An Arcane Inheritance by. Kamilah Cole | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: An Arcane Inheritance

Author: Kamilah Cole

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 12/30/25

Publisher: Sourcebooks

Categories: New Adult, Dark Academia, Horror, Mystery, Thriller, Magical Realism, LGBT+, Romance

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Sourcebooks for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A modern-day dark academia fantasy with a twist, perfect for fans of Babel and A Deadly Education.

Warren University has stood amongst the ivy elite for centuries, built on the bones―and forbidden magic―of its most prized BIPOC students…hiding the rot of a secret society that will do anything to keep their own powers burning bright. No matter who they must sacrifice along the way.

Ellory Morgan is determined to prove that she belongs at Warren University, an ivy league school whose history is deeply linked to occult rumors and dark secrets. But as she settles into her Freshman year, something about the ornate buildings and shadowy paths feels strangely…familiar. And, with every passing day, that sense of déjà vu grows increasingly sinister.

Despite all logic, despite all reason, despite all the rules of reality, Ellory knows one thing to be true: she has been here before. And if she can’t convince brooding legacy student Hudson Graves to help her remember a past that seems determined to slip through her fingers as if by some insidious magic…this time, she may lose herself for good.d

Content Warning: violence, racism, classism

+ I was intrigued with this story right away. Ellory is a Jamaican immigrant, who’s parents sent her to America to live with her Aunt, so she could get a better life and education. She’s studied so hard but even with good grades, money was never easy to come by so she worked – saved and now is a 21 year old freshman at Warren University. Ellory wants to be a lawyer to make her family proud. I found Ellory so relatable. Her immigrant story is like many in this country and her trying to get a good education is her ticket to success.

+ There are many issues that are brought up throughout the story from colonialism, elitism, racism, and classism. It’s interesting to see how Ellory tries to uncover secrets of Warren University’s past to expose how the wealthy and privilege get away with atrocities. A few elements are woven together in this story and I think it worked, at least for me! I loved the dark academia, and the creepy atmosphere of the library and some other parts of campus. There is a sinister feel that is there throughout the story as Ellory tries to figure out what is going on with missing memories she is experiencing and feelings of being in another space/time. There are mentions of magic and alchemy and maybe a secret society at work. It gave me Legendborn and Inception vibes.

+ I loved how realistic Ellory’s life as a college student was from the studying, going to parties, living off of coffee and trying to make new friends. Now as strange things happen to her on campus and she does more digging though, she comes off as an unreliable narrator – because what are these memories, or missing memories and dejavu she has been experiencing?

+ I did like the slow burn love story between Ellory and Hudson. Clearly there is something there, a sense of dejavu and we don’t know why until the end. But they are rivals in their constitutional law class and I thought their interactions, the bickering and arguing was fun. Also, the reveal at the end was devastating but made me love their romance more.

~ As much as I was hooked onto this book, I did have some issues. This story leads up to a very unexpected and surprising plot twist but I would have liked more information on the secret society, and the magic leading up to it. Things felt vague, maybe on purpose, but I wish we got a just a little more information just so when the plot twist happens it doesn’t feel confusing or weak. I had to sit with it for a moment just to make sure it made sense in my head.

~ I wanted more between Ellory and Hudson. I loved that they were rivals, and then he starts helping her with trying to find out what’s going but I wanted a few more kisses in there! But that’s a personal preference. They are rivals, but except for their first meeting and a few descriptions about why they are rivals, we don’t see it in action. I just wanted more interactions between them since it is very important to the twist.

Final Thoughts:

I could not put this book down because I needed to find out what was going on. I liked Ellory and Hudson and the whole atmosphere of Warren University with the gothic library, and dark secret past. I do wish we had more information about the magic since there is a huge plot twist in this story that involves magic. Also would have loved more interaction with Ellory and Hudson because their love story is wonderful, and one of the main reasons everything devastating happens in this story. Overall, even with the issues I had with it I was very entertained.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Song of the Stars by. Kaiti Mills | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️

Title: Song of the Stars (#1)

Author: Kaiti Mills

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 608

Publication Date: 12/2/25

Categories: Fantasy, Romance

Kit Rivermoor has always been the overlooked fae, living in the shadow of her gifted sister and warrior brother. She never expected her quiet life to change, until a forgotten prophecy stirs unrest in the Seelie courts and pulls her into a journey across the fae lands of Andarnia.

