Our Perfect Storm by. Carley Fortune | Audiobook Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Our Perfect Storm

Author: Carley Fortune

Pages: 410

Listening Hours: 10 hours 52 min (approx)

Format: audiobook (Libby)

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Categories: Romance, Contemporary, Childhood Friends to Lovers, Beach Read

Best friends have one week in paradise to fix their friendship or fall apart in this heart-stopping, utterly romantic new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Every Summer After and One Golden Summer.

Frankie and George have been best friends since they were eight years old. Both passionate, impulsive, and headstrong—they’ve always clashed . . . and come back together. Until now. It’s the eve of Frankie’s wedding weekend, and she doesn’t know where they stand or even if George will show up as her best man.

Then, at the start of the festivities, in walks George. For one glorious evening, surrounded by her loved ones, Frankie’s life is finally perfect. But it all comes crashing down when her fiancé dumps her the next morning, leaving only a note as an explanation.

Crushed and confused, Frankie returns to her family’s home to wallow. But George has a different idea and a plan for healing Frankie’s broken heart. He wants her to go on her honeymoon. With him. For one week, to the lush rainforests and misty beaches of Tofino.

Frankie agrees, seeing the trip for what it really is: one last chance to repair their friendship. Even if it means unearthing secrets and long buried feelings neither knows how to handle. Even if it means falling apart for good.

Content Warning: parental neglect

+ There was dual narration for this story, which I love. The female narrator was fantastic and really kept me in the story. The male narrator did a great job being George.

+ Set in Canada, Frankie is about to marry her fiancé Nate when he leaves her a day before the wedding. She is devastated. But her best friend George is there to pick her up and help her move on – they go on her honeymoon and spend a week together connecting and remembering the memories of their past and noticing the new things about one another. This is such a summer read, especially with the setting, the surfing and just being on vacation.

+ Clearly Frankie and George are the best of friends, they grew up with one another. They have memories of them together going back to when they were 8 years old. Their connection is undeniable but I do love how as adults they took different paths and George leaving for his career hurt Frankie, but they needed to grow. Now back together Frankie sees George in a different light. Most of the book is them hanging out, remembering memories – it’s only in the latter part of the book when they decide to take things further. There is spice, but I think it’s beautiful because they know each other so well.

+ George is amazing (except for him not telling Frankie how he felt for years). But his grand gesture of love at the end was the sweetest.

+~ This is a romance but both Frankie and George have issues with their parents. I get that Frankie resented her mom for going off the study whales, but I couldn’t stand how Frankie hated whales because of it. 😅 I mean, it’s whales! How can you hate them? Of course she didn’t hate them – she hated what they represented, which were very hurt feelings she harbored as a kid. George has issues because of his parents too. All of this affected them trying to be together – but they do eventually get therapy. Yay!

~ Everything is almost perfect between Frankie and George, until the miscommunication trope. George was bad at telling Frankie how he felt, for years! Frankie was oblivious also. So hey it is realistic, and honestly everything was so good between except that thing.

Final Thoughts:

This is only my second book from this author. The first book I read was okay, I thought it wasn’t for me and was a little boring. I was hesitant about this one, but I think because I listened to this as an audiobook, it helped a lot to keep me invested. So I might have to just listen to her books from now on, instead of reading it. I thought this was a cute childhood friends to lovers romance, with tons of summer vibes and a sweet ending!

Read if you like:

childhood friends to lovers
summer read

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

This Summer Will Be Different by. Carley Fortune | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Light Wielder by. Rachel Schneider | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Light Wielder (Fire & Metal, #2)

Author: Rachel Schneider

Pages: 485

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Publication Date: 6/9/26

Categories: Romantasy, Series

It’s been four years since Jovie betrayed Acker, fracturing their relationship. Her decision to take King Edmond’s magic, sparing his life at Acker’s request, has sparked a brutal war. The Kenta and Strou forces ally against the Roison and Alaha, with Maile perched dangerously on the edge of their battles.

Jovie is determined to keep the innocent Maile people from a conflict she helped start―even if it means suppressing the Matching Bond and sacrificing any hope of repairing her relationship with Acker. Yet, visions of him continue to haunt her dreams.

Acker is resigned to aid in his father’s war while in an arranged marriage with a wife who detests him. Though still pained by Jovie’s deception, he can’t stop his thoughts from turning to her. And Acker has found a way to slip into Jovie’s dreams despite her attempts to stifle the Matching Bond. There he watches her, torn between his loyalties and desire.

When he discovers the chilling reason behind the return of his father’s magic, as well as Edmond’s dangerous new alliance, Acker must finally decide which war he wants to fight: the one for his king or the one for his heart.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Four years have passed and Acker and Jovie are living separate lives. Acker is married, but the Bond with Jovie is undeniable. Jovie is queen of Maile and doing a great job of it too. We are back in this world of politics and magic, but this time Acker realizes his dad really does need to be taken down and works to make that happen.

Characters: Acker is stuck in a loveless marriage and still drawn to Jovie because they are each other’s Match, and he goes and gets her. Jovie is actually doing well as queen of Maile, which was nice to see. Of course when the two of them are together there is drama because of what she did to him in book one. I did like the secondary characters, especially Messer and Beau.

Romance: If you don’t like having one of the main characters married and still wanting someone else, then this isn’t for you. It’s messy! I didn’t love that Acker was married to someone else. Acker and Jovie are enemies especially after what she did to him at the end of book one. Acker is married but it is a loveless marriage and he still wants Jovie. Both of them still want each other badly, but also are okay with having revenge hookups with other people, which again, I don’t think I loved. But I was actually surprised how tame the spice was in this book between Acker and Jovie. I was also maybe hoping for more of the emotional connection between them.

Story: I enjoyed the politics. I don’t know how I feel about the time jump – it’s a 4 year time jump and I feel like it definitely let Acker deal with his anger towards Jovie off page. I was expecting more enemies to lovers interactions between them but felt like he worked on the anger issues by the time the story starts. There are some strange things that happen in the story, one involving a spicy scene, but I guess I should not have been surprised!

Final Thoughts:

I think this was a pretty good follow up to book one, especially after the major plot twist that happened in that book. I just don’t think the 4 year time jump worked for me in this one. I think it’s too long of time gone by – but it did bring a calmer than expected Acker into the story, I suppose? But I wanted to see what a betrayal would have done to him right after. By the time they reunite, I feel like Acker has accepted everything and he just wants Jovie. At least Jovie feels bad about what she did. I did enjoy the politics and I think Messer was a stand-out character and maybe his story will be told next?

Read if you like:

magic
enemies to lovers
politics

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Metal Slinger by. Rachel Schneider | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️

Blood Bound by. Ellis Hunter | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Blood Bound (Cursed Covenant, #1)

Author: Ellis Hunter

Pages: 485

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Publication Date: 4/28/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Series

A debut high-stakes fantasy romance trilogy set against a once-in-a-generation duel to the death between rival witches and dragon riders as they battle to control the source of all magic in their kingdoms. Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing, Throne of Glass, and Quicksilver.

You duel or you die.

Astrid has always known she is destined to die. She is the last Nachstern witch and heir to the Queendom of Arturea, cursed by a centuries-old covenant to duel the heir to the Kingdom of Vatra for the source of all magic: the Heart. And now Astrid’s time is up. She is heading into enemy territory to face Prince Zryan, the most powerful dragon rider in eons, with only her familiar, her potions, and her wits to aid her. She is going to die, and any chance her queendom has of curing the Blight that’s ravaging the lands and killing her people will die with her.

Meanwhile, deep in dragon country, Skylar and her travelling troupe arrive in Vatra’s capital, ready to profit off the legions of spectators swarming to the city ahead of the duel. She despises the royals and all they stand for, especially as the King’s guard murdered her mother. But when her best friend disappears, suspected to have been taken in the conscription, her search takes her closer to the royals than she ever could have imagined.

As the duel looms over the kingdom, Skylar and Astrid’s fates intertwine. They must battle a growing rebellion, their inner demons, and ultimately, those they love most, to determine if together they will save—or doom—their world.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: A duel for possession of the Heart is about to take place between the witch princess, Astrid and the Vatra heir, Prince Zryan. Until plans change. This fantasy world is filled with magic, dragons, and familiars.

Characters: Princess Astrid has trouble casting her magic so she thinks she will die, because she can’t fight Zryan and his dragon. But when things change and Skylar (Zryan’s sister he never knew existed) becomes the one to beat well, the relationship between Astrid and Skylar is the main focus, which I enjoyed since they were opposites – destined to try and kill one another, but becoming friends instead. I did want more from Astrid though because she was training for this duel but she just seemed to be resigned to be the one to die. Zryan comes off like a heartless, cruel prince but there are layers to him too.

Romance: It’s an enemies to lovers and there is an instant attraction between Astrid and Zryan that they fight naturally since they are enemies. They can’t fight for long though and there is some spice between them. I did wish there was more build-up between them.

Story: This story is told with 2 POVs – Astrid gives us the insight into witches, their world, magic and familiars. Skylar gives us the POV of a citizen of Vatra who has been suffering in the kingdom, who hates the king, and wants better for the people. It’s got the usual romantasy factors like rebellion, and enemies to lovers. I enjoyed the familiars, Bastet, Astrid’s familiar was funny! But I do think the pacing was off for me, with some things being repetitive and it just made the story move slow. It took me a few days to read because I kept putting it down. It felt like a young adult book at times also, so that was throwing me off.

Final Thoughts:

It took me a little too long to finish this one because there were many times the story felt like it moved too slow, or felt like a young adult novel (but I was expecting adult). But I did enjoyed the second half much more than the first and I like the familiars. What I really loved was the friendship between Astrid and Skylar that grew even though they were supposed to kill each other. Despite the issues I had with it, I was still entertained but not sure if I would continue the series only because if felt to young adult when I was expecting adult.

Read if you like:

magic, witches
dragons and familiars
sisterhood
romance

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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

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

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

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)

Fury Bound by. Sable Sorensen | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Fury Bound (The Wolves of Ruin, #2)

Author: Sable Sorensen

Pages: 608

Format: ebook (own)

Publication Date: 5/5/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy, Series, Wolves

Revenge demands sacrifice. Don’t miss this action-packed, jaw-dropping, dark and romantic sequel to Dire Bound.

CROWNED BY DESTINY. CONSUMED BY VENGEANCE.

Against all odds, Meryn Cooper has inherited the crown—and a deadly war. As the Kingdom of Nocturna splinters under the weight of generations of lies, it is up to Meryn, her bonded direwolf Anassa, and their allies to bring the country back from the brink.

But the commoners, the Bonded, and the nobles are distrustful of their new queen and Meryn is caught in a deadly game of politics. Meanwhile, Meryn’s beloved younger sister, Saela, is more at risk than ever.

Confusingly, the one person Meryn can trust is Stark Therion—the dark, dangerous Alpha she thought hated her as much as she loathed him. Yet, his loyalty is unshakeable. His presence is intoxicating. And with his guidance, Meryn can seize an unthinkable level of power.

With enemies closing in and shadows stirring in her dreams, Meryn stands to lose her kingdom—and her heart.

Blood will spill. Bonds will break. Fate will be tested.

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Back in the world of Dire Bound, Meryn needs to prove she can be the new queen of Nocturna. But Killian isn’t giving up his throne that easily. Meryn doesn’t stay put in Nocturna though because there is a quest in this story. It brings her, Stark and her crew across the last to Astreona where we get to learn more about Siphons (vampires). So there is a lot of travel in this story but I like that the world is opened up, especially when it comes to learning about Siphons and gods and goddesses.

Characters: Meryn is trying to assert herself as queen even if she doesn’t really know what she is doing – but there are a lot of challenges in the way. One challenge is to convince the packs to stay with her, which is tough because many are loyal to Killian. Also, Stark’s mother, comes in and takes over things, trying to assert her authority while Meryn is new to being a queen. So Meryn has a lot to deal with, along with figuring out how to help her sister who is now a Siphon. I hope there is still more growth because some of her actions were questionable. Stark is true to his word and sticks by Meryn’s side throughout everything and their relationship grows a lot but something happens that will make book three very interesting. I think one of the new characters I enjoyed a lot was Lucien, who is King of Astreona and a Siphon.

Romance: There is romance because it’s hard for Meryn and Stark to deny the bond and yes there is spice, but I didn’t feel like they had chemistry for some reason. Maybe I just wanted more banter between them or more scenes, just more build-up? More tension, more yearning – Not sure. I am glad they got together, but I was expecting more. Now what happens in book three after the ending though? We shall see!

Story: I thought it started well, with Meryn trying to figure out how to convince people to accept her rule. But Killian is a problem and then the story goes in a new direction with the Siphons, gods and goddesses. I didn’t mind where the story went and actually thought Lucien was an interesting character and the whole quest of finding Tears was interesting. There is more politics, and the world opens up. But I do feel like the pacing was off a bit. There were times I was into the story and then some moments it lost me so I would put it down to come back to it. I also didn’t like how some characters were being killed off – because I didn’t feel the emotions of the loss from Meryn. I think overall the story lacked emotionally connection. The ending is a plot twist I wasn’t expecting and not sure that I love but I guess we’ll see what happens in book three.

Final Thoughts:

I think this sequel was solid and there were some things I liked and others I didn’t. I think what it was missing most for me was emotional connection. Also, I was expecting more from the romance and though I like that it progressed, I felt like the tension and yearning was missing. I did enjoy the politics, and how the world building opens up. The ending is a very interesting plot twist that I don’t really love, but I’m willing to read book three to see how it plays out.

Read if you like:

wolves and vampires
romantasy
political intrigue

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Other Books I’ve Read From This Author:

Direbound by. Sable Sorensen | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Malachite by. Ashley Andersen | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Malachite (#1)

Author: Ashley Andersen

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 5/7/26 | on KU 4/29/26 | on B&N 5/19/26

Publisher: Hachette New Zealand

Categories: New Adult, Dark Academia, Romantasy, Series

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

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

Malachite is the start of a dark academia romantasy series that gives you enemies-to-lovers, slow-burn, elemental powers, forced proximity, found family and the perfect amount of spice…

Malachite. Opal. Agate.
Three stones, three powers, three magical units.
Choose your unit … and hope that it chooses you back.

Arianell Nocthare has been waiting her whole life to enter the prestigious Valmora Academy, where students prepare for war by honing their elemental magic in one of three units. But there are two problems facing Aria on the night of her initiation ceremony. Firstly, her family has been cast into disgrace after her brother was executed for allegedly killing four students in an attempt at dark magic. Secondly, so far Aria has been unable to summon any magic—and being magic-less in an academy where everyone wants to spill your blood is a dangerous game. How will she enter the unit of her choosing and survive without a scrap of power?

Facing blatant scorn from every angle, especially from her brother’s best friend (the tall dark and lethally handsome, Sebastian) Aria is determined to clear her brother’s name and seek justice for his death. Forging a tentative and fraught relationship with Seb, she begins to uncover some terrifying truths about the academy. And a revelation about Aria’s power throws her world into chaos…

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Set in a fantasy world where stones give you power, I did enjoy this world a lot though it is mostly set in Valmora Academy. I thought the academy was an interesting place because of the three factions: Malachite (warriors), Agate (academics) and Opal (healers). Would have like to see them work together and learn about different powers but for now because it’s book one the story focuses on Arianell’s training and surviving the school where her brother died and was accused of killing other students. The ending explains much more about the academy and it’s origins.

Characters: For most of the book this read like a young adult novel, so I’m saying this is upper YA because there are spicy scenes. Arianell’s brother, Lukas, died at Valmora, leaving him a bad reputation as a murderer. But she only remembers him as the best brother she ever had and she wants to know what happened to him. Sebastian was Lukas’ best friend but he is far from friendly when Aria ends up at the academy. He is angry, hostile, mean and cruel to her but I like how Aria deals with bullies, and with him – she doesn’t give up and there is so much growth for her in this story. I love how she goes from hurt and weak to strong and brave. I also love seeing her make new friends with Tilly and Xavier.

Romance: This is a slow burn. Aria has had a crush on Sebastian for a long time so she is confused as to why he hates her now. And for most of the book I didn’t like how he treated her, so I am glad that she doesn’t fall for him right away. She questions her feelings of how she felt about the old Sebastian and seeing for what he is now, the one that has been hurting her – and she has to decide if the reason he is acting that way towards her is a forgivable offense. Because she wants him, but can she forgive him and I like that she tries to work that out instead of falling for him right away. There are some fun steamy scenes.

Story: I would have rated this higher if only the transitions between some paragraphs were fixed. I didn’t know if some sections were supposed to be separated into chapters – it made for a jarring reading experience at times because I had to read back to see if I missed something. So maybe because this is the arc – it will be fixed in the final copy? But other than that I was immersed in the story even though there were times I needed to be patient with Aria and her growth. Also, I felt like it took awhile to find out anything about Aria’s brother since no one wants to talk about him, Sebastian was keeping too many secrets. I loved the twist at the end and the ending feels like the world is going to sort of open up in book two – would love more world building.

Vibes: dark academia, girl who’s powers haven’t manifested, brother’s best friend but enemies to lovers

Final Thoughts:

Overall, I actually really enjoyed this one because I love gemstone powers, also the enemies to lovers romance progressed nicely though some communication and trust would have helped Aria and Sebastian out. I loved the friendship with Tilly and Xavier but the ending has a pretty entertaining twist I didn’t see coming and I want to see what happens next.

Read if you like:

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

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Between Tides & Thunder by. Leena Kazak | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

Title: Between Tides & Thunder

Author: Leena Kazak

Pages: 496

Format: ebook (Kindle Unlimited)

Publication Date: 3/31/26

Categories: Romantasy, Romance, Fantasy

She was raised to hate him. Now she shares his bed.
Princess Mayah of Tundrayn isn’t allowed to want. Not freedom. Not love. Not even her own future. Instead, she’s spent her life healing others’ pain and swallowing her own. But when her father strikes a fragile alliance with enemy-kingdom Arbinj to crush a rising rebellion, she is bartered into a marriage she didn’t choose for a crown she doesn’t want.

She expects a prince. She gets the Dark Commander.
Zevayr is ruthless, unyielding, and a stormwielder with a reputation soaked in blood. He is everything Mayah was taught to fear. Yet as they race across rebel-torn lands, the less certain she is of where the monster ends and where the man begins.

In Arbinj’s glittering courts, the Rebellion surges and dangerous secrets stir from Mayah’s past—secrets that could shatter her kingdom, and her heart, if she lets them.

The question is not if Mayah will betray, but who: her people, her love, or herself?

Content Warning: violence, death

World Building: Two warring kingdoms, Tundrayn and Arbinj, have a choice – unite now against the Rebellion or keep killing one another. Mayah is a princess of Tundaryn and her father has arranged for her to marry Faramir or Arbinj but it’s his brother, Zevayr that comes to fetch her. In this world there are non-wielders of magic who are just known as commoners and each kingdom has a way of dealing with them. There are also magic wilders of elemental powers, Mayah can hearl, Zevayr can call storms. So I did enjoy the magic system and the different kingdoms. There is one other kingdom though that gets mentioned but we don’t see much of.

Characters: Mayah is very outspoken, she’s a healer but we also find later on that there is more to her than what she portrays in the first half of the book. There were times I was frustrated with Mayah and I did not blame Zevayr for his anger when things really go down between them. Zevayr, is the Dark Commander who’s killed so many people during the war, but he’s a good guy who is patient with Mayah and gives her all the space she needs. Both of them have had trauma because of the war.

Romance: This is low on spice, but high on steam! There is so much yearning and angst between Mayah and Zevayr because they are enemies, but during their journey to Arbinj they get sort of close. It is such a slow burn I almost thought there would be no time for any spice between them but I think what made up for it was their relationship journey. There is betrayal, and it’s a hump they have to go over and work through but it does feel like there is no chance for them. But their declarations of their feelings are intense and made up for the lack of spice I think. I did love them together.

Story: I was kind of addicted to this story, it really does take you on an emotional journey. And there was a moment where I was totally mad at Mayah. 😅 I loved Zevayr, but Mayah tried my patience at times. The plot twist did feel like it was for shock value because it comes out of nowhere, but I went with it. As for the story, it was more light on the world-building and political intrigue also. It is a standalone and things are neatly tied up at the end when it comes to the villains, but I think I wanted more from the villains. Kind of wish this was a series!

Now some of the writing starts kind of bothering me in the second half. I’m having a “thing” right now about the nicknames characters use for one another. And “baby” was used a lot in this book because he teases her that she’s a big baby…but then it becomes a nickname, and for some personal reason of mine, it just felt too modern speech to me. It kept making me cringe. And then the battle scenes at the end where everyone has to use their powers but food is the fuel for their magic –I thought it was hilarious that they were fighting and then Zevayr would should bread in her mouth to help keep up her energy to use her magic! 😂. It’s not supposed to be funny but it was kind of crazy how they were eating and fighting. I was like, what is going on?!

Final Thoughts:

This is a standalone romantasy that has magic, a slow burn romance, yearning, betrayal and I found it addictive even though at times the FMC was frustrating. I do wish it was a duology at least so that the wild ending didn’t seem rushed, and there were some things about the writing that I didn’t gel with but overall, it’s one of those books that I just found entertaining despite the issues.

Read if you like: