With or Without You by. Eric Smith | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: With or Without You

Author: Eric Smith

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 368

Publication Date: 11/7/23

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Rivalry, Coming of Age

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

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

New from Eric Smith comes a delightful YA rom-com about two teens caught in the middle of their families’ orchestrated rivalry between their Philly cheesesteak food trucks.

All’s fair in love and (food truck) war.

Everyone knows Jordan Plazas and Cindy Ortiz hate each other.

According to many viral videos of their public shouting matches, the Plazas and Ortiz families have a well-known food truck rivalry. Jordan and Cindy have spent all of high school making cheesesteaks and slinging insults at each other across their shared Philadelphia street.

But the truth? They’re in love, and it’s all just an act for the tourists.

When the fake feud lands them a reality tv show pilot, Jordan and Cindy find themselves having to lie on a much bigger scale. Trapped between pursuing their dreams or their love, can they find a way to have their cheesesteak and eat it too?

Content Warning:

I have a husband who was born and raised in Philly so I love books that are set there because I get to learn more about the city and culture. We get a lot of the culture in this book through Jordan who is a Philly boy and then the other perspective through his girlfriend, Cindy, a transplant from Boston, MA. They both run a food truck and they have a rivalry going on between them when they are outside but in secret they have been together for awhile. When a television company wants to do a show on the rivalry, things start to unravel.

Jordan and Cindy already have an established relationship, so I thought this book did a good job showcasing the different challenges a young relationship could face when both parties are about to start their lives after high school. Jordan has a dream that he and Cindy will do a road trip together and run a food truck. But Cindy has dreams of actually returning to Boston, her hometown, and go to college. With all the secrecy going on, trying to hide their relationship from the public – they realize they were keeping secrets themselves…well actually mostly Cindy. I felt bad that these teens couldn’t be together without lying to the public and on camera. I don’t read a lot of books where the couple is already together so I thought this was different but in a good way. Thing is you don’t get the falling in love feels in this book, but more the -“I love you, let’s fight for our relationship” vibes instead.

I did wish Cindy could have told Jordan right away what she was feeling but it’s not always easy. And I was surprised with Jordan – yes he should have listened to Cindy and realized the food truck business was not her passion, but he was pretty forgiving of her after some things went down. I felt like that showed both of them were pretty mature for their age and were in it for the long haul, which is heartwarming. I like how they made it work in the end.

There are other themes in this book other than Jordan and Cindy’s relationship. The story explores how their families went into debt from their small businesses and how they dealt with that challenge. Some of that burden falls on Jordan and Cindy’s shoulders, but they deal with it in different ways, just like their parents.

Tropes: secret lovers, family rivalry

My Thoughts:

Instead of a falling in love type of romance, we get an established relationship between two teens who hit a few road bumps in their relationship, but they decide to fight to make it work. I loved that the story is set in Philly, and that it’s a story based around one of their favorite foods, cheesesteaks. It definitely made me hungry! All the characters are vibrant and unique and I liked the themes about family, debt and belonging. I like how both Jordan and Cindy are coming of age and really have to make some big decisions about their lives, with or without the other. I enjoyed this one!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BLOG TOUR} ARC Review | Don’t Read the Comments ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BLOG TOUR} You Can Go Your Own Way by. Eric Smith | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

King of Pride by. Ana Huang | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: King of Pride (Kings of Sin, #2)

Author: Ana Huang

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 358

Publication Date: 4/27/23

Categories: Romance, Contemporary, Adult, Opposites Attract

She’s his opposite in every way…and the greatest temptation he’s ever known.

Reserved, controlled, and proper to a fault, Kai Young has neither the time nor inclination for chaos—and Isabella, with her purple hair and inappropriate jokes, is chaos personified.

With a crucial CEO vote looming and a media empire at stake, the billionaire heir can’t afford the distraction she brings.

Isabella is everything he shouldn’t want, but with every look and every touch, he’s tempted to break all his rules…and claim her as his own.

***

Bold, impulsive, and full of life, Isabella Valencia has never met a party she doesn’t like or a man she couldn’t charm…except for Kai Young.

It shouldn’t matter. He’s not her type—the man translates classics into Latin for fun, and his membership at the exclusive club where she bartends means he’s strictly off limits.

But she can’t deny that, beneath his cool exterior, is a man who could make her melt with just a touch.

No matter how hard they try, they can’t resist giving into their forbidden desires.

Even if it costs them everything.

King of Pride is a steamy opposite attract, forbidden billionaire romance. It’s book two in the Kings of Sin series but can be read as a standalone.

Contains explicit content and profanity. Recommended for mature readers only.

Content Warning:

I have finally read King of Pride which is the second book in the Kings of Sin series and follows Isabella and Kai from book one! It took me awhile to finish this one not because it’s bad but because of my mood swings. So here’s what I thought:

+ I was intrigued by Kai and Isabella in book one, King of Wrath, because we get introduced to them there and there is definitely some interest between them – especially on Kai’s part I think. These two are complete opposites! Isabella is vivacious, a bit flighty, still searching for her path in life. Kai is controlled, sticks to his goals, doesn’t show much emotion and likes to win.

+ I like how Kai wasn’t a total alpha male. I felt like he gave Isabella space even though there were times he would feel some jealousy. And honestly once he admitted to himself how he liked her he was all in. Also he was a comforting figure when Isabella didn’t believe in herself. He’s smart, open to trying new things (with Isabella) and honestly this man was not afraid of his feelings for her which I appreciated! It was Isa who was afraid.

+ Isabella is a Filipina which is cool! Love the representation and I could totally relate to her family dynamics.

+ Their love story is sweet and spicy. The conflict was mostly about their separate lives and how to bridge it but I thought it was cute seeing them grow as friends and then taking the leap as lovers. And yes there are very spicy scenes that I was not expecting out of Kai! lol…he does seem like someone who is straight forward but I like how he had his little kinky moments.

~ I know Isabella having low self-esteem and struggling through life is realistic but the story of her ex boyfriend was a little dramatic and I kind of laughed because it was so out of left field! It’s not a funny story but – Like, what girl?! You’ve been hiding that story in you all this time? 🤦🏻‍♀️ It wasn’t needed and was only mentioned once! She was having enough trouble just figuring out her career and path in life and comparing herself to her successful brothers.

~ I felt like this book didn’t have that romance angst as the first one so it didn’t seem as passionate as Dante and Vivian but I still enjoyed it. There were no games between Isa and Kai – I really do love that about them.

My Final Thoughts:

I liked how different Isa and Kai are from Dante and Vivian and honestly Kai is a great guy. He’s the boring, driven, but caring guy who goes all in for the woman he loves! If you like the opposites attract trope then you will enjoy this one. I am very much looking forward to reading the next book!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

King of Wrath by. Ana Huang | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Throne of the Fallen by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Throne of the Fallen

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 627

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Adult

Sinner. Villain. Wicked.

The Prince of Envy has never claimed to be a saint. But when a cryptic note arrives, signaling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows it will take more than a hint of sin to win and save his falling demon court. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players, nothing will stand in his way, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sin like no other…

Virtuous. Darling. Liar.

The trouble with scoundrels and blackguards is that they haven’t a modicum of honor, a fact Miss Camilla Antonius learns after one desperate mistake allows Waverly Green’s most notorious rake to blackmail her. To avoid a ruinous scandal, Camilla is forced to enter a devil’s bargain with Envy, little expecting his game will awaken her true nature . . .

Together, Envy and Camilla must embark on a perilous journey through the Underworld—from glittering demon courts to the sultry vampire realm and beyond—while trying to avoid the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love.

