The Female (The Female #1) The Female by Invi Wright review

 

The Female by Invi Wright
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ spice

This book series kept popping up everywhere I looked, so I figured—hey, let’s give it a go. And honestly? I’m not disappointed. It was a really good read!

The storyline and introduction were fantastic—I slipped into the book easily and happily devoured everything. I felt invested in what I was reading and genuinely enjoyed it. The spice was spread throughout the book, but it wasn’t just non-stop smut with no plot. There was story, and that really helped keep my interest.

That said, I do feel like some parts were a little lacking. Certain elements of the story could’ve been explored more deeply. There was a bit of a repeating pattern with Aziel, and out of all the characters, he had me wanting to pull my hair out. I was ready to shout at him for being ridiculous—but hey, I’m all about character growth, so I’m hoping we’ll see some of that in the next book.

There was definitely a lot to love about this story. I really enjoyed it, but I couldn’t help feeling like it could have been even more.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, totally—it’s a good read.

Would I read it again?
Easy yes.

How would I sum it up?
Interesting and spicy, with potential for more.

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The Saltwater Curse by Avina St. Graves Review

The Saltwater Curse by Avina St. Graves
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

I have to say… this is one of those “WTF am I reading?!” books — but in the best possible way.

Let me start from the beginning: the prologue?
Jaw.
Dropped.
I was absolutely shocked — like mouth wide open, stunned. It gripped me instantly and made me want to devour the book from start to finish. 💥📖

Now, getting into the rest of the book... well. To say it was “very different” would be an understatement. I loved the setup and getting a feel for what was going on. I was epically excited because it felt like there was going to be so much to unpack and sink my teeth into.

Here’s where I had a bit of a problem:
Given the killer opening, I expected more.
The middle of the book felt a little draggy. Not boring — don’t get me wrong — but kind of like the story was building up to something huge… and then it just stalled. The potential was there for a supernova of brilliance, but it ended up just a bright star. Still good! But I couldn’t help wanting more. (That might just be me.)

Now, onto the characters — and I really liked them.
Ordus broke my heart with everything he went through.
Kristy/Cindi had a life so incredibly dark that you’d have to be made of stone not to feel for her. The author nailed the emotional weight of their pain, trauma, and fears, and I ate that up.

But let’s be real — one character stole the damn show:
Vasz.
I was laughing so hard I cried. 😭🤣
I was rolling, struggling to breathe, dying over how adorable and funny he was. Honestly, I’d read a full book just about him. I would lay down my life for this little chaos gremlin and gift him every coconut. If soulmates were real, Vasz is mine. LMAO 🥥❤️

Overall, the book was really good.
Could it have been better? Yeah, which is why I gave it 4 stars.
The spice was mainly in the second half — two longer spicy scenes with a sprinkling here and there. It’s not a fully spice-focused book, which worked for the story, but might surprise some readers.

There were definitely some missed chances and moments that could’ve been more, but at the end of the day — this book was unique, emotional, hilarious, and totally worth the read.

Would I recommend it?
Yeah — it’s a book’s book. Definitely worth checking out.

Would I read it again?
I think I would, though it might not be at the top of my reread pile.

How would I sum it up?
Unique and a little weird — but well worth the read.
(And also: Vasz forever.)

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A Witch and Her Minotaur by Emberly Wyndham review

 

A Witch and Her Minotaur by Emberly Wyndham
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.

I was lucky enough to read the first book in this series and totally loved it — so when I saw book two, I all but threw myself at it. 😅
I told myself I’d take it slow…
Yeah. That didn’t happen.
This book is like cotton candy or hot chocolate — I devoured it and was left with a giddy sugar rush. ☁️🍫💕

Let me start by saying the introduction was so well done. I found myself sinking into the story within the first two pages. While this is the second book in the series, you don’t have to read book one first — but I highly recommend you do. There are sweet little connections between the two books that had me smiling, but not in a way that would confuse new readers. It was deliciously handled. ✨

The writing style is smooth and easy to follow. It paints the world, places, and characters clearly without dragging into over-detailing. You get the vivid imagery without getting lost in it — a perfect balance.

What stood out most to me was the emotional portrayal of the characters. I felt what they felt. I was invested, I was upset, I was moved. This book made me feel so much. While the storyline wasn’t as tightly focused as the first book, this one felt more about growth, healing, and change — and I was completely wrapped up in that beautiful, soft bubble.