As she travels through glittering cities full of secrets and rivalries, Kit begins to sense a star-bound magic awakening inside her. With it comes a connection that feels fated, a bond that could shape not only her future but the fate of the realm itself.

Kit steps into the unknown, where every choice could change the fate of the fae and the bond that calls to her heart.

Content Warning: kidnapping

I came across this indie author on TikTok, I saw her promoting her book and it was the book cover that caught my eye. It published earlier this month (December) and was available on kindle unlimited so I decided to read it.

It starts off promising and I think if you are the type of reader who likes quests, a prophecy, a girl with special powers without knowing what it is, and who is the chosen one to save the world, then you will enjoy this. I do enjoy these tropes but I also like to see a little hardship for the FMC and outside of feeling overlooked, I didn’t feel like Kit has gone through much to make her be the chosen one, but I guess the stars know what they want. Kit being told she was special without knowing why was very repetitive throughout the book so it took me out of the story. It’s a long book so I did pause reading this halfway through because of it being repetitive.

I did read it again after a week and I’m happy to say it picks up at the halfway mark.

Kit as a character is a spitfire and she definitely could hold her own with her brother and his friends. It was nice to see her grow into her power and confidence. But I felt at times she was inexperienced and not battle tested but thrust into a leadership role. Of course she won’t be able to rule alone, but throughout the story it just feels like it’s all on her. She travels with a group of people but I feel like outside of Bastian, we don’t get to really know everyone else very well. I wanted to see her bond more with her brother since he left his bride’s side right away to help Kit.

There are some twists and betrayals in the story and I thought the gemstone/stars magic was interesting and would like to learn more about it.

As for the romance, let’s just say I’m glad it ended up the way it did by the end of the book. It’s a sweet, growing romance and I love Bastian, who is supportive and protective but allows her space to grow.

Final Thoughts:

For a debut, indie novel, I thought this was well written. It was a little too long for me and repetitive at times but I did enjoy the second half of the book. The romance was sweet and even if I didn’t feel like I connected with Kit at times, I think Bastian was amazing. There is adventure, prophecy, and a girl who is chosen to save the world.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

We Who Will Die by. Stacia Stark | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood, #1)

Author: Stacia Stark

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 12/30/25

Publisher: Avon

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series, Political Intrigue

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Avon for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

From the bestselling author of the Kingdom of Lies series comes a slow-burn romantasy set in a Roman-inspired world ruled by merciless vampires. Filled with breathtaking combat, vengeful gods, and magical creatures, We Who Will Die is the epic first installment in an enthralling new series perfect for fans of Carissa Broadbent, Jasmine Mas, and Rebecca Yarros.

Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Content Warning: death, violence, murder, mention of suicide, grief

+ I didn’t know what to expect from this book but wow was I pleasantly surprised. This story has gladiators, vampires, mythical creatures, a serial killer, a cult, and even zombies? Yes all of that in one book including trials, a slow burn second chance romance plus maybe a brewing love triangle!

+ Arvelle is a bodyguard trying to keep her younger brothers alive, especially Evren, who has bad lungs. But her plans of bringing him to the town who has healers is in jeopardy when a vampire makes her a deal – help him kill the emperor and her brother will be healed and they can be free. To carry out this plan she has to enter another fighting trial, which reminds her of the last one she had participated in where she won but had to watch her best friend die in front of her. Arvelle is a complicated character, frozen by grief, motivated by fear to keep her brothers alive, and just trying to survive.

+ I loved the world-building with everything mixed together – gladiators, vampires, and magic wilders called Sigilmarked. As Arvelle tries to navigate this world of cutthroat empire politics, and trying to train and survive the trials, I was really enjoying how the story was unfolding. There was even a murder mystery, bodies turning up and also someone trying to bring them back to life to build an army – there was a lot going on! I also loved some of the unexpected plot twists!

+ Arvelle is the main character, but Rorrick, the emperor’s son with a sadistic, ruthless reputation is the one I’m really interested. Speaking of Rorrick, this story story has a slow-burn second chance romance involving another guy but also a potential love triangle in the making?

~ Though the romance isn’t really the focus, Arvelle, has to figure out how to kill the king and save her brothers, I’m bummed that this could be a love triangle between brothers. I have found out this year, that I’m tired of romances involving a girl coming in between two brothers. And I also don’t want this to be a “why choose” because they are brothers! That’s a no for me. I am leaning a certain way already, but hope there’s more interactions between them in book two.

~ Arvelle is a complicated character but I needed more from her. I get that she was wallowing in guilt. Everyone could see she didn’t want to be at the trials, but wow was she so weak. And I am glad she went in with grief, bad memories, and a weak ankle but I needed some grit for her. For someone who relied on her instincts being a bodyguard, her instinct about people trying to befriend, was bad. I wanted growth in the second half of the book, is that too soon?

~ There was a lot going on in this book and most of it worked. The only one plot line that got lost among everything going on is the murder mystery. There are dead bodies showing up around these trials – I loved the reveal at the end, but there is no real investigation in the middle of the story about this important development in the story. Pacing of the story also felt choppy at times.

Final Thoughts:

I binged this book in two days. I loved all the elements thrown together: gladiators, vampires, magic, betrayal and everything else. I don’t love a love triangle between brothers but I’ll be here for the mess, drama, and whatever is going to happen in book two. Hopefully there is more growth in Arvelle and she grows some tough skin, especially because she is among vampires. It’s an addicting read and a fun story. I can’t wait for book two!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

A Court This Cruel and Lovely by. Stacia Clark| Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

My Blade, Your Back by. K.M. Moronova | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Title: My Blade, Your Back (Dark Forces, #2)

Author: K.M. Moronova

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 378

Publication Date: 12/9/25

Categories: Dark Romance, Series, Military Romance

Broken. Lost. Unforgiven.

One month after surviving the Under Trials, Emery Maves finds herself in a world she doesn’t recognize―with a man whose cold eyes are haunted by secrets she can’t remember. Stripped of her memories, Emery is tormented by dreams of danger, death, and deceit. The only constant is the lure of the experimental drug that shatters her mind but leaves her almost invincible―and the dangerous pull of the man called Mori.

Cameron Mortem is fighting a battle he thought he’d already lost. He knows letting Emery in could destroy them both, but her amnesia is a curse neither of them can outrun. Forced together on a high-stakes level black mission that goes disastrously wrong, they find themselves thrust deeply into the underworld of the black market with an unexpected foe.

But as old scars are torn open and hidden plots unravel, Emery discovers she’s more tangled in this world than she ever imagined. And Cameron will have to face the one person he fears most: himself.

Loyalties will be tested. Secrets will be weaponized. Their bond―once forged in blood―may be the only thing that can save them. If they don’t lose themselves first.

Content Warning: death, violence, torture, drug use, amnesia

This is book two in the Dark Forces duology and I just read book one Your Knife, My Heart, just a few weeks ago so it was nice that this one released right after.

I had a few expectations from this book. I wanted to know more about Emery’s life before the military, and we do get that in this sequel, but I feel like we don’t get it until almost halfway into the book. Emery has amnesia, which isn’t my favorite trope, but I really wanted to see her and her family to come in contact earlier in the book. The first half of this book is Emery not remembering Cameron, and integrating herself into the Dark Forces. It was nice to meet the squad though. But I was losing interest in Emery and Cameron’s story.

Things do pick up once Reed comes into the picture and we get a taste of how ruthless Emery’s dad is, giving us a glimpse into how her life before Dark Forces. Reed was an interesting character and there is a twist in the story.

As for the romance, it’s filled with angst because Cameron has self-loathing for what happened at the end of book one. I didn’t love that both of them were taking the experimental drugs, making them both crazy. 😅🤦🏻‍♀️. I didn’t care anymore like I did in book one, which is strange because I just read book one. So I don’t know what changed, but I wasn’t feeling it.

Final Thoughts:

I didn’t enjoy this one as much as I did book one. I think the first half is slow and amnesia isn’t my favorite trope, so that didn’t help. Eventually we get to meet Reed and learn more about Emery’s past life, but I think it happens too late in the story, and I stopped caring. Overall, this was an okay sequel for me.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Your Knife, My Heart by. K.M. Moronova | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Good Spirits by. B.K. Borison | Audiobook

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Good Spirits (Ghosted, #1)

Author: B.K. Borison

Narrator: Karissa Vacker, Will Watt

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Pages: 329 Listening Time: approximately 10 hours

Publication Date: 10/20/25

Publisher: HarperCollins

Categories: Holiday Romance, Paranormal Romance

He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm

Content Warning: complicated relationship with family, death, grief

I listened to the audio version of this book and I have to say the narrators were perfect for this holiday romance. I could hear a smile in their voices. I especially gravitated to Nolan’s character because of the accent and his voice was so playful and charming!

This was a cute and fun holiday paranormal romance but it also had some tough topics especially when it came to Harriet’s family. She has horrible parents. Nolan’s spirit is there to help Harriet figure out what she did wrong in her life, but instead they both realize she’s there to help Nolan’s spirit face some things about his past also.

But Harriet doesn’t do anything wrong in her life, she just hasn’t stood up for herself against her awful mother and family. I felt bad for her because she seems like a nice person, who just didn’t want to cave to family pressure, and yet she’s punished for it. They made her feel unworthy, poor girl.

The romance is really cute, because they are both fun people and it’s spicy. They become close as both of them see each other’s past memories and I love how they had one another for some of the tough things they had to face.

Final Thoughts:

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I really enjoyed this one, especially because I’m not good at reading holiday romances during the holidays. I’m also glad I listened to it as an audiobook because of Nolan’s charming accent! Definitely check it out if you are looking for a holiday romance.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Daggermouth by. H.M. Wolfe | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Daggermouth (#1)

Author: H.M. Wolfe

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 566

Publication Date: 12/5/25

Categories: Dark Dystopia, Dark Romance

He Is Her Ruin. She Is His Rebellion.
The first thing you’ll learn in New Found Haven is mercy no longer exists. Showing mercy is a weakness, and weakness will get you killed.

The second thing is this—the Veyra are always watching. From the highest glass atrium in the Heart to the windowless slum dens of the Boundary, no movement goes unseen.

The last lesson is the hardest, but you must remember it.
Love outside of your ring is a death sentence.

The city is carved into rings of privilege and poverty, ruled by the masked elite who will do whatever it takes to hold onto power.

Obedience is demanded. Rebellion is crushed.

Greyson Serel has spent his life caught between two worlds. Publicly, he’s the flawless heir to the presidency. Privately, he’s entangled in secrets that could topple the regime. But when he’s forced into a political marriage meant to bind him tighter to the governments brutal laws, he finds himself shackled to a bride who is as lethal as she is unwilling.

Shadera is a mercenary raised to kill, not to wed. Yet when her bullet misses its mark, survival leaves her bound to the very man she was sent to eliminate. Trapped inside the corrupt heart of the city, she becomes both prisoner and wife, her every step watched, her every move tested.

Their union is no love story—It’s a battlefield. As secrets come to light and betrayals fester within the walls of power, Greyson and Shadera must decide between annihilating one another or burning the city to the ground together.

In a world where passion sparks rebellion and loyalty is paid for in blood, their forced bond may be the spark that ignites a revolution. Or the fire that consumes them both.

DAGGERMOUTH is a dark dystopian romance perfect for readers who love true enemies to lovers, The Hunger Games, marriage of inconvenience, The Handmaid’s Tale, rise of the oppressed, and political intrigue that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

DAGGERMOUTH is book one of a duology.

Content Warning: death, violence, torture, abuse, misogyny, mentions of rape

Interestingly enough I saw this book cover on Kindle Unlimited and it caught my eye because I didn’t quite like it lol…but I was intrigued? And it had high reviews so my curiosity won out. I’m so glad I got this book!

+ The world building is very interesting, this city is run by the elite that live in the Heart, with outer rings like the Boundary and the Cardinal. Cardinals live to serve the elites in the Heart and the Boundary is considered the trash of society. As Maximus Serel, the President of the Heart, squeezes resources going to the Boundary, there are many people who want to take him down. Shadera, who is an assassin, part of the Daggermouths, takes a contract to kill Maximus’ heir and executioner, Greysen. When things take a turn, this story took me on a very tense journey.

+ The twist and turns in this book, especially in the second half is diabolical! And the ending made me silent scream/gasp (it was late at night and people were sleeping) because I was not expecting it. And then I had to wake up in the morning and read that ending again to make sure I didn’t dream it! 😅 I was speechless. There are so many secrets, and betrayals, I loved it. I also love how this story explored complicated (really messed up) family dynamics.

+ This is told in third person, with multiple POVs. Each character has an important part to play. And even though it’s a big cast, I actually enjoyed getting to know everyone. Every single character in this book was flawed and made me eager to know them. I know Shadera and Greysen are the main characters, but so many others like Lisa and Callum, have meaningful stories and journeys too!

+ There are a lot of dark topics in this book like abuse and oppression – it is violent. It is a story about rebellion. At some points I felt as hopeless as the characters who were fighting against Maximus. He is SO evil. I think he might be the character I hate the most in all the books I’ve read in 2025 – I wanted him GONE. Shadera and Greysen have so much trauma, so many scars, emotional and physical. They thrive and survive on pain. It’s a heavy story, so check the triggers.

+ There is romance – Shadera and Greysen are enemies to lovers, and forced into an engagement. For the most part, until maybe the end there is attraction, but things are complicated and they stay mostly enemies, but come to an understanding. There is more of an emotional connection growing at the end so it will be interesting to see how that plays out in book two. But Lira and Callum, their second chance romance in the ugly world they live in was beautiful and devastating. There is some spice and one scene takes place after a very interesting, chaotic scene!

~ There were some typos but I didn’t mind it too much. This whole story takes place in like a week, which is crazy! Yes, there is groundwork done by Maximus, terrorizing people in New Found Haven, so we come into the story when people are fed up and trying to dismantle his reign of terror. It starts when it’s all staring to unravel and the rebellion is about to go down. We learn who is in on it, but there are some people who didn’t get enough book time that I wanted to know more about. I hope we get to explore more of these characters in book two.

~ I’m hoping there is no love triangle. Shadera does have someone she is close to in the beginning but she’s someone who doesn’t let anyone in close emotionally. I am team Greysen right now, because I want to see their relationship grow, they’ve been through a lot of chaos and trauma together, in one crazy week. So I feel like there needs to be more time between them.

Final Thoughts:

I could not put this book down and I was stunned by the end of this book. This story started off tense and then it ended in a way that left me flabbergasted. I literally had to cover my mouth and let out a soft gasp/silent scream at the end of this book (people were asleep in my house). I even woke up in the morning the next day and reread that ending to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. 😂 My heart was broken, but also I was shocked and I feel like with all the books I read, that’s hard to do to me. 😅 I was highly entertained and I cannot wait for book two.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Uninvited by. Nancy Banks | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: The Uninvited

Author: Nancy Banks

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 288

Publication Date: 12/16/25

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal, Vampires, Suspense

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Delacorte Press for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A YA paranormal fantasy about vampires in the Paris underground, where a young woman’s bohemian dream turns into a chilling nightmare. Now her survival hinges on bringing to light the city’s darkest and deepest secrets.

When 17-year-old Tosh Reeves moves from Portland, Oregon to Paris, it’s a dream come to life. The city embraces her with its street-life, iconic architecture, and infinite gustatory delights. There’s even a charming expat boy, Nick, who introduces her to sights tourists never see.

From medieval catacombs to the viciously competitive street art scene, Tosh’s immersion in Paris makes her feel wholly alive in a way she’s never before experienced. She belongs.

But when a series of brutal vampiric attacks creeps closer to her new circle of bohemian friends, Tosh will confront the darker side of her beloved Paris, and learn how deeply monsters can strike at a young woman’s power and heart.

Content Warning: violence, assault, death

+ Tosh and her father has moved to Paris, France for his job. She falls in love with Paris and I love how we get to experience it with her especially as she goes to different places like the catacombs, meet all kinds of people, experiences the art scene and most of all, the food!

+ I liked seeing Tosh, make new friends and really make a new life for herself in Paris. She’s lost her mom to cancer as a child, and her Dad takes off for work a lot so this friend group becomes a found family for her. Except there is one person in that group that comes off a little bit aggressive. He reminds her of another guy from home who she has bad memories of.

+ As for the vampire attacking girls in Paris. I did feel the suspense of wondering who it may be – there is a danger on the streets of Paris and there were many times that I felt Tosh wasn’t safe. The scene in the catacombs was suspenseful, and just knowing that Paris has a place like that underground just brings in the creepy and eerie factor. I like how this issue of a vampire attacking girls brought up the bigger theme of girls being attacked by men in general. Tosh has had experience with this at home, with a regular boy from school and in a sense, when she deals with this vampire it’s a means of taking her power back.

~ I think the story started off strong but felt like it slowed down in the middle. I was waiting for more information about this vampire. Is it real? Was it just someone pretending to be a vampire? We don’t know until later and the story picks up when the vampire is exposed. But I wanted more about the vampire! The ending did feel a little rushed though.

Final Thoughts:

I loved that this story was set in Paris – it brought cultural exploration, architecture, history, art, and food – I was living vicariously through Tosh’s experiences! But not only was Paris this beautiful place in this story, it was also dangerous because of a vampire roaming around and they go to eerie places like the catacombs. I definitely felt the suspense! As for the vampire, I wish there was more about it. But I liked the message I got from this story which is females shouldn’t have to be afraid to be outside and alone! Tosh has experienced fear with a human boy and a vampire boy but this time she takes her power back. I think teens and young adults will enjoy this one!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Not in My Book by. Katie Holt | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Not in My Book

Author: Katie Holt

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 320

Publication Date: 12/10/25

Categories: Romance Contemporary

Rosie Maxwell has a move to New York, get her creative writing degree from NYU, become a bestselling romance writer. But that plan is derailed when she ends up in class with her archnemesis and ex-crush, Aiden Huntington, an obnoxious, surly, unreasonably gorgeous literary fiction writer who has no patience for romance – or for Rosie.

Exhausted by Rosie and Aiden’s constant verbal sparring, their professor gives them an leave her class, or cowrite a novel that blends their respective genres.

As Rosie and Aiden collaborate on their (accidentally steamy) novel, they try to put their differences aside. Could their manuscript-in-progress be just the outlet they need to confess their feelings – and explore their mutual attraction?

But a potentially career-changing opportunity soon reignites the flames of their old rivalry. Rosie and Aiden’s once-in-a-lifetime love story is once again at risk of being shelved – unless they can find a way to end the book on their own terms…

Content Warning: complicated relationship with parent

+ I had borrowed this book last year and didn’t get a chance to read it. So I borrowed it again because I needed to read a contemporary romance and this hit the spot!

+ Rosie and Aiden are writers taking a workshop class at NYU. Rosie writes romance, and Aiden writes literary fiction. They do NOT get along. They fight so much that their professor asked them to drop of out of her class or they can stay but work on a story together. This forces them to hang out together and work out their differences and it mostly works.

+ I loved the secondary characters: Rosie’s friends, her roommate and also her family. I loved the Peruvian representation since Rosie is half.

+ The romance was very rivals to lovers, almost enemies to lovers, but the tension is so strong that their attraction is as strong also, which made the spicy scenes unexpectedly spicy! Who knew Aiden had it in him 😅. Throughout the book I didn’t think he would turn out to be a dirty talker in bed! When they eventually give one another a chance, they have a fun and lovely relationship.

~ Aiden is grumpy and Rosie is sunshine but sometimes they both got on my nerves! The third act break-up actually made me so pissed off at Aiden that I didn’t want her to go back to him. But also, Rosie, really went off accusing of him of lying when really if they could just both control their tempers and talk, things wouldn’t have had to take a dramatic turn. He did do a big gesture at the end so I eventually forgave him but yeah both of them got on my nerves at times!

Final Thoughts:

I’m glad I finally read this book and I enjoyed the rivals to lovers, academia world (writer’s life), the setting of New York and how it also had some holiday scenes. Sometimes their fighting was immature or they could have had better communication but overall, I enjoyed the story.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Seven Deadly Thorns by. Amber Hamilton | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️

Title: Seven Deadly Thorns

Author: Amber Hamilton

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 11/4/25

Categories: New Adult, Romantasy, Fantasy, Dark Academia, Paranormal, Snow White Inspired

In the cursed Kingdom of Aragoa, the punishment for magic is death.

Even the students at Vandenberghe Academy aren’t spared. When Viola Sinclair’s deadly shadow magic is discovered, the queen gives her assassin a new assignment and a new cursed tattoo: seven-thorned rose on his arm for the seven days he has to hunt Viola down and kill her. If he doesn’t, he will be the one to die.

The assassin is Roze Roquelart–entitled prince, arrogant fellow student, and the one person Viola hates more than anyone. Roze should revel in the chance to end her life, but he desperately needs something from Viola and her magic. And he’s willing to spare her life–and fake their engagement–to get it.

Forced to work together, Viola and Roze must contend with deadly threats, dangerous secrets, and an impossible attraction. Will they give in to their deepest desires, even if it means destroying Aragoa–and risking both their lives?

HER WORST ENEMY. HIS ONLY CHANCE.

Be swept away by the sizzling, irresistible enemies-to-lovers romantasy with magic more destructive than your darkest nightmares.

Content Warning: violence, death, body horror

+ I didn’t realize this was a Snow White inspired story until I was reading it. Funny that the MMC’s name is Roze of all things (lips as red as a rose – yes his poisonous lips are red and he loves to eat apples). Viola is a student at Vandenberghe Academy and she’s hiding that she is a meiga (witch) to avoid being killed by the Queen but it’s hard for her to control her shadows. When the Prince, Roze, who is the Huntsman is assigned to kill her since the Queen already knows what she is, he gives her a chance – he won’t kill her if she can help him find out who killed the King, his father.

+~ I think there is a lot going on in the story. A little bit of romantasy, horror, paranormal – all thrown in. Also, there is a matter of a secret society that Roze is a part of and Viola demands to know the secrets of. World-building is really interesting because a war with another kingdom basically trapped them in their own kingdom, the Mists, keeps them in. I think most of it worked, but I did think the last few chapters was kind of wild with everything going on. It went off the rails and fast.

+ There is a cute gargoyle pet named Waffles. 😍. Viola as a character, she’s feisty and stubborn, and killing people accidentally a little too much. Someone needed to teach her control, but there was no one really. The Queen is evil and she has a magic mirror, but the twist I enjoyed was Roze’s sister being the “dwarves” but here they are vapid princesses. Everyone is under the Queen’s power, except Roze, who sometimes defies her.

+ The romance is enemies to lovers and the animosity between them is very present in everyone of their interactions. There is a fake engagement between them to help with the plan of Viola helping him find out who killed his dad. Roze’s touch is poison so there is no spice until it comes on all of a sudden near the end. I was not expecting any spice which is why at first I thought this was YA. I bumped it up to NA after that spicy scene.

