Fevered Star by. Rebecca Roanhorse | Audiobook

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: Fevered Star (Between Earth and Sky, #2)

Author: Rebecca Roanhorse

Narrator(s): Christian Barillas (Narrator), Nicole Lewis (Narrator), Darrell Dennis (Narrator), Shaun Taylor-Corbett (Narrator), Cora Gee (Narrator)

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Pages: 388

Publication Date: 4/23/22

Publisher: Saga Press

Categories: Fantasy, LGBT+, Series

There are no tides more treacherous than those of the heart. —Teek saying

The great city of Tova is shattered. The sun is held within the smothering grip of the Crow God’s eclipse, but a comet that marks the death of a ruler and heralds the rise of a new order is imminent.

The Meridian: a land where magic has been codified and the worship of gods suppressed. How do you live when legends come to life, and the faith you had is rewarded?

As sea captain Xiala is swept up in the chaos and currents of change, she finds an unexpected ally in the former Priest of Knives. For the Clan Matriarchs of Tova, tense alliances form as far-flung enemies gather and the war in the heavens is reflected upon the earth.

And for Serapio and Naranpa, both now living avatars, the struggle for free will and personhood in the face of destiny rages. How will Serapio stay human when he is steeped in prophecy and surrounded by those who desire only his power? Is there a future for Naranpa in a transformed Tova without her total destruction?

Content Warning: violence, torture, death

+ This is book two in the Between Earth and Sky series and I really enjoyed book one, Black Sun. So I wanted to see what happened next in the series.

+ The world-building was great. I did enjoy the second half of this book more than the first half because I felt like the first half was world-building and setting up everything for book three. It picks up in the second half with more action.

+ I really enjoyed Naranpa’s growing relationship with her brother, Denoachi. I thought it was the one link in the story I felt emotional about.

~ I listened to this as an audiobook but the last 10% I read the book because I read faster. I felt like the beginning was slow because it was setting up a lot of things that happened at the end of the book and what will happen in book three. Although I enjoyed the narrator, there was just too many names to keep track of.

Final Thoughts:

I’m glad I finally can knock this one off my TBR list and I’m looking forward to see how it ends. I did find it slower than book one mostly because it’s building up for the conclusion but I did enjoy the second half of the story.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Black Sun by. Rebecca Roanhorse | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Stacking the Shelves | 9/13/25

I’ve seen Stacking the Shelves on a few blogs and I decided to do it to replace my book haul posts because, why not? It is hosted by Reading Reality and this is how the meme is described: “Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks! And audiobooks. Don’t forget audiobooks!so go check out her blog!”

Book Purchases – (ebook or physical)

Katabasis by. R.F. Kuang

My Fairyloot Haul:

Immortal Consequences by. I.V. Marie
A Forgery of Fate by. Elizabeth Lim

Library Haul – (physical and online library):

Great Big Beautiful Life by. Emily Henry

Two writers compete for the chance to tell the larger-than-life story of a woman with more than a couple of plot twists up her sleeve in this dazzling and sweeping new novel from Emily Henry.

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: To write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years–or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be the Margaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the 20th Century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad…depending on who’s telling it.

NetGalley Haul

The Uninvited by. Nancy Banks

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

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

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

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

***

Dead Fake by. Vincent Ralph

Would you Swipe to Die?

When the new craze takes over Bleak Haven High, Ava Wilson refuses to join in. As the niece of an infamous murderer, it’s the last thing she needs.

The mysterious website allows people to view their own ‘death’ – an AI generated version of their final slasher-movie-moments. But, when some of her classmates’ deepfakes are replicated in real life, Ava can either catch the killer…or be the next victim.

***

Night Terror by. Vincent Ralph

Who the hell holds up a bookstore? That’s what Noah asks when his favorite spot is suddenly targeted by masked attackers.

But these people don’t want a ransom. They are searching for Bleak Haven’s very own urban legend – The Burning Book.

