Katherine

Oh my god this book had me in a chokehold the entire time! I finished book 1 and dove right into book 2.

I loved the story, the characters, the world building, the magic system - everything honestly. Bash and Eva have my heart, I love them so much and i'm so glad they are together. and the magical tattoo? Where do I sign up for one?

In general, the whole found family vibe was wonderful, and I loved their group as a whole. It was interesting to see everyone go through their own mental health struggles, healing, and even forgiveness. Any sort of healing and mental health stuff always sucks me in.

Really Eva is a badass, she dealt with so much horrible stuff during her time with the False King, and prevailed with her strength and ingenuity.

I'm really excited to see what happens in the final installment!

Also, you know a book is good when I mention a quote from it in therapy, talking about how I know what i need to do, but how it is hard... "the only way out is through." GIRL the only way out IS through but UGH sometimes it's so hard! - which is exactly what you get to see characters struggle with in the book. This book came at a great time in my life for this type of messaging and struggles, and I loved it.

This novella tugged at my heartstrings, both the good ones and the sad.

Aerie’s history is haunting and filled with fear, sadness, and sorrow, and to see that while still seeing the ‘sunshine’ she is makes me so happy.

I loved her and Bastien together, how they came together and how their story grew. My favorite thing? The ‘taking care of you’ trope, ESPECIALLY when they bathe the other person in an act of care.. it has me in a chokehold.

Their whole dynamic is so sweet and loving and I’m super happy this novella was written!!

So good, so sweet, definitely recommend reading book 1 and this novella!

Unfortunately this wasn’t for me. It was a quick very spicy read, but I didn’t love the extreme ’persuasion’ to become his sub… felt too pushy to be full enthusiastic consent and while I like really dark stuff, non con in this situation was not it for me. Personal preference.

Fate Demands Sacrifice is book 2 in the Sirians series, and what a book 2 it was!

We continued to follow Reva on her journey of self discovery, coming into her powers, and even dipped our toes into a love triangle. I really enjoyed this book, I love all the characters and how they interact, the world building, and how magic is used.

The use of light magic and dark magic in the Sirians series reminds me a bit of wizards in Harry Potter, and the obscurials they can become if their magic is suppressed. It’s really intriguing and interesting, and I am very curious to see book 3 unfold. I loved reading about Reva’s magic training and interactions with Lightning, and then her discovery about the deep wells of her power.

Overall, Reva is such a great FMC and I am really excited to see what she does next. Elly continues to be a favorite of mine, she is SUCH a good friend to Reva and the rest of the gang. Pax was a fun character to learn more about, which is interesting because I hate him passionately in book 1. Fin continues to be our sweet cinnamon roll mmc, and we love him but we know Reva is destined for more and for full acceptance from her partner. Queue Tariq swaggering in… my oh my do we love Tariq in all his glory. And apparently Reva agrees with me, which turns into quite the delicious few scenes, and many heart melting conversations.

The love triangle was good but also sad? I felt like Fin clearly wasn’t meant for her, and he was fantasizing about what she could have been, but not seeing the real her… but it was sad for me because he still kept going for it and hoping for the best when clearly the other person in the triangle was much more suited to be her equal.

Lastly, I want to talk about Clint. I genuinely am so invested in him as a character and I love him so much. The highlight of the book was not the spice (shocker for me, I know), but rather the scenes with Clint. I have so much love for this fictional teenage boy full of life despite his hardships.

This is a great indie read! I definitely recommend.

Didn't like this one, I struggled to read it both because of the writing and also because the characters were all so unlikable or relatable it just annoyed me. I literally did not care about anyone, and guessed who the murderer was within 18% of the book.

Was my september bookclub book so I am sad I did not like it, but I just didn't.

Noire Moon? More like spicy scary spicy spooky sexy moon!

This prequel novella is so good, and perfectly captures what I think of when I hear spice party + haunted house + masked men + anonymous identities + reverse harem.

I love Poe and all our masked men, it was so steamy and so good. The running and chasing through the haunted house, the masks, the 3 men., the *things* they did when they caught her... ugh so good! Definitely check your TW's, she is dark, she is steamy, she is k*nky, she is perfection and left me salivating for more. It is closer to erot*ca than not, so keep that in mind... I certainly enjoyed it.

