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 Where Darkness Blooms by K.D. Stark ARC Review - Where Darkness Bloomed Where Darkness Bloomed is a masterful weaving of literary talent, mythology, and storytelling that ensnares the reader in rapture, despair, and an ache that lingers long after the last page. This is a story to be felt, savored, and dissected, perfect for readers who love to uncover the beauty hidden in every word. With its intricate layers, rich prose, and monumental moments, it is nothing short of genius incarnate. For anyone fascinated by Greek mythology, this book is a dream come true. Stark brings the myths to life, exploring the tragic and powerful story of Hades and Persephone, the heroic and tumultuous tales of Hephaestus, the epic war of Troy, and the pivotal role of Achilles. Even the introduction to Odysseus’s journey was a perfect touch, leaving me eager to explore more of his story in the future. The narrative, divided into multiple POVs, flows seamlessly, each perspective feeling distinct yet...

 Darkness Births the Stars by Sarah Lee Wohn From the moment I picked up this ARC, I had a feeling it was going to be something special, and it absolutely delivered. This story quickly earned a spot among my favorites. The world itself is lush and cinematic, with lore that immediately felt surreal. The opening alone had me imagining Galadriel’s voice narrating, pulling me right into the atmosphere. Told through a dual timeline, the narrative unfolds piece by piece, slowly revealing secrets and connections. At the center are two star-crossed characters, given the rare chance to rediscover themselves, and each other, in a reality that has changed everything. Their dynamic is electric: sharp banter balanced with aching longing, making the slow burn romance impossible to resist. Every conversation drops small breadcrumbs that keep you anticipating the moment their shared history will finally come into focus. And the ending, shook! I would recommend this book for people who love...

 The Song of Sunrise by Monica J. Deloy Review of The Song of Sunrise This book was an absolute standout for me, I was hooked from the very first page and genuinely disappointed when I realized I’d have to wait for the sequel. What impressed me most was how unpredictable the story was. I thought I knew where the romance was heading, but the author completely surprised me in the best way. The worldbuilding is rich and immersive, with a well-constructed magic system supported by layered politics and history that gave real depth to the plot. The writing also shines in its inclusivity and thoughtful representation, which only added to my appreciation of the story. Akemi, our fierce female lead, felt refreshingly real. Her choices, flaws, and resilience made her an easy character to admire, and I loved watching her grow stronger with every challenge. Then there’s Atlys—dark, magnetic, and impossible to forget. The tension between them absolutely leapt off the page, and their dynam...

Beneath Your Lies by Nicole J. Owens ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ From the very first chapter, this dark romance captured my attention and refused to let go. It opens with Veronica’s shocking discovery of her husband Richard’s betrayal, a powerful District Attorney whose response to being confronted is both cruel and manipulative. He demands that Veronica pursue her own affair, though only under his control and with a partner of his choosing. This unsettling premise sets the stage for a tense, emotional journey. As Veronica seeks her own path forward, she encounters Ronan, a brooding hitman haunted by his past. Their connection is immediate and magnetic, but also dangerous. The forbidden attraction between them builds with every encounter, layering suspense on top of passion. The chemistry is undeniable, and the tension simmers as their lives begin to intertwine in ways neither expected. The story escalates into a gripping mix of thriller, crime, and romance. The balance between plot and intimacy is hand...

 Kissed by the Gods by Caty Rogan ARC Review — Kissed by the Gods by Caty Rogan Kissed by the Gods is an exhilarating start to a brand-new romantasy series, and it exceeded all of my expectations. From the opening chapter, the story swept me away with its fast pacing, fierce battles, and high emotional stakes. Leina’s journey, from losing her family to becoming the first female altor (warrior), is one of resilience, rage, and survival. When she crosses paths with Ryot, a powerful warrior with his own secrets, her life changes forever. Her training pushes her to her limits, and she quickly learns that being the first of her kind makes her both a weapon and a target. Leina is a truly compelling heroine. She’s strong, passionate, and unafraid to fight for those she loves, but her vulnerability makes her all the more relatable. Ryot serves as her reluctant ally, and their chemistry is a perfect balance of tension, frustration, and slow-burn romance that builds beautifully throughout t...

Oceansong by C.W. Rose Enemies to lovers… but make it Alaskan wilderness meets shimmering underwater kingdoms. Oceansong throws you headfirst into a world where humans and mermaids are at war yet manages to sneak in a love story that feels both tender and exhilarating. Our heroine is exactly the kind of character I want leading the charge, sharp, unyielding, unwilling to back down no matter who tries to intimidate her. Every warning that came her way only made her backbone shine brighter. On the other side of the ocean current? A hero who starts off disdainful of all human things, but who slowly, carefully, learns to see her differently. Their romance doesn’t waste time pretending to be a slow burn, but it also avoids the pitfall of rushing—it simmers just long enough to feel believable, then blossoms into something soft, sweet, and fierce. The kind of love that makes you think, yes, he would absolutely risk everything for her. The setting itself was a delight, half grounded in th...

The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray Review: The Heartbeat Heist by Florence Gray (Out August 26, 2025) ⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Heartbeat Heist is an exciting mix of high-stakes romance, rebellion, and intrigue. Florence Gray introduces readers to Evelyn, the enigmatic “Bird of Bordeaux”, a master thief navigating a glittering world of underground auctions and whispered betrayals. With a mysterious employer known only as The Reaper and a charismatic partner-in-crime named Jaq, Evelyn sets off on a mission full of secrets, risks, and unexpected twists. Gray’s writing is slick and stylish, and the tension, romantic and otherwise, keeps the pages turning. If you enjoy morally gray characters, intricate heists, and slow-burn dynamics, this novel checks many boxes. The atmosphere is evocative, and the narrative momentum rarely falters. That said, the worldbuilding left me with mixed feelings. The setting is described as a magical realism or light urban fantasy take on post-Revolutionary France, bu...

 Vicious Princess by Karolina Wilde Vicious Princess was an engaging read that kept my attention from start to finish, even if I suspected from early on that it was setting up for another installment. While the ending wasn’t a huge, jaw-dropping cliffhanger, it left enough unanswered questions to make me eager for book two. The story kicks off with a surprising spicy scene, immediately setting a bold tone. From there, the plot delivers plenty of action, trials, and a satisfying revenge arc. Phoenix, the FMC, is a standout, strong, determined, and relentless when it comes to achieving her goals. I appreciated her unwavering drive, though I’m hoping the next book ties up some of the loose ends involving side characters. The romance was solid and realistic, though I personally didn’t connect as strongly with the MMC this time around. He was likable enough and served his role in the story, but the emotional pull wasn’t as strong for me as it was in other books. Overall, this is ...

Something Wicked by  Falon Ballard Review: Something Wicked by Falon Ballard ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5) Something Wicked caught my eye with its absolutely stunning cover (seriously, chef’s kiss ), and the opening chapters quickly pulled me in. This romantasy debut blends forbidden magic, slow-burn romance, and political tension in a world of seductive power and rebellion. Think Macbeth meets Moulin Rouge , with a magical twist. The story centers around Callum, the disgraced son of a dethroned king who’s being groomed to reclaim power, by killing his own father. Opposite him is Lady Caterine, a “Gifted” courtesan with a rare and unique ability: she can manipulate emotions through touch. Their paths collide in a lush, high-stakes environment filled with secrets, manipulation, and emotional seduction. Ballard sets the stage beautifully. La Puissance, Cate’s elite sex club, is described with vivid, sensory detail, and the interspersed journal entries and letters between chapters were a st...

 Hollow by Celina Myers Review: Hollow by Celina Myers ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.5/5, rounded up) I really wanted to love Hollow , and while parts of it worked for me, I think my initial anticipation set the bar a little too high. That said, it’s a fast-paced, emotionally accessible story that reimagines vampire lore with a fresh, modern spin. The novel opens with a compelling hook: Mia Adair dies and wakes up to discover that death is only the beginning. Now part of a hidden world filled with rival vampire clans, supernatural politics, and long-buried magic, Mia must rediscover herself and her forgotten ability to communicate with the dead. As she reconnects with her powers, she's also faced with a difficult choice between two vampire families, the Bellamys and the Suttons, each with its own secrets, darkness, and appeal. Celina Myers’ writing is approachable and emotionally grounded. She brings humor, atmosphere, and a strong sense of found family to the forefront. While the prose can...

 Love and Other Killers by Brynne Weaver A wickedly fun, fast-paced ride you won’t want to miss! This novella was such a treat, quick, chaotic, and absolutely delightful! For the best experience, I highly recommend reading Butcher & Blackbird first, since this story picks up with familiar faces from the Ruinous Love Trilogy , and you'll appreciate all the delicious callbacks even more. Told entirely from Sloane’s POV (which, let’s be real, is iconic ), we dive headfirst into the annual August Hunt, a bloody, hilarious tradition featuring your favorite morally questionable couples. This time, their target? Allan Munster. He raises chickens... and kills more than just them. Seriously. Sloane’s inner monologue had me laughing out loud more than once,she’s sharp, chaotic, and endlessly entertaining. It also weaves in some perfect nods to the Scythe & Sparrow epilogue, while cleverly introducing the heroine of Tourist Season , linking the two series in a way that feels ...

 The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grim Review: The Black Carnival by Harlequin Grimm The Black Carnival is a darkly atmospheric, genre-bending novel that blends the grotesque beauty of a gothic circus with gritty historical fiction. Set in the 1800s, it captures the era with an immersive voice and rich, moody descriptions that made me feel transported to another time. While the book didn’t fully work for me, there’s a lot to admire in its ambition. The strongest aspects, in my opinion, are the setting and the atmosphere. The circus backdrop is vivid and eerie in all the right ways, haunting, strange, and uniquely compelling. Grimm’s use of language is elegant, and their prose effectively evokes a sense of unease. The “found family” theme, while subtle, adds a touch of heart that helps ground the darker elements of the story. That said, the pacing was a real challenge for me. The first half felt overly slow, with a heavy emphasis on worldbuilding and scene-setting. While this...

 The Reveal by Megan Crane Review: The Reveal , A Fresh Take on Monsters, Mayhem, and Human Survival The Reveal is one of those stories that pulls you in right from the start and doesn’t let go. From the first chapter, I was hooked, following the main character as her perception of the world slowly unraveled and reassembled itself was a fast-paced, thrilling experience. I loved watching her come to terms with the truth that had been hidden in plain sight and watching enemies shift into allies, monsters into something more complex, and dreams into something terrifyingly real. The start of this journey was wild, addictive, and left me eager for more. The concept itself felt refreshingly original. A post-apocalyptic world ruled by monsters, with humans hanging on by a thread, wasn’t something I’d encountered before, and it gave the story a creative edge that set it apart from other fantasy or supernatural reads. The worldbuilding was a major strength, particularly in the way diff...

 Crown of Briars by R.L. Perez A Thornless Crown and a Beastly Romance: A Mixed Bag “Crown of Briars” promises thorns and tangled paths , but what I found was more of a lightly bristled stroll through familiar tropes with occasional sparks of originality. Let’s start with the premise: a Beauty and the Beast retelling with magic, dragons, and a mysterious assassin heroine? Sign me up. But somewhere between page one and the final chapter, the book lost its footing. The title, for one, sets a darker, more tangled expectation, “Briars” implies danger, consequence, stakes. Ironically, there are no briars. Not metaphorical ones either, unless “mild confusion” counts. The relationship between Sybelle and Varius is where I struggled most. Their dynamic is full of potential: enemies-to-lovers, power imbalances, emotional wounds, but the execution felt rushed and emotionally erratic. One minute it’s murder threats, the next it’s undying devotion. Varius proclaiming he'd abandon his kin...

 Shadow of Silver by Daphne D.H. A Gripping Fantasy Debut That Casts a Spell from Page One! Shadows of Silver is a breathtaking fantasy adventure that had me hooked from the very first chapter. It follows the journey of Alora, a young woman who’s always felt like an outsider in her quiet, sheltered village. Longing for something more, her wish is unexpectedly granted when a mysterious traveler arrives, one who promises to show her the world… but instead, upends it entirely. What begins as an adventure quickly spirals into something much darker. Alora is taken, kidnapped, and delivered to a powerful master in a kingdom thought long lost. There, she’s forced to participate in a series of twisted, high-stakes quests, all in a desperate bid to earn her freedom and unravel the secrets behind a deadly winter curse that holds the kingdom in its grip. The story is rich with hidden magic, ancient curses, and mythical beings , all wrapped in a mystery that deepens with every page. The...

 My Name isn't Paul  by,  This book was definitely a wild and unconventional ride, and I’m still not sure if it was weird in a good way or just… weird. That said, it absolutely stands out as a unique reading experience. At its best, the story explores fascinating themes of identity, existence, and what it means to be (or not be) human. The protagonist, Paul, who isn’t quite Paul, was compelling, especially early on, and I really appreciated the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device. It gave Paul’s inner experience a raw, surreal quality that felt well-matched to the story’s offbeat horror tone. The first part of the novella had me hooked: it was original, unsettling, and strangely funny. The writing was vivid and confidently bizarre. However, as the story progressed, the pacing began to feel rushed. A lot of things started happening in a short span, and the plot began to lose clarity for me. The lore, particularly surrounding the alien-like “mirror peo...