Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop

 Only for the Week 

by Natasha Bishop

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb: 

You are cordially invited to the wedding of Amerie Cross and Arnold Hightower.

A destination wedding in Tulum should be a breeze, but Dr. Janelle Cross—the sister of the bride and the ex-girlfriend of the groom—can’t catch a break. Between her maid of honor duties, her sister’s Bridezilla antics, and her family tiptoeing around her non-existent feelings for her ex, Janelle is desperate to let off some steam. So, when the best man, Rome, proposes they give into their undeniable chemistry, Janelle agrees, under one affair can only last a week.

What happens in Tulum doesn’t always stay in Tulum . . .

For Rome Martin, Janelle has always been off limits. She’s his best friends ex, and Rome is nothing if not loyal. But he’s never been able to get her off his mind, and now he might finally have a chance to win her over.

As the wedding brings them together, every kiss, adventure, and stolen moment feels right. Janelle and Rome agreed to live in the moment, but are they willing to risk it all for forever?

 My Review: 

Only for the Week completely swept me off my feet! From the very first page, I was utterly captivated by this gripping love story, and I loved every single moment of it. The characters felt so real, so alive, and their journeys of growth and love were absolutely heart-wrenching in the most beautiful way. My heart ached and soared all at once, I laughed, I cried, and I was fully invested in every twist and turn.

I have to admit, there were moments where I viscerally hated her sister and her mother. Honestly… I might still harbor some of that rage! Their treatment of Janelle, our stunning and strong FMC, was rooted in pure jealousy, and it was infuriating to read. Janelle, on the other hand, showed so much grace and patience, constantly trying to make things right for her sister out of love, even when her sister was being utterly unreasonable. And don’t get me started on the fact that her sister was marrying Janelle’s ex and was mad at her for it! I mean… make it make sense! If anyone should be upset, it’s the other way around. Yet, Janelle handled it all with a level of poise I can only aspire to, and I loved seeing her rise above it.

Then we get to the part that had my heart literally racing. Janelle arrives in Mexico at the wedding venue to relax before the big day, and out of nowhere, she runs into Rome, the best man, her ex's, the groom’s best friend. Oh, Rome. Where do I even begin? He is the epitome of every romantic fantasy: tall, dark, handsome, charming, and utterly attentive. But what really stole my heart was the way he saw Janelle, truly saw her, through all the chaos and the drama. He noticed how she was being treated and immediately wanted to help her unwind, protect her, and make her feel valued. And here’s the kicker: he’s had a flame for her since the moment they met, and finally, finally, he gets his chance to show her just how extraordinary their connection is.

The chemistry between Janelle and Rome is electric, intoxicating, and utterly swoon-worthy. Every glance, every touch, every shared laugh had me melting. This book is the sweetest, most romantic story I have ever read. Rome doesn’t just love Janelle, he elevates her, cherishes her, and makes all her dreams come true in ways that made my heart flutter with joy.

If you are looking for a story that is as tender as it is passionate, as heart-wrenching as it is heartwarming, “Only for the Week” is an absolute must-read. It’s a story that will stay with you long after the last page, leaving you breathless, smiling, and completely in love.

 Corrupt by Penelope Douglas

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊⯨

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶 (Not a ton of sex, but still good)

Blurb:

 Erika

I was told that dreams were our heart’s desires. My nightmares, however, became my obsession.

His name is Michael Crist.

My boyfriend’s older brother is like that scary movie that you peek through your hand to watch. He's handsome, strong, and completely terrifying. The star of his college’s basketball team and now gone pro, he’s more concerned with the dirt on his shoe than me.

But I noticed him.

I saw him. I heard him. The things that he did, and the deeds that he hid…For years, I bit my nails, unable to look away.

Now, I’ve graduated high school and moved on to college, but I haven’t stopped watching Michael. He’s bad, and the dirt I’ve seen isn’t content to stay in my head anymore.

Because he’s finally noticed me.

Michael

Her name is Erika Fane, but everyone calls her Rika.

My brother’s girlfriend grew up hanging around my house and is always at our dinner table. She looks down when I enter a room and stills when I am close. I can always feel the fear rolling off of her, and while I haven’t had her body, I know that I have her mind. That’s all I really want anyway.

