Category: Adventure

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Romance

The Swan’s Daughters

By Roshani Chokshi. Pub Date 1/6/26

Rating: 5 stars. Got me into some trouble because I could not put it down!

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdom’s heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris’s parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for him…or lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelza’s song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect one’s life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.”

REVIEW

This book got me into trouble. It’s terribly romantic and horribly dreamy and a tale that is dreadfully well-written.

I was, and remain, OBSESSED.

From the moment I started The Swan’s Daughter, it sucked me in like the quicksand I thought I would encounter far more than I have to date in my adulthood. The settings themselves were described like poetry, all pearlescent and windswept and glossy. The varied characters reflected their homelands so well, from the icy Aatos mountains, across the Wyldes, through the Vale, and to the depths of the Famishings. What a glorious story.

And the romance! Slow burn, well rounded characters, and that moment of realization–exquisite.

I did not realize how much I needed a break from dark fantasy, but my eyes devoured this book from the first page and enjoyed every last delicious crumb.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Horror Mystery Supernatural Survival

HOUSE OF THE BEAST

By Michelle Wong. NOW AVAILABLE.

Narrated by Jeanne Syquia

Rating 4*

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

Born out of wedlock and shunned by society, Alma learned to make her peace with solitude, so long as she had her mother by her side. When her mother becomes gravely ill, Alma discovers a clue about her estranged father and writes a message begging for help. Little does she know that she is a bastard of House Avera, one of the four noble families that serve the gods and are imbued with their powers—and her father is a vessel of the Dread Beast, the most frightening god of all, a harbinger of death.

In a desperate exchange for her mother’s medicine, Alma agrees to sacrifice her left arm to the Beast in a ceremony that will bind her forever to the House and its deity. Regardless, her mother soon passes, leaving Alma trapped inside the Avera’s grand estate, despised by her relatives and nothing but a pawn in her father’s schemes.

Now vengeance is the only thing that keeps Alma going. That, and the strange connection she has with her god—a monster who is constantly by her side, an eldritch being taking the form of a beautiful prince with starlit hair that only she can see. He tells Alma that she has been chosen to bring change upon their world, and with his help, Alma plots a perilous journey to destroy the House that stole everything from her.

A gripping coming-of-age fantasy novel marked by divine rituals, intense combat, and twisted romance, House of the Beast is a tale of revenge, resilience, and the power of love to see us through the darkness.

REVIEW

This was an interesting fantasy epic about an underestimated girl who is deeply connected to a god and driven by vengeance.

Alma had a terrible life after her mother died. She was despised by her entore family and used bybher father for his own devices hidden within a grand and altruistic outward agenda.

There are some slight romantic leanings, but this story is mostly about seeking justice and protecting those who cannot protect themselves, even if you are looked down at by the very people who ultimately depend on you to succeed. It had been awhile since I had read something where thr romance wasn’t high on the list and I actually did enjoy it.

Both the audiobook and the book were good, and I enjoyed the narrator.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an advanced Audiobook & ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️ Survival

A SCAR IN THE BONE

By Sophie Jordan, Pub Date 10-14-2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“It’s been a year since Tamsyn transformed. From royal whipping girl in the palace of Penterra to the bride of Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands. From the enemy in the Beast’s bed to the wife he sacrificed himself to save. From an ordinary girl…to a dragon. And not just any dragon—a powerful fire-breather…and the best hope to keep magic from flickering out forever.

With Fell gone, torn from her side in the dangerous swirling mists of the Crags, Tamsyn is heartbroken and alone among the dragon pride. An unwelcome outsider still learning to survive in this fiery skin of hers within a new cutthroat society, she trains in the arena until her muscles burn and her blood spills. Slowly, Tamsyn forges herself into a warrior in the shadow of Fell’s enigmatic brother, Vetr, whose silver eyes track her with distrust…and maybe something more.

But is Fell truly beyond her reach? Their bond pulls at her, as fiercely as the drive to protect both humans and dragonkind from the growing threat posed by Stig, once her closest friend, now a relentless enemy determined to hunt her down and destroy her—and with her, all things magic.

Magic stirs in the darkness, strengthening all who believe in it. But will it be enough to save Tamsyn, the pride, the kingdom…and a fiery love fated to endure for centuries, as deep as a scar in the bone?”

THOUGHTS

This book was absolutely heart wrenching but in the best way possible. There was a very tasty love triangle and enemies at every turn. There’s revenge, romance, intrigue, and anything else you could ask of a good fantasy. I adore Sophie Jordan, but I had not read her fantasy before this prequel series to Firelight. In other words, I have not read the Firelight series, but if it’s anything like this one, I probably need it on my TBR stat.

This is not a standalone and you need to read the first in the prequel series before you dive into this one. There’s no way you can appreciate the depths of the betrayals and the highs of the revenge scenes if you don’t. I love a good romantasy and this was a FEAST!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Fantasy Historical Fiction Paranormal Supernatural Survival

A LAND SO WIDE

BY Erin A Craig. Pub Date 9-9-25

Rating:

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious lumber merchant, the village is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Determined to rescue Ellis, she figures out a way to defy Mistaken’s curse and begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But there, Greer is hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding and her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and seize her own future.”

