A Bargain So Bloody by. Vasilia Drake | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: A Bargain So Bloody (Kingdom of Dark Magic, #1)

Author: Vasilia Drake

Pages: 498

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Publication Date: 6/30/25

Categories: Romantasy, Vampires and Witches, Series

She’s trapped in a magical prison. To break out, she’ll make a deal with the most dangerous prisoner of them all.

Sentenced for a crime she didn’t commit, Samara is bullied by guards and tormented by the screams of her fellow prisoners. She’s resigned herself to enduring her fifteen-year term… until she learns that the freedom she’s been promised is the cruelest lie of all.

Now she’s faced with a choice: resign herself to dying in the cold walls of Castle Greymere, or do the unthinkable and escape. But no one leaves Greymere alive. So to break out of the prison? She’ll have to use one of the undead.

Raphael is the worst kind of a vampire with a thirst for blood, the mortal enemy of witches, the same breed that killed her mother. And most importantly, he’s unspeakably powerful, his supernatural strength tamed only by the enchanted cuffs forced on him.

He’s her only chance at a life outside the prison walls.

The deal is Samara unlocks his shackles, and he’ll help her escape. But although Raphael agreed to help her leave Greymere, he never promised to let her go…

A Bargain So Bloody is the first book in an exciting new romantasy series, perfect for readers who love slow burn romance with morally grey heroes who fall first and hard and heroines who find their own strength.

Content Warning: violence, death, self-harm

World Building: There is a Witch Kingdom that is surrounded by Vampire Kingdoms and we get to spend time in the Witch Kingdom and the Western Vampire Kingdom. Samara has been a prisoner at Greymere, since she was a child. She is a null (no magic) and she’s basically the prison master’s slave until a prisoner appears and makes a bargain with her so she can help set him free. I was very intrigued with this world of vampires and witches.

Characters: Samara and Raphael escape the prison and go on a a quest to find a grimoire. They are both morally grey characters which made things very interesting. Sam has a secret past though, where she has memories of her mother and another life but we don’t know much more than that. She also hates vampires deeply and being with one opens her eyes to her enemy. Raphael is a powerful vampire, and realize he is more than he seems. There are some other interesting characters like Thea and Demos.

Romance: There isn’t much romance, this is very much a slow burn and enemies to lovers because Sam hates vampires. But I liked seeing them get to know one another, their banter and the tension between them. It’s a vampire romance, so there are some sensual scenes that had to do with blood drinking but not spice. I think it’s evident though that Raphael feels something strongly for Samara, and what I love about him is he gives her space. I did want more to happen, but it was a quick read.

Story: I like the world building, and the escape from the prison. I thought Sam and Raphael were interesting characters. The romance was slow but I didn’t mind because Samara was exploring Raphael’s home and finding out about vampires, grimoires and witches. I enjoyed the friendship Sam builds with Thea. There is a twist at the end that made me read book two right away.

Final Thoughts:

It did feel like nothing much was happening in the book after they escape from prison but I still felt like it was a quick read. I love a vampire romantasy though especially when the vampire falls first. It’s a slow burn romance between Samara and Raphael and I enjoyed the build up. I also found the world building interesting and look forward to reading more books in this series.

Read if you like:

slow burn
vampire romance

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Queen of the Night Sky by. Amalie Howard | Audiobook Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Title: Queen of the Night Sky (Starkeeper, #2)

Author: Amalie Howard

Pages: 480

Listening Hours: 15 hours (approx.)

Narrator (s): Ramiz Monsef; Anais Inara Chase

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Publication Date: 3/16/26

Categories: Romance, Series, Romantasy, Why Choose, Fantasy

The sequel to The Starlight Heir and the epic conclusion to the romantasy duology that Rebecca Yarros calls, “a breathtaking, sexy romantasy full of twists and adventure.”

