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Wicked Tales & Wild Romances

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Step into a sanctuary of Wicked Tales & Wild Romances, where we explore the most captivating corners of dark fantasy and heart-tugging rom-coms. This is more than just a reading log; it’s a collection of Curated Chronicles for the Modern She-Wolf who isn’t afraid to get lost in the shadows or fall for the monster. ​Whether it’s a slow-burn magic system or a spicy contemporary trope, every story here is chosen to be Wildly Devoured.

  • LOVE AT FIRST FRIGHT

    By Nadia El-Fassi. Pub Date 09-16-25

    Rating

    PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

    Rosemary Shaw’s ability to see the dead has never scared her. In fact, it’s secretly inspired most of her horror novels. Now at twenty-nine, Rosemary is an acclaimed author, and her most successful book is about to be a blockbuster movie. The film set is in a beautiful manor house in the English countryside, and it’s no surprise there are ghosts hanging around. But ghosts are something Rosemary can handle; she’s not so sure how to deal with her infuriatingly handsome leading man, who is all wrong for the role.

    Ellis Finch is a longtime Hollywood heartthrob with a secret of his own. He’s tired of playing the action movie hero and would much rather be gardening with his sweet dog, Fig. Frankly, he’s getting too old to maintain the industry’s standards of what a man should look like. Starring in a historical horror movie will be perfect for his new image, until he finds out that the author tried to get him kicked off the project, but Ellis won’t go down without a fight.

    Amidst filming the movie and the chemistry-filled feuding between Rosemary and Ellis, Hallowvale manor comes alive, literally. Trying to balance the mayhem of her writing deadlines, an adorable ghostly dog, and a pair of Regency-era women who are definitely nothing more than friends, Rosemary is at risk of telling Ellis her secret, or worse—falling for him.

    REVIEW

    I really love a good paranormal romance and this had a very interesting premise, but when it came to executing it? NAILED IT. 

    I loved the enemies to lovers trope and how well executed that relationship was and how realistically the author executed Rosemary’s ability to see ghosts. They presented it much like how you would expect it would in real life with having to mask that you’re chatting with people others can’t see. The side plot involving Ellis and his struggles with being who he is authentically also felt very much borrowed from real life.

    But I can’t leave this review without talking about the romance piece. Honestly, I just expected a somewhat basic contemporary feel good supernatural romance type vibe, but holy sh** did I get so much more. This book is super hot. It trussed me up and ROASTED me with how deliciously spicy it was. I definitely discovered things about myself. It explores a few kinks in a very consenting way. You may want to make sure you’re not in a public place while reading (unless you’re into that).

    Overall, definitely one of my FAVORITE books of 2025!

    Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

  • 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!

  • Maid for Each Other

    By Lynn Painter

    Pub Date 7/15/2025

    4.5*s

    Publishers Synopsis:

    “As a professional cleaner, Abi Mariano never thought her apartment would have any sort of infestation, but because of a building-wide outbreak, she now needs somewhere to stay for a week. As a part-time student with two jobs, she doesn’t have many options. Then the solution presents itself: the owner of the penthouse she cleans is out of town for the week. She normally wouldn’t consider it, but he’s literally never around (she hasn’t even met him). It goes great…until one morning she finds two strangers in the kitchen. They’re the parents of the penthouse owner and they seem to think they’ve heard all about Abi—not as their son’s maid, but as his girlfriend.

    Declan Powell has always put his career first, working his way up to become an executive at his company, but he still has his sights set on the next level. When his parents mention that they met his girlfriend, “Abby,” he all but chokes on his escargot. As wonderful as it sounds that she was just darling, he doesn’t actually have a girlfriend—he made her up to get everyone off his back. When Dex finds out who Abi really is, he makes her a proposition: pretend to date him, and he’ll provide everything she needs during their little arrangement. What harm would it do? It’s purely business, no pleasure…right?”

    REVIEW:

    Maid for Each Other is a great contemporary read, very Cinderella-esque. The pacing is good, the plot is excellent and the characters are really likeable and well rounded. Abi is a scrappy little thing that reminded me of Elizabeth from the show New Girl. She was very much one of those “I’ll do this because we agreed on it but it won’t change who I am and I am totally going to mess with you” types, while Dex was a career minded guy who was all dollars and suits up front with some  hidden depths that weren’t just ab-deep. Total ice berg.

    This is one of those easy contemporary reads. Not necessarily cozy, but the kind where there is plenty to puzzle out and where you want to race full speed to find an HEA. It got me through a significant reading slump. This was my first Lynn Painter book, but it will definitely not be my last!

    Thank You NetGalley and Berkeley Publishing for an advanced ebook copy in exchange for this review!

  • A Simple Twist of Fate

    by April Asher

    Rating: 3.5*s – Cute and Cozy with a dash of spice!

    Publish Date is May 13, 2025

    Publisher’s Synopsis

    “At the bright-eyed age of eighteen, witch Harlow “Harry” Pierce attended her first Fates Festival Finding Ceremony certain the Blue Willow Wisp would lead her to her Fated match, her cougar shifter boyfriend, Jaxon Atwood. But Fate had other plans, guiding her best friend to him instead. With a broken heart, all her belongings, and a vow to never return, Harry did the only thing a heartsick witch could do. Run.

    Thirteen years later, she returns to her magical hometown—with her half-human, half-shifter goddaughter in tow—hoping that not only would the town work its magic on the troubled teenager, but that the local Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack could help Grace identify—and control—her fiery abilities.

    Jaxon Atwood was a shifter of few words and even less patience… until his mother retired as Alpha of the Rocky Mountain Pack and left the running of things to him. It’s a headache he didn’t need, and one that brought the witch who’d ripped his heart from his chest knocking on his door.

    Ever since the disappearance of the town’s Fate Witch over a decade ago, Fates Haven’s magic has been slowly going haywire. There hasn’t been a Fated Match made in thirteen years, putting the town in serious jeopardy of losing its title of Highest Fated Mates Percentage in the World. But now, something is stirring in Fates Haven, Colorado, and it smells like the past, tastes like change, and looks like A SIMPLE TWIST OF FATE.”

    REVIEW:

    Another super cute supernatural romance from April Asher! I was a big fan of her previous series and am very excited for what comes next in the new Fates Haven series. So many interesting characters to dive into and the end of the first really gives us something to sink our talons into. 

    The story between Jax and Harry is a good one to dive into. I’m not always a fan of the “simple miscommunication and teen mistakes caused all kinds of problems” trope, but this one was executed pretty well. There was a lot of world building, so it felt like that was more of the focus (also executed well). The character I fell most in love with in this one was the town of Fates Haven itself. It’s like a living, breathing part of this story. My second favorite is definitely Aunt Nora Pierce, and I cannot wait to see what other trouble that both can get into. 

    Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and April Asher for the advanced copy in exchange for this honest and impartial review!!

  • The Madness of Miss Grey

    By Julia Bennet

    Rating: 4*s Madly in Love

    Available now from Julia Bennet!

    Publisher’s Synopsis:

    “Everyone thinks Helen Grey is mad but, despite ten years imprisoned in a crumbling Yorkshire asylum, she’s managed to cling to sanity. When a new doctor arrives, she sees an opportunity. William Carter may seem like an honorable man but she’s sure he’ll prove easy to seduce…and trick into helping her escape.

    Will would never bed a patient, no matter how tempting she might be. But once he realises Helen’s been imprisoned for no good reason, he’s determined to save her. They need to work together but freeing her won’t be easy, not when her mysterious benefactor is determined to keep her locked up and hidden from society forever.

    When Helen is entangled in her own trap and begins to fall for Will too, she must fight not only for her liberty but for her right to love.”

    REVIEW

    This is a dark historical romance with themes of mental and some physical abuse. Our MCs are not the typical handsome duke and debutante. No, this is a house of madness and explores the dark times when a woman could be committed for little to no reason at the whims of the men who were their appointed guardians. Helen does not present with “Madness”, something William Carter figures out quickly during their interactions. She does suffer much abuse at the hands of her supposed caregivers, which William finds himself often in need of intervening. Yet, despite his findings, it seems that someone outside of the hospital is taking great pains to see she does not emerge from this dark place. As Helen and William try to figure out a way to get her out, feelings begin to develop between them that may set their lives on fire.

    Part mystery thriller, part forbidden romance, with the slightest sprinkling of horror. I really liked this dark historical romance. ❤️

    Thanks to NetGalley and the author for the free copy in exchange for an honest review!

  • Hardly a Gentleman

    By Eloisa James

    Rating: 3* – Cute and Cozy

    Publishing Date: April 29, 2025

    Publisher’s Synopsis:

    “Desperate after her Season comes to a spectacularly disastrous end, the Honorable Miss Clara Vetry jumps into a carriage hired to take a housekeeper to Scotland. The laird of Castle CaerLaven has no interest in a wife, especially a love match—but when Caelan sees his new housekeeper, he changes his mind. Marriage to a delectable bookworm strikes him as a perfect arrangement.

    To his surprise, Clara refuses his proposal once…and again…yet again. When her true identity is revealed, and they’re forced to marry, Caelan realizes he has a far more crucial challenge. 

    He finally has Clara’s hand—but how will he ever win her heart?”

    REVIEW

    This is a cute and fast read. Clara isn’t my favorite Eloisa Jams heroine, but she is certainly different! She’s one of those people who falls into trouble due to impulsive decisions and always seems to land in a bed of roses. However, she is one to put in the work! I did love the setting, the tertiary characters, and our hero.

    This was definitely a situation where it felt like insta-lust-love. Not my favorite by Eloisa James, but still worth a read if you want that historical fiction formula with a cozy, easy read feel.

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

  • Love to Hate You

    By Marina Adair. Pub Date 4-22-2025

    Rating: 4*s

    “Wes Kingston is the cut-throat CEO of the bookstore chain, and he doesn’t believe in love—or failure. He runs his business the way he runs his life, alone. And he isn’t going to let a fiery femme fatale change that (even if she’s gorgeous).

    Summer Russo believes in destiny and true love . . . which is why she sank her life savings into reviving a nearly bankrupt indie bookstore. But just as she starts to get the hang of the business, a big-box shop moves in next door.

    At least Summer has her family’s annual vacation to look forward to. But when she arrives at the beachside cabin, she realizes her sister has brought along not only her boyfriend but a second guest—his brother, who just happens to be the same surly-but-infuriatingly-sexy bookstore mogul.

    Thoughts:

    This is a cute rivals to lovers romcom that gives You’ve Got Mail vibes. It goes deeper, also, into family drama and trauma, and complicated feelings around how much support someone should be responsible for to keep those they love afloat. Both characters had to deal with these feelings while discovering what really matters to them through the other person. It was such a delight and seeing the growth of the characters and how they confronted their issues with one another’s support. It really made it feel personal.

    Also supernatural funny and cute!

    Thanks to 8th Note Press and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review!

  • ECHOES OF NIGHT

    By Caitlyn MacFarland. Pub Date THIS TUESDAY,  04-15-2025!

    Rating: 4*s

    PUBLISHER’S SYNOPSIS

    “She didn’t expect to survive the night…

    To satisfy the terms of a treaty between her pack and the Alpha who murdered her brother, twenty-four-year-old Selene Beaumont finds herself taking the place of her spoiled sister as a sacrificial bride. Powerless as a wolfless pack servant, what chance does she stand against a monster like Killian Darrow, the only living heir of the depraved Alpha King?

    But something happens when he touches her, something that echoes in her soul. Changed from monster to a man, a mysterious transformation is revealed, throwing all that is known about the murderous Alpha into doubt.

    He’s looking to break a monstrous curse…

    Killian prefers to keep others at a safe distance, but after Selene unlocks the mystery of his affliction, he has no choice but to keep her close. Skin-to-skin close. Or risk the monster rearing its ugly head.

    But soon it becomes clear that not everyone wants him to be free, or see a wolfless woman married to the most powerful Alpha in a generation. As allies turn to enemies and old secrets stir, they will learn that nothing and no one is what it seems.“

    THOUGHTS

    This book scratched an itch for me in a completely satisfying way. I really wanted a spicy, angsty werewolf romance and this one dug deep into it with its claws and tore if up from the root. It’ll definitely grow back in time for the next installment.

    There was plenty of plot, pack intrigue, political finagling between warring packs and other supes, and hidden origin story to keep this interesting throughout all 513 pages.

    Not sure when we can expect the next one, but there will by 8 books in the Daughter’s of the Shattered Moon series including ECHOES OF NIGHT!

    Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the advanced copy in exchange for a fair and honest review

  • Heartbreaker

    Hell’s Belles #2

    Sarah McLean, Pub Date Oct 18, 2022

    4*s Best Enjoyed when you want a truly delightful adventure romance with some Praise Kink

    Publisher’s Synopsis

    “A Princess of Thieves: Raised among London’s most notorious criminals, a twist of fate landed Adelaide Frampton in the bright ballrooms of Mayfair, where she masquerades as a quiet wallflower—so plain and unassuming that no one realizes she’s the Matchbreaker…using her superior skills as a thief to help brides avoid the altar.

    A King of Reputation: Henry, Duke of Clayborn, has spent a lifetime living in perfection. He has no time for the salacious gossip that arises every time the Matchbreaker ends another groom. His own reputation is impeccable—and the last thing he needs is a frustrating, fascinating woman discovering the truth of his past, or the secrets he holds close.

    A Royal Match: When the two find themselves on a breakneck journey across Britain to stop a wedding, it’s impossible for Clayborn to resist this woman who both frustrates and fascinates him. But late-night carriage rides make for delicious danger…and soon Adelaide is uncovering Clayborn’s truths, throwing his well-laid plans into chaos…and threatening to steal his heavily guarded heart.

    THOUGHTS

    Hell’s Bells is a great series by the AMAZING Sarah MacClean. This wasn’t my favorite of the three, that honor belongs to book 3, Knock Out, but it was still fun to experience Adelaide and Henry’s relationship from chase to spice.

    The cat and mouse aspect lead to a fantastic emotional growth arc that was somewhat expected but no less delightful. The danger they faced added a layer to the plot that helped move the story along, but also really illustrated why Adelaide was so closed off and the obstacles that the Duke must overcome to be with his lady.

    I really did enjoy this series. It has a very strong FMC vibe that it shares woth the best modern historucal romance renderings.

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

  • 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!