Metal Slinger by. Rachel Schneider | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Metal Slinger (Fire & Metal, #1)

Author: Rachel Schneider

Format: borrowed (KU)

Pages: 497

Publication Date: 5/12/24

Categories: Romantasy, Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers

Brynn has spent the better part of her life waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta, the very same people who exiled the Alaha to live a life over the sea. A rite of passage for all young guards, she’s not sure what to expect from it, but breaking a century- long peace treaty certainly isn’t on her map.

Neither is the encounter with an enemy soldier.

Returning home to Alaha, she’s confronted with the aftermath of the day’s events. The future is uncertain as the threat of hunger looms over the people. With rumors of a growing rebellion, Brynn and her closest friends promise to stick together.

When an unexpected visitor arrives, Brynn’s loyalty will be tested as she learns of a world of magic and treachery. Once her enemy, always her enemy, right? But the dark, knowing eyes of a stranger make her question everything…

…including her heart.

Content Warning: violence

I’ve been seeing this book on booktok but saw it Kindle Unlimited before – I heard that a traditional publisher was picking this book up so I downloaded to see what the hype was about.

+ The beginning was good and I was definitely hooked. I was intrigued by these group of people who have been exiled from land. In Alaha, their home is an island without land. So I thought that was really interesting! Brynn is training to be a guard and is almost finished. To top it off, her best friend, Kai, who is also the son of the leader of their people, wants to marry her. All should be good until something happens that puts their people in danger of starvation.

+ The magic system is interesting. People have elemental magic. But you need land to activate and use magic.

+ Brynn seems like a strong and beautiful female. She’s good with a sword and as the story moves on we find out things about her past like she has magic and that her family is still alive. Without spoiling the story because there is a plot twist that changes what I think about Brynn/Jovi, let’s just say she is unexpected.

+ Brynn has crushed on Kai since they were young so that’s a friends to lovers match there. But then she meets Acker. He is the typical dark haired, hot, mysterious, guy who embodies danger and all that (he’s good at killing)…and he has metal magic. He also fills the gaps of her missing memories about her childhood because he knew her as Jovi. They get to know one another and there is desire between them. I thought they fell too fast for one another but I blamed it on the bond they have. There are some spicy scenes between them.

~ There is a lull in the middle of this book. For awhile, Brynn/Jovi and Acker is floating in the middle of the ocean trying to find land. They get to know each other but not much is happening. Even when they get to land, I don’t feel like the world-building was strong. There are kingdoms with a fragile peace treaty and Acker and Jovi being on these lands trying to get to Kenta (Acker’s kingdom), threatens the peace. But I wanted to know more about these kingdoms.

~ I liked Acker and Jovi’s growing relationship but I did feel something was missing because it was moving so fast. Did she really just dismiss her feelings for Kai so suddenly? Acker fell fast and hard for her too. I wanted build-up, but because they are Matched and have a bond, so it’s undeniable? I wanted more of an emotional connection but I wasn’t feeling it.

~ The plot twist. This is what all the hype is about with this book…so let’s talk about it. It comes with a sudden flashback at the end of the book during a build to a climactic moment but though I felt stunned, it felt kinda off, and I was confused. The way it’s executed means a lot of things happens off page, and we, the reader don’t get that information. It also paints Jovi in a very different light than how I saw her throughout the book – which is the goal, I guess? But it leaves me with SO many questions that won’t be answered until the next book or not? We shall see, maybe now I don’t trust the author since she didn’t trust me?😅 Throughout this whole book there is no show of motivation for her to do what she did at the end – it’s a whole secret until then, she’s lying the whole time. And fine, I don’t mind being lied to for shock value, but make it make sense. I like a good unreliable narrator but Brynn/Jovi is not that, doesn’t even give us a hint that she’s unreliable. The were just a few indications that did give me pause in the book and maybe foreshadowed this was going to happen – I questioned how fast she fell for Acker but chalked it up to insta-love and also, wondered why with her at the border of her kingdom, she wouldn’t go right away and see the mom she hasn’t seen in forever.

