Symphony of Sorrow by

Symphony of Sorrow

by Ava Summers

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

 Blurb:

My husband is rich, hot, and the heir to the powerful Di Rossi crime family.

I hate his guts.

After my stepmother sold me like a prize cow, I ran away before the ink had even dried on the marriage certificate.

One year later, I'm dragged back to the marital home and locked in a gilded cage.

Angelo Di Rossi might make my pulse race when he threatens to punish me for my transgressions, but I’ll never forgive him for ruining my life.

And I’m not too happy with Kane, Angelo’s enforcer. That a-hole may be dangerously sexy but calling me kitten and acting like he cares about my safety means nothing.

Luka, the deliciously pretty black sheep of the family, and Angelo’s younger half-brother, is my only solace with his flirty banter and smoking hot abs.

Unfortunately for Angelo, I’m not the submissive mafia wife he expected.

My beloved husband might think it’s acceptable to keep me under 24/7 surveillance.

But cameras work both ways, and with Luka’s help, I’m happy to put on a show for him and Kane.

They both like to watch me.

Relaxing by the pool, naked in bed, spread over the kitchen table…

Instead of getting angry, I plan to get even.

By fair means or foul.

---
Symphony of Sorrow is book one in a MFMM (no MM) why choose mafia romance duet where the FMC does not have to choose between her three love interests. Book one ends on a cliff but book two has a HEA. For triggers, check the content note at the beginning of the book.

My Review:

From the very first chapter, this story leans hard into chaos, humor, and sharp-tongued survival, and Chiara is the reason it works so well. She’s bold, sarcastic, and endlessly entertaining, turning what could have been a heavy mafia setup into something genuinely fun to read. Her inner monologue is laugh-out-loud funny, but there’s also heart beneath the attitude that makes it easy to root for her.

After her father’s death, Chiara’s life is ripped out from under her when her stepmother forces her into an arranged marriage with Angelo Di Rossi, heir to a powerful mafia family. Marriage was never part of Chiara’s plan, submission even less so, so she does the only thing that makes sense to her: she runs. For a year, she manages to stay free before being dragged back into the world she tried to escape, delivered straight to her husband by his right-hand man and enforcer, Kane.

Angelo is the kind of character that looks intimidating on the surface but slowly reveals layers. Cold, dominant, and devastatingly attractive, he’s also been quietly in love with Chiara since childhood. Divorce isn’t an option to him, and neither is letting her walk away again. Despite his gruff exterior, his devotion and protectiveness show through in ways that make him impossible not to like, even when Chiara refuses to see it.

Then there’s Luca, whose charm hides far more than it reveals. He uses humor and flirting as armor, masking deep insecurity and emotional scars. Watching Chiara challenge him, defend him, and help him see his own worth adds an unexpectedly tender layer to the story. Their dynamic is messy, complicated, and quietly emotional.

Kane might be the most intriguing of them all. Dangerous, disciplined, and loyal to a fault, he’s caught between duty and desire, clearly struggling with feelings he knows he shouldn’t have. His tension with Chiara crackles, and the hints of his backstory make it impossible not to want more from his perspective in the next installment.

The romance is slow-burn, the chemistry is intense, and the relationships are tangled in the best possible way. Add in a looming threat against the Di Rossi family and an enemy working from the shadows, and there’s a solid plot driving the story forward alongside the heat.

The ending? Absolutely ruthless. This book closes on a cliffhanger that should come with a warning label.

Symphony of Sorrow is the opening to the Empire of Pain duet, and it delivers a mix of humor, tension, spice, and emotional depth without feeling overstuffed or repetitive. Even for someone new to mafia romance, it’s an easy story to sink into, fast-paced, immersive, and impossible to put down.

Between the strong writing, vivid characters, and nonstop momentum, this book turns you into a fan before you even realize it. Sleep may be lost, patience will be tested waiting for book two, and honestly? Worth it.

Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

 Heir of Illusion 

by Madeline Taylor

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blurb: 

An alliance between enemies. A weapon of untold power. And a bond that could rewrite fate.

Fall into the viral, propulsive dark romantasy everyone is reading. A fae assassin with the power of illusion, sworn to a king she despises. An enigmatic grim reaper, searching for freedom. Enemies collide in an unlikely alliance, brimming with desire and destruction.

She is not the pet they tamed.
 
Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.
 
She is the beast they let inside.
 
When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—she must decide how far she’s willing to go.

And she will show no mercy. 

With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?

Tropes
Enemies to lovers / shadow daddy / female assassin / who did this to you / unlikely alliance / he falls first / banter / touch her and die / slow burn / morally gray MMC

My Review:

Not only is The Heir of Illusion wildly original, from its immersive worldbuilding to its inventive magic system, but the FMC instantly earned a spot among my all-time favorites.

Ivy is a beautifully written character with a fully realized backstory that makes every choice she makes feel intentional and earned. She’s strong, capable, and resilient, yet still vulnerable and deeply human. Nothing about her feels forced or convenient, which made her journey incredibly satisfying to follow and easy to root for.

And then there’s the MMC… Thorne the Reaper. Tortured past? Check. Morally gray? Absolutely. Fiercely loyal and terrifyingly protective? Without question. He is my favorite kind of book boyfriend, dangerous, devoted, and willing to destroy anyone who threatens her. I was hooked the moment he stepped onto the page.

This story delivers everything I love: sharp banter, a refreshingly unique fantasy setting, and unforgettable characters (a wraith FMC and a Reaper MMC? Yes, please). The pacing is strong, the stakes are high, and just when I thought I had the plot figured out, Madeline Taylor completely blindsided me. The twist was brilliantly executed, with clues woven in so subtly that I never saw it coming.

That ending left me absolutely stunned, and that cliffhanger? I am more than ready for book two.

The Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor releases March 31, 2025. Do yourself a favor and preorder it now, this is a phenomenal fantasy debut, and I’m officially a forever fan.

 Firebird by Juliette Cross

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb:

House of the Dragon meets From Blood and Ash in this epic, scorching dark romantasy.

A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.

The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Firebird is a fantasy with some dark themes, including elements of master/slave relationship, attempted sexual assault (not between MCs), and dubious consent (not between MCs). Readers who may be sensitive to these elements, please take note.

My Review: 

Firebird wasn’t what I expected at all. Going into it, I had heard a lot of negative opinions, and honestly, if I hadn’t read the book myself, I probably would have assumed they were right. Based on the way people talked about it, I was braced for disappointment. Instead, I ended up getting something completely different than what I had been led to believe.

What surprised me most was the world itself. A setting dominated by Roman dragons is such a bold and intriguing concept, and I genuinely enjoyed how that element shaped the story. The atmosphere felt rich and distinct, and once I settled into it, I found myself invested in how everything operated under that rule. It wasn’t just dragons for the sake of spectacle, they were woven into the fabric of the world in a way that mattered.

That said, the way the story unfolded was absolutely crucial to my enjoyment. The pacing and direction made all the difference. Had the plot taken a different turn or lingered too long in the wrong places, I think my experience would have been drastically different, and not in a good way. This is one of those books where the execution truly makes or breaks it.

In the end, Firebird turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It didn’t live up to the negative expectations I’d absorbed beforehand, and I’m glad I gave it a chance rather than letting outside opinions decide for me. It may not be for everyone, but for me, the story and its unique world came together in a way that worked, and if it hadn’t, I would have walked away feeling very differently.

Under Cover of Stars by Danielle Price

 Under Cover of Stars 

by Danielle Price

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Blurb:

She’s hiding from the government. He’s wanted across the galaxy. Teaming up could save a life…or spark a revolution.

Fenn Kensie just wants to stay invisible. Hiding from the corrupt Galactic Union on a dusty backwater planet, she keeps her head down as a shipyard tech. That is, until her best friend lands in the crosshairs of a brutal crime syndicate. To save him, Fenn agrees to one reckless job with a smug, frustrating, maddeningly attractive thief named Torren.

All she has to do? Fly to her home planet, use her ID chip to gain access, and help Torren pick up a package of highly illegal contraband. Easy.

But nothing about Torren is easy. He’s galaxy-famous for all the wrong reasons, infuriatingly good at what he does, and hiding scars of his own. As their uneasy alliance deepens into something more, Fenn finds herself pulled into a dangerous web of heists, undercover intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that threatens to crack her carefully built walls.

When the mission goes sideways, Fenn will have to Is she ready to stop running and start fighting back?

A sizzling sci-fi romance full of high-stakes action, enemies-to-lovers heat, and anti-authoritarian rebellion. Perfect for fans of Star Wars, space fantasy romance, and found-family stories.

My Review:

Some books make you appreciate the world-building. Others make you fall for the characters. Under Cover of Stars somehow does both, and does it with confidence you don’t usually see in a debut.

At the heart of the story is Fenn, a protagonist who feels capable without being untouchable. She’s careful because she has to be, shaped by a universe where politics are messy and survival isn’t guaranteed. Watching her navigate that space, strong on her own terms, yet open to connection, was deeply satisfying. Her relationship with Torren unfolds naturally, driven by shared purpose and sharp banter rather than convenience, and the emotional payoff feels earned every step of the way.

What really surprised me was how immersive this book is. The action sequences are vivid enough to feel cinematic, but they never overshadow the quieter moments that give the story its emotional weight. Even readers who typically shy away from sci-fi will find this world approachable; the setting is clear, grounded, and never overwhelming. Instead of getting lost in terminology, you’re pulled forward by momentum and character stakes.

This is a story about missions that matter, but also about the people behind them. Found family weaves through the narrative in subtle, heartfelt ways: small gestures, shared histories, sacrifices, and reunions that hit hard. By the time the goodbyes roll around, the emotional investment is undeniable.

Danielle Price has built a universe that feels lived-in and full of possibility, and Under Cover of Stars is a compelling foundation for what’s clearly meant to be a much bigger story. If you love character-driven sci-fi with romance, tension, and genuine heart, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your radar—and I, for one, am very ready for book two.

 Branded by Saffron Kent

My Rating: ⭐

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

Blurb: 

Pen Pal meets Yellowstone in this dark, western romance featuring a college student using a false identity to exchange spicy letters with a prison inmate, only to be hunted down when the convicted cowboy is released.

It all began with letters. Every word he wrote etched itself into my mind, into my soul. I had no choice but to fall in love with him.  
Was it really so bad that the letters were part of a pen pal program, sent from a penitentiary?
Or that they weren't really addressed to me?

It's not as if he'd ever find out the truth.
It's not as if I'd ever get to look those eyes that are as blue as the sky over his ranch he left behind. 
Or that I'd ever get to feel his work-roughened hands dominating my body as he does my fevered dreams.

Until one afternoon when I find myself standing in front of him—pretending to be someone I am not. 
But the joke's on me because for all my pretenses, his deception is much crueler.
The hardened, dangerous, impossibly beautiful man is nothing like the man in the letters.  
And it's too late for me to run.

My Review:

Okay, okay! I know I always try to see the best in every book I read, and I am definitely not a quitter, and yes, for the record, I did finish this one. I kept going even when I felt like my brain was threatening to unravel, mostly because I was already about 90% in and it just didn’t make sense to stop at that point. I hate writing reviews like this, but I’d rather explain what didn’t work for me than just slap a low rating on it and move on.

This book actually started with so much promise. A dark romance with a locked-up cowboy and a pen-pal situation? I was immediately intrigued and fully on board. The setup alone had me thinking this was going to be right up my alley.

Where things started to lose me was with the character dynamics. The FMC came across as very immature, which made the age gap between her and the MMC feel a little confusing rather than intentional. Arsen fit that rugged, masculine cowboy archetype perfectly, the kind of man you can easily picture building fences and working cattle, but Reverie (and listen, I didn’t choose the names, I’m just reporting them) felt like she existed in a completely different world. I understand wanting unique names in a sea of Haydens and Erics, but this pairing just felt mismatched.

While the FMC’s immaturity was at least consistent, her ability to stand up to the MMC after being kidnapped felt less believable. The constant whining quickly became overwhelming, especially when her internal dialogue jumped to, I think I love him territory. That emotional leap just didn’t land for me.

The MMC also didn’t quite hit the mark. His attempts at dominance never crossed into sexy for me and instead felt uncomfortable in a way that pulled me out of the story. I never want to yuck anyone’s yum, but certain scenes, particularly involving intimacy in disturbing contexts, were not something I personally found appealing.

By the end, the romance itself felt improbable, and I struggled to fully buy into their love story.

And finally… the repeated use of the word snatch. Lord, help me. It completely broke my concentration every single time. It hit the same way wet folds do for me, instant mental shutdown.

All that said, this book will absolutely work for someone. The concept is there, and I can see why it might click for the right reader; it just wasn’t for me.

 Silver & Blood by Jessie Mihalik

This is going to be an updated review to add the audiobook review.

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⯩

Spice rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb: 

On a deadly mission to kill the mythical beast that has been haunting her woods, a desperate mage finds her fate intertwined with the handsome and powerful man who saves her.

There’s something in the woods…

Untrained and barely armed, Riela reluctantly agrees to enter the forest and kill the deadly beast that has been attacking her fellow villagers as she’s the only mage available—or so she thought. When one beast turns into two, she fears her death is at hand, but unexpected aid from a scarred, strikingly handsome man with dangerous moonlit magic means a second chance at life—and an opportunity to learn more about her own fickle power.

After being rescued and healed from her fight in the forest, Riela awakens in a magical castle complete with a gorgeous library, a strange wolf, and the surly man who saved her life. Riela soon learns Garrick is not a mortal mage at all—he’s a powerful Etheri sovereign who has been locked out of his kingdom in Lohka for nearly a century, and his powers are weakening.

Trapped in his castle and surrounded by the treacherous woods, the spark of attraction between Riela and Garrick slowly ignites into fiery desire. But the more they discover about Riela’s magic, the more suspicious Garrick grows of her identity. As they unravel the secrets connecting Riela’s past to Lohka, the tenuous threads of trust between them begin to fray because Riela’s life—or her death—might be the key to regaining everything Garrick has lost.

My Review:

I wanted to leave some of my original impressions because adding the audiobook completely shifted my perspective on this story. Immersive reading truly changed the experience for me. Hearing the narrators bring these characters to life made everything feel richer and more emotionally grounded. Their voices added layers of feeling and personality that I didn’t fully pick up on during my first read, making the characters feel more real and lived-in.

One of my absolute favorite elements was the house where much of the story takes place. It gave me strong Howl’s Moving Castle vibes, with a touch of Casita from Encanto, and honestly, it felt like a character all its own. There was something so comforting and magical about it. The narrators’ voices, in particular, created a false sense of safety at times—hard to explain, but incredibly effective. There was warmth and comfort woven into the listening experience, and I highly recommend reading this one alongside the audiobook. I noticed and appreciated far more on my second pass, which ultimately bumped this story from a solid three-star read to a confident four (and maybe even four-and-a-half).

This book came very close to being a new favorite for me. While it didn’t completely sweep me off my feet, it left me feeling genuinely satisfied and happy with the journey. The story opens strong, immediately drawing you into its world, which set the tone beautifully. The magic system is well thought out and easy to engage with, and Riela is a compelling protagonist. As the only mage in her village, she carries a lot of responsibility, and her resilience and strength made her easy to root for from the start.

