The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg

 The Half-Hearted Queen

by Charlie N. Holmberg

My Rating: ★★★★★

Spice Rating: 🫑

Blurb: 

In this spellbinding dark fantasy from Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg that concludes the Shattered King duology, Nym must escape the clutches of her captors and find her way back to Renn even as forbidden love, magic, and secrets collide with the weight of the crown and the war between kingdoms.

Nym never told Prince Renn she loved him. And now, as a captive and political pawn to the ruthless King Nicosia, Nym finds herself guarding more than her forbidden feelings for Renn as the kingdoms of Cansere and Sesta clash and the bloodshed of war rages. Nym’s connection to Renn is more than just romantic—it’s magical, and King Nicosia will stop at nothing to find Renn’s weakness and claim the kingdoms as his.

Now Nym must find a way to escape the cruel and twisted fate of imprisonment as she faces the unimaginable horrors and dangerous secrets hidden within King Nicosia’s palace walls. With the succession of kings on the line and a dangerous prophecy unfolding, Prince Renn faces his own impossible choice. The future of the throne hinges on a political alliance that means forsaking his love for Nym. If he can’t fulfill his destiny and unite the kingdoms, King Nicosia will destroy them all.

My Review: 

The Half-Hearted Queen by Charlie N. Holmberg completely swept me away, and I am begging for more stories set in this world.

From the very first page, this book delivers a classic, all-consuming love story that feels both epic and intimate. The romance is timeless, the kind that aches, builds, and burns slowly until you’re utterly invested. You don’t just watch it unfold… you live it alongside the characters. Every obstacle, every sacrifice, every hard won moment of tenderness feels earned. By the end, I wasn’t just rooting for them I was emotionally wrecked in the best possible way.

Nym, our fierce yet quiet heroine, is unforgettable. She isn’t strong in the loud, battlefield-commanding way. Her strength is deeper. Steadier. She endures. She rises. No matter where she comes from or how underestimated she is, she refuses to let her circumstances define her future. There’s something incredibly powerful about that kind of resilience, and watching her grow had me completely captivated.

And the magic? Absolutely mesmerizing. It feels less like spellcasting and more like soul-mending, like reaching into the deepest most broken parts of someone and stitching them whole again. It’s intimate, emotional, and unlike anything I’ve encountered before.

The worldbuilding is rich and immersive ancient countries locked in conflict, danger pressing in from every side, and love blooming against impossible odds. The stakes are high, the villain is easy to hate, and the emotional payoff hits hard. I swooned more time than I care to admit… and yes, I cried at the end.

The narrator was amazing she added a lot of depth and I didn't hate her male voice, it actually worked really well. There are times when you will be listening and reading a book at the same time and always give it the extra depth needed for me to be completely immersed. 

If you’re craving a sweeping romance, breathtaking magic, high stakes adventure, and a story that will grip your heart and not let go, The Half-Hearted Queen is absolutely the book for you.

The Auction Sadie Kincaid

 The Auction by Sadie Kincaid

My Rating: ★★★★

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Blurb:

The queen of dark mafia romance, Sadie Kincaid, begins her new explosively sexy Wages of Sin series with The Auction. Order your deluxe hardcover limited edition with stunning cover effects, stamped foil case, lush matching endpapers, and decked-out floral edges today. Beauty and the Beast meets organized crime in this tense slow-burn romance with scorching spice, thrilling suspense, and life-altering secrets.

I was trained to be a pawn, but I will rise as a queen.

My life has never been my own. After the death of my parents, I was saved by my grandfather, with the promise that he would turn me over to the Brotherhood on my twenty-first birthday.

I was kept away from the outside world so I could one day be sold to the highest bidder—pure and unsullied. Penance for my parents’ alleged crimes.

That’s how I come to be sold at an auction.

And who buys me but the reclusive billionaire, Lincoln Knight?

Some say that he’s a monster, more dangerous than any of the evil men from the Brotherhood. That he wears a mask to cover his scars. But I believe he’s hiding more than just his face behind his mask.

My fate is sealed when he takes me to his crumbling mansion deep in the woods. I’m trapped. Entirely at his mercy.

I have to escape.

But something here isn’t what it seems.

Lincoln isn’t what he seems. Maybe he’s not a monster at all. I’m drawn to him in a way that I can’t explain. Until I discover that his secrets go far beyond his mask.