The Kingdom of Oryndhr has been saved by the will of the Royal Stars. But King Roshan, once Sura’s best friend and chosen love, has changed. She can sense corruption growing in him, and her own magic is being twisted by his command to dangerous ends. As dreams of her strange shadow guardian return in force, she is left unsure of her path—and of her heart.

When an attempt on her life leads to her rescue on the back of an azdaha, the dragon-like creature she once thought a myth, Sura truly finds herself in uncharted territory—in a land far beyond Oryndhyr’s borders. Everlea is full of magic, ruled by the deadly and enigmatic Night King, Darrius. And to Sura’s shock, Darrius is none other than the man in her dreams…and possibly her soul fated mate.

As a prophecy unfolds, the old gods awaken, and a war between kingdoms looms, Sura has no she must fully embrace her destiny as Starkeeper and the entirety of her power before it’s too late. But all power comes at a cost…and darkness has a way of slithering into the smallest spaces.

Content Warning: death, violence

+ I read The Starlight Heir (book one) in the beginning of last year so I’m not going to lie, I didn’t remember the characters much. I had to read my review of book one to jog my memory but I didn’t feel hampered by now remembering everyone and everything that happened. This story takes place right after the events of book one and I did have some questions about a mysterious character, but he definitely shows up in this conclusion.

+ Sura is powerful now that she is by Roshan’s side as his intended bride, but as he is trying to get the business of ruling his kingdom under control – he in turn is starting to control Sura. There is an amnesia trope in this story which I didn’t mind.

+ There were hints of a possible love triangle in book one, but it comes to fruition in this book. I will say though, the author did let the relationship build with the mystery man, Darrius, until she brought back Roshan in to make it a Why Choose romance. Darrius is the Night King, he is a shadow daddy and he has a beast inside him. And honestly, with the way Sura is, I felt like it fit her to be in a throuple with both men. She loves both of them, and they love her, and I like how they were just open to it instead of competing for her. There is some hot spice, but surprisingly it’s mostly at the end of the story.

+ I did enjoy the politics between the different kingdoms. There are secrets, and a betrayal I wasn’t expecting at all. I thought getting to know Everlea and the Night King was very interesting. I also like the world building and how the world opened up outside of Oryndhr.

+~ The narrator for the female voices did a beautiful job. But the male narrator I had some issues with in that he sounded so dramatic that I kept giggling when his voice came on! I think he did a pretty good job as Roshan, but when he was Darrius – oh my…it was too much, too cartoonish? I couldn’t stop laughing which made it worse during the spicy scenes! 😅

Final Thoughts:

I thought this was a good conclusion to the duology. There was action, the world opened up, secrets, betrayals, romance and some very spicy scenes. The narrators for the most part did a great job – I just wish the male voice for Darrius wasn’t so exaggerated, but I still enjoyed the story.

Read if you like:

Why Choose spicy romance
world-building
betrayal

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

The Starlight Heir by. Amalie Howard | ARC Review – 3.5 stars

Book Review | The Beast of Beswick – 4.5 stars

Dominion by. Jean Kwok | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Dominion (The Silk and Iron Trilogy, #1)

Author: Jean Kwok

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 7/14/26

Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons

Categories: Romantasy, Series, Chinese Mythology

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

Thank you to G.P. Putnam’s Sons for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In a world divided into four rival Dominions, power is everything—and Rubi Morningtail has almost none. Three years after the Annihilation destroyed her homeland and shattered her memories, she lives as an Azure refugee in the Dominion of the Silver Tyger, scraping by as a ribbon dancer and hiding her little bit of singing magic. When she wounds a massive battle tyger on her doorstep, she draws the notice of Blake Axefire—supreme metal mage, leader of the royal tyger warriors, and the last man an Azure should trust. His sentence? Cast her into the Bonding, a brutal trial where tygers choose their riders and slaughter the rest. Surviving is unthinkable.

But survive she does. Now she’s stuck on Blake’s elite team racing to reseal the Anchors to the demon realm. With rebels striking, demons rising, and the Dominions at each other’s throats, Rubi must unlock the truth of her magic and her past…while resisting her dangerous attraction to the ruthless warrior who could be her redemption—or her ruin.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: I like a lot of things about this world. It is based on Chinese mythology, it has magic, and dominions with different elemental magic. Each dominion has lore and their own rulers. There is a traumatic event in the past that destroys one dominion and now everything is in chaos as the Serpent Lord is trying to surface and take over the world. There is also a prophecy – so yes there came a point in my reading where I thought there was a lot going on.

Characters: Rubi is a dancer, with amnesia. She loves her close friends like Edith and Quinn. But when a tyger from Silver Dominion comes into her life, her whole world changes. I did like her skill as a dancer and singer (that’s where her magic is) but her past is a mystery until the end. I did like that she had some fight in her. Blake is the Silver king’s Twin Blade, basically his second in command and soon to be heir. But Blake is put into the worst of positions when it comes to everything in his life, poor guy. For the most part I liked every character I met in this book, and I was suspicious of some, including Blake. I love Flame, who is Rubi’s tyger.

Romance: The romance was predictable, but I was still enjoying how Rubi and Blake fall for one another until things take an unexpected turn at the end. Which makes me curious about what will happen in book two! I loved their interactions and loved them together, even if it seemed they fell in love too fast – I had a theory about it, but the ending disproved my theory. I’m interested to see what the author does with this romance! I am conflicted because of what happened at the end of this book.

Story: I think this story starts off really strong. It’s easy to read, even though there is a lot of world-building but it’s written in a way it’s not hard to grasp. But things start to get out of control when too many things start happening and some things felt rushed. There is a big to do about an event called the Culling, where warriors will be selected to help repair the dominions to keep the Serpent Lord out – but the Culling wasn’t much of an event. It was anticlimactic, which was disappointing. I did love the ending where there was more action and reveals and twists. But I did read this book in two sittings, it was hard to put down. It’s fast paced, and I thought it was a fun read because of the tygers. The synopsis compares it to Fourth Wing and The Hunger Games, but I think it’s more comparable to Dire Bound.

Final Thoughts:

I thought this was a fun read and exactly what my brain needed at the moment – something easy to read and consume, not bogged down with heavy world-building. It has magic, interesting kingdoms (dominions), romance, spice and some secret reveals. It has found family and tygers that mind speak. I especially loved all the action at the end. But there were some things that felt rushed in the story, especially big events, which I wished was more focused on. I still liked it even with all the issues, because I kind of went into it not wanting to think so hard so I just went with whatever was happening. The ending kind of blind-sided me but that makes me just more eager to read book two and find out what will happen with Rubi.

Read if you like:

magic, tygers, demons
bonding, trials, pairing (mates)
romantasy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Raven at the Ash Door by. K.A. Linde | Audiobook Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Title: The Raven at the Ash Door (The Oak and the Holly Cycle, #3)

Author: K.A. Linde

Pages: 586

Listening Hours: 16 hours (approx.)

Narrator (s): Stephanie Németh Parker

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Publication Date: 6/16/26

Categories: Romance, Urban Fantasy, Series, Romantasy

Can love survive an unbreakable curse?

Kierse McKenna’s magic is bound to a man she hates―one who has spent lifetimes fighting the man she loves.

To end this binding, Graves―her winter god, her monster―will stop at nothing. He discovers that the only hope of freeing Kierse is to locate a stone relic of legend, rumored to lift any curse.

The only problem? The stone has been missing for a century.

And the Oak King is on their trail.

Now Kierse is trapped at the heart of a centuries-long battle while the rest of the world comes unraveled. The Fae Killer is hunting. The peace with monsters is fracturing. And as the very rules of their myth start to shift, escaping the Oak King’s hold may demand more than stolen artifacts and clever heists.

For Kierse and Graves, it may mean risking the only thing they have left to lose.