I cannot wait for Macrabe Gods next year and get their whole story! I was agonizing over waiting for the next Port Macrabe book after Vengeful Gods, and this novella satiated my thirst for a bit.... you better believe I will re-read her closer to halloween, it is a perfect spicy spooky book!

Overall, I loved this novella, and I love everything Elliott Rose puts out into the world!

First I want to say that I love Jessica Ann Disciacca and her writing. She is one of my favorite indie authors and I am obsessed with her other series, Awakening the Dark Throne.

I enjoyed this book, I always love a good witchy read. Overall it was a good book, and the story is really promising, there were just a few things that didn't sit right with me. Some were personal preferences, and others were things I think could be improved.

What I liked:

• The lore, the history, and the background information. I love the witchy vibe and love how this world was set up!
• The world building of their castle/estate and the town.
• All the characters and their struggles. I felt like the characters for the most part were written really well.

I rated it a 3 for a couple of reasons.

• There was too much religion/god/praying for me. It is a personal preference, and as someone with religious trauma I did not love that piece. I think it was written well that for people who don't have this sort of trauma, they will be just fine.
• Our FMC Seren has been through so so much, and should be incredibly traumatized but she seems mostly fine? Maybe she is dissociating or avoiding it all, but it didn't sit right with me that she was seemingly fine with everything that she experienced.
• It felt a little rushed. There were several times I re-read a section because the writing was a bit odd. I think another round of edit/critical review would be really helpful. One example: “Looking down at me in a tender manner” versus saying something like "tenderly looking down at me" or "looking down at me tenderly".
• I personally did not like the ending, not that it was bad but that I didn't like her choices - HOWEVER I am excited to read book 2 to see what happens!

Overall, I enjoyed the book but felt like it needed another edit round and a bit more time spent on it. It was still good and I am glad I read it, AND will be interested in reading book 2, but think a few things could be improved.

Book 2 of the Tanglewood University series, and so good! This was a quick read for me, about 3 hours, and I loved it.

The first book was really good, and the second did not disappoint! I loved the twist in this book, and more importantly, I loved the tension between Prof. Stratford and Anne. It was so delicious, I could not stop reading. I read this book in 1 sitting because I had to know what happened.

I love the evolution of the secret society, Anne's role, Prof. Stratford's role, etc. The main society scene with them 2? Not for the faint of heart. Definitely make sure to read the trigger warnings before reading this book, especially this scene.

The author does such a good job writing the spice scenes and depicting the emotions, feelings, and thoughts of the characters. I cannot wait for book 3 because we are left on such an insane cliffhanger and I need to know what happens next!

I really enjoyed this book. The witchy + historical romance + enemies to lovers is so good! I would recommend this book to anyone who likes watching 2 enemies attempt to out-smart the other, while falling for each other along the way.

The Rune and Gideon are great characters, and I loved the pining best friend trope as well with Alex. It is gut wrenching watching him just be in the friend zone and struggle to move out of it.

The story was well written, and I loved Rune as our main character. I loved watching her though process on how to outwit Gideon while also continuing to save her fellow witches and avoid suspicion and being caught along the way. Then, watching her fall for Gideon while trying to resist? So good! The same for Gideon, we love a grumpy man who falls for the socialite against his better judgement.

The twist at the end I was not expecting but I loved it. I can't wait for book 2, because it truly will be an enemies to lovers story and I am pumped for it!

Awakening the Dark flame started off strong right where we left off from book 1, and I was so pumped to read this book! I felt like the first book was setting us up for this book to be a doozy. Ambassador Lyklor/Eren is my favorite character, followed closely by Otar hands down! I love both of them, and I love watching Gen grow throughout this book.

She has her FMC arc of healing, general butt kicking, training, political games, and learning how to hold her own, and I loved every minute of it.

You know what else I loved? the banter and tension between her and Eren/Ambassador Lyklor. SO GOOD!! I loved the banter so much, it was the highlight of my read for sure. And when they finally gave into the feelings? So steamy.

