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:

enemies to lovers
dark academia
FMC who goes from powerless to strong

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Seek the Traitor’s Son by. Veronica Roth | ALC Review | Audiobook

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️ (closed door)

Title: Seek the Traitor’s Son

Author: Veronica Roth

Narrator(s): Imani Jade Powers, Max Meyers; Rebecca Soler; Steve West

Format: audiobook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432 Listening Time: Approximately 20 hours

Publication Date: 5/12/26

Publisher: Macmillan Audio

Categories: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Romance, Dystopian, 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 Macmillan Audio for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor’s Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier. She spends her days fighting the Talusar, whose deadly Fever and mysterious gifts threaten her small country’s very existence.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Content Warning: memories of torture, violence, death

+ I haven’t read a Veronica Roth series since the Divergent series and Carve the Mark series (which I never finished but not because it wasn’t good) and I thought why not try this one since dystopian is making a comeback. There are four narrators for this book and it really is an amazing audiobook because of all the fantastic job did they for all the characters. I loved the pacing of this story, I was invested and wanted to hear more even when I stopped it.

+ The world building is really fascinating. It’s a futuristic dystopian setting with spaceships, but I found it really interesting that Elegy didn’t believe in aliens! As the story goes on though, there is a possibility that maybe there is something out there. The Talusar is a nation that is powerful, that worships a virus – and it wants to take over Sedra (spelling not sure because I listened to this as an audiobook). But when people are infected with the virus, they either die or change and gain powers – I thought that was kind of cool. There is a prophecy that the Augurs have given to Elegy, a daughter of Sedra, and one to Rava, a warrior from Talusar. But there is a man named Theren (sp?) who is crucial to these women’s lives. He is from Talusar, but becomes Elegy’s knight until a big event happens. There is a lot Theren goes through to eventually get back to Elegy.

+ There is political intrigue and a race to find out what Rava is up to and also if this prophecy will come true and who will be the victor. Elegy is interesting because she doesn’t want to responsibility of being the heroine in a prophecy, so she has to grapple with that.

+ I love the secondary characters like Hela, Elegy’s sister/best-friend and a bunch of the other characters we meet. It’s a well rounded cast that gives depth to the story. Even Rava, as the villain, is an interesting character.

+~ There is a romance that builds slowly between Elegy and Theren, and I think it’s an interesting relationship because of what he’s been through – he’s a bit broken. And he feels guilt for leaving Elegy in the past. I love that they find comfort in one another, but I don’t know if it happens fast or maybe it’s because I’m listening to it as an audiobook, that I feel like it happens too fast? I might have to read the ebook to get a better feel for it but I was rooting for them until the end.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I really enjoyed this audiobook! The narrators were great and the world building and political intrigue is fascinating. I wish I had the ebook so I could follow the story closer and remember all the characters names, but I look forward to reading book two in this series.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Divergent by. Veronica Roth – 5 stars

Insurgent by Veronica Roth

Allegiant by. Veronica Roth

Carve the Mark – 4 stars

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 Shadows That Listen by. Louisa Carmody | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: The Shadows That Listen (Angel Ruin, #1)

Author: Louisa Carmody

Format: ebook

Pages: 399

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 9/9/25

Categories: Urban Fantasy, Dystopia, Romance, Series

WHO WILL SURVIVE THE NIGHT?

The Shadows that Listen is an unputdownable dystopian romantasy with a delicious slow burn romance, from debut author Louisa Carmody. Perfect for fans of Crescent City and Silver Elite.

It’s been five years since the world was brought to its knees by an immortal war. Daemons crawled from the depths of hell and the sky bled gold as the angels arrived. Humanity thought it was saved, but the angels did not come to protect us.

Amara is a human warrior working for the Angel Intelligence Agency. She spends her days searching for those who don’t make it home after curfew. But when her boyfriend Jeremy goes missing, she decides to venture into the shadows to bring him back. Even if it means death.

Nathaniel is an archangel tasked with leading the destruction of humanity, for which he cares little. He doesn’t have time to protect little humans running around in the dark, especially those who stab him in the stomach.

But Nathaniel and Amara will soon realise they share a foe, one that lurks in the shadows and stalks them from the skies. She might long to kill him, but Amara knows that having an angel at her side is the only way to find the man she loves.

