Tag: romance

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

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating:

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

Author: Ava Larksen

Pages: 330

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Publication Date: 6/10/26

Categories: Romantasy, Series


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

The Crowthers are running out of time.

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

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

The Emporium.

A sinister, macabre bordello.

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

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

But the Crowthers have forgotten one truth.

Nelle Wychthorn bows to no one.

Content Warning: violence

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

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

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

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

Vibes: Romeo and Juliet but with lots of revenge.

Final Thoughts:

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

Read if you like:

  • warring families
  • Gods
  • betrayal, mystery

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

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

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

Weekly Wrap Up | 6/14/26

Aloha friends!

I am BACK.

+ I was supposed to fly with my son, daughter and parents to the Philippines but the night before the flight my son came down with a bad cold. I thought okay…it’s just a cold, but then he was throwing up all night, and I couldn’t sleep worrying about him and knew I had to make a decision in the morning. My parents paid for this trip, so I couldn’t back all three of us out. Morning comes and my son has a fever so at least I had packed his bag separately the night before in case he wasn’t going to come. I was SO bummed, sad for him (he was sad) and me…but at least my hubby was already staying back to watch the dog – so I had to let go of my anxiety and prepare my daughter and I for the Philippines.

+ We landed in Manila after almost 11 hours and had to take a connecting flight to Laoag which is in the northern Philippines. It was hot, 91 degrees at night. At least the second flight was only 45 minutes. From there we were met with so much family and headed to the apartment we were renting out. For about 10 days we were in Laoag hanging out with so much family. I cannot understand or speak Tagalog (their national language), but in the north they speak Ilocano which I can understand but barely speak. It was HOT for most of the days but a week later we had nights of monsoon type rain, lightning and thunder! And some days there were scheduled power outages 🥵, but honestly it was just fun being with so much family. We went to Pagudpud, which is almost at the northern coast of the Philippines – gorgeous landscapes.

+ After time with family my cousins drove us down to Manila (an 8 hour drive). I was the one who wanted to spend some time in Manila but honestly once I was there, I was missing the cleaner air of the countryside! My mom and daughter caught something – my mom had a cold, my daughter I think was allergies because the air is so hazy in the city. And it was just so packed with people, I was trying not to get sick.

+ We didn’t realize another cousin of mine was visiting the Philippines also, so we visited her and she was about an hour outside of Manila in Laguna but she made us follow her to Tagaytay for lunch. There were gorgeous views from higher elevation – but it was traffic on those 2 lane roads. We then met more family who was in Manila! 😅

+ The day before our flight we planned to do a buffet lunch at the Okada which is basically like the Bellagio – they even have a fountain show! While we were exploring the resort my cousin said her son could get us an executive suite there for a really cheap price. She basically pressured my parents into doing it – but I wanted to do this before the trip even happened but I was overruled. Well they couldn’t overrule her haha, or felt bad doing it so we got to stay a night at the fancy hotel, which was lovely.

+ I was fine for the whole trip with some sinus issues here and there but of course, the hours right before the flight, my nose starts to drip and my throat starts to itch! I blame all the smoking in the casino at the resort. 😩. I felt like crap on the plane but it’s not like I haven’t been sick on a plane before. Thank god my daughter slept through almost the whole flight – she got to lay down since her brother’s seat was empty! But we made it back!

+ I’ve kinda been jet lagged, plus had to get over the cough which only lasted 2 nights – so it was definitely allergies. Now I’m catching up on my blog and social media accounts – I’ve been making a few mistakes here and there but I’m blaming the jet lag!!

Blog Posts:

Books I Finished

  • Beneath by. Ariel Sullivan
  • The Winged Game by. Sophie Kim
  • Deviant King by. Rina Kent
  • Caged by Fallen Crows: Part Two by. Ava Larksen
  • Blood Bound by. Ellis Hunter
  • Black River by. Ruby Jean Cottle
  • The Secret World of Briar Rose by. Cindy Pham

Currently Reading:

  • The False Vow by. Lydia Gregovi
  • You Won’t Forget Me by. Mazey Eddings
  • Light Wielder by. Rachel Schneider

Shows/Movies/Music I Watched/Listened To:

+ Every Year After (Prime Video) – I’m watching this one but it’s kind of slow so I stopped at episode 3. Will continue when I have more time.

+ Olivia Rodrigo – You Seem Pretty Sad For A Girl So In Love – this album is AMAZING. It’s on REPEAT and I need to get tickets to her tour. 😩 I need to hear it live and sing my heart out. I love EVERY song!!! My daughter who is 9 has loved her since GUTS (how did a 6 year old love All American Bitch? LOL…I don’t know but I think it’s the screaming she loves), I loved her since SOUR, my son also became more of a fan from GUTS. So yeah I need tickets…🙏🏽

How was your week? Did you get a lot done? Watch anything good? Read any amazing books or books you didn’t finish? What are you reading?…Leave me a comment below!

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Beneath by. Ariel Sullivan | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Fury Bound (Rebirth, #0)

Author: Ariel Sullivan

Pages: 464

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Publication Date: 3/24/26

Categories: Dystopian, Romance, Series


Hundreds of years before the Illum ruled supreme, humanity risked everything to rebuild after a devastating war in this explosive dystopian romance and prequel to Conform.

Twenty-three-year-old Sasha Cadell knows time is running out in the underground city, filled with survivors of the nuclear fallout six years ago. She works in the Expansion Sector, trying to escape the memories of those she lost. Her bleak existence is upended when Tristian Hayes, a stunningly handsome, frustratingly determined commander of the Force, recruits her to join him and his elite team of soldiers as they embark on a secret mission to the surface.

Sasha is thrust into brutal training with stakes far beyond mere survival. The fate of the remaining humankind depends on their success—or failure. As she confronts her own demons, Sasha finds both allies and foes in the training program, as well as a sizzling attraction between her and Tristian that threatens the walls she’s built around her heart.

But under the surface, secrets and deception run as rampant as illnesses. And not everyone will survive the rise of a power more terrifying than anything they’ve ever known.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: The world has been ruined and destroyed by war and radiation so the survivors created a city underground but resources are running out. Time is ticking on Haven and Tristian Hates and his Force is going on missions above to try to find resources – but he wants Sasha on his team to help them survive the missions.

Characters: Sasha has gone through tremendous trauma and loss. Now she’s called Death’s Angel because she was the one who always stayed by people’s bedside when they died or survived. She was at Tristian’s bedside too and now he wants her on his team as a medic to help them out. But Sasha doesn’t want to join a team, doesn’t want to get close to people because if you start to care, it hurts to lose them. Sasha is not as cold as everyone things though and Tristian is the hope for Haven. Tristian’s team is full of different characters and I got invested in all of them – they all have trauma but they fight for Haven. The found family trope in this story is a strong focused and I loved it.

Romance: Tristian falls first, for sure, but Sasha has trauma and is not someone who wants to get close to anyone. So theirs is a very slow burn, with some spice, but I felt for both of them. I wanted Tristian to break down her walls, but I also could sympathize with why Sasha kept her walls up. He’s a good guy and she had so much self-loathing she felt like she didn’t deserve someone good. I was definitely happy when they found some time together that made them escape the danger of their world for a little bit, but hope for an amazing love story for them.

Story: I love the setting and high stakes of this story – there was so much tension from start to finish and a sense of foreboding. I was emotionally invested in Sasha’s story but also the stories of Tristian’s teammates. It felt like there was no hope for Haven but Tristian’s faith in the mission really held his team together and even made Sasha believe for a little bit. I love Sasha’s journey – her grief was such a deep darkness she had to learn to climb out of, I just wanted to give her a hug. There are a few twists in the story but the ending is a twist I wasn’t expecting and wonder if there will be a book after this one, because I am emotionally invested in these characters! I know it’s the prequel to Conform, which I haven’t read yet because I’m waiting for my Libby hold to become available – but I’d love a sequel for Beneath especially after that ending.

Final Thoughts:

I was emotionally invested in this book from start to finish because Sasha’s story of loss and grief struck me so hard. There was so much tension and then Tristian’s faith in humanity was so hopeful. This story took me on an unexpected emotional journey and I want more!

Read if you like:

  • dystopian
  • journey through grief
  • found family

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Shadow Reaper by. Lynette Noni | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Shadow Reaper (#1)

Author: Lynette Noni

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 6/16/26

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Magic, 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 Knopf Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Never bargain with a reaper.

The city of Aravell is in peril, plagued by a deadly blackmist that kills all it touches and reapers who roam the streets, stealing magic from innocent children in their thirst for power. Seventeen-year-old Viridia Solace has trained for years to hunt these reapers, but their ranks keep growing, led by the man who murdered her parents: the notorious Reaper Priest.

When the Priest’s most loyal follower, Reeve Ashton, is captured, he offers Viri a chance to avenge her parents . . . for a price. She knows better than to bargain with a reaper, let alone this reaper, but his offer is too good to resist.

Soon she’s breaking him out of prison, colluding with his crew of magic thieves, and following him deep into the blackmist forest in search of an ancient legend, all so they can stop the Reaper Priest’s plot to doom the city. Viri is staking her life on Reeve’s plan, but how can she trust a silver-tongued criminal to keep his word? And how can she trust her own heart when a buried secret could shatter everything?

Full of relentless twists, enemies-to-lovers romance, found family, and high stakes action, Shadow Reaper is the start of a breathtaking new duology from international bestselling author Lynette Noni.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: This story is set in a city where there is a blackmist that can kill and reapers kidnapping children to siphon magic from them. Hunters like Viri hunt down Reapers, but now she’s onto trying to bring down a bigger player, the Reaper Priest, and there is one reaper who can lead her to him – Reeve, her childhood friend and brother’s best friend. It seems like by the end of this book though, the world will open up in book two to where the reapers live. There is magic but would have liked to learn more about it.

Characters: Viri is a renowned hunter, and she’s hunting down the Reaper Priest with Reeve’s help. I did enjoy their interactions a lot! There are a lot of secondary characters I enjoyed like Viri’s best-friend Wynter, who is like a mad scientist/alchemist – she was fun. And one of Reeve’s friend’s Jonas and his bunny. I did like meeting all these characters and the found family between them.

Romance: There is a romance brewing between Viri and Reeve but it’s not at the forefront of this story. It’s very much in the background with a some moments of them bantering, I just wanted more though. Not sure what will happen to them in book two though.

Story: The first half felt like it dragged, including the chapters with the journal from the celestial mage – it would kind of take me out of the story, though it’s very important to the history of the magic and certain events in this story. I’m not sure why it didn’t interest me. So the pacing for me was off. Things pick up a lot in the second half and there are some secrets and betrayals.

Vibes: Hunters, Reapers, Magic, Betrayal

Final Thoughts:

I didn’t connect to this one as much as I wanted to but I did like the world building and the cast of characters when they were all together. I would have liked a little more romance. The first half was definitely a struggle for me to get through because it moved slow but it picks up in the second half. I enjoyed the secrets and betrayals and look forward to seeing what happens in book two.

Read if you like:

  • magic
  • secrets and betrayal
  • found family

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Wandering Wild by. Lynette Noni | ARC Review – 4 stars

The Prison Healer by. Lynette Noni | Book Review (#1) – 4 stars

The Gilded Cage by. Lynette Noni | Book Review (The Prison Healer, #2) – 3.5 stars

The Blood Traitor by. Lynette Noni | Book Review (The Prison Healer, #3) – 4 stars

Dhampira by. Amy Pennza | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Title: Dhampira (#1)

Author: Amy Pennza

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 6/16/26

Publisher: Ace

Categories: Romantasy, Why Choose, LGBT+

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

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


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

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

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

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

Content Warning: violence, death,

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

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

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

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

Final Thoughts:

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

Read if you like:

  • why choose romance – spicy

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Black River by. Ruby Jean Cottle | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Black River (#1)

Author: Ruby Jean Cottle

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 432

Publication Date: 6/9/26 (first published 8/25/25)

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)

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


This limited deluxe edition is printed with gorgeous stenciled edges and a stunning foil-stamped case!

JUST ONE TASTE CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING.

All seventeen-year-old Dusty wants is to escape into books and the Adirondack wilderness that surrounds her small town. But in the dead of night, strange things have been happening in Black River.

Animals are being ravaged by something unnatural. And Dusty wakes up one day with dirt on her feet, changed and starving. When new kid Will arrives, Dusty feels an attraction unlike anything she’s felt before. She wants him . . . or she wants his blood. As Dusty realizes she’s transforming into something she can’t control, she reluctantly turns to the only person she somehow knows will understand: the annoyingly attractive Eli Blake.

Together, Dusty and Eli must uncover the mystery of their town and their new, insatiable desires. Have they become vampires or some other kind of monster?

Whatever they are, they’re not the only ones.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Set in a small town, Dusty likes to keep to herself and her best friends until things.

Characters: Dusty’s mom left their family and it’s left a lingering trauma in Dusty but she tries to stay strong for her younger sister who she loves a lot. Dusty is known in town, and has a few popular friends, but she likes to keep to herself. I loved her relationship with her best friend Mali. There is also a boy named Will, who is a new kid and also keeps to himself, and he and Dusty make a connection. But there is also another boy named Eli who Dusty has a connection to also.

Romance: I thought for a moment this was going to be a love triangle but things are clearer near the end of the book. The romance between Will and Dusty is a very slow burn, with challenges coming between them. I was definitely waiting to see their relationship grow and see what direction it would go.

Story: I think for me, this story was too slow. I loved the paranormal elements, the vampires, but trying to figure out how they became vampires took awhile. Most of the story was about how Dusty acclimated to life as a new vampire. Things pick up and get very interesting at the 90% mark, and that was a little too late for me. Also the story ended abruptly, but I believe this is book one, so there will be a continuation to the story.

Final Thoughts:

Overall, this was an okay read for me. I loved Dusty and her story but the mystery of the vampirism and how it happens took too long to unfold, for me. I did like the small town setting and the sweet little romance brewing between Dusty and Will but even that was a slow burn.

Read if you like:

  • small town mystery
  • vampires

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

White Lights by. Lauren Kate | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: White Lights (#1)

Author: Lauren Kate

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 6/9/26

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Categories: Contemporary Fantasy, Romance, Angels, Dark Academia (film school), 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 Grand Central Publishing for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

When mysterious Rafe de la Cruz rolls into Desdemona’s life to recruit her to the elite film school Acheron, Dez has no reason to trust him—and no other option. A violent attack has just put her brother in the hospital…and Dez is the only suspect. Guilt-ridden and grieving, she finds herself running from the law to chase her longtime dream of making movies, at a school she’s never heard of. Soon, she’s dropped into Acheron’s cutthroat world of seductive intrigue, power on an otherworldly scale, and deadly competition.

Acheron may seem like the ticket to a future Dez has always wanted, but as she delves deeper into the secret work being done there, she finds herself trapped in an existential conflict on a cosmic scale—with more than her heart on the line.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Set in present day, Dez goes from living in Death Valley to attending a supposedly exclusive Film School in the Rocky Mountains. And there was a lot of belief I had to suspend to believe a lot of the things happening in this book. But I did push through and I did say things got very interesting. The film school is not what Dez expects it to be and there are a lot of secrets to be unraveled by the end. There were a lot of confusing things about the film school – but mostly because we don’t know the big deal about this school, we are just like Dez, going into it blind but we don’t get more information closer to the end.

Characters: Dez is very interesting – she wants to be a film maker. But her start in this story is pretty wild and strange – things get stranger. One thing that bothered me was how she readily went with things without questioning it. Rafe is a hot stranger who picks her up on the side of the road after a violent event and then says she’s going to attend an exclusive film school…I just needed her to think about things a bit more. As for Rafe…he’s hot, but as we find out more about angels – we find they aren’t really emotionally available, and that relates to Rafe also. I liked seeing the differences between angels and humans, and how Dez has to figure out if ascending is right for her. I did enjoy the secondary characters, they were interesting.

Romance: Dez isn’t looking for romance – but there is a guy she keeps remembering, Asher. He was in a film she made. She only had a day with him and never saw him again but she can’t forget him. But now she’s with Rafe at Archeron and he’s her mentor, he is hot but not exactly a nice or trustworthy person. There is an attraction between them but when some things about angels are revealed, I became team Asher. Can Rafe redeem himself? Is this going to be a love triangle? I feel like Dez will be forced to be with Rafe in book two and I don’t like that idea but I guess we shall see. There are spicy scenes, more than I expected actually and some of them not including Dez and Rafe.

Story: This story is a little wild, a little strange but so unlike anything I’ve read. It’s violent, and then has the dark academia film school element added to it. And though I thought it was a little too unbelievable for me, sometimes it felt like a train wreck of a story, I kept reading because the premise was very unique. Angels? A film school? How do they tie in together? I had to keep reading to find out. It doesn’t seem to make sense but it starts to when things are explained, and it’s a very interesting reveal. Also, speaking of spice, it’s everywhere at the school apparently angels are very open and very sexual, which isn’t a new concept – I’ve read some spicy angel books but one thing that made me cringe was some of the descriptions of angels and what happens when they do the deed. It’s this big deal but I for some reason couldn’t take it seriously. The ending of this story kept me invested and though this story was all over the place, I was very entertained and will probably read book two. I think readers are either going to love or hate this one.

Vibes: film, angels, sex and secrets

Final Thoughts:

This was definitely something I haven’t read before. And I did read Fallen back in the day, but this is much different. It’s a little chaotic, and strange, but I did read it in two days, which means I was addicted to something about this story and I want to say it’s the uniqueness of the film school and how it ties into the angels. I felt okay about the romance, didn’t love it – but I do want to see where it goes in book two, a love triangle? I did find Dez an interesting character and would love to learn more about the angels. Also, that ending with Asher, makes me want to know what will happen next! I do think readers will either hate this one or love it. I was entertained by it so I think I will be reading book two.

Read if you like:

  • angels – spicy angels
  • dark academia but a film school
  • unique story

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Nobody’s Quest by. Alyssa Day | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️

Title: Nobody’s Quest (#1)

Author: Alyssa Day

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 6/2/26

Publisher: Entangled: Red Tower Books

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Quest, Series

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

Thank you to Entangled: Red Tower Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The goddess needs a nobody. The prince needs a miracle.
Soli Graymind might be both.

Soli has spent most of her life being invisible—an indentured servant, a library mold-scrubber, the girl no one sees unless she’s in the way. So, when the king’s guards show up with swords drawn, she assumes it’s a mistake.

It’s not.

Moments later, she’s standing in the throne room while the king tells her she’s been chosen to retrieve a set of ancient keys—only the keys can save the goddess and stop the chaos beyond the palace walls. Because the world isn’t waiting to be saved.

It’s already burning.

And beside him stands Prince Kaelen: devastatingly beautiful, mercilessly cold, and certain Soli won’t survive the hard journey ahead.

He’s probably right.

But Soli’s survived a lifetime of hard everything. She may be a nobody—no training, no real power, and no idea why she was chosen—but she refuses to be expendable. Even if the quest ahead is anything but simple. When assassins, monsters, and impossible choices fracture the fragile alliance slowly building with the Prince, Soli realizes she can’t hide in the shadows anymore.

Because, for the first time in her life, she has something to lose…

A high-stakes romantasy filled with slow-burn romance, found family, and a heroine who never expected to be anyone’s first choice.

Content Warning: violence, mental health, depression

World Building: Set in a fantasy world where a kingdom needs to be saved, a nobody named Soli is chosen to go on this important quest – but she has to pass a test first. Once that happens, she journeys with a group of people to find the keys needed to save the kingdom. The story is full of danger and major found family vibes.

Characters: Soli is a Gray Mind – someone who suffers from chronic depression and is marked for it. She’s strong, she’s brave even when she doesn’t want to be, and I thought she was really inspiring. I also thought she was funny. I love how she explained what Gray Mind meant, or tried to make her companions understand what it is. She suffers from a lot of self doubt and there is scene where she enters a depression – but I love the representation. Prince Kaelan is drawn to Soli from the start and wants to be her hero, but I also love how he allows her to be herself and encourages her when she is down. The rest of the characters are great too, there is a prince, a sorceress, a thief and more – I love the found family trope in this story. I love that they come to support and understand Soli.

Romance: Soli and Kaelan are drawn to one another, and there is desire as their relationship grows. I do think it happens kind of fast but the spice isn’t overly done. There are times Kaelan pulls back because he is a prince so Soli is left with him pushing and pulling and I totally understood her frustration with that. I was rooting for them though because I thought they were cute together.

Story: This story focuses on a quest to save a kingdom but I love how the one saving it is a “nobody”. And that nobody being a Gray Mind who a lot of times don’t feel like she can do anything – but she tries. She has a mantra that she repeats to herself, that gets her through hard things – and I related to her a lot on that. I may not suffer from depression but I’ve had hard times and been down or faced struggles and Soli’s story is an inspiration! Only issue I had was the pacing – it starts off strong but it does slow down at some point in the middle but picks up again in the second half.

Final Thoughts:

I love how in this story, a kingdom is about to be saved by a nobody, or a bunch of them actually. Soli’s story has a Gray Mind and suffering from chronic depression is so inspirational because though she has challenges, she faces them, even when she is scared. But the point is she faces them. This book has a great message! The ending sets it up for book two and I can’t wait to see how much more Soli grows in this series!

Read if you like:

  • a quest
  • romance
  • prophecy
  • found family

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Nobody’s Quest by. Alyssa Day (Deluxe Edition)

Their Will Undone by. R.J. Valldeperas | ARC and ALC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Their Will Undone (#1)

Author: R.J. Valldeperas

Format: eBook (NetGalley) and audiobook (netgalley)

Pages: 368

Publication Date: 6/2/26

Publisher: HarperCollins

Categories: Historical Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult, 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 HarperCollins for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

When a maiden is selected to marry the emperor, her journey to the palace will see her fighting both a spark of magical power and her growing feelings for her broody escort in this romantic fantasy duology opener, inspired by a true story from the Inca empire. 

In the Amaru Empire, it’s considered an honor to be chosen for the annual harvest. But when guards stole Nina’s brother away, it devastated her family. So, when the guards returned for Nina’s sweet sister, she threw herself into their clutches instead. And Nina has spent every moment since then in the acllahuasi, a gilded cage where women are trained to become servants or wives.

When Kasik, an obedient lieutenant in Amaru’s army, is sent to the acllahuasi to retrieve the emperor’s new wife, it’s only the promise of his own command—and a chance to escape his controlling father—that forces him to accept.

Kasik has no reason to trust Nina, nor she to trust him. But, as they begin their journey, their chemistry is hard to ignore. Also hard to ignore? The tugging sensation of magic in Nina’s chest, awakening more questions than she can possibly answer as she travels with a handsome stranger to her unknown fate.

Content Warning: violence, death, sacrifice

World Building: Set in a fantasy world inspired by Incan culture, I love how lush the world building is with the different words (use the glossary in the back), the customs, religion, mythology and politics.

Characters: Kasik is sent by the emperor (his friend) to retrieve a certain young lady to be his wife. But Kasik isn’t given all the information and when he meets Nina, she is always fighting him. Nina is a young woman who is trying to protect her sister, but she’s taken to be the emperor’s new wife and she feels like she has no choices. She finds out she has powerful magic and later in the story her female rage makes it’s appearance and changes her from someone with no choices to being someone to be feared and deadly. I thought it was fascinating to see what she would do with her powers. There are some other characters that stood out like the empress and the emperor that lended to the political intrigue going on in the later half of the story.

Romance: This is a forbidden romance between Kasik and Nina. She’s retrieved to marry the emperor but on their harrowing journey together, they are attracted to one another. Kasik knows he can’t have her, and Nina knows there is not hope between them, but it doesn’t stop him from yearning for her which I loved. By the second half of the book he will do anything for her. There is no spice, just some really lingereing looks and thoughts about one another. But I still enjoyed it that way since they can’t be together and makes me want to know what will happen in book two.

Story: Kasik is tasked to retrieve Nina and we get to know both of them on this journey. Kasik is loyal to the empire, Nina is trying to save her sister and figure out her deadly magic powers. I feel like Nina’s character goes through a few transformations and it was very interesting to see go from powerless to powerful and what she chooses to do with that power. I enjoyed the world-building a lot though I had to use the glossary to understand some things. And I really enjoyed all the political intrigue that was happening when they are all at the palace.

Narrator: I did have a hard time getting into the ebook because of all the words I had to look up in the glossary but once I started the audiobook I was sucked into the story! The story has dual narrators and they both were great, but at times I felt the male voice sounded softer than the female – her voice was crisp where his sounded just softer.

Final Thoughts:

I found the world-building lush and really loved the political intrigue especially in the second half. The narrators did a great job keeping me invested in the story and it makes me want to read book two to see what happens with Nina and Kasik!

Read if you like:

  • forbidden romance
  • political intrigue
  • Inca inspired world building
  • magic

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Game of Rogues by. Julie Anne Long | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Game of Rogues (The Palace of Rogues, #9)

Author: Julie Anne Long

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 6/2/26

Publisher: Avon

Categories: Regency Romance, Historical Romance, Series

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

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

One disastrous night. One devastating man. One diabolical proposition.

Gabriel Marchand ruthlessly fought his way up from the gutters of St. Giles to preside over London’s most exclusive gaming hell. Few dare cross him. But when a young earl gambles away his inheritance, Marchand makes an enemy: a woman with wit like a dagger and the softest eyes he’s ever seen.

Spend a night in his bed, and he’ll call off the debt. This is the offer he makes Guinevere Woodville, the earl’s sister, when she blames him for her brother’s disaster. She’d rather die, of course. But when their seething enmity gives way to sizzling attraction at The Grand Palace on the Thames, his offer haunts them. Soon it seems a matter of not if, but when.

It’s not long before Ginny is facing two stark truths: the so-called worst man in London is the best man she’s ever known….and keeping him would mean losing everything and everyone else she loves. But Marchand has one final card to play…and losing everything is a risk he’s willing to take if it means a chance to love her forever.

Content Warning: violence, grief

I’m not sure what made me request this book because I haven’t read a historical romance or regency romance in years – a decade maybe? But it was my first love that got me into reading decades ago, so I was intrigued with this premise and I know this author is a staple in historical romance. While reading this book, I forgot how well historical romances are written, especially for a slow burn romance, and it felt so nice to read this genre again!

Ginny is a lady who’s youngest brother that just came into money and titles, has gambled it all away in a gaming establishment. And she means to fix her brother’s mistake by asking for the money back from Gabriel, who is the owner of this gaming hell. Ginny loves her family and she had to raise her siblings after her parents passed away, so she is faced with many burdens and pressures. Gabriel came from the streets and climbed his way up to a successful businessman so he knows something about survival.

I love their banter, and watching them go from dislike, to desire, to something so much more was lovely. This is a slow burn and throughout the story Ginny is trying every way she can to save her family. For some reason, Gabriel, can’t help himself and starts to try to help her out, even though some of the debt is owed to him also. I loved getting to know both of the characters, and their stay at the boardinghouse with different guests was so funny and quaint. The spice came at the right time and it’s not too much, but enough to show that they are crazy about one another. Also, there is an age gap between them – she’s in her early 20’s and I believe he is in his late 30’s.

Now this is part of a series, and this is book number nine – I have not read any other books in the series at all and didn’t know it was part of a series until later. And although there clearly were characters in this book that probably already had their own story told, I didn’t feel lost without reading those books.

Final Thoughts:

I found this historical romance refreshing after not reading a book in this genre for so long! I was immersed in the world and invested in the characters. The writing is beautiful. There is humor, and also serious moments about grief, and a slow burn romance that I was rooting for. I really enjoyed this one even though I didn’t read any other books in the series.

Read if you like:

  • regency romance
  • age gap
  • banter

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble