Their Will Undone by. R.J. Valldeperas | ARC and ALC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Their Will Undone (#1)

Author: R.J. Valldeperas

Format: eBook (NetGalley) and audiobook (netgalley)

Pages: 368

Publication Date: 6/2/26

Publisher: HarperCollins

Categories: Historical Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, Series

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

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

When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire.

In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives.

When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept.

Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.

Content Warning: violence, death, sacrifice

World Building: Set in a fantasy world inspired by Incan culture, I love how lush the world building is with the different words (use the glossary in the back), the customs, religion, mythology and politics.

Characters: Kasik is sent by the emperor (his friend) to retrieve a certain young lady to be his wife. But Kasik isn’t given all the information and when he meets Nina, she is always fighting him. Nina is a young woman who is trying to protect her sister, but she’s taken to be the emperor’s new wife and she feels like she has no choices. She finds out she has powerful magic and later in the story her female rage makes it’s appearance and changes her from someone with no choices to being someone to be feared and deadly. I thought it was fascinating to see what she would do with her powers. There are some other characters that stood out like the empress and the emperor that lended to the political intrigue going on in the later half of the story.

Romance: This is a forbidden romance between Kasik and Nina. She’s retrieved to marry the emperor but on their harrowing journey together, they are attracted to one another. Kasik knows he can’t have her, and Nina knows there is not hope between them, but it doesn’t stop him from yearning for her which I loved. By the second half of the book he will do anything for her. There is no spice, just some really lingereing looks and thoughts about one another. But I still enjoyed it that way since they can’t be together and makes me want to know what will happen in book two.

Story: Kasik is tasked to retrieve Nina and we get to know both of them on this journey. Kasik is loyal to the empire, Nina is trying to save her sister and figure out her deadly magic powers. I feel like Nina’s character goes through a few transformations and it was very interesting to see go from powerless to powerful and what she chooses to do with that power. I enjoyed the world-building a lot though I had to use the glossary to understand some things. And I really enjoyed all the political intrigue that was happening when they are all at the palace.

Narrator: I did have a hard time getting into the ebook because of all the words I had to look up in the glossary but once I started the audiobook I was sucked into the story! The story has dual narrators and they both were great, but at times I felt the male voice sounded softer than the female – her voice was crisp where his sounded just softer.

Final Thoughts:

I found the world-building lush and really loved the political intrigue especially in the second half. The narrators did a great job keeping me invested in the story and it makes me want to read book two to see what happens with Nina and Kasik!

Read if you like:

forbidden romance
political intrigue
Inca inspired world building
magic

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Queen Crowned in Flames by. Hazel McBride | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: A Queen Crowned in Flames (Bonded to Beasts, #2)

Author: Hazel McBride

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 480

Publication Date: 5/26/26

Publisher: John Murray Press

Categories: Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Duology, Dragons

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

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

The rightful queen and her fire-breathing dragon must fight against corruption and overcome the betrayal of the man she loved in the searing conclusion to the Celtic-inspired fantasy romance duology that began with A Fate Forged in Fire.

Aemyra Daercathian is a queen on the run. Having failed to take Àird Lasair and betrayed by her husband-whom she grew to trust and ‘and was beginning to fall for during her time in captivity-Aemyra is forced to retreat with a raging desire for revenge. But before she can settle the score and fulfill a sacred promise to kill Fiorean, her forces must rest and replenish their strength.

No one can know the truth.

Even though Aemyra has a fierce dragon and a large army of elemental wielders called Dùileach standing behind her, she has lost what’s most important to her-her fire magic. Haunted by her love for her enemy, and unsure if she is even goddess-blessed anymore, Aemyra vows to do right by her people. Even if that means she must make a new kind of alliance, one that could mean winning back her kingdom. At a cost to her heart…

From the ashes, Aemyra must emerge a new kind of queen, but will she be the dawn for her people or the fire that burns everything to the ground?

Content Warning: death, violence, war, torture, religious trauma

+ I read book one last year and loved it! I was so ready to jump back in this world and I’m so glad I remembered everything and the characters. It starts off right after the events taking place after that cliffhanger ending in book one. Aemyra is in retreat, her friends and family are hurt or killed, her husband has betrayed her. The things they did to her at the end of book one was heinous and I was 100% on her revenge tour. Aemyra is trying to win her throne back against religious extremists. It will either push her to extinguish her enemies or force her to actually be a Queen for all of her people, even the Convenanters who worship their one true God. Aemyra’s growth and journey is everything in this story – from being broken and distrustful, to learning to open up again, accept help and reclaiming her power. She becomes the Queen she was meant to be!

+ I love how cutthroat this story with the war preparations and planning, and all the action during the battle scenes. It’s a hard fought war, with many death on both sides. There is even some betrayal. I love the dragons and how fierce they are, and their connection to their riders but I’m also glad it’s not the type of story where we see the dialogue with the dragons. I love that there is a connection to the rider, but the rider can sense emotions and see images but not necessarily talk to them.

+ The romance almost turned into a love triangle, but not quite. There is a new clan we meet in this book and a potential new husband for Aemyra, Thear, but how can that be when Fiorean is her husband? But after Fiorean betrayed her I knew if he ever came back he had to crawl back and beg forgiveness. As the story unfolds though, we find out it’s not that black and white. And Aemyra and Fiorean are true enemies to lovers because both sides have done something to hurt the other, and the biggest bridge they had to cross was forgiveness. I loved how everything unfolded. It was emotional and they had to confront a lot of things together. There is spice, but it’s well done, not too much, just enough because Aemyra and Fiorean’s connection is more than just lust.

+ I love the relationships in this story. Aemyra and her twin, Adarian, have a close relationship. And as mentioned, her new relationship with Thear. A thing that stood out to me that was unexpected was Aemyra’s relationship with her father in this story. He’s always been hard on her and we see it again here but it changes little by little and this time there is more chance for their relationship to grow and I loved that.

Final Thoughts:

This is an amazing conclusion to this great duology! I love this series because it gives House of Dragon vibes, it’s cutthroat, violent, Aemyra is a strong FMC. I could not put it down. I was emotionally invested, everything played out like a movie in my head – the tension, the war planning, the battles, the betrayal, the relationships, the romance, the struggles to overcome fear and grief and forgiveness. And the way it ended – perfection! I hope there are more books in this series someday.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

A Fate Forged in Fire by. Hazel McBride | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies by. Breanne Randall | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Curses, Keys, and Secret Societies (Sisters of Light and Shadow, #2)

Author: Breanne Randall

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 5/26/26

Publisher: Dell

Categories: Contemporary Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Series

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

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

Dark secrets. Deadly choices. A destiny that can’t be outrun. Welcome to Shadowcraft Academy.

Eléa Deniz has dreamed of her home in the French countryside for the last four years after nearly dying in the Forgotten Forest. But when she finally returns, she finds the estate has become host to the Shadowcraft Academy, an elite graduate school where a world of mysteries and power plays await. It’s there she discovers a secret about her magic that’s not just a threat to the established order, but a prophecy that could change everything. What’s worse, her father is the school’s enigmatic and ruthless headmaster with an agenda of his own—one that could tear their world apart if she can’t find a way to stop him.

As alliances shift and her power is tested, Eléa becomes torn between Alex, her stoic first love whose loyalties are as murky as his past, and the brash, irreverent Logan, who challenges her to see herself in new ways. Faced with her father’s schemes, a secret society, and the weight of her own magic, Eléa must decide: Will she embrace her fate, or fight to reclaim her power and forge her own path? Destiny is calling… and it demands a price.

Content Warning: violence

+ This is book two in the Sisters of Light and Shadow series, book one being Spells, Things and Forgotten Things, which I enjoyed. I didn’t expect book two to go in the direction it went, but I did find it an interesting read.

+ Eléa is back home, after being with her brother Lucien in book one, where he falls for a Lightcrafter. Now with Eléa home in France, she finds that her father has created a Shadowcraft Academy and that she is in enrolled. I was surprised with this direction of the story but I went with it. She takes classes learning how to control her magic and makes lots of new friends. I liked the diversity of the characters.

+~ There is a romance between Eléa and Logan, an American student. But there is a big twist in the romance storyline that I was not expecting at all and didn’t totally love. It’s interesting, for sure, but I thought it was strange why it had to happen that way. But Eléa and Logan do have some fun chemistry and flirting, plus a few steamy scenes.

+ Eléa and her friends are trying to find ways to take down Wraiths and she learns something is different about her magic. There are some secrets about her family and betrayal, with some action here and there.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I didn’t expect that book two would be an academia storyline and it did help me explore Shadowcraft but I think I still liked book one more than this one. I did like the diversity in the cast, and the flirtation in the romance, but overall I think this one fell a little bit short for me.

Read if you like:

magic
found family
interesting twist in romance

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

Spells, Strings and Forgotten Things by. Breanne Randall | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Fury Bound by. Sable Sorensen | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Fury Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #2)

Author: Sable Sorensen

Pages: 608

Format: ebook (own)

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy, Series, Wolves

Revenge demands sacrifice. Don’t miss this action-packed, jaw-dropping, dark and romantic sequel to Dire Bound.

CROWNED BY DESTINY. CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE.

Against all odds, Meryn Cooper has inherited the crown—and a deadly war. As the Kingdom of Nocturna splinters under the weight of generations of lies, it is up to Meryn, her bonded direwolf Anassa, and their allies to bring the country back from the brink.

But the commoners, the Bonded, and the nobles are distrustful of their new queen and Meryn is caught in a deadly game of politics. Meanwhile, Meryn’s beloved younger sister, Saela, is more at risk than ever.

Confusingly, the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion—the dark, dangerous Alpha she thought hated her as much as she loathed him. Yet, his loyalty is unshakeable. His presence is intoxicating. And with his guidance, Meryn can seize an unthinkable level of power.

With enemies closing in and shadows stirring in her dreams, Meryn stands to lose her kingdom—and her heart.

Blood will spill. Bonds will break. Fate will be tested.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Back in the world of Dire Bound, Meryn needs to prove she can be the new queen of Nocturna. But Killian isn’t giving up his throne that easily. Meryn doesn’t stay put in Nocturna though because there is a quest in this story. It brings her, Stark and her crew across the last to Astreona where we get to learn more about Siphons (vampires). So there is a lot of travel in this story but I like that the world is opened up, especially when it comes to learning about Siphons and gods and goddesses.

Characters: Meryn is trying to assert herself as queen even if she doesn’t really know what she is doing – but there are a lot of challenges in the way. One challenge is to convince the packs to stay with her, which is tough because many are loyal to Killian. Also, Stark’s mother, comes in and takes over things, trying to assert her authority while Meryn is new to being a queen. So Meryn has a lot to deal with, along with figuring out how to help her sister who is now a Siphon. I hope there is still more growth because some of her actions were questionable. Stark is true to his word and sticks by Meryn’s side throughout everything and their relationship grows a lot but something happens that will make book three very interesting. I think one of the new characters I enjoyed a lot was Lucien, who is King of Astreona and a Siphon.

Romance: There is romance because it’s hard for Meryn and Stark to deny the bond and yes there is spice, but I didn’t feel like they had chemistry for some reason. Maybe I just wanted more banter between them or more scenes, just more build-up? More tension, more yearning – Not sure. I am glad they got together, but I was expecting more. Now what happens in book three after the ending though? We shall see!

Story: I thought it started well, with Meryn trying to figure out how to convince people to accept her rule. But Killian is a problem and then the story goes in a new direction with the Siphons, gods and goddesses. I didn’t mind where the story went and actually thought Lucien was an interesting character and the whole quest of finding Tears was interesting. There is more politics, and the world opens up. But I do feel like the pacing was off a bit. There were times I was into the story and then some moments it lost me so I would put it down to come back to it. I also didn’t like how some characters were being killed off – because I didn’t feel the emotions of the loss from Meryn. I think overall the story lacked emotionally connection. The ending is a plot twist I wasn’t expecting and not sure that I love but I guess we’ll see what happens in book three.