After a brutal encounter with a mysterious beast, Riela’s path takes a cozy and familiar turn when she’s rescued by Garrick—quiet, mysterious, and living in a magically protected castle complete with a library and a wolf companion. The comfort-fantasy vibes are strong here, and honestly, that’s where this book shines. The romantic tension builds naturally, and the slow-burn elements are enjoyable, even if the story occasionally follows a familiar path.

While some parts of the plot are predictable, the pacing generally keeps things moving, and the revelations are spaced out in a way that maintains interest. There are moments that feel quieter or transitional, but they also contribute to the cozy, atmospheric feel of the story rather than detracting from it.

The romance leans heavily into attraction and longing, which may feel more infatuation-driven at times, but there’s enough chemistry to keep it engaging. It also feels like intentional groundwork for future installments, leaving plenty of room for emotional growth and deeper connection down the line.

Overall, this is a charming and enjoyable romantasy, especially for readers who appreciate lighter stakes, comforting settings, and immersive vibes. The world is inviting, the magic is intriguing, and the audiobook elevates the experience significantly. While it didn’t quite reach favorite status for me, it was a genuinely pleasant read—and one I’m glad I revisited in a different format. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Survival of the Mated: Lust & Lollipops by Lola Glass

Lust & Lollipops

by Lola Glass

My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

(To be fair there wasn't a lot of spice, but it was got.)

Blurb:

I've been thrown out of a plane and dropped on an island full of gorgeous, massive men.

Did I mention that said men are all magical fae guys competing for the right to marry me?

Yeah, it's a mess.

Every man on the island has the same two

Defeat his competitors, and win my heart.

Luckily, I know one of the guys.

We're not exactly friends, but I can kind of trust him.

Working together secretly, we have to keep the truth hidden and play the game alongside everyone else… because there's no way off this island without becoming someone's mate.


*SURVIVOR meets magic and epic love in this fun, steamy standalone romance with a happily ever after!

 My Review: 

I have been counting down the days for this audiobook to be released, so when it popped up on NetGalley, I nearly lost my mind. Excited doesn’t even begin to cover it. There are only a few things in this world that instantly lift my mood, chocolate, Mexican food, and a Lola Glass book, and this one delivered that same warm, happy, serotonin-boosting comfort I’ve come to love from her stories.

The audiobook was absolute perfection. The narrators fit the tone of the story so well, and with how light, fun, and airy this book was, the softness of the male narrator’s voice really sealed the deal for me. You know the kind of voice that makes you melt a little? Yeah… that one. Wink, wink.

This was one of those books that felt like a cozy escape, pure comfort and complete happiness from start to finish. The plot was engaging and playful, giving major Survivor vibes but with mated fae. Watching the fae compete, survive, and try to win the affection of the human they’re compatible with was such a fun concept. In this world, fae women are incredibly rare, and male fae must find a mate or they will literally fade away. The stakes are high, the tension is delicious, and every single fae is desperate to find their match. Honestly? I was hooked immediately.

Cameron and Molly’s dynamic was one of my favorite parts. Cameron has been Molly’s bodyguard for four years, a constant presence in her life, someone she’s grown used to leaning on and trusting. So when everything suddenly changes, it shakes up their entire world, and I loved every second of watching that shift happen. The chemistry, the emotional connection, the slow realization that things aren’t quite what they used to be… chef’s kiss.

This book was pure fun. I flew through it in about three hours, and paired with the audiobook, it felt completely immersive. The story came alive in the best way, and I genuinely couldn’t get enough. After an anxiety-filled read before this one, this book was exactly what I needed, refreshing, comforting, exciting, and just plain joyful. Lola Glass truly knows how to write stories that feel like a hug, and this one absolutely hit the spot.