When something with a thirst for flesh creeps from its pages, Noah must team up with the other hostages and try to escape the mall without turning their town into a bloodbath.

***

Deathly Fates by. Tesia Tsai

“Rich and wholeheartedly poignant. Deathly Fates sings with profound spirit, exploring the consequences of war and the scars cut by nobility during trying times. An entrancing world that will certainly linger.” —Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a corpse-driving priestess, a holy servant paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince’s head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying’s commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won’t stay alive for long―not unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince’s death―secrets that could endanger both Siying’s father and their entire kingdom.

***

Maybe This Once by. Sophie Sullivan

Two people end up with more feelings than they bargained for after pursuing a summer fling, in this small-town, opposites-attract romance from Sophie Sullivan.

Charlotte “Charlie” Ashford has worked hard to become her own person. Tired of living in the shadow of her famous parents, she gladly left behind a life of glitz and glamour to pursue her true passion: becoming a counselor. However, when a viral video upends Charlie’s plans, she wonders if the real key to discovering herself is through her late father.

Grayson Keller has finally found his footing. He’s settled in one place, surrounded by family, and secure in his business. By his third summer as owner, Get Lost Lodge is showing a steady profit and seeing its fair share of repeat visitors. Whatever happens, Grayson is perfectly content with his quiet life and careful heart. That is, until he meets Charlie, who he can’t seem to get out of his head.

On the surface, Charlie and Grayson seem to have nothing in common more than a growing attraction that neither of them can fight. Trusting each other isn’t easy. They’ve both been hurt before, and they’re not looking for anything serious. The solution is easy: they’ll date, have some fun, and walk away unscathed. Right? Or, maybe this once, they can see past the hurt to what, or who, is on the other side waiting for them.

***

The Fall of Iris Henley by. Jennifer Graham

All it takes to ruin someone’s life is the stroke of a key. Just ask Iris Henley. Her life is destroyed when someone posts an anonymous message on her high school’s subreddit thread: “Iris Henley is a killer. I’ve been too scared to come forward until now, but I saw her murder Rocky and Lynette last summer.”

Just like that, Iris loses everything. Her reputation. Her friends. Her hope of getting into college on scholarship. Even, possibly, her freedom, once the police start to investigate. After all, she’s the perfect suspect: Rocky was her boyfriend, and Lynette was her ex-best friend—and the girl he was cheating on her with. But Iris didn’t do it, and now it’s up to her to clear her name by finding out who did—before it’s too late.

Propulsive, sharp, and absolutely twisty from the New York Times bestselling author who brought readers the Veronica Mars duology, Jennifer Graham’s YA thriller is unputdownable.

***

Toe to Toe by. Falon Ballard

It takes two to tango.

Allegra Hart has been working her whole life to achieve one goal: become a principal ballerina. When her director starts holding auditions for the lead role in the company’s latest production, Allegra sees this as her chance—maybe her last chance.

The catch? The director wants someone with sex appeal, and he doesn’t think she’s up to the task. Determined to prove him wrong, Allegra enlists the help of the lead dancer of an all-male revue, Cord Donovan, a classically trained dancer who is also the sexiest man she’s ever met. In exchange for lessons on how to ramp up her sex appeal, she promises to help Cord choreograph a new partner piece for his show.

As they practice their moves on and off the stage, Allegra and Cord find themselves battling a growing attraction, all the more illicit because Cord has sworn to never partner with a ballerina. Allegra is determined not to let a man derail her career, but what if she could have both love and success? Or will her involvement with Cord jeopardize everything she’s worked for?

***

Keepter of Lost Children by. Sadeqa Johnson

In this new novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The House of Eve, one American woman’s vision in post WWII Germany will tie together three people in an unexpected way.

Lost in the streets and smoldering rubble of Occupied Germany, Ethel Gathers, the proud wife of an American soldier spots a gaggle of mixed-race children following a nun. Desperate to conceive her own family, she feels compelled to follow them to learn their story.