Until my brother leaves for the military, and I find Rika alone at college.

In my city.

Unprotected.

The opportunity is too good to be true, as well as the timing. Because you see, three years ago she put a few of my high school friends in prison, and now they’re out.

We’ve waited. We’ve been patient. And now every last one of her nightmares will come true.

*Corrupt is a STANDALONE dark romance with no cliffhanger. It is suitable for ages 18+.

My Review:

I’ve been pretty vocal about my complicated relationship with Penelope Douglas’s books, her stories tend to be very much a love-it-or-hate-it experience. For me, there’s rarely a middle ground: either I accept them fully at face value and let the madness unfold, or I bounce off them completely. Surprisingly, this one landed somewhere in between. It grabbed hold of me early, dragged me through the emotional wringer, and refused to let go… even when I wasn’t particularly attached to some of the characters along for the ride.

That said, I kept reading because I knew there was something waiting for me at the end, some revelation, payoff, or emotional punch that made enduring the chaos worthwhile. And honestly? It delivered. This book felt like a full-on dumpster fire rolling down the street: loud, messy, slightly horrifying, and impossible to ignore. I didn’t always like what I was seeing, but I absolutely couldn’t look away. There’s a strange compulsion to Douglas’s storytelling that pulls you forward even when you’re questioning your life choices.

And let’s be real, one thing Penelope Douglas consistently excels at is crafting unforgettable smut. Love her or hate her, she knows exactly how to write scenes that are intense, provocative, and unapologetically bold. Even when the story teetered on the edge of absurdity, those moments were executed with precision and confidence. In the end, this book may not have been a clear win or loss for me, but it was undeniably memorable, and sometimes, that’s enough.

Bloody Black by Rhiannon Hargadon

 Bloody Black 

by Rhiannon Hargadon 

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

Blurb: 

He stole her throne, she's come back to reclaim it.

Anne was a reckless, arrogant royal who had never tasted defeat. After a brutal betrayal on her wedding night, Anne vanishes from the kingdom she was meant to rule. Years later, she’s returns from the grave—no longer a princess, but a terror of the seas. Known only as Blackbeard, she’s hunting down the men who destroyed her, one by one. Vengeance doesn’t come without a cost. Brutal bargains with a demon collar her, and bind her to a dark promise.

When she captures Lieutenant Robb Maynard—a too-handsome, too-calm officer loyal to her enemy—Anne intends to trade him for leverage. Instead, she finds herself locked in a dangerous game of secrets and seduction, where the greatest threat isn’t a blade—but the way he looks at her.

Like she’s still a woman worth loving.

And while she knows better than to believe in anything but pain... Anne must decide if life is worth the risk—or if trusting the wrong man will cost her everything she has built.

A full list of trigger warnings can be found on the author's website. Your mental health is important; read at your own risk.

My Review:

I have been eyeing Bloody Black since the day it was released. Between the stunning cover and all the gorgeous unboxing photos, I just knew this story was going to be something special. What I didn’t expect was how deeply it would sink its claws into me. I never thought pirate romantasy would be my genre, but after finally picking up the first book a couple of months ago, there was no turning back. I was hooked, completely and irrevocably.

This story is soaked in rage and revenge, the kind that lives under your skin and refuses to be ignored. It explores a level of anger that many people don’t understand, but I did. That absolute, bone-deep need for justice, or vengeance, feels painfully real here. Throughout the book, you’re constantly wrestling with impossible questions: Is revenge worth everything you’ve gained in this new life? Is it worth the love, the family, the safety you’ve finally found? And the hardest question of all, can you truly set aside the hatred that has been festering inside you for years for the people you love? Baby, that is one of the hardest things a person can do.

I consumed this story in one night. I didn’t sleep, I didn’t pause, I just kept going until the very end. I was completely exhausted afterward, but I wouldn’t change a thing. The emotional pull was too strong, the stakes too high. I was constantly questioning alongside the characters: Was revenge really worth it?

The audiobook narration deserves special praise because it brought this entire story to life in the most incredible way. The narrators did an amazing job capturing every ounce of pain, fury, longing, and vulnerability. The FMC’s anger felt visceral, her heartbreak raw, and her growth deeply earned. The pirate atmosphere, the tension, the quieter emotional moments, all of it was elevated by the performances. You don’t just hear the story; you feel it. The narration added depth and intensity that made the emotional moments hit even harder and the action scenes feel cinematic.

