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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.

  • How To Steal a Galaxy

    By Beth Revis. 5*s!

    NOW AVAILABLE FROM DAW!

    Publisher’s Synopsis:

    “Ada had no intention whatsoever to continue working for the rebel group that hired her to retrieve the government’s plans for a nanobot climate cleaner if they weren’t willing to pay her for it, but then they offer a different perk: an undercover mission to a charity gala where Rian will be in attendance. Rian, meanwhile, has volunteered his services for the gala believing that the rare items up for auction will attract Ada’s eye. Hoping to catch her in the act and pin her with a punishable crime, Rian has no idea Ada’s really after.

    In a high-stakes game of theft and deception, Ada plays to win…and Rian will do anything to stop her.”

    REVIEW:

    REVIS! How can you do this TWICE with the same amazing characters? Another amazing scifi space heist story with a morally grey FMC and lawful MMC set in a museum full of Sol Earth artifacts on a far off planet. The villain is finally revealed and is entirely hateable and we get more background on Ada that gives more background on the struggles of OG Earth to stay alive. Plus there’s more push and pull with Rian, which gives that little spice that amps up the tension and character dev.

    I am again super obsessed. I absolutely LOVE this short series and will recommend this to ANYONE who enjoys a good mystery/heist/scifi/romance situation. So excited for the next installment coming out soon!

    Thanks to NetGalley and DAW for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. Loved it!

  • My Big Fat Fake Marriage

    by Charlotte Stein

    Rating: 4*s – Sweet n Spicy!

    Publish Date is March 11, 2025

    Publisher’s Synopsis:

    “Connie has always distrusted nice guys. In her experience, they’re just waiting to reveal some horrible secret. And then she meets big, adorable, Henry Samuel Beckett—editor extraordinaire, lover of bow ties, sweet and so cheery she struggles to believe he’s real.

    Until Henry Samuel Beckett—or Beck, as he’s known to most—tells her the secret underneath his sunny surface: He’s been single all his life. But in a moment of panic, he’s told everyone at his publishing house that he’s married. And when Connie, an aspiring writer herself, can’t help defending him, she ends up being the fake wife he doesn’t actually have.

    When they head off on a writing retreat, surrounded by people convinced this must be a ruse, both of them can’t help but agree. Until they share their first kiss, their first touch, their first time in only one bed. Side by side, every night, as the simmering tension builds…Connie starts to wonder if this might be real after all.”

    REVIEW:

    CHARLOTTE STEIN has quickly become one of my absolute favorite authors of thick queen contemporary romance alongside Olivia Dade. I love the dynamic between her characters and My Big Fat Fake Marriage was no exception. This one was so cute, so sexy, and 100% awesome. Deserves the all the delicious buzzwords like ‘unputdownable’ and ‘beautifully smutty’. Our mustachioed main man was all green flags and our thick queen was properly ravished and had excellent character development. 

    Love this author’s stuff and CANNOT WAIT for what she has next!

    Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy in exchange for this review!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.