(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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(Wolves of Pine Falls Book 1) Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connolly

 

Claws & Crochet by Lauren Connolly
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️1/2 - 2.5 spice

This is so totally cute and cozy and sweet, but thankfully there’s a clear storyline too. While it’s not super deep or intense, the fun romance and the cinnamon roll that is Warner totally had me skipping through the book.

Our female lead is shockingly strong, especially considering everything she’s struggling with. She’s got a smart mouth and sass for days, and I loved that she was both tough and stood her ground, but also had vulnerable moments. It was such a relatable portrayal of someone going through a dark time.

I loved the siblings in this book. As the oldest sister of seven younger siblings myself, the interactions felt so real and meaningful. I really appreciated how the two leads genuinely wanted the best for each other, and how it never felt one-sided they were willing to give to each other without hesitation.

And that ending? That twist had me shocked. I honestly didn’t see it coming at all. While I would’ve loved a stronger plot overall, I wasn’t disappointed. It was just a genuinely enjoyable, cozy read.

The spice was open door and descriptive, but not overwhelming. It worked with the story and never overtook it, which I really appreciated. It was safe, consensual, and well-handled.


✅ What I liked:
Sweet and cozy vibes
Cinnamon roll male lead
Strong female lead with real vulnerability
The dog!!
Consent and healthy communication
Safe, open-door spice
Big family dynamic

❌ What didn’t work for me:
The “bro” moments from the guys were a little over the top sometimes

Would I recommend this book?
YES!! Totally.

Would I reread it?
Easy yes.

Summary
A super cute, cozy werewolf romance full of sass, sweetness, and heart with a twist you won’t see coming.

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(Scent Valley University Book 1) Bonds and Blooms by Polly Maple Review

 

Bonds and Blooms: A Sweet Omegaverse Romance by Polly Maple
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

⭐⭐ 2 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️3 Spice

From the start, the sweet and cozy vibe of this book really stood out. It felt warm, light, and had that comforting charm I normally adore in a cozy romance. But as much as I wanted to love it, I found myself zoning out, brushing over sections, and struggling to stay invested.

I usually love stories where friendship and gentle support shine, and this book absolutely had that. The pack’s love and kindness were heartfelt and sincere. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough to carry the rest of the book.

My biggest issue was the consistency of the main character, Faye. She was introduced as someone deeply focused on her lifelong goals and studies, especially given her history and motivations. But that thread completely vanished as soon as the romantic storyline kicked in. Her goals became a background detail, barely mentioned again, and it felt like her core purpose was lost.

There were moments I liked, and I appreciated the respectful nature of the relationships, but too many story elements felt rushed or underdeveloped. Plot points were introduced and then quickly dropped. The spice was graphic and open-door, but without emotional connection or investment, even that fell flat for me.

✅ What I liked
The friendships and emotional support
Positive consent and care in romantic interactions
The cozy, comforting vibes

❌ What didn’t work for me
I didn’t connect emotionally with the story or characters
Inconsistent portrayal of Faye’s personality and motivations
Her university goals were abandoned halfway through
Major plot events felt rushed or unresolved
Overuse of a specific word to the point of distraction

Would I recommend this book?
No

Would I reread it?
No

How would I sum it up?
A story full of sweetness and warmth, but ultimately left me feeling confused, disconnected, and underwhelmed.


(view spoiler)[ I don’t usually write spoilers in reviews, but I felt like I needed to this time. I loved the *idea* of this book, but the execution really let me down. Faye goes to university to step out of her comfort zone, hoping to learn and eventually make life better for omegas. Her parents were killed by an alphas, and she wants to help omegas like she see's her grandmother do at the shop. But the moment her pack enters the picture, all of that gets tossed aside. It felt like the foundation of her character was just dropped for the sake of the romance.

Then there’s Cole’s father suddenly showing up, making a scene about his son needing a more "suitable" omega, and then disappearing just as fast. It felt like cheap drama to push Faye and Cole into finally biting each other. Damon’s storyline felt weird and uncomfortable, and I honestly didn’t like how it was handled at all.

And if I had to hear the phrase “KNOT ME” one more time, I swear I was going to throw my Kindle out the window. The cozy sweetness held this book together in the beginning, but by the end, all I was left with was a toothache.
(hide spoiler)]

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(The Broken Accords, #1) The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May review

 

The Wolf and the Crown of Blood by Elizabeth May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 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.

From the moment I started this book, I was in. The introduction into the world and characters was seamless no dragging, no confusion, just pure immersion. The world was dark and deep, only broken by bursts of humor and sass that pulled me straight into the story and didn’t let go.

I was swept into a realm of sacrifice and pain, full of twisted choices and heavy burdens, and instead of recoiling... I loved it. Even the darkest parts the moments you wish you could fix or erase made the book feel richer and more layered. I loved seeing the contrast between locations, between choices, and between what people believed was right or wrong.

That constant feeling of any second now it’ll all collapse had me frantically turning pages. I stayed up all night reading until my eyes burned like a desert and I have zero regrets.

The book plays beautifully in the gray area between good and evil. Nothing was simple or black and white. Just when I thought I understood what the story was doing, it surprised me with even more depth. Despite being a standard-length novel, it felt huge in terms of story, scope, and emotion.

The characters were rich and fully fleshed out, the alternating POVs added emotional depth, and the world was fully realized. Then the spice hit after the 50% mark and wow. You’ll need a glass of water and maybe someone to pick your jaw off the floor. It’s emotional, intense, and woven beautifully into the plot.

I often find that books trying to be “too many things” fall flat. But not this one. This book took every one of those elements and turned it into something deliciously devilish. It gave me laughter, tears, shocks, fear, and delight. And when I reached the end, I was left with a sense of perfection. It was worth every tear, every gasp, every lost hour of sleep.

What I liked:
The characters (Wolf and Bryony were brilliant, and I adored Amara)
The worldbuilding
The emotions this book wrung out of me
The politics and power struggles
The bold handling of dark themes
The ending! It was so good

What didn’t work for me:
Honestly, I’m picking at straws here. Early on, I got a bit lost with names and places, but once I found my footing, I was completely hooked.

Would I recommend this book?
OMG yes. I absolutely loved it.

Would I reread?
1000% yes.

How would I sum it up?
A dark and bloody story with layered emotion, unforgettable characters, and a plot that will have you laughing, crying, and blushing. You’ll get lost in the pages — and love every second of it.

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Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer review

 

Warrior Princess Assassin by Brigid Kemmerer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (6 stars!)
🌶️- 1 spice (Slow burn, emotional, story-driven)

If I could give this book all the stars, I absolutely would. If I could magically make the next two books in the series appear in front of me, I would. And most of all, I wish I could unread this book just so I could experience it all over again for the first time. It is, hands down, the best thing I’ve read this year maybe ever.

Wow... the beginning hit me like a truck. I was pulled in immediately, and by chapter two I was already tearing up, wondering how I was crying this early on. What a fantastic opening absolute bravo! The writing gripped my heart and squeezed.

This book steamrolled me with incredible characters, a vivid realm, and clear details about the current state of Astranza and its royal family. The pacing was perfect. The emotional depth completely wrecked me in the best way. Nothing about this story bored me not even for a second. I was obsessed from beginning to end.

The POV switches between Jory, Asher, and Ky were handled beautifully, giving us layered insight into each of them. I loved the balance of strength and vulnerability in all three. The buildup was so gripping I was literally on the edge of my seat.

The last 150+ pages were absolute chaos in the best possible way shocking twists, emotional turns, and powerful moments. I could go on and on.

And the spice? If you’re looking for constant steam, this isn’t that. But if you love slow-burning tension that builds and builds until the payoff is both emotional and electric this is 100% for you. The spice matched the tone and story perfectly.

I usually list something I didn’t like… but I honestly can’t think of a single thing. This book was flawless to me.

What I liked:
EVERYTHING
The plot
The worldbuilding
The characters
The raw emotion and pain

What didn’t work for me:
Nothing. Seriously.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes. To anyone who will listen.

Would I reread it?
In a heartbeat.

How would I sum it up?
An epic, breathtaking start to a series. A book that made me cry, gasp, and fall in love with every page from the characters and world to the emotional highs and lows. Flawless.

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(Villains & Virtues, #1) Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano review

 

Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - 4 stars
Thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own and given honestly

The opening of this story was a bit of a hurdle for me. I'm not sure if it was the amount of information or how quickly names and details were thrown at me, but it felt overwhelming and made it hard to get into at first. Thankfully, by the time Damien and Amma meet, the tone of the book shifts, and I quickly found myself slipping into an absolutely awesome story.

I was shocked at how the book portrays darkness and morally grey themes so clearly, but wraps it all up in a hysterically funny way. The banter between Amma, Damien, and Kaz had me laughing out loud more than once. I really enjoyed how the author slowly revealed each character's layers as the story progressed.

The book is full of travel, adventure, secrets, and hot underlying tension. I loved the world that was created here and how it challenges the idea that good is always good and bad is always bad. The author did a great job blurring those lines and making it difficult to predict where the story was heading. By the end, I was a complete mess—jumping up and down, worried about how it would all end. And wow, that ending blew me away. I’m ready to grab the next book right now.

There’s so much packed into this book, and even the things left unsaid hit with real emotional weight. Kaz, in particular, was a massive highlight for me—he had me grinning and wishing I could pet him... even though I know that’s probably a terrible idea.

For those looking for spice: there's none. But the tension and slow burn are absolutely worth it.

What I liked:
The worldbuilding
The character exchanges and banter
The slow build and tension
The shifts in characters and their growth
The moral ambiguity
The sass, humor, and adventure

What didn’t work for me:
The first couple of chapters
Getting too much information too fast early on

Would I recommend this book?
100% yes

Would I reread it?
Definitely

How would I sum it up?
A mix of sharp and sweet, funny and dark, but overall a brilliant read.

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Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon review

 

Bull Moon Rising by Ruby Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 3.5 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 spice

Rating this book was honestly so hard. This book had me completely torn one moment I was loving it, the next I was frustrated, and then right back to loving it again. It definitely put me on an emotional roller-coaster!

The start didn’t pull me in at all. It felt slow and a bit draggy, and I genuinely worried I might throw in the towel and DNF it. But the moment Aspeth and Gwenna reached the guild, everything picked up and I was hooked.

The story took a great turn, and I absolutely loved Hawk. From the second he was introduced, the chemistry between him and Aspeth lit a spark under the whole book. Gwenna’s sass and loyalty were a highlight, always backing Aspeth while still staying true to herself. And Kipp? Adorable. Every scene with him was a win. When the whole group of five came together, the book became fun, adventurous, and filled with great character moments.

What really shone here was the romance and the spice. Those parts of the book were hot, heart-melting, and honestly so enjoyable.

That said, there were definite issues. While I understood the general direction and choices being made, some of the plot points especially in Aspeth’s arc were questionable. There were moments where the adventure felt messy and hard to follow, and some parts were a little forgettable. I really wanted to give it 4 stars for the parts I loved, but the confusion and poor decisions in key scenes pulled it down for me. At times, I was blissfully lost in the humor, spice, and emotions... and at other times, it felt like I’d stumbled into a totally different book.

✅ What I liked:
Strong, sweet friendships
Great romance and sizzling spice
Hilarious marriage contract
Aspeth’s iron will and bookish charm
An older, curvy female lead (yes, please!)
Group dynamics and fun banter

❌ What didn’t work for me:
Some confusing or frustrating story decisions
Aspeth being both brilliant and ridiculously naïve at times
Adventure scenes that were hard to follow

Would I recommend this book?
It’s tough because I loved so much of it, but yes—I’d still recommend it.

Would I reread it?
Yes, though I’d probably skim over the parts that didn’t work for me.

How would I sum it up?
Fun, spicy minotaur romance with heart and chaos.

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Pucking Strong by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Strong by Emily Rath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 spice

Well... this is the fourth book in the Jacksonville Rays series, and I have to say it's probably my favorite of the bunch so far. I completely loved the story in this one. It felt much more emotionally pulling and heartwarming than the others. The pacing was slower with the spice, but that really worked in its favor. There was clear growth, understanding, and connection between the characters, which made the romance feel more meaningful.

Teddy is an absolute sweetheart. He's soft, caring, and a total ray of sunshine to everyone around him, though he sometimes forgets to take care of himself. He was such a joy to read and really made this book stand out for me. I also loved seeing his dynamic with Karro and Hedrik it was wholesome, emotional, and deeply satisfying.

It was also great to catch glimpses of past characters and see where everyone is now. The story focused less on the hockey side this time and more on family, healing, and emotional support, which I really appreciated. I also loved seeing how the teammates support one another, not just on the ice but in life too. It was a fantastic read with spicy scenes toward the end that were hot, steamy, and worth the wait.

✅ What I liked:
Loved the characters
Family dynamics and emotional growth
Seeing the team’s support and closeness
The healing and emotional moments
The spice was great and came at the right time

❌ What didn’t work for me:
A few parts felt like filler and slowed the pacing

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, totally!

Would I reread it?
Easily yes.

How would I sum it up?
Emotional and warm with a touch of spice and hockey charm.

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Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Sweet by Emily Rath
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 spice

There was a massive problem with this book. Pucking Sweet is book three in the Jacksonville Rays series. While book one followed a solid timeline and book two picked up where that one left off which worked really well book three dragged us all the way back to the start of book one’s timeline. That means most of the main events from books one and two were repeated in this one, just from a different POV.

Now, I’m not saying the entire book was a repeat absolutely not. I loved the parts that felt fresh and totally new, especially the content that had nothing to do with the previous books. But the sections that rehashed things I’d already read? That really ticked me off. I kept thinking, "Can we please skip the déjà vu and get to the good stuff?" I ended up skimming more than I wanted to.

That said, the new story elements were so good. I really liked the characters and the direction this story took when it wasn’t echoing past timelines. Poppy is smart, driven, and layered sometimes seen as the “PR barbie,” but she’s got a strong sense of self and it shines through. Colton and Lukas are both fully fleshed out, and watching the development of their relationship over the course of the book was really satisfying.

I would have loved a deeper dive into Colton and Lukas’s backstories, but overall, the story was well-structured. The spice? Red hot. It wasn’t quite as constant as in book one, but it was still a lot and really fun to read. I also appreciated the surprises, emotional turns, and how the relationships evolved it genuinely made me smile.

Unfortunately, I just can’t give this book four stars due to the timeline repetition. I’ve never been a fan of backtracking or re-seeing the same events from a different angle, so that held the book back for me.

✅ What I liked:
Loved the characters
Enjoyed the story when it focused on new plotlines
Great surprises and emotional beats
The Jacksonville Rays family vibe is amazing

❌ What didn’t work for me:
Hated that the book replays the same timeline as book one
Too much focus on PR and work-related stuff
Disappointed that some storylines didn’t get proper closure

Would I recommend this book?
Not really. It has great moments, but the timeline structure held it back for me.

Would I reread it?
Probably not.

How would I sum it up?
A spicy, emotionally layered sports romance with great characters but frustrating timeline repetition.

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Pucking Wild by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Wild by Emily Rath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 spice

I didn’t think I would like this book more than the first one, but here we are. I think book one was a bit overwhelming for me because I’m so used to fantasy being the main focus, and I don’t read much contemporary romance especially not sports romance. So book one was a totally new experience, but book two really surprised me in the best way. Even though this one doesn’t have the why-choose element that the first book did, I enjoyed it so much more because the storyline was clearer and easier to follow.

Tess was relatable, using her smile and bubbly personality almost like armor to hide the pain she carries. Her trauma runs deep, and even though she puts on a brave front, it’s clear she’s bleeding internally. It was portrayed so well that I really felt for her. Ryan, on the other hand, is a ray of sunshine who constantly made me smile. He’s sweet and caring, but not a doormat, which I appreciated. I do wish we’d gotten a little more of his backstory, but what we did get gave me a much better understanding of who he is.

Don’t get me wrong there’s still room for a deeper dive into both leads' pasts, and there were moments where certain events felt like they were implied instead of shown, which bugged me a bit. But the characters weren’t flat. The spice in this book was hot and well done, even if there was less of it compared to book one. Honestly, I liked that. It gave more space for the actual story to breathe. I also loved seeing characters from book one return in big ways, which gave it all a cozy, interconnected feeling.

And wow there is one character in this book that had me ready to throw hands. I was wide-eyed and screaming every time they appeared. But honestly, it made the story even more intense, and I was so here for it.

This book also focused less on the hockey side, which I think worked better for me overall.

💖 What I Liked:
The clear, emotional storyline
Tess’s slow growth and healing
The slightly reduced focus on hockey
The darker, more emotional themes

😕 What Didn’t Work for Me:
Certain characters didn’t get the consequences they deserved
Some big scenes happened off-page or were implied, which felt like missed opportunities
I wanted deeper dives into both leads’ histories

Would I recommend this book?
Yes! It was a fun and emotional at times

Would I reread it?
I think I would.

How would I sum it up?
A spicy, emotional hockey romance that hits harder than expected.

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Pucking Around by Emily Rath review

 

Pucking Around by Emily Rath
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5 spice)

Okay, so this is not the kind of book I usually read, but my friend Sammy loves this style, so I gave it a shot. Honestly, I’m still not sure how I feel, but I did enjoy it more than I expected.

The characters are really well fleshed out. Each one has a distinct personality, which made them easy to tell apart and more fun to read. I appreciated that they didn’t all feel the same or bland. As for our lead, Rachel I liked her overall, though there were moments where she annoyed me a bit. She sometimes felt like a bit of a yo-yo emotionally, which ticked me off, but her slow personal growth by the end was satisfying.

I’m not a sports fan. I know next to nothing about hockey or most sports, really. I grew up watching darts and snooker, but even that’s not something I keep up with now. So I worried that the hockey angle would bore me or go over my head. Surprisingly, it didn’t. The way the book explained games and the team dynamic was easy to follow, and I found myself actually interested in the sport side of things.

Now… the spice. There was so much of it. Like, so much. I swear this book is 40% spice, and I’m shocked it didn’t set itself on fire. The sex scenes were detailed, intense, and varied the kind of spice that leaves your face red and your fan on full blast.

That said, I’m used to books where the story leads and the romance and spice are woven in around that. This one felt flipped more like it was romance and spice first with plot sprinkled in. That threw me off a bit. It’s probably just because I’m not used to reading pure romance books, so my brain kept searching for a central storyline that wasn’t really the main point here. I think I need to read more in the genre to get used to that style.

💖 What I Liked:
Well-developed, distinct characters
The descriptive spice was absolutely off the charts
The romance and different relationship dynamics were interesting
A fun and unexpected look at hockey
A satisfying ending

😕 What Didn’t Work for Me:
Felt like there wasn’t a clear story arc, but that might be because I’m new to this genre
Rachel was a bit emotionally up and down, which got frustrating at times

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I would definitely recommend it to fans of spicy romance.

Would I reread it?
Not sure yet. Maybe after I read a few more romance-heavy books.

How I’d sum it up:
A burning hot, spice-loaded romance with a fun look into hockey and team dynamics.

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(A Realm of Revelry #2) Straw and Gold by Chelsey Ann Tompkins

 

Straw and Gold by Chelsey Ann Tompkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 spice)

This is book two in the A Realm of Revelry series. Like the first book, it’s on the shorter side, but it doesn’t feel lacking in any way. It’s clearly a fairytale retelling, but it only uses the framework and spins an entirely new story from it.

The story opens so well. We get a glimpse of Korven and Seraphine (and OMG, Avici!) even if it’s just for a moment. It was such a fun way to kick things off.

Morella is funny, strong, and such a fantastic female lead. I loved her sass, her confidence, and how she goes after what she wants. She can take care of herself, and she knows it. Killian is broody and yes, sometimes I wanted to yell at him but the book does a great job of showing why he is the way he is. I was honestly impressed with how much the author delivered in just over 200 pages.

The book has a clear plot, a strong direction, and yes open door spice. It’s not overpowering, though, and it doesn’t take away from the actual story, which I really appreciate.

💖 What I Liked:
The characters, especially Fedir total standout
The strong, clear plot from beginning to end
The twist at the end I didn’t see it coming!

😕 What Didn’t Work for Me:
The spice is open door, but something about it felt a little off for me. Maybe the word choices? It just didn’t quite hit like I hoped.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes. I really liked this one and the first in the series.

Would I reread it?
Happily. It’s the kind of fun, quick read I could pick up again.

How I’d sum it up:
A short, sassy, spicy little read that hits all the right notes.

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Curse and Spindle by Chelsey Ann Tompkins review

 

Curse and Spindle by Chelsey Ann Tompkins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 spice)

I randomly stumbled upon this book, and after reading the description, I was intrigued. I don’t think I’ve ever read a Sleeping Beauty retelling before, so I figured why not?

First off, this book is short (under 200 pages), so I was worried it wouldn’t give me much. Joke’s on me, though, because for such a small book, the author managed to pack in a lot. While it has the Sleeping Beauty framework, much of the story felt new and different in a really good way. It gave me the vibes without being a copy-paste retelling.

The plot wasn’t over the top and felt fairly simple, but it worked so well for the book’s size. I loved the characters and was pleasantly surprised by how much depth the author added. The character interactions were great, and I enjoyed watching the build-up between them.

For such a short story, the pacing was handled well. It didn’t feel rushed, and although I do think the book could have been longer with even more content, I wasn’t disappointed. It gave me a little bit of everything romance, intrigue, fun without making me feel like I was racing through it.

As for the spice… It was technically open-door, but it felt a little watered down compared to other open-door scenes I’ve read. It was fine, but it didn’t quite hit for me.

💕 Things I Loved:
The fresh twist on a classic fairytale
Seraphine’s personal growth
Korven. Enough said.
How full the story felt despite its length
A perfect quick read
The ending

🙃 What Didn’t Work for Me:
The spice just wasn’t spicy enough for my taste

Would I recommend this book?
Absolutely! It was a really nice, easy read.

Would I reread it?
Yes. It’s short, fun, and would be a great reread during a slump.

How I’d sum it up:
A quick, lightly spicy Sleeping Beauty retelling that leaves you smiling.

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(Monstrous, #1) Soul Eater by Lily Mayne

 

Soul Eater by Lily Mayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ (3.5 spice)

Sometimes you read a book and your brain has a moment of, "What did I just read?" — and then you’re shocked that you didn’t actually hate the weirdness you just consumed. Well… I’m currently there.

Where do I start?
The book had a great opening. It didn’t overload you with info but gave just enough while expanding on what was happening in the moment. At first, I worried it would lean too heavily into a military/army base plot, and I thought I might give up on it… but wow, I was so wrong.

The story follows Danny — a super likeable, sweet character I genuinely enjoyed getting to know. I really liked the post-apocalyptic world the author created, and how the story kicked off. This was my first M/M monster romance, and having read quite a few F/M ones before, I was excited for the change — and it didn’t disappoint.

💖 What I Loved:
The fantastic opening that introduced the world smoothly.
The characters were well-developed, with distinct and clear personalities — not carbon copies with different faces (which can sometimes happen).
The spice in this book? OMG. WYN. I can't. 😳
The descriptions during the first time were jaw-dropping.
Multiple spicy scenes — open door, graphic, and frequent.
Had me fanning myself and reaching for ice water.

But it wasn’t just the spice — the last few chapters wrecked me emotionally in the best way. I was sobbing, clutching my chest, ugly crying with my hand over my mouth to stay quiet. It was so well done, I was blown away.

Why Not 5 Stars?
Honestly, I wanted to give it 5 stars. But the middle of the book dragged — mostly filled with travel and smut, but not much else. It felt like a missed opportunity to deepen the plot or character development. I just needed something more than spice alone to hold it all together.
Still — a very, very fun and unique read overall!

Would you recommend this book?
Yes! It was a good, solid read.

Would you reread this book?
I think I would — it’s a fun, easy re-read with a strong emotional payoff.

How would you sum up this book?
A spice-filled, emotionally gripping M/M monster romance that’s fun, unique, and leaves an impact.

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X Marks The Stalker by K.N. Wilder review

 

X Marks The Stalker: A Dark Romantic Comedy by K.N. Wilder
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

Reading the content warning of this book felt like reading the ingredients of a fine wine while I “umm” and “ahh” deciding if it was for me. 😆 Honestly, I just love a well-done warning page—it really warms my heart (which might say something about me, but let’s not look too closely at that 🤭).

From the very first page, I was completely hooked—pulled into the story at breakneck speed, ready to inhale the book like my life depended on it. What got me first? Xander. His hilarious banter and inner thoughts had me laughing so hard I cried. He was so damn funny, witty, and just an absolute riot.

If this book is a parade of red flags, then call me color blind because all I saw were green ones. 💚 How do you take a walking, talking killer and give me cinnamon bun vibes?! It's unfair. I probably need medical help for how hard I fell for him.

What genuinely shocked me was how rich the story was. This wasn’t just “spice, spice, baby.” Nope—this book had structure, depth, and detail. It didn’t feel bloated or confusing, either. The female lead had layers, her actions made sense, and everything tied together beautifully. Major A+ for that. 👏

The supporting characters were also well developed, likable (or hateable), and vivid. Though the book wasn’t long, it felt so full—like it was bigger than it really was. It packed in action, darkness, humor, and heat, blending everything I love into one story. The humor really balanced out the dark themes and made the whole ride even more enjoyable.

And THE ENDING. My heart was in my mouth. I was freaking out. It was absolutely spectacular! 🖤

As for the spice... oh my gods. One particular scene involving a certain sweet treat will haunt me forever—I’ll never look at those the same again. 🍬😳 The scenes were open-door, descriptive, and definitely not for vanilla readers. But the spice never overshadowed the story. And that’s something I really appreciated. I love spice, but I need a full meal—not just sugary snacks. This book delivered both. 🔥

Would you recommend this book?
OH YES. If you enjoyed The Ruinous Love Trilogy or Lights Out, this book is 100% your vibe.

Would you reread this book?
Also yes. Without a doubt.

How would you sum it up?
Dark, sexy, and laugh-out-loud funny—with a rich story and spice that doesn’t quit.

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Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart Review

 

Forged by Magic by Jenna Wolfhart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ (2 spice)

Not gonna lie… I did something that, as a reader, I know I shouldn’t do. 😅
I saw the shiny, lovely, cute cover and was like… I WANT IT. Then I put off reading it, afraid it would disappoint me and just become a new book ornament—pretty on my shelf but unread. 🙈
I'm happy to report that after finally picking it up and finishing it within a few hours, it was so good—I really should have read it sooner! 🎉

The book starts off strong. It slips you into the world effortlessly, gives a great introduction to the lead female, Daella, and helps you understand where she’s at in her life. I really felt for her, and that connection pulled me into the story right away. 🥹

It’s an easy read with a lot going on. The beginning made me think it was setting up for a more action-packed plot, but it turned out to be more soft and cozy with lots of drama rather than outright action. I was a little sad about that, but the book still stayed interesting and fun. I really liked the magical world the author created. The banter and sparks between the characters added a great layer of fun too!

I absolutely loved the cozy vibes—the book made me want to curl up on the sofa with tea and just get lost in it.

As for the spice? Yes, there is open-door heat! 🔥 But if you’re looking for a book packed with constant smut, this one isn’t it. There are three spicy scenes—one short and two mid-length. They were super hot and graphic, but not over the top. It’s not a smut-first book—it’s a story with spice, not a story built around it. And that worked really well for me.

Why not 5 stars?
1️⃣ I felt like the book hinted at more action early on, but it never really got there.
2️⃣ While the story and drama were strong, a few moments missed the mark or felt underdeveloped.

Would I recommend this book?
✅ Yes! Especially if you love cozy fantasy stories like Tusk Love or Coven Crest Academy.

Would I reread it?
Definitely! This one has high re-readability for me.

How I’d sum it up:
A quick, light, fun read with lots of drama and just enough heat.

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My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine review

 

My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️ (1.5 spice)

I honestly did not expect to like this book as much as I did. I wasn’t really sure what I was getting into, but I found it totally amusing, funny, and with just the right splash of spice.

The writing style was super easy to read and follow, and the pacing was perfect—not rushed, but not slow enough to lose interest. The real win for me was the characters and their interactions. I was laughing so hard at times that I cried! 😂 The book doesn’t take itself too seriously and leans into being light-hearted and fun in the best way.

I was a little worried it would be all spice and no story, but that was not the case. The spice is open door, but it’s not the only thing keeping the book afloat—which I loved. Sure, I would have loved a little more heat 🔥, but honestly, I don’t think the book needed it to be enjoyable. I would have liked a bit more at the end, but overall, I really enjoyed this read.

Would I recommend this book?
✅ Yes — it’s a great, easy, feel-good read.

Would I reread it?
Absolutely. Super rereadable.

How I’d sum it up:
Quick, quirky, and super funny with a perfect splash of spice!

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(Never After, #1) Hooked by Emily McIntire review

 

Hooked by Emily McIntire
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

Wasn't sure if I wanted to give this one 2 or 3 stars. There's a solid storyline in this book, smoldering spice, and a dark twistedness that weaves through everything.

Was the book easy to read? Most of the time, yes—though I did find myself skimming in parts. Now here’s the problem: I felt like almost everyone was just really, really stupid at times. I kept groaning and wanting to slam my head into the table—like, what are people thinking?!

It started strong, and I was following the story, but the ending? It made me want to pull my hair out. There were moments I disliked so much I had to put the book down and watch puppy videos just to reset. 😅

Maybe this is why I don’t usually read books without fantasy or magic. In fantasy, I can excuse the madness as “not real,” but with no magic, I focus only on the facts—and when things feel off, it really stands out.

That said, there were parts I genuinely enjoyed. Some scenes felt well-developed, the action was exciting, and there were moments of fun. But overall, this one just wasn’t for me.

I didn’t hate it... but I definitely didn’t love it either. So, I’m going with: It was okay.

Would I recommend this book? 🤷‍♀️ Not sure
Would I reread this book? ❌ No
How would I sum up this book?
💀🔥 Dark and twisted, layered with action and questionable choices.

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(The Bond Dissolution Omegaverse, #2) The Scent of Us: Part Two by Eliana Lee review

 

The Scent of Us: Part Two by Eliana Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️️🌶️ (4 spice)

Book two had a much clearer storyline than the first, and I was really glad for that. This series, to me, is all about new beginnings, healing from trauma, and finding your true self after a painful past. I really loved seeing that growth — Juno has come such a long way, and I just wanted to wrap her in a warm hug. This book delivered that emotional payoff, and it made me genuinely happy to read.

The spice is once again hot and present throughout the book, and while it definitely takes center stage more than the plot, I was okay with it. It matched the tone of the series and still felt meaningful to Juno’s journey.

The writing style is the same as book one — a little choppy in places — but by this point I was used to it, and it didn’t bother me too much. I read both books in the same day, which really shows how easy and enjoyable they were to binge. I was never bored, never tempted to skip, and that’s always a good sign!

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I would. ✅

Would I reread this book?
Yeah, I think I would.

How would I sum up this book?
A great ending — short, sweet, and spicy.

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The Scent of Us: Part One by Eliana Lee review

 

The Scent of Us: Part One by Eliana Lee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

Really surprised—
The opening to this book was not what I expected, but it did an amazing job introducing you to Juno and letting you get a feel for who she is and what she's been through. I really loved that. It started off dark and made me sad for Juno, but slowly, I found myself smiling and feeling warm inside.

This book was good. Was it perfect?
By no means. The story, after the first part, kind of felt like an afterthought to the spice. The writing felt a little choppy at times, and there were moments where it seemed like things were missing that should have been explained.

That said, I still really enjoyed reading it. I loved seeing the lead step up and grow into the person she wanted to be. And the men in this book? Wow. Loved them.

If you’re after a story-heavy, plot-first book, this probably isn’t for you. The romantic and spicy elements definitely take the spotlight. Still, I think this book was a nice break for me. I’ve read so many super dark books lately—I needed something like this.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, I would. ✅

Would I reread this book?
I’m a little unsure—but I think so. 🤔

How would I sum up this book?
An easy read with heart and spice. 💖🌶️

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(Vicious Lost Boys, #4) The Fae Princes by Nikki St. Crowe

 

The Fae Princes by Nikki St. Crowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

What an ending to such a dark, beautiful, and spicy series!
This is the final book in the Vicious Lost Boys series, and it did not disappoint. From the moment it started, the book was packed with action, story, drama, and hot, hot spice. It was the perfect ending.

The whole series has been an absolute blast, but this finale? It felt like everything was unwrapped, dragged into the light, and laid bare — and it was freaking fantastic.

I love a spicy read, but I want my spice woven into a heart-stopping storyline that makes it all feel magical — and this book delivered. I couldn’t put it down. I think I read all four books in just two days. I stayed up late. I was happily possessed by these books. This last one was the cherry on top of a dark and spicy cake.

It’s the kind of book that reads as easily as breathing air. The shifting POVs and glimpses into each character’s thoughts added layers, and the storyline was just plain fun. So much is packed in, and yet it never feels rushed. These books aren’t long, but they’re overflowing with goodness.

Hands down, this is one of my all-time favorite series.

Would I recommend this book?
I would recommend this book — and the entire series — all day long.

Would I reread this book?
This is my second or third reread!

How would I sum up this book?
Perfection — quick, spicy, and full of everything you need.

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(Vicious Lost Boys, #3) Their Vicious Darling by Nikki St. Crowe review

 

Their Vicious Darling by Nikki St. Crowe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

This is book 3 in the series, and we open with a new POV. I have to say, I’m really enjoying this series overall — but book 3 just didn’t hit quite as hard for me as the first and second books.

Please don’t misunderstand — I still very much loved the book. There’s everything I wanted in here: a great story, thick with spice and heat, action, and heart-stopping moments.

The storyline is in high gear — there’s action, drama, spice, and a revolving door of POVs. I definitely enjoyed it! Just not quite as much as the past two.

I did love the introduction of the new character, and Roc and Hook had me smirking and giggling — total win. But a few things ticked me off. Tilly is all kinds of annoying at this point. It feels like she’s acting out just for the sake of it, not because she truly means it, and it’s just... ugh 😩 sigh.

The spice? Really good! 🌶️🔥
It didn’t overtake the storyline, which I appreciated. And honestly, considering how short the book is, it’s shockingly packed and deliciously fast-paced.

That said, Cherry also ticked me off a bit in this one — and the cliffhanger ending? Yep, I’m off to read book 4 immediately. 😤

Would I recommend this book?
Easy yes. ✅

Would I reread this book?
This is my second or third time reading it!

How would I sum up this book?
Short and jam-packed with a little bit of everything you need.

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(Vicious Lost Boys, #2) The Dark One by Nikki St. Crowe review

 

The Dark One by Nikki St. Crowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

This is book 2 in the Vicious Lost Boys series, and it picks up right where book 1 left off.

The book opens with a bang—we’re talking fast-paced, full of action—and then the smile dropped from my face and was replaced with worry and terror. It was such an epically fun way to start a book, and I was hooked.

What I really love about this book is that there’s a clearly solid storyline with goals and steps. Even with the overflowing dark spice, heat, and drama, the actual plot is there—so I don’t feel like I’m just reading page after page of spice with no purpose. The story follows a clean and satisfying path from book 1 to this one.

And while this book is just over 200 pages, it’s a quick read that feels jam-packed with everything I want—action, emotion, spice, tension. For me, that’s a total win.

There’s so much going on, and I really felt some type of way about Cherry. Like, I get her less-than-great past, but her actions were next-level crazy. I was wide-eyed, clutching the book like “OMG”—it was just so good.

⚠️ That said, please read the trigger warnings! If you're looking for soft, sweet vanilla romance, this is not the series for you. This is more like hot chili peppers in a dark room. 🔥

I absolutely loved the book and am skipping off to read the next one. Honestly, I’d love for all four books in the series to be bound together into one big chunky book—that would be amazing.

Would I recommend this book?
OMG YES!!

Would I reread it?
This is my second—maybe third—reread.

How would I sum it up?
A quick, super spicy, dark book that leaves you wanting more. 😈

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(Vicious Lost Boys, #1) The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe review

 

The Never King by Nikki St. Crowe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3 spice)

This is a reread for me, but I never reviewed the book the first time—so I thought, why not go back and reread the series to see if I still feel the same about them? And I’m so glad I did.

This book is short—like, one-sitting, few-hours kind of short—but it packs a punch. It’s dark, full of spice, and has some really fun characters. I especially love how unapologetic Winnie is about how she feels and what she does.

I really feel for her because of her home life and everything she’s had to deal with, but even with all that going on, she’s just such fun. The story is told from multiple POVs, which I loved—it made the whole book feel bigger and more layered than you'd expect from a shorter book.

There’s definitely spice in this book (and it’s not shy about it), but what I appreciated is that there was still a clear storyline. The spice didn’t overshadow the plot—it felt well-balanced, and the story held its own.

It’s a dark, spicy Peter Pan retelling, and I am totally here for it. 😍

The ending does have a bit of a cliffhanger, but don’t stress—this is a completed series, so you can jump straight into the next one.

Would I recommend this book?
Every day of the week. I’d skywrite it. Such a fun read!

Would I reread it?
This is my second time reading it, so… absolutely.

How would I sum it up?
A quick, dark, and dirty read that hits all the right places. 😏

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Little Liar by Leigh Rivers review

 

Little Liar by Leigh Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4 spice)

It’s like I should look away… but I just can’t.
That’s this series in a nutshell. You know you shouldn’t be reading it, like you know you shouldn’t touch the poisoned fruit—but you still do. Sigh. 😮‍💨

Okay… okay. There was a plot! I totally missed it in the first book, but I did see one here—buried somewhere under all the dark, questionable spice. 😅

Honestly? I feel like I may have tainted my soul reading this. Between this book and the first one, I probably need actual help for my questionable choices. And yet… here I am, giving it 4 stars again. 🙃 What was I thinking?

This book is dark, twisted, and the red flags aren’t just waving—they're playing ring around the rosie while I read. The writing itself is okay, but it’s the content that gets you. And that’s the part I can’t explain—because I shouldn’t like this series at all. But I do.
Trying to put into words why is the hard part.
Maybe it’s the chaos. Maybe I’m unwell.
Either way, I need medical help. 😆

Now, one thing that did tick me off a bit was that the first half of the book was basically a recap—from Malachi’s POV. I wanted more of the now, not the before, even if it was from a new perspective. It was new content, but still a recap.

The spice in this book was maybe tamer than the first in terms of what they were doing… but don’t let that fool you—there’s still SO. MUCH. SPICE. 🌶️🔥
I honestly need my eyes washed out, a freezing cold shower, and maybe even a full-blown exorcism. Like… reading this felt like walking through a haunted house that touches you. Once you read this book, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle. It’s in your head, rent-free. 😳

Why did I like it?
Maybe because it’s so dark and so wrong, it becomes a weird kind of fun. There’s a list of things I should question… and maybe even hate… but I’m choosing to enjoy the shock factor before it all sinks in and I realize just how unhinged it all was. 😂

Would I recommend this book?
Maybe—to the girlies I know love their books DARK.

Would I reread it?
Honestly? Yeah. I might. Maybe I’ll feel different the second time.

How would I sum it up?
Dark. Twisted. Wrong. And yet… I liked it.
I don’t know why. Please don’t ask me. 😵‍💫

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(The Web of Silence Duet, #1) Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers review

 

Little Stranger by Leigh Rivers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (5 spice)

OMG—why do I keep forgetting to read the trigger warnings?! The ones for this book could be a whole book by themselves.

What can I even say? It was short, fast, and left me thinking I might need to see a therapist, maybe even a priest—because despite everything, I didn’t hate it. 😅

This book is super dark, SO SO twisted, and filled with every kind of NOPE imaginable. Was there a plot? Honestly, I have no idea—and I literally just finished it. I was too stunned to notice if there was one. This book is a walking red flag, and yet... here I am giving it 4 stars like it didn’t just break my brain.

The writing is simple, but the words themselves will leave you staring at the wall, questioning your morals, your sanity, and whether you need to get exorcised for the demon that clearly lives inside you if you enjoyed this. (Hi, yes, that's me.)

Now the spice... it's not “spice” so much as a gas leak and a lighter. 🔥
It's intense, wild, deeply questionable, and absolutely unhinged. I feel like I need a scalding shower and a metal scrubbing brush just to feel clean again. And yet... it was kind of a fun, sick little ride that probably requires some professional help to unpack.

Would I recommend this book?
No. I mean... yes? I mean—no. I’m going to hide all evidence I ever read it.

Would I reread it?
Nope.
She lies.

How would I sum it up?
What the actual feck did I just read? Red flags everywhere. Dark. Twisted.

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(Souls Trilogy, #1) Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux review

 

Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (4 spice)

Please don’t hate me for saying this, but I’m stuck in this strange limbo—I genuinely can’t decide if I liked this book or didn’t. I’m somewhere between, “Wow, that was cool and dark and horrific in the best way,” and “Why did I want to slam my head into a wall so many times?”

Now I’m here trying to articulate my tangled thoughts into words, so... here we go.

The story throws you straight into the dark vibes and violence almost instantly, which I appreciated for setting the tone early. It’s intense and brutal—but what softened the blow for me was Leon’s sass and snark. I really enjoyed reading from his POV. He’s not perfect (far from it), but honestly? He was one of the most redeeming and fun parts of the book. His banter, his attitude—it made the darker moments more bearable and even enjoyable at times.

The tone of the book stays dark all the way through, but something strange happened as I read... I felt desensitized. Like the more I read, the less it impacted me emotionally—which was weird, considering how brutal some of the content is. Maybe it was the pacing or the repetition, but it kind of numbed me after a while.

That said, the book was easy to read, and I didn’t hate it. But... I didn’t love it either. And a big part of that is Rae.

She’s a university student, but often it felt like she didn’t have two brain cells to rub together when it came to self-preservation. Her poor choices frustrated me so badly I caught myself gritting my teeth and face-palming. I don’t hate her, but she made it very hard to like her or connect to her as a main character, which unfortunately dragged the whole book down a bit for me. It was just... infuriating.

Now let’s talk about the spice 🔥...

All I can say is: PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS. Because guess what? I didn’t. And… yikes.

The spice is not lacking—at all. It’s intense, graphic, and very descriptive. That said, it’s not going to be for everyone, and that’s okay. At times, it definitely gave me the ick. But more than anything, it was the nicknames used during spicy scenes that nearly made me rip my own hair out and scream into a pillow. 😬I love my books with plenty of spice, but this one just didn’t do it for me. And before anyone says it might be because the spice was on the darker side — it’s not. I happily read Den of Vipers and have enjoyed many books with dark spice. I just think, for me, something here didn’t tick all the boxes.

Did I hate the spice? No.
Was I blown away by it? Also no.
Like the rest of the book, I was just... stuck in limbo.

It’s a quick, fast-paced read and I did finish it easily. It had action, chaos, twisted romance, and a really unique tone. But will I read it again? Honestly, I don’t think so. I normally love books in this genre, so I’m even more baffled by how unsure I feel.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes—for readers who are into dark, twisted romance and enjoy morally grey characters with intense spice.

Would I reread it?
No, probably not.

How would I sum it up?
A dark, twisted story with even darker spice — entertaining, but not my cup of tea

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(The Mavericks, #1) Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew Review

 

Rook & Rebel by Kate Crew
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️½ (2.5 spice)

Rook and Rebel is not my usual type of read. If I’m being honest, I rarely go for books set in a real-world kind of setting. I usually lean toward fantasy, or at least real-but-with-a-magical-twist. This book doesn’t have any of that, so I wasn’t sure it would be my thing. But a friend told me it was a great read, so I gave it a go—and honestly, I’m really glad I did.

The first thing that hooked me was the dark humor. The vibe swings between intense and hilarious, but that thick stream of dark humor runs all the way through and really stood out. The storyline itself is gritty and edgy with funnier, lighter moments woven in. Even though it’s portrayed as dark, I found myself more amused than emotionally tense. I liked the story a lot overall, but it just didn’t feel super high-stakes to me. The emotional weight wasn’t quite there—I wasn’t overly worried about the characters. The ending also felt a little flat for me, but that’s just me nitpicking.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was a fast, fun, easy read. The spice was nice—solidly written and enjoyable—but it didn’t leave me breathless or desperate for more. A few scenes were quickly forgotten, but that didn’t take away from the overall experience.

There’s action, drama, and some really great banter between characters that had me grinning. If you’re looking for a spicy, slightly dark book with crime, chaos, and attitude, this is definitely a good one to curl up with and get lost in for a while.

Would I recommend this book?
Yes, absolutely! I already have a friend in mind who would love it.

Would I reread it?
Yep, 100%! Definitely has reread value.

How would I sum it up?
A fun, spicy, dark-humored read full of bikes, crime, banter, and grit.

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