He’s everything I’ve been taught to fear, but what if everything I’ve ever known has been a lie?

Perfect for readers who
• Masked men
• Morally grey alpha heroes
• Determined heroines
• Gothic vibes
• Fiery slow burns
• Beauty and the Beast, Jane Eyre, and Wuthering Heights inspo
• God of Malice, Ruthless Creatures, and The Kiss Thief

My Review:

The Auction by Sadie Kincaid completely consumed me, and pairing it with the audiobook made the experience even more addictive.

From the moment I read the premise, I knew I was in for something dark and deliciously twisted… and it absolutely delivered. This is dark romance in its rawest form, so definitely check your trigger warnings before diving in. That said? I personally devour morally gray chaos for breakfast. I love stories that push boundaries, make me question everything, and drag me into uncomfortable territory, and this one did exactly that.

At the center of the storm is Imogen, our sheltered and heartbreakingly naïve FMC. But her innocence isn’t accidental, it’s engineered. As the daughter of a mob traitor, her fate was sealed long ago. On her twenty-first birthday, she’s to be auctioned off to the highest bidder, her entire existence reduced to a transaction. Her world is ruthless, dangerous, and suffocating. She’s been raised to obey and survive.

And then there’s Lincoln.

Scarred, secretive, and driven by revenge, Lincoln enters the scene like a shadow with unfinished business. He hides his face from the world, but his presence is impossible to ignore. There are hints he’s known Imogen far longer than she realizes, and his motives are layered in mystery. He plans for vengeance. He plans for control. What he doesn’t plan for? Falling for the very woman at the center of it all.

The entire story gave me strong Beauty and the Beast vibes, dark castle energy, a massive library (yes, I swooned), a misunderstood “monster” with a soft heart, and even a charming French butler. Pierre absolutely stole scenes for me. He’s warm, witty, and brings much needed lightness to an otherwise intense, brooding atmosphere. Every time the tension tightened, Pierre sliced right through it with humor and heart.

The romance is intense but believable, unfolding in a world that feels brutal and demanding. And the spice? Let’s just say it’s not a sprinkle it’s a full-blown inferno. You will not leave hungry. 

The audiobook elevated everything. The duet narration with the male narrator voicing all male characters and the female narrator voicing all female characters made the story feel immersive and cinematic. It blurred the line between reading and living the story.

This book is dark. It’s heavy. It will absolutely not be for everyone. But if you love twisted retellings, morally gray men who would burn the world down for their woman, dangerous secrets, and yes a giant library (I’m joking… but I’m not) then this book deserves a spot on your TBR.

Just don’t say you weren’t warned.

Packed in the Firehouse by Melissa Huxley

Packed in the Firehouse

by Melissa Huxley

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

Blurb:

The fire started, and I never wanted it to go out…

The fire took everything from me. My home. My memories. The stability I fought tooth and nail for, giving my son the life he deserved.

But it was all gone, destroyed in a matter of minutes as I helplessly watched.

Escaping with our lives and nothing more, Luka and I headed for the shelter, determined to rest before starting over tomorrow, creating a new life from scratch once again. Three Alphas wouldn’t have it though, surrounding us and demanding we stay with them and the other firefighters at the station.

I was reluctant to say yes, and if I had been alone, I would have shot them down. But Luka deserved to feel safe after what we had been through.

And after all, it was only supposed to be for a few nights…

I didn’t expect to find love in the aftermath of the smoldering embers of my life, but would the traumas of my past douse the flames before they could fully ignite?


Packed in the Fire House is the first book in the Fire House Omegas series and is in the same universe as the Pucking Pregnant and Pucking Alphas series. Although each book is a standalone, they should be read in order.

 My Review: 

I will never stop loving omegaverse, I mean, who wouldn’t? There’s just something irresistible about picking one up and instantly getting swept away in that warm, possessive, protective energy. It’s like biting into a perfectly iced toaster strudel, sweet, soft, and then suddenly hot in the best way. Sometimes fantasy and dark romance get so intense and heavy that I need a little emotional reset, and Packed in the Firehouse is exactly that kind of refresh.

The story follows three ridiculously attractive firefighters who rescue a woman and her child after she loses everything. From the moment they meet her, the connection is immediate. They’re drawn to her in a way they’ve never experienced before, especially her scent, and you can feel the spark simmering from the start. Watching them fall for her while she slowly falls for the pack is honestly the cutest, most satisfying journey. You get the classic alpha of alphas, quiet, commanding, intimidating, yet somehow the first to give in when it comes to her. Then there’s the funny, affectionate one who loves so deeply it almost hurts, and the gentle, nurturing one who is so caring you can’t help but melt.

The dynamic is warm, protective, and swoony in all the right ways. Imagine three strong, devoted men anticipating your needs before you even know you have them, making sure you and your child are safe, cherished, and wanted. It’s cozy and spicy at the same time, the perfect blend of emotional comfort and heat. If you’re in your feelings and need a book that feels like a cleansing, heart-squeezing hug with a little fire behind it, this one absolutely delivers.

Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma

 Immortal Dark

by Tigest Girma

My Rating:🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🫑

Blurb:

The Cruel Prince meets Ninth House in this dangerously romantic dark academia fantasy, where a lost heiress must infiltrate an arcane society and live with the vampire she suspects killed her family and kidnapped her sister.

It began long before my time, but something has always hunted our family.

Orphaned heiress Kidan Adane grew up far from the arcane society she was born into, where human bloodlines gain power through vampire companionship. When her sister, June, disappears, Kidan is convinced a vampire stole her—the very vampire bound to their family, the cruel yet captivating Susenyos Sagad.

To find June, Kidan must infiltrate the elite Uxlay University—where students study to ensure peaceful coexistence between humans and vampires and inherit their family legacies. Kidan must survive living with Susenyos—even as he does everything he can to drive her away. It doesn’t matter that Susenyos’s wickedness speaks to Kidan’s own violent nature and tempts her to surrender to a life of darkness. She must find her sister and kill Susenyos at all costs.

When a murder mirroring June’s disappearance shakes Uxlay, Kidan sinks further into the ruthless underworld of vampires, risking her very soul. There she discovers a centuries-old threat—and June could be at the center of it. To save her sister, Kidan must bring Uxlay to its knees and either break free from the horrors of her own actions or embrace the dark entanglements of love—and the blood it requires.

My Review: 

Immortal Dark completely redefined vampire fiction for me. It isn’t just dark and dangerous, it’s emotionally relentless. This is the kind of story that forces you to confront a brutal question: What would you sacrifice to save someone you love? And not in a hypothetical, romanticized way. This book drags you through the cost of that devotion, the guilt, the rage, the moral lines you swore you’d never cross.

I actually had to sit with this one after finishing it. I needed space to let it marinate, to unpack everything the author layered into the story. It’s not just plot driven; it’s feeling driven. Every choice, every betrayal, every ounce of fury lingers.

When I first heard people say there wasn’t much romance, I hesitated. Romance is usually a huge draw for me. But what Immortal Ruin delivers is far more volatile and fascinating than a conventional love story. This is enemies-to-lovers in its rawest, most feral form, so raw that by the final page, you’re not even entirely sure they’re lovers… or whether they even like each other. And honestly? That ambiguity makes it even better. The tension is sharp, complicated, and charged with resentment as much as attraction. It feels dangerous rather than dreamy, and that’s exactly the point.

At the center of the story is a fierce, relentless FMC who believes vampires kidnapped her sister. Her mission is simple: get her back. The methods? Not so simple. She will do anything, and she does. The book doesn’t shy away from the moral consequences of her actions. Whether she buries her guilt or truly believes the ends justify the means, her determination is unwavering. It’s a powerful portrayal of feminine rage, not softened, not beautified, but allowed to burn.

The setting adds another layer of tension: a school system where humans are bound to vampire Houses as companions. Vampires can only feed from their designated humans, which sounds structured and safe… until you realize how fragile that system actually is. The academy is designed for most human companions to fail. Survival isn’t guaranteed, it’s earned.

When the FMC is placed in a House with a vampire who despises her (and the hatred is mutual), the emotional temperature skyrockets. She’s thrust into a culture she wasn’t raised in, forced to navigate power dynamics, political undercurrents, and a social hierarchy that sees her as expendable. And then there’s the House itself, sentient, cursed, emotionally volatile. It doesn’t just shelter them; it reacts to them. The eerie, shifting atmosphere gave me serious Howl's Moving Castle vibes, alive, unpredictable, and full of secrets.

What I loved most is that this book doesn’t hand you comfort. It gives you rage. It gives you revenge. It gives you morally gray choices and characters who don’t always do the right thing, but do the necessary thing. The world-building is immersive, the tension is suffocating, and the emotional stakes are sky high.

If you’re looking for a vampire story wrapped in soft romance, this isn’t it. But if you want feminine fury, vengeance, dangerous alliances, a truly toxic enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and a gothic setting that feels alive and watching, Immortal Ruin is absolutely a book you need to pick up.

 Hawke by Jescie Hall

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶🌶

Blurb:

Nicole never imagined anyone other than her seemingly perfect boyfriend, Patrick, could grab her attention. That is, until ex-convict Cameron Hawke unexpectedly becomes their roommate, turning her entire, calculated little world upside down.

The tension in the house is thick as Hawke's lifestyle clashes abruptly with hers. Nicole's curiosities get the best of her as she attempts to learn the secrets behind Hawke's mysterious past.

Temptations become overwhelming as lines get crossed, feelings get blurry and the truth to a horrific past is unearthed, changing the lives of the three of them forever.

My Review:

Before anything else, I want to address the genre. I personally didn’t experience this book as a dark romance so much as a taboo romance. There are heavy and emotionally intense elements, but the darkness doesn’t stem from cruelty or depravity, it comes from complicated choices, emotional turmoil, and morally gray circumstances. If you’ve read this book, I’d genuinely be curious how you classify it, because genre expectations definitely shape the reading experience.

Let me start with what I loved, Hawke.

Hawke, as a character, carried the emotional weight of the story. He was flawed, vulnerable, and clearly struggling with deep internal conflict. I tend to gravitate toward what I call “emotional trauma books” stories where characters are navigating pain, longing, and unresolved wounds, and this book delivered that in full. Hawke wasn’t perfect, but he felt real. His desire to be loved, to be understood, and to find something genuine in the chaos of his life made him compelling. You could feel how much he was carrying, and that emotional depth made it difficult not to root for him.

I also genuinely enjoyed the love story and the overall plot. While some aspects were predictable (and I’ll admit I saw certain twists coming), that didn’t take away from the emotional payoff. Sometimes predictability isn’t a flaw, it can be comforting when the journey itself is what matters. The story gives readers a clear villain to focus their frustration on, which in a way almost justifies the messy decisions happening throughout the book. It creates a moral tension where you don’t necessarily condone certain actions, especially the cheating, but you can understand the emotional reasoning behind them.

And that’s where this book becomes complicated. I don’t condone cheating, but I do believe that sometimes when someone finds their person, life doesn’t pause to make the timing convenient. The emotional connection between the characters felt powerful and inevitable. There was never truly a world where the FMC was going to be able to deny him. Their bond felt magnetic, intense, and messy in a way that mirrored real life rather than a perfectly polished romance.

Now, onto what didn’t work for me.

The audiobook narration significantly impacted my experience. I love immersive reading and typically enjoy listening alongside the text, but in this case, the male narrator’s performance didn’t match how I envisioned Hawke. He came across as whiny during moments of inner turmoil. While emotional vulnerability is essential to Hawke’s character, the delivery felt excessive and, at times, distracting. I’ve listened to other books narrated by him where that tone worked beautifully, but for this particular story, it pulled me out of the experience. There were moments I genuinely wanted to skip his chapters, which is rare for me.

That said, none of my critiques make this a bad book. There’s a lot here to love. The romance is emotional, raw, and beautifully messy. The characters are flawed in believable ways, and the story leans heavily into feelings rather than perfection. If you enjoy intense emotional journeys, complicated love stories, and characters navigating morally gray situations, this book is worth the read.

Even with its imperfections, the love at the center of the story is powerful, and sometimes that’s what matters most.

Mayhem and the Mortal by Shanora Williams

 Mayhem and the Mortal 

by Shanora Williams 

My Review: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊 ( If I'm completely honest,

This book is a 6 star read!)

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶 ( There was good spice but not the main focus.)

Blurb:

One mission. One curse. No escape.

Zaira doesn’t want a hero. She needs a weapon.

To save her sister from a soul-devouring curse, she has to cross The Shallows—a nightmare landscape of ruined magic, shifting paths, and vicious creatures that eat people alive.

Her guide? Thane Valkor: sorcerer, assassin, walking red flag. His name clears rooms. His magic kills quietly. And whatever he’s really after, it’s not salvation.

He promises to help. He might even mean it.

But Zaira knows better than to trust a liar with a blade and ice in his veins.

She just doesn’t have a choice.

My Review:

When I tell you I devoured this book, I mean I absolutely DEVOURED it. There were no crumbs left behind. None. I inhaled it.

I have been counting down the days since the author announced this release, and let me just say, it did not disappoint for a single second. From the very first page, we dive in with our FMC, Zaira, searching for her sister. And if there’s one thing about me? I would burn the world down for my sisters. That immediate connection to her determination and desperation had me hooked instantly.

The adventure in this story is relentless in the best way possible. The world-building? Absolutely stunning. If you’ve read any of my reviews, you already know I am OBSESSED with unique worlds and imaginative creatures born straight from an author’s mind. Fantasy is such an ambitious genre, it demands so much creativity, and that’s exactly why I adore it. Shanora crafted a world so vivid, so dangerous, and so alive that I wouldn’t mind stepping into it myself. Yes, it’s terrifying. Yes, it’s brutal. But Thane is there… and if he exists there? That’s exactly where I want to be.

Now let’s talk about the characters because WOW. Every single one of them stands out. Not one feels flat or forgettable. Each character carries a powerful backstory that makes you desperate to know more. The main crew is crafted so beautifully it will leave you in awe.

There’s Algar, the sharp-witted thief who’s been down on his luck but still manages to charm you effortlessly, especially alongside Zephra, his rare baby dragon companion (and yes, I would protect that baby dragon with my life). Then there’s Rynthea, a fierce female minotaur fighting not only for her ill brother, the last male minotaur, but for the survival of her entire people. Her strength and heart had me fully invested.

And then… there’s Thane. Listen. I might be biased because I am completely, hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with him, but he stole every scene he was in. Others might disagree, but give me a morally gray man teetering on morally black and I am DONE FOR. The tension in his character? That razor-thin line he walks? I was absolutely smitten.

Shanora’s writing is intricate, lush, and completely immersive. Her prose blooms across the page, pulling you deeper into a world that lingers long after you close the book. The emotional depth she weaves into every interaction is breathtaking. There were moments when I was convinced the story would take a certain turn because the characters felt like they would choose that path, and then it went somewhere entirely unexpected. I gasped more than once.

This is going to be the next big romantasy to hit the shelves. I’m not exaggerating. If you think I am, open it and see for yourself. There is nothing I love more than a fantasy bursting with rich plot and swoon-worthy romance woven seamlessly together. This book kept me on edge, constantly guessing, heart racing, desperate to see what waited around the next corner. And I loved every single second of it.

Look do I know this giveaway is done? Yes, yes, I do! Is it going to stop me from sharing this? No, no it isn't. Look how fine this man is! Anyways, I am obsessed! Love him down!

 Innamorata by Ava Reid

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Spice Rating: 🌶🌶

(Please check trigger warnings before going into this book! It is Dark!)

Blurb:

A visionary and atmospheric gothic fantasy about necromancy, vengeance, and soul-consuming love, the first in a duology from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Study in Drowning and Lady Macbeth

Once there was an island where the dead walked the earth, and seven noble houses ruled by the arcane secrets of necromancy.

A conqueror’s blade brought them low, burning their libraries, killing their lords, and extinguishing their eldritch magic.

But defiant against the new order stands the House of Teeth and its last living members: beautiful Marozia, the heiress to the House, and her cousin, the uncanny Lady Agnes.

Though she has not spoken a word in seven years, Agnes is the true carrier of the House’s legacy. And she has her orders. She must recapture the secrets of death magic and avenge her family’s fallen honor. She must arrange the betrothal of her beloved cousin Marozia to Liuprand, heir to the conqueror’s throne, for access to the forbidden library in his grotesquely grand castle.

Revenge burns in Agnes’s heart but so do stranger passions—and it is Liuprand, the golden prince, who speaks to her soul. This passion is as treasonous as it is powerful, poisoning the kingdom’s roots and threatening to tear the already shattered realm in two.

For Agnes’s final order is the gravest: She must not fall in love.

My Review: 

I was desperate for something that would shake me awake, something sharp, strange, and a little dangerous. This book didn’t just deliver. It grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go.

I don’t think I’ve ever finished a novel feeling so conflicted. On one hand, it’s undeniably brilliant, meticulously crafted, deliberate, almost cruel in how carefully it unfolds. On the other hand, it’s deeply, profoundly unsettling. The kind of story that lingers in the corner of your vision long after you’ve closed the cover.

