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 A Vow in Vengeance By Jaclyn Rodriguez  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 6 STARS — A Book That Owns My Soul Until 2026 There are books that linger in your mind… and then there are books that haunt you until you get your hands on the next one. This book? It wrecked me, in the best way. And the worst part? Book one isn’t even coming out until 2026. If the sequel isn't already in the works, I will personally light a candle and pray to the publishing gods. Because I need more. This was an easy 6-star read for me, blown away doesn’t even begin to cover it. There’s adventure, peril, three mysterious kingdoms of immortals, forced proximity, fated mates, one bed (YES!), and a magical system inspired by tarot cards that felt fresh, unique, and so well-executed. Oh, and did I mention the slow burn romance? Because wow. It hurt so good. 💥 The World & Premise Each year, 100 mortals are chosen by immortal kingdoms as punishment for a failed rebellion generations ago. Rune, our fierce and...

 Ashes Don't Bloom by Lenore Nox A Wild Ride Through Rattlesnake Ridge,  But It’s Not Without Bumps Ashes Don’t Bloom takes readers deep into the dusty, dangerous world of Rattlesnake Ridge, where love is as fierce as the engines revving beneath its characters. The story follows two couples, Delilah & Diesel and Sedona & Duke, as they navigate cartel conflict, buried trauma, found family, and high-speed thrills. Sedona, Diesel, and Duke are ex-military living under one roof, while Delilah, the fiery newcomer with a southern drawl and charm to spare, shows up ready to stir the pot. There’s no shortage of drama: we’ve got PTSD, high-octane racing, sizzling chemistry, and small-town secrets. And yes, there’s spice. The characters are what really shined for me. Each had distinct personalities and backstories, though I would have loved more depth for Delilah, especially since she was my favorite. Her sass, wit, and weaponized "southern belle" act made every scene ...

 Kingdom of Stolen Crowns  by Stephanie Storm A Darkly Fun Fantasy Romp with Fated Mates and Fierce Chemistry! I had such a blast diving into this adventure with Victor and Runa! While it took a couple of chapters to fully pull me in—the opening leans a bit slower—the moment Victor’s POV kicked in, I was hooked. His chapters quickly became the highlight for me, adding tension, depth, and just the right amount of edge. The dual POV is handled seamlessly, offering balanced insight into both characters and keeping the story dynamic. Once the pacing picks up, it stays steady, with the plot delivering enough twists and intrigue to keep the pages turning. The world-building strikes a great balance—it’s immersive without ever feeling overwhelming, making it easy to settle into the universe. Although you’ll catch familiar fantasy elements—vampires, shifters, dragons, an Empyrean, and a brutal trial—there’s still a refreshing originality in how it all comes together. It pays ho...

 The Quiet Side by Casey Blair I’ll be honest, when I first started the book, the dynamic between Kovan and Tasa felt a bit much. Their immediate intensity came off more like obsession than curiosity, which made it harder to ease into their connection. They’d flip from mutual admiration to sharp-edged conflict so fast it gave me whiplash. That emotional whiplash wasn’t always believable, but then again, relationships aren't always tidy. That said, once I settled in, I found myself unexpectedly drawn to both of them. Kovan, with all his quiet strength and practical thinking, felt like the embodiment of control, except when it came to figuring out where he fit in the world. Watching him wrestle with the weight of other people’s expectations versus his own voice felt deeply personal. I’ve been there. It hit. Then there's Tasa, stubborn, independent, almost allergic to vulnerability. She’s so used to surviving on her own that accepting help feels like weakness. And yet, it’s in...

 Up in Molten Lights by E.B. Golden  "Up in Molten Lights" doesn’t just raise the stakes , it sets them on fire. From the first page, this sequel slams the gas pedal and never lets up. If Behind the Crimson Curtain was a slow, seductive waltz through shadows and secrets, Molten Lights is an all-out sprint through a minefield. Explosive, fearless, and emotionally gutting, this book will claw into your chest and refuse to let go until the very last word. The world is darker now, more dangerous. The president’s twisted vision for the regime morphs into full-blown tyranny, and Golden paints this unraveling with vivid, terrifying precision. Every scene crackles with danger, you can practically smell the smoke and fear in the air . It's suffocating in the best way. And Firin, oh, Firin. She’s still wearing masks like armor, still walking the knife’s edge between survival and rebellion. Her internal war is just as gripping as the physical one outside. Watching her balan...

 Silvercloak by L.K. Stevens Silvercloak isn’t just cool as hell, it’s utterly gripping from start to finish. At its heart is Saffron Killoran, a detective mage tasked with infiltrating one of the most dangerous gangs in the city. But this isn’t just another assignment. This gang is responsible for the brutal murder of her parents two decades ago, and Saff’s not just going undercover, she’s chasing justice with a vengeance. Or maybe revenge. Either way, there’s a score to settle, and she’s not walking away until it’s paid in full. The worldbuilding here is fresh and inventive in the best way. The magic system alone had me wide-eyed: in Saff’s world, magic draws from a reservoir of pleasure and pain, quantity and quality determined by the emotional highs and lows of the user. It’s intimate, risky, and entirely original. As Saff navigates this brutal landscape, it becomes clear she’s playing by her own rules, with a few tricks no one saw coming. Her descent into the city’s crim...

 Augmented by Kenechi Odogu This book had me hooked from page one, claustrophobic in the best way. Imagine an Earth so ravaged by climate change that even stepping outside requires a full-body suit and an airlock. That’s the terrifyingly immersive backdrop of this dystopian sci-fi, and it felt disturbingly plausible. The world-building was airtight (pun not intended?), and it hit me hard how close we might be to living in a world like this. What really struck me, though, was how the story explored the idea of power and potential in a system built to sort, surveil, and suppress. The society here is meticulously structured, privilege is doled out in teaspoons, and individuality gets run through an aptitude scanner. So when our main character, Akaego, a skilled coder already, suddenly develops a rare and highly prized ability, the system grabs hold of her with both hands. She’s fast-tracked, spotlighted, and practically handed to the mayor on a silver platter. But... at what cost?...

  Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander  A Bold, Brilliant, and Unflinchingly Honest Look at the World We Live In The Arc of the Universe by Nikki Alexander is one of those rare books that grabs hold of your mind and refuses to let go. From the very first page, I found myself completely immersed in a story that, while rooted in science fiction, feels hauntingly and heartbreakingly real. Told from the perspective of Carrie, our fierce and intelligent main character, the novel begins with what seems like a dream come true, she lands the job she’s worked tirelessly for. But what follows isn’t just a story of ambition and success. It’s a deep dive into the cracks in our society, a reimagining of power, justice, and what could happen if someone dared to challenge the foundations of an unjust system. Alexander crafts a compelling narrative that dares to ask the impossible: What if you could rewrite the Constitution? Through Carrie’s eyes, we explore this provocative idea, h...

Prince of Power by Skyler Mason  I picked this book up at 8 p.m. last night and I. Did. Not. Stop. I was lucky enough to receive both the ARC of the book and the audiobook, and let me tell you, being immersed in a story like this is an experience you do not want to miss. If you're into dark romance, this book was made for you. There's a whole menu of trigger warnings, yes, I read them like appetizers before the main course, and they only added to the delicious sense of danger. There’s something thrilling about opening a book and knowing it's going to leave you gasping. Skylar Mason’s writing is razor-sharp, her plotting absolutely top-tier. I love when a book lets me think I’ve got it all figured out, only to twist the knife in a way I never saw coming. The story centers on a secret society where the entry price is… a virgin sacrifice. Of course, it’s men pulling the strings, and of course, our FMC, Ava, is caught in the middle. Ava is a smart, book-loving student ...

 Hold Me for Now by Lexi Davis Short, Steamy, and Surprisingly Deep , A Must-Read Novella Hold Me For Now by Lexi Davis completely surprised me, in the best way. I’m not usually a fan of novellas; they often feel rushed or incomplete, like they’re missing the emotional depth of a full-length novel. But this one? It delivers everything in just a few powerful pages. The story centers around two strangers, let’s call them T and K, who both struggle with the same intimate problem: they can’t finish during sex. Desperate for answers, they each join a clinical trial designed to help participants overcome this exact issue. Their paths cross in the program, and what starts as awkward (and honestly, kind of hilarious) slowly evolves into something deeply emotional and unexpectedly beautiful. Lexi Davis does something incredible here: she builds rich, believable characters and a compelling emotional arc in a very short time. Nothing feels rushed or underdeveloped. The chemistry is re...

 Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport Review: Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport Our Vicious Oaths by N.E. Davenport is an absolute standout, a thrilling, immersive read that I can’t stop thinking about. If you’re craving a fantasy that blends high-stakes magic, dragons, a fierce female lead, and a swoon-worthy shadow-wielding king, this belongs at the top of your TBR. This book delivers a perfect mix of beloved tropes: enemies to allies, forced proximity, a slow-burn romance (though let’s be real, the spice is on the page early), and even a political forced marriage. Add in an all-female dragon-riding warrior squad, elemental magic, and a villain so vile you’ll actively root for their downfall, and somehow, it never feels like too much. Every element is intentional, and the world-building is seamless. Kadeesha, our main character, is the heart of the story. She's strong, loyal, and unwilling to compromise who she is, even when caught between duty and desire. Her conviction...

 King Maximilianus by P.E. Nylund One of the things that stood out to me most about this book was how refreshingly uncluttered it felt. So many stories in this genre tend to get bogged down with repetitive dialogue or overly drawn-out scenes, but this one moved with a clean, confident pace. I never felt like I was treading the same ground twice, which made the reading experience feel smooth, intentional, and surprisingly refreshing. I’ve always had a deep respect for indie authors. Putting your work out into the world, especially in a space as competitive and vocal as the shifter genre, takes serious guts. And this author did more than just show up, they carved out a niche. The choice to have the male lead narrate the story felt bold and unexpected, and it really worked. It gave the narrative a fresh angle I don’t often see in paranormal romance, and I appreciated that risk. It’s also clear that the author made a genuine effort to flesh out each character, not just the leads, ...

 Spellcaster by Jaymin Eve From the moment Paisley sets foot on the mysterious grounds of Weatherstone College, it’s clear she’s in for more than just classes and campus life. Ancient secrets linger in the shadows, and danger pulses beneath every ivy-covered corner. What truly makes this story sing, though, is Paisley herself—her inner monologue sparkles with wit, vulnerability, and a refreshingly sharp sense of humor. As she grapples with the pressure of legacy, the weight of her mother’s memory, and her own unpredictable magic, readers can’t help but root for her. At the center of the romantic storm is Logan Kingston—Weatherstone’s most dangerous spellcaster and the brooding son of Paisley’s family’s longtime rivals. His dark reputation, fueled by tantalizing whispers and school gossip, only adds to his magnetic pull. Paisley's spicy, swoon-inducing dreams about him add heat to the slow-burn build-up, making their eventual first kiss nothing short of electric. Their dynamic is ...

  A Witch and Her Dragon by Emberly Wyndham I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this ebook, and by the time I reached the end, I genuinely enjoyed it! Going in, I had a general idea of the synopsis, but I somehow missed that it was described as a “cozy spicy fantasy romance.” Had I noticed that from the start, I think I would’ve clicked with the tone a lot sooner. As it was, I found myself struggling a bit to stay engaged around the 40–50% mark. That lull had more to do with my own expectations than the book itself, but I still think it’s worth mentioning, since it shaped my personal reading experience and my final rating. That said, once I settled into the vibe, low-stakes fantasy, warm friendships, a touch of romance, and charming animal companions, it really started to shine. The cozy elements are blended beautifully with just enough heat to keep things interesting without ever overshadowing the heart of the story. Now that I know what kind of experience this author is...

 Pitcher Perfect by Tessa Bailey If you’re looking for a quick, low-stakes, fun, and steamy read, Pitcher might just hit the spot. For me, this book felt very on-brand for Tessa Bailey. It was cute, totally fine, and got the job done. Not groundbreaking by any means, but I didn’t walk away disappointed either. Robbie and Skylar probably won’t stick with me long-term, but the spice? Oh, that was definitely a win. When she’s not going completely over the top, Tessa really knows how to write a good steamy scene. The story itself was quick and entertaining, definitely something you could knock out in a single sitting. It did feel a little too busy for my taste (a few too many plot threads competing for attention), but hey, who doesn’t love a little extra drama now and then? Overall, if you're in the mood for a fun romance with very spicy moments, this is a solid pick to curl up with.  

  One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti I am absolutely OBSESSED with One Dark Kiss by Rebecca Zanetti! Easily a 5-star read for me. This book completely pulled me in, it’s a dark, intense Snow White retelling (which I totally didn’t realize at first until I saw someone mention it on TikTok 😅 ), but once I saw it… everything clicked. The parallels were so clever! I had the chance to both listen to the audiobook and read it at the same time, and wow, game changer . The narrators were incredible. The accents? Spot on. The way they brought these characters to life made the whole story feel even more immersive. I honestly felt like I was living every moment with them. This is a love story wrapped in danger, obsession, and revenge. Alexei, ugh, where do I even begin? He’s the imprisoned, outcast son of the Russian mob, and he’s not done fighting for what was stolen from him. He’s raw, determined, and absolutely magnetic. The moment he sees Rosalie, it’s over, he’s decided she’s his...

 Ruthless Devotion by Rebecca Kenney Unexpectedly Captivating – A Dark, Twisting Tale of Love and Obsession I truly didn’t expect to fall so hard for Ruthless Devotion. It’s a bit outside my usual comfort zone—I tend to gravitate toward romantasy rather than modern paranormal romance—but this book surprised me in all the best ways. What drew me in initially was the comparison to Wuthering Heights, one of my all-time favorite classics. And while it draws on that same tragic, intense emotional core, Ruthless Devotion puts its own bold, fresh spin on the concept—delivering the devastation without shattering your heart completely. Heathcliff is anything but a conventional romantic lead. He’s raw, damaged, and more than a little abrasive, especially early on. His approach to love is far from gentle, and his inner monologue is steeped in self-loathing and weariness. But that vulnerability made him instantly compelling to me. His voice is gritty and authentic, and it grounds the entire st...

 The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose Review of The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose The Girl I Was by Jeneva Rose was more than just a book to me, it was a balm. Though it’s clear the author wrote it as part of her own healing journey, I found pieces of my own heart tucked into its pages. It made me laugh, cry, and reflect in ways I wasn’t expecting. The premise, meeting your younger self, hit me harder than I thought it would. It was funny at times, sure, but deeply emotional too. As I read, I caught myself kicking my feet, smiling, wondering: What would I say to the younger me? That question stayed with me long after I closed the book. Because the truth is, at some point, we all have to face the person we once were. We all carry our younger selves inside us, their fears, their wounds, their dreams, and we have to decide what to do with them. Forgive them. Comfort them. Maybe even thank them. There were so many moments that struck a personal chord. I found myself frustrated with young...

 Fall I want by Lyra Parish This book pulled me in right away—it started strong, with a fun, flirty energy that made it easy to root for the characters. I’m not usually someone who gravitates toward instalove, but this premise felt fresh: a literal dream guy, a sister’s prophecy, and a connection that walks the line between fate and fantasy. I really loved how unique that setup was, and it made me want to see how things unfolded. Zane and Autumn had undeniable chemistry, and their banter had me laughing out loud more than once. Their dynamic was playful and charming, and even though their relationship progressed quickly, it didn’t feel forced in the beginning. Lyra Parish did a great job building up tension and creating that slow-burn satisfaction—even in a fast-paced romance. But around the halfway, the story lost the plot. It felt like they got together and that was it. Still, there’s a lot to love here. Fall I Want is sweet, steamy, and delightfully whimsical—a fun romanc...

 A Heart of Crimson Flames by A.K. Mulford Returning to the world of A Heart of Crimson Flames felt like slipping into something familiar and comforting, yet still full of surprises. This installment delivered a satisfying blend of rich magic, swoo ny romance, and layered political intrigue that kept me engaged from start to finish. One of the most commendable aspects of the book is its commitment to inclusivity—there’s such thoughtful and authentic representation woven throughout, and it was genuinely refreshing to see characters who reflect a broad spectrum of identities, backgrounds, and experiences. It made the story feel more grounded, more human, and ultimately more powerful. The relationships between characters—both romantic and platonic—brought a lot of warmth to the story. There are some truly tender, heart-melting moments that had me grinning, as well as a few unexpected twists that added tension and kept me on my toes. That said, I did feel like the pacing could have bee...