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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(Beasts of the Briar, #1) Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen review

 

Bonded by Thorns by Elizabeth Helen
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.

There are truly no words that can fully express how much I loved this book. From the very first page to the last, I was completely captivated—happily lost in the pages of something that felt like magic. I’ll try my best to put my thoughts together, though I already know I’ll be screaming about this book for a long time to come.

From the very beginning, I was pulled in. The opening is fun, engaging, and instantly relatable—especially if, like me, you see reading as your escape from real life. Rosalina immediately felt like me—her love for books, the way she disappears into stories, the magic she seeks in the pages. That connection made everything that followed even more impactful.

The writing style? Smooth as butter. Rich, dreamy, and so easy to read that I devoured the book without even realizing I’d reached the end. It had Beauty and the Beast vibes in all the right ways, but don’t be fooled—this book is so much more than a retelling. It’s its own kind of fairytale. My magical place.

You can always tell when an author truly loves both writing and reading—because that love, that passion, that wonder is woven into every single page. That’s exactly what happened here. You could feel it in the characters, the worldbuilding, and the storytelling. This book made me feel everything—every hurt, every joy, every stolen touch and unspoken longing. 💔✨

What truly blew me away was how this book reveals the beauty in the broken. It shows you how much magic lives in the darkness, the cracks, and the imperfect things—if only you’re brave enough to look for it. This story made me want to cry and laugh and scream all at once.

The pacing was perfect—never too fast to be overwhelming and never too slow to feel draggy. Every chapter pulled you deeper. And the worldbuilding? Chef’s kiss. Intricate, vivid, and layered without ever being overwhelming. I’ve read a lot of fantasy, but this one made me feel like I was right there, breathing it in.

The characters were so well-developed. Normally in books like this, one or two characters shine while the others fade into the background—but not here. Every single character had depth, voice, and presence. They felt real. The dialogue was brilliant—funny, emotional, and yes, sometimes downright hot 🔥. And don’t even get me started on the inner thoughts—some had me giggling out loud or swooning on the spot.

The family dynamics were spot on. The mix of love and pain, the way it captured the complexity of caring deeply for people who sometimes hurt you—that hit me hard. Even when home life is messy, that love can still be real. That truth was beautifully portrayed.

🌶️ The spice? OOF. Let me fan myself. 🔥🔥🔥
It was hot, charged, electric, and so emotionally loaded. But most importantly—it didn’t overpower the story. The spice was woven in with such care that it felt like an extension of the character growth and plot, not just thrown in for shock value. It was steamy and meaningful. The perfect balance.

I usually include a list of things I didn’t love at the end of my reviews, but... I honestly don’t have one. I loved this book. Every single part.

Special shoutout to Marigold, who had me laughing so hard I nearly cried. Comedy queen. 👑😂

Would I recommend this book?

YES! I’d shout it from rooftops. Read it now.

Would I reread it?

Already have. Twice. It’s that good. I finished and immediately flipped back to the beginning.

How would I sum it up?

A magical, dark, emotionally rich fantasy that mixes gritty depth with spark, yearning, and beauty. This isn’t just one of my favorite reads of the year—it’s one of the best books I’ve ever read. 💖

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AWAKENING of the Starborne by Louve -ch review

 

AWAKENING of the Starborne by Louve -ch
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

This book is 570+ pages of pure WOW! 🫢🔥 I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and honestly, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I read the prologue and found myself hesitating—wondering if this book was going to be “my thing.” But then I hit Chapter One… and I was all in.

There’s a lot going on in this story. I mean worldbuilding, political structure, magical systems, emotional layers—you name it. And it’s done so well. It took a few pages to get into the rhythm of everything, but once I did, the writing painted a beautifully dark and immersive world around me. One moment I was smiling like a giddy fool 😍, and the next, I was clutching my chest in full emotional destruction. This book broke me in places—in the best way.

The pacing was perfect—not too fast that you can’t breathe, and not so slow that it drags. The opening chapters hit me hard emotionally. The female lead (FL) was not dealt an easy hand in life, but she made the best of what she had, and that made me root for her fiercely. I genuinely wanted more for her—more love, more justice, more freedom. There’s one moment (you’ll know it when it hits you) that had me ugly crying and gasping for air. I literally had to go outside and walk it off.

Sølas? Let me be honest: I would gladly hand him my heart, soul, last pair of shoes, and house keys without question. 😮‍💨 He ticked every single box. Their chemistry? 🔥🔥🔥 Off the charts. The banter? Chef’s kiss.

The worldbuilding is A-class. It's rich, layered, and emotional. The story just keeps giving and giving. And while there’s plenty of heat—oh, heavens, the spice had me melting—it’s not all about that. The storyline comes first, with the steam woven in naturally. I love spice, but what truly gripped me here was the depth of the plot and the emotional rollercoaster it took me on.

This wasn’t just “good fantasy with some spice.” This was an emotional, character-driven story with meaning, heart, and heat—a rare combination that’s hard to get right. But this book nailed it. I was totally lost in the world, invested in the characters, and emotionally wrecked by the end (in the best way). The ending had me screaming, clutching my chest, and dying for more.

You’re probably asking, “Why not 5 stars then?”

The prologue left me totally confused. It had me worried the rest of the book would be the same—but thankfully, Chapter One grabbed me by the throat and didn’t let go.

There were a few moments where the FL’s behavior grated on me. She clearly knew better but still made some frustrating choices. I get that growth comes with mistakes, but at times I was full-on grinding my teeth.

Final Thoughts

This book blew away my expectations and is easily one of my top reads this year. I’m already planning to buy a beautiful hardcover copy when it’s released and will be re-reading it before the next book drops. I seriously hope the wait for Book 2 won’t be too long because I’m emotionally ruined and need closure 🥲.

Would I recommend it?

YES. I’d scream it from the rooftops!

Would I reread it?

Absolutely. This will be a series I return to again and again.

How would I sum it up?

A dark and gritty fantasy that shreds your heart, makes you sob, and then bathes you in rainbows and hope.

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Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight review

 

Den of Vipers by K.A. Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Hush... don’t tell anyone, but this book is like that song you love but never admit to, or the sneaky snack you eat when no one’s looking. Somehow, this book has become my guilty pleasure—my dirty little indulgence when I’m in a reading slump or can’t get into anything else. I keep slipping back into it, and right now I’m on my third reread.

The shocking part? This is 100% NOT my usual kind of book... and yet I still love it.

What do I like?
Well… it’s pretty much unhinged. Like, totally derailed and chaotic. If you squint, there’s definitely a storyline—it's action-packed and full of blood and fighting—but let’s be real, the spice steals the spotlight. And this isn’t just spice… it’s blistering, check your triggers immediately kind of spice. There are moments that made my mouth drop open, had me shaking my head thinking, “No, they’re not going to—oh wait, yes... yes, they are.”

If you like soft, fluffy romances, please keep walking.
If you want a book that won’t make you question your life choices, run.
This book had me wondering: Why am I reading this? Why do I like it so much? Should I seek professional help?!
And yet… I still wanted more.
It’s confusing, and it’s kinda wrong, but in the best way. Like Marmite—you’ll either love it or hate it.

The book is super easy to get into. It opens dark and intense with lots of action and character introductions. I really liked the strong female lead (even though she made me sigh and groan at times because she could really tick me off). But that’s just part of the charm—I think I just like that the whole thing is so totally crazy. 😂

Would I recommend it? No question—YES.
Would I read it again? This is my third reread, so… yeah.
How would I sum it up? Totally unhinged and SO spicy.

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Healed by the Grumpy Elf by Mary Auclair review

 

Healed by the Grumpy Elf: A Cozy Monster Romance by Mary Auclair
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

I’ve read all three previous books before this one, and I loved them all — so I went into this with high expectations and a skip in my step, and I was not disappointed!!

The start of this book gives you a totally amusing and fun introduction into book four. The world these books are based in feels so relatable, like real life — but only if your fantasy dreams also merged into it. You get the drama of everyday life mixed with fantastical, magical fantasy, and it’s amazing. The writing flows so smoothly, with such great pacing that you never feel rushed, but also aren’t bogged down with draggy over-explaining.

The switch between the two POVs is great. You get a clear understanding of not just the FL but the ML too, and hearing their inner thoughts sometimes had me giggling out loud and struggling to breathe. The sparks and emotions in this book could not only light a candle, they could set an entire blaze — and that’s not even mentioning the spice. 🔥

The spice in this book fits so perfectly with the overall tone of the story — it’s hot and sweet and leaves you blushing and wanting more. Absolutely delicious.

The story itself was so fun to follow and had me wide-eyed, giggling, then cursing, and then laughing again. It’s not a book that will have you pulling your hair out and lobbing it across the room — it’s the kind of book that makes you want to curl up on the sofa with a hot drink and get lost in it. It made me feel warm and at ease in the best way.

I read a lot of books, and I can say this series soothes something in me. It makes me both happy and warm. But don’t get me wrong — it’s not all sunshine and butterflies. There are dark and gritty parts too, but I won’t spoil anything. Just know this book is a perfect all-rounder, and this series has quickly become one of my all-time favorites.

Would I recommend it? YES — all day long.
Would I read it again? I would read this book and the whole series again and again. Easy.
How would I sum it up? It’s hard to sum up this book, but... it’s my happy place. When real life is hard, I can find happiness and warmth here.

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Her Rabid Beasts by E.P. Bali review

 

Her Rabid Beasts by E.P. Bali
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

I wanted so badly to love this book — I really, really did — but I found that the parts of the book that are full of action or have more than a handful of things going on often get kind of confusing. The writing style sometimes left me rereading the same section or just skipping over it out of frustration.

It’s weird because there’s such a solid layer of interesting things happening. There’s a great shell of a storyline, characters we’re finally getting more insight into, and it should have me excited and happy... but I just keep finding it all a bit draggy. More often than not, I’m struggling to really get into the book fully because of that.

Once again, I’m left in a strange spot. The book is okay — I’m not over the moon and devouring it, but I’m not hating it either. I’m just… on the fence. And I’m unsure if I want to keep reading the series or stop here. It’s a very odd place to be.

That said, there were a few shining moments that kept me from throwing in the towel and DNF’ing it. I’m still not sure if I’ll carry on, but I haven’t completely given up. Yet.

Would I recommend it? Nah
Would I read it again? Nope
How would I sum it up? A mix of “maybe” and “meh.”

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(Her Vicious Beasts, #1) Her Feral Beasts by E.P. Bali review

 

Her Feral Beasts by E.P. Bali
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice

Please don’t hate me for this review, lol. There’s actually a lot to love about this book! For starters, it has some really great world-building — I loved learning about how everything works: how the different types of beasts live alongside each other and with humans, how the system functions, and just how unique and different everything felt. That really helped me get into the story.

Buuut… sigh. I don’t know what happened. There were things I really liked, but also a long list of things that just didn’t work for me.

On the plus side, the story wasn’t rushed, and there was a lot going on. The characters all had distinct personalities, and I loved the glimpse into the male lead’s past and seeing what made them the way they are. The friendship between the characters was also a strong point — I loved seeing the main character have someone to lean on.

But on the flip side... I found the pacing a little draggy at times. I caught myself drifting off while reading, then having to stop and reread just to understand what was happening — and even then, I was sometimes still confused. I wanted to love it. I almost did. But for everything I liked, there was something that pulled me out of it.

So unfortunately, I’m really on the fence with this one. It was a good read, just not a great one — at least for me. I know a lot of people absolutely love it, and I totally get why, but for me, it was kind of more of a miss than a hit.

Would I recommend it? Nah
Would I read it again? Nope
How would I sum it up? A solid setup with strong world-building, but didn’t quite land for me.

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Her Vicious Beasts: The Beginning (Her Vicious Beasts, #0.5) by E.P. Bali review

 

Her Vicious Beasts: The Beginning by E.P. Bali
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice

This was a short little book that seems to be the starting point for the Her Vicious Beasts series. I know very little about the series going in — I’m starting it because a friend told me it’s really good.

Given how small this book is, I was actually pretty impressed by how much was packed into it. There was a lot of information about the lead (who I’m guessing we’ll be following going forward), her family life, and a sprinkle of spice too.

Right now, it’s a little too early to tell if I’m going to love this series, but this was a really solid opener. I do have a few worries about what the main character is going to be like, but I’m going in with an open mind and hoping I’ll be blown away by what comes next!

Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read it again? Nope
How would I sum it up? A nice little opener for the series.

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The Wolves of Crescent Creek Series By Tessa Hale review

Crescent Kingdom by Tessa Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice

Super fun, quick read! I haven’t read anything by this author before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect going in — but it was a smooth and enjoyable experience.

The book is definitely fast-paced and easy to follow, though I’ll admit that at times it felt a little rushed. Because of that, it didn’t get super intricate or deep, but for what it is, it was a fun little read!

Would I recommend it? Yes!
Would I read it again? I think I would.
How would I sum it up? Quick, easy, and spicy.

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Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice

Book 2 of The Wolves of Crescent Creek series

Once again, the books in this series are all on the shorter side — which means I’m devouring them in record time! Like the first, this one is spicy, fast-paced, and has a clear, easy-to-follow storyline.

The book tries to portray a lot of darkness and grit, which I love, but because of how short it is, it’s hard to really feel the emotional weight or pain of the characters. When a book includes high stakes and intense moments, I think it needs more time to breathe — otherwise, everything can feel a bit rushed.

That said, this was still a fun little read. It has a good mix of dark vibes, action, and emotional moments, all layered together with a warm touch of heat.

Would I recommend it? Yes.
Would I read it again? Maybe.
How would I sum it up? Fast-paced, spicy, with hints of darkness and emotion.

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Rising Reign by Tessa Hale
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️ spice

Book 3 of The Wolves of Crescent Creek series

The final book in the series — and okay, it was an easy, fun read with spice and all that, but by this point, the story started to feel very samey. I honestly felt like I knew everything that was going to happen before it did.

It wasn’t bad — just predictable. I’d say the series overall sits at around 3.5 stars for me, but this book specifically? A 3-star read. I caught myself skipping parts, getting distracted, and even putting the book down a few times, which isn’t a great sign.

That said, I’m still glad I finished the series. It wasn’t amazing or life-changing, but it was a good, quick set of reads with a bit of heat and a familiar rhythm.

Would I recommend it? Maybe.
Would I read it again? Nope.
How would I sum it up? Predictable, spicy, and just okay.

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The Minotaur's Claim by Jeanette Clarke review

 

The Minotaur's Claim by Jeanette Clarke
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

I wasn’t sure what to expect when starting this book — I had pretty low expectations, and wow, I’m so glad I gave it a chance.

From the start, the book was smoothly written, with a fantastic setup. Lysandra’s sass and bold personality made diving into the story effortless and fun.

Given how short the book is, I wasn’t expecting much — but wow, it’s packed with far more than I anticipated. The pacing is fast, but there’s a real, fleshed-out storyline underneath all the heat.

I especially loved how the plot gave me hints of Labyrinth, Beauty and the Beast, and classic mythology — but still felt fresh and unique.

While I would’ve loved a longer book with a slightly slower pace, the author did an amazing job weaving a twisty, sexy, satisfying story in such a short amount of time.

Would I recommend it?
Absolutely 💯

Would I read it again?
Yes — the reread value is high.

How would I sum it up?
A sizzling, fast-paced fantasy that blends sass, spice, and story into one addicting read.

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Leather & Lark (The Ruinous Love Trilogy, #2) Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver review

 

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Audiobook

⚠️ Warning: Do not listen to audiobooks like this while on the bus or stacking shelves at work, because listening to this will cause… blushing, giggling, and wide eyes! 😳😅
If the banter wasn’t enough, the spice is so good it could melt stone into a burning puddle. The voice actors in this? They deserve awards, standing ovations, and raises. Absolute perfection. 🎧🔥

The setup of the book was amazing — the interesting foundation laid out from the start makes it so easy to get swept up in the world. And the voices of the characters? SO. GOOD.

The book just gets better and better as it goes on.
Lark and Lachlan are fireworks — their banter, sass, and flirtation could keep you up all night. Totally fantastic!

And can I just say: THANK YOU FOR HAVING A STORYLINE! 🙌
I’m not someone who enjoys books with heat and nothing else, so I was thrilled to see, like the first books in the series, this one had a well-laid-out, easy-to-follow, exciting plot that unfolds beautifully.

This book was a rollercoaster of everything I love, and I was fully invested from start to finish.

Would I recommend it?
100% I would!

Would I read it again?
OMG YES!!

How would I sum it up?
Hot, spicy, full of sass — with a solid story to back it up.

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Barbarian Alien (Ice Planet Barbarians, #2) Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon review

 

Barbarian Alien by Ruby Dixon
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Yet another quick, spicy read — this is book 2 in the series.
Now, the spice? Oh, it was all here, and it brought the heat.
But unlike book one… this one was seriously lacking in storyline.

I thought it might follow more from the first book — maybe dive deeper into the alien kind and the planet — but I was left feeling kind of unfulfilled. The spice was great, and the banter was amazing. The book was genuinely funny at times, but there were also moments where I found myself questioning things.

While I loved the heat and humor, it’s hard to stay invested in a book when I’m meant to live on spice alone with not much else.
The parts I enjoyed most were those where I thought more story was about to happen — only for it to fizzle out or lead right back to more spice. The ending did offer a bit more, but by then… I’d kind of lost interest.

It was okay, but nothing more than that for me.

Would I recommend it?
Not so much.

Would I read it again?
Nah.

How would I sum it up?
All spice, little story.

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Ice Planet Barbarians (Ice Planet Barbarians, #1) Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon review

 

Ice Planet Barbarians by Ruby Dixon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ spice

Well… well.
What in the heavens did I just read? 😂
I feel like I shouldn't have liked it as much as I did — but damn, I loved it.

The opening of this book? Absolutely shocking.
What a way to start. I was shoved headfirst into the story, and the moment I was in, there was no stopping until I hit the last page.

The spice in this book came in like a heat wave — and given the world they’re on, that heat melted me into a puddle.
Thankfully, there was also a solid plot with a lot going on, which made me really happy because I love my books with both smut and substance, thank you very much. 😳

Not only was there a high level of spice, but there were also high-stakes moments, genuine tension, and amazing humor and character interaction.
It’s a quick, easy read with a great story-to-smut ratio — and it hit just right.

Would I recommend it?
YES. YES.

Would I read it again?
An easy yes.

How would I sum it up?
Quick, spicy, and fun.

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Sweet Berries (Cambric Creek, #2) Sweet Berries by C.M. Nascosta review

 

Sweet Berries by C.M. Nascosta
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ spice

If you're hoping to read a book that delves deeply into an epic story, this is not the book for you.
But — if you're craving so much spice your eyes are watering — this book might just be your thing.

The heat is absolutely there: full-on open door scenes, so many I honestly lost count. And for the most part, I enjoyed it!
But sadly, I’m someone who likes more story with her spice.
When I’m reading, I prefer a solid plot with a handful of spicy scenes — this one was more like lava-level heat with just a sprinkle of fluff and storyline. Not bad, just not really for me.

I think I liked Book One more than this installment.
I struggled to really connect with the characters, and overall, it all just felt a bit… blah.
I do enjoy sweet, cotton-candy reads — but I still need a solid story to go with the sugar.

Would I recommend it?
I don’t think I would.

Would I read it again?
Probably not.

How would I sum it up?
Hot and sweet… but with very little substance.

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Vexed: A Dark Supernatural Romance Vexed: A Dark Supernatural Romance by Monique Koen review

 

Vexed: A Dark Supernatural Romance by Monique Koen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

Vexed by Monique Koen is a super quick read — I think it was maybe 200 pages at most — but for its size, it definitely packs a punch. The story is fast-paced and spicy, with a few clear moments that genuinely shocked me.

Given how short it was, I didn’t expect much, but I was honestly surprised by how much was packed into the book. That said, if you’re someone who wants a deeper, more fully fleshed-out story, this might not be for you. There were a few things that weirded me out a little, but overall, it was an easy, enjoyable read.

It’s a mix of spice and story, but I’d say the spice definitely took center stage. Still, it delivered exactly what I hoped for in a short, steamy read.

Would I recommend it?
Yes!

Would I read it again?
Maybe.

How would I sum it up?
Quick, easy, fun read. 🔥📖

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Their War by Invi Wright review

 

Their War by Invi Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (3.5 stars)

🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

I feel confused — like I read a lot, and a lot happened, but it didn’t feel like much at all. Everything was there on the page, yet it all felt kind of… empty. It’s such a weird feeling.

I did read the book. I liked the book. But it never really gripped me the way I wanted it to. That said, this was hands down better than book two in my opinion. Still, I couldn’t give it 4 stars.

There were moments I thought were incredibly good — scenes that caught my attention — but then I’d find myself mentally checking out again. I genuinely liked the characters, but I struggled to feel truly invested in them or their journey.

I really liked the ending — it was one of the stronger parts for me. But in the end, I think this book (and the two before it) fall into the “I’m glad I read it, but I probably won’t read it again” category for me.


---

Would I recommend it?
Sadly, no.

Would I read it again?
No.

How would I sum it up?
An okay read, but it didn’t really capture me.

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Her Males (The Female #2) Her Males by Invi Wright review

 

Her Males by Invi Wright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ spice

This is book two in the series — and honestly? It’s a good read. I liked it. The story was easy to follow, fun in places, and had strong spicy moments... but I don’t know how to explain it fully. It wasn’t the best I’ve read, but it wasn’t the worst either. It kind of sits somewhere in the middle.

There were quite a few moments that left me scratching my head, wondering why certain things happened the way they did. One particular event really left a bad taste in my mouth — I can’t go into detail without spoilers, but it just didn’t sit right with me.

It’s weird — the first book was better in my eyes, though this one did have moments I liked. I felt like the female lead was trying to spread her wings a little more here, which could have been a great moment for growth… but the way it was handled didn’t land well with me. I honestly don’t know. I’m just left feeling kind of “ugh” and disappointed about some of the characters’ actions.

Would I recommend it?
Not really — maybe to someone who’s already super invested in the series.

Would I read it again?
No, sadly.

How would I sum it up?
It was okay. Just okay.

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

 

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️½ spice

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

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

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

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

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

Would I read it again?
Easy yes.

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

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The Saltwater Curse by Avina St. Graves Review

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A Witch and Her Minotaur by Emberly Wyndham review

 

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5 stars)
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


Would I recommend it?

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

Would I read it again?

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

How would I sum it up?

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Would I read it again?
Sadly, no.

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

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

 

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ spice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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