Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen review

 

Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)
Book two picks up right where book one left off and wow. The way we’re drawn straight into Rosalina’s struggle, watching her try to make it through one day at a time, had me feeling everything. I was emotional, invested, and completely hooked from the start.

✨ Oh my stars, the spice in this book?
The heat could set a house ablaze let alone me! 🔥🔥🔥
It’s so well-written, perfectly placed, and utterly addictive, but it never overshadows the story. The balance between plot and passion is chef’s kiss.

The longing and yearning?
Painful… and deliciously satisfying. 💔❤️‍🔥

This book is packed with action, drama, and emotion. I was never bored—not for a second. Every scene moves the story forward. There’s zero filler; everything is rich with purpose and meaning.
I loved exploring new places in the realm, especially getting a deeper view of Farron and the Autumn Realm. Returning characters and new faces added so much flavor. Some I adored. Some I loved to hate. All were vivid and unforgettable.

Honestly, I might love this book even more than the first one… and I thought book one was perfection. 😍

The character interactions were seamless. The conversations, reactions, and emotional beats felt real, grounding this magical world in such a believable way. And learning more about the Fae princes? Easily one of my favorite parts. Book one introduced them beautifully, but book two gives them so much more depth and dimension. I was obsessed. ✨

This story had me in a chokehold.

It was rich, beautifully detailed, and deeply enjoyable. I flew through the pages, completely lost in every moment. Book two might even have more going on than book one and I loved every second of it. Fast-paced, full of drama, but never overwhelming. It was brilliant chaos at times, hot slow-burning yearning at others, and then moments of emotional depth that absolutely wrecked me. 😭🔥
The book also shines in its exploration of relationships romance, family, friendship. Every bond felt layered, meaningful, and alive.

And that ending?
Just… WOW.
I was blown away. This wasn’t just a joy to read it was a masterpiece. I feel lucky I got to disappear into this world.

Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely. I can’t even put into words how strongly I recommend it. It’s the perfect second book in this series. 💖

Would I reread it?
Without a doubt. I want to reread it again and again until I know the words by heart. 📖

How I’d sum it up:
A breathtaking masterpiece of fantasy, romance, and action stunning from start to finish.

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(Cambric Creek, #3) (Hemming Brothers, #1) Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic by C.M. Nascosta review

 

Moon Blooded Breeding Clinic (Cambric Creek, #3) by C.M. Nascosta
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

⭐ 1 Star (almost a DNF)
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

Reviewing this book is hard, because I spent most of my time in a nonstop battle between wanting to DNF it… or eat my Kindle just to have a reason not to finish. But I did push through even though I skimmed huge chunks because I just wasn’t enjoying myself.

It’s sad, because I really liked the first Cambric Creek book, and the second one was good too. This is the third book in the series and the start of the Hemming Brothers series (I believe), but big breath… the leads were pretty unlikeable for me. I felt completely disconnected from them, which made getting into the story nearly impossible. A few chapters in, I was reading through sheer mental willpower rather than enjoyment.

The spice technically existed, but because I wasn’t invested, I barely noticed it. Everyone in the book felt either “meh” or outright annoying, and that constant disconnect made the whole story hard to engage with.

Halfway through, I actually stopped, put my Kindle down, and told myself I’d try again the next day. I rarely give 1-star reviews, and I hate not finishing books, so I wanted to see if maybe it was just me. But when I came back, it was still just… hard. Really hard.

The storyline didn’t grip me at all. I wasn’t emotionally invested in the characters, so I found myself skimming and forcing myself through each page. Honestly, this has to be one of the hardest books I’ve read this year.

That being said, I have really enjoyed other books in this world, so I’ll maybe give it 6 months to a year and try again just to see if anything changes.

What I Liked:
Honestly, very little but I did like that Moriah and Lowell could make each other laugh.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
The storyline
The characters
The overall unlikability and flat interactions
Zero emotional connection

Would I Recommend This Book?
No.

Would I Reread?
Only to double-check my feelings. I dislike giving 1-star reviews, so I always reread low ratings in the future to make sure I still agree.

How I’d Sum It Up:

Emotionally disconnected, with unlikeable characters that left me struggling from start to end.

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(Whispering Grove, #3) Pumpkin Spice, Knotty Nights by Harley Knight review

 

Pumpkin Spice, Knotty Nights by Harley Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

So right now I’m curled up on the sofa feeling sorry for myself (yay flu), which means my brain power is at an all-time low. Normally when I’m sick, I stick to audiobooks because reading is a struggle but I stumbled across a post about this book and thought it sounded fun and easy… so I started it. At that point, I had no clue it was book three in the Whispering Grove series.

Thankfully, it didn’t matter. I slipped into the story effortlessly. This feels like the kind of series where you don’t have to read the previous books to enjoy this one. The introduction was fun and easy to get into without being overwhelmed by constant background dumps.

I loved how easy the writing style was. Nothing too heavy or overly descriptive exactly what my flu-fogged brain needed. There were no giant text blocks or endless flashbacks; instead, details were sprinkled in naturally as the story unfolded, letting me slowly understand the characters and their world.

I really felt for the female lead. I loved that she wanted to break away and become more than what she was born into. Maybe it’s because I’m sick and emotional, but her family made me want to hunt them down myself. They were awful heartbreaking and traumatic to watch but she does her best to stay true to herself.

The male leads aren’t perfect angels, but they’re absolutely perfect for her. They want the best for her, and their care was so well written. I felt the warm coziness and sweetness, but the book also had shocking moments, rage, pain, and tension. The banter was hilarious some lines had me laughing through my sniffles and there were tender moments that genuinely touched me.

Sick or not, I totally loved the book. My only real issue was that I wanted more growth from the FL. I wanted her to stand up for herself more, especially when it came to her family. She still bent too easily, even knowing how awful they were. A little more bite would have been perfect.

What I Liked:
Cindy I loved that she fought to be more. She’s likable, sweet, and determined.
Holt, Arrow, and Luke funny, different, and well-detailed backgrounds.
A fun, well-thought-out storyline.
Great spice.
Omegaverse.
Reverse Harem.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
The FL’s lack of backbone with her family.

Would I Recommend This Book?
Yes, absolutely.

Would I Reread?
Yes!

How I’d Sum It Up:
A fun, spicy, cozy story filled with heat, drama, and plenty of laughs.

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(Monstrous Guardians, #1) Held by a Monster by Kenzie Kelly Review

 

Held by a Monster by Kenzie Kelly
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

⭐⭐1/2 - 2.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️1/2 - 2.5 Spice (Because it was honestly hard to focus on the spice in this book)

I stumbled across this book while browsing my Amazon list. I’d never heard of it or the author, but I grabbed it to give it a try. It didn’t take long to read, and it throws you straight into drama and action for the first few pages you’ll have zero idea what’s going on, but strangely you won’t really mind yet.

But then… the pacing hits breakneck speed. One thing after another after another. I swear I was getting whiplash trying to keep up.

I don’t mind a fast-paced read, but this one had a clear problem: there’s no time to breathe.
No time to connect with the characters.
No time to feel the trauma, fear, or tension.
No time for anything to land emotionally before the story jumps to the next scene.

The writing itself is simple, so you won’t get lost but nothing has weight. Scenes don’t settle long enough to feel meaningful. And then, on top of that, the book throws in a ton of spice… often in moments where there is no possible universe where those characters would realistically be rolling around like that. It yanked me right out of the story every time, which is a shame because the framework and core idea of this world is genuinely fun and interesting.

I kept thinking:
If this had been slowed down… if the pacing had been spread out… if we’d been given time to bond with the characters… this could’ve been such a good book.

As it stands, I read the whole thing, but I never really felt connected to it. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either. It just… existed in this strange in-between where the potential was there, but the execution didn’t land.

What I Liked:
The core story idea
The monsters (genuinely cool concept!)

What Didn’t Work for Me:
The extreme fast pacing
Scenes thrown too close together, making time feel meaningless
No immersion impossible to settle emotionally into anything

Would I Recommend This Book?
Sadly, no.

Would I Reread?
I don’t think so.

How I’d Sum It Up:
A book with so much potential, but the overly fast pacing and simple, rushed execution made it hard to connect to anything. It could’ve been great but it needed time to breathe.

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(The Kingdom Below, #2) A Light So Blinding by Emma Hamm review

 

A Light So Blinding by Emma Hamm
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I was so excited to get this book. I already read and loved the first book in the series, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this one the moment it released. A Light So Blinding takes place in the same world as the first book but follows two new characters, making it feel like an interlocking standalone.

While I’d absolutely recommend reading book one for the best experience, book two does give enough information for you to follow along if you haven’t. But honestly… skipping book one would be a tragedy because both books are so worth it.

The opening of this book was fantastic. We’re introduced to Astrid, one of many priestesses, and I loved learning about her role and the lives of the women around her. Their duties were fascinating and at times horrifying. It genuinely shocked me how some of these women were treated. You know it’s a good book when you start plotting certain characters’ downfall because they’re so vile you want them stopped immediately. Watching beloved characters suffer under awful people made for a deeply emotional reading experience.

Astrid and Bjorn are both incredibly well-written characters. At first, they seem like they’ve led completely different lives, but the more you learn, the more you see how much they actually share. Both have been used, pushed, and shaped by others just to survive. That shared pain is part of what makes their connection so strong and believable.

The author did an amazing job not only showing who they were before the story began, but also letting us watch them evolve. The versions of themselves at the start feel like shells compared to who they become. Their growth was powerful and beautifully done.

The storyline was clear, engaging, and full of depth. I hate when books have no plot or rely only on fluff this was definitely not fluff. This book has action, danger, tension, heartache, and moments that make you genuinely fear for the characters. But it also has a wonderful romance and a great level of spice that adds warmth and breaks up the intensity in the best way.

There were a few moments where I skimmed and had to pull myself back into the story maybe two small sections felt a little empty. I also enjoyed the ending, though I do feel like it could have had a bit more added to make it hit even harder.

Still, it was a fantastic read overall.

What I Liked:
Astrid and Bjorn incredibly detailed characters with strong backstories that made them easy to understand and love.
The world beautifully detailed, blending breathtaking imagery with horrifying realities.
The portrayal of King James’s rule shocking, dark, and honestly enough to make me pack my things and run to a troll cave.
The romance and spice slow-building, emotional, and ultimately scorching.
Watching the characters grow and change.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
There were a few slower moments where I skimmed.
The ending was great, but I did wish for a little more (can’t explain without spoilers!).

Would I Recommend This Book?
Yes absolutely!

Would I Reread?
Yes, I definitely would.

How I’d Sum It Up:
Dark and action-filled at times, warm and tender at others packed with everything you could want. A fantastic addition to the series.

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(Fae & Alchemy, #2) Brimstone by Callie Hart review

 

Brimstone by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

It’s almost 3.30am and I just finished book two, and honestly? There was no way I could sleep without getting my thoughts down. My mind is a spinning chaotic mess right now. I swore I would read this book slowly, take my time, and not rush… and I also had that fear that book two wouldn’t live up to how much I loved the first.

Well… I was not disappointed. Not even a little.

The book opens right where the last one left off, and from the very first moment you’re thrown into total chaos and action. There isn’t a single point where you can find yourself bored or stuck in dead space. This book is jam-packed with a rich, overflowing storyline that kept my heart racing and had me fearing for everything from the characters to the kitchen sink. I was death-gripping the book as my eyes devoured every word.

I loved that the story remained the key focus. The spice was incredible, but it worked alongside the plot beautifully. Those sweet, intimate moments helped break up the fear and pain, giving me a breath of relief, a smile, and a spark of hope before plunging me back into the tension. It never overshadowed the main storyline it just enhanced it and made the reading experience even better.

The magic and action were phenomenal, and when you add the witty banter and sass, I was rolling in giggles and clutching my heart at the same time. There’s so much more happening in book two than in book one, and I think the author did an amazing job juggling everything while keeping me fully invested and entertained. There were surprises and OMG moments that had my mouth hanging open.

The characters now feel so familiar that starting this book felt like coming home to family and friends. I loved learning more about them and seeing how they fit into everything. The new characters were fantastic too. Watching Saeris grow and seeing how Kingfisher changed was such a highlight.

Another huge difference for me was reading from both POVs I loved getting snapshots into both of their minds. The added world details and lore gave the story more layers, and between the action, the tension, and the emotional moments, I was completely invested.

I cried so hard near the end that I thought I might actually break down. This book put me through hell and back and I was absolutely here for it. An outstanding read.

That ending… HOW am I supposed to wait for the next book? The pain!!

What I Liked:
The outstanding storyline that expands so much from book one.
Rich, detailed characters that feel like home.
ONYX. << need I say more?
Spice that enhances the story without taking it over.
Banter and interactions that had me laughing to tears.
High stakes and genuine fear for the characters.
The emotional devastation and joy.
The new characters and how they fit in.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
Honestly? I’m struggling to think of anything right now. Maybe after some sleep I’ll find something.

Would I Recommend This Book?
Is this even a question? I’ve already ordered copies of both book one and two to give to my friend so she can read them too.

Would I Reread?
Absolutely. When the next book comes out, I’ll be rereading books 1 and 2 again.

How I’d Sum It Up:
Heart-stopping perfection — full of action, magic, and spice. Packed with story and love, and completely unputdownable.

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(Fae & Alchemy, #1) Quicksilver by Callie Hart review

 

Quicksilver by Callie Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Well-Earned Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I originally stumbled onto this book back in March when I was super unwell. The audiobook was on sale, and even though I’m not usually an audiobook girl, I grabbed it… and absolutely fell into it. So with the release of book two, I thought, Why not read it again properly now that I’m flu-free? And I am so glad I did.

The book drops you straight into the action, giving you just enough detail about Zilvaren City, its workings, and the dangers of daily life without bogging you down. It’s the perfect jump-off point for the series. I loved how it threw me right into the heart-stopping opening while still giving me a clear sense of who our lead, Saeris, is her upbringing, her personality, and the life she’s been carved out of. It was a fantastic way to pull me in without dumping political systems or endless background info on me.

This book goes from strength to strength. I loved the character introductions. I loved that the storyline stayed front and center at all times even with drama, family complications, romance, and spice woven in. The story was always the core, and it was an incredible one.

High stakes, emotion, pain, humor, heat, banter… it had everything. The pacing felt perfect nothing rushed, nothing dragging. I was never bored, never lost, never pulled out of the story. Everything had purpose and weight.

I adored the process of uncovering secrets and piecing things together those oh my god this makes so much sense moments were so satisfying. And by the end? I was pulling my hair out, gripping my chest, convinced my whole world was about to break because of what was happening. It was fantastic. What a spectacular way to open a series.

It gave me a bit of everything without ever muddying the story instead, every element strengthened it. And the spice? WOW. I was fanning myself. It was hot, detailed, and delicious, but never once overshadowed the plot. It blended seamlessly and elevated everything around it.

I’m so glad I reread this. Both the audiobook and the physical read were divine.

What I Liked:

Fantastic characters good or bad, layered, vivid, and real.
The worldbuilding rich, detailed, exciting.
Quicksilver the concept, the use, the mechanics… incredible.
The spice top tier, hot, and perfectly balanced.
Banter and interactions that had me laughing, crying, and screaming.
The action and combat nonstop, exciting, and impossible to look away from.
The overall storyline strong, gripping, and beautifully executed.
The secrets every reveal felt like Christmas morning. Bravo.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
Absolutely nothing.

Would I Recommend This Book?
YES. So, so much yes!

Would I Reread?
Yes I’ve listened to the audiobook and read the book, and loved both.

How I’d Sum It Up:
An incredible, addictive fantasy packed with action, emotion, tension, secrets, and enough heat to make you swoon and squeal.

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(Monsters of Saltford Bay #5) Decked By The Grumpy Golem by Mary Auclair review

 

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars (and if I could give more, I absolutely would)
🌶️🌶️ 2 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’ve been lucky enough to read every book in this series, and I devoured each one going full feral waiting for the next. And here we are again… and WOW.

This book starts with an irresistible mystery vibe that hooked me instantly. The whole “why did he leave?” had me ready to hate Gideon, fully prepared to cheer the FMC on with big girl-power energy. But within just a few chapters… I was teary-eyed. The author has such a powerful way of describing emotion and pain that you can’t help but feel your own heart ache and clench as if it’s your hurt on the page.

I was a hot mess of tears and longing. Learning the history between the leads made everything deeper, richer, and so much more emotional.

The story may look simple on the surface, but it’s packed absolutely jam-packed with emotion. It feels like being on a roller coaster you’re terrified will shatter your heart, yet you can’t stop reading. Every page pulls you straight into the moment, into the magic of each word, until escaping isn’t even an option anymore and honestly, you wouldn’t want to escape even if you could.

The whole book is beautiful, and it’s hard to explain just how beautiful. Yes, it’s far too short at around 140–150 pages, but it never feels rushed. Nothing is thrown together. The pacing is perfect, and every word, every exchange, has purpose. The authors weave regret, mistakes, love, and longing into a story that feels soft and powerful at the same time.

When I read something, I want to feel it to step into the FMC’s place, to be swept up. This book did that effortlessly. I cried. I ached. I felt every joy and every heartbreak right down to my core.

The spice is open-door and deliciously hot, but it never overshadows the romance or emotion. It slots perfectly into the story, enhancing the connection rather than overpowering it. It had me panting but still fully invested in the love.

What I Liked:
Extremely likable, relatable, older leads (LOVE that).
Clear, emotional insight into the characters past.
A fantastic, gripping story.
Hot, yummy spice that complements the romance perfectly.
The family elements and interactions with the townsfolk.
Second chance romance done beautifully.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
WHY IS THE BOOK SO SHORT?! Please, I beg, give me a longer novel next time! 😭💛

Would I Recommend This Book?
There is no world or realm where I wouldn’t recommend this book or this series. I would skywrite it. I would throw copies at my friends. I would declare it from a mountaintop.

Would I Reread?
The easiest “yes” of my life.

How I’d Sum It Up:
A short book overflowing with warmth, love, emotion, and perfectly placed heat. It never once overshadows the heart of the story. Another incredible addition to one of my favorite series.

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(The Vrix, #2) The Delver by Tiffany Roberts review

 

The Delver by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

This is book two in The Vrix series, and honestly, it was pure joy to read! I think this one was even better than book one. The storyline felt stronger and more layered throughout, with truly heart-stopping moments that had me screaming in fear for the leads.

What really gets me with each book is the depth of the characters the way the authors make you see them, feel what they feel, and care so deeply for their struggles.

For me, Urkot was an absolutely amazing male lead. He was sweet but scarred, always trying to do his best yet never giving himself much self-worth, and that made my heart ache for him. He was so deeply lovely and tender, and together with Callie, the two of them completely sold this book for me. Their bond was beautiful and powerful.

I was totally blown away by this story the adventure, the risks, the romance all of it was top-tier. My only small issue was that, every now and then, I’d find myself drifting for a moment during a slower part, but that only happened two or three times. Otherwise, this was a brilliant read.

The spice was warm and satisfying enough to make your heart race but never so much that it took away from the story or emotion. The balance was perfect. I loved the love, start to finish it left me warm, tingling, and smiling like an idiot.

What I Liked:
Wonderfully detailed characters with rich backstories that never overwhelm.
Beautiful romance and heartwarming emotional depth, from love to friendship.
A great story and immersive world.
Brilliantly emotional from start to finish full of genuine heart.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
A few brief moments where I skimmed during slower sections.

Would I Recommend This Book?
YES so, so, so much yes!

Would I Reread?
Absolutely. I’d reread it again and again.

How I’d Sum It Up:
An amazing story with just the right amount of heat, overflowing with emotion and heart you’ll be completely blown away.

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The Weaver by Tiffany Roberts review.

 

The Weaver by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I’ve read all three books in The Spider’s Mate series by Tiffany Roberts earlier this year, and I’m so, so, so glad I picked up the first book of this spin-off series! Seeing all the characters I loved again while diving into a brand-new story made me more than excited.

There’s something truly lovely about this book it’s hard to put into words, but it captured that same found-family feeling I adored in The Spider’s Mate series and carried it forward beautifully here. This book really shows that blood isn’t the only thing that makes a family it’s the people we carry in our hearts and choose to protect, whether that’s a friend, a tribe member, or a lover. The authors detailed that theme so well it warmed my heart and had me smiling through every page.

One of the biggest strengths in all these books is their heart and emotion. You don’t just read about the characters you understand them. Tiffany Roberts turns what could be 2D, unrelatable figures into 3D characters who feel real and full of depth, even when they’re not human.

The Vrix are so different from humans, and when I first started the original series, I was worried I’d find them off-putting or hard to connect with. But now? They have a massive place in my heart. While The Weaver might be the first book of this new series, I honestly think it holds up beautifully to The Spider’s Mate. The flow of the story is so easy and natural it felt like coming home after being away for a while. You’ve missed everyone, yet it feels like no time has passed at all. It’s warm and cozy, but still has moments that make your heart race.

It’s emotional and sweet, filled with those scenes that make you smile and hug yourself as you read. This book doesn’t just give you a super spicy monster romance it also gives you an adventurous, heart-stopping story full of danger, love, and emotion. It makes you smile one moment and clutch your heart in fear or worry the next.

While the spice is definitely hot and detailed, it never overwhelms the story or emotional weight of the book. I loved the spice, but it wasn’t what made me love the book it was how real, beautiful, and heartfelt everything felt. For me, that balance was perfection.

What I Liked:
The characters both the leads and the secondary cast.
The emotion and found-family vibes.
The story, adventure, and pacing.
The quiet, wonder-filled moments.
The tension and fear during key scenes.
Learning more about each character’s past and growth.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
A few moments where I skimmed or lost focus not sure if it was the info or the slower pacing, but it only happened a few times.

Would I Recommend This Book?
Absolutely! I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone loudly!

Would I Reread?
Yes, yes, and more yes!

How I’d Sum It Up:
Unique, emotional, and full of warmth and adventure this book was truly wonderful.

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(Broken Bloodlines, #3) Bound in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Bound in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

Quick Review:
I clawed my way through books 1 and 2 of this series, and honestly, I could have DNF’d and moved on at any point. But after getting through two books, I figured… why not just finish the damn series? I mean, really. Not going to lie I pretty much speed-read and skimmed this last book, focusing on the more enjoyable parts like the action and the actual plot.

I did love the twist, so I’m glad I stuck it out. But here’s my problem: I love morally grey leads, and I love dark stories, but I’m not a fan of books where the female lead is written like this one. She felt flat about as exciting as wet paper and I just couldn’t connect with her at all.

As for the male leads, they weren’t terrible in this book, but book 1 left such a bad taste in my mouth that it was hard to get behind them even now.

I’m glad I got through the series, but I wouldn’t reread it. Just not my cup of tea.

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(Broken Bloodlines, #2) Promised in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Promised in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

Quick Review:
Honestly, I read book one and wasn’t the biggest fan, but I kept going because at this point it feels like watching trashy TV drama — messy, chaotic, and somehow weirdly entertaining even when it’s not good. Book two was… okay. I’m still mostly on the fence between totally hating it and thinking it’s fine. I’m not really gripped, but it is easy and fast to read, so I kept going.

My biggest issues are the weak female lead and the complete disregard for her autonomy as a person. The overall story from book one to now is actually decent — it has a good framework — but everything around it is such a mess that it puts me off. I love when I can put myself in the place of the main character, adventure with them, swoon with them… but with this book, I just can’t do that at all.

I would have given it fewer stars, but I did read the whole thing. It was an easy read, just nothing I could really sink my teeth into.

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(Broken Bloodlines, #1) Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid

 

Forged in Blood by Sadie Kincaid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars (I struggled to pick a rating for this one, slipping between 2 and 3 stars.)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 Spice

This book was rough like watching a car crash in slow motion. You know you should walk away, but you can’t stop staring at the epic mess, wide-eyed, wondering what just happened. That’s exactly how this felt.

There was so much I disliked honestly, the list is long and yet I didn’t stop reading. I finished the whole thing. I’m not even sure why. I hate bullying tropes; I find them distasteful and horrible, especially when the leads are cruel to each other for no real reason and then try to brush it off like it’s nothing. There were so many red flags here I could stitch them together and make a family-sized tent.

Some scenes were so nasty I actually gagged and felt like I needed a shower. The spice was just dirty at times, and after the first few scenes, it started to feel repetitive. I also had major issues with some of the actions taken during those scenes, but I can’t go into detail without spoilers. There’s a lot of spice for readers who want it constantly, even when it makes absolutely no sense for it to be happening.

The conversations were basic and repetitive, and honestly, I have no idea what kept me reading. Maybe nostalgia? I used to love watching trashy TV dramas with my nan, so maybe that same chaotic energy is what kept me going. Despite everything stacked against it, I read it quickly maybe because it was so mindless and messy that it became entertaining in its own way. There was so much I disliked, yet I still finished it. Not sure what that says about me, lol.

The ending didn’t do much for me either. It felt rushed like being shoved forward at breakneck speed and barely taking anything in. Still, I finished it, and I guess that counts for something.

But here’s the thing: even with all of this working against the book, I still read it. And I can’t bring myself to give it a 1-star fail, because I did read the whole thing within a few hours even with all the groaning, cringing, and eye-rolling. Whether I liked the wreck that this book was or not, I still sped through it and found something strangely amusing about the madness.

I found the framework of the story interesting, and I kind of hope we see a stronger, more wicked (FL) lead if I do continue to the next book. So with that in mind, it feels like maybe 2 or 3 stars are actually earned in some ways one, because I finished it, and two, because I’m genuinely considering picking up the next one. I read it fast and found some unexpected amusement buried in the chaos.

What I Liked:
Sometimes a mindless, trashy read hits the spot.
The framework of the story had potential.

What Didn’t Work for Me:
Bullying trope (instant DNF material for me).
No willpower.
I hate when the word NO is ignored. (“No” should always mean no.)

Would I Recommend This Book?
Nope — unless you enjoy red flags with a side of “What am I even reading?!”

Would I Reread?
No, this is definitely a one-and-done kind of read.

How I’d Sum It Up:
Questionable leads, red flags galore, dirty and trashy… yet somehow, I still read it.

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