A Spark So Bright by Emma Hamm review

 

A Spark So Bright by Emma Hamm
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️ 1 Spice

This is book 3 in the series.

It was a quick, easy read, and I got through the whole thing in just a few hours. Was it one of my favorites in the series? No. I think the first book still remains my favorite of the bunch.

I thought the book was okay, but I did have some fairly big problems with it. The SA content in the book was a lot for me(not detailed on page fyi) . I have read plenty of books with traumatic backstories and difficult experiences for characters, but this one just did not sit right with me. Maybe it was the way it was portrayed, which at times felt more like a crutch to unlock her powers rather than something explored with the depth I expected.

I also did not really connect with Rose. I struggled to fully invest in her story and found myself drifting at times. Thankfully, the author has a very easy writing style, so it was still simple to read and get through.

I do not think I hated the book, but it definitely landed more on the "meh" side for me. I was very much on the fence throughout most of it.

I also think the first part of the book felt a little all over the place. There was a lot of information and events thrown in to catch readers up to the same timeline as the first two books, and honestly, I just was not really here for it.

One thing I did like was Gunnar. He was smart, kind, and a genuine gentleman. I honestly felt a little bad for him at times because he was often just trying to do the right thing. He was definitely the highlight of the book for me and the character I found most likable.

I was also not particularly invested in the spice. There was not much of it in the book, but given the circumstances and themes being explored, I completely understood why.

Overall, it was an okay read. Not bad, not amazing. Just okay.

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(Moonfall, #2) The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker

 

The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars (Honestly, I would give it 6 if I could.)
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

Yep, this book was written to destroy me and leave me curled up and weeping in the middle of the night, I swear to you.

I really enjoyed book one of this series. Book two looked at book one, rubbed its little hands together, and laughed maniacally while proclaiming it would bathe in the tears of everyone who read it. Well, bravo, because it had me tearing up and sobbing more than once.

I found the writing in this one even better than the first. It is so beautifully woven, both gorgeous and dark, and so involved that you need all your brain cells firing to truly appreciate the masterpiece this book is.

This book also had a lot more POVs, and I was totally fine with that. I actually felt like it helped break the story down, making it feel more layered and giving it even greater depth overall. The character growth of our lead was incredible to watch, and it made so many moments hit even harder because we got to see so much more of her as a whole.

The secrets, lies, and pain in this book could bring most people to their knees, but it was done so well and was so amazing to read. I will admit there were points where I was cursing like a sailor as my heart was ripped out and booted across my living room while I begged and pleaded for a different outcome. Did I get that outcome? Absolutely not. Instead, it just added to everything, including the steady downfall of my mental stability. Lol.

This story has an abundance of everything. Family, friendship, love, betrayal, grief in many forms, and even spice. But the best way to sum it up is that the story itself is operating on a WHOLE other level. It is working full time, taking no breaks, and giving you absolutely everything it has.

I got goosebumps. I could be laughing one minute and sobbing the next. Then suddenly I would be excited, hopeful, or completely devastated. It was a full emotional assault that left me totally invested and hopelessly in love with what I was reading.

So far this year, this is my favorite read. But honestly, it is more than that. I genuinely think this is one of the best books I have EVER read, and I am hopelessly in love with this series.

Also, I have SO many questions, and I really hope the next books answer them and somehow manage to live up to my ridiculously high expectations!

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When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker review

 

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐½ 4.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

What a roller coaster I just got myself onto. Where, oh where, do I start? Not going to lie, this book threw me through some emotional hoops. From the VERY start, it pulled me right into its world, and it was not a slow lead in. Nope. I was dragged into its pages wide eyed and totally unprepared for what was about to unfold before me.

This book had one great opening. I am talking a fantastic introduction to a very deep fantasy world. I would say if you are more on the easy fantasy side, where you like to sit back, relax, and drift through the pages like a pleasant little stroll, this is not your read.

If, however, you are after a book that sits somewhere between medium and hard fantasy, where you have to focus on what is going on and really get to grips with the world, then this is absolutely for you.

Let me put it simply. You need your full brain switched on for this one, or you are not getting the most out of it. Normally I can read well into the early hours of the morning on minimal brain power. Not with this book. OH NO. The moment my concentration started to drift, I knew I needed to be giving it one hundred percent if I wanted to truly appreciate it.

Once I got into a real flow, I realized just how much was going on. This plot was PLOTTING. Working overtime and then some.

For the first half of the book, I was convinced I had it figured out. I was enjoying our strong female lead, Raeve. She was smart, skilled, and had sass for days, and I was completely here for it. I was practically sitting in the stands with pom-poms, cheering her on and thinking this was going to be a really cool read.

And then... BANG.

The plot smirked at me and told me to hold on tight as it ripped my heart out and kicked it into a ditch.

I sobbed. I blinked. I stared into space.

The story suddenly kicked into high gear, and after one major event I felt like I had been thrown into freefall without wings. The plot started throwing curveballs and secrets so shocking that I was gasping out loud.

I was blindsided. Completely.

Honestly, I do not think I can fully explain how flabbergasted I felt half the time. My brain was constantly trying to piece things together, making theories, only to throw them out and start all over again. It was all wrapped up in this beautiful, dark, and fascinating world, and by the end I felt emotionally wrung out in the best possible way.

I loved being surprised. I loved being thrown into complete chaos. I genuinely do not think I would have guessed some of these twists even if I read another thousand books.

There is so much going on story wise. As I have said, this plot is working two jobs and doing both exceptionally well.

But beyond the plot, I loved the way the world unfolded before me. It felt detailed, but not in an overwhelming way. I never felt like I was being handed an encyclopedia and told, "Good luck."

Instead, I felt like I was learning the world naturally. A little information here, a little more there, and then suddenly a lightbulb moment where everything clicked into place. It felt immersive and rewarding.

That being said, there were a few moments where I wanted more information. Sometimes I struggled to form a completely clear picture of certain things, but overall it was fantastic.

As for the characters, what can I even say?

Raeve is an enigma wrapped inside another enigma. We learn a lot about her, yet somehow it still feels like so much of her remains hidden. It is like knowing someone while only seeing one side of them and sensing that seventy percent of who they are is still out of reach. It made her incredibly compelling to read about.

I also loved Kaan. Getting his POV and watching his story unfold felt like watching a beautiful painting slowly come together. The emotion, the angst, the pain... I felt all of it.

Overall, this was a GREAT read.

The reason I did not give it five stars is that I got lost a couple of times and had to stop and reread sections. I also felt that there were a few points where I needed more information, and I was a little disconnected from Vega's POV at the start.

But overall, I am really pleased with this book and cannot wait to move on to the next one in the series.

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Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir review

 

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🚫 Zero Spice lol

This book is light years away from my normal day to day read, but turns out that did not matter because fudging hell, I loved it!!

The book starts off pretty easy. There is humor and mystery, and honestly, I felt like I slipped into the book as easily as breathing. It is hard to even put into words why the book worked so well, but I will start with my highlights.

The premise of the story itself, the high stakes, the risks, and this massive unknown all work brilliantly. As someone who is not particularly science minded, I would say that even with all the information and technical details sprinkled throughout the book, I was still completely invested.

I normally dislike books that use flashbacks or things that pull me away from the main story, but here it felt like I was living inside Grace's struggling mind as he worked to understand for himself what in the world had happened to get him here. It made for the BEST mystery. I spent almost the whole flipping book convinced of one thing, only to reach the end and go OMG!!! I was wrong. It completely flipped everything on its head, and I loved it. It had me gasping and feeling awful for Grace when he learned the truth too.

While Grace was, of course, the lead, and I really enjoyed his character, Rocky totally stole the top spot for me. He was so likable, and watching him become a little sassier, more fun, and more outspoken as the story went on had me rolling around giggling. I loved watching the pair bounce off one another, learn together, and simply try to do the best they could.

I was honestly shocked by how much I liked this book because it somehow felt like it had both a lot going on and not much going on at the same time. It is such a weird feeling. Normally when I read a book there are so many characters that I need notes to remember important names, but here the story is limited and contained because of the environment and situation.

The flashbacks give you lots of people, places, and events, but they all exist within Grace's memories. In reality, you are stuck on a small ship and almost completely alone. I felt like the author handled the back and forth between those two elements incredibly well, and I could not have been happier with it.

A few things I struggled with were that some of the science became a little overwhelming for me, and I had to reread those sections. I also would have loved a more emotional reaction from Grace in a few places. There were moments where I felt he should have had a bigger outburst or more emotional turmoil. I know I would have been climbing the walls.

Also, that ending... OMG!!! Perfect. I really liked how it ended, but I did have one massive question and one moment that made me gasp. I cannot say much more because I do not want to spoil anything for people who have not read it.

Overall, a fantastic science fiction book!!

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A Witch and Her Vampire by Emberly Wyndham ARC review

 

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

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 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.

Guess who is back!!! Yep, we are finally here, the last book of the Coven Crest Academy series. The moment I saw the book pop up, I all but threw the book I had been reading aside and raced to my PC like there was a time limit on getting my greedy little hands on book 4, the final book in the series. And yes, I am also sobbing at the idea of this being my last time in this amazingly cozy world.

This book follows Maeve, who will absolutely ruin your day if you tick her off and might strike you with lightning if you cross her, being the only storm witch in the academy, and Severin, who is moody and broody with a side helping of serious, mixed with an “I do not need to sparkle to dazzle you” kind of energy.

Where do I even start with Maeve? She is hardworking and struggles to gain control and grasp the future she wants. I found her totally relatable and easy to follow. She went through so much growth over the course of the book and honestly pulled out the sass and boss lady energy more than once, which had me screaming GO GIRL!!

Meanwhile, Severin came across as so contained and moody at times that I had no idea how these two were going to work together, but clearly I should never have doubted it because these two were such a hoot together that I gobbled up every scene they shared. The pair bounced off each other like some strange competitive sport.

The cozy vibes in this book are absolutely “bring a blanket and warm drink” levels of comfort, but do not be fooled.

The emotion in this book had me sobbing like I had just dropped my ice cream, wiping away tears while yelling “I am not crying, YOU are crying!” because I genuinely freaked out over how many feelings this book pulled from my little soul.

This book had such a fantastic balance of cozy moments, pain, angst, and fantasy slice of life that I all but forgot it was make believe at times. Seeing the deep, unbreakable love and friendship, seeing how moving on and growing up can be both beautiful and painful, with fears of the unknown and fears of losing the things you hold dear, hit me so hard in the emotions that I was rolling around wishing the story would never end.

Now I cannot miss talking about the spice. This book has just the right amount. I was blushing and giddy, and it felt so well placed within both the book and the series that it never overshadowed the actual story.

But here is the thing. The spice is not what keeps me attached to this book or this series, and that shocked me. Why? Because while the spice is good, like the other books, it comes down to one simple thing: how this series makes you feel while reading it.

I could curl up on the sofa and completely slip away into a safe, fun place where friendships are true, magic is real, and love runs bone deep. To me, that is the sign of a fantastic book and an amazing series.

I am horribly sad it is over, and honestly, if I could, I would beg at the author's feet for just one more book, though I know it would never feel like enough.

This whole series earned far more than five stars from me, and I know it will stay with me for years and become one of my forever comfort reads.

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(Flame and Thorns, #1) Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood review

 

Empire of Flame and Thorns by Marion Blackwood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

The banter and sass in this book could keep my little heart going for an eon.

Where should I start? The book is fun pretty much from the get go. There is lots happening, and the storyline was THICK in this one, but not so much that I was losing track of what was going on.

I have to say that the lead, at times, REALLY ticked me off due to her being so focused on people liking her that she all but curled in on herself. After a while, that started to get old fast, but I did understand why she was like that. She had a lot of baggage and distrust from the people who should have understood her. I loved it when she stood up for herself and just shone.

Now, I sort of called the ending of this book right from the start, but it did not take away from how much I liked the story. I would say the first half is slower paced, while the second half slowly starts to race toward the ending, where it becomes one thing after another.

Overall, it was a fun read, but it was not outstanding for me. Still good, though. The spice in the book was a highlight, even if it was not the main focus. Mostly, it helped break the book up a little. I do feel like more could have been done with the trials, and at times, it all felt a little like schoolyard bullying.

Here is one of my biggest problems. EVERYONE IS OLD. Like, these characters have lived for centuries, and yet no one seems to ask questions or learn from anything. I felt more like I was reading about twenty somethings rather than people who are centuries old. Maybe it is just me, I do not know, but I thought there should have been more substance there.

Also, there were a few questionable things in this book that really did not fit and had me doing mental math and coming up blank. I cannot really go into some of the problems because I do not want to spoil it for others, but those points definitely stuck out to me and left me a little miffed.

Either way, it was a fun little read and a great jumping off point for a series.

The absolute joy I got from Draven and Selena's ongoing banter battles made me giggle. It was one of my favorite things in the book. I would say things really picked up during the fourth trial for me. It felt like an explosion of even more events and action, and it was super fun.

I also would have loved to learn more about the side characters. Overall, a solid read.

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(Monstrous Shifters) A Game of Cat and Witch by Ruby Rune review

 

A Game of Cat and Witch by Ruby Rune
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

The first thing this book slapped me in the face with was the cozy, funny vibes I got right from the start. I am a sucker for a cozy book with a dash of spice, so I was all in. Sign. Me. Up.

When all a witchy girl dreams of is getting a familiar and some chicken nuggets, does she get that? Nope! Not for her. Say hello to Avery. This book really shows the pressure and pain of feeling like an outsider among your own people, and at times, it’s hard seeing her struggle with that. But it also makes her feel very three-dimensional and stand out.

Now, Felix is like wildfire in this book. He is confident and sassy, and watching these two banter and fight like cat and dog was so funny at times that I thought I would cry laughing.

I did have one small problem. While I felt like Avery and Felix were really well fleshed out and practically came off the page, I felt like a lot of the side characters around them were a little too two-dimensional. I loved the main character, but what about Maya and Wren?? Tell me more about them, I want more!!

The story turns out to be much more than just some cozy read, though. Nope. There is a kick ass storyline, mystery, secrets, and surprisingly good action. I honestly thought I was going into a super fluffy, funny read all the way through, but while it starts off more easygoing, it slowly slips into a much darker and deeper story, which I personally found amazing!

There is banter and fun, but there is a lot more than that too. I found myself flying through the pages and genuinely having a really good time. I would say it is not the most serious read I have ever picked up, but it was absolutely worth reading.

There were a few moments where I felt more could have been done, or where something could have been expanded on a little more to help develop another character. But overall, it was a quick and easy read.

There is spice in the book, and it is good, but honestly? I found myself enjoying the storyline even more than the spice. Together though, they balanced each other out really well.

That ending though!!! Sweet Lord, it had me clutching me pearls and scared to death, but what an ending!! Can't wait to see what's next.

P.S. Dust bunnies for the win!

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(The Wolves of Ruin, #2) Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen review

 

Fury Bound by Sable Sorensen
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

I will start by saying I loved Dire Bound, so I was over the moon to get the second book into my grubby little hands, and I started reading it the moment the book mail arrived.

Now here is where I plead with you not to judge me for what I am about to say next, but… I did not like Fury Bound as much as I liked the first book.

The first book was in a single POV, but this second book is now dual POV, which is normally my favorite. But I felt that because of this, it gave up a lot of the mystery and tension between our leads. I felt like everything that had been built in the first book was sort of knocked down here. Hearing some of Stark’s thoughts honestly did not help the book for me at all.

The book started right where the first left off, which was great, but my problem was that the first 30 percent or so of the book did not feel impactful at times. Our lead felt more like a doll in a dollhouse while someone else moved the pieces around, and it sort of devalued her as a character.

I felt like we got a lot of new names and people introduced, and while I was happy about some of them, I also felt a lot added very little to the book overall. Now please do not get me wrong, I by no means hated this book. Not at all. It was well written, easy to read, and enjoyable. But I just could not hold it to the same level as the first book because too many things paled in comparison.

I felt like the leads needed a slower build up because nothing really felt like real love. It felt more like lust, want, and maybe a mix of them not being able to help themselves due to outside factors. For me, that also impacted how I felt about the spice. It was alright, but was I burning for what I was reading? No. The last spicy scene I honestly hardly remember because it seemed totally crazy to me that they would be doing that at that moment after everything that had happened.

Not sure about anyone else, but if my world is falling apart at the seams, spicy time is not exactly high on my to do list.

Now there were things I did like about this book. Seeing more of the world was fantastic, and learning some really key information while seeing how in the dark everyone was about the siphons was a massive highlight for me. The adventure and banter were saving graces, and I totally loved it when our lead Meryn was thinking strategically and really showing who she was. I think throughout parts of this book she felt more like a side character due to how inactive she was in her own role.

I also felt like the last few chapters were rushed in an attempt to create a big explosive ending, but instead of leading to epicness, it sort of felt like the story was sliding downward. Honestly, I almost wish I had stopped reading at page 577 and let that be the ending I sat with until the next book. It felt a little too déjà vu with her trust being broken all over again.

While this was not a horrible read, it was not up there with the first book for me. I enjoyed it, but when book one felt amazing and had so many strong elements, I could not help holding book two to the same standard. I wanted it to be either just as good or even better, which I know is a big ask.

Instead, this book felt stop start at times. Some events felt unnecessary, and some plot points overwhelmed the story. We went from direwolves, kings and queens, and siphons to gods and goddesses in very quick succession. There was also unnecessary spice at strange moments.

Overall, I gave the book 3 stars and 2 spice. I am hoping book three pulls me back to what I loved because right now my faith in the series is a little shaken.

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(The Wolves of Ruin, #1) Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen reread review 2026

 

Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
2025 Review plus 2026 reread review
Holy moly! 😳 What a fantastic read! 👏 Where the hell should I start? I feel totally lost for words. The story in this book is just spectacular!! I love the struggles and the desire to push forward and protect. The view of family life that is not always conventional, family comes in many forms and dynamics. The strong female lead was super enjoyable, but she was by no means perfect and made rash and stupid choices that had me pulling out my hair.

I had feelings for a person in the book, and I felt like I was going mad, wondering if maybe I was being mean because I felt distrust and icky about them, but that’s what good books are about: reading, getting lost in its words and its world, questioning everything you thought was true, and being left speechless and wanting more.

I absolutely 💯 was gripped by this book and its characters for better or worse. The things I didn’t like about this book didn’t make me dislike it; they were told in such a way that they added to the big wow at the end. The spice in this book is sprinkled throughout, but honestly, I was more in love with the story and what was going on than the smut side, which really shocked me.

I absolutely love the direwolves in this world 🐺, and enjoyed learning about the world the author wove and created into such a lush and brilliant fantasy realm. I would have loved to see more use of power and more combat scenes ⚔️. I felt the book had so much to give, and it hit all the right spots for me, even my epic rages and screaming at the lead seemed worth it for such a great start to a series.

Fantastic! I don’t know how I’m going to wait for the next book. 😍🔥

2026 Reread Review

As I recently got the second book in this series, I decided to reread this one before starting the next.

I still very much love this book the second time around just as much as I did the first, but I do think I had a few more thoughts after rereading it. One thing I noticed more this time was that while our lead is strong and determined, she is also often her own worst enemy.

I do understand it, given the life she had and how suddenly everything changed for her, but I do think the story would have gone very differently if she had given others more of a chance. She might have seen the truth much earlier.

Overall, though, my first review still very much stands!!

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Karma by K.A. Knight Review

 

Karma by K.A. Knight
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

This was a hard one for me. I am a MASSIVE fan of Den of Vipers, so I kind of hoped I would love this one too.

After reading what the book is about, I was glad to see a strong female lead and three hot male leads. The book was jam packed with gore, action, and childhood trauma that could sink a ship. The writing was easy to follow, and the pacing was really fast. I felt like it jumped from one thing to another, spice here, then more drama and spice, rinse and repeat. So you can probably guess my disappointment when the book sadly felt more like a Temu version of Den of Vipers.

Now please do not get me wrong. Did I hate it? No. Did I love it? Also no. It was an okay read. A lot happened, and it was interesting, but here are the things that stood out to me.

It is hard for characters to grow when they are already at the top of their game. It is hard to take things seriously when there is nonstop gore and action, but no real after effects or consequences. The spice was there and frequent, but it felt a bit lackluster due to there not being much emotional connection or range between the characters.

I did love the sass and the strength of our female lead, but honestly, at times it was hard to keep going. By the end, I finished it just to get it done.

It was easy and fun, but not something I would reread, sadly.

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(Daughter of the Earth, #3) Triumph of the Elderoak by K.M. Gordon review

 

Triumph of the Elderoak by K.M. Gordon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🌶️🌶️½ 2.5 Spice

I have never cried so much in my life. What a way to finish a series. I was sobbing so hard. I even read a few parts to my teen daughter, and she was sobbing too.

It was so good, but also heartbreaking and painful at times. I really, really wish I had reread the first two books in the series before starting the final one, but honestly, the ending was everything.

I am talking heart stopping, high stakes. No softly, softly here. No, everything is going to be ok. This was an end of battle where it could go either way. Loss, blood, and pain. I was scared out of my mind almost from the get go, and I did not relax the whole way through.

The story had bumps and twists and turns, and some amazing, I mean OMG, moments where I was screaming no way, I did not see that coming. There were small pockets of downtime where I could breathe and try to relax my clenched hands and put my heart back together. You also get some fantastic interactions and spice that fits the story but never overshadows it.

This was a start to end, story driven series, and the spice was a lovely bonus. The love in this book comes in many forms, from family to your other half, to friendship, and more beyond that. There is also some shocking character growth that had me completely dazed.

I loved it. I am struggling to even explain how much I enjoyed this series, but for me it got better with each book. I think those who love Dungeons & Dragons would really enjoy this, and also those who love more story driven fantasy books with great world building and so much action that you will never get bored.

LOVED!!!!

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(Duskwalker Brides, #1) A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne review

 

A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Reread: 2026 I read the book last year and thought I would try the audiobook. LOVED IT, super fun to listen to. Thankfully, it was duo-narrated, which really made the book stand out, and WOLFGANG as the male lead… massive thumbs up. I've never read or listened to the rest of the series, and I'm considering maybe trying book 2.

First read:2025 I was recommended this book by a friend, and I was a little unsure at first but wow, I am so glad I read it.

To start with: what a hell of a story! A world of humans and demons can be hard to make feel fresh after so many books portray it this way and that, and honestly, I thought there were no new ways left to make it unique. But this? This was fantastic. I was sucked in pretty much from the first word.

I really loved learning and getting to grips with everything going on. While the book is on the darker side and pretty open about it… it didn’t feel that dark while reading, which is kind of wild considering what actually goes on in the story.

The SPICE in this book was GIVING inferno I honestly thought I might catch on fire! But weirdly, despite how many spicy parts there were, it didn’t feel like that was all there was. There was a great balance of story and spice.

Call me crazy, but I couldn’t help but feel for the characters seriously, I got butterflies of my own. Orpheus? I couldn’t help but totally love him. It was easy to fall down that rabbit hole… and before you knew it, you were too far gone to turn back.

If you love monster spice books, this is a big must-read. Fantastic read, and I’d totally read it again in a heartbeat.

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Shadow Trials by Evelyn Hart review

 

Shadow Trials by Evelyn Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 stars
🌶️half spice

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

Would you like a book that keeps you up all night, that has a plot so plotting all other plots pale compared to it, how about so much action you think you're in a MMORPG and currently raiding at 1am, how about horror and trauma to boot, strong main character and lore for days. Well, look no further because this book has all that in abundance. And for the low, low price of your sadness and tears, knowing once you reach the end, you have to wait for the next book, it can all be yours.


I just got slammed in the face with a plot so rich and detailed that I feel like I slipped into the book's world myself. I have read so many books, and honestly, sometimes it's hard to see a plot in books. Sometimes I am underwhelmed by them, well, not this book, this book slammed down the plot and was like, “Are you ready to lose yourself? Are you ready for more story than you can shake a stick at... well, here I am.” I was not disappointed. I was consumed by the world laid before my feet and the characters, the build-up and history; it was just amazing.

I would say almost from the get-go, the book was dark and gritty and gives you a great introduction to our female lead, Fiona. She is totally a badass. I love that she is smart and strong; I love myself a good female lead, and I felt like I got that in spades with Fiona. I loved getting to know her and her story; I found it really easy to put myself in her shoes and just go with the story. There was friendly banter, epic character interactions, and a well-written build-up to something spectacular, and it was so easy to read. I think the only time I really paused was when I was taking in information on things I didn't know about yet, otherwise, I ate it all up.

Oh, this is action-packed to the brim. My cup runneth over, and I revelled in it. I was totally spoiled, in fact, and so pleased. The whole story was dripping with dark grittiness, there were shocks and an unapologetic way about it that had me reading long into the wee hours of the morning. I found myself totally consumed by a need to know what happened next and how it would all end, and not wanting it to end all at once. I was on the edge of my seat with anticipation, waiting for each big revelation yet dreading what it would bring. While I was grinning at the action, there were also dark themes and gore...and sometimes I was sobbing my little heart out in the dead of night. This book, at times, really had my emotions on the run around, and a few times I thought my heart was being pulled out of my own chest. It was phenomenally written, and done so well that honestly, there was hardly anything I struggled with or did not like. The only thing that threw me off now and then were the many names, which I sometimes had to pause and check my notes for. Otherwise, the book was perfect for me!!



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(Courts & Kings #1) Court of Nightmares by K.A. Knight review

 

Court of Nightmares by K.A. Knight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 5 Spice

PLEASE READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!! Lol.

I struggled with rating this one, spinning between 3.5 stars or 4 stars. I had read this book once before, but I never reviewed it, and I felt the need to do so this time.

The opening of this book is dark and fantastic. It has a great introduction to the world and our FMC, Althea. I zipped through the first few chapters like I was possessed, and I loved the gritty darkness. I totally felt for our FMC and was invested in what came next.

I am a massive why choose fan. I love these books because I hate love triangles or squares, as sometimes the one you want does not get chosen. Why choose gives me what I need, so I am all for them. But this book had seven, which is a lot of men, and sometimes I did struggle to keep track of who was who. I did enjoy getting their backstories and getting to know them, which made things easier as the book went on.

The storyline of the book was great, like top notch, and I was super excited. Sadly, I quickly realized that the spice was leading the charge in this book. There was instant want and connection followed by hot and heavy spice all the way through, with some moments that honestly had me blinking in stunned silence.

I felt like all that spice made me less interested in it because it was so constant and packed throughout the book. The story ended up feeling more like an afterthought instead of the main focus. That being said, the book has an easy writing style, so I still zoomed through it. It is packed with blood, gore, and spice, and it is hard not to enjoy reading it on some level.

I would have loved some bigger balance changes where the story took the lead, and everything else followed, but it is what it is. I did get a bit tired of certain things, but honestly, by the end, it felt like mindless fun.

A manic bundle of fun with death, blood, and gore. A storyline that was good, but overshadowed by the insane amount of spice. Some key elements needed slower pacing to really unfold instead of being thrown at you at full speed. There was a lot of cute and fun stuff to love and a story screaming to take the lead, but spice won this time.

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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 sneaky winks and whispers 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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Oops! I Summoned a Metamorphic Monster by Opal Reyne review

Oops! I Summoned a Metamorphic Monster by Opal Reyne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 Spice

What in the tentacles did I just read, lol.

This book is perfect for those who want a fast, fun, super spicy, weird read. One where the story is mostly centered around the spice and romance and not so much about anything else. But it is fun, quick, and really made me question what in the world I was reading.

I was definitely freaking out when things started to heat up, but it was all in good fun and there was nothing really hard to get through. It was pretty easy to read and just a lighthearted book overall.

I had no clue this was part of a series. I do know the series is called the Witches Love Monsters series. Each book is a standalone, so you can jump in anywhere, but I am guessing the best way is to start from the first book and go forward.

I have read something by the author before that I loved, which was A Soul to Keep, the first Duskwalker book, and I loved that.

I would say if you are after something with more depth and a longer, story driven plot where the story comes first and spice second, this book is totally not for you. But if you want a dirty, quick, questionable monster read with heaps of spice, this book is definitely for you.

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Howl by Meg Alivien review

 

Howl by Meg Alivien
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

Cute and cozy with a splash of drama, but the female lead is clearly a horror movie protagonist who makes some proper stupid choices, lol.

It is a short read, just over 250 pages, and the book was super cute. It is a friends to lovers story with some drama here and there, and it made for a super fun, easy read. I really cannot fault that. In fact, I liked the book overall.

But OMG. The lead is like one of those characters from a horror movie where we are all screaming at the TV, do not go up the stairs, run, or questioning her brain cells because no, you do not go down the dark alley. Are you crazy?

I definitely felt like that at times, but overall it was a super light, easy read.

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(The Cocky Kingmans, #1) The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award review

 

The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

The name of this book and the cover had me low-key giggling, so of course I picked it up.

The FMC is a book-loving librarian, and she is on the bigger side, like me, so I love that. The male lead is totally into her and has been since they were young. I found this cute little foundation of the story to be super lovely.

I ate up the playful male lead Chris' banter, but I also really loved that he was a little scared of losing what he had loved for so long. He was super likeable and a comedian half the time. Our female lead Trixie was more on the shy side and did not care much about stepping into the limelight if she could help it. I liked that she was a self loving woman, but she still dealt with bullies and weirdos at times.

The book was in first person dual POV, going back and forth the whole way through, and I totally loved that. The internal monologue at times had me cackling with laughter. The story was pretty simple. It is a sports romance with friends to lovers and fake dating, but honestly, there was little to no real sport shown in the book. It felt more like a background setting for the male lead’s job and something his family revolves around as a group. Thankfully, because I have no clue about sports.

I loved the friendship and the family interactions. There was spice in the book and a lot of spicy thoughts from the MMC, but in truth, the spice did not really impact me all that much, which was a little sad.

Here are some things I struggled with. At times, it felt less like love and more like desire and want. I did not like how one event was not taken more seriously, and it felt way too rushed and brushed aside. The way the lead reacted to it also felt a little underwhelming.

The ending felt rushed. The pacing was steady for a large part of the book, but at about 75 percent through, everything felt like it was speeding up, which left some key moments feeling less impactful.

Overall, it was a good read, and I enjoyed it, but I did not love it.

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Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine review

 

Road Trip With a Vampire by Jenna Levine
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️½ 1.5 Spice

So… I loved books 1 and 2 of this series. The comedy, the weirdness, and the overall fun were just great. But sadly, book 3 did not hit the same spot.

For one, there was not the same level of fun in this book as there was in books 1 and 2. I really felt like Reggie was totally needed in this story. It was also missing the hilarious texts and little extras that were included with each chapter before. This book just felt a little bland compared to the others.

I liked Zelda and Peter just fine, and the story itself was nice and easy to read, but there was not that big burst of amusement and laughter. The fun connection between Frederick and Reginald that was present in books 1 and 2 was really missing here, and I felt like the book lost some of its charm because of that.

I also felt that the leads in this book were a little too similar to each other in personality. In books 1 and 2, there was always a big difference between the characters that created funny moments and quirky interactions. This book did not really have that same dynamic.

Now, I did not hate the book. The writing was easy to follow, there was a clear storyline, and it was cute and cozy with a small sprinkle of spice. However, this one was not my favorite in the series. I felt like more could have been done with her magic and with their relationship.

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Taken by the Alien Next Door by Tiffany Roberts

 

Taken by the Alien Next Door by Tiffany Roberts
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I finished reading this last night… or would it be classified as this morning if it was like 4:30 in the morning? Lol.

Please always read your triggers when starting a spicy book to make sure there is nothing inside that might upset you. You see, I might have sort of not read them and just rushed right in.

I was a massive fan of the author's other series that I read, which was the The Spider's Mate Trilogy. That series was amazing. I also read the first two books in the Vrix series and I am still waiting for the third book.

This book was a mix of super cozy, quirky, and amusing. Our MMC Zevris is trying to blend in and complete a mission, and it all starts to go sideways from the introduction. He is super funny. His inner monologue had me smiling and totally pulled into the book.

When we meet the FMC Tabitha, who is just super lovely but sadly has low self-esteem, it made me a little sad because she is described as so beautiful. She also has a pretty sad past.

For a little while, I was happily skipping along through the story and then BANG, something happens in the book, and the pacing suddenly speeds up. I do not want to give anything away, but if this book had not been such a lighthearted, slightly weird story, I might have had big problems with the MMC's plan. Thankfully, he does realise what he was doing was not great, which helped a lot because I still wanted to enjoy the hot spice in the book.

The end felt a little rushed, and sadly, the relationship did not really feel like love to me. It felt more like lust or wanting. But overall, it was still a fun read.

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This Vicious Sea by Megan G. Mossgrove review

 

This Vicious Sea by Megan G. Mossgrove
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️½ 2.5 Spice

Wow, alright, I am impressed. I have never read a pirate book before, and I never really felt pulled toward them. This book was flipping awesome from the get go. Almost at once, you are thrown into action and drama, with hints of our female lead Odelia's backstory being less than stellar. I felt pretty much pulled in right away, and by the time we meet Rune, I was totally convinced I was going to love the book, and I was not wrong.

This book gave you action and drama in spades, along with a great view of ship life, crew, and found family. All of it was fantastically done, to the point that I had clear favorites among the crew. The storyline in this book stayed at the forefront the whole time. There was none of that feeling where the story fades into the background when other things start happening, or where you suddenly stop and think, wait, what was the story about again? Nope. The storyline was carved through the book thick and clear, and it was amazingly done. I found the whole thing super exciting and great to read.

The banter at first felt catty and a little tit for tat, but as the story progresses, you see a turning point. From there, the banter turns more flirty and blush worthy. The longing and want were nicely done, and oh boy, it had a brilliant amount of spice that really levelled the book up. I honestly felt like I had everything I wanted wrapped into this book. Super impressed and super happy overall.

The only problems I had in the book were these. There was one thing that confused me and made me question why Odelia never looked into it or spoke up about it again. It would have greatly changed things if she had. It also seemed like something she would not normally overlook. That also made me think that Rune or Tavi would have worked it out as well, even if not as much as our female lead would have.

I also had another question that was left unanswered. I sort of guessed it might have been one character or another, but it was never clearly said, so now I am left to wonder. Unless I somehow missed it on my first read through, but I really do not think I did.

Overall, a great read. Action, adventure, love, spice, and a massive helping of sea life.

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My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine review

 

My Vampire Plus-One by Jenna Levine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️½ 1.5 Spice

360 plus pages of unique, easy, comedic, light-spiced fun. I really liked the first standalone but interconnected book in this series, and was not sure what I was going to get in this one, but it turned out to be a really easy read.

The writing was easy to follow. The book does not take itself too seriously. The storyline is there, but it's just fun and loose, and there is no terror or end of the world stakes. It is cozy, light, and amazing, sort of like a romcom in book form.

I felt an instant love for Reggie. I thought he was super funny in the first book, but I really loved him in the second. I also liked that we got to see Frederick and Cassie and where they are now. While it is not the focus, it was fantastic to get a glimpse of the after.

The interaction between Amelia and Reginald was easy and hilarious, but the texts between Reginald and Frederick were just as funny. I spent a lot of my time trying not to laugh and smile.

I found the spice super fitting. It is not over the top, but it is open door and definitely makes your heart race. Altogether, I was super pleased with it.

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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

((Reread and still love it!))
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (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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Hard Bubbles by Leah Legend review

 

Hard Bubbles: A Shifter City Romance by Leah Legend
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

While the book is only three stars, I did not hate it. It was a fun, quick read, but it had some pretty big problems. I think the book either needed a full rework or simply more pages because it was so fast paced and abrupt that I might need a neck brace.

It had a super rushed feel, and everything happened within about a day, which made me feel totally uninvested in the events and action because they had zero weight behind them. I had questions left unanswered even at the end. I also questioned the lead's flip flop nature in general. At the start of the book, the verbiage felt a little weird now and then, but that seemed to settle down about fifty pages in.

That being said, it was fast and fun and asked for very little investment from you as a reader. If you like spice and a little bit of weird in your book and no real drama, it is definitely a fun little read.

I would say if you want to feel love and heart stopping romance, you are not really going to get it here. Due to the speed everything comes at you, it feels more like lust or want. Even with the story, it never feels like much more than that.

In the end, I did have fun, but it just was not something I could fully get into, believe, or feel deeply connected to. It did have some fun spice, but let us just say I was not into what happened in the cave at all. Hard pass from me.

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Diamond Dust by K.F. Breene review

 

Diamond Dust by K.F. Breene
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐½ 3.5 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

Well, this is strange. Turns out I really liked book two more than the first book.

When I finished the first book, I gave it three stars. I sort of worked out that my main problem was that this duology is a spin off from a bigger series, and all those characters and the world are built from that. But since I had not read it, I was pretty lost for a while. Thankfully, by the time I finished the first book of this series, I had done the hard work of figuring things out. So when I started Diamond Dusk, I had a better level of understanding of the characters. Given that we were in a new environment that Daisy did not know, it meant we got the details I needed to understand what was going on.

I would totally say that I wish I had read the original series first before starting this one, because I do not like the feeling of confusion and not knowing what is going on or who people are. Apart from when the book shifts POV to Lexi or Kieran, who are from the original series, where you are given lots of names and people you do not really know if you have not read it, most of the time you are in Daisy’s POV. Thankfully, being in the Fae kingdom made it easier to enjoy the book more.

A lot was going on, and the story follows where the last book left off. I do feel book two was darker than the first. I also felt that Daisy was more left to her own at the start, but that did not last long. Daisy is clearly smart and strong, and due to her past and upbringing, she deals with things, even horrible things, really well. To the point I was starting to think she would need a whole lot of therapy by the time the book reached its end.

The book felt fast-paced with a lot going on, a lot of action and events, and it was honestly fun. But shockingly, the high stakes just were not that impactful to me. Normally, when you are facing something that should make the reader fear for the characters or the world, I just felt like, meh, alright, sounds cool. So I am not sure if I just did not connect as much with the writing or if it was the characters. Overall, it was fun, and I read it in two sittings.

I would say I would not reread the series, and I might not buy it for my physical shelf. But otherwise, I am glad I got through it, and it was a fun story. I do feel a little bad that I did not love it as much as my friend did, but hey, we all like different things, right?

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A Pact of Ash and Thorn by Gael Ashen review

 

A Pact of Ash and Thorn by Gael Ashen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🚫No Spice

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

What happens when two old beings, skilled at repressing anything that resembles emotion, are thrown together and end up in a mystery style hunt for what is going on and who is behind it? You end up with a really unique book that is totally unlike anything I have read before.

I really could not help but love Bryn and Kern. For how old the pair are, the way they dealt with their existence was very similar. Both came across as very put together, calm, and focused, and at times like they were unshakable pillars. But once you pull back those layers as you read on, you see it. The walls built to help them exist and get by. There was something both relatable and heartbreaking about it. I found myself imagining being in either of their places, and it was like falling down a rabbit hole of what ifs.

The book had this awesome mystery crime feeling throughout, layered on top of a mythology and fantasy backdrop that really made it stand out. The story and its writing style were smart and adult. I very much doubt I would have been able to read this when I was younger. It would have gone over my head. But now, as an adult, I see the layers built and laid on top of each other to create a world that is both familiar and yet totally different, but only to those who can see it.

The words and events really made me pause and think, and I believe that if I had not truly dived into the book one hundred percent, I might have missed a lot of great things. I would say I would have loved more information about the Pale, as I did get a little lost a few times at the start. I am also not really a massive fan of third person, even if it is omniscient rather than restricted third person, but I did not hold that against the book because it was well done.

I really enjoyed the internal thoughts and getting a great view of what was going on within their minds, but it was within the silence, or the things not said, that really screamed the loudest. It was so smartly done. I really felt Bryn and Kern's age from the way they acted and spoke to how they carried themselves, but my total happiness came from the unspoken moments. For me, that was like a siren going off in a silent room. The want and longing were unmistakable, and it made me so focused on waiting to see what would happen and whether I would be giddy or sobbing at the end.

As the book started to reach its end, I felt like my heart was a jackrabbit bouncing around my chest. There were little moments that had my heart squeezing and me biting my lip. It was pretty magical seeing the slow lowering of the walls, and I was swept up in it and dizzy.

The ending really threw me through so many loops. I love the story and the progression. I would have loved more, but that is me being super greedy at this point. After reading so many books that have instant lust or are so fast paced you miss things, I think I found in this book that sometimes things do not have to come at you at breakneck speed. A lot can be read between the lines. Silence can be deafening. Care and love do not always have to come with a massive side of spice or instant gratification. They can be deep, slow, and steady.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was totally out of my normal reading zone, but I do not regret reading it for a moment.

Likes:
Older leads
The mystery crime feel of the book
The slow burn and longing

Dislikes:
Was not totally into the third person writing style
The repetition of a few things, a few too many times

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(Shadowbound Fae, #1) Obsidian by K.F. Breene review

 

Obsidian by K.F. Breene
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐ 3 Stars
🌶️🌶️ 2 Spice

I have never read anything by this author before, so when I started this, I was not aware it was a sort of spin off from another series of hers. I will have to check out the rest of the author's books.

The book opens up with total violence and action, which is a great way of throwing me right into the story. While I was a little confused at the start with some terms and characters I was unfamiliar with due to not reading the other series, it only took me a little bit to catch on and get an understanding. There was a small hiccup of confusion about not knowing who people were, their dynamics in the book, or how they were related to our FMC.

The book is set at a nice pace, neither too fast nor too slow. I totally loved the action and the general storyline. I found it super fun and interesting, and I also loved the darker bits. I enjoyed the sassy comments and banter, laughing hard at the terms used throughout the book.

If you are looking for love or deep romance, I did not really feel it from this book. Lust and want, sure, but the spice was about a two for me.

There is a lot of action, but I felt like I was struggling more often than not. There were moments when I had no clue what I was seeing or reading. I would stop, go back, and try again, and it was like I was reading something in a foreign language. It was not all the time, but there were larger areas where I might as well have been reading diagrams instead of text because I was left scratching my head, confused.

I also felt like while the FMC and MMC were together, the story really picked up, only for it to stop or fall flat when it was just the FMC. That left me a little sad, as Daisy was strong and had such a great foundation as a character.

At the end of the book, everything picked up again, throwing more action and revelations at the reader. I did not hate the book, but it was not the best either. I enjoyed it at times and also found it hard at times as well.

Likes
Strong female lead
A great amount of action
Found family and supportive dynamics
The sassy mouth of the MMC

Dislikes
The introduction had way too many characters all at once within the first chapter, which took a moment to work out who was who, why they were there, and how it worked. It was only later I realized this was a spin off and I would have had a better understanding if I had read the other series first.
Instant lustiness. Not really my thing so early on.
The story fizzles out and loses traction when the MMC is not around and it is just the FMC.
Having no clue what the MMC was called until about 50 to 55 percent through the book. I did not like that at all.
The information given was not always super clear.

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(Darkest Powers, #3) The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong review

 

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🚫No Spice

Reread of 2026, first read in 2010.

The Darkest Powers series is a fantastic trilogy. While there are only three books and they are not overly long, they pack a punch and are story driven from the get go. I felt like each book was a little darker than the last.

Not only does this series have a brilliant storyline, there is a lot to love, from supernatural themes, fantasy, death, and betrayal, to a sprinkle of romance. I felt this book, and the series as a whole, really gave you character growth and development. Watching a character you once did not like become one you found funny and cared about. Seeing someone go from weak and meek to level headed and strong. Realizing that someone you thought was a bully was, in truth, scared and capable of learning to love, protect, and listen.

I devoured these books when I was much younger, and to this day the series remains a favorite.

Please also keep in mind this is YA. The main characters range between 15 and 16 years old. Of course there are adult characters, but the focus is on the teens, so there is no spice. There is a tiny bit of romance, but it is not the focal point. The series was always centered on its story. So if you are after more than that, this series might not be for you. But please, it is totally worth a try.

Great story, brilliant characters, layers of elements within the pages, dark themes, and a roller coaster of events and actions that have you totally sucked in. I will always love this series, and while it is not my usual read now, I still very much treasure it.

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Likes
-I love the story line its unique and one of a kind its well planed out and keeps you guessing the whole way though. There is a lot going on throughout the whole book and each pages unfolds and gives you a insight into the world of the darkest power series. I loved the idea of a group of kids being different and powerful yet the people they trust most have changed them and pretty much turned them into weapons. The bad guys where bad and smart and most of the time I thought half crazy on power. There was none stop action, mystery and drama and heaps more to sink your teeth into.

-The character had to be one of the best things about the book solid and likable you can’t help but want to read on and on and keep you fingers crossed that all goes well for them. There is always going to be a character you love most and while Chloe is kick arse and hands down amazing there was one character that by all means made these books for me was Derek. Derek was one those characters that creep up on you and you had no idea you went from not noticing him to loving him and feeling for him. He was by far my favourite and even after reading the books Derek still stays in you mind long after you put the books away.

-The writing style in this series way also another part I loved it was so simply to read and get into and that’s all thanks to the author. How she writes and gets everything so right in this series.

-The emotion in the book is something that could blow any reader away in my eyes the hardest thing a author has to do is make me feel. I can read a whole book series and I can liked it but I never really felt anything but not in this series. I felt pretty much everything the characters go though I laughed, cried and felt hope and more.

Now I really could go on and one about this series but why not just read it :D

Dislikes
-I only really have one problem that the series ended I know I know everything has to end but WHY!! Lol but that’s the only thing I really disliked and that only because I wanted more after reading the darkest power and then moving onto the spin off based in the same world I still wanted more but Oh well :D (hide spoiler)]

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The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong review

 

The Awakening by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🚫No Spice

Reread of 2026, first read in 2010.
I absolutely love this whole series, even after becoming an adult and my tastes changing over the years.

You get a lot more of Derek and Chloe in this book than you did in the first. You also get a better understanding of what is going on, how many shady characters are sneaking about, acting like butter wouldn't melt, and an idea of just the sheer reach of those who are playing god with Derek, Chloe, Simon, and Tori's lives.

I love getting to see the ups and downs, the constant stress of being scared at every turn. Seeing the bickering and bonding, with the darkness so well blended into the story, just works so well.

Book 2 was action-packed, full of drama, and rife with supernatural elements and magic. It deals with surviving and staying off the radar of those wanting to drag them back. It is a blast from start to finish, and I love it now as much as I did the first time I read it.

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The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong review

 

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars
🚫No Spice

I have lost count of how many times I have reread this series. I originally read it way back in 2010, which seems so long ago now. This book series has remained one of my favourites for so long, so I thought, seeing as the last time I read it was a good few years back, I would read it again and see if my thoughts had changed. I am also shocked that I never really reviewed the series.

I want to start by saying that this book series marks the turning point for me, from someone who read one or maybe two books a year to someone who reads 50 to 100 books a year. This book was the starting point of my love of fantasy, paranormal, magic, and a little bit of romance all wrapped into one.

This series has gotten me out of reading slumps, helped when I am low and needing a break from real life, and was also one of the series I read to my daughter in hopes of getting her into reading, which totally worked.

Even now, as a full-grown adult reading this years later, I still love it. It has an amazing, solid storyline. It is easy to read and follow and understand what is going on, but it is so fun and interesting that you are hooked from the first page.

While it is YA and does not have spice, the book is not lacking. It is not boring at all, but full of mystery and patches of darkness. It is not a fast-paced book. It goes at a steady pace that unfolds and gives the reader the feeling of time passing and a slow discovery of what is going on.

I love Chloe and slowly getting to know those in Lyle House. Honestly, when I first started the book years ago, it had this whole mystery vibe where I was unsure if it was really all just in her head.

Even after so many rereads, I thought I would feel less excited because I know what is coming, but I do not. Reading it makes me happy and makes me feel at home, safe and cozy with a warm drink and a soft blanket. Reading about the characters is like catching up with old friends and hearing old stories. It just warms me in a way that never gets old.

The book is so well written. This is such a great start to the series, and as it gets deeper into the story, you are given more, and the action and events build to an ending that is just fantastic. Derek is a massive favourite, and seeing him in a different light as the book progresses was really great.

I still very much love it years later, even knowing the story front to back. While the series is no longer widely talked about or popular, it is a staple to me. Even though it has been many years since it was first published, it will always have a place on my main bookshelf, sitting with my favorites, and will always hold a dear place in my heart. 

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How (Not) To Raise The Dead by Rachael Chadwick review

 

How (Not) To Raise The Dead by Rachael Chadwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I laughed so hard I was crying at times. I was trying so hard not to pee myself with some of the banter. Malachi's mouth should have come with a warning because I felt like I spent my time rolling about with tears of laughter streaming down my face as he sassed and threw sarcasm around like it was a weapon to wield.

The book's storyline was on the darker side. There was a well thought out story that left you thinking about grief and coping, and then they threw in a total curveball at the end that had me shocked.

The details and the way hell was portrayed were so smart and totally great to see. I really loved the whole working of it. The story was the main focus, but there was hot spice that just made the book all the more fun to read. For me, the main thing I loved most had to be the total hilarity of Malachi. I did really like Eden, but for me Malachi was the win.

I would say that after the halfway mark, the book really picked up speed and started to fill out with much more action and drama, and I really loved it. I would have loved to see more of the aftermath, but that is me being greedy.

Overall, a dark, spicy, and super fun read.

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Lord of the Forsaken by Nora Nightingale review

 

Lord of the Forsaken by Nora Nightingale
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 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.

Ok, can I start by saying bravo for the way the author gets you into the book? I, for one, love a strong female lead, and add a little rogue to her and I am on board. Our lead, even within a short time, comes across as someone used to dealing with the darker side of life, dealing with getting by and struggling day to day. This really helped me get to know her and invest in her journey as the book progresses.

I totally loved the alternating POV of Brynn and Dante throughout the book. It gave you a clear insight into the characters and an inside look into their minds as you got deeper into the story.

When I started, I was not really sure what I was going to get, but I found a super rich story. Dark from the start, but honestly, I think the dark and pain only highlighted the best parts and moments. There was mystery, a whodunit sort of feel that had me turning into a detective. A dark setting with lots of political land mines to dance around without falling in. But for me, the standout was how deeply it highlighted that sometimes it is not just the risks of the living you have to worry about.

There was a lot going on and a lot of information about the magic and realms, and for me that was a massive highlight. While there is spice in the book, Open Door, it is never used as a crutch or to overshadow the story, which I was so pleased about.

I would say after the halfway mark the book exploded with action and heart stopping panic and had me death gripping my seat, wide eyed and terrified about who it was all going to come to in the end. I was totally hooked and ready for anything and everything, and I was not disappointed. The ending and the buildup before that were well worth every page I read from start to finish.

Likes:
Leads were well fleshed out and easy to follow.
Interaction between Brynn and Dante.
The dark setting of the book.
Spice.
Strong female lead!!!

Dislikes:
There were times when I got lost in the details of the wards.
A moment in the book, looking back, made me confused and left me with a few questions.

Overall, a fantastic read with so much going on that stays true to putting the story first, yet still gives you a lot of heart and spice, delivering emotion in spades while still having banter and action flowing through it. Dark in ways that will have you grieving, but still reaching for that light that the author teases you with. I was in from the first page and stayed until the end. Wonderful!

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(Ghostverse, #1) Pucking Feral: Part One by Lenore Rosewood review

 

Pucking Feral: Part One by Lenore Rosewood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4 Stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️ 3 Spice

I will start by saying I am a HUGE, MASSIVE fan of the Ghost Alpha Unit series by the same author. My favorite was Wraith. I loved him. I was super pleased with the three books in that series and was really sad when it ended, so when I saw that the same author had made Pucking Feral, which is a contemporary AU retelling of the Ghost Alpha Unit series, I ran to the Amazon store to hunt the book down, needing it like you would not believe.

While the book is very different from the series I first read, I really liked getting to see Ivy, Wraith, Thane, Plague, Whiskey, and Valek again. I love getting a different story with characters I had already loved from another series, but in a new setting with a new story. Did I love it as much as Feral Omega? No, but I still loved getting a new look at much loved characters.

While I am not a massive contemporary fan at all, I have to say even in this book I love Wraith. He just holds a big old place in my heart, and I do not think I will lose that.

There is a story here, but honestly it sort of leans toward hockey and other dramas, which I know a lot of people love, and of course it is a sports omegaverse and why choose. It might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I really enjoyed it and found that it was a nice change-up from my last few books I have read this month.

I wished there was more going on in the story, but that might be a me thing. Otherwise, I enjoyed seeing the exchanges and learning about the characters, how they have changed, and what they are now like in Pucking Feral. I loved spotting differences, and I all but read nonstop all day until the book was done.

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(Stars and Shadows, #3) A Kingdom of Venom and Vows by Holly Renee review

 

A Kingdom of Venom and Vows by Holly Renee
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

⭐ 1 Star
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 4 Spice

Please do not hate me. I know a lot of people love the series, and I did give book 1 four stars, and well, book 2 was just a hot mess of back and forth, and here we are with book 3, and I… sigh. Listen, it is hard.

The plot was so far from actually plotting that some events in this book left me totally and utterly confused and screaming, what are you doing? Did everyone just drink the stupid juice? This makes no sense. Ugh. Something happened in this book that pretty much made the end of book two seem totally stupid.

Really, I found myself feeling like I was on a merry-go-round, getting nowhere.

The spice, while I love books with spice, what I do not love is spice in place of actual plot and things that could be happening. I felt a lot of it in this book was dirty filler and not really needed. Also, add the fact that there was no real heat to the spice because the emotional level was low between them. It was not burning hot. It was, at best, more lukewarm.

Anyone can be in lust or like, but I think portraying love is harder, and it was an epic miss here. The words and interactions did not feel like a mature heart-to-heart; more like two people shacking up in a hayloft. There was just zero depth, which, in my opinion, made reading the spice all but boring.

There were parts I had to skim because I feared I would DNF the book, and I really hate doing that. I also have trauma hearing the words “you are mine” and the word mate. Like, seriously.

While I did like the sudden shift from the single POV used in books 1 and 2, I appreciated that book 3 used multiple POVs, even if it was a little jarring. I also liked the action at the end, but for me, it could not save the book overall.

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