Final Thoughts:

I liked the enemies to lovers romance and the Snow White inspiration. I think there is a lot going on but I kind of went with it. Overall, even with the wild ending and twist, I think this was an entertaining story!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Wings of Ash & Flame by. Jocelyn Bleu | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice:

Title: Wings of Ash & Flame ( Winged Wars, #1)

Author: Jocelyn Bleu

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 594

Publication Date: 9/25/25

Categories: Fantasy, Academia, Romance

Rivals by design. Lovers by choice. Enemies by destiny.

Alaire Aerendyl has survived by her fists, her wits, and sheer defiance. An orphaned human, unjustly imprisoned by the powerful fae houses that rule her world, she’s never truly known freedom—only how to fight for scraps of it.

So when she’s offered a place at a brutal fae academy known for its deadly magical trials and bonded mythical winged creatures, she doesn’t hesitate. Freedom is worth any risk.

Alaire is meant to fail. But when she bonds with a legendary phoenix, reviving the long-lost House of Ashfyre, everything changes. Memories awaken. Magic stirs. And Alaire becomes the target of powers far darker than she ever imagined.

Bound by duty, fae prince Dawson Knox is broody, lethal, and infuriating. Forced to train alongside him, Alaire finds herself pushed to every limit. He’s the last person she should trust…and the only one who makes her burn.

The blistering tension between them is a distraction she can’t afford. Because the academy’s trials are merely preparation for what lies ahead, war is brewing between the fae and vampires, with humans caught in the crossfire. If Alaire can’t uncover the secrets of her past and conquer her traitorous heart, there might not be a future worth fighting for.

Content Warning: violence, death, survivor’s guilt

+~ The world in Wings of Ash & Flame is one with Fae and humans, and vampires are the enemy. There is a lot of world-building and lore. A lot of the beginning of the book is spent in class lessons and training. But I think because there is so much of it, this story does feel like is has a slow start. I felt like the book was a mix of other popular series out there, but instead of say, dragons, this book as different winged creatures like Griffins, Owls, and a Phoenix. I like the different creatures a lot! The story does start of slow and it doesn’t pick up by very much but I did like the medium pace it held. I thought the ending had a nice twist.

+ Alaire is an orphan, surviving on the streets when an act of courage – saving a boy from the whip of a Fae, lands her in prison. She’s given a chance to leave prison and enter a Fae Academy, but without real answers as to why she, a human, is allowed to study and train there. I think the missing information was a little bit frustrating and again, made the beginning slow because there was little information coming from the Fae who wanted her at the academy. At the academy she is threatened and bullied, but Alaire is a voice for the humans – so she lets it be known as much as she can, how awful humans are being treated by the Fae. I like that she’s strong. She does have survivor’s guilt and missing memories though, so she does have moments of self-loathing and low self-esteem. She hides it by appearing very tough.

+ I enjoyed all the action and scary creatures that Alaire had to encounter in this book. There is also some politics. I also liked some of the secondary characters like her new best-friend Kaia. Archer is also part of their crew, but I don’t feel like he stands out a lot.

+ ~ The romance is a very, very slow burn between Alaire and a Fae Prince, Dawson. It starts off as enemies to lovers, but then they are paired up as partners. There are moments of tension between them, some bickering, him exerting his authority over her, and she being stubborn – but then he would be gone from chapters. There is one kiss near the end of the book and that’s it. I just wanted more. There’s is a forbidden love and it will be interesting to see what happens next.

Final Thoughts:

I can’t say there is anything really new in this fantasy that hasn’t already been written by other authors in this genre, it’s filled with lots of tropes but it’s an easy read and I did like being in this world. I did enjoy the different flying creatures. I also enjoyed the action and fights between dangerous creatures, there are deadly trials also. I did guess Alaire’s past but I still liked seeing it play out. The romance might be too slow of a burn for me and I wanted more spice but I think the ending made sure I will want to read book two!