The shadows lengthen. They listen. Who will survive the night?

Content Warning: violence, death, suicide

World Building: This urban fantasy, dystopian world is one where humans are caught in a war between the angels and demons. I was very fascinated with it! Amara is part of an agency called the AIA, they train to fight demons, and try to study angels as much as they can. But they also look for missing people, which happens a lot when curfew kicks in at sundown, when the demons come out. Most of the story takes place on a quest to find Amara’s missing boyfriend, Jeremy and a fallen angel named Cain. So I don’t feel like there was much chance for world-building. We do get some of the angel headquarters in the beginning but not a lot. Would love to see this world open up in the next book.

Characters: Amara is a bad-ass, she is a fighter and we get to see all her skills in action. I love her relationship with Xavier, her only family/friend, he was fun and I wish we had more time to get to know him. But Amara is willing to die to find her boyfriend, Jeremy, with the help of archangel Nathaniel. Nathaniel is the head of the angel legion and he can kill very easily. She and Nathaniel get to know one another as they are reluctant allies during their quest. I thought it was interesting how he was deadly in a fight but had moments where he seemed playful. But a few things test their relationship at the end. Since most of the book is the two of them on this quest, I feel like we don’t meet many other characters.

Romance: There is only a kiss, and nothing else. Amara and Nathaniel do grow close and I enjoyed the banter between them. And yes I totally wanted more to happen but she still has a boyfriend. But after that ending, it will be interesting to see what happens next between Amara and Nathaniel! I definitely wanted more steam hopefully in book two!

Story: This story starts off intriguing but there is a moment at the start of this quest where there is not a lot dialogue. The second half of this book really picks up and is so action packed – I loved the fight scenes, especially because of Amara. Some twists were predictable but I still enjoyed it! And the ending, the secrets? The betrayal? That ending ripped my heart out, made me even tear up. But would love more world-building.

Vibes: angels, demons, bad-ass FMC

Final Thoughts:

I read this in two sittings and that ending ripped my heart in two. I did have some little issues with it but I was totally invested in Amara and Nathaniel, loved the fight scenes against the demons. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Read if you like:

urban fantasy, with dystopian vibes
enemies to reluctant allies
secrets, betrayal

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Crown Me Dead & Crown Me Yours by. Liz Zander | Mini Book Reviews

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Crown Me Dead (#1)

Author: Liv Zander

Format: ebook

Pages: 270

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 4/10/26

Categories: Dark Romance, Dark Fantasy, Series

Wed me. Bed me. Slit my throat.

Born in dirt, raised in rot, I dig graves for the dead, while the living decay around me.

When my brother coughs blood, he appears.

A man too polished for the graveyard, with a bargain too cruel for the Seduce the King. Become the Queen. Die. And my brother lives.

Kael is a nightmare of living ruin, the rotting ruler of a festering realm. And Vale is his shadow, the cold architect of my demise.

One man needs my heart to beat. The other plans to stop it forever.

They think I’m a pawn. But I’m the gravedigger’s daughter. And I know exactly where to bury them.

Welcome to the funeral.

Content Warning: violence, death, body horror, maggots

World Building: This is a dark fantasy where a whole kingdom is rotting, and I don’t only mean the crops and buildings, but the people too. There is a curse that the current King Kael is trying to starve out, he’s supposed to take a wife he loves and slice her throat to feed his crown blood, but he refuses to do it but it means people will rot and die. There is body horror and…maggots. So if you are totally grossed out about both those things, this might not be for you.

Characters: I love Elara. She is always around death because she is a gravedigger along with her mom and brother. She’s not afraid of it and has seen so much of it that it doesn’t phase which makes her perfect to be King Kael’s bride since he is rotting. King Kael is someone who wants to end the curse, he’s rotting, he’s angry, lashes out but he softens towards Elara’s brash attitude and I was enjoying their growing friendship. Vale is a mystery – he’s handsome, and claims he is a steward for the king. His plan, to get Elara to make the king fall in love with her, so he can sacrifice her and feed the crown – which would remove the rot killing everything in the land.

Romance: For a moment in this book I thought there would be a love triangle. Elara is getting to know Kael, but her body wants Vale. And I was all for her attraction to the dark, mysterious man, even though I thought Kael was the nicer one of the two. There is a lot of mystery around both men, and you can never tell who is good or bad, who to trust. There is spice but nothing too overboard.