There is so much I could say about how feral this book made me, about the secondhand pain I felt through the FMC, and about the strength it took for her to confront and overcome her trauma, but I don’t want to spoil a single moment for anyone. This is a journey best experienced firsthand.

If you’re looking for an adventure filled with pain, healing, understanding, and unapologetic female rage, led by a fierce female pirate crew, and especially if you love an audiobook that fully immerses you in the story, Bloody Black is absolutely the book for you. 🏴‍☠️🔥

The Beast by Katee Robert

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶 (It's HOT!)

Blurb:

Once upon a time, I fell in love with two men. Their feelings for me were matched only by their hatred for each other.

Gaeton, with his brash charm and casual cruelty.

Beast, his lust equal to his penchant for violence.

Being with them was sinful and perfect in different ways. In the end, I couldn’t choose, and I lost them both.

Now, my sisters have tasked me with securing our power base, no matter the cost. I will do anything for my family—even if it means agreeing to the terms set by Gaeton and Beast.

The three of us. Together. But only for as long as it takes me to choose one of them once and for all.

When playing games of power, happily ever after isn’t a priority. Not even for me.

Especially not for me.

My Review:

This story dives headfirst into a bold, reworked fairy-tale world where familiar characters are pushed far beyond their traditional roles. Rather than aiming for a sweeping, lyrical romance, the novel leans into intensity, both emotional and physical, using a provocative setup to explore power, desire, and complicated relationships.

At its core, the book follows a three-person dynamic that’s messy in the best way. Conflict doesn’t come from easy villains or misunderstandings that could be solved in a single conversation; instead, it grows out of misaligned expectations, unspoken needs, and emotional vulnerability. Each character is allowed their own perspective, flaws, and motivations, which keeps the tension feeling grounded even when the plot ventures into more extravagant territory.

What makes the story stand out is how deliberately it handles communication and consent. These elements aren’t just background details, they actively shape the relationships and drive the plot forward. The result is a narrative that examines what happens when people struggle to articulate what they want, and how honesty (or the lack of it) can either fracture or strengthen a bond.

The fairy-tale inspiration adds an extra layer of intrigue, twisting a well-known story into something darker, more adult, and refreshingly unconventional. Fans of inventive retellings will likely enjoy seeing how familiar themes are reshaped to fit this world. The book also plants seeds for future installments, giving readers a glimpse of what’s coming next without pulling focus from the current story.

Overall, this is a novel that knows exactly what it wants to be: daring, emotionally charged, and unapologetically different. It won’t appeal to everyone, especially readers looking for a traditional romance, but for those interested in complex dynamics and imaginative retellings, it offers a compelling and memorable experience.

A Complement of Scoundrels by S.V. Lockwood

 A Complement of Scoundrels 

by S.V. Lockwood

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Blurb:

There are many ways to bring down the man who betrayed you—and Myria Cadessa has thought of them all.

Cracking the Elysius Vault should’ve made Myria the richest thief in all Carintheum. Instead, it shattered her crew and left her rotting in jail while her double-crossing master walked away with everything that should’ve been hers.


But now she’s out, and it’s time to settle the score. Reunite her crew? A pleasure. Steal back everything her erstwhile leader took? And then some. She’ll just need to trick the king of all tricksters, with the law on her heels, and a troublesome new ally whose loyalties seem as conflicted as his feelings for Myria. It’s the most audacious heist she’s ever attempted, but she failed her crew once. This time, she’ll make it right—at any cost.


A Complement of Scoundrels is a bold, raucous journey through the underbelly of an empire where the devil’s rules reign, and morality, loyalty, and friendship are values few can afford. But where there’s a wit, there’s a way—and Myria has plenty of that.

My Review:

From the very beginning, this story pulls you into a whirlwind of adventure that never really lets up. Every chapter carries a sense of momentum, the kind that keeps you turning pages without realizing how much time has passed. The world itself feels richly layered and thoughtfully constructed, drawing you in until it becomes easy to forget anything outside of it. There’s always something unfolding just beneath the surface, making the experience feel immersive and consuming in the best way.

What truly stood out to me were the characters. They feel vivid and alive, each one bringing something unique to the story. I especially appreciated the dynamic between them, the tension, the loyalty, and the unspoken history that shapes their interactions. At the center of it all is a female lead who refuses to shrink herself or back down, and that alone makes the journey deeply satisfying. Watching her navigate impossible choices, simmering rage, and the promise of revenge is compelling in a way that’s hard to look away from. There’s something powerful about seeing a woman claim what she’s owed, and this story understands that perfectly.

The stakes remain high throughout, with just enough mystery to keep you guessing and questioning what might come next. Every revelation seems to open the door to even more uncertainty, creating a constant sense of anticipation. It’s the kind of book that leaves you pausing after chapters, just to process everything before diving right back in.

Interestingly enough, I stumbled upon this book completely by accident while learning a new platform, and once I started, there was no turning back. What began as a chance discovery turned into a genuinely rewarding reading experience. Sometimes the best stories find you when you least expect them, and this was one of those rare, fortunate moments.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

 Assistant to the Villain

by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🫑

Blurb:

Once Upon a Time meets The Office in Hannah Maehrer’s laugh-out-loud viral TikTok series turned novel, about the sunshine assistant to an Evil Villain…and their unexpected romance.

ASSISTANT WANTED: Notorious, high-ranking villain seeks loyal, levelheaded assistant for unspecified office duties, supporting staff for random mayhem and terror, and other Dark Things In General. Discretion a must. Excellent benefits.

With ailing family to support, Evie Sage's employment status isn't just important, it's vital. So when a mishap with Rennedawn’s most infamous Villain results in a job offer―naturally, she says yes. No job is perfect, of course, but even less so when you develop a teeny crush on your terrifying, temperamental, and undeniably hot boss. Don’t find evil so attractive, Evie.

But just when she’s getting used to severed heads suspended from the ceiling and the odd squish of an errant eyeball beneath her heel, Evie suspects this dungeon has a huge rat…and not just the literal kind. Because something rotten is growing in the kingdom of Rennedawn, and someone wants to take the Villain―and his entire nefarious empire―out.

Now Evie must not only resist drooling over her boss but also figure out exactly who is sabotaging his work…and ensure he makes them pay.

My Review:

With everything going on in the world lately, I honestly feel like my brain has been struggling to stay fully engaged with reading. Unfortunately, I think that affected my experience with this book. I had a hard time focusing enough to completely fall in love with the characters the way I feel like they deserved, which is disappointing because there were so many elements here that I genuinely enjoyed.

Overall, this was a very cute and entertaining story that had a lot of charm. The magical creatures were one of my favorite parts of the book. They added a whimsical, immersive quality to the world that made it feel lively and imaginative. I found myself really appreciating the creativity behind the magical elements and how they contributed to the overall atmosphere of the story. The worldbuilding felt fun and colorful without being overwhelming, which made it easy to slip into the setting.

The FMC was definitely a standout for me. She was strong, capable, and gave off the impression that she could quite literally move mountains if she needed to. I love a powerful female lead, and she had that perfect balance of determination and resilience that made her easy to root for. She felt like someone who would stop at nothing to accomplish her goals, and I enjoyed watching her navigate the challenges she faced throughout the story. I do wish I had been in a better headspace while reading, because I think I would have connected with her journey even more under different circumstances.

The villain, however, was a bit of a mixed experience for me. He gave me strong Shego from Kim Possible vibes, confident, slightly playful, and intimidating in presence, which I actually liked as a concept. But at times he felt a little too tame for the level of threat the story seemed to build toward. There were moments where I wanted him to lean more fully into the darker, more ruthless aspects of being a villain. I kept waiting for him to truly unleash chaos or raise the stakes in a bigger way, and I don’t feel like that payoff ever fully happened for me.

Even though I enjoyed many aspects of the book, I don’t think I was entirely in the right mood for everything it was trying to deliver. Sometimes timing really does impact how a story lands, and I suspect this might be one of those cases where a reread could change my overall experience. There’s enough here that I liked to make me curious about revisiting it later when I can give it my full attention.