This book is dark. Not the trendy, aesthetic kind of dark, I mean suffocating, bone-deep darkness. It’s gory. It’s grotesque. It revels in its sharp edges. It wants you uncomfortable. It wants you squirming. It wants to burrow beneath your skin and make a home there. And maddeningly… it succeeds.

And yet, I loved it.

A huge part of that is Ava Reid’s writing. Her prose is hauntingly beautiful, almost hypnotic. She has this uncanny ability to trap you inside a single moment, a flicker of candlelight, a breath held too long, the metallic scent of blood, and make it feel monumental. All the while, she’s quietly, mercilessly building the larger narrative brick by brick. You don’t even realize how intricately it’s been constructed until the final pieces lock into place, and when they do, it’s devastating.

The political tension coils tighter and tighter with every chapter. Betrayal cuts deep. Revenge simmers. Power shifts like a blade pressed to the throat. It carries echoes of House of the Dragon, that same brutal dance of ambition and inheritance, but with an even darker, more intimate thread of necromancy woven through it. It feels ancient and rotting and alive all at once.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

But not lightly.

This isn’t a comfort read. It isn’t safe. It will make you uneasy. It may even make you angry. But if you crave gothic horror steeped in blood and politics, if you want something that unsettles you as much as it mesmerizes you, this story will consume you.

Just, please, check the content warnings first.

 The Split by Gigi Nally

My Rating: 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Blurb:

One girl. Two rival factions. And a captor she can't ignore.

Kota is a scrappy 21-year-old who would do anything to keep her family safe—including the dangerous job of running goods across zombie-infested South Carolina. But when she’s kidnapped in a crumbling truce between two hostile settlements, she quickly finds herself as a political pawn in a brewing war that threatens the future of humanity itself.

A single wall divides Kota’s seemingly prosperous community from the anarchists on the other side. But when Jasper—Kota’s cunning and dangerously alluring captor—unearths shocking truths about her home, it will throw everything she believes into question…

She expected Jasper to kill her. But now their fates are intertwined.

Forced to team up with the enemy settlement, Kota plunges into a shadowy world of secrets, subterfuge, and political machinations—all while fighting her growing attraction to Jasper. As tensions spiral toward war, Kota must decide where she stands.

The Split is perfect for readers who love dystopian worlds, slow-burn romance, and high-stakes action.

My Review:

A relentless, action-driven ride from the very first page, The Split delivers a gripping blend of post-apocalyptic danger, political tension, and slow-burn romance that keeps the stakes high throughout. In her debut novel, Nally crafts a world where survival isn’t just about outrunning the undead, it’s about knowing who to trust when power and fear collide.

Set in a fractured society divided between Macoby and Egal, the story layers classic zombie horror with an inventive twist: it’s not just the people who’ve turned. Animals, and even plants, have succumbed as well, creating an ecosystem where danger lurks in every shadow. The added complication of food scarcity, with infected wildlife unfit for consumption, raises the tension and gives this familiar genre a fresh edge.

At the heart of the novel is Kota, a protagonist whose journey anchors the narrative. She begins uncertain of her own strength but grows steadily into her resilience, revealing a determination fueled by loyalty and love for her family. Her character arc is one of the novel’s strongest elements, offering satisfying development as she learns to navigate betrayal, shifting alliances, and her own self-doubt.

The supporting cast is equally compelling. Jasper’s relationship with Kota unfolds gradually, avoiding cliché insta-romance in favor of something more nuanced and hard-earned. Greeley, in particular, steals scenes with her unpredictable energy and layered personality. Even secondary characters leave an impression, adding texture to an already immersive world.

The political undercurrent, questioning leadership, loyalty, and the cost of control, adds depth beyond the action. While readers may wish for a deeper exploration of Macoby’s daily life and community dynamics, the time spent in Egal provides plenty of intrigue and character interaction to maintain momentum.

Told in present tense, the prose moves at a brisk pace, growing even more intense in the second half as assumptions are overturned and the plot sharpens in unexpected ways. The final chapters land on a perfectly timed cliffhanger that makes the wait for the next installment feel almost unbearable.

For readers craving a zombie story with inventive world-building, layered character dynamics, high stakes, and a romance that simmers rather than sizzles, The Split stands out as a strong four-star debut.

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.