Final Thoughts:

If you are a high-fantasy reader, go into this one with low expectations. If you love romantasy and all the usual tropes, you will enjoy this one. You kind of have to go with the flow with this one and not think too hard on connecting dots. I was half and half on this one. I knew it was a romantasy with a lot of hype – so I wanted to see what the hype and plot twist was about. The plot twist had potential but I did not like how it was executed. I did like the beginning when the story is set with the characters, and the world of Alaha, but then there is a lull in the middle as our main characters are floating on the sea trying to find land. Pacing wise, this felt choppy. I had to re-read some parts a few times in the book because I felt like I missed something.

Will I read book two? Yes, I think I will read it because I want to see what happens to Brynn/Jovi and Acker after that wild ending. There is a snippet at the end of the ebook for book two, and it looks like it takes place after a few years have passed, so I think that’s interesting. But when I read book two I will go in with trust issues. 😅

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Wolf King by. Lauren Palphreyman | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: The Wolf King (Wolf King, #1)

Author: Lauren Palphreyman

Format: borrowed (KU)

Pages: 475

Publication Date: 9/14/25

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Politics, Werewolves, Romantasy, Enemies to Lovers

When a princess is kidnapped by an alpha , war rages between the humans and the wolves. But soon, forbidden attraction starts to grow. . .

Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle and the marriage that has been arranged for her.

But on the night before her wedding, at a dog fight where captured werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. It puts her on the radar of the powerful alpha who was going to kill him. And it changes everything.

That night, when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged lands north of the border — where the once warring werewolf clans are beginning to unite. He thinks that she is the key to winning the war against the humans.

Only, as they spend time around one another, forbidden attraction starts to grow. And as Aurora learns that not all wolves are bad, the alpha discovers that she is in danger from both his enemies, and those he once considered friends.

With monsters on both sides, a bloodthirsty war between humans and wolves raging, and undeniable passion growing between them — will their story end in love? Or tragedy?

And will Aurora ever get home?

Does she even want to?

Content Warning: violence

+ I kept seeing this book on KU and then finally saw someone say on here how much they loved it. So I downloaded because I felt like I was in a romantasy slump (I took a break to finish arcs), and was craving a good romantasy. And I’m so glad I read this one, because I devoured it!

+ Princess Aurora is about to be married to a horrible man so when the alpha from a werewolf clan kidnaps her she goes willingly – telling herself she is saving her people but secretly knowing she is saving herself. from her future husband. Aurora was raised to be poised, and in control of her emotions but once she is free from her duties she learns she has to toughen up in a different way because now she’s surrounded by werewolves and they have their own hierarchy of doing things.

+ This is a romantasy and Callum, alpha of Highfell, is charming! Yes he is the enemy because he kidnapped her and basically wants to hold her hostage but he was very easy to fall in love with because he’s a good guy, loves to tease Aurora even when she throws a fit, and clearly they have a physical attraction that’s hard to deny. I thought their relationship was very sweet and he’s very protective of her. It does get spicy between them.

+ I really enjoy the politics of the werewolves and how they are fighting the humans. Even though there are a few characters to learn, I didn’t have a hard time keeping track of them. I actually felt like there were so many intriguing characters, like Blake. Blake…he is mysterious, dangerous, can’t trust him, very full of red flags and yet, I’m wondering if this is turning into a love triangle? Not sure I want that to happen. And what does that say about me that I want to know more about the really bad boy instead of Aurora staying with the really good guy?! 😅 But it’s hard not to fall for these werewolves in kilts! Anyway, there is a lot of politics and right now Aurora is the pawn and I want to see how this ends up for her character.

~ I think I want to see a little more fight and growth in Aurora and I’m sure it is coming. I’m grateful for Callum and his goodness because she would’ve been passed around and bartered if not for his protection! But eventually I want to see her take power into her own hands.

~ I really hope it’s not a love triangle, but why am I not set on Callum being her love interest? Because of Blake.😅

Final Thoughts:

I needed a romantasy to read this week and this came through! I devoured it and the second book (review coming) in 2 days. And now I have to wait for book three which bums me out so bad. 😅 I’ve always been a fan of fae and vampires more than werewolves but this one is so fun, it might be because of the kilts and the charm! I enjoyed the politics, the werewolf hierarchy drama, Aurora being a human princess among wolves, the romance, the spice and Blake. So glad I finally read this one!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Jasad Crown by. Sara Hashem | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Jasad Crown (The Scorched Throne, #2)

Author: Sara Hashem

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 692

Publication Date: 7/15/25

Publisher: Orbit

Categories: Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Political Intrigue

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

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

In the thrilling conclusion to the Egyptian-inspired Scorched Throne duology, a fugitive queen must risk everything and everyone she loves for the chance to restore her lost kingdom of Jasad.

