(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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