Story: I could not put this book down and I didn’t realize it was under 300 pages until I finished it so quick! I love Elara and how strong and brave she is. She loves her family and will do whatever it takes, even give up her life to save them from rotting. She gets under Vale’s skin and she befriends the Kael. There are secrets and lies and everything comes to a head in a cliffhanger. But thank goodness book two is out – because I had to read it right away. There were decisions that Elara made that I was frustrated about, but I understand she was trying to play her own game too and survive the situation she was in.

Vibes: dark vibes, some gross moments, but death is all around

Final Thoughts:

I love this book and only lowered my rating because some of the body horror was gross. But I was horrified and couldn’t look away – and I love Elara. I had to see if they could break the curse! It’s why I had to read book two right away.

Read if you like:

dark romance
dark fantasy
secrets, betrayal

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Crown Me Yours (Heartstrings Duet, #2)

Author: Liv Zander

Format: ebook

Pages: 244

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 4/16/26

Categories: Dark Romance, Dark Fantasy, Series

Wed him. Bed him. Slit his throat.

I killed the king.
Crowned myself in his blood,
But the curse still festers.

To break it, I need Death,
On his knees,
A ring on his finger.
My blade at his throat.

The god fights me to the grave,
Evades my touch,
Mocks my wanting.

He would rather tear himself apart,
Than let me close enough to end this.
But I didn’t come this far to lose.
I came to crown him mine.

Welcome to your wedding, my love.

Content Warning: violence, death, body horror

Part two in this duet – this is a love story that makes me cry because what do you mean Elara makes Death fall in love with her? He tries his hardest to not succumb to her but he cannot resist. I love them together. There is spice and banter, it’s less dark than book one – less body horror and there is a battle of wills but Elara is a force.

And the ending chapters which is basically an epilogue? Ugh…my heart! For some reason it was reminding me of Jack and Sally in Nightmare Before Christmas 😅 maybe because of all the skeleton parts of Death when he is revealed as himself. But hello his heartstrings? I could not take it. 💔 What a beautiful ending to this story to show us that love is always worth it, even through loss and pain.

I will say this was shorter than book one and I feel like both books could have been combined since most romantasy books these days are long. I was totally engaged in this story and I really loved it.

Quote from the book:

“You can’t have love without embracing grief. Pain is the price we pay for participating in life.” – Liv Zander, Crown Me Yours

Final Thoughts:

I love this duology which I feel could have just been one book – but besides that, what a story. It’s dark, but so heartfelt at the end. It pulled at my heartstrings. I’ll be looking forward to reading more from this author!

Read if you like:

dark romance
dark fantasy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Us Dark Few by. Alexis Patton | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: Us Dark Few (Us Dark Few, #1)

Author: Alexis Patton

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 321

Publication Date: 5/5/26 (first published: 6/28/23)

Publisher: Bloom Books

Categories: Dystopian, Dark 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 Bloom Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Khalani is a Prisoner
Takeshi is a Guard
Both are slaves to the Underground

Khalani Kanes has never stood on the surface of the earth. In the underground city of Apollo, faith and dreams are as absent as the sun. She longed to visit Genesis, the infamous Domed City and the final place where humanity lives aboveground. But when Khalani is given a life sentence and thrown into prison for a theft she didn’t commit, those wishes shatter into oblivion.

In Braderhelm Prison, murderers are neighbors, ruthless and cold-blooded guards live to punish, and every second is a battle to survive. She thought the danger lay in befriending criminals and avoiding Takeshi Steele, the nefarious Captain who runs her cell block. But darker traps and secrets await her within the shadows of imprisonment. Khalani’s blood will coat the walls in flaming silk before her enemies let her escape to the surface, a feat no one has successfully achieved. If the reclusive and callous Takeshi Steele won’t kill Khalani, then the merciless prisoners and her fractured mind will.

Enter Braderhelm Prison, where only the Wicked remain.

Content Warning: violence, death, sexual assault

World Building: Apollo is a world built underground because of what happened to the Earth years ago. It’s where the poor people live and prisoners like Khalani. Whereas Genesis is a domed city on the surface where there is sunshine and the wealthy afford to live. Khalani is in prison so most of the story takes place there, I think we’ll learn more about the surface throughout the series. Another area that is mentioned is Hermes but we don’t get to know much about that place yet.

Characters: Khalani is an interesting character – she’s lost her parents, now she’s in prison but she doesn’t lose her sweetness in a sense, which made me wish she would toughen up faster so she doesn’t get hurt. She does learn to be harder, and a fighter, but she still doesn’t lose her humanity even with everything she experiences and sees in prison. Takeshi is her prison guard and a captain who is ruthless but he trains Khalani when she dares to ask him. There are some other characters, who make up Khalani’s new found family but would love to get to know them better.

Romance: It’s an enemies to lovers, prisoner/guard romance, and is filled with a lot of dramatic angst at the end. It feels a little young adult at times I think because Khalani comes off sweet and naive, but upper YA since there is a steamy scene but no real spice. But it goes from enemies to lovers to not sure until book two.

Story: Most of the story takes place in the prison where Khalani is adjusting to prison life, but she learns a little bit more about Apollo and Genesis, and even gets to go to Genesis and be around the Governor who seems friendly to Khalani but we aren’t sure why because he comes off evil also. But there is a twist at the end that I wasn’t expecting and sets up for book two.

Vibes: prison break, prison romance, a little bit of poetry (reminded me a tiny bit of Shatter Me)

Final Thoughts:

I think a lot of this story was predictable but it was a quick read. I liked the world building and learning about Apollo, Genesis and I hope we get to learn more about Hermes. The romance is enemies to lovers and for the most part I enjoyed it though it reminded me of some other dystopian romances. I did like the twist in the end and will probably continue the series.

Read if you like:

prison romance – prisoner/guard
prison break
dystopian

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Storm Breaker by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: Storm Breaker (Storm Breaker, #1)

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Publisher: Entangled: Mayhem Books

Categories: Upper Young Adult, Dystopian, Academy, 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 Entangled: Mayhem Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.

A gripping dystopian romance filled with forbidden power, ruthless challenges, and a heroine who refuses to burn quietly―perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games.

Content Warning: violence, death, cheating, domestic abuse, child abuse (physical)

+ I love Nisha J. Tuli’s romantasy books so when I saw she was coming you with a YA Dystopian story I was so grateful I got offered a copy of the arc! If you liked Divergent and Hunger Games, Storm Breaker will bring you back to when YA Dystopia was big. I would say this is more like Divergent than Hunger Games though.

+~ I really enjoyed the world-building in this story. It is set in New Manhattan, after the Warming Age led people to create a Society that brought order in their chaotic community. Society in New Manhattan is ruled by four prominent houses so there is some jockeying for power between these houses, especially between Faima and Aria (at least for now in book one). There is a Storm Keeper who can harness energy from the sky into generators. And a secret that Poet Graves is guarding. Some parts about academy life wasn’t new at all – there is drama, hook-ups, figuring out which house to pledge and doing trials. Poet is already engaged to someone and has a future of a Society wife after the academy but she wants more than that.

+~ Poet Graves, is our FMC, who on the outside has the perfect life being the Scion of Faima’s daughter but behind the walls of their home, there is domestic violence, there is abuse. It’s a scary situation for Poet and she makes decisions throughout this book because of the pressures from her father. So Poet is taking steps to be brave while she is at the academy but the consequences is losing her family and friends. I think Rook, who is a Solitude (someone from the Wastes) was the character I connected to most in the whole story. I do think some of the secondary characters needed a little more depth.

+ My favorite part was the romance between Poet and Rook, it starts off as enemies to lovers (because she only has her prejudices about Solitude and the Wastes) but it grows because they bond over the storms. There is a lot of steam in this one, and the one spicy scene isn’t super detailed. I love Rook because he’s the only one who stands up to Poet’s obnoxious fiancé, Knox. But Rook is a Solitude from the Waste so I think there is just so much more to learn about him, which I’m looking forward to in book two.

~ I don’t know if I went in with very high expectations but I feel like the first half was a bit slower because of the world-building. We get to know Poet, but some things fall apart way too easily in her world, like her relationship with her best friend, Trinity. Why did that break so easy when they seemed as close as sisters? I wanted to see more interactions between them but Trinity pretty much disappears until the end of the story. Or her other friends who was part of the group chat, they just kind of disappeared from her life too. So I would have liked to see more connections to people for Poet. Even her knew friendship with Domino doesn’t feel like much. Things just get way more interesting when she spends more time with Rook and that happens in the second half.

Final Thoughts:

I think this is a solid first book to a new series, where we get to learn about New Manhattan, the storms, the people that make up the Society and the political intrigue happening between the Houses. We also get to see Poet go through her first year in the academy and fight off the clutches of her father’s expectations. I loved the ending where things get a little crazy, but that ending definitely builds up what will take place in book two where this world opens up more, I’m sure. I enjoyed the world-building and romance a lot and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Read if you like:

dystopian stories like Divergent
upper YA romance
an FMC trying to forge her own path
cliffhanger ending

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Artefacts of Ouranos Series:

Trial of the Sun Queen by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Rule of the Aurora King by. Nisha J. Tuli | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Fate of the Sun King by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Nightfire Quartet Series:

Dance of Stars and Ashes by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heart of Night and Fire by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Storm of Ink and Blood by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Queen of Shadows and Ruin by. Nisha J. Tuli | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

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

Student Union: The Undergrads by. Julie Murphy | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Student Union (The Undergrads, #1)

Author: Julie Murphy

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Categories: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Series, Rom-Com

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

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

From #1 New York Times–bestselling author Julie Murphy comes a sexy rom com about a college marriage of convenience that goes way beyond chemistry 101…The first in a trilogy of romance novels that follows a group of girls as they navigate love, friendship, and new adulthood, this is perfect for fans of Elle Kennedy and Hannah Grace.

CLOVER ROWAN WALSH knows The Plan.
1. Get a full ride to her dream school, Wexley University.
2. Conquer the school of business.
3. Say goodbye to the paycheck-to-paycheck life she and her mom have known for years.

There’s just one hiccup. With the first semester rapidly approaching, Clover learns her housing grant has fallen through. But a loophole presents Married couples can live in the dorms for the price of one student. Clover is willing to sacrifice the sanctity of marriage . . . even if it means proposing to the one person she swore she’d never speak to again.

Bennett Andrew Graves is the only heir to the Graves Coffee empire. After spending his first year at Wexley, squeaking by in classes and becoming personally acquainted with the female student body, he is looking forward to living off campus. Until the girl he grew up with (and whom he completely devastated years ago) walks back into his life with the most absurd Will you marry me?

Bennett can’t refuse Clover. He owes her this, but that doesn’t change the fact that these two can barely carry on a conversation without getting at each other’s throats. Forget about sharing a dorm—much less one bed.

But as Clover and Bennett hide the true nature of their marriage, they find that playing house isn’t all that bad—especially with certain marital benefits in the mix. In fact, Clover and Bennett are soon forgetting the most important part of their fake marriage of convenience . . . that it’s supposed to be fake.

Content Warning: strained parental relationship, bullying

+ I’ve read a few books from Julie Murphy and love her work so when I saw this new adult rom-com from her, I had to request it, and I’m so glad I did because I was not disappointed.

+~ Clover has come up with a plan to afford going to Wexley University and having on campus housing – getting married. And there is one other person she knows who goes to Wexley – her ex-childhood friend, Bennett Graves. Bennett is gorgeous, rich and once upon a time her best friend until they grew apart. This story is told in 2 POVs though, so we get Bennet’s POV too and that boy is crazy about Clover, which I adored because it’s his POV where we get the yearning. Their romance was so good, and the spice too even though I thought getting married at 19 and 20 is too young, I couldn’t help love watching the two of them experience college and a marriage of convenience. I like how they had a talk about it when their contract of marriage was nearing it’s deadline though. Also, side note about Clover, love that she is a plus-sized girly!

+ This is set in college and I think it captures dorm life pretty well with the strange and unique people you meet – where some will turn out to be some of your closest friends! Also there is a bunch of partying that happens in this story too which also is realistic – even Clover working at the library (I did that too! lol) is just spot on, at least for me. We don’t see Clover in classes much except for pottery class though.

+~ I loved the secondary characters in this book, they were fun and funny. Even jerks like Tate was important to the story because yes those guys exist on campus too. And though the romance is the main focus, there are moments where Bennett is trying to navigate his relationship with his mom – he wants more from her. I would have loved to see if his mom and Clover’s could come back to being friends again. The story explores power dynamics too and the role of money and how it can change in relationships.

+~ I mean sure, Clover could have gotten the money for housing a bunch of different ways. She didn’t have to manipulate Bennett into doing it, but after learning about what happened between them in the past, I think it was a good deal! And it ended up really working out between them.

Final Thoughts:

I ate this up and read it in one day. I loved this book even though the marriage of convenience is happening between a 19 and 20 year old, which personally I think is too young (but that’s just me) – but I love that they are ex-childhood friends who turn into lovers. Bennett’s yearning for her warmed my heart and the story is just fun and reminded me of my college days! I’m looking forward to reading Daisy’s story next!

Read if you like:

new adult, campus life
marriage of convenience

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

A Merry Little Meet Cute by. Julie Murphy & Sierra Simone | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

If the Shoe Fits (Meant to Be, #1) by. Julie Murphy | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Pumpkin by. Julie Murphy | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heart of the Wolf Queen by. Sarah Gallego | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: Heart of the Wolf Queen (The Star-Crossed Gods, #1)

Author: Sarah Gallego

Format: ebook

Pages: 424

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 4/2/26

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Series

Love could be her greatest weakness… or her deadliest weapon.

Sorrow Villente is no princess waiting to be saved.

When a devastating accident partially blinded her, Sorrow was locked away at the top of a tower in the wilderness, offered up as a sacrifice to the gods.

But Sorrow refuses to die quietly. Only she knows a dark magic burns inside her. With her fiercely protective wolf, Pablo, she spends every moment plotting her escape.

And yet when she finally breaks free, Sorrow is captured immediately… by the one man she never expected to see again.

Long ago, Sorrow and Matthias were inseparable. Tall and devastatingly handsome, with sparkling green eyes, the sight of him still sends her heart racing. Then she remembers the truth. When she needed him most, Matthias walked away. He didn’t just abandon her. He betrayed her.

And he hasn’t come to rescue her. Matthias is the ruler of a distant land, where monsters lurk in mist-shrouded forests. To save his kingdom, he needs an alliance with Sorrow’s family – one that can be sealed only by marriage.

Sorrow must marry the man who broke her heart… or die.

🌶️ Spice on the page
❤️ Second chance romance
💍 Marriage of convenience
🔮 Fated love
🗡️ Touch her and die
💔 Yearning
🦇 Gothic setting and atmosphere

The first book in the steamy epic romantasy series, The Star-Crossed Gods. Fans of Hannah Whitten, Leigh Bardugo and Sabel Sorensen will love Heart of the Wolf Queen and its feisty heroine.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Set in a fantasy world where people gain different powers like fire, healing or in Sorrow’s case – talking/controlling animals and necromancy, this is a typical romantasy world. There is political intrigue between Sorrow’s step-father and her husband, Matthias and Sorrow vows to help her husband against him.

Characters: Sorrow is losing her sight and she experiences nosebleeds and headaches but she’s hiding a secret. I love Sorrow’s pet wolf, Pablo. He’s her protector. King Matthias, Sorrow’s new husband used to be her best friend when they were children. Now she’s keeping him at a distance but Matthias is a good guy, gives her space, doesn’t flirt with her much and he just gives golden retriever energy but would have liked more depth to him. I liked the secondary characters.

Romance: Sorrow and Matthias used to be friends until one day she sees something that makes her think he’s into her step-sister, Enfys. After that Sorrow has been carrying a grudge against, add to the fact he didn’t come back to her after an accident she had. Basically all this could have been solved with some communication on both their parts. I would have loved for Sorrow and Matthias to have more scenes together in this book just to show their relationship growing and the attraction building. I feel like they are apart too much. They eventually work things out but the ending is interesting and makes me wonder what will happen to them in book two.

Story: I think this one started off strong, and then it loses me in the middle, because this felt like a young adult book, which lots of cursing from Rose. Even the romance felt YA until there is spice in the book, but I just wasn’t feeling the writing I think. It’s an easy romantasy to read though because the world building isn’t heavy.

Vibes: arranged marriage, second chance romance, MMC is a nice guy, and I love Pablo the wolf!