Final Thoughts:

I think this sequel was solid and there were some things I liked and others I didn’t. I think what it was missing most for me was emotional connection. Also, I was expecting more from the romance and though I like that it progressed, I felt like the tension and yearning was missing. I did enjoy the politics, and how the world building opens up. The ending is a very interesting plot twist that I don’t really love, but I’m willing to read book three to see how it plays out.

Read if you like:

wolves and vampires
romantasy
political intrigue

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Direbound by. Sable Sorensen | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

When the Light Returns by. Joanna Ruth Meyer | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: When the Light Returns (The Winter Dark, #2)

Author: Joanna Ruth Meyer

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 463

Publication Date: 5/12/26

Publisher: 47North

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series

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

Thank you to 47North for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A deposed king and the powerful captive of a corrupt queen join forces in a sweeping fantasy of romance, magic, and redemption in this sequel to While the Dark Remains.

The long winter dark has been banished for good, and the mountain palace of the late king should be a sanctuary for Ballast Vallin, who has just assumed the throne. Instead, it’s a torment. Held to account for the sins of his father, Ballast must relinquish his crown and all claim to Daeros, the kingdom for which he risked so much. Worse, Brynja—his father’s former captive, the woman he loves—is the one who forces his hand.

Disgraced, Brynja is sent to Iljaria, a kingdom imbued with ancient magic. There she finds herself at the mercy of Queen Valrún, and is forced to aid in the queen’s quest to claim all the magic long thought irrevocably bound to the gods.

But then a shocking revelation about Ballast’s past brings him to Iljaria—and to Brynja. Together, amid secrets, magic, and betrayal, they must challenge the power-hungry queen to a battle that could ruin the world or remake it. For Brynja and Ballast, their most invaluable weapon is hope.

Content Warning: violence

I did not re-read book one and I highly recommend you do, because I had a hard time getting into this book.

World Building: Brynja goes back home to Iljaria but the reception she gets is not what she expected at all. Now she has to convince the queen that she isn’t a traitor. Ballast loses his kingdom and goes to find Brynja. There is a lot of politics in this one, and a lot of the story takes place in Iljaria. Also the magic system wasn’t something I could get into either, there was a lot of things for me to remember – and it just wasn’t sticking in my head.

Characters: I struggled to connect with the characters because there are a few POVs. I was familiar with Ballast, Brynja and Saga but was trying to remember the other characters. The world opens up to IIjaria so it was interesting to learn about the queen who rules there and Brynja’s tense relationship with her brother.

Romance: The romance between Ballast and Brynja have always been sweet and with some time apart in this book, they eventually continue that romance. There is no spice. There is also Saga’s romance but I wasn’t as invested in it.

Storyline: I struggled with this story because of all the time jumps. It’s all very random and complicated too, which took me out of the story. Plus the pacing was slow so I did not get into this story at all. The parts I did enjoy was Ballast and Brynja, and then plot twists were good too – I wasn’t expecting that at all.

Final Thoughts:

If you enjoyed book one, I think you will enjoy this one but I do recommend doing a re-read because I struggled. I did like seeing Ballast and Brynja grow and their romance is sweet. I also liked the plot twist. But I couldn’t get into the story because of the time jumps. I think if the timeline was a little more straightforward I would have enjoyed reading this more.

Read if you like:

political intrigue
no spice, romantasy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

While the Dark Remains by. Joanna Ruth Meyer | Audiobook Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Between Tides & Thunder by. Leena Kazak | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Between Tides & Thunder

Author: Leena Kazak

Pages: 496

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 3/31/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy

She was raised to hate him. Now she shares his bed.
Princess Mayah of Tundrayn isn’t allowed to want. Not freedom. Not love. Not even her own future. Instead, she’s spent her life healing others’ pain and swallowing her own. But when her father strikes a fragile alliance with enemy-kingdom Arbinj to crush a rising rebellion, she is bartered into a marriage she didn’t choose for a crown she doesn’t want.

She expects a prince. She gets the Dark Commander.
Zevayr is ruthless, unyielding, and a stormwielder with a reputation soaked in blood. He is everything Mayah was taught to fear. Yet as they race across rebel-torn lands, the less certain she is of where the monster ends and where the man begins.

In Arbinj’s glittering courts, the Rebellion surges and dangerous secrets stir from Mayah’s past—secrets that could shatter her kingdom, and her heart, if she lets them.

The question is not if Mayah will betray, but who: her people, her love, or herself?

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Two warring kingdoms, Tundrayn and Arbinj, have a choice – unite now against the Rebellion or keep killing one another. Mayah is a princess of Tundaryn and her father has arranged for her to marry Faramir or Arbinj but it’s his brother, Zevayr that comes to fetch her. In this world there are non-wielders of magic who are just known as commoners and each kingdom has a way of dealing with them. There are also magic wilders of elemental powers, Mayah can hearl, Zevayr can call storms. So I did enjoy the magic system and the different kingdoms. There is one other kingdom though that gets mentioned but we don’t see much of.

Characters: Mayah is very outspoken, she’s a healer but we also find later on that there is more to her than what she portrays in the first half of the book. There were times I was frustrated with Mayah and I did not blame Zevayr for his anger when things really go down between them. Zevayr, is the Dark Commander who’s killed so many people during the war, but he’s a good guy who is patient with Mayah and gives her all the space she needs. Both of them have had trauma because of the war.

Romance: This is low on spice, but high on steam! There is so much yearning and angst between Mayah and Zevayr because they are enemies, but during their journey to Arbinj they get sort of close. It is such a slow burn I almost thought there would be no time for any spice between them but I think what made up for it was their relationship journey. There is betrayal, and it’s a hump they have to go over and work through but it does feel like there is no chance for them. But their declarations of their feelings are intense and made up for the lack of spice I think. I did love them together.

Story: I was kind of addicted to this story, it really does take you on an emotional journey. And there was a moment where I was totally mad at Mayah. 😅 I loved Zevayr, but Mayah tried my patience at times. The plot twist did feel like it was for shock value because it comes out of nowhere, but I went with it. As for the story, it was more light on the world-building and political intrigue also. It is a standalone and things are neatly tied up at the end when it comes to the villains, but I think I wanted more from the villains. Kind of wish this was a series!

Now some of the writing starts kind of bothering me in the second half. I’m having a “thing” right now about the nicknames characters use for one another. And “baby” was used a lot in this book because he teases her that she’s a big baby…but then it becomes a nickname, and for some personal reason of mine, it just felt too modern speech to me. It kept making me cringe. And then the battle scenes at the end where everyone has to use their powers but food is the fuel for their magic –I thought it was hilarious that they were fighting and then Zevayr would should bread in her mouth to help keep up her energy to use her magic! 😂. It’s not supposed to be funny but it was kind of crazy how they were eating and fighting. I was like, what is going on?!

Final Thoughts:

This is a standalone romantasy that has magic, a slow burn romance, yearning, betrayal and I found it addictive even though at times the FMC was frustrating. I do wish it was a duology at least so that the wild ending didn’t seem rushed, and there were some things about the writing that I didn’t gel with but overall, it’s one of those books that I just found entertaining despite the issues.

Read if you like:

slow burn romance, yearning
elemental powers
secrets, betrayal

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Verity Guild by. Mai Corland | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Verity Guild (#1)

Author: Mai Corland

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Mystery

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

Thank you to Entangled: Red Tower Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Secrets built this republic; one truth could burn it down.

High Priestess Kerasea Vestal has spent her life hiding the truth―that she’s the last surviving heir of the magical bloodline the republic slaughtered. One wrong step could be fatal. But when a senator is brutally killed and a temple blade is found at the scene, all eyes turn to her.

Praetorian Torren Morvane has made a career of dragging liars into the light, and Kerasea is the one person he’s vowed to ruin. But locked on a mountain with a murderer, scheming senators, and a prophecy of death, he’s forced to work at her side. The closer he gets, the more dangerous the truth―and their attraction―becomes.

With traitors closing in and a nation on the verge of shattering, Kerasea and Torren must risk everything to uncover the real killer…even if it means trusting their sworn enemy.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: The setting is inspired by ancient Rome, which was really intriguing. Unfortunately we don’t get to know much about the world except what happens in the conclave, where most of the story takes place. Though it is set in a place where select powerful people are secluded to conduct votes and business, it really made a good setting for this murder mystery story.

Characters: High Priestess Kerasea is a powerful woman but she’s hiding a dangerous secret. Torren is the head of the Praetorian guard and he is investigating a murder and one of his suspects is Kerasea. He has some conflicting feelings about her and the both of them are forced to be together in conclave, with a murderer on the loose taking out very powerful people. I really enjoyed Torren’s friend Julian, who I didn’t feel like I could trust though but that added to the tension and mystery.

Romance: The romance is a slow burn. Yes there are some feelings between Torren and Kerasea, mostly because he hates her but also is obsessed with her. Kerasea can feel his animosity but there is a murderer to catch. The tension grows between them, especially since they don’t know if they can trust one another. There is a spicy scene at the end which was nice because the tension was building but their positions of power are really complicated so it will be interesting to see what happens between them.

Story: This is a murder mystery so everyone is suspect, which was kind of fun. There were some slow parts but I chalk that up to being a mystery, which usually moves slowly but everything picks up in the second half. Also, I thought Kerasea’s secret was intriguing and cannot wait to learn more and see what happens with her character. There is a cliffhanger ending though that definitely makes me want to read book two.

Vibes: who dunnit but Roman inspired

Final Thoughts:

I haven’t read a murder mystery like this in awhile where it’s a who dunnit in a closed setting and it’s even more interesting because it happens in a Roman setting and during a conclave. The tension between Kera and Torren adds to the atmosphere plus Kerasea’s secret. The ending is a cliffhanger and I will definitely be reading book two.

Read if you like:

who dunnit mystery
roman inspired, conclave
slow burn, enemies to lovers

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Five Broken Blades by. Mai Corland | Audiobook Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Four Ruined Realms by. Mai Corland | Audiobook Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox by. Katrina Kwan | Audiobook

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Legend of the Nine-Tailed Fox

Author: Katrina Kwan

Narrator(s): Feodor Chin, Eunice Wong, Eric Yang

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Pages: 320 Listening Time: approximately 10 hours 10 min

Publication Date: 2/24/26

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio

Categories: Fantasy, Chinese Mythology, Romance

Yue may be the last of her kind. At night, she stalks the streets of the capital city of Longhao, luring in unsuspecting victims with the mask of a beautiful woman, then consuming them in her true form of the nine-tailed fox.

When she is captured by a powerful demon hunter named Sonam and banished to Hell, she manages one final act of revenge: dragging him—and two of his subordinates—down with her.

Now trapped in an abyss with unimaginable terrors, they’ll need each other’s help to navigate Hell and bypass the gods who preside over each circle, each of whom presents the group with a unique and deadly challenge. Forced to depend on one another as they claw their way out of the underworld, both demon and demon hunter discover that there might be more to the other than meets the eye.

Content Warning: violence

World Building: Tied into the Chinese mythology of Chang’e (the moon goddess) and Hou Yi – Yue is a demon nine-tailed fox disguised as a beautiful young woman when she is wearing a mask. When demon hunter, Sonam, captures her and they banish her to hell, she drags him down with her, with a few of her guards. So most of this story is set in hell, with different tests they have to past to try and get out! I thought it was a fun venture through hell meeting these different Star Gods in hell and seeing Yue, Sonam and crew fight their way out.

Characters: I love Yue! Yes she’s a demon but she has heart, and it’s been broken. She has rules, she doesn’t eat children, and she’s such a fighter. Sonam is a captain of the guard and an infamous demon hunter. These two clash and fight but when they start seeing each other on a deeper level it’s fantastic. I loved the secondary characters too, Sonam’s friend and cousin who is dragged down to hell with them. The maskmaker is a very intriguing character also!

Romance: enemies to lovers with no spice! I was amazed but it totally worked because I was invested in seeing Yue and Sonam fight, and then fall for one another. I loved their banter too. And it isn’t instant because of what she is to him, a demon that he hunts, and what he is to her, a hunter who hunts her kind. But I was so happy when they fall. I love them. I just wish there was a little more than just a kiss, but that’s my personal preference, it really is perfect as is.

Story: The narrators did such an amazing job with this story! I felt like this was non-stop action and I loved it. It made the story move fast which I appreciated.

Vibes/Tropes: enemies to lovers, demon/demon-hunter, deadly trials

Final Thoughts:

I thoroughly enjoyed this story action packed story about a demon and a demon hunter. I was rooting for them to find their way through hell and fall in love in the process and I was not disappointed! I would have maybe loved a little more steam in the romance but that’s just a personal preference, it was still perfect. Definitely will check out more books from this author!

Read if you like:

enemies to lovers
demon/demon-hunter
mythology

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Weavingshaw by. Heba Al-Wasity | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating:

Title: Weavingshaw (#1)

Author: Heba Al-Wasity

Format: ebook

Pages: 464

Format: ebook (Libby)

Publication Date: 2/24/26

Categories: Fantasy, Gothic, Romance, Paranormal, Series

In this debut gothic fantasy, the first book of an enthralling fantasy romance trilogy, a young woman who can see the dead strikes a deal with a magnetic and dangerous purveyor of dark secrets to save her brother’s life.

Three years ago, Leena Al-Sayer awoke with a terrible power.
She can see the dead.

Since then, she has hidden herself from the world, knowing that if she ever reveals her curse she will be locked away in an asylum.

When her beloved brother, Rami, falls fatally ill, Leena is faced with a terrible CHOICE: Let him die or buy the expensive medicine that will save his life by bartering the only valuable thing she has—her secret.

The Saint of Silence, a ruthless merchant who trades in confessions and is shrouded in unearthly rumors of cruelty and power, accepts her bargain, for a deadly price. Leena must find the ghost of Percival Avon, the last lord of Weavingshaw—or lose her freedom to the Saint forever.

As Leena’s search takes her and the Saint to Weavingshaw, she finds the estate and the surrounding moors to be living things—hungry for blood and sacrifice. Fighting against Weavingshaw’s might, Leena must also fight her growing pull toward the enigmatic Saint himself, whose connection to Percival Avon remains a mystery.

As the house begins to entomb them, time is running out on their desperate hunt for answers. For Leena has come to see that here in Weavingshaw, the dead are not hushed—and some secrets are better left buried with them.

Content Warning: violence, death, kidnapping, suicide

World Building: I was so immersed in this gothic atmosphere of Weavingshaw. There is political unrest, and powerful players like the aristos, plus demons and worshiping of saints. One man, St. Silas, the Saint of Silence is one of the most powerful men in this country and Leena needs to make a bargain with him so she can get medicine to save her brother. I really loved the intrigue and secrets that are all over this story, it lends to the dark, gothic atmosphere. And the paranormal elements are fantastic – Leena can see ghosts and her ability is what St. Silas needs. Loved it all!

Characters: Leena loves her brother and she’s a survivor, they both are. But I love how she doesn’t show her fear even though St. Silas is someone feared – he deals in secrets. He has the power to take anyone down. Leena is determined, brave, and gets under his skin. St. Silas has so many secrets and I love how as the story goes on, Leena tries to uncover them. Leena also has a few secrets of her own though. I also love Rami her brother, though he’s a hot-head, and Mrs. Van, St. Silas’ housekeeper who has a history of her own. I love some of the ghosts too.

Romance: This is the slowest burn or slow burns EVER. It kept me hook on the story, as I waited to see if St. Silas would just give in to his yearnings for her. There is just a steamy kiss…that’s it! I think if there was maybe something a little more my rating would have jumped to 5 haha. But I love how she didn’t feel anything for him but fear, until she learns more about him and his actions spoke louder than words. I am kind of relishing the slow burn but I hope in book two, there is a little more steam.

Story: I read this one in two days – I was hooked and could not put it down. I love the gothic romance, the ghosts and deals with demons (they thrive on delicious secrets), the atmospheric writing, the strong willed FMC and the powerful MMC trying to hold himself together. I cannot wait for book two – oh and it has a cliffhanger ending.

Vibes: it might just be me but it was giving me Jane Eyre vibes – the gothic vibes.

Final Thoughts:

I really couldn’t put this book down it had everything I want in a gothic romance, I just want a little more steam but the the yearning, the secrets, demons, ghosts, and atmosphere is just so good. I can’t wait for book two!

Read if you like:

gothic romance
paranomal
dark secrets

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Merry Life by. Sarah Branson | Audiobook

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: A Merry Life (Pirates of New Earth, #1)

Author: Sarah Branson

Narrator(s): Helen Laser

Format: audiobook (audible)

Pages: 328 Listening Time: approximately 8 hours 13 min

Publication Date: 4/9/22

Publisher: Sarah Branson

Categories: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Dystopian, Series

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

Thank you to Sarah Branson for giving me a chance to listen to this audiobook in exchange for an honest review!

Kat Wallace is on a mission. After escaping tortuous enslavement, she sets her sights on ending the human trafficking that has flourished in 24th century Earth.

Adopted by the leader of the pirate nation of Bosch, Kat Wallace is determined to prove herself as a member of the Bosch Pirate Force and use her skills to avenge her enslavement and free other thralls.

But unexpected love and a test of loyalty threaten to rob her of what she wants a home.

Content Warning: mention of -grooming, sexual assault, rape, abuse; slavery, violence, death

I was asked to read and review this book and was gifted the audiobook on Audible. The narrator’s voice was great and really drew me into the story! I don’t usually read sci-fi/fantasy, and I wasn’t sure how I would feel about this one but I was interested in the FMC, Kat Wallace, right away. Just from the beginning chapters alone you know she’s a survivor and she’s going to have one amazing story – and I was right. The world building about this futuristic Earth is very fascinating.

Kat is a thrall, a slave, and she’s trying to escape when Teddy, the leader of the pirate nation of Bosch, saves her and takes her home. She basically becomes his adopted daughter and what a relationship they have from start to the emotional finish.

I was really invested in Kat’s life from being new in Bosch, getting to know Teddy’s family, becoming strong and knowledgable with the goal of taking down the man who owned her and assaulted her. With Teddy’s guidance, his family (her new family), new friends and even a new love life – Kat becomes an amazing woman. Though she doesn’t quite carry out her revenge, I think that’s why this is a series and hopefully I can get around to reading the other books to see what happens next.

Now there were some time jumps that felt kind of quick in the story. Like one day she’s a trainee and next she’s on a mission and it’s almost a year later and these time jumps were jarring. The romance in her life happens fast too – despite her having trauma in her past. Also…maybe this gets brought up more in the next books but Teddy’s operation of selling glitter (a drug), is concerning and Kat brings it up – it’s not okay and she wants to change that but later on seems to accept it as is – but I hope in the next books, she ends this glitter trade. Another thing I would have loved was more pirating in the story.

Final Thoughts:

If you like sci-fi, fantasy and dystopian stories, I think this would appeal to you. I loved the narrator and though it feels like the book just follows Kat’s very interesting life, it glosses over some things that I wish we had more time with like the romance, and the pirating. The world building is great and I didn’t expect the emotional ending. I’m hoping in the next books in the series, Kat gets her revenge though!

Read if you like: