Categories
Contemporary Fiction Fantasy Romance Science Fiction Spicy🌶️ Uncategorized

Love & Other Conspiracies

By Mallory Marlowe

Rating:

NOW AVAILABLE FROM BERKLEY PUBLISHING

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Hallie Barrett’s life has imploded after she’s dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries.
 
Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition.
 
As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again.”

REVIEW

I’m a real nerd when it comes not only to books, but also supernatural stuff. Cryptids, UFOs, the paranormal–you name it, I’ve probably heard of it before. Sasquatch possibly being an interdimensional being? Yup. Poltergeist activity being a manifestation of excess preteen energy? Of course!

That said, I was so excited to read a romcom featuring some of my favorite material. I love a good will they won’t they, high chemistry/high tension contemporary romance, and this book did not disappoint. I love seeing it on shelves and I make sure to point it out to people and say “OH, this is a good one!”

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
Romance RomCom Spicy🌶️ Thick Babes Witchy!

How to Help a Hungry Werewolf

By Charlotte Stein.

Rating: 3*s – Supernatural Spice

NOW AVAILABLE FROM ST. MARTIN’S PRESS!

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“When Cassandra Camberwell returns to her hometown of Hollow Brook to clear out her late grandmother’s ramshackle old house, the last thing she expects is Seth Brubaker on her doorstep. Her former best friend was responsible for the worst moment of her high school life, and she can’t imagine he wants to do anything but torment her all over again.

Until she unearths the real reason this annoyingly gorgeous beast of a man keeps hanging around: he’s an actual werewolf, who’s certain she’s the witch that will ease his suffering. But Cassie just isn’t sure if she can trust him again. So Seth offers a pact: he’ll teach her all about her undiscovered magic, and she will brew the potions he needs. No feelings, no funny business, just a witch and a werewolf striking a deal.

Totally doable. Until they get hit with a do-or-die mating bond. And now the heat is rising, in between fights with formers bullies and encounters with talking raccoons. They just have to not give in. Unless giving in just might be the very thing they never knew they always wanted.”

REVIEW:

Let me preface this by saying that I LOVE Charlotte Stein books. I also LOVE witchy books. I dig Werewolf stories, and LOVE enemies to lovers romances. Why am I sugar coating? Because although I loved the ending and see the potential in a series, the first 25%-40% of this was ROUGH. Not everything. Just the dialogue between the MCs. It felt like it was one person talking to themselves. They talked the same and it really did not feel like there was any actual chemistry. The male MC had some Himbo energy, but it wasn’t pulled off well–at first!

Although the beginning was rough and I hated the dialogue, the rest of the story was a ton of fun. Very redemptive. It’s kind of worth the bumpy road in the waybin, hut it would have been better if the dialogue hadn’t been super cringe. I almost DNFed in the beginning. But I’m really glad I stuck with it!

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
RomCom Spicy🌶️

The Launch Date

By Annabelle Slator

Rating: 4.5*s – Ambitiously Spicy Rivals to Lovers

Publisher’s Synopsis

“Grace Hastings’s dream job at the popular “true love” dating app, Fate, has turned into a nightmare. Her boss is a leech, her career is stagnating, and her fiancé has just brutally dumped her. Her hope for finding her own love story is waning, and she feels like a fraud for promoting a concept she no longer believes in. When the company’s CEO offers her an opportunity to earn a big promotion, she resolves to fight her imposter syndrome to show she deserves a seat at the table.

The opportunity? To launch a brand-new app focusing on IRL dating and genuine connection.

The problem? She must develop and test-drive a series of “first dates” with the other person gunning for the job: notorious socialite playboy and Grace’s biggest work rival, Eric Bancroft.

During their disastrous hikes, dangerous cooking classes, and steamy yoga sessions, they begin to realize their stark differences may just be surface level and Eric might just be the perfect person to challenge Grace’s perceptions of love, dating culture, and self-worth.”

REVIEW:

Absolutely ADDICTIVE friends to rivals to lovers workplace romance! Sexy, emotional, and hilarious with believable characters and excellent character development. Highly recommend starting during the weekend because you will not be able to put this down and unless you don’t need to sleep before going to your office job, weeknights are not it. 

Loved.

Thank you Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager 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

Categories
Fantasy Romance

Bride of the Shadow King

By Sylvia Mercedes

Rating: 3.5*s – High Fantasy filled with longing glances

Now Available from Berkley Publishing!

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. She’s told her gods-gift makes her a liability to the crown, and has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

King Vor is not eager to take a human bride, but he is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?”