But don’t be fooled — it wasn’t just fluff.
It was a mix of sunshine and storm, with a thick layer of hot, hot spice between the leads that had me fanning myself. 🔥💦

Now I’m torn — which do I love more, book one or book two? Honestly, I think I love them both for different reasons, and they each hold a warm place in my heart. ❤️


Would I recommend it?

Every day of the week to anyone who’ll listen.

Would I read it again?

Try and stop me. This one’s going straight to my re-read shelf.

How would I sum it up?

Hot and cozy with a massive emotional storm on top. ☀️🌧️🔥

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Whispers of the Deep (Deep Waters, #1) Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm Review

 

Whispers of the Deep by Emma Hamm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice
This is a weird one to review because I’m feeling so mixed about it.

Let’s start with the positives:
✅ The general idea of the book? Great.
✅ The dual POV was super helpful — I really enjoyed getting into both characters’ heads and seeing the story from multiple angles.
✅ I actually liked the characters and was invested in them at first.

BUT… the story felt like it was going in circles. Like a merry-go-round — we were moving, but not really getting anywhere. The beginning was fantastic, but the deeper I got into the book, the more it felt repetitive. Not quite boring, just... too much of the same.

There were also a few plot points that were brought up — things that got me excited like, “Oh! Here’s something big!” — only for it to vanish by the next page with no real resolution. That left me feeling a bit confused 🤷‍♀️, and it pulled me out of the story.

Overall, there was a lot to like and even love about this book, but I just couldn’t fully lose myself in it. The repeated beats and unresolved threads bogged down what could’ve been a great read.

Would I recommend it?
Yes, but cautiously — I don’t think it’ll be for everyone.

Would I read it again?
Sadly, no.

How would I sum it up?
It had all the pieces to be amazing, but I walked away feeling like it was just... okay.

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The Lord of the Labyrinth: The Special Edition by Emma Castle review

 

The Lord of the Labyrinth: The Special Edition by Emma Castle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.

Let me start by saying — the beautiful cover and intriguing blurb had me NEEDING to read this book. I’m a massive fan of the movie Labyrinth, and the moment I realized this was a kind of dark retelling? I was literally skipping with happiness. The second I had the book in hand, I dropped everything to dive in — and I’m so glad I did.

The introduction? Chef’s kiss. 👏 I was instantly hooked by the prologue. It came from a direction I wasn’t expecting, which only made it more exciting. It was such a clever and powerful way to open the story — major kudos to the author for that!

The beginning lays a solid foundation for the leads, and I really appreciated the time spent building up the family dynamics. It helped me connect with the female lead right away — not just understand her, but feel emotionally bonded to her. And the male lead? He swung back and forth like a pendulum between light and dark ⚖️ — had me biting my lip 😳 and questioning my own need to swoon 🥵.

The pacing throughout the book felt great — not rushed, not dragging. The detail and world-building brought everything to life in such an immersive way. There’s this dark seduction running through the whole book — at times sweet and dreamlike, and at other times eerie and almost unsettling. That tension of never quite knowing what’s coming next? Loved it.

Now, why 4 stars and not 5? Just a couple small things:
1️⃣ Something big happens near the end, and I struggled with how the female lead reacted. It didn’t feel true to her growth.
2️⃣ The ending felt a little rushed compared to the earlier chapters. It needed maybe one or two more chapters or even just a few slower beats to really land as powerfully as the first half did.

Still, this book was so good — I’m stoked I got to read it! The character interactions, the moral tension, the emotional pull — everything worked. It had me questioning right and wrong, light and dark, and what I would do in their shoes.

Would I recommend it?
Totally. I already know a few friends who would devour this.

Would I read it again?
Absolutely. This is definitely the kind of book that could pull me out of a reading slump.

How would I sum it up?
Dark, seductive, and morally grey in the best way — it’ll have you questioning everything... and maybe falling for the darkness. 🌒🖤

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Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf by Mary Auclair Review

 

Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.

This is book three in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. I’ve been lucky enough to read both the first and second books — and up until now, the first book had been my clear favorite… but this one just took that place.

While the books are all part of a series, you don’t have to read them in order. Even if you’ve never read the others, you’ll still be able to follow what’s going on. But seriously — I implore you, read them all. They’re so good.

I can't tell you how fast I devoured this book — less than a few hours. That’s how easy it is to read. The writing is clear, clean, and flows so well. The author has a real gift for making everything just work. I fell into the story so easily; it honestly felt like coming home.

The shining jewel in this book is the story itself. It’s wrapped up in mystery, like a game of Cluedo, and it had me constantly guessing — who, what, why — and I was completely surprised in the best way by the ending. The way it all unfolded made it so much fun to read and figure out. I felt like I was reading a fantasy romance/crime mystery hybrid — and I loved every second.

While the story was a major hit for me, the layers of romance and chemistry just pushed it over the top. Like… wow. I needed a cold shower — or at least to sit down for a minute because I was definitely swooning. The banter, the connections, the chemistry — it was all so well-written and so balanced. The spice didn’t overpower the book, and the story was strong enough to keep you hooked even without it. But together? Sheer perfection.

For me, this book had everything. I usually try to find at least one thing I struggled with or didn’t enjoy — but honestly? I couldn’t. Everything was beautifully done. Fantastic.

Would I recommend it?
Totally — no question about it.

Would I read it again?
Without a doubt. I’d reread this book — and the whole series — over and over again.

How would I sum it up?
Everything I want in a book. Flutter-inducing spice and romance, a fantastic story, smooth writing — it felt like this book was made for me.

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Magic, Mirth, and Mayhem by Susie Swenson Review

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌟✨🧵🪄

Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly.

Slipping into this book was an easy task — the smooth writing style made it so enjoyable to fall into the story. There were lots of relatable elements throughout, and what really surprised me (in the best way!) was that the main lead isn’t a teen or stuck in high school drama. Instead, we get a more relatable, middle-aged woman dealing with things that many adults often face, which made the book feel so deeply personal and connecting.

I did have a small issue with the pacing — it’s not slow or fast exactly, but that first day felt unusually long, and it threw me off a little. But honestly, that tiny hiccup passed quickly, and I found myself wrapped in heart-stopping magic and a woman’s journey from normal to completely out of this world.

I loved watching the main character learn and try to get a handle on things. I adored the playful nature of some characters and the banter between others. There were moments where I was trying to guess what would happen next and where the story was leading, and I still felt surprised and giddy as I kept reading.

The author did such a fantastic job describing the places and people — my first introduction to Havenwood Cove had me smiling like a fool. It was both interesting and exciting to see someone’s imagination come to life so vividly on the page. This book felt both fantastical and real in its themes.

At its heart, this wasn’t just a magical story — it was a tale of finding yourself, of stepping into your truth, and learning you’re more than you thought you could be. That, to me, made the book completely worth the read.

I did have a few little hiccups with that long first day and had to reread parts once or twice when I lost track, but otherwise, this was such a fantastic read, and I’m really glad I got the chance to dive into it.

---

Would I recommend it?
💯 In a heartbeat! I already told my daughter she needs to read this. As someone who knits, embroiders, and loves magic — she’s going to fall in love with it.

Would I read it again?
Absolutely! This one’s going on my reread pile for sure.

Final thoughts:
🌿 Whimsical and charming — sprinkled with light and shadow, and filled with a deep wave of relatability. A magical, heartfelt read that wraps you in warmth.

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta Review

 

Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice
(Honestly, it’s hard to give this one a spice rating when the whole book was basically on fire 🔥)

What in the hells did I just read?! 😳 From the very start, I was like WHAT... NO... WOW. I was a total mess. Am I seriously sitting here reading this? And yet... I couldn’t stop. It became clear pretty quickly that this book is heavily spice-driven, which is fine—but the context of that spice? Just... I have no words

That being said, I didn’t stop reading for a second. I devoured this book in just a few hours. Part of my brain was like, "Why are we reading this?" and the other part was screaming "WOOOO keep going, this is wild!" 🤯

Honestly, I started out totally shocked, blinking at the pages like “what am I even reading?” but I have to admit—it wasn’t a bad book at all. In fact... I kinda really liked it?? I don’t even know if it was the writing or the characters that pulled me in. I just feel like I got swept up in a hurricane 🌪️ and thrown straight into a sexy fever dream 😵‍💫

There’s not much of a storyline—it’s mostly romance and HOT HOT HEAT 🔥🔥🔥—but it worked. Which confuses my brain even more, because I feel like I was dazed and completely swept up in it all.

I did feel a little sad that the book ended so fast, especially without meeting the parents and tying off a few loose ends. I definitely would’ve liked just a bit more story. But overall? A fast, wild, spicy read I don’t regret at all!

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Sea of Evil and Desire Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Střelou Review

 

Sea of Evil and Desire by J. Střelou
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

Oh. My. God. 😱 I feel like I was strapped into a roller coaster—my emotions grabbed and thrown through a windmill of feelings.

How can I sum up what I just read? One word: outstanding. If I could stand and slow clap for the author, I would 👏👏👏. As I write this review, it’s 5AM. Do you think I could sleep? Nope. This book had me in a death grip, and I could not put it down until I had basked in the entire thing.

Where do I even begin?

The writing style was fantastic and easy to read. I did have a small issue with a sudden transition near the start that felt a bit jarring—but honestly, that’s my only complaint.

The level of detail and the raw, clear portrayal of loss and grief had me ugly sobbing 😭. It pulled up memories of my own losses, and I felt the grief like it was my own. The author nailed it.

Then came the mystery and the heat—it felt like a murder mystery one moment and a teen drama the next, but the way it all flowed together was flawless. I was completely drawn into the details of the undersea world like I was being called by sirens myself. I was happy to be lost there... and miss sleep because of it.

The overall atmosphere was epic—a rich mix of deep emotions, unspeakable secrets, and the unknown. It wraps you in a tight grip and refuses to let go.

One of the best things about this book? I’ve never read anything like it. It was so, so, so well done. Even with its intricate storyline, it had a beautiful slow burn, a strong sense of longing, and a perfect level of spice 🌶️ that never overshadowed the heart of the story.

Would I recommend it?
Hands down, YES. It’s a brilliant book and a must-read.

Would I read it again?
Absolutely! This is a new fan favorite for me 💖

How would I sum it up?
A very different, emotionally rich, late-night read that blends mystery, fantasy, grief, and heat into one unforgettable ride. A perfect mix of emotion, story, and spice that’ll keep you up all night

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Courted By The Grumpy Dragon: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair review

 

Courted By The Grumpy Dragon: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️ spice

This is Book Two in the Monsters of Saltford Bay series. While I have read the first book and totally loved it 😍, I was hot on the heels of wanting to read Book Two. But don’t worry—you don’t need to have read Book One to know what’s going on here. That said... you are missing out if you skip it. Book One is so good! Now, onto my review

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

The author writes in such a way that reading is super smooth and easy. Once I start reading, I don’t want to pause or take a break. I feel this deep need to just sit down and devour the book—it’s so easy to get lost in and wrapped up in the story.

I was devastated to see that this book was shorter than Book One 😭. Like, why do this to me?! The book could’ve been double the size and I’d have been over the moon. But that being said, I was shocked by how well-paced it was. It didn’t feel rushed, and the events were spaced out well, even with the smaller page count. I was honestly impressed! Still... I’m begging the author: more pages next time. I need them. I need them. Sobs dramatically. 🥹

The story is just amazing. It’s part fantasy, but wrapped in events that could happen in real life, which makes it all the more relatable. Yet, it still completely feeds your fantasy needs. I loved the entire storyline. And ugh... I wanted to slap Delilah. Her character made me so mad! But that just shows how well the story is written—it made me rage outside of the pages. I truly felt for the characters.

I wanted to wrap Nina in a big hug and tell her it’s going to be okay. I loved the details about the library and what it meant to her. When I was younger, I wanted to work in a library too—and I was so sad when that didn’t happen. So now? I’ve basically made my house a library. I totally related to her. She’s both strong and soft—just a fantastic lead.

And Kraxon... whew 😮‍💨. He had me reaching for ice water and blushing. Butterflies? Oh yes. I loved getting dual POVs. The author writes male characters SO WELL—they make you swoon and giggle and blush. It’s everything.

Now, for the spice:
Since the book is shorter, there’s really just one long spicy scene—but it’s so well done. I felt the secondhand heat. It made me blush, but didn’t overwhelm the book or take away from the story. The attraction and connection are felt, and the story carries you like you’ve grown wings . My only complaint is that the book was so short—but honestly, I can’t hold that against it. It was so well done that it still totally earned 5 stars.

Would I recommend it?
YES YES YES!!! Go get it! Join me in my happy little corner of joy.

Would I read it again?
Totally! I’d reread both books in less than 24 hours. No hesitation.

How would I sum it up?
A book full of feels from start to end. A story of community, love, support, and healing. Like a quick, warm hug with a little heat sprinkled in 💕🔥. A perfect mix of fantasy and relatable moments that’ll keep you hooked!

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Falling for the Grumpy Orc by Mary Auclair review

 

Falling for the Grumpy Orc: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Thank you to the author and BookSirens for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

This book gave me so many butterflies and had me giddy and smiling like a fool. I don’t even know where to start, but the book from the get-go just swept me away. It had such a smooth and easy introduction—not just into the world, but into getting to know the characters.

I loved the dual POVs. Being able to see into both of their minds gave such a beautiful view into their feelings and personalities that I couldn’t stop grinning. The warmth and chemistry between the characters was so well-written, I honestly started to wonder if I was falling in love myself.

There was a perfect balance between spice and story, and I was totally engaged the whole time. The emotional depth hit hard too—so many relatable moments that reminded me of my own family, past loves, and personal experiences.

I keep trying to find a fault—something I didn’t like—but honestly... I can’t. The book was just so warm, easy, and satisfying that I flew through it in no time. I didn’t want to sleep until I knew how it ended. If I had to give one remark, it would be this: I wanted more. I needed to stay in their lives longer, to bask in the sweetness and gasp at the drama just a little while more.

I love when a book completely blows me away—and this one did. I’m beyond happy I read it.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely. Get this book. You need it—it’s a must! ✅

Would I read it again?
I plan to. 💯

How would I sum it up?
A sweet, heartwarming read that wraps you in a hug and leaves you grinning. A story that makes you want to curl up, drift away, and bask in the warmth.

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The Lost Siren by Raven Storm review

 

The Lost Siren by Raven Storm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ stars
🌶️🌶️ spice

I slipped into the book pretty quickly — the writing style made it easy to fly through, and I finished it within just a few hours. Overall, I really liked the storyline. It was a fun, easy read, and I found characters I liked and wanted to read more of… and others I would’ve happily thrown into a pit of sharp, pointy sticks 🗡️😤.

It was a nice read. Was it the best I’ve read? No — but that might be because the story felt a little rushed in places. There were moments where I felt like more detail and explanation could’ve really elevated it. I disliked a certain male character’s behavior and actions at times, but I let it slide as I kept reading.

Right now, I sort of liked Kieran best throughout the book, mostly because he was just… it 💁‍♂️. His behavior and kindness stood out.

I do feel there could’ve been more to the book — and that would’ve made a good book truly great. But honestly? It was a solid OK/good read. Would I reread it? Maybe not. But am I glad I read it? Yes, absolutely 😊.

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Tusk Love Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon review

 

Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

Sweet with a touch of heat and a whole load of adventure.

So, I wanted to read this book before it was released, but I hadn’t gotten the book yet. One of my closest friends read it and was like, “ANN, READ IT.” Clearly, my friend has amazing taste — and the moment I could, I dove in.

From the first page, the book was super easy to get into. The writing made reading feel effortless, and I flew through the pages once I started. While the writing was amazing, it was the characters that truly hooked me. I loved the detail and history we learn about Guinevere and Oskar. I adored watching their interactions, how they viewed each other, and how that shifted over time — it had me totally gripped.

I was worried when I saw the book wasn’t super long — would I have loved a 500-page version? Hells yes. But the author wove something truly magical, and every page impressed me.

I don’t want to give too much away, but there were two big moments in this book that had me in tears. They related so deeply to my own life — to loss and growing up with a troubled family — and it always shocks me when a book can pull something from inside you like that. It made me feel even more connected to the characters.

I'm a massive fan of D&D and Critical Role, but honestly, even if I had never heard of either, I would have still loved this book entirely on its own merits.

This story is about growth and becoming your truest self — about not hiding, not performing, but simply being who you are. It’s about freedom, and not being afraid of it. It was so beautiful. Yes, there is spice, but it’s not overdone or there just for the sake of it. It blends perfectly with the story and adds depth, not distraction.

If I had to sum this up, I’d say it’s a sweet and spicy read full of heart, soul, and adventure. 💫📚

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