Content Warning: violence, blood drinking (vampires)

We return to the Underworld and the domain of a few familiar naughty demon princes. This is Prince Envy’s story and it’s quite a story.

+ I like being back in this world that we were introduced to in Kingdom of the Wicked. I feel we get a better feel for kingdoms outside of Hell. In this story we get to venture to Faerie and even the domain of the vampires (which was kind of my favorite part of the book). I felt like the world building was much more rich in this book which I enjoyed. It was interesting how the book sort of read like a regency romance! It mentioned the gossip papers (very Bridgerton) but I think it worked for this story.

+ I’m so glad this book is in the adult genre – which I think KOTW should have been as well, at least New Adult. But I think it sits perfectly in the adult genre because now the author can write as many sex scenes as she wants without shocking her audience.

+ Camilla is a woman with lots of secrets. What is she? That was my question throughout the whole book but I think I figured it out halfway through since it only made sense. Camilla and Envy were quite a match. She was strong when she needed to be, but you could always kind of tell her secret meant she had hidden powers. Envy was interesting but oh so stubborn. I like how he cared for his people and his interactions with his brothers are always funny. I did like how Camilla and Envy were always testing one another and trying to push the other’s buttons when it came to their attraction, it brought heightened tension between them but I really was annoyed with Envy’s one night rule. As if he could stick to that rule with Camilla. Ha! This one has the spicy scenes that the KOTW was missing but it definitely builds up to it.

+ This story was centered on a game that was being played and Envy had to win to save his people. Camilla is also pulled into the game and you don’t quite know who the other players are until something happens to reveal them. But it did keep me reading to see how everything would play out.

~ This book was long and it took me 3 or 4 days to finish which was fine. I don’t mind reading a book slowly but I think because it was a story about a high stake game, I wanted it tighter and a faster paced. But this reads more like a mystery (which isn’t my favorite genre because of the slowness) so if you like mysteries you will enjoy this one.

~ I adore Camilla and Envy together but something was missing for me. Maybe because Envy’s sin is just jealousy which is fine…but hello Price Sloth! A house full of books? He’s the prince I want! Anyway no hate towards Envy I did like how he cared for his people.

My Final Thoughts:

This is a great edition to the world of KOTW and I wonder who’s book we will get next. I think Prince Lust and Sloth are the ones that intrigue me a lot but looks like Pride’s story would be next?

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Kingdom of the Wicked | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kingdom of the Cursed by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kingdom of the Feared by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Hunting Moon by. Susan Dennard | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hunting Moon (#2)

Author: Susan Dennard

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 272

Publication Date: 11/07/23

Publisher: Tor Teen

Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Series, Mystery, Contemporary

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

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

The highly anticipated sequel to The Luminaries by New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard.

Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.

The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.

Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that’s killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.

On top of that, following her dad’s convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.

Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.

As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary—and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie.

Content Warning: violence

I loved the first book of The Luminaries because Winnie’s test to become a luminary made this book exciting. This sequel felt slower and a little more like a filler.

I did love that Jay and Winnie’s relationship gets somewhat resolved, but it’s slow to get there. There is some complicated feelings between them and some things that has to be said out loud but I was happy that there was progress between them because I just want them together.

Winnie is trying to figure out clues maybe her dad has left her but it’s a challenge for her. And the community is still looking for the werewolf, while Winnie still is insisting there is a Whisperer creature on the loose. Her family has now earned their right to come back into the fold and she doesn’t want to jeopardize anything but when she finds out something about Jay, she puts everything on the line.

The first half is slow, but the second half picks up and just as I was invested in the story it ends abruptly. I was actually shocked that it was over. But I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first.

I probably went in with high expectations because I loved book one. I did enjoy some parts of it but it does slow down and becomes more of a mystery with Winnie trying to put all the clues together.