Held deep in a mountain refuge, Sylvia has been captured by the Urabi, who believe the Jasad Heir can return their homeland to its former power. But after years of denying her legacy and a forbidden alliance with Jasad’s greatest enemy, Sylvia must win the Urabi’s trust while struggling to hide the dangerous side effects her magic is having on her mind.

In a rival kingdom, Arin must maneuver carefully between his father’s desire to put down the brewing rebellion and the sacred edicts Arin is sworn to uphold. He is determined to find Sylvia before it’s too late, but Arin’s search unravels secrets that threaten the very core of his beliefs about his family and the destruction of Jasad.

War is inevitable, but Sylvia cannot abandon her people again. The Urabi plan to raise the Jasadi fortress, and it will either kill Sylvia or destroy the humanity she’s fought so hard to protect. For the first time in her life Sylvia doesn’t just want to survive. She wants to win.

The fugitive queen is ready to reign.

Content Warning: violence, death, grief, parental abuse

+ This is part two in The Scorched Throne series and what I loved about the first book was Arin and Sylvia/Essiya. I wanted to see what would happen to them in the conclusion and what a conclusion it is.

+ The enemies to lovers romance in this series is top notch. The tension between Arin and Essiya is so good. And they are always fighting and I don’t mean arguing but physical fighting. And I wanted more in this book but I felt like we still got bread crumbs. There are some exceptional moments though where Arin is telling Essiya what lengths he would go to save her, be with her, love her. It made me melt! It hurts my heart just knowing what they had to go through in this story. But what a love story it turned out to be!

+ Sylvia/Essiya was the compelling character in book one because of who she was and what she was hiding. She’s still amazing in this one – strong, impulsive, but learning to be a leader. It’s Arin that stole my heart in book two. He has to deal with a lot of truths, betrayals, guilt and with his brilliant mind, with him always trying to figure out a puzzle or plan for the future – he of course has to figure out how to save Essiya. I loved both their personal journeys, but more so Arin’s.

+ The world-building was great and the twists in the story did surprise me. I love this lush world of magic, with magical creatures and beasts coming to life.

~ Like book one, I felt like this book again was too long. This is longer than book one, coming in just under 700 pages. I wonder why this was never made into a trilogy because it definitely could have been! Also, I’m starting to question if I just don’t enjoy long books?

~ Because I felt like it was too long, the pacing was uneven. The beginning was slow, it took me a few days to get through it, I was trying to get my bearings and remember who Sefa and Marek were. This time they have their own POVs. I was not-so-patiently waiting for Arin and Essiya to be in scenes together. And then I would be riveted to the story and then it would slow down again. The second half was much better. The ending plot-twist felt a little rushed and I wish there was more to explore that which is why I wish this would have been a trilogy!

Final Thoughts:

Even though it was too long and the pacing was uneven, the Arin and Essiya love story really bumped up my rating from 3.5 to 4 stars. I love them together and was rooting for them hard. I loved the world building and the twists in the story. This was a good conclusion to the duology. If you like fantasy and romance (not so much romantasy – there is no smut in this) then you will enjoy this series.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

The Jasad Heir by. Sara Hashem | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Silvercloak by. L.K. Steven | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Silvercloak (Silvercloak Saga, #1)

Author: L.K. Steven

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 464

Publication Date: 7/29/25

Publisher: Del Rey

Categories: Fantasy, Magic, LGBT+, Romance, 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 Del Rey for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In this addictive new fantasy series set in a world where magic is fueled by pleasure and pain, an obsessive detective infiltrates a brutal gang of dark mages—knowing that one wrong move will get her killed. . . .

Two decades ago, the Bloodmoons ruthlessly murdered Saffron Killoran’s parents, destroying her idyllic childhood. Hell-bent on revenge, she lies her way into Silvercloak Academy—the training ground for her city’s elite order of detectives—with a single goal: to bring the Bloodmoons to justice.

But when Saff’s deception is exposed, rather than being cast out, she’s given a rare opportunity: to go undercover and tear the Bloodmoons down from the inside.