Content Warning: death, violence

+ This is book 3 in the series and in my review of book 2 I said I was not going to continue this series. Why did I? Well I needed an audiobook to listen to while completing a 1000 piece puzzle 😅 but honestly…I was genuinely surprised at how much more I liked this book than the first 2. And I think it’s because the story has come together now – but I wish it didn’t take 3 books to make that happen. I did hear this is a 5 book series.

+ Kierse is working with Graves to find the stone that can help break the soul mate bond with Lorcan. While on the search for this stone though there is another subplot in connection with Fae being killed and now sorcerers too? So the fun part about this story is the urban fantasy setting plus the found family that Graves and Kierse has reluctant put together. The heists in the book really shows off everyone’s skills. Kierse is excelling in being a thief as usual. Graves, the mastermind of the group, was always researching and plotting. Lorcan, Kierse’s soul mate who refuses to leave her, was there for some of the action too just to keep her safe.

+ There is a lot of different magic use which was interesting and then the whole thing about the trees. I’m amazed I kept interested in the audiobook with so much going on. Usually I would lose interest, but I did think the magic system was fascinating.

+ The narrator did such a great job with this large cast. She had all kinds of accents too – really fantastic job. If I read this as an ebook I might have found it slow but she really kept me invested in these characters.

+~ I did like Kierse and Graves together and seeing their relationship move forward. They get pretty spicy also. But at the 80% mark of the story, things started to feel like the book was getting a bit too long. The romance is a never ending love triangle where Kierse explicitly chooses and loves Graves, but can’t deny the bond with Lorcan too. So that was driving me a little bit crazy – almost to the point of annoyed by the end of this book because things will just be swinging the other way again in book 4 and I don’t know if I have the patience for it. I feel like Graves is her end game, so why prolong it? I will say the series name The Holly and Oak Cycle, makes so much since because that’s what this series feels like especially in terms of the romance – it’s a cycle! One that I kind of want stopped. 😅

~ Also near the ending of this book, I was getting annoyed with Kierse. Yes she’s a badass thief, great, but there are times she just doesn’t listen. And that leads to some disastrous consequences at the end.

Final Thoughts:

Surprisingly, I enjoyed this one more than book one and two. I’m not sure if I will continue the series or just wait until the last 2 books are out. I like the urban fantasy setting and the found family, but the romance is a little frustrating.

Read if you like:

love triangle
urban fantasy
found family
heist

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

The Robin on the Oak Throne by. K.A. Linde | Audiobook Review – 3 stars/2 🌶️

The Wren in the Holly Library by. K.A. Linde | Book Review – 3 stars

Light Wielder by. Rachel Schneider | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Light Wielder (Fire & Metal, #2)

Author: Rachel Schneider

Pages: 485

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Publication Date: 6/9/26

Categories: Romantasy, Series

It’s been four years since Jovie betrayed Acker, fracturing their relationship. Her decision to take King Edmond’s magic, sparing his life at Acker’s request, has sparked a brutal war. The Kenta and Strou forces ally against the Roison and Alaha, with Maile perched dangerously on the edge of their battles.

Jovie is determined to keep the innocent Maile people from a conflict she helped start―even if it means suppressing the Matching Bond and sacrificing any hope of repairing her relationship with Acker. Yet, visions of him continue to haunt her dreams.

Acker is resigned to aid in his father’s war while in an arranged marriage with a wife who detests him. Though still pained by Jovie’s deception, he can’t stop his thoughts from turning to her. And Acker has found a way to slip into Jovie’s dreams despite her attempts to stifle the Matching Bond. There he watches her, torn between his loyalties and desire.

When he discovers the chilling reason behind the return of his father’s magic, as well as Edmond’s dangerous new alliance, Acker must finally decide which war he wants to fight: the one for his king or the one for his heart.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Four years have passed and Acker and Jovie are living separate lives. Acker is married, but the Bond with Jovie is undeniable. Jovie is queen of Maile and doing a great job of it too. We are back in this world of politics and magic, but this time Acker realizes his dad really does need to be taken down and works to make that happen.

Characters: Acker is stuck in a loveless marriage and still drawn to Jovie because they are each other’s Match, and he goes and gets her. Jovie is actually doing well as queen of Maile, which was nice to see. Of course when the two of them are together there is drama because of what she did to him in book one. I did like the secondary characters, especially Messer and Beau.

Romance: If you don’t like having one of the main characters married and still wanting someone else, then this isn’t for you. It’s messy! I didn’t love that Acker was married to someone else. Acker and Jovie are enemies especially after what she did to him at the end of book one. Acker is married but it is a loveless marriage and he still wants Jovie. Both of them still want each other badly, but also are okay with having revenge hookups with other people, which again, I don’t think I loved. But I was actually surprised how tame the spice was in this book between Acker and Jovie. I was also maybe hoping for more of the emotional connection between them.

Story: I enjoyed the politics. I don’t know how I feel about the time jump – it’s a 4 year time jump and I feel like it definitely let Acker deal with his anger towards Jovie off page. I was expecting more enemies to lovers interactions between them but felt like he worked on the anger issues by the time the story starts. There are some strange things that happen in the story, one involving a spicy scene, but I guess I should not have been surprised!

Final Thoughts:

I think this was a pretty good follow up to book one, especially after the major plot twist that happened in that book. I just don’t think the 4 year time jump worked for me in this one. I think it’s too long of time gone by – but it did bring a calmer than expected Acker into the story, I suppose? But I wanted to see what a betrayal would have done to him right after. By the time they reunite, I feel like Acker has accepted everything and he just wants Jovie. At least Jovie feels bad about what she did. I did enjoy the politics and I think Messer was a stand-out character and maybe his story will be told next?

Read if you like:

magic
enemies to lovers
politics

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Metal Slinger by. Rachel Schneider | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

Blood Bound by. Ellis Hunter | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Blood Bound (Cursed Covenant, #1)

Author: Ellis Hunter

Pages: 485

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Publication Date: 4/28/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Series

A debut high-stakes fantasy romance trilogy set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between rival witches and dragon riders as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Quicksilver.

You duel or you die.

Astrid has always known she is destined to die. She is the last Nachstern witch and heir to the Queendom of Arturea, cursed by a centuries-old covenant to duel the heir to the Kingdom of Vatra for the source of all magic: the Heart. And now Astrid’s time is up. She is heading into enemy territory to face Prince Zryan, the most powerful dragon rider in eons, with only her familiar, her potions, and her wits to aid her. She is going to die, and any chance her queendom has of curing the Blight that’s ravaging the lands and killing her people will die with her.

Meanwhile, deep in dragon country, Skylar and her travelling troupe arrive in Vatra’s capital, ready to profit off the legions of spectators swarming to the city ahead of the duel. She despises the royals and all they stand for, especially as the King’s guard murdered her mother. But when her best friend disappears, suspected to have been taken in the conscription, her search takes her closer to the royals than she ever could have imagined.

As the duel looms over the kingdom, Skylar and Astrid’s fates intertwine. They must battle a growing rebellion, their inner demons, and ultimately, those they love most, to determine if together they will save—or doom—their world.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: A duel for possession of the Heart is about to take place between the witch princess, Astrid and the Vatra heir, Prince Zryan. Until plans change. This fantasy world is filled with magic, dragons, and familiars.

Characters: Princess Astrid has trouble casting her magic so she thinks she will die, because she can’t fight Zryan and his dragon. But when things change and Skylar (Zryan’s sister he never knew existed) becomes the one to beat well, the relationship between Astrid and Skylar is the main focus, which I enjoyed since they were opposites – destined to try and kill one another, but becoming friends instead. I did want more from Astrid though because she was training for this duel but she just seemed to be resigned to be the one to die. Zryan comes off like a heartless, cruel prince but there are layers to him too.