Eren's rising up the ranks story was heartbreaking, and I really felt for him. I liked what Gen did for him, but it sort of came out of nowhere, and I didn't feel like there was enough lead up for it. Now I get that she has all her trauma and that makes sense, but it did give me pause when I thought about it.

I will say I got confused several times from the flip flopping of Eren vs Erendrial versus Ambassador Lyklor versus Lyklor... He has like 10 names and it was confusing to realize they were all him. Once I got that down, it was all good.

The ending bit and what happened with Gen wasn't my favorite, but I really look forward to the next book! I can't wait to see how they come together and what happens! Overall I am super excited to read book 3 and I can't wait for it to come!

This one in the Club Euphoria series was not my vibe. The spice was all about 'until it hurts and bleeds' which was giving punishment instead of pleasure between 2 people, and it just did not sit right with me.

There were also scenes where they talked about not liking someone who passed away in a previous book and how they never liked them, but were super nice in to them in previous books - the insincerity and fake acceptance triggered some past trauma and just rubbed me the wrong way.

Otherwise, I think the writing was good and on par with the previous books in the series, so if these things don't bother you, give it a try.

The Hunted Heir is book 2 of the Veiled Kingdom series, starting right where we left off in book 1. She is running away, and Dacre (among everyone else) is hunting her.

This book is a great transitional book in my opinion. I would love for this to be combined with some of what will happen in book 3 into a longer book, but that is not Holly's style of writing. It is here to transition us from life in the underground city to the next big phase of the story, which I won't spoil here.

I loved watching Dacre throughout this book. He simultaneously was pissed at Verena while also being still so attracted to her, and broken up about his choice to not go with her and protect her. I loved his inner turmoil so much.

I also loved watching Verena, our FMC, as she was on the run. The struggle, the realization she had to rely on someone maybe she didn't fully trust, and the panic of getting caught by the king or Dacre and his father.

In general, I loved how this story panned out and I am really excited for book 3. I think as a transition book this was done well, and while of course I wished for more of the story, I am eagerly awaiting the next piece.

I love a good enemies to lovers story, a wolf shifter story, a kidnapper to lovers story, and especially a mafia story… but combining them all together?? YES!

This was a quick read for me, and really enjoyable! I love the tension between Grey and Lexi, it is so delicious and agonizing and I can’t get enough of it. Their banter. The tensions, the teasing - so so good! The miscommunication and hiding feelings drove me crazy but in a good way!

I like Lexi as a character, I only hope she gets her moment to step into her power or position in the world and take what she is owed, because I will be cheering from the sidelines for her.

I also love Grey - he is morally grey, a wolf shifter, tattooed and just overall yummy. We love a good mafia leader in training, a confident and sexy man, who knows what he wants. His teasing and taunting Lexi is so good, and when he does things that show how much he cares?? Ahhh I can’t deal.

Grey’s crew emulates found family so so well, and warms my heart to see them together.

I hope we see Violet, Lexi’s friend again at some point! And I could use a novella on Mia, I have a feeling she has a good story to tell.

Can’t wait for book 2!

Deadly wolf bite is the second installment in the mafia pack series, following Lexi and Grey as they navigate their path in this messed up mafia world. I love the blend of mafia and wolf shifters, and the morally grey characters - aka Grey himself among others! The found family narrative with their friends Mia, Dutch, Crow, Raven, and Ramsey is so good and heartwarming!

The spicy tension between Grey and Lexi is agonizingly perfect, I love all the spice and all the feeling they have to deal with regarding each other, it is simply delicious.

I really felt for Lexi this book, she has had such a hard life and it just keeps getting more and more complicated and difficult. The things she is put through and the choices she has to make are just so much. Can’t wait to see her fully embrace her true self and power!

Honestly I really felt for Grey too. We see what he has to do, and he is so strong for choosing the path he has. Also, he is delicious and I love him… where is my rich mafia wolf shifter?

There were so many twists and turns and I was glued to my kindle needing to find out what was going to happen!

Dom is the worst character, runners up being Franco and Vincenzo for sure. I love that both sides are bad, and we are trying to figure out the lesser evil solution for the townspeople and the whole shifter community.