And then there’s the ending. I’m still trying to process how I feel about it. It felt abrupt and left me with more questions than satisfaction. I’m not necessarily against open or surprising endings, but this one felt like it wrapped up in a way that didn’t fully deliver on the emotional or plot buildup that came before it. I found myself finishing the book and just sitting there wondering, “Wait… that’s it?”

At the end of the day, this was a solid three-star read for me. It was enjoyable, creative, and had several strong elements, especially the FMC and the magical world. However, my lack of connection at certain points, the somewhat underwhelming villain execution, and an ending that didn’t quite stick the landing kept it from being something I completely loved. I would still recommend it to readers who enjoy whimsical fantasy with strong female leads, and I definitely wouldn’t rule out giving it another try in the future.

(Artwork by: Assistant to the Villain Fan Art by me : r/fantasyromance)

Until Death by Nicole Blanchard

 Until Death 

by Nicole Blanchard

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊
Spice Rating:  🌶🌶🌶

Blurb: 

Peaky Blinders meets God of Malice in this new dark forced marriage mafia romance from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author Nicole Blanchard.

I never planned to be a mafia bride.

But when my sister is forced to marry Aiden O’Connor—the Irish mafia’s most lethal enforcer—to settle our father’s debt, I do the unthinkable.

I make him marry me instead.

Becoming his wife confirms all my worst fears.
He’s ruthless, possessive, and unhinged.
And now I’m his. To control, to punish, to keep.

Until death do us part.

When he takes his revenge in the dark, pinning me down, whispering filthy threats against my lips, making me beg when I swore I never would, one thing becomes terrifyingly

I may survive this marriage, but I won’t survive him.

Until Death is a fast-paced dark mafia romance with a morally gray characters. Some themes and scenes may be disturbing to readers. Please check the TWs at the beginning of the book.

Tropes

Tropes

• Jealous / Possessive & OTT Hero
• Morally Black Antihero
• Morally Grey Heroine
• Forced Marriage
• Irish Mafia
• “My Wife”
• “Good Boy”
• Touch Him/Her & Die

My Review:

If the prequel was a delicious appetizer, then book one in this series was the full-course meal that completely consumed me. I stayed up all night just to finish it, and honestly, I regret nothing. This story grabbed hold of me and refused to let go. Aiden absolutely stole the show for me. I loved how driven he was, a man with a clear goal, unwavering focus, and the kind of determination that makes him impossible to ignore. He is someone who stands firm in what he believes in, but of course, the one thing no one ever plans for is falling in love… and watching that unfold was everything.

This story blends forced proximity with a fake (or forced, depending on how you look at it) marriage trope, and it delivers on every level. Even though the main characters met in the prequel, their dynamic in this book is full of tension, frustration, and undeniable chemistry. Their relationship lives in that perfect love-hate space that keeps you glued to the pages, wondering whether they’re going to kiss each other or argue until someone storms out. It was messy, emotional, and completely addictive.

One of the reasons Irish mafia romances have started to become such a favorite of mine is the softness hidden beneath the brutality. There’s something about these hardened, dangerous men who carry a ruthless “I’ll kill you without hesitation” reputation but secretly harbor an intense, protective tenderness for the person they love. There’s just something unmatched about a man who could be bleeding out and still makes time to check if you’re okay. It’s dramatic, it’s chaotic, and I absolutely eat it up every single time.

The FMC was equally compelling, even when she tested my patience. She was strong, stubborn, and fiercely loyal, which unfortunately led her straight into trouble more than once. But that’s also what made her feel real. Her choices weren’t always smart, but they were driven by love, emotion, and a refusal to back down. I found myself frustrated with her while still rooting for her survival and happiness, which honestly made her character even more engaging.

The ending left me reeling in the best way possible. It felt almost like a fever dream, intense, emotional, and slightly overwhelming, but impossible to stop thinking about once it was over. The story balances romance and action perfectly, delivering high-stakes danger alongside a love story that feels desperate, consuming, and powerful. I live for romances where the MMC is willing to burn the world down or move heaven and hell just to protect the woman he loves, and this book delivered exactly that energy.

If you love dark mafia romances filled with tension, passion, violence, loyalty, and a surprising amount of emotional depth, this book will absolutely pull you in. It’s brutal and romantic, charming and deadly, and packed with enough chaos, bloodshed, and heart to keep you hooked until the very last page.