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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Clashing With The Grumpy Wolf by Mary Auclair Review

 

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars
🌶️🌶️½ spice

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Magic, Mirth, and Mayhem by Susie Swenson Review

 

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 stars
🌟✨🧵🪄

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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