Romance: It’s an enemies to lovers and there is an instant attraction between Astrid and Zryan that they fight naturally since they are enemies. They can’t fight for long though and there is some spice between them. I did wish there was more build-up between them.

Story: This story is told with 2 POVs – Astrid gives us the insight into witches, their world, magic and familiars. Skylar gives us the POV of a citizen of Vatra who has been suffering in the kingdom, who hates the king, and wants better for the people. It’s got the usual romantasy factors like rebellion, and enemies to lovers. I enjoyed the familiars, Bastet, Astrid’s familiar was funny! But I do think the pacing was off for me, with some things being repetitive and it just made the story move slow. It took me a few days to read because I kept putting it down. It felt like a young adult book at times also, so that was throwing me off.

Final Thoughts:

It took me a little too long to finish this one because there were many times the story felt like it moved too slow, or felt like a young adult novel (but I was expecting adult). But I did enjoyed the second half much more than the first and I like the familiars. What I really loved was the friendship between Astrid and Skylar that grew even though they were supposed to kill each other. Despite the issues I had with it, I was still entertained but not sure if I would continue the series only because if felt to young adult when I was expecting adult.

Read if you like:

magic, witches
dragons and familiars
sisterhood
romance

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Caged by Fallen Crows: Part Two by. Ava Larksen | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: Caged by Fallen Crows: Part Two (Of Crows and Thorns Saga, #3)

Author: Ava Larksen

Pages: 330

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Publication Date: 6/10/26

Categories: Romantasy, Series

The first threat looms—the Crowthers’ desperate need for a Goods Appraisal.

The Crowthers are running out of time.

They must secure a Horned God’s demand for a Goods Appraisal—and claim the god‑forged weapon Byron refuses to surrender, a crucial piece in their relentless path toward the Blacksmith.

There’s only one place certain to ignite a Horned God’s interest.

The Emporium.

A sinister, macabre bordello.

An underrealm of ruthless power, dark secrets, and decadent desire.

And the perfect arena to weaponize their leverage and force Byron’s hand.

But the Crowthers have forgotten one truth.

Nelle Wychthorn bows to no one.

Content Warning: violence

World Building: Back in this fantasy world where there are Gods, portals, and a young woman who is caught in this conflict between powerful families.

Characters: All I’ve been waiting for the past two books is for Nelle to get stronger and act on her rage, and for Graysen to get on his knees and fall for Nelle. 😅. Graysen is softening towards Nelle, he can’t help falling for her, but he is also in the way of his aunt’s revenge plans – so they need him out of the way. Nelle, is stewing in her rage but this girl is really trapped in this cage the Crowthers have her in. I’m just waiting for her to break out!

Romance: Graysen finally falls! It’s what I was waiting for since book one since most of their relationship was sexual. Nelle definitely feels for him but she isn’t saying it yet and I’m glad because Graysen and his family needs to do some therapy and begging for forgiveness with how they treat her! I’m still waiting for Nelle to go on her revenge tour. But I’ll settle for Graysen and Nelle to find happiness in some way with one another.

Story: Finally…this is what I wanted from book one – more plot and less smut. I don’t hate the smut, but I just wanted more storyline and we finally get it in this book. Graysen’s aunt is vile and wants him out of the way so she can basically do whatever she wants to Nelle. I didn’t even blame Nelle for doing what she does to Graysen’s brother! Graysen is on a mission for the Horned God Sirro, and I like that we get to know him better even more in this story – like his devotion to his best friend but him falling for Nelle also. Though we get close to figuring out what happened to Graysen’s mom, we still have nothing concrete. There is still more to learn about – especially with the mysterious group – Children of the Harbinger.

Vibes: Romeo and Juliet but with lots of revenge.

Final Thoughts:

Finally got more plot than smut in this 3rd book of this series. I will say this series so far has been addictive even though I didn’t love certain elements in book one. I have been hooked on Nelle and Graysen’s journey together as enemies to lovers. I don’t know how I feel about Graysen’s family – I know they are loyal and doing things to find his mom, and that’s devotion and love – but the things they do to Nelle, is unforgivable in my eyes so I am very eager to see how this ends! I still want to know more about certain parts of this story and hope we get all of it in book four.