REVIEW

I was not expecting to be hooked from page one or for the setting and lore to be set up so beautifully. The tension between the characters in the first half was so great, but the last half had me clawing for the next page–it’s that longing feeling that clings to your heart when you see that there are two people on the page who would be happier of they could know the truth about the other. I was not expecting the level of court intrigue or the physical pain that Faraine’s magic caused her, nor where that whole thing went.

This is a good setup for the next book, which I will have a review up for soon!

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
Uncategorized

The Confessions of a Lady

By Darcy McGuire

Rating 4.5* – Daring and Spicy

Pub Date February 9, 2025

Publishing Synopsis:

“In the world of upstairs/downstairs, Housemaid Penny Smith anticipates her employer’s needs and blends into the background making her the perfect spy for the prime minister against a suspected member of the Devil’s Sons. There’s only one problem. When she meets the guilty marquess, his actions don’t match the evidence against him. Lord William Renquist defies her every expectation and sets her traitorous heart racing.

Lord William Renquist, Marquess of Stoneway and secret spy to Queen Victoria, must infiltrate the Devil’s Sons, tearing the brotherhood apart from the inside. His mission – to bring evil men to justice while atoning for the sins of his family, proving honour is stronger than tainted blood. There’s only one problem. A canny maid who is always in the right place at the wrong time and who deliciously challenges his every order.

Liam and Penny are unknowingly playing a dangerous game from opposite sides of justice. And at a masked ball, forbidden attraction burns into something far more complex as their secrets spin into daring confessions. This battle against their enemy will only be won if Penny and Liam can work together. But can a maid from downstairs ever trust an upstairs marquess?”

REVIEW

I have found my way into the ‘feral romance’ portion of the literary world and I’m not complaining. The tension and lusty madness that takes place in this book kept me up until 2:30am and I finished it in 2 sittings. I am in love with Penny and Liam, both super tough, both wanting better for the world even at their own expense, and both ready to fight figuratively and literally to make it happen. The touch her and die is strong with this one.

The plot is also dark and deep and related to stopping sex trafficking, which is one thing I really love about this series. It’s something I make an effort to learn about in my personal life and rooting for characters in a fictional story gives me hope that good will prevail in reality, too.

I have a feeling I know whose storyline next and I am highly anticipating it!

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

Categories
Uncategorized

The Mist-Walker

Breath of Things Part 1

By by Stéphane Fert

Rating: 4*s – Gorgeously witchy and body positive with a hint of dark fantasy.

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“One day, everything was lost in the mist. No, not those little morning wisps or the thin type that follows rain. The really dense stuff. A pea-souper, a dark fog, thick and black like atomized ink. A mist that engulfs everything. But the mist also left something behind: a mutant, an ogress—or perhaps just a little girl that a grouchy old witch would decide to call Temperance and who would be brought up in a quiet village by a group of contented old women. Then one day, the mist returns. It wants her back. Now it’s time for the witches to dust off their charms and try to remember their old incantations and kung fu techniques as they set out on a great adventure that will determine young Temperance’s destiny.”

REVIEW:

The Mist-Walker is an English translation from a French graphic novel an it is magnifique! has some AWESOME art and is so body positive and still has that witchy vibe. I loved temperance and all of the members of her witchy community. There is a section of the book with some really body positive nudity (as a warning) but it’s super respectful and lovely. The story is also excellent and I’m really hoping that there’s a second volume out soon!

Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Categories
Uncategorized

Vow of the Shadow King

By Sylvia Mercedes

Rating 3* – Cool Setting, suspense

Pub Date January 14, 2025

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“After her deception is discovered, Princess Faraine is trapped in the Shadow Realm and at the mercy of her new husband. She’s surrounded by enemies and far from any allies. Dissolving their marriage alliance would spell disaster for her people, not to mention break her heart.

With the instability in his realm growing daily, King Vor is more desperate than ever to find a solution. Only, it cannot involve his wife. At one time, he thought he might love her, but with his trust irrevocably shattered by her lie, he’s convinced their love cannot possibly flourish.

Circumstances require them to spend more time together, forcing Vor to determine what is truth and what is deceit between him and Faraine. He cannot deny the way his blood stirs in her presence. If their love is truly poisoned beyond recovery, why is there a flicker of hope in the darkness?”

REVIEW

This sequel to Bride of the Shadow King brings us back to the Trolde realm and pulls us up from the edge of the cliff. The sequel brings us some answers, but opens up other mysteries for which we beg for answers. Court intrigue is strong, Faraine begins to figure out why her power seems so tied to the crystals of this kingdom, and Vor finds himself questioning not only those closest to him, but also what is most important to him as an individual. There’s conspiracy afoot and a cult with highly questionable motives.

These stories are fast paced and being the sucker for mystery that I am in was invested. I’m still invested as there were some answers I’ve been waiting for since book 1, like I truly think Ilsevel is still alive and being married tonthe fae king and we have a spinoff series coming for us, but no confirmation yet. I find it super frustrating but the world is still cool and there are still a few characters that aren’t completely wearing on me. The MC is starting to annoy, which makes me sad because I really liked Faraine in Book 1, but the author is doing that thing where she’s super chosen and the only answer, whoch drives me nuts. I am really hoping that Heart of the Shadow King gives us some answers and brings us home, and also gives us more Haele who is my favorite.

Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
Historical Fiction Romance Spicy🌶️

In Want of a Viscount

Final Novel in the Chessman series –NOW AVAILABLE

by Lorraine Heath

Rating:

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“American Leonora Garrison has come to England in desperate search of investors to keep her family business afloat but instead finds surprising pleasure when she visits an exclusive ladies’ club and dares to kiss a stranger, who leaves her yearning for more.

With a libertine for a father, Viscount Wyeth, more commonly known as Rook, vowed to live his life above reproach, with nary a hint of disgrace. Until one night, he takes a mysterious beauty into his arms, a lady who tempts him to cast his sterling reputation aside in favor of more wicked pursuits.

When fate reunites the couple, they are torn between desire and duty. Leonora may want the viscount, but she needs a stakeholder not a lover. When caught in a compromising situation that places everything they hold dear at risk, they must determine how best to win. However, in this scandalous game, nothing except love takes all.”

REVIEW:

The Chessmen series as a whole is a fantastic historical romance adventure, but I especially loved In Want of a Viscount.

Our MC Lenora is inventive and secretly adventurous. She is on a mission to save the family business, a beloved memory of her late father. Her brother and mother could care less, but she’s bound and determined to save her father’s legacy. While visiting a club for women, she is offered an opportunity to kiss a stranger. She decides to take a chance and gets more than she bargained for when she ends up kissing Rook, who is filling in for an employee at his brother’s club. Sparks fly, but they part–never thinking they’ll see one another again.

We know where this goes. Of course they see one another again, and that spark of passion is still intense. It leads to lots of spice and plenty of tension, which–wow. I truly loved the plot and the characters were very well thought out, but I wouldn’t expect less from Heath.

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon Harper Voyager for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

Categories
Uncategorized

Fang Fiction

by Kate Stayman-London

Rating: 4*s – Excellent Bite- Drain ever spicy drop!

AVAILABLE NOW TO RANDOM HOUSE PUB GROUP

Publisher’s Synopsis:

“Tess Rosenbloom is no stranger to the dark. An assault survivor and grad school dropout, Tess spends her nights managing a chic Brooklyn hotel and her days reading her favorite vampire novels, Blood Feud. She even dabbles in online conspiracies claiming Blood Feud is real—it’s fun to hunt for clues! But deep down, Tess doesn’t believe vampires actually exist . . . until one walks through her door.

It turns out the sexy villain of Blood Feud is trapped, and only Tess can rescue him. Eager to escape her life, Tess agrees to help, and soon she’s on a secret island where the sun never shines, surrounded by deadly vampires—and most terrifying of all, she’s falling in love with one of them. (Meanwhile, back in New York, Tess’s estranged best friend is having a sapphic paranormal affair of her own.)

Visiting the world of your favorite story is any fan’s dream, but can Tess outrun the demons of her past (and vampires of her present) before it becomes a nightmare? In this darkly glamorous rom-com, Tess will find out if it’s worth risking her neck—and her heart—for a chance to reclaim her future”

REVIEW:

I have recommended this book to many people. It’s the Vampire Fan Fiction fantasy that every romcom or vampire stan needs to read. It was lush, funny, and the characters were surprisingly well written. The romance was good and the world building was so interesting. I truly loved the alternate universe sci fi aspect that connected our world to the magical little vampire island in Blood Fued–just some multidimensional bar that was the hub of time and space? Such a neat touch. 

I also really felt for Tess, our MC. Trauma responses are real and the disconnection she felt she had to make was so difficult, but watching her grow and reclaim the parts of her life she missed was super empowering. And finding that power to fight for the truth and liberation of good folks and found family? Awesome.

Again. Highly recommend. ❤️

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.