revenge on a world that’s crumbling around him. Can he go through with it when a gentle old man stands between him and his plans?

Unknown, Sometime in the Future:
With her tiny community in peril, Konstance is the last hope for the human race. To find a way forward, she must look to the oldest stories of all for guidance.

Bound together by a single ancient text, these tales interweave to form a tapestry of solace and resilience and a celebration of storytelling itself. Like its predecessor All the Light We Cannot See, Anthony Doerr’s new novel is a tale of hope and of profound human connection.]]> 626 Anthony Doerr 1982168439 ✨J�ܱ������� 0 dnf 4.24 2021
author: Anthony Doerr
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2021
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/02/11
shelves: dnf
review:
Such tedious nonsensical prose.
]]> 203578726 In this smart and swoony adventure rom-com, a journalist and a movie star find themselves teaming up to cover up a murder...and falling for each other in the process.

When freelance journalist Khin Hlaing is assigned by Vogue to get a scoop on Tyler Tun, Hollywood’s hottest movie star who has returned home to Myanmar to shoot a film, she's determined to succeed. If Khin’s able to get an explosive exclusive, there may well be a permanent position waiting for her at Vogue Singapore, and a ticket out of the city that's felt too small since her recent divorce.

Tyler has done his very best to keep his private life private, and he doesn’t show any sign of letting down his walls for Khin. But then one night on set, a strange man follows Khin into the surrounding park grounds. When he threatens her, Tyler steps in and things escalate fast. Khin knows they can’t go to the police, even if it was self defense. And when she learns that this man seems to have targeted her specifically, she needs to do everything she can to find out why.

As Khin and Tyler work together to hide their secret and find out more about her attacker, they grow closer and Tyler finally starts opening up. The job at Vogue suddenly looks more promising, but Khin can’t help feel a twang of uncomfortable morality-related guilt. Before long, everything hangs in the balance. Will they get away with murder? Can Khin get the exposé she needs for her dream job? And is she willing to risk Tyler’s trust in the process?]]> 336 Pyae Moe Thet War 1250330513 ✨J�ܱ������� 3
What to Expect:
�� Actor x Journalist
�� Writing an Article for Vogue
�� Healing after Divorce (Her)
�� Covering Up a Murder
�� Solving a Mystery
�� Will They/Won’t They
�� Movie Set
�� Closed Door Romance
�� First Person POV

I expected this to be a little more fast paced and exciting. After the murder occurs, almost every scene was just them lying to cover up what happened and all the emotional turmoil that came with that. I really liked the FMC at the beginning of the book, but her character became less appealing to me as the story progressed. I was particularly turned off by some of the lies she chose to tell in order to win his trust. The MMC was an A-List actor that was so down to earth and kind that it made her betrayal feel extra sleazy, especially when you learn of his motivations. He pretty much carried this book for me. As I’ve mentioned, the mystery/thriller genre isn’t one I typically reach for, but there was enough romance in this one to get me through. I don’t want to share too many details and spoil the story, but this was a decent enough read if you’re thinking of picking it up. Nothing ground breaking but at the very least an easy read with a unique setting (Myanmar).

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I don’t often read mystery/thrillers, but since I received this from Afterlight as the December book pick, I figured I’d give this a whirl! Hope it’s decent! ]]> 3.69 2024
author: Pyae Moe Thet War
name: ✨J�ܱ�������
average rating: 3.69
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/01/12
date added: 2025/02/04
shelves:
review:
�� 3 stars ��

What to Expect:
�� Actor x Journalist
�� Writing an Article for Vogue
�� Healing after Divorce (Her)
�� Covering Up a Murder
�� Solving a Mystery
�� Will They/Won’t They
�� Movie Set
�� Closed Door Romance
�� First Person POV

I expected this to be a little more fast paced and exciting. After the murder occurs, almost every scene was just them lying to cover up what happened and all the emotional turmoil that came with that. I really liked the FMC at the beginning of the book, but her character became less appealing to me as the story progressed. I was particularly turned off by some of the lies she chose to tell in order to win his trust. The MMC was an A-List actor that was so down to earth and kind that it made her betrayal feel extra sleazy, especially when you learn of his motivations. He pretty much carried this book for me. As I’ve mentioned, the mystery/thriller genre isn’t one I typically reach for, but there was enough romance in this one to get me through. I don’t want to share too many details and spoil the story, but this was a decent enough read if you’re thinking of picking it up. Nothing ground breaking but at the very least an easy read with a unique setting (Myanmar).

✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　✼　 ҉ 　��

Pre-read: I don’t often read mystery/thrillers, but since I received this from Afterlight as the December book pick, I figured I’d give this a whirl! Hope it’s decent!
]]>