I can’t wait to find more out about Lexi’s wolf, I am begging to know! Cannot wait for book 3 to come out because the cliffhanger we are left off on is insane and I must know what happens next.

I wasn't necessarily dying to read Ariadne and the Minotaur's story, but I did enjoy it. Definitely not my favorite in the series, but it was still good.

Ariadne just wasn't a character I felt any particular way about. I know she has been through a lot, but idk I just didn't feel super invested in her story.

I feel for Ariadne and everything she has gone through, and same with the Minotaur but more - he really has been through some rough times. I liked the possessive touch her and die vibes, and I also liked the 'I don't want to be with you but I need to be with you' vibe Ariadne kept throwing.

Ultimately, we get to see an interesting side of the Minotaur not normally shown in retellings, and I liked that. I just wasn't particularly invested in them as a couple, it felt like an intermission to get to the next segment. Their spice was spicy, the scenes of Ariadne in the shops getting cute clothes were delightful, and the way the minotaur knew things about her?? So sweet.

I am interested to see if they are going to be present in the story in the future, or if this is it for them. I will say I am STOKED for the next one about Icarus and Poseidon... Like so stoked.

Overall, good addition to the Dark Olympus series and I can't wait for what is next!

I loved this book but it was needlessly sad and made me bawl my eyes out. Even know, writing this review, my heart is aching.

Why did this have to happen and why did we need this put down on paper?? I loved it but it really broke me. I can't deal with needless sorrow and broken hearts like this, I am too weak.

Of Monsters and Mazes was just the kind of debauchery read I needed! I blasted through it in 2 days, my eyes glued to my kindle needing to know how it would end!

Although for this story, the satisfaction was in the journey/story itself. I LOVED how utterly dark, almost horror romance this went! It is not for the faint of heart, and delves into some dark stuff that I just loved so much.

A labyrinth retelling with a 35 year old boss babe FMC, a demon king, god of nightmares, the Minotaur, and a devious foxy man? Yes yes yes!

Sela was a great FMC, and I loved seeing her inner traumas, desires, fears and needs come to the surface on her quest through the maze was delightfully messed up! She was strong but also weak, and I just loved watching all the men toy with her and bring out different parts of her.

The spice? Yes! The initial spice with Theron was so steamy and messed up and just so so spicy! I loved it so much, let’s let our inner freak flag fly! Haha

The ending was great, and I overall loved the journey through the maze, watching Sela come into herself, all the morally black characters and all the spice! Would definitely recommend if you like horror erotica/romance.

So this is my first thriller, and idk, I am not sold. I do think it was interesting, and I enjoyed reading it, it was suspenseful without being downright scary, and I blasted through it wanting to know what happened.

But, it was just so inconsistent and I did not think it made sense. things were alluded to that ended up being wrong, which can be fine for a twist, but when they don't make sense? That is where I think it becomes more inconsistency and less 'twist'.

The build up on the husband being EJ and then it wasn't was not my favorite. It just made perfect sense for him to be EJ, and then it wasn't at all? Tell me more about him then, because ya boy was suspicious and should have been EJ. Nope, he just randomly killed his mom. Nevermind the fact that he is overly obsessed with this house, encourages Tricia to wear Adrienne's clothes, etc. Clearly we were being directed down this path and then at the end randomly twisted away.

I did enjoy (Pa)Tricia and her twist, it totally makes sense for the most part. I do think there is inconsistency from the beginning few chapters to the end, but it wasn't as bad as Ethan.

Unless there is a part 2, several things were just left out: why did she continuously mention she only has known her husband for a year and doesn't really know him if it doesn't matter at the end? Why is Luke randomly there, perfectly poised like a little lamb in the den of lions? just so he could die? Why didn't we get a kill scene for Adrienne but did for this random stalker EJ?

Personally i hoped they all died but alas that is not the HEA we received. Instead we got a look into their happy family while also learning Tricia is ready to kill her husband at any time.

It was enjoyable and a quick read, but the inconsistencies bothered me and made it less enjoyable.

I didn't love book 1, but I read it in a day and enjoyed it enough to check the second one out and give it a read... my mistake.