Ozzie Philips volunteers for the army in 1948, eager to break barriers for Black soldiers. Despite his best efforts, he finds the racism he encountered at home in Philadelphia has followed him overseas. He finds solace in the arms of Jelka, a German woman struggling with the lack of resources and even joy in her destroyed country.

In 1965, Sophia Clark discovers she’s been given an opportunity to integrate a prestigious boarding school in Maryland and leave behind her spiteful parents and the grueling demands. In a chance meeting with a fellow classmate, she discovers a secret that upends her world.

Toggling between the lives of these three individuals, Keeper of Lost Children explores how one woman’s vision will change the course of countless lives, and demonstrates that love in its myriad of forms—familial, parental, and forbidden, even love of self—can be transcendent.

***

Stolen Midnights by. Katherine Quinn

This magical new YA romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of To Kill a Shadow will steal your heart. Set in Andalay, a world where the ruling Fates bestow gifts among the favored, a thief must join forces with the palace darling after he unwittingly steals a necklace with the power to change everything.

When Damien, a cold and hardened thief, is hired to steal a gift from the powerful Fates meant for Andalay’s sweetheart, Wren Hayes, he finds himself entangled in a web of secrets.

The gift? A locket containing his own phototroph.

Once the locket is opened, hidden truths unravel, ones that shed light on the ruthless ways of the upper-class society. Yearning for the three Fates and the magical gifts they bestow, the lords of Andalay will go to any length to keep their power—including murder.

Brought together by destiny, and fighting a temptation that neither understand, Wren and Damien navigate a seedy world where the truth can destroy not only their lives, but the city itself.

***

All We Once Had by. Katy Upperman

An emotional and heartfelt contemporary YA romance from the author of Everything I Promised You, exploring the complicated nature of grief, family, growing up, and the beauty of second chances.

Piper and her older sister could not be more different. Tati assumed guardianship when their parents were killed by a drunk driver, and some days Piper feels more kinship with her best friend and her family. Except Gabi isn’t speaking to Piper, just when Piper could really use a friend. Which is not how she expected to start the summer before senior year.

Escaping to their apartment complex’s pool for some space, Piper is stunned to see Henry. Her Henry. The boy who, three years ago, sat next to her at this same pool and offered the kind, calming presence she needed while she was deep in her grief. Together, they walked the beach, talked about their passions, and ultimately, shared a kiss. It was a perfect night. Except Piper hasn’t seen him since.

Henry is back in Florida to spend time with his dad and escape the relationship drama he left at home. Fate has brought Piper and Henry back together when their lives are most complicated with devastating secrets. With no one to confide in but each other, Piper and Henry must confront their painful pasts and the tumultuous present. Is this the start of another goodbye or a second chance at love?

***

Kindle Unlimited

Eldritch by. Keri Lake

In the grimly captivating sequel to Anathema, Maevyth and Zevander must navigate the perilous mortal lands to deliver Zevander from the clutches of an ancient, malevolent power that threatens to shatter both worlds.

An eldritch magic has awakened, turning the mortal world darker. Colder. Famished. With flesh-eating monsters and a sinister curse spreading like a plague, the last glimmer of humanity in Foxglove Parish has long-since faded.

For Maevyth and Zevander, the only chance of escape is through The Eating Woods. But fate has woven a new web, tangling the threads of destiny, and crossing the mystical boundary to Aethyria might not be so simple.

As the bones of Maevyth’s past are unearthed, and truths unravel with unsettling clarity, the possibility of never leaving Mortasia is becoming more of a reality. Unfortunately for Zevander, time is running out. The longer he stays in the mortal lands, deprived of essential vivicantem, the more he succumbs to the encroaching specter of madness.

Or maybe those chasing shadows are someone hunting him. A wretched evil closing in, threatening to pull him into the darkest corners of his mind.

Only, this time, Maevyth may not have the power to save him.

*****

Have you got any book hauls lately?

Hekate – The Witch by. Nikita Gill | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: Hekate – The Witch

Author: Tricia Levenseller

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 9/16/25

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Categories: Greek Mythology, Poetry Prose

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

Thank you to Little, Brown Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A propulsive, electrifying and enraging retelling of the life ofGreek goddess Hekate, child of war turned all-powerful goddess of witchcraft and necromancy, by internationally bestselling poet Nikita Gill.

Born into a world on fire, Godling Hekate has never known safety. After her parents are on the losing side of the war between the ruling Titans and new Olympian Gods, Hekate is taken by her mother Asteria to the Underworld, where Styx and Hades agree to raise her. Meanwhile, Asteria is pursued across the world by Zeus and Poseidon and, to escape their clutches, transforms herself into an island in a stormy sea.

Orphaned and alone, Hekate grows up amongst the horrors and beauties of the Underworld, desperate to find her divine purpose and a sense of belonging in the land of the dead.

When Hekate finally uncovers her powers and ascends to Goddess status, she realises that even the most powerful Olympians are terrified of her. But when immortal war breaks out again, threatening to destroy everything from Mount Olympus to the Underworld itself, the Goddess of witchcraft and necromancy is the only one who can bring the deadly conflict to an end. . .

Content Warning: violence, separated from parents

+ When I started reading this arc and realized it was poetry – I was hesitant on how much I was going to enjoy this because I don’t read poetry and so I was really unsure about this. But I’m surprised to say, for someone like myself who read Greek mythology retellings and it’s a hit or miss, mostly miss – the way this one is written really worked for me! It’s written in verse and then some parts in paragraphs.

+ Greek mythology is not my favorite thing and I don’t know why. I like knowing what they are gods and goddesses of but to remember all their stories? I just never was interested. But I requested this book because this was about Hekate and I didn’t know much about her. And the title says The Witch and I was intrigued. I love how this book sucked me in with Hekate telling her story from when she was a child to when she is grown.

+ I loved Hekate’s journey. She’s a child of Titans and it touches on the war between the Titans and Olympus, and then later on where Olympians fight the giants and ask for Hekate’s help. I loved her growth and getting to know her power with necromancy. I love that she was a witch and had an apothecary.

+ I thought her relationship with Styx, who is basically her adoptive parent was complicated. Styx wanted to protect her but Hekate only naturally had questions and wanted to be stretch her boundaries. The story touched on the sacrifices mothers make and I related to that.

~ The poetry and verse worked for me but I know that it won’t for everyone.

Final Thoughts:

If you love Greek mythology, definitely give this one a read. I enjoyed it a lot and I’m not someone who loves Greek mythology. But I love Hekate’s story and I’m glad I learned more about her.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Let’s Talk Bookish: Following the Reader | 9/12/25

Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly bookish meme originally created by Rukky @ Eternity Books and hosted by Aria @ Book Nook Bits, where every Friday, bloggers write discussion posts based on a weekly prompt and Dini @ dinipandareads has cohosted since the beginning of 2025.

This week’s topic is:

September 12: Following the Reader

Prompts: What makes you want to follow a bookish account on social media? What makes you want to follow a book blog? Are you very discerning or do you follow back whoever follows you? Do you prefer or find it easier to engage with other readers on one platform over the other (i.e. blogs vs. bookstagram or booktok)?

**********

What makes you want to follow a bookish account on social media? What makes you want to follow a book blog?

Right now on tiktok because I’m building my following, I’m basically following anyone who follows me – unless it’s an account that doesn’t post anything. I pretty much do the same for book blogs but I feel like even though I follow people here on wordpress, I don’t always see the blogs.

Are you very discerning or do you follow back whoever follows you?

Pretty much follow back unless I check the account and I don’t really vibe with their content. But for booktokers, bookstagrammers or book bloggers, it’s usually a follow back.

Do you prefer or find it easier to engage with other readers on one platform over the other (i.e. blogs vs. bookstagram or booktok)?

I feel like booktok is so much easier to find new followers and comment and such. I love how people are authentic on there, don’t have to make their videos or photos pretty or anything. I feel like bookstagram years ago had more engagement and now it’s so different – I basically only see accounts that have 1,000+ followers. Smaller accounts, not so much. I think I post the least on bookstagram just because I have to make pretty posts (and I’m lazy lol) it’s easier on booktok. Blog engagement I think is in the middle – it took me years to build up a good following but I love the community!

September Topics:

September 5: In Which Season Do You Do Your Best Reading? (Jillian @ Jillian the Bookish Butterfly)

~~Prompts~~~~: Is there a month, quarter or other specific time of year when you do your most reading and why do you think that is? Does this tend to fluctuate every year or is your reading pretty ‘steady’?~~

September 12: Following the Reader

~~Prompts:~~ What makes you want to follow a bookish account on social media? What makes you want to follow a book blog? Are you very discerning or do you follow back whoever follows you? Do you prefer or find it easier to engage with other readers on one platform over the other (i.e. blogs vs. bookstagram or booktok)?

September 19: Favourite Genre Recommendations

Prompts: What is your favourite genre(s) and what makes it your favourite? If someone wanted to try your favourite genre(s), what are five books that you would recommend to them and why those books specifically? Has your favorite genre changed over time?

September 26: Are Published Books Losing Quality? The Impact of Social Media Platforms and Trope-Based Marketing

Prompts: Reading has become increasingly more “popular” due to platforms like booktok and bookstagram, which tend to promote certain types of books. It has also given rise to the “trope only” marketing trend. Do you think the hype that’s been created on these platforms has impacted the quality of books that are published these days? Do you think it’s impacting only certain genres or do you notice it across all genres? How do you think this will impact book quality and publishing in the years to come (i.e. is it just a phase or will it continue)?

The Dead of Summer by. Ryan La Sala | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating:

Title: The Dead of Summer

Author: Ryan La Sala

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 9/16/25

Publisher: PUSH

Categories: Young Adult, Horror, Sci-fi, Mystery, 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 PUSH for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Stephen King meets Holly Jackson by way of We Were Liars in this action-packed story of queer horror from the acclaimed author of The Honeys!

Two days before…

Ollie Veltman is finally coming home to the quaint island of Anchor’s Mercy after a year away while his mom battled cancer. It should be a celebration — his mom is cancer free, and she’s determined to have the best summer ever — but Ollie’s (now ex) best friends think he abandoned them, and he’s returning with a lot questions. Because for a place that’s perfect on the outside, a secret rots inside. A secret that could explain his mom’s illness, and the illness of so many other locals.

Ollie’s desperate search for the truth turns life or death when a storm descends upon the island. In its wake, a long-sunken horror rises . . .

Three weeks after…

Ollie is being held in isolation aboard a military hospital ship in the harbor. They say he’s a survivor, but they only know half the story. The truth is more dangerous than Ollie ever believed, and he suspects his saviors aren’t here to save anyone. Only Ollie can stop what comes next, but that means getting back to Anchor’s Mercy before it vanishes below the waves, taking with it everyone he has ever loved.

Content Warning: violence, death, zombies, cancer, body horror

+ I’ve been wanting to read a book by this author and requested this one because the premise sounded so intriguing. A quaint island? A military hospital ship? What happened on this island. Well it was not what I was expecting!

+ Ollie and his mom, Grace are back at Anchor’s Mercy – their home, after being away for a year because Grace was sick with cancer. Now she has a new outlook on life and Ollie is going along with it but there has been so much changes for him. Will his friend group, the Suds, forgive him for leaving? There are so many questions when they first arrive but I love how they do arrive in chaos and revelry – it gave me a good impression of what life was like on Anchor’s Mercy before Ollie left.

+ The story is told in the past and present, but not the far past. Ollie and his mom arrive at Anchor’s Mercy but it’s not too long until everything starts happening. Something strange is going on, strange until it turns scary and people have no clue as to what is happening, just that people are changing and turning into zombies. Expect some body horror! In the present moment, Ollie is in quarantine and we get more of the story. Some outbreak has happened, scientist want to know the cause and trying to figure that out by interviewing Ollie. This definitely kept the mystery going, because I needed to know what exactly was the outbreak.

+ As we find out more about the outbreak the reality of what the government has done to Anchor’s Mercy, a safe haven for the LGBT+ community is coming to light and it’s not good. There is a lot of action in this one, as Ollie and his friends try to stay safe. It’s a wild time and I love that singing is what can kind of get through to those infected. I loved the community of Anchor’s Mercy and I was as devastated as Ollie to see it undergo this outbreak and trauma.

~ This is young adult so expect Ollie and his friends to act like it!

~ I’m not the biggest fan of sci-fi so all the scientific parts of the coral infections or manifestations kind of went over my head.

Final Thoughts:

This one if for the young adult horror lovers! I really enjoyed the themes of family, community, and belonging. This island of Anchor’s Mercy was a safe and vibrant place for the LGBT+ and I loved it. The horror was pretty wild – people turning into zombies due to coral and the government is involved? This story is full of mystery, action, sci-fi, body horror and if that appeals to you then I think you will enjoy this one.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

WWW Wednesday | 9/10/25

WWW Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Sam over on Taking on a World of Words.

The idea is pretty simple, every week you dedicate a post to the three W’s:

What are you currently reading?

What have you just finished reading?

What are you going to read next?

Already the second week of September and I think it’s weird that I’m reading horror arcs and Christmas romance arcs! 😅. I wish holiday romances got published in November rather than in September/October. Anyway hope everyone is having a good week!

What are you currently reading?

Hekate by. Nikita Gil – 25%

Tusk Love by. Thea Guazon – 4%

Fevered Star by. Rebecca Roanhorse – audiobook – 47%

Great Big Beautiful Life by. Emily Henry – audiobook – 18%

What have you just finished reading?

Thief of Night by. Holly Black – ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (audiobook)

Katabasis by. R.F. Kuang – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Austen Affair by.. Madeline Bell – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

We Who Will Die by. Stacia Stark – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

You Make it Feel Like Christmas by. Sophie Sullivan – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

And the River Drags Her Down by. Jihyun Yun – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

What are you going to read next?

The Scammer by. Tiffany D. Jackson

The Crimson Throne by. Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

Immortal Consequences by. I.V. Marie

Yours For the Season by. Emily Stone

Heartsick by. Kristina Forest

Eldritch by. Keri Lake

What are YOU reading right now?

In Wisteria Cove, love is messy, magic is real, and pumpkin spice fixes almost everything… almost.

Willa Maren has a bookstore café, two meddling sisters, a witchy mother who swears by candle spells… and a big Tate Holloway is back in town.

Her first love. Her heartbreak. The boy next door, who left, is now back, looking entirely too hot in flannel.

The whole town is matchmaking, her sisters are firmly on Team Tate, and even their mother, Lilith Maren seems to stir up a love spell or two.

But this time, Willa’s determined to protect her heart, even if it takes every ounce of magic she’s got.

For readers who believe in second chances… and a little small-town magic.

Perfect for fans of Gilmore Girls, Practical Magic, and cozy fall romances, The Pumpkin Spice Spell is an irresistible tale of love, forgiveness, and a little small-town magic.

Are you getting any new books this week?

Happy Reading!