Read if you like:

warring families
Gods
betrayal, mystery

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Caged by Fallen Crows: Part One by. Ava Larksen | Book Review – 3 stars/2 chilis

Bound in Inked Flame by. Ava Larksen| Book Review – 3 stars/2 chilis

Dhampira by. Amy Pennza | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Title: Dhampira (#1)

Author: Amy Pennza

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 6/16/26

Publisher: Ace

Categories: Romantasy, Why Choose, LGBT+

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

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

A long-lost noble of the ruthless vampire court discovers she might not need to choose between her two suitors in this blood-pounding new romantasy from the USA Today bestselling author of the Bitten and Bound series.

Corinthe has spent a lifetime longing for excitement outside her sleepy human village. As a dhampir born of a human mother and vampire father, her unique abilities make her desired by those who lurk across the Feyline—the boundary that keeps the magical realm in perpetual twilight where vampires hold dominion. To stay safe, she’s concealed her supernatural strength and taste for blood from her human neighbors, but when her yearning for excitement accidentally exposes her gifts, she is captured to sell to the highest bidder.

Terrified, she expects the worst. But rescue comes in the form of Vander, a handsome stranger who whisks her from the auction stage and across the Feyline . . . where he reveals himself to be a vampire knight of King Rasimir’s court. Notorious for his cruelty, the deranged king is determined to extend his rule to the farthest reaches, and Vander has been tasked with delivering Corinthe to him.

Now a pawn in the vampire court, Corinthe learns that Rasimir intends to marry her off to the arrogant Prince Lorcan and exploit her daywalking abilities for his own gain. But a wedding isn’t the only obstacle in her path to freedom. While Vander burns with dangerous charm, Lorcan watches her with hungry eyes. And both men claim they can help her—if she can trust them.

Content Warning: violence, death,

World Building: Corinthe is rescued by a vampire, Vander, and her world is changed forever. The world in Dhampira is full of fantasy and different species like vampires, werewolves, witches, trolls, pixies, elves and so much more. Even though it’s full of these species and creatures, I didn’t feel like there was heavy world-building. There is magic use in this story which was interesting but also at times confusing, because it had to do with root words. But the world itself was straightforward where there is a land called Nocta ruled by a vampire king, and there is a secret rebellion against him.

Characters: I did find Corinthe interesting – she learns more about her past when she is brought to Nocta. She has to learn to deal with the vampire king, who is going mad, but also she is arranged to be married to Prince Lorcan. Lorcan and she don’t really get a long at first but that changes later on. She’s more friendly with Vander, who is the captain of the guard and who she shared a journey with to Nocta. Both men play a significant role in her growth, they train her and they both feel something for her. I do wish there was more depth to some of the characters like Vander, or we got to learn more about Corinthe’s mom. At the end we get to meet some important werewolves and witches but maybe there will be more in the second book.

Romance: This is a Why Choose romance, and Corinthe is very open to her situation with Vander and Lorcan. Vander is playful and mischievous, much more light-hearted. Lorcan is closed-off, more cold. I do think the love confessions came a bit too quick, it was at the end of the story, but I feel like maybe it could have waited? Would have loved more of a build-up. But I’m happy it works out for all parties involved. Because it’s a Why Choose romance, the spicy scenes are quite spicy if you aren’t into threesomes.

Story: There are some vampire politics, a secret rebellion, and lots of training for Corinthe but for some reason, but I do wish I felt the danger more from the king. The story moves quick but it does have the usual romantasy tropes. I do wish to learn more about the werewolves and the witches.

Final Thoughts:

This story has a lot of the romantasy elements and tropes – magic, politics, rebellion, different creatures and species, a spicy why choose romance and for the most part I enjoyed it. I would like to learn more about the world – the elves, werewolves and witches but hopefully in the books to come.

Read if you like:

why choose romance – spicy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Malachite by. Ashley Andersen | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Malachite (#1)

Author: Ashley Andersen

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 5/7/26 | on KU 4/29/26 | on B&N 5/19/26

Publisher: Hachette New Zealand

Categories: New Adult, Dark Academia, Romantasy, 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 Hachette New Zealand for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Malachite is the start of a dark academia romantasy series that gives you enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, elemental powers, forced proximity, found family and the perfect amount of spice…

Malachite. Opal. Agate.
Three stones, three powers, three magical units.
Choose your unit … and hope that it chooses you back.

Arianell Nocthare has been waiting her whole life to enter the prestigious Valmora Academy, where students prepare for war by honing their elemental magic in one of three units. But there are two problems facing Aria on the night of her initiation ceremony. Firstly, her family has been cast into disgrace after her brother was executed for allegedly killing four students in an attempt at dark magic. Secondly, so far Aria has been unable to summon any magic—and being magic-less in an academy where everyone wants to spill your blood is a dangerous game. How will she enter the unit of her choosing and survive without a scrap of power?

Facing blatant scorn from every angle, especially from her brother’s best friend (the tall dark and lethally handsome, Sebastian) Aria is determined to clear her brother’s name and seek justice for his death. Forging a tentative and fraught relationship with Seb, she begins to uncover some terrifying truths about the academy. And a revelation about Aria’s power throws her world into chaos…

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Set in a fantasy world where stones give you power, I did enjoy this world a lot though it is mostly set in Valmora Academy. I thought the academy was an interesting place because of the three factions: Malachite (warriors), Agate (academics) and Opal (healers). Would have like to see them work together and learn about different powers but for now because it’s book one the story focuses on Arianell’s training and surviving the school where her brother died and was accused of killing other students. The ending explains much more about the academy and it’s origins.

Characters: For most of the book this read like a young adult novel, so I’m saying this is upper YA because there are spicy scenes. Arianell’s brother, Lukas, died at Valmora, leaving him a bad reputation as a murderer. But she only remembers him as the best brother she ever had and she wants to know what happened to him. Sebastian was Lukas’ best friend but he is far from friendly when Aria ends up at the academy. He is angry, hostile, mean and cruel to her but I like how Aria deals with bullies, and with him – she doesn’t give up and there is so much growth for her in this story. I love how she goes from hurt and weak to strong and brave. I also love seeing her make new friends with Tilly and Xavier.

Romance: This is a slow burn. Aria has had a crush on Sebastian for a long time so she is confused as to why he hates her now. And for most of the book I didn’t like how he treated her, so I am glad that she doesn’t fall for him right away. She questions her feelings of how she felt about the old Sebastian and seeing for what he is now, the one that has been hurting her – and she has to decide if the reason he is acting that way towards her is a forgivable offense. Because she wants him, but can she forgive him and I like that she tries to work that out instead of falling for him right away. There are some fun steamy scenes.

Story: I would have rated this higher if only the transitions between some paragraphs were fixed. I didn’t know if some sections were supposed to be separated into chapters – it made for a jarring reading experience at times because I had to read back to see if I missed something. So maybe because this is the arc – it will be fixed in the final copy? But other than that I was immersed in the story even though there were times I needed to be patient with Aria and her growth. Also, I felt like it took awhile to find out anything about Aria’s brother since no one wants to talk about him, Sebastian was keeping too many secrets. I loved the twist at the end and the ending feels like the world is going to sort of open up in book two – would love more world building.

Vibes: dark academia, girl who’s powers haven’t manifested, brother’s best friend but enemies to lovers

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I actually really enjoyed this one because I love gemstone powers, also the enemies to lovers romance progressed nicely though some communication and trust would have helped Aria and Sebastian out. I loved the friendship with Tilly and Xavier but the ending has a pretty entertaining twist I didn’t see coming and I want to see what happens next.

Read if you like: