The Book of Blood and Roses 

by Annie Summerlee

Blurb:

In book one of a seductive sapphic paranormal fantasy, a vampire hunter goes undercover at a mysterious university and falls in love with her roommate, an alluring vampire.

“Then her red eyes are on mine, gentle, deadly. She takes her time kissing my neck. I pull her closer and say: Bite me.”

In the mists of the Scottish Highlands is a university where vampire students study alongside humans.

Rebecca Charity is a vampire hunter undercover at the university, searching for the mysterious Book of Blood and Roses, a lost compendium of ways to kill vampires. If she finds it, she’ll be one step closer to avenging her parents, who were slain by those creatures of the night.

But when Rebecca arrives, she finds something unexpected: a coffin. Her new roommate is Aliz Astra, scion of one of the most powerful vampire families... and the most beautiful woman Rebecca has ever met.

The maddeningly gorgeous Aliz is everything that Rebecca has always hated, but also everything she ever wanted, and now Rebecca doesn't know if she wants to kiss or kill her.

When Aliz rescues her from a vampire attack one moonlit night, she accidentally makes Rebecca her familiar. Now, they must work together to break the curse, but as they get closer to solving the mystery, Rebecca and Aliz get closer, too.

But can a vampire hunter ever fall in love with a vampire?

My Review:

A Thrilling, Sapphic Spin on Vampire Lore – The Book of Blood and Roses Delivers Bite and Heart

The Book of Blood and Roses by Annie Summerlee is a fierce, fresh twist on the vampire hunter trope, with serious Buffy the Vampire Slayer vibes, a dark academia setting, and a sizzling sapphic enemies-to-lovers romance that will leave you breathless.

The story follows Rebecca, a low-ranking vampire hunter who’s suddenly thrust into an undercover mission at a prestigious vampire university. Her target? To locate the mysterious and deadly Book of Blood and Roses, a powerful text said to contain the ultimate weaknesses of vampire kind, one that could wipe them out for good.

Rebecca is tough, determined, and utterly devoted to her cause… until she meets Aliz. Cold, beautiful, and dangerously infamous, Aliz is the heir to the oldest vampire bloodline, and, as fate would have it, Rebecca’s new roommate. Their chemistry is electric, their tension palpable. What begins as deep-rooted hatred soon morphs into something more complicated, more forbidden, and far more enticing.

This book has everything: high-stakes secrets, heart-pounding action, crackling dialogue, and a romance that toes the line between real and deception. Is Aliz playing a game, or is she falling just as hard? Can Rebecca keep her mission in focus when her heart’s starting to betray her?

With its mysterious atmosphere, whip-smart pacing, and a cast of unforgettable characters, The Book of Blood and Roses is a must-read for fans of gothic fantasy, slow-burn sapphic tension, and stories where love might just be the most dangerous weapon of all.

Add it to your TBR now, this one drops January 27th, 2026, and you won’t want to miss it.

 We Who Have No Gods by Liza Anderson

Absolutely Phenomenal – A Wild, Heart-Pounding Ride from Start to Finish!

This book devoured me. It was bold, breathtaking, clever, emotional, and packed with nonstop energy. If you're into deep, brooding "Shadowhunter" vibes with a twist of cunning magic and high-stakes survival, buckle up, you’re in for a ride. I haven’t rated a book six stars in months, and this one? This one reached into my chest, grabbed my heart, and refused to let go.

Let’s start with the setup. The story kicks off with our fierce FMC, Vic, on the run with her younger brother Henry, fleeing a secret society of witches. Their mother’s dying words were a warning: Run. They’re coming for Henry. And run she did—for years. At just 16, Vic became her brother’s protector, mother, and guardian all in one. But time ran out. When Henry chose to stop running, Vic reluctantly agreed to drop him off at the academy… but walking away wasn’t an option. Henry was all she had left, and that fierce, unshakable bond? It cut deep.

Walking into that castle wasn’t in her plans—but neither was becoming the only human ever admitted to the witches’ academy. Instantly targeted and bullied, Vic didn’t flinch. She’s stubborn, battle-worn, and refuses to be broken. Her strength isn’t just physical—it’s raw, emotional, earned. She’s loyal, protective, and sharp as hell. If you love a capable, no-nonsense heroine who’s been forged in fire, Vic’s your girl.

