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Showing posts from September, 2025
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Too Cursed to Kiss  by J. Morgyn White Too Cursed to Kiss is a dark, twisted urban fantasy romance that had me hooked from start to finish. Harlan Madson is a feisty, spunky heroine who just wanted a quick payday, until she’s framed for murder, cursed by a deadly ring, and caught in the path of the mysterious and dangerously alluring Waldemar Forndaur. The story is packed with shadow-soaked magic, reality-warping monsters, and sizzling chemistry, keeping me guessing with every twist. The humor is wicked, the stakes are high, and the characters, especially Harlan, are impossible not to root for. A wild, thrilling ride I devoured in one sitting.
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The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow 🌿 The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow – Review 🌿 Some books you read, and others consume you, The Everlasting is firmly the latter. From the first page, its cyclical, entrancing structure hooked me, with scenes that repeat and shift in subtle ways, deepening the story’s impact. At its core are Una Everlasting and Owen Mallory, written with such tenderness that their romance feels like peeking into someone’s private letters—raw, fragile, and unforgettable. But this isn’t just a love story. Harrow explores mythmaking, empire, and the ways societies rewrite history, creating a narrative that is as sweeping as it is intimate. The second-person POV took some adjustment, but ultimately made the story’s ache and sense of return even more immersive. The characters, cowardly and brave, reckless and tender, felt utterly alive. The ending was devastating yet perfect, leaving me with a story I wanted to carry with me rather than continue. This is a book I’...
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Vesseless by Courtney L. Winn ⭐ Vesselless by Courtney L. Winn – Review ⭐ What a debut! Vesselless hooked me from the very first line and didn’t let go, with short, addictive chapters that made it impossible to stop reading. At the heart of the story is Nizzara, a fierce and layered heroine whose dynamic with Dagen kept me invested and eager to piece together every clue. The premise, gods and mortals as vessels, is fresh and fascinating, and once the pacing kicks in around the 25% mark, it’s a true page-turner. The worldbuilding was intriguing but sometimes uneven, shifting between ancient and modern vibes, and I wanted more development around the realm-crossing concept and romance, which went from zero to fully committed a bit too fast. The spice level is very mild (about 1.5/5) and the repeated mentions of Nizzara’s celibacy slightly overshadowed the tension. Still, I loved the concept, the heroine, and the pacing, and the cliffhanger ending has me excited for book two. I landed ...
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Moon Witch by Grace Zhu ✨ Moon Witch Review ✨ First off, let’s talk about the cover. Absolutely enchanting. The kind of cover that makes you stop mid-scroll, stare a little too long, and whisper, “you’re coming home with me.” The promise of a whimsical fairytale with a dark little twist was irresistible, and I couldn’t wait to fall down the rabbit hole (or in this case, slip through the veil). Eva and her best friend Alice tumble into another world that looks magical at first glance but quickly shows its shadows. Castles, gowns, power struggles, a mysterious hierarchy, it’s all there. And honestly? It was fun tagging along on their journey out of this wonderland as much as in. Now, confession: this book wasn’t fully for me. But, big but, I can absolutely see why someone else might fall head over heels for it. If the premise catches your eye, you should give it a try, because there’s enough sparkle here to charm the right reader. 💜 The Bright Spots ·    ...
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 A Game of Fallen Stars by S.E. Berkeley    I truly enjoyed diving into this book, it’s a beautifully written slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine paranormal romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The contrast between the MMC and FMC is so sharp yet compelling, and it’s impossible not to root for them as they navigate their way toward a well-earned happily ever after. I also really appreciated the thoughtful representation woven into the story, the FMC is midsize, and the cast includes LGBTQ characters. And I can’t go without mentioning the cover: it’s stunning and perfectly reflects the atmosphere and mood of the book. The story begins with Ethan, our MMC, on the phone with his narcissistic mother, who berates him for his life choices. Having left behind a high-stress job to retreat to a remote cabin, Ethan is seeking peace and much-needed space from her constant criticism. With encouragement from his sister, and thanks to the boundaries he’s been working on in the...
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Death takes a Detour  by Shereen Vedam ⭐⭐⭐ This book immediately drew me in with its fast-paced plot and intriguing premise. Abbie Grimshaw’s journey, recovering from tragedy, discovering her powers, and stepping into the role of protector, felt both compelling and heartfelt. The supernatural elements and the mix of characters with unique abilities added an exciting dynamic, and the story kept me turning pages. That said, because the story moves along at such a rapid pace, there were moments where I wished for a little more breathing room. Some scenes and character developments felt rushed, and I think slowing down in certain places could have allowed for even deeper emotional impact. Abbie’s transition into her role as a Grimm, for example, might resonate even more if her discoveries and struggles were given more space to unfold. The characters themselves are vivid and well-developed, which makes them easy to connect with. Still, a few of the secondary characters’ powers and m...
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 Winter and the Immortality Thief  by Brien Feathers Winter and the Immortality Thief is an absolutely captivating start to the Volynian Tales series. From the very first page, I was pulled into a world of swords, sorcery, political intrigue, and, of course, dragons. What stood out most to me was the strength of the characters, particularly Dawn. She isn’t admirable because of her thieving or cunning ways, but because of the fierce love she carries for those she cares about, especially her brother. Her determination to protect him, even at great personal cost, makes her an incredibly compelling protagonist. I found myself rooting for her every step of the way. The plot itself strikes a perfect balance between dark fantasy and slow-burn romance. It’s layered with politics, rebellion, and the constant question of loyalty and betrayal. Brien Feathers has a real gift for weaving a strong storyline with characters who feel multidimensional and human, even in a world filled wit...
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 Unraveled by Abbey Fox Who doesn’t love a Beauty and the Beast retelling? Add a darker edge, sprinkle in some delicious spice, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a story that completely hooked me. Honestly, I could rewatch Beauty and the Beast a thousand times and never get tired of it, though I still remember bawling my eyes out when someone stole my VHS copy back in the day (yes, I’m dating myself here, but it’s worth it for the nostalgia!). In this version, Mia is our fiery, book-loving Belle, only she’s not just a dreamer, she’s a fierce librarian with some serious backbone. She hates the Fae, convinced they’re nothing but monsters…until she’s kidnapped by Ash, the devastatingly powerful Fae King. Forced into his world, her beliefs begin to unravel, and the chemistry between them crackles with every interaction. Ash isn’t just your typical brooding beast, he’s dangerous, magnetic, and hopelessly drawn to Mia. He’s convinced she’s the key to breaking his curse and savi...
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 The Imrati Trials by Lizzy Gayle ✨ ARC Review ✨ 📖 Initial Thoughts: From page one, I knew this story wasn’t going to play nice, and I loved it for that. The author throws you into a whirlwind of betrayals, shifting alliances, and a magic system brimming with possibilities. Every time I thought I had a handle on where things were headed, another sharp turn yanked the story in a completely new direction. The ending? Let’s just say I closed the book, stared at the wall, and muttered “No way…” more than once. 👑 The Premise in a Nutshell: ·          Illegitimate daughter of a ruthless king. ·          A stolen inheritance of her sister’s magic. ·          Flight from a kingdom that wants her blood. ·          A warrior with his own deadly agenda: to assassinate the king through the Imrati Trials, a magical tou...
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 City of Promise and Light by M.B. Atkins ⭐⭐⭐⭐ City of Promise and Light throws you headfirst into a dark, magical world where nothing comes easy for Sybil. She starts out a bit whiny and overwhelmed (and honestly, I wanted to shake her a few times), but watching her grow into her power kept me hooked. The two MMCs add a fun twist, will it be a love triangle or a why choose? Either way, I’m invested. What stood out most to me is how real the themes felt. Sybil’s desire for stability and freedom hits close to home, and the villains echo the kind of power-hungry figures we see too often in the real world. It’s dark, heavy at times, and definitely not a lighthearted fantasy, but if you stick with it, it’s so rewarding. M.B. Atkins delivers a debut that’s bold, thought-provoking, and full of heart. I’ll definitely be picking up book two.