Descending into a world where pleasure and pain are the most powerful currencies, Saff must commit some truly heinous deeds to keep her cover—and her life. Not only are there rival gangs and sinister smuggling rings to contend with, but there’s also her growing feelings for the kingpin’s tortured son, with his vicious pet fallowwolf, his dark past, and the curious prophecy foretelling his death at Saffron’s hand.

With each day testing her loyalties further, Saff finds her web of lies becoming harder to spin. And when one false step could destroy everything and everyone she’s ever loved . . . the detective who’s dedicated her life to vengeance just might die for it.

Content Warning: violence, death, drug use, torture

+ Silvercloak introduces us to a world of magic, and to fill this magic well in each person is pleasure and pain. The world-building is amazing – it is lush, detailed and violent. There are mages who uses wands and spells for their magic. There are Silvercloaks who are in essence the good guys, and then the Bloodmoons who are the bad guys – run by Lyrian who acts like a cold-hearted mob boss. Saff is training to be Silvercloak but gets assigned to be deep undercover as a Bloodmoon to gather intel so that their organization can be finally taken down.

+ Saff is an undercover Silvercloak and caught in a mess. Lyrian runs a tight ship and Levan, his son is ruthless and keeping an eye on Saff. She does her best with what skills she has but this being her first real undercover mission – she is not that savvy and makes so many mistakes. I found her to be a fascinating character with her immunity to magic. Levan is even more fascinating with his hard exterior, violent tendencies and yet love for fantasy books. The attraction between them is automatic because in this world, pleasure and pain seem to be there for the taking with anyone they choose. There are a few spicy scenes and it gets creative when using wands and magic! I thought that was fun plus because it’s a world of pleasure – this is a queer community, both Saff and Levan are bisexual.

+ The side characters were great too – I felt like Saff’s friends gave us a lot of insight into her life and world before becoming a Bloodmoon. And the Bloodmoons are interesting too especially when Saff starts to dig into why they do what they do.

+ There is a lot of violence in this book because that is what Bloodmoons are. I liked the twist at the end and it makes me eager to know what will happen in book two. Also I usually don’t enjoy time jumping but this one was easy to follow.

~ I wasn’t 100% on Saff’s reasons for joining the Bloodmoon (the made up reason), clearly someone like Lyrian who has his “eyes” everywhere knows she is a rat – he knows, he just doesn’t have proof but I just kept wondering, why not just kill her? She really doesn’t bring anything to the table here and they were suspicious of her the whole time, but that’s what made the twist more interesting.

~ Clearly this is an enemies to lovers romance but I am still not sure about Levan and how he feels about Saff. Also because they can refill their magic wells with pleasure – I didn’t feel like they had a budding romantic connection at all, more like okay I can help you replenish with this. Do I hope they have a romance? I’m not sure yet.

~ As I mentioned, Saff isn’t the most experienced undercover Silvercloak so there were times I wanted to shake some sense into her. Also, this is adult fantasy but feels young adult or maybe new adult.

Final Thoughts:

I really enjoyed this one, especially the world-building which was detailed. I love the magic and wand wielding. There were some pretty violent and bloody scenes in this one but I thought it was fitting since the Bloodmoons are an organized crime unit. They lived up to their reputation. This was entertaining and I’m looking forward to see what happens in book two!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Of Flame and Fury by. Mikayla Bridge | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

Title: Of Flame and Fury

Author: Mikayla Bridge

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 7/15/25

Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Dystopian

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

Thank you to Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

On an island built from ash and shrouded in fire, phoenix racing is a sport just as profitable as it is deadly.

Seventeen-year-old Kel Varra and her team of underdogs, the Crimson Howlers, are desperate to win the annual races and the fortune that comes with it. But the Howlers need a new rider, which leads Kel to join forces with Warren “Coup” Coupers – an arrogant rival she can’t get out of her head.

As tensions rise on and off the track, Kel’s home is mistakenly burned down, and she’s forced to take a job from a mysterious tech mogul with an unsettling interest in her phoenix, Savita. This sets in motion a conspiracy that threatens everyone Kel cares for, especially Coup, for whom her embers of resentment are quickly igniting into something dangerously new.

Heart-pounding pages full of steamy romance, fiery confessions, political scheming, and volatile magic culminate in a final twist readers will never see coming.

Content Warning: injuries, violence

+ My favorite thing about this story is the phoenixes and how they are used in racing competitions. Kel’s phoenix Savita, is the only thing she has now after the death of her father, and her bond with Savita is special even though phoenixes are creatures to show affection. I felt like the little Savita gave to Kel was a lot compared to how phoenixes are portrayed and I loved how that was enough for Kel.

+ I also enjoyed the found family trope in this story because Kel doesn’t really have anyone except Savita and her friend Dira. Their found family grows when Coup and his brother Bekn joins the team even though there is animosity between Kel and Coup.

+ The romance is not the main focus but I like how it goes from dislike to like. Coup has the charmisma and Kel is the grumpy one. They are forced to pretend they have a budding romance for the press, but behind closed doors and behing Kel’s animosity they train together and learn more about one another. I was rooting for them and wish there was more time to explore their feelings but I was kind of broken hearted for them at the end.

+ This story is faced paced because of the action-packed phoenix races which I enjoyed a lot! There is high stakes which adds to the tension in the story and some secrets too. Also there is a twist I wasn’t expecting.

~ The world building is interesting but sometimes confusing. It’s a fantasy but more like a dystopian world…I think? That’s how it feels like when reading it because of the tech that they use so would that be sci-fi? It’s hard to put into a category. Also out of the blue comes these rebels – a group that want phoenixes un-collared and to fly free. I think we needed more information about them.

~ Is there a sequel because of that ending? This needs a sequel!

Final Thoughts:

This book is fast-paced, action packed, fun but filled with danger, secrets, and phoenixes. I liked that Savita is a wild phoenix and not easily controlled even though she is collared. The found family and romance had me invested and I really hope there is a sequel after that ending. I did have minor issues with it like needing more world-building but I enjoyed reading this story regardless.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Knight and the Moth by. Rachel Gillig | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️

Title: The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)

Author: Rachel Gillig

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 5/20/25

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Gothic

Sybil Delling has spent nine years dreaming of having no dreams at all. Like the other foundling girls who traded a decade of service for a home in the great cathedral, Sybil is a Diviner. In her dreams she receives visions from six unearthly figures known as Omens. From them, she can predict terrible things before they occur, and lords and common folk alike travel across the kingdom of Traum’s windswept moors to learn their futures by her dreams.

Just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral. Rude, heretical, and devilishly handsome, the knight Rodrick has no respect for Sybil’s visions. But when Sybil’s fellow Diviners begin to vanish one by one, she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. For the world outside the cathedral’s cloister is wrought with peril. Only the gods have the answers she is seeking, and as much as she’d rather avoid Rodrick’s dark eyes and sharp tongue, only a heretic can defeat a god.

Content Warning: violence, drowning

+ The Knight and the Moth is set in a time of knights, cathedrals, omens, kings and really embodies an eerie gothic vibes from start to finish. I love the mystical nature of the diviners and creatures like sprites. Whenever I put the book down, I couldn’t stop thinking of it and wanted to pick it up again. The whole of the story is very creative, imaginative, and refreshing. I do feel like at times the story was like a fever dream.

+ Sybil or Six, is a diviner. She wears a shroud over her eyes and is drowned in order to give a divination. As the story progresses she uncovers secrets and truths about how she came to be a diviner. It’s quite a journey that Sybil goes through in this story and her story isn’t over yet.

+ When Sybil meets the King and his knights, they eventually form a found family between her, her gargoyle Bartholomew, Rory, Maude and Benji (the young king). I did also like her found family with the other diviners that was present in the beginning of the story, only going by numbers as names like One, Two, Three, etc. This found family is what journeys with Sybil through many quests and obstacles, and I love how close they get.

+ There is a romance between Sybil and Rory and it’s enemies to lovers but I feel like it was more dislike to like. Rory’s a rogue knight, he’s trying his best but he doesn’t make the best knight and Sybil, well he gets under her skin and she can’t stand that. The moment their mutual feelings turn to like though, it becomes a sweet romance between them. I like how Sybil is almost as strong as Rory, she is not a fragile maiden. They are perfect for one another.

+ I really enjoyed how mysterious and mystical this story unfolded. And I found the ending emotional with Bartholomew’s story telling and the twist that occurs at the end. Speaking of Bartholomew, the gargoyle is so funny! I love him. I love how he brought humor to this otherwise dark tale. I also enjoyed the themes about gods, false gods, and power.

~ I think the only minor issue I had with the story is when they are battling the living Omens. Some of them were really good and filled with action like the Oarsman. But the one with the chime happened so fast and was anticlimactic.

Final Thoughts:

This is definitely a gothic fantasy with romance, and not a romantasy. If you are going into this thinking it is a romantasy then you will be disappointed. I loved how imaginative and refreshing this story felt. I didn’t read this book in one day, it took me about four days and I’m kind of glad I read it slowly. I was more immersed in the world and characters and the setting while I read it slow. I enjoyed this one a lot, especially that silly gargoyle Bartholomew! Also, I got the hardcover of this book with the sprayed edges and can I just mention how gorgeous this book is? I can’t wait to see what happens in the sequel!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Tenderly, I Am Devoured by. Lyndall Clipstone | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice: 🌶️

Title: Tenderly, I Am Devoured

Author: Lyndall Clipstone

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 304

Publication Date: 7/1/25

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

Categories: Gothic, Romance, Fantasy, Young Adult, 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 Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Perfect for fans of Saltburn, For the Wolf, and House of Hollow, Tenderly, I Am Devoured is a moody, monstrously Gothic romantasy in which a young woman must bind herself to a dangerous chthonic demon with the help of the son of a rival family to save her family’s legacy―and herself―from ruin.

Expelled from her prestigious boarding school following a violent incident, eighteen-year-old Lacrimosa Arriscane returns home in disgrace to discover her family on the point of financial ruin. Desperate to save them, she accepts a marriage of convenience… to Therion, the chthonic god worshipped by Lark’s isolated coastal hometown.

But when her betrothal goes horribly wrong, Lark begins to vanish from the mortal realm. Her only hope is to seek help from Alastair Felimath: the brilliant, arrogant boy who was her first heartbreak, and his alluring older sister, Camille. As the trio delve into the folklore of gods, Lark falls under the spell of the Felimath siblings.

Ensnared by a fervent romance, they perform a bacchanalia with hopes the hedonistic ritual will repair the connection between Lark and her bridegroom. Instead, they draw the ire of something much darker, which seeks to destroy Therion―and Lark as well.

Content Warning: mentions of physical abuse, violence

+ I am always intrigued by the books this author writes. My favorite part of this book is the setting and the atmosphere. It has gothic vibes, a house by the sea, rituals and worshipping Gods. And there is this theme of 3’s which I found interesting also. This story is written like a fever dream.

+ The romance is messy but filled with yearning and very mild heat, nothing graphic. Lark is friends with her neighbors, two siblings, Alistair and Camille. They are friends for a time until they grow apart. But they eventually reunite, Alistair and Lark having more issues to work through but she gets into a relationship with both of them. I thought it would get complicated but it is definitely the type of relationship where everyone in the party was okay with it so I respected that.

+ I really liked the storyline about the God Therion and Lark having to marry him to help her family’s salt mines become profitable again. It remind me of the story of Hades and Persephone but with a different twist that included Alistair.

~ I felt like Lark fell for people too fast, like for Damson at boarding school. She was needy but also needed by everyone it seems: Alistair, Camille, and Therion. I felt her connection to Alistair, but Camille? Not really except for the physical connection they had with each other.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this one was okay- it’s a quick read and written like a fever dream. I love the coastal, gothic atmosphere and how they worship their God, Therion. I loved all the LGBT romance representation in the story and that it was very accepted in this world but I didn’t love the polyamory between Lark and the siblings only because I felt she had more of a connection and history to Alistair, but I guess at least it didn’t ruin the friendship. And because it’s written like a fever dream at some points I was wondering what was going on. Though some things didn’t work for me, I think young adult gothic romance readers will enjoy this dark, gothic romance story.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Unholy Terrors by. Lyndall Clipstone | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

*****

Lakesedge by. Lyndall Clipstone | ARC Review (World at Lake’s Edge, #1) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Forestfall by. Lyndall Clipstone | Book Review (World at Lake’s Edge, #2) ⭐️⭐️💫

A Magic Deep & Drowning by. Hester Fox | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice:

Title: A Magic Deep & Drowning

Author: Hester Fox

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 6/24/25

Publisher: Graydon House

Categories: Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Retellings

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

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

Set in the waning days of the Dutch Golden Age, this enchanting, lush reimagining of The Little Mermaid is perfect for fans of Jesse Burton’s The Miniaturist and Leigh Bardugo’s The Familiar.