THOUGHTS

Erin A Craig understands how to write atmospheric settings, interesting characters, and stories that take bites of folklore and ties them tightly to strands of simple and realistic settings. Each one is like a delicate web made from the delicate memories of life, knots of horror, and amber droplets of love and yearning that traverse along its edges.

Basically, I’m a fan behind all the waxing poetic.

A Land So Wide is an interesting mash up of manifest destiny and ancient evil, clashing on the shores of untamed wilderness. At times of felt like a condemning parallel to how the colonies were settled, with an eldritch horror in place of disease. I cannot explain that further, you will just need to read it. I enjoyed the characters and the ending. Craig always leaves us devastated yet satisfied, and, as always, waiting for the next story to burst forth from her brain and into our greedy hands.

Thanks to Netgalley and Pantheon for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest, fair review.

Categories
Adventure Cozy Fantasy Romance Spicy🌶️

A TALE OF MIRTH & MAGIC

By Kristen Vale. Pub Date 08-05-2025

Rating:

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Elikki may not have a family, but she has her fierce independence, boundless charm, and enough talent as a jewelry artisan to make a living on the road. Unfortunately for some, she also can’t yet manage to control her chaotic magic. . . and her temper. Sweet, soft Barra lives a quiet life with his mas and three sisters, managing the books for his family’s business. All he wants is to blend in and not make waves—a bit tricky, as a nearly eight-foot-tall purple half-giant.

When Elikki lands in hot water after dealing with a particularly rude customer, Barra finds himself helping her flee the constables. With a bounty on her back—and a severe crush forming on his end—they decide to travel together to the next town. So begins a journey filled with cozy inns, delicious meals, heaps of excellent sex, and a sprinkling of danger.  As their adventures bring them closer together and the threat of capture rises they find themselves changing in surprising ways. He’s given up on finding love. She’s always refused to try. But traveling together, they may discover unexpected, powerful romance and stronger self-identities—if the bounty hunters don’t get them first.“

THOUGHTS

Both Spicy with a capital “Ssss” and incredibly cozy fantasy. I loved both characters. Elikki is a total charisma queen with a tough past that really seems to get in the way of her finding happiness at times, and Barra is a calm king, with a loving family, relatively routine life, but still  plenty of heartbreak. But there’s just something about Elikki that sets his world ablaze, and Barra is the calm, loving presence that may be enough of an anchor for Elikki to find her higher self.

The world building was great, with a lot of focus on cozy food, comfortable beds, pretty places, and plenty of magic. It was the best kind of palate cleanser and calming adventure. I really adored it.

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Historical Fiction RomCom Spicy🌶️

Accidentally His

by Sabrina Jeffries

Rating: 4*s

NOW AVAILABLE FROM KENSINGTON BOOKS

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“As a viscount’s heir, Rafe Wolfford is obligated to take a wife someday. But she must be the right sort of wife—not too independent, and not inclined to delve into his escapades as a spy. The forthright, perceptive Lady Verity is altogether the wrong choice. But Rafe’s courtship is merely a ruse to discover whether Verity or anyone else associated with Elegant Occasions is leaking crucial information to the French. That mission is all that
matters—until fate, and desire, intervene.

After enduring one disastrous engagement, Verity won’t easily open her heart again, preferring to devote herself to Elegant Occasions. Rafe is charming, handsome, and kisses like the very devil, but she knows he’s harboring secrets. Still, when her ex-fiancé tries to ruin her reputation, Rafe offers his hand. For the sake of her family and business, Verity has little choice but to accept. Yet turning this arrangement into a true marriage will require daring and trust—which neither will embrace easily, making surrender all the sweeter . . .”

REVIEW

This is the culmination of the Designing Debutantes series. We FINALLY get the story about the mysterious man that Verity has seen following and spying on the sisters throughout the series, and it’s everything you wanted and expected. Intrigue, strong women  taking care of themselves even with incredibly supportive partners, and spice between Rafe and Verity that we have come to expect from Sabrina Jeffries.

If you love historical romance and haven’t picked up this series, you are missing out.

Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the free copy in exchange for a review!

Categories
Adventure After Dark Fantasy Mystery Romance Spicy🌶️ Survival

A FIRE IN THE SKY

By Sophie Jordan. Now Available from Avon and Harper Voyager!!

Rating 4.5*s

PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

“Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it’s her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard…though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride…but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone. 

Magic is not dead…it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.”

THOUGHTS

I honestly slept on this one. I did not expect it to be as good as it was. I don’t know what I was expecting, however–I LOVE Sophie Jordan’s historical romances and she’s one of my instabuy authors in that genre, but I guess it’s dragons? I’m relatively new. Late adopted to The Empyrean. I really need to stop being so hesitant to enjoy and indulge in less than cozy fantasy. This was dark fantasy at its finest, and so very spicy. I really love a good bonded couple and Fell and Tamsyn were delicious together. If I had to describe this book in food terms, I’d say it’s a dark chocolate lava cake with a dash of strong, spicy cinnamon. But that cliffhanger is going to kill me…

Thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Contemporary Fiction Romance Survival

Crash Landing

By Annie McQuaid

Rating: 5*

Pub Date April 1, 2025!

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Piper Adams is completely, totally, one hundred percent over Wyatt, the former love of her life. At least, that’s what she tells herself. After he broke her heart, she stopped taking risks and focused instead on building a perfect—and perfectly safe—life. But bumping into Wyatt at the airport on the way to her best friend’s destination wedding wasn’t part of the plan. Neither was a canceled flight nor Wyatt’s offer of a ride on the tiny plane he’s flying to attend the same event. Desperate to make it on time, she accepts his offer, but things go from awkward to full-blown nightmare when their plane crashes in the Caribbean, stranding Piper on a deserted island with the last person she ever wanted to see again.

At first, rule-following Piper clashes with adventure-driven Wyatt, but as the days tick by, she can see the boy she once loved has grown into a man. A man who makes her laugh, knows his way around a fire, and is annoyingly hot shirtless. A man she could love again. As the chemistry still simmering between them boils over, Piper begins wishing Wyatt was more than just a survival partner. But for their love to survive a second chance, she’ll have to not only trust Wyatt again, but also learn to trust herself and find the courage to let go of her carefully curated life for the chance at something far greater—if they can survive the island long enough for rescue.”

REVIEW

I love Romcoms. I love survival stories. I love rivals/enemies to lovers. How could I NOT like this book when it did all three PERFECTLY.

Crash Landing has an excellent plot–survive on an island with your first love/ex until rescue comes, and try not to give into the romantic and sexual tension. Easy enough, right? Two people who once had intense feelings for one another, a misunderstanding that leads to a lifetime of hurt and longing, only to be brought back together in a scenario where there is an iffy chance of survival? So simple. The characters have great development and real problems to overcome. And it does not have that Hallmark movie feel to it, which is just another plus in my book.

If any of thisnappeals to you, put this one on your TBR.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the advanced review in exchange for a fair and honest review!

Categories
Adventure Historical Fiction Romance Spicy🌶️

A Lady’s Lesson in Scandal

By Darcy McGuire

Rating

Available Now from Boldwood Books

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Secret femme-fatale in training Millicent Whittenburg needs to escape her unpleasant betrothal. Taking matters into her own hands, she plans her eventual ruin! Then she can disappear from society to carry out the Queen’s deadly missions. Step 1: seduce the one man who despises marriage more than her!

However, she hugely underestimates her target. Major General Beaufort Drake. Fearsome private investigator, he’s notoriously cold and visibly battle scarred. But Millie’s scandalously public kiss awakens a deeply suppressed desire in Drake. Instead of allowing them both to succumb to shame he does the unthinkable, and offers for her hand in a convenient marriage.

Nothing prepares them for the fireworks when a fearless damsel collides with a dangerous Major General! And as their secret missions align they face their hardest test on the glittering battlefield – a week long wedding house party where there is nowhere to escape…only new and wicked lessons to be learnt!”

REVIEW

This was my first in this series and it was so great, even without reading the official first. I love the “mission” that the couple has in common–very important work fighting human trafficking!

The sparks certainly fly between our MCs and despite how they started the relationship, they are stronger together fighting for a similar cause. However, I think my favorite part of these books is how absolutely supportive our MMCs are with their counterparts. Although, if they weren’t, I don’t think the FMCs would hesitate to show them the what-for!

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
Adventure Mystery Science Fiction Survival

Full Speed to a Crash Landing

By Beth Revis

Rating: 5* – You need to read this space heist NOW.

Available NOW from DAW.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Ada Lamarr may have gotten to the spaceship wreck first, but looter’s rights won’t get her far when she’s got a hole in the side of her ship and her spacesuit is almost out of air. Fortunately for her, help arrives in the form of a government salvage crew—and while they reluctantly rescue her from certain death, they are not pleased to have an unexpected passenger along on their classified mission. 

But Ada doesn’t care—all that matters to her is enjoying their fine food and sweet, sweet oxygen—until Rian White, the government agent in charge, starts to suspect that there’s more to Ada than meets the eye. He’s not wrong—but he’s so pretty that Ada is perfectly happy to keep him paying attention to her—at least until she can complete the job she was sent to pull off. But as quick as Ada is, Rian might be quicker—and she may not be entirely sure who’s manipulating who until it’s too late…”

REVIEW:

Beth Revis is a MASTER of space bound suspense and this book just frigging proves it. She set out to write something great to spite a critic and she absolutely did. This is a fins specimen of space heist sci-fi fiction and I almost can’t say more without giving anything away. The suspense was great, the action- amazing! And the characters–oh boy.

Do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I’ve been recommending it to everyone who will listen, and if you’ve gotten this far, kudos–now stop reading this review and start reading this book.

Thanks to NetGalley and DAW for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review