Tropes: slow burn romance, friends to lovers

Why you should read it:

you enjoyed book one, but this one is more of a mystery and slower
Winnie and Jay’s angsty romance
a few things happen, but at the end

Why you might not want to read it:

abrupt ending and shorter than I expected, wanted more

My Thoughts:

I had high expectations which this sequel didn’t quite meet mostly because mysteries are too slow for me and this becomes a mystery that Winnie is trying to solve. It’s definitely not a high stakes challenge anymore for her. I did love that FINALLY she and Jay make some headway into their slow burn romance, because it was frustrating seeing these two not being able to communicate. I’ll definitely read book three after that ending – but I do wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt and the book was longer.

Book Links:

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The Luminaries by.Susan Dennard | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

All That Consumes Us by. Erica Waters | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: All That Consumes Us

Author: Erica Waters

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 10/17/23

Publisher: HarperTeen

Categories: Young Adult, Horror, Suspense, Mystery, Secret Society, Dark Academia, 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 HarperTeen for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Everyone knows the students in Corbin College’s elite academic society, Magni Viri, have it all—free tuition, inspirational professors, and dream jobs once they graduate. So when Tara is offered a chance to enroll, she takes it.

But once she’s settled into the gorgeous Victorian dormitory the academy calls home, something strange starts to happen. She finally has the chance to write, but her stories are dark and twisted. When she’s not sleepwalking, she’s dreaming about being trapped in a coffin, buried alive. And she’s starting to feel an unseen presence stalking her through the halls of her dorm.

As Tara slowly loses her grip on everything she’s ever known, she discovers a terrible secret at the heart of Magni Viri, one that just might turn her dreams into nightmares, one that might destroy her before she has a chance to escape.

All That Consumes Us will pull readers into a hypnotizing, utterly lush and gothic reverie that blurs the lines of reality and shows that the addictive nature of ambition, and its inevitable price, always claim their due.

Content Warning: death, self-harm

I’ve read only one other book from this author called The River Has Teeth and I enjoyed it a lot. When I read the synopsis for this book it sounded so intriguing I had to request it.

I like that this book is set in college because I feel like there isn’t many young adult books set in college, but so many things happens to a young adult after high school. And we see it in this case with Tara who is trying her best to do good in her classes, hoping one day to be a novelist but she is a young woman who has to pay her own tuition and make things meet. Tara doesn’t have a wealthy family to help her pay for school so when she is invited to the secret society, Magni Viri, she feels this is her one chance to realize her big dreams.

The secret society gives the whole story its mystery. There is a backstory with the founding fathers of Magni Viri and we learn about it with Tara who is new to it all. The twist in the story is a good one and so unexpected. I found it creative and definitely gave all the dark academia vibes! Tara lives in a Victorian dormitory, there are woods around her and a graveyard. She also feels like she’s being haunted and obsessed with writing this novel – she feels like she’s becoming someone else which becomes really creepy.

I like the diverse cast of characters but I wish I felt like I could connect to them but I didn’t. I do like how each student had lofty ambitions and being part of Magni Viri was a chance to reach those goals – but at what cost? And was it all worth it to be so consumed by their passions that they would do anything to make their dreams come true.

Tropes: secret society

Why you should read it:

you want to read a modern gothic horror story
good twist in the story, dark academia vibes with ghosts, obsessions, strange things happening

Why you might not want to read it:

not into horror

My Thoughts:

I thought this one was fairly entertaining but maybe a little too slow for me in the beginning and I wish I could’ve connected to the characters. Once everything starts unraveling for Tara is when I got more engaged and I was trying to figure what was going on with these Magni Viri kids. I like that it’s a college setting and it has a diverse cast. I thought the twist in the story was good and I like how the characters question if everything they are doing to achieve their goals are worth it.

Book Links:

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The River Has Teeth by. Erica Waters | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Hurricane Wars by. Thea Guanzon | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hurricane Wars

Author: Thea Guanzon

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 480

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Categories: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Romance

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

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

The fates of two bitter enemies with opposing magical abilities are swept together in The Hurricane Wars, the spellbinding debut in a fantasy romance trilogy set in a Southeast Asia-inspired world ravaged by storms, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and R. F. Kuang.

The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor’s only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire’s rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion–one that could save their world…or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Content Warning: violence, war

I wanted to read this book because how it is inspired by Southeast Asia, especially that the author is a Filipina and I wanted to see how my culture would look in this fantasy setting. Thing is it’s not only fantasy but fantasy/sci-fi which I thought was very interesting.

Talasyn is a soldier fighting to keep Sardovia from falling into the hands of the Kesath Empire, but it’s a losing battle because these Kesathese are relentless in their vengeance and desire to rule all. Prince Alaric is as formidable a fighter as Talasyn and when these two clash, my goodness, there are sparks, violence and a great start to an enemies to lovers romance. I loved the romance and it’s push and pull but it’s also a frustrating dance between them. There is one steamy scene between them and I was hoping there to be more but it really is a slow burn. I like Talasyn’s feistiness and I’m still hesitant to trust Alaric since his father really has a big influence on him but I do love all the tension and passion between them.

I did like Talasyn’s story. She’s an orphan with Lightweaver powers and she stumbles upon some information that reveals her past and the path for her future. I love the themes of family in the story also, which I think I relate to as a Filipina as well. I loved the mentions of the foods and culture and even the climate of the islands which reminded me of the Philippines.

Some parts that maybe I struggled with was the sci-fi elements and mostly because I wasn’t quite expecting it. I thought this was going to be pure fantasy, so even thought I thought the stormships and wasps (smaller ships) was cool – I couldn’t quite imagine what this world looked like at first. Also some names would throw me off like Allfold or the Voidfell. Also the story starts off with lots action and it does die down in the middle of the story but I think the tension between Alaric and Talasyn saved it from getting dull. I did like the different magic that Talasyn and Alaric could wield though. I also enjoyed the politics in the story which makes me wonder how long will it take Alaric to push away from his father’s rule. It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in book two.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, enemies teaming up together, slow burn, marriage of convenience

Why you should read it:

enemies to lovers romance
fighting scenes
interesting sci-fi/fantasy world and world building

Why you might not want to read it:

not into sci-fi/fantasy

My Thoughts:

After getting my bearings with the world building, I did find this story to be entertaining. This one grew on me the further I got into the story and I really think it’s because of the push and pull, enemies to lovers storyline between Talasyn and Alaric. I can’t resist an enemies to lovers trope. I like all the fighting that they do so I’ll definitely be reading book two just to see how Talasyn does in Alaric’s domain.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Blackwoods by. Brandy Colbert | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Blackwoods

Author: Brandy Colbert

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Categories: Young Adult, Contemporary, Family, Fiction

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 Boston Globe/Horn Book Award–winning author Brandy Colbert comes the story of four generations of a Hollywood family—an unforgettable tale of ambition, fame, struggle, loss, and love in America.

The Blackwoods. Everyone knows their name. Blossom Blackwood burst onto the silver screen in 1962, and in the decades that followed, she would become one of the most celebrated actors of our time—and the matriarch of the most famous Black family in Hollywood. To her great-granddaughters, Hollis and Ardith, she has always just been Bebe. And when she passes away, it changes everything. Hollis Blackwood was never interested in fame. Still, she’s surrounded by it, whether at home with her family or at the prestigious Dupree Academy among Los Angeles’ elite.

When private photos of Hollis are leaked in the wake of Blossom’s death, she is thrust into the spotlight she’s long avoided—and finds that trust may be a luxury even she can’t afford. Ardith Blackwood has always lived in the public eye. A television star since childhood, she was perhaps closer with Blossom than anyone—especially after Ardith’s mother died in a drug overdose. Ever since, she has worked to be everything her family, her church, and the public want her to be. But as a family secret comes to light and the pressures from all sides begin to mount, she wonders what is left beneath the face she shows the world.

Weaving together the narratives of Hollis, Ardith, and Blossom, award-winning author Brandy Colbert tells an unforgettable story set in an America where everything is personal, and nothing is private.

Content Warning: racism

I was drawn to the synopsis of this book because I love the idea of a rich Black Hollywood family who has made it in the industry. This story follows three of the Blackwoods, Blossom – the woman who started it all, and Hollis and Ardith her great grand-daughters.

I felt like this book was like a soap opera or very much like a Danielle Steel novel where we follow a woman through the generations. The Blackwoods starts in present day and then there are flashbacks to Blossom Blackwoods life. I loved her backstory and her drive to be an actress no matter how long it took her to achieve success. She was a hard working, independent woman who relied on her mom and sister instead of the father of her child. It’s wonderful to see her drive to make her dreams come true.

I also thought Hollis’ and Ardith’s perspectives gave the reader a glimpse into how things have changed and the current issues they deal with today like dealing with the paparazzi and press hounding them. How everything in their lives can be exposed in the blink of an eye. But I loved the story about persevering and the bonds of family.

I don’t know if young adults will be drawn to this book. I felt like Blossoms story was more compelling than those of her granddaughters and I wanted more of her life story and even more about Ardith’s mother. I think this would have made an amazing adult fiction book. I also didn’t feel like the family secret was a big bombshell at all but I loved how the family came together to navigate it.

My Thoughts:

My favorite thing about this book is Blossom Blackwoods story from a girl in high school with dreams to being the matriarch of her family. She really didn’t give up even when she had a child out of wedlock, she had to travel from one coast to the other to work, she had to face racism in the industry, but she did it, with the support of her mom and sister – no matter how long it took. I feel like this could have been made into an epic family saga type of story because there are other stories here I want to know about like Ardith’s mom and her battle with addiction. Unfortunately, I didn’t really connect with the young adult aspect of the story but I think Blossom’s story makes up for all of that.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Never a Hero by. Vanessa Len | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Never a Hero (Monsters, #2)

Author: Vanessa Len

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 528

Publication Date: 8/29/23

Categories: Young Adult, Series, Urban Fantasy, Time Travel, Paranormal

This sequel to the contemporary fantasy Only a Monster will take Joan deeper into the monster world, where treacherous secrets and even more danger await.

Despite all of the odds, Joan achieved the impossible. She reset the timeline, saved her family – and destroyed the hero, Nick.

But her success has come at a terrible cost.

She alone remembers what happened. Now, Aaron, her hard-won friend – and maybe more – is an enemy, trying to kill her. And Nick, the boy she loved, is a stranger who doesn’t even know her name. Only Joan remembers that there is a ruthless and dangerous enemy still out there.

When a deadly attack forces Joan back into the monster world as a fugitive, she finds herself on the run with Nick – as Aaron closes in.

As the danger rises – and Nick gets perilously closer to discovering the truth of what Joan did to him – Joan discovers a secret of her own. One that threatens everyone she loves.

Torn between love and family and monstrous choices, Joan must find a way to re-gather her old allies to face down the deadliest of enemies, and to save the timeline itself.

Vanessa Len’s stunning Only a Monster trilogy continues with this second instalment, a thrilling journey where a secret past threatens to unravel everyone’s future.

Content Warning: death

Ah, time travel! I’m always either loving it or hating it and in this sequel to Only a Monster, I was on the verge of hating it. But I’ll get into that.

There are a lot of things I like about this sequel. The story moves forward, though it felt like it was pulling teeth with trying to get answers about anything in this story – but I did like how Joan finally learns more about her bloodline and her powers. Nick, her soulmate is back, but he doesn’t know her anymore because of what she did to him in book one, but that doesn’t matter to soul mates because they seem to be forever drawn to one another. But where was Aaron Oliver? I wanted more of him in this book and we got less. He only really comes into the story halfway in! Is there a love triangle? I couldn’t tell in this book – it seems like Joan loves Nick, but she has a connection to Aaron (maybe a strong friendship? I don’t know. I was rooting for Aaron honestly). I love Tom and Jamie, so I’m glad we got more of them in this sequel.

The story moves fast for a book that clocks in at 528 pages because of all the time jumping but it also feels like the information moves too fast also. Joan is trying to figure out what is happening to the current timeline – and there are multiple timelines being discussed. And it was repetitive too. Also Joan was frustrating me. She can’t stay away from Nick, so then she endangers him and then endangers her monster friends by bringing Nick along because she wants to protect him. I get he’s not a monster killer anymore but after seeing what he did in the previous timeline and watch him kill my family – I would protect my friends and family. Soulmate or not! But I guess it’s hard to resist her love for him. Yet, she remembers feeling something for Aaron in the previous timeline. Though there is angst, there isn’t much romance going on in this one. Anyway, Joan and her friends trying to get information got annoying because a lot of people didn’t know anything or if they did, wouldn’t explain.

I liked the ending which is where a lot of the action is and the unexpected twist in the story makes me want to read book three. But I really wish there was more Aaron, less repetition and more action.

My Final Thoughts:

I think the first book was better and I hope the third book has more of Aaron because that’s who I wanted to read more about in this book. But there was a lot of Nick, so you Nick fans will love this one. I like the ending and will definitely read book three. Overall, this was an entertaining book and I’m curious to see what will happen in the next book after all that was revealed in this one.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Only a Monster by. Vanessa Len | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Heart of Night and Fire

Author: Nisha J. Tuli

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 379

Publication Date: 9/15/23

Publisher: Second Sky

Categories: New Adult, Series, Fantasy, Romance, Indian 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 Second Sky for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A city of magic. A passion born in dreams. A secret that will set their world aflame.

Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, heart-pounding action and devastating twists, The Nightfire Quartet is an epic fantasy romance that begins with a slow burn and builds in intensity. Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Jennifer L. Armentrout and Carissa Broadbent.

For years, Zarya has been trapped in a gilded prison. Her magic is forbidden, a dangerous secret—though nobody will explain why. Now she is ready to break free and find the truth.

Escaping to the dazzling city of Dharati, Zarya discovers a new world of enchantment and intrigue. With the help of seductive, blood-drinking rakshasa and magic-weaving Aazheri sorcerers, she searches for answers.

But the city is under siege. Every night, dark creatures attack. And since Zarya’s arrival they are growing stronger. To protect her new home, Zarya joins the fight.

As she battles on the walls and hunts through libraries for clues about her gifts, Zarya’s dreams are haunted by a mysterious stranger. Powerful, arrogant and handsome, Rabin sees through her secrets and ignites a desire she cannot resist. But can he be trusted?

When darkness threatens to overwhelm Dharati, Zarya is faced with a deadly choice. Will revealing her magic save the city? Or destroy everything she loves?

Enter a glittering new world inspired by Indian mythology and prepare to discover your new obsession.

Content Warning: violence, death

First I had to request this book because of that book cover and second, I found this author’s books on Kindle Unlimited this year and enjoyed them! So I wanted to see what this new series would be like and I was not disappointed.

The world-building is lush and inspired by Indian mythology. Vampire like people called Rakshasas that have silver hair and drink blood? Mages with elemental powers? A queen that is embodied in a tree? Monsters like birds that drop demon eggs?! I love this world of magic and fantasy, it’s so unique and vibrant.

Zarya is a character with a mysterious past. She was raised by a mage named Row who has gone missing which means she is essentially free to leave the barriers he used to keep her confined in. Her longing for new experiences is made reality when she goes to Dharati. She goes with her companion Aarav who she despises because he is like her watchdog. But she really blossoms in Dharati where she gets to experience so many things. She’s also in search of her past while she’s there and what she finds out is a big shock to everyone. I like how she’s willing to help, and loved to train with the soldiers and it was nice to see her actually become friends with Aarav. She also makes friends with Yasen, who didn’t like her at first.

Now Zarya has an instant attraction to Vikram, who is a Rakshasas but it’s a super slow burn between them. I felt like there was a light flirtation between them, nothing that would be serious. So when another guy, Rabin (tall, dark and mysterious) comes into play, I got even more interested in the story. I’m such a sucker for the bad boys but I love the twist in the story and can’t wait to see what happens in book two! I have a feeling it’s going to be spicy between her and Rabin. I do hope there is more character development in book two because though everyone was interesting – I’d have love to connect to Zarya more.

Tropes: girl with mysterious past, girl who comes into her powers

Why you should read it:

world-building, lush fantasy, inspired by Indian mythology
lots of magic and fighting monsters
Rabin and Narya

Why you might not want to read it:

Rabin only comes into the story in the second half of the story

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this one and can’t wait for book two just to see how the sparks fly between Rabin and Zarya! I love the world building in this story and look forward to reading the sequel.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon

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

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

When You Wish Upon a Lantern | Audiobook Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: When You Wish Upon a Lantern

Author: Gloria Chao

Format: audiobook (borrowed)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 2/14/23

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Family Rivalry, Contemporary, Grief

Acclaimed author Gloria Chao creates real-world magic in this luminous romance about teens who devote themselves to granting other people’s wishes, but are too afraid to let themselves have their own hearts’ desires—each other.

Liya and Kai had been best friends since they were little kids, but all that changed when a humiliating incident sparked The Biggest Misunderstanding Of All Time—and they haven’t spoken since.

Then Liya discovers her family’s wishing lantern store is struggling, and she decides to resume a tradition she had with her beloved late grandmother: secretly fulfilling the wishes people write on the lanterns they send into the sky. It may boost sales and save the store, but she can’t do it alone . . . and Kai is the only one who cares enough to help.

While working on their covert missions, Liya and Kai rekindle their friendship—and maybe more. But when their feuding families and their changing futures threaten to tear them apart again, can they find a way to make their own wishes come true?

Content Warning: grief, family rivalry

There is so much to love about this book. Liya is really grieving her grandmother and her dealing with this grief permeates throughout this whole story along with beautiful memories she has of her. Liya lives in a very tight-knit small Chinese community and I loved all the holidays and tradition I got to learn from this book. The lantern festivals sound as magical and beautiful as the book cover.

I also love the concept of being a secret wish granter. I thought that was such a loving memory of her grandmother for Liya and it was sweet to see her try and continue it.

Liya isn’t close to her parents. They expect her to be dutiful and obedient and she has a hard time communicating with them. This goes the same for Kai, who is her ex-best friend and who she misses a lot. Both their fathers forbid them from being friends. The rivalry between their families is a big problem for Liya and Kai but when her grandmother was alive, those problems were made smaller. I was frustrated for both Liya and Kai plenty times throughout the story especially because they are two, innocent, hard-working, obedient kids. They did so much for their families even though they weren’t happy with them.

I did listen to this as an audiobook so I felt at times that the conflict was very repetitive. Liya and Kai have a hard time communicating with one another now that they aren’t friends. And the incident that ended their friendship seemed like such a minimal thing that could have been cleared up with communication! They do become friends again but it takes so long for them to just say what they need to say to one another, and to their parents.

Tropes: miscommunication, ex-best friends to lovers

My Final Thoughts:

I thought the writing was beautiful and would definitely appeal to a younger young adult audience. I didn’t like the miscommunication throughout the book but I also understand it since I had an Asian-American upbringing. I did like seeing Liya grow into a capable young woman who was trying to help her family and community in memory of her grandmother. Overall, I thought this was a beautiful story.