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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.
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 Wicked Beasts by Shelley Leigh Crane The story follows Amara Rose, who takes a position at the isolated Black Manor, where she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic Mr. Black and his alluring brother. The plot is laced with gothic atmosphere and mystery, steadily unfolding with unexpected twists and deeply emotional moments. While undeniably steamy, the romantic elements are balanced well with suspense and character-driven storytelling. What sets this novel apart is the author's writing style, lyrical, fluid, and cinematic. The prose paints vivid, often ethereal imagery that makes the scenes feel almost tangible. I often found myself pausing just to appreciate the language itself. The pacing is consistent, and the narrative structure gradually deepens both the romance and the underlying mystery in satisfying ways. Character development is another standout. Each character feels layered and emotionally complex, especially as the themes of identity, grief, and transformation take ce...
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 Review for The Shattered King (audiobook) by Charlie N. Holmberg I read The Shattered King a few months ago and absolutely loved it, but getting the chance to experience it again through the audiobook was such a blessing. The story I already adored felt brand new, as the narrator truly brought the characters to life in a way that added even more depth and emotion. I’ve listened to her before, and once again she impressed me with her ability to weave a world together so seamlessly, painting every scene so vividly in my mind. She’s a truly gifted storyteller, and her voice gave the book an entirely new dimension. If you’re looking for a story that feels unique, with a world unlike anything else you’ve read, I can’t recommend The Shattered King enough,  whether you read it first or dive straight into the audiobook, it’s an experience worth having.
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A Curse so Cruel  by Mia Hartson  A Curse So Cruel was such a fun mix of dark, dramatic, and just plain entertaining. Shade is not your typical badass heroine, she’s clumsy, loves snacks way too much, and would rather be curled up with a book than fighting shadow monsters. But that’s honestly what makes her so relatable and easy to root for. Then there are her professors… four ridiculously hot, dangerous shadow warriors who are supposed to be her enemies/fated mates. The catch? They’re convinced she’s basically a walking curse thanks to a prophecy, so instead of swooning over her, they’re constantly fighting their feelings. It adds a ton of tension, drama, and angst, and I was here for it. Shade does give in to them a little too quickly sometimes, but by the end she’s really starting to stand on her own, which makes me excited to see how she keeps growing in the next book. If you like reverse harems with dark academia vibes, messy relationships, and a heroine who refus...
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 The Dravenhearst Brides by Lindsay Barrett The Dravenhearst Brides is a haunting gothic romance that blends atmosphere, mystery, and emotional depth beautifully. Margaret Greenbrier, an heiress burdened by scandal and fragile health, enters a marriage of convenience with bourbon heir Merrick Dravenhearst, only to uncover the chilling legacy of the “Dravenhearst brides,” generations of women who met tragic ends within the family estate. The novel captures both the eerie supernatural elements and the very human struggles with grief, mental health, and family secrets. Margaret is a compelling heroine whose strength grows as the story unfolds, while Merrick is a brooding yet tender counterpart with demons of his own. The shifting timelines, ghostly visions, and vivid writing create a rich, immersive atmosphere reminiscent of Rebecca and Crimson Peak. Dark, romantic, and unsettling, this story is perfect for readers who enjoy gothic tales with emotional resonance. A gripping fall read ...