Find me here: Instagram (bookstagram📚) | TikTok (TikTok)

The Austen Affair by. Madeline Bell | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: The Austen Affair

Author: Madeline Bell

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 336

Publication Date: 9/16/25

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Categories: Romance, Time-Travel, Historical 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 St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Two feuding co-stars in a Jane Austen film adaptation accidentally travel back in time to the Regency Era in this delightfully clever and riotously funny debut

Tess Bright just scored her dream role starring in an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Northanger Abbey. It’s not just the role of a lifetime, but it’s also her last chance to prove herself as a serious actress (no easy feat after being fired from her last TV gig) and more importantly, it’s her opportunity to honor her mom, who was the biggest fan of Jane Austen ever. But one thing is standing in Tess’s way—well, one very tall, annoyingly handsome person, actually: Hugh Balfour.

A serious British method actor, Hugh wants nothing to do with Tess (whose Teen Choice Awards somehow don’t quite compare to his BAFTA nominations). Hugh is a type-A, no-nonsense, Royal Academy prodigy, whereas Tess is big-hearted, a little reckless, and admittedly, kind of a mess. But the film needs chemistry—and Tess’s career depends on it.

Sparks fly, but not in the way Tess hoped, when an electrical accident sends the two feuding co-stars back in time to Jane Austen’s era. 200 years in the past with only each other to rely on, Tess and Hugh need to ad-lib their way through the Regency period in order to make it back home, and hopefully not screw up history along the way. But if a certain someone looks particularly dashing in those 19th century breeches…well, Tess won’t be complaining.

A wickedly funny, delightfully charming story, The Austen Affair is a tribute to Jane Austen, second chances, and love across the space-time continuum.

Content Warning: grief, illness

+ Tess has scored a role in the movie, Northanger Abbey, the story written by the famous Jane Austen. Thing is she and her co-star, Hugh, do not get along. He is grumpy and she is sunshine. When something happens to make them time-travel into the past (Jane Austen’s past), they have to learn to put those acting skills to the test and pretend they are engaged!

+ I love Tess and Hugh’s interactions as they travel to the past and try to convince people they aren’t imposters. Their personalities are such opposites and it was fun to see them try to navigate regency England. I love a Jane Austen inspired story!

+ It’s a funny, quick read but also had some themes dealing with grief.

~ I thought their plan to get back home was so random! But kind of funny and lent to the whole light-hearted, rom-com elements.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought this was a cute read and definitely for the Jane Austen fans!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Game On by. Ki Stephens | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Game On

Author: Ki Stephens

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 336

Publication Date: 9/8/25

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Categories: Contemporary Romance, New Adult, Sports 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 St. Martin’s Griffin for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

What she hadn’t planned for was meeting a gorgeous stranger on her first evening in America.

When Ella and Hudson are forced to spend more time together, their “just one night” pact soon shatters.

Until tumbling from the pyramid becomes the least of Ella’s worries. Because instead of hitting the mat, she’s falling hard for the quarterback. . .

Content Warning:

+ Ella is a cheerleader from England who goes to Whitland in Nashville, Tennessee. Along with the culture shock, which hasn’t really fazed her, he boyfriend of a few years dumped her and then she has a one-night stand with the star quarterback at Whitland. I thought Ella was a cool character, typical college girl going through the growing pains of relationships and school.

+~ The romance is a one-night stand to friends to lovers. There is a lot of back and forth between Ella and Hudson, which was not my favorite of the romance. I do think their relationship is relatable because it’s set in college and young love can start and end so fast. There is spice but because these two kept things mostly casual throughout the book I didn’t quite connect to their romance.

+ I enjoyed the cheer parts of the book and it gave me flashbacks to Netflix’s show Cheer (where the star cheerleader was a girl named Gabi haha – there is a Gabi in this book also, coincidentally). I thought Ash was an intriguing character.

~ The conflict that comes at the end of the book was minor and it didn’t feel like the big deal, Ella made it out to be. It was resolved with communication.

Final Thoughts:

This was a light, sports romance and a very quick read. I don’t feel like I connected much to the characters, because of the back and forth and miscommunication but I did enjoy all the cheer aspects to the story – I thought that was interesting and fun! Overall, this was not for me but if you like sports romance, you might enjoy this one.