The Dutch Republic, 1650. One fine spring day in Friesland, twenty-year-old Clara van Wieren is faced with an ill omen: a whale, beached and rotting in the noonday sun. But Clara doesn’t believe in magic and superstition, and this portent is quickly dismissed when a proposal from a wealthy merchant arrives, promising Clara the freedom she seeks from her mother’s overbearing rule.

When her attempts at overseeing the household at the family’s estate lead to her chance encounter with a young man with russet hair and sparkling eyes the color of the sea, she finds herself strangely drawn to him. As Clara grows closer to Maurits, she must choose between the steady, gentle life she has been raised for and the man who makes her blood sing.

But Maurits isn’t who he seems to be, and his secrets, once hidden beneath the waves, threaten to rise up and drown them both. And when an ancient bargain, forged in blood between the mythical people of the sea and the rulers of the land, begins to unravel, Clara finds herself at the heart of a deadly struggle for power.

Content Warning: flood, physical abuse

+ This story weaves historical fiction and fantasy. I appreciated learning about life in the Dutch Republic. But the story is also a reimagining of The Little Mermaid, and I found it all very fascinating. I found the world under the sea really magical.

+ Clara is a young woman who is arranged to be married by her parents. She knows it’s her duty but then she meets a mysterious man named Maurits and is drawn to him. What she doesn’t know is that Maurits is from another world beneath the water. Now Clara goes through quite a journey in this story. Her mother is physically abusive and holds resentment and hate for Clara and it shows. So Clara’s nursemaid is the one who has raised her and showed her affection. Clara shows lots of growth in this story from dutiful daughter to someone who fights for people on land and the man she loves.

+ There is court politics with the mermaid court and the humans because of an agreement they made years ago. Clara is caught up in it and there is a bit of environmental fantasy with the story because of the floods that are being threatened against the humans.

~ I feel like Maurits fell for Clara instantly. So I didn’t feel very connected to their romance story.

~ I felt like I was interested in the story in the first half but then the story lost my interest for a bit because I wasn’t connected to the characters.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I thought for the most part this was a fascinating read because of the elements of history, fantasy and environmental events. I do wish I connected more to the characters but I still found it an interesting read.

Book Links:

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Other Books I’ve Read From this Author:

The Last Heir to Blackwood Library by. Hester Fox | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

BLOG TOUR} A Lullaby for Witches by. Hester Fox | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review | The Widow of Pale Harbor ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Den of Liars by. Jessica S. Olson | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice: 🌶️

Title: Den of Liars

Author: Jessica S. Olson

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 7/1/25

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Heist, Fantasy, Casino, Magic

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

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

A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance by acclaimed author Jessica S. Olson.

Lola St. James is the world’s best kept secret. When her father’s loss in the Liar’s Dice Tournament–a high-stakes competition where players are forced to gamble with their deepest secrets–made her a target, she was rescued by the Thief, the notorious leader of the Tentacles. But the Thief’s kindness came with a Lola’s heart. In the years that followed, she and the Thief formed a bond like no other, able to feel each other’s emotions because of their shared heart.

Now, living under the pseudonym Astra, she is determined to prove herself and become a full-fledged Tentacle. But when a critical heist goes sideways, the only way forward is for Lola to compete in the Liar’s Dice Tournament herself. Lola is confident in her ability to pull off any heist, but the Thief’s mysterious brother, the Liar, runs the game and he turns out to be more than she bargained for. As her attraction for him grows and illusions run wild, she will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers’ shared history, and the lies she tells herself.

Content Warning: violence

+ This story starts with a heist and ends with secrets coming unraveled and I had a great time with it! This is set in a casino which I found fun and dark. This is a world revolving around magic and secrets. The magic system is unique and there is a competition taking place to win an Unbreakable Lie. A game always makes things interesting!

+ Lola was saved by the Thief (Enzo), but now they have a mission to infiltrate the world of the Liar (Nic), so they can find the moonshard to break Enzo’s curse. Lola is a pretty good thief but even she isn’t strong enough to withstand some of the Liar’s magic or how much she comes to learn about him and desire him later on. I liked Lola, she was strong and wanted to prove her worth, but she’s also gone through some trauma. When she’s caught in the web of lies around her she has to make a choice on whether she wants to know the full truth. And that’s a hard choice to make. There is lots of growth for her from beginning to end.

+ Enzo and Nic are brothers but something major came between them and they hate each other. I loved getting to know these two different guys and getting a glimpse of their back story also. Enzo being the edgier of the two and addicted to thieving, and Nic who can weave a spell and make people love him with his lies. This is not a love triangle – I feel like it’s pretty obvious Enzo and Lola treat each other like siblings. Whereas Nic and Lola want each other but can’t be with one another because of mistrust, lies and Enzo.

+ It’s enemies to lovers and forced proximity but I really enjoyed how the story explored trust, lies and questioning who was manipulating who. It’s not spicy but there are some scene filled with heat and tension that was really good. Obviously, neither Lola or Nic, trust each other enough to take a chance on each other which is sad but I’m looking forward to see if that changes in book two (and I am assuming there will be one or else I’ll be crushed).

~ I would have liked more information about the magic and moonshard. We get a little bit of a backstory, very little. There is a lot more in this world to explore, like trying to find Laurel, Nic’s ex and someone important to the brothers finding this moonshard. Also, I’d like to know if Lola and her dad ever reunite and we can learn more about Lola’s past. Basically all of these things would give more information about the moonshard and magic so I hope we get that in book two.

Final Thoughts:

I read this one in two days. I got sucked into this magical, dark, casino world and the feud between two brothers, and Lola, a girl with a secret identity at the middle of the web of lies. I loved the tension in the romance between Lola and Nic and I hope there is a sequel so I can find out what happens next!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BLOG TOUR} A Forgery of Roses by. Jessica S. Olson | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Embrace the Serpent by. Sunya Mara | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Embrace the Serpent

Author: Sunya Mara

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 352

Publication Date: 6/24/25

Publisher: HarperCollins

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy

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

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

The Serpent King has come to find his bride, and with his arrival festivities sweep through the city. Inside and outside the Rose Palace await women from across the six kingdoms determined to become his new bride-to-be—all except for eighteen-year-old Saphira.

After escaping life as a palace ward under the cruel djinn Lady Incarnadine, Saphira now works as the apprentice to the unscrupulous jewelsmith Galen. Out of fear of being discovered, she hides her rare gift for harnessing the magic in gemstones and lets Galen take credit for her craft.

But when Galen makes a boast that ruffles the court, Lady Incarnadine punishes him with an impossible task—one that threatens to drag Saphira back into Incarnadine’s grasp. Desperate to avoid this fate, Saphira strikes a dangerous deal with Rane, the enigmatic huntsman sent by the Serpent King to find the best jewelsmith in the empire.

Rane promises that if Saphira crafts a mysterious piece for his master, the Serpent King will grant her a new identity and freedom. But when their plans go awry and the only way out is to marry the Serpent King, Saphira becomes entangled in the dangerous affairs of kingdoms and empires—caught between the cunning, handsome Rane and her cold, serpentine husband.

Content Warning: violence

+ I didn’t know what to expect from this story but I was pleasantly surprise and I read it in one day. Saphira is a jewelsmith and I love her talent with the gems. She has a mysterious history that is revealed as the story moves along. But the Serpent King has come to town looking for a wife, or at least that is what the Rose Palace believes.

+ The world-building is not heavy, this is a light fantasy. I did want more world building about the different kingdoms but I think there was a general feeling for what was happening. This world is filled with djinn, golems, magic and different kinds of creatures. I actually enjoyed it and I especially enjoyed Grimney who is Saphira’s golem! He was so charming!

+ There is a marriage of convenience in the story and a little but of deception with the romance but I thought the romance was sweet by the end! There is no spice, and there is a very closed door scene but other than that this is a clean romance.

+ I actually can’t believe this is a standalone because it could have been a series if the world-building was heavier but it was kind of refreshing to have it be a standalone. I liked the happy ending!

~ Though I like that this is a light fantasy, but I also think it would have been nice to create more tension with Mirandel who knew Saphira in her past but they had a falling-out. They had some interesting interactions but I thought there could be more there in their storyline. It would be interesting to see a sequel about her actually.

Final Thoughts:

This book has magic, deception, a marriage of convenience, a cute golemn named Grimney and a sweet romance. I really enjoyed it and read it in one setting. I think for a light fantasy it was very enjoyable.