Unfortunately, this felt like the author got a lot of love from tik tok on book 1 and rushed a book 2. It didn't make any sense, I hated the love triangle, the twist at the end (again), and in general most things about this book. The voyeurism spice scene while Walter and her bff watched? So fricken cringe and weird. I don't think turning the best friend into a love interest was the right call.

And WALTER? WHY??? Literally did not need to happen.

Overall I was so disappointed in this book, and felt like it really needed some heavy editing and revamping. I did not like it and didn't think book 2 was done well.

HOBAB is a riveting and wonderful conclusion to the Whispering Sea Duet, following the Ballad of Song and Sky (book 1).

It was snarky, cozy, interesting, and I couldn't wait to see what happened as I read!

I loved Caspian and Marina's playful snarky banter, its good and interesting and in the words of Marina herself "the bickering makes for good foreplay". She isn't wrong, it really helps build up their connection and relationship. I did wish they fulfilled the bond sooner rather than continuing to wait, it felt a little drawn out, but I did like it when it finally happened.

The spice was great, I loved them together! I also loved all the other time they spent together, Cas and Marina really balanced each other out.

The storyline was interesting; reuniting the selkies and sirens or waging a war? I liked how the author went about the plot, it kept me interested to see what happened! All the side characters are lovely, they added to the story really nicely and I was invested in each of them just as much as I was the main characters.

I hope she makes a spinoff about 2 other selkie siren parings - IYKYK.

Overall, I really enjoyed it! Will definitely be checking out some of her other works.

BOSAS is a really interesting story about a Selkie and a Siren enemies to lovers pairing, and the story of their people's history.

The FMC and MMC are wonderful, I loved reading about both of them and from each of their POV. Marina is snarky, wild and rebellious, and just wants to be free to explore. Caspian is a Siren pirate on the seas, and them meeting is no coincidence.

The story moves along at a good pace, not too much or too little information, and we really get to know them better.

I loved the kelpie's and their side plot, it was a great avenue for Marina to grow. I also loved watching her be in the Nordhavn port - everything was described so well and reading about her excitement was so wonderful.

Definitely a great romantasy, cozy, snarky read, and I loved it!

Strands in the Web was a really enjoyable read for me! I would say this is more of a comfort read versus a super in depth read, so if you are on the same page there then you are sure to enjoy!

We follow Valorie and Conall, and while I liked them both I didn't feel like I could connect with them. I really liked Valorie's backstory, her issues with past relationships, and the general plot. I loved her 2 friends, they rock! I want more from them, I love them so much. I just didn't feel particularly connected to Valorie, she was written to be 'too perfect' and I just don't connect with those types of characters. If you do, then you will love her! I did like her, I just wasn't super invested.

I loved the budding friendship + more that happened with Valorie and Conall, it was so cute! However I did get confused when we jumped like 3 months into the future for them dating, I was not expecting that and felt like there was info left out. Additionally, when there was some huge mind blowing news dropped, Valorie just... was chill about it? IDK I was expecting her to feel betrayed but she didn't - and while it wasn't what I would have imagined, it was cute to see her totally accept him. It just made the reveal towards the back end of the book confusing, because how can she be chill about one thing but not another?

Again, it is more of a chill vibes read so if you take that into consideration, these things mentioned above don't mean a ton.

I am excited to learn more about the magical system, and cannot wait to see what happens in book 2! Where we left off is giving me major excitement and I am super ready to read it.

Overall, I really did enjoy this book. I think there could have been a bit more depth and less perfect characters, but other than that I loved it!

Another great addition to the Midnight Manor series!

I really enjoyed this installment of the series, and was so glad we got to have Nero's story! He seems like such a good guy, and then we learn he is a bit dark and not unlike his brothers, and wow it was so interesting! Who knew a rich handsome guy would have stalker tendencies?? I LOVED it.

Cinder is a strong FMC, she works hard, puts up with a lot of hardships, and still puts on a smile and tries to help others in the world. No wonder Nero is obsessed with her!

It was so riveting watching them come together and neither one of them have the whole story! I absolutely devoured this book in a single evening, I needed to know what happened.