And then there’s Xan. Grumpy. Brooding. Sinfully sexy. Think shadowy, dangerous, and just soft enough to make your heart ache. He’s your next book boyfriend, no question—total “shadow daddy” material, and surprisingly tender beneath all that edge. Their chemistry? Electric.

The world-building and magic system were smooth and immersive—easy to follow without ever feeling simple. You’re dropped into a complex world, but never left behind. Every detail feels intentional, every twist earned.

If you're hunting for your next fantasy obsession—something with depth, danger, heat, and heartbreak—add this to your TBR now. Just be warned: the wait for this book (not out until January 2026) might destroy you. I’m already suffering.

P.S. Henry? Ugh. The kid was ungrateful, cold, and frankly, left a bitter taste in my mouth. Vic deserved better from him after everything she gave up.

 A Court of Blood and Sacrifice by Kay Marrie

Review: A Court of Blood and Sacrifice by Kay Marrie

A Court of Blood and Sacrifice by Kay Marrie is a fast-paced, imaginative fantasy that blends classic vampire lore with fresh character dynamics. The premise immediately drew me in. Our heroine, Lilah, is an orphan who’s survived years on the streets before being taken in by a farmer. Haunted by the vampires who killed her father, she dedicates herself to training and ultimately becomes the first Huntress in her kingdom. The concept is compelling and sets the stage for a gripping story.

Lilah starts off as a strong and determined lead. I was excited by her quest for justice and the idea of a female warrior rising against the odds. As the story progresses, she faces intense emotional and physical challenges that cause her to question herself. While I initially struggled with this shift, I came to appreciate that her vulnerability made her feel more real, because honestly, who wouldn’t falter when facing supernatural enemies? It added depth and relatability to her journey.

Nyx, our male lead and the brooding vampire prince, was another standout. I loved his name and his layered personality. Outcast by his cruel father, the vampire king, Nyx walks the line between duty and his growing feelings for Lilah. Though he isn’t the most powerful vampire, his emotional complexity and determination made him a memorable character and a believable anti-hero.

Overall, this book sits comfortably at a 3.5 to 4-star rating for me. There were elements that I truly enjoyed and a few that I wished had been explored differently, but that’s part of what makes reading so personal. If you enjoy stories with dark royalty, reluctant heroes, and themes of revenge, redemption, and hidden legacies, this book is worth adding to your TBR. With tropes like forced proximity, insta-love, and hidden family secrets, it offers plenty to sink your teeth into.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

Synopsis:

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants. 

My Review:

This Book Left Me Breathless—in the Best Way Possible

There are over 170,000 words in the English language, and somehow none of them feel adequate enough to describe what this book made me feel. Dramatic? Maybe. But I’m sitting here stunned, raw, and absolutely in awe. This book didn’t just entertain me—it cracked me open. It gave me something I didn’t even know I was looking for. And now that I’ve found it, I can’t stop thinking about it.

Nothing I’ve read comes close to this. It plunged into uncharted emotional territory and forced me to confront truths I didn’t realize I was avoiding—even as a self-proclaimed feminist. There were moments I caught myself thinking, Wait…no, this can’t be right, only to realize how deeply internalized certain beliefs were. And that’s the brilliance of this story: it challenges, it provokes, and it transforms.

Let’s talk about the characters—because wow. Olerra, our fierce female main character, is a general in her kingdom’s army. In her world, women are divinely gifted with strength, physically. And Olerra? She’s the embodiment of everything I want to see more of in fiction: powerful, compassionate, strategic, plus-size, and unapologetically herself. She’s not just a warrior—she’s a queen in every sense of the word.

Then there’s Sanos, the man she steals—yes, steals—as part of a tradition to prove her dominance and worthiness to rule. Initially resistant and brutish (true to his culture), he slowly begins to unravel the toxicity of his own male-dominated upbringing. Watching his growth, his understanding, and his quiet strength evolve was nothing short of captivating. He’s not just a love interest—he’s a revolution in motion.

This book is a brilliant "what if"—a mirror flipped. What if the power dynamics were reversed? What if women ruled the world and men had to endure what women have for centuries? It’s a bold, biting, and utterly unforgettable exploration of gender, power, and the systems that shape us. Tricia Levenseller channels generations of feminine rage and wraps it in a story that is at once fantastical and painfully real.

If you’re craving a book that breaks the mold, that dares to ask the hard questions and doesn’t flinch from the answers, add this to your TBR immediately. Prepare to question everything, to feel everything, and to come out the other side changed.

This isn’t just a book—it’s an awakening.

 Moonblood by Jade Ambrosia

Synopsis:

 A love written in the stars. A truth buried in shadows. 

Falsely accused of a crime he would never commit, Alpha Alecksander Hale is stripped of his title, his home, and his legacy. With his pack stolen from him, and the real traitor in power, he vows to uncover the truth and return to MoonShadow to reclaim what is rightfully his. 

But exile brings an unexpected twist—his fated mate. Torn between the overwhelming pull of their bond and the heavy responsibility still looming over him, Aleck must fight not only for justice but for the life—and love—he never thought he would have. 

Selena Claire’s life is simple, safe, and entirely ordinary—until the day a magnetic stranger steps into her store and shatters everything she thought she knew. He claims to be a werewolf... and her fated mate. 

Thrust into a hidden world of supernatural danger and ancient power, Selena must face a choice that could redefine her entire existence. Will she cling to the quiet life she’s built for herself, or risk everything for a love that feels written in the stars? 

This standalone is the first installment of the MOONBLOOD duology, a spicy retelling of the love story between the Greek goddess of the moon, Selene, and her mortal lover, Endymion. 

Review:

Review of Moonblood by Jade Ambrosia

I was really looking forward to picking up Moonblood, and it turned out to be a quick, engaging read. This fast-paced werewolf romance centers around the fated mates trope, following an Alpha on the verge of losing everything as he's exiled from his pack after the death of his father.

Aleck, the MMC and Alpha of the Moonshadow Pack, carried a strong presence throughout the book—as you'd expect from a pack leader. His emotional turmoil and unexpected connection with his mate added a compelling layer to the story. I enjoyed his protective, caring nature, and the emphasis on consent in the relationship was a refreshing and welcome element.

Selena, our FMC, is portrayed as fiercely independent, which made for an interesting dynamic. Her introduction—running her own store and refusing help even with simple tasks—sets the tone for her character. Her meeting with Aleck is intense and magical, sparking a connection that drives the rest of the story.

There’s a lot to appreciate here—particularly the unique aspects of the werewolf world and the rich pack dynamics, which stood out as fresh and imaginative. That said, there were a few areas where the story didn’t quite hit the mark for me. At times, the pacing felt rushed, and the shifts in point of view could be a bit unclear, which made it hard to stay grounded in the narrative.

I also struggled a bit with Selena’s characterization. Her emotional responses sometimes felt inconsistent, and I found it hard to connect with her as her reactions toward Aleck shifted quickly and without much buildup. One moment she seemed deeply drawn to him, and the next, she was pushing him away with seemingly little reason, despite already knowing and accepting that he was a werewolf.

Still, Aleck was a strong point for me—he truly felt like an Alpha, and his balance of strength, sweetness, and restraint worked well within the story’s focus on mutual respect and consent.

Overall, Moonblood was an enjoyable read with solid ideas and intriguing worldbuilding. With a bit more development and clarity in character arcs and pacing, I think this story has the potential to be something really special.

Bargains with Benefits by Jillian Witt

Synopsis: 

When Luna bargained with an arrogant fae journalist to save her inn, the last thing she expected was to fall for him.

Half-fae Luna Pierce is getting what she’s always to run the Cliff House Inn. Except, it hasn’t had a visitor in months, one of the rooms is magically locked, and the owner, her estranged fae father, is threatening to sell. She has until Long Night, when fae from across the continent travel to the city of Sandrin, to change his mind.

Writing a recommendation column for the Bayside Times isn’t exactly what Vincent Andiveron pictured doing with his life. His pieces, telling the fae of Sandrin where to see and be seen, are fun but frivolous. Now, the best tip of his career, an investigation that could set him on a path to serious journalism, fell into his lap–and he just met the perfect source.

When the handsome fae Luna accidentally throws a drink at ends up being the city's taste-maker, she must decide if she can shelve her family baggage and make a bargain that could benefit them both. But this is no simple transaction. Vincent needs to turn the wild and warm Luna into a proprietor pleasing to the stodgy old fae. And Luna hasn’t been to her father’s house—well-–ever, so getting Vincent access for his article might be tricky.

Their mutual attraction muddies the waters of their ambitions. What’s worse, all this time together might make Luna realize Vincent is not as snobby as he seemed, and Vincent might realize he doesn’t want to change a thing about Luna—she’s enchanting just the way she is.

Bargains with Benefits is a cozy standalone romantasy with spice in the Fae by the Bay series. Every book in this interconnected series ends with a HEA. If you like fae bargains, opposites attract, and half-fae heroines finding their place to belong, you’ll love this sweet and spicy story.

The Fae by the Bay series is set in the same world as Compass Points . Enjoy new characters in this favorite fantasy world, or dive in for the first time.

My Review:

✨ Bargains with Benefits by Jillian Witt is a cozy romantasy gem that delivers everything I crave in a comfort read—magic, mischief, mystery, and a romance that blossoms in the most heartwarming (and hilarious) way possible. If you're looking for a story that will make you laugh, swoon, and root for two complete opposites to fall hopelessly in love, this is the book for you.

Meet Luna: our colorful, clever, and totally unapologetic heroine. She's half-fae in a world where that's basically a social death sentence, but instead of dimming her light, she shines brighter. Luna doesn’t care about fitting in—she’s all about blazing her own trail, with a side of sarcasm and mischief. She’s vibrant, messy, magical, and beautifully human in the best ways. I adored her from the very first page.

Then there’s Vincent—brooding, buttoned-up, and born into a rigid, old-money fae family. He’s used to rules, structure, and burying his emotions so deep they might as well be locked in a vault. But when Luna crashes into his life, all bets are off. She challenges him, infuriates him, and—slowly but surely—cracks his icy facade wide open. Watching him unravel and learn to feel was so satisfying. He’s the ultimate grumpy-to-soft MMC and I ate up every single scene he was in.

Their forced partnership is full of sparkling tension, reluctant teamwork, and slow-burn chemistry that builds deliciously with every page. As they work together toward a common goal, they’re also learning what it means to be true to themselves in a world that tries to label and limit them. And yes, the magical plot is engaging and clever, but it’s their emotional growth and connection that makes this book so special.

Witt’s writing is warm, witty, and filled with just the right balance of whimsy and realness. She creates a world where it’s okay to be different. You’ll fall in love with the characters, laugh out loud at their banter, and maybe even get a little misty-eyed when things get real.

💫 If you’re in the mood for a feel-good romantic fantasy with quirky charm, soft magic, endearing characters, and a love story that feels like a warm hug—Bargains with Benefits will absolutely win you over. It’s the book equivalent of sipping sweet solstice sips by a fireplace and realizing you’re exactly where you need to be.

Don’t sleep on this one—you’ll want these characters living rent-free in your head just like they are in mine. 🖤✨

How I rate books!

 Let's talk about rating systems.

This doesn't actually cover how I rate books.

6 stars:

"This is a six-star read for me—one of those rare and unforgettable books that stays with me long after I’ve turned the final page. It’s the kind of story that lingers in my mind, echoing in my thoughts and emotions. Books like this don’t just entertain—they leave an imprint that’s hard to shake, whether it’s a deep, enduring scar or the rhythm of a beating heart that continues to pulse long after the story ends. These are the kinds of stories that I can’t help but return to, time and again, because there’s something about them that resonates so deeply within me. I often find myself revisiting certain scenes or moments, even when I’m not actively reading. As a result, I end up collecting these books in every format—hardcover, paperback, digital—because I just can’t get enough of them. It’s more than just the story; it’s the emotional connection, the way it changes me, that compels me to keep these books close."

5 stars:

"Five-star reads hold a special place, almost on the same level as my six-star favorites, though there’s a subtle difference between the two. With five-star books, I find that I can separate my emotions from the story a bit more easily, even though they still manage to leave a mark. The characters tend to linger in my thoughts, but not as strongly or as frequently as those in a six-star book. They come to mind occasionally, in quiet moments, like old friends who pop into my head now and then but don’t demand my attention. Even so, these books are ones I’m deeply fond of, and I often end up purchasing them in every available format. It’s a way of keeping them close, even if I don’t feel the same intense connection as I do with my six-star reads. There’s something about them that sticks with me, enough to make me want to preserve them in various forms, just in case I want to revisit them down the line."

4 stars:

"A four-star read is the kind of book that I would describe as a solid and enjoyable experience. It’s the type of story that brings me a sense of satisfaction and happiness while I’m immersed in it, with characters or moments that resonate and leave me with a pleasant aftertaste. It’s definitely the kind of book I’d feel comfortable recommending to others, knowing they’d likely enjoy it too. However, despite all its merits, it’s not the kind of book that calls me back for a second or third read. While I may remember parts of it fondly, I don’t feel the need to revisit it repeatedly. I might even consider buying it in paperback, especially if it’s something I’d like to have on hand, but that decision tends to depend on how much it sticks with me once the final page is turned. Ultimately, it’s a book I’m happy to have read, but not one that lingers deeply in my thoughts."

3 stars:

"A three-star read, to me, falls into that middle ground—it’s good, but just that. It holds my attention enough to see it through to the end, and I may even appreciate certain aspects, like the writing style or a character or two. But it doesn’t stir anything deeper in me. It’s not the kind of book I’ll find myself thinking about days later or recommending enthusiastically. There’s nothing particularly wrong with it—it simply lacks that spark that makes a story linger in the heart or mind. I might remember reading it, but not much more than that."

2 stars:

A two-star read is a book that, while not entirely disappointing, fails to live up to any real expectations. It’s one that I may have started with hope or curiosity, only to find myself struggling to connect with the story or characters. It’s not necessarily awful, but it lacks that spark of creativity or depth that makes a book memorable. The plot might feel predictable or underdeveloped, and the characters often fail to evoke any strong emotions—whether positive or negative. I may finish the book, but by the end, I’m left feeling indifferent, without any desire to revisit it or even really reflect on it. It’s the kind of book that fades quickly from my mind once it’s done, and while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it, I can see how it might appeal to someone with different tastes.

1 star: 

A one-star read is a book that, unfortunately, falls far short of my expectations in almost every way. From the very first few pages, I can tell it’s not going to be a good fit—whether it’s the writing style, the plot, or the characters, something just doesn’t click. As I push through, I find myself disengaged, frustrated, or even bored, questioning why I’m continuing. It’s the kind of book that feels like a chore rather than a pleasurable escape, with flat characters, an incoherent plot, or poor pacing that only adds to the disappointment. By the end, I often feel a sense of relief rather than satisfaction, knowing that I’ve finished something I truly didn’t enjoy. A one-star read is rarely a book I’d recommend to anyone, and it’s one I won’t be thinking about once it’s over. It simply doesn’t leave a positive or lasting impression.

Voidwalker by S.A. Maclean 

Synopsis:

Fionamara is a smuggler. Antal is the reason her people fear the dark.

Fi ferries contraband between worlds, stockpiling funds and stolen magic to keep her village self-sufficient - free from the blood sacrifices humans have paid to Antal's immortal species for centuries.

Only legends whispered through the pine forests recall a time when things were different, before one world shattered into many, and the flesh-devouring beasts crept from the cracks between realities, with their sable antlers and slender tails, lethal claws and gleaming fangs. Now, mortal lives are food to pacify their carnivorous overlords, exchanged for feudal protection, and the precious silver energy that fuels everything from transport to weaponry.

When Fi gets planted with a stash of smuggled energy, a long-lost flame recruits her for a reckless heist that escalates into a terrorist bombing - and a coup against the reigning immortals, with Fi's home caught in the crossfire.

She's always known the dangers of her trade - and of the power she's wielded since childhood, allowing her to see the secret doors between dimensions, to walk the Void itself. But nothing could have prepared her for crossing paths with Antal. For the deal she'll have to make with him, a forced partnership to reclaim his city that begins as a desperate bid for survival, only to grow into something far more dangerous.

A revolution.

And a temptation - for how sweet the monster's fangs might feel.

From the author of the instant Sunday Times-bestselling The Phoenix Keeper comes an era-defining new fantasy universe where spicy romantasy meets the Cosmere, unmissable for fans of the world-building scale of Sarah J. Maas and the world-shifting stakes of Rebecca Yarros.

Voidwalker will be your next romantasy obsession, a deliciously feral story that started with just two words: "bite me".

My review:

I am obsessed with Void Walker by S.A. Maclean! There are so many things I could say, but no combination of words could fully capture how much I loved this book. It was absolute perfection from start to finish—packed with thrilling adventure, high stakes, and the kind of forbidden love that will wreck your soul in the best way possible.

We follow our fierce and fearless heroine, Fionamara—Fi for short—who lives in a world ruled by an ancient, terrifying race... that eats humans. Yup, you read that right. But Fi? She doesn’t just survive—she fights back. She’s a smuggler between planes, dealing in everything from plants to booze, doing whatever it takes to protect her town and her brother, the mayor. In a world where you could be sacrificed at any moment, Fi takes the risks no one else dares to—until one mission goes horribly wrong, and everything changes.

Fi is the blueprint. Sarcastic, brave, and full of heart, she charges headfirst into danger even when she’s terrified. She's not just battling the monsters around her—she’s facing the ones within, and she’s willing to sacrifice everything, even herself, to save the people she loves.

And then there’s Antal. Oh. My. Gods. This ancient, brooding male lead stole my heart. He’s a creature of immense power, born into a world of cruelty, but he longs for something different—something better. When he meets Fi, she challenges him, forces him to confront everything his kind has done... and he can't look away. She’s blunt, fiery, and absolutely fearless—and Antal is hooked.

The supporting cast is just as memorable, each one bringing something unique and compelling to this richly imagined world. Void Walker is a romantasy masterpiece that explores what it means to defy expectations, fight for what’s right, and love with everything you’ve got—even when it could cost you everything.

This book had me kicking my feet, screaming, and desperately craving more. I am counting down the days until book two of this amazing duology drops. If you love strong heroines, morally gray love interests, forbidden romance, and edge-of-your-seat storytelling—Void Walker needs to be on your TBR right now.

The Rogue Heiress by Shoshana Rain 

Synopsis: 

Liseya Moroeste is getting married... but it’s a punishment, not a happily ever after.

To keep the peace, and keep Liseya in line with the threat of mutually assured destruction, Deo, Filip and Adrian have insisted on a marriage of convenience for them all. But the forced bond hasn’t healed any wounds. Instead, it’s left Liseya clawing the walls of her new cage and feeling less sure of their affections than ever.

But such uncertainty is the least of their problems. Outside forces have imposed their own conditions for Liseya’s nuptials in the form of a new suitor, Ezra. To make it worse, news from the Capital comes—war is on the horizon, and with it, Sun Rose is needed by the Empire more than ever.

When the Sun Rose Trading Company arrives in Port Cenefra, meaning to control the Sun Rose at the source, Liseya’s worst fears come true. Now she and her partners have no choice but to work together to maintain control of the town, or else lose everything.

The Rogue Heiress is the second book in The Seven Star Empire series. It is a slow burn, MMMMF why choose, second world fantasy with spicy scenes and a guaranteed HEA at the end of the series.

My Review:

I just finished the second book in The Seven Star Empire series by Shoshana Rain, and wow — I am absolutely buzzing with excitement! While I enjoyed the first book, the second one completely blew me away. It delivered everything I was hoping for and more, leaving me eagerly craving the next installment. The pacing, the stakes, the character development — everything felt tighter, richer, and more immersive.

One of my favorite aspects of this book was how it gave off major Ocean's Eleven vibes. There was this thrilling, clever heist energy woven throughout the plot, full of scheming, teamwork, and unexpected twists. The way the main characters collaborated, strategized, and learned to trust one another was deeply satisfying. Their bond grew stronger through every challenge they faced — and let me tell you, there were plenty of hardships. Yet, no matter the danger or emotional turmoil, they stuck together and pushed forward, even when the cost could have been their lives. That kind of loyalty and growth made me so much more invested in every single one of them.

Another major highlight for me was the addition of a new male main character to the relationship dynamic — Ezra. What a phenomenal addition! He’s a brilliant, bookish scholar who carries himself with such a shy, humble demeanor that it’s downright adorable. He doesn’t realize the effect he has on others, which just makes him all the more endearing. Ezra brought a calming, intellectual balance to the group that felt like the perfect contrast to the more intense personalities around him. His presence not only rounded out the cast but also added new layers of emotional depth and romantic intrigue that I loved.

This book also amped up the action and the spice in the best possible way. The stakes were higher, the battles fiercer, and the chemistry between characters more intense than ever. I was completely immersed in this vibrant, dangerous world from start to finish, and I didn’t want to leave.

Shoshana Rain has outdone herself with this installment, and I can’t wait to see where she takes us next. Book three can’t come soon enough — and fingers crossed for some special editions, because I need more of this universe on my shelf. If you haven’t started this series yet, run — don’t walk — and get your hands on it. You’re in for a wild, emotional, and totally unforgettable ride.

The Desert Heiress by Shoshana Rain

 The Desert Heiress

By, Shonana Rain

SYNOPSIS:

Nothing will stop Lis from regaining her family's power—not even the three tempting men standing in her way.

In the desert port of Cenefra, the Sun Rose is life blood. A magic plant with the ability to grant people greater abilities. Sale of the plant is strictly forbidden, its growth restricted only to farms owned by the Empire's shipping company.

Liseya Moroeste has only ever wanted one to run the syndicate smuggling it. But her family has been cut off for over a century, forced to advise but never lead. When the government cracks down on all illegal export, Lis is ready to seize her chance.

To do so, she must best her three rivals. Filip, Deo and Adrian each want to court her, control her, cajole her into doing what they want.

Liseya finds herself drawn into their complicated web, but to survive, she must learn if she can trust them, or if she must cut them down before they can do the same to her.

The Desert Heiress is the first book in The Seven Star Empire Series. It is a slow burn, MMMF why choose second world fantasy with steamy scenes and a guaranteed HEA at the end of the series. It contains both MM and FF scenes and involves the FMC in a relationship before getting involved with her main love interests.

MY REVIEW:

I started this book last night and couldn’t put it down—I read the whole thing within 24 hours. It definitely hooked me from the start. While it's marketed as a fantasy romance, I’d say it leans more toward dystopian romance. The setting gave off serious wasteland vibes: scorching heat, dwindling resources, and a society clearly suffering the effects of global warming. The concept of a magical drug called Sun Rose, which enhances abilities and focus, was intriguing but not deeply explored—something I hope gets more attention in the sequel.

One of my favorite aspects of the book was its world-building. The idea of a drying, resource-scarce planet made the alliances between communities feel urgent and believable. I loved the premise of a woman inheriting a drug smuggling empire and controlling three powerful families—it was a bold and compelling setup.

The three male leads (MMCs) were all distinct and brought different dynamics to the story:

• Filip had brute strength and the classic grumpy demeanor. He left me wanting more of his backstory—he’s mysterious, dangerous, and totally swoon-worthy.
• Adrian was the spoiled rich bad boy with charm and looks to spare. Underneath his swagger, there’s a lot of depth and sincerity. He knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to go after it, which made him a standout for me.
• Deo was my least favorite, but mostly because of his complicated history with the female main character, Lis. Once destined to marry her, their relationship fell apart due to religious differences. His anger often felt misdirected, likely stemming from unresolved feelings he struggles to express.

As for Lis, our FMC—her journey started strong. She was bold, unapologetic, and unwilling to be controlled. But as the story progressed, her refusal to listen and accept help began to hurt her. She wasn’t ready for the role she was trying to play, and that ultimately made the story falter for me. That said, I’m really hopeful for her redemption arc in book two. I’d love to see her grow into the powerful woman she was at the beginning.