The ritual club scenes? 10/10 His interest in sharing partners? 10/10, I wish there was more! We could have a whole novella surrounding the ritual club, it would be so steamy and amazing!

The only thing I didn't love was that she didn't mind him stalking her when she found out. IDK, she should have been at least a little disturbed but the fact that she didn't notice, or that he was following her. Sure she could accept it, but come on girl, be a little more self-aware and aware of your surroundings! Obviously she suffers from major trauma, as does Nero, so maybe it's small in the grand scheme of things.

Overall, I really enjoyed this story and I genuinely cannot wait for Sid's story. I have a feeling he is the one I want to read about, I just know it.

Of Blood and Lightning is a YA greek mythology-in-the-modern-world story, where teens have the powers of the greek gods and have to save the world from ending.

This was an interesting and good read! I love greek mythology, I love seeing it intertwined in the modern day, and I love a good fantasy meets modern world story. This definitely gives a similar vibe of Percy Jackson, but is also not similar at all - if that makes sense. Totally unique in it's story and world, the transfer of powers, what's at stake and who is in danger, and how they go about saving the world is super interesting! I really liked the concept of this story.

We follow Ophelia, an 18 year old girl who's life has been turned upside down with the death of her father and having to move back to her old small town with her aunt and uncle. She is grieving and trying to get through life, and befriends a group of other teens who assimilate her into their group right away.

Things happen, powers are given, the world is in danger, and we must follow them in their journey to save the world, accept and learn their power, and also live as teens.

I enjoyed this story, and the characters we follow. Ophelia has been through so much, and I loved seeing her find a group of friends who help her heal. They all had their own struggles, and seemed to come together and lift each other up.

3 things I want to comment on as areas for improvements: These are not deal breakers, just things I noticed while reading.

1. The only thing I didn't personally like was Ophelia and Rowan's implied sex scene. I think this book is similar in age to Percy Jackson, except this part. It really threw me off, and made me wonder what age group this was supposed to be for. I initially was thinking my 11 year-old high reading level brother would be a great person for this, because he loved Percy Jackson, however once I read that in the story I crossed his age group off the list. The writing I think really fits in with that 11-13 year old age group, so if this was cut out then I think it would fit the vibe of the rest of the story. Personal opinion!

2. I do also think there was a lot of information (houses, people, etc.) that is got confusing at times, but not too much where I was completely lost. There was just a TON of info, and I think we needed a bit more about the most important bits to truly understand the whole web of people and places and info.

3. The writing was a bit choppy here and there, and chunks of time were glossed over or completely ignored to where we maybe needed another sentence or 2 transition to smooth things out. I feel like at times we went from talking to boom we are at a place to boom the action is over and boom we are back at headquarters recapping it. I think if the author/editor does another pass and adds a bit more info or transition, it would definitely smooth things out! It did not take too much away from the story, but I did notice it at times.

Overall, I enjoyed Of Blood and Lightning and I am glad I was able to arc read it!

I really enjoyed A Reign of Rose as the final installment of the Sacred Stones trilogy.

I loved that it started off right where book 2 left us, and thought the story line was super interesting.

Getting Kane's perspective while Arwen was captured was so powerful, and I truly felt his agony and anger. Then the twist with how he would be able to potentially defeat his father? So good! Arwen's perspective while she was imprisoned was interesting! I liked the 2 guards and how that played out, and the overall plot for her being there.

Once they were reunited, ugh! So good. I really loved this book and this trilogy overall, and am sad it is over! I really hope there will be a spinoff about Griffin and Mari because man that slow burn is slooowwwwwww.

The rest of the story was really interesting, I am glad we got to meet the Rose Queen, and I loved how that panned out. Her curse/issue was super messed up but also interesting, as well as the blood fae interactions. Messed up but so interesting! I also would love to get a spin off novella or story about them and the leader for sure!! Why does he want the daughter??? I need to know, and a 20 years in the future spinoff about them would be super great.

The battle at the end was *chefs kiss*, I wouldn't have wanted it to go any other way - it was perfection. So much tension, detail, angst, and fear!

Overall, I loved this book and trilogy and would recommend it to everyone who loves romantasy! It has a great mix of fantasy and romance, and keeps it all interesting along the way.