Awkwardly Ever After by Lindsay Maple

Title: Awkwardly Ever After
Author: Lindsay Maple
Genre: Romantic comedy
Rating: 4.5 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I came for the witchy premise and stayed for the laughs. This was a charming rom-com that reminded me not everything in life needs a magical explanation.

The Vibe:

Romcom, friends to lovers, self discovery, lgbt

My Review:

Awkwardly Ever After immediately gave me The Craft vibes.

The story opens with a group of girls at a sleepover, trying out a spell for what feels like harmless fun. Fast forward years later, and one of them may still be paying the price for it.

Aubrey has been on what feels like a million first dates, and somehow every single one ends in complete disaster. After another failed attempt at finding love, she ends up confiding in Lex, the sister of one of her dates, convinced she's been cursed ever since that night years ago.

Lex, however, isn't buying it.

Determined to prove there's no such thing as a curse, Lex begins tagging along on Aubrey's dates. What follows is one hilarious disaster after another. I genuinely felt for Aubrey because no one should have that much bad luck... and I'll admit, there were moments where even I started wondering if maybe the curse was real.

What I loved most is that this story isn't really about whether a curse exists. It's about the stories we tell ourselves, the beliefs we hold onto, and how those beliefs can shape the way we see our lives.

By the end, I was left with my own interpretation of what had really been happening all along, and I love that the author leaves just enough room for readers to come to their own conclusions.

Overall, this was a funny, charming rom-com that had me laughing from beginning to end while still delivering a surprisingly heartfelt message underneath all the chaos.

4.5⭐️

Thank you, Harlequin Audio, NetGalley, & Lindsay Maple for providing this alc in exchange for my honest review




Synopsis:

You know what they say about hex appeal…

Aubrey is cursed. Literally. One spell gone awry in high school landed her with the most embarrassing love life ever, and now any time Aubrey is in a romantic situation everything ends up being terribly awkward. Sometimes the dates go so badly her would-be partners end up in the emergency room with... intimate injuries.

Aubrey had accepted her lonely lot in life until she meets skeptical data analyst Lex. The unlikely friends team up on a series of data-collecting dates to figure out what makes the curse tick, and what they can do to stop it… but what if that means facing the most awkward situation possible?

To break the curse, Aubrey is forced into her toughest decision date the safe, data-proven perfect candidate, or follow her heart into the unknown with the growing feelings she has for the one person she never imagined being with.

Will she ever get a shot at true love, or is she cursed beyond curing?

Blood Rising by Markus Redmond | The weight of freedom

Title: Blood Rising
Author: Markus Redmond
Genre: Historical Fiction
Rating: 5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Some stories ask what it means to fight for freedom. Blood Rising asks the even harder question: what happens after you've won? This sequel challenged me in ways I wasn't expecting.

The Vibe:

Historical Fiction, Paranormal elements, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror 


My Review:

Blood Slaves was about fighting for freedom… Blood Rising is about what comes after.

I've always believed it's one thing to overthrow the people who've oppressed you. It's another thing entirely to build something better in its place. That's exactly what this story explores.

Kwadzo is no longer just fighting to survive... he's carrying the weight of an entire people on his shoulders. He wrestles with leadership, responsibility, and the kind of man he aims to become.

Freedom comes with impossible choices. Every decision carries consequences, every victory comes with a new challenge, and the line between justice and vengeance is never as simple as it appears.

Kwadzo never has to carry this story alone. The people around him continue to shape the journey in meaningful ways, each adding another layer to the story and reminding us that no battle is ever won alone.

The way Mr. Redmond blends history, horror, and fantasy continues to amaze me. Each element feels equally important to the story, and together they create something that feels incredibly unique.

The alliances that are formed and the cultural dynamics throughout the story are constant reminders that the Ramangans are still viewed as monsters. For me, that became a metaphor for the world we live in today. I couldn't help but relate it to the experiences of Black people. No matter how much progress is made, no matter how hard we fight for equality and justice, there will always be people who choose to see us through the lens of their own prejudice instead of our humanity.

If you're coming into Blood Rising expecting nonstop bloodshed, it's definitely here. But for me, the heart of this story was what happened after the battle was won.

In all my years of reading and reviewing, I don't think I've ever read a story quite like this. And I can't wait to see what Mr. Redmond has in store for us next.

5⭐


Thank you, Kensington Publishing, Dafina & Markus Redmond, for providing this arc in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:


Kwadzo Okoro never believed the bloody legend of Ramanga was real. Now, he stands as the leader of a new Ramanga Tribe, one that sieged the Barrow plantation in a storm of righteous carnage, liberating its formerly enslaved Africans. Reclaimed as the Crimson Plantation, it is now also home to the wronged Natives who fearlessly aligned with the Ramangans.

But Kwadzo knows that freedom is not secure. Bartholomew and Constance Crabtree, the most influential slaveholders in the region since the demise of Big Jim Barrow, are galvanizing the Lakeside community to strike back—violently. The threat they pose pales in comparison to the insidious menace of Penelope Knudsen. Her white-hot hatred, now fueled by Ramangan blood, and an ability to survive the sunlight—a power Kwadzo doesn’t have—threatens to upend Kwadzo’s advancement of Ramangan might throughout the colonies, especially as she builds a white vampire army of her own and wages an all-out war against him.

But the gravest threat comes from Rafazi. His blood fathered the rebellion, but he will not take orders from his own creation. And when Rafazi makes a deadly deal with the Crabtrees, Kwadzo is forced into a battle with his maker that he may not survive, while the everlasting freedom of every enslaved person in the colonies hangs in the balance.

Anything But love By A.E Jensen & Courtney W. Dixon | The Weight We Carry and the Love That Helps Us Let Go

Title: Anything But Love
Author: A.E Jensen & Courtney W. Dixon
Genre: MM Romance
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts: 

Some books entertain you. Others quietly remind you that healing isn't always loud or dramatic..it can look like patience, vulnerability, and someone choosing to stay when life feels the heaviest.

This was one of those books for me.

The Vibe:
Mental health struggles, emotional, spicy, slow burn, Friends to lovers

My Review:
I seem to be drawn to these trauma-based romance stories. They all seem to have one thing in common: healing. Maybe that’s what keeps pulling me back to them. We could all use a little healing, couldn’t we? Anyway… I’m babbling. 🤭 Back to the review.

Jett and Wes’ story felt like I was watching two of my best friends find each other, fall in love, and show up for one another through every high and low. Every experience they endured made me feel like I was right there beside them. 🥹

Jett’s a former Olympic track runner crushed under the weight of his parents’ expectations; his struggles with mental health rang true. It was truly heartbreaking.

Wes is sunshine personified. He’s open-hearted, genuinely kind, and exactly the kind of person Jett needed. Watching him patiently love someone who struggled to believe he deserved it was beautiful.

The emotional connection between these two is where this story shines. Watching them go from idols to lovers felt natural. The romance was slow enough to be believable while still bringing plenty of chemistry that kept me turning the pages.

My only real issue was the pacing. I spent a good portion of the book waiting for the plot to start plotting, and by the time it did, the payoff didn’t have quite the emotional impact I was hoping for. Even so, it never took away from how invested I became in Jett and Wes or how much I wanted to see them find their way to each other.

This is a heavy story, but it never forgets to give you moments to breathe. Wes’ humor, the family gatherings, and watching a man slowly learn that he is worthy of being loved balanced the heavier themes beautifully.

Jett and Wes are going to stay with me for a long time. Their story hurt, healed, and reminded me that sometimes love really can meet you where you are.

4.5⭐️

I received this arc from the author in exchange for an honest review

Synopsis:
Let me in… or walk away before you ruin me.

Wes
I’ve spent my life chasing a good time; no strings, no complications, and no heartbreak. Now that I have a stable job as a physical therapist at the university, I’m ready to look for a deeper connection. Then in walks Jared “Jett” Cordier; former Olympic golden boy, track legend… and the guy I used to watch like he was untouchable. Turns out, he’s closed off, broody, and about as welcoming as a slammed door.

But somewhere between late nights and arguments that burn a little too hot, something shifts and lines blur. One heated moment turns into another, and suddenly we’re involved in something that looks a lot like friends-with-benefits. It’s supposed to stay easy, but nothing about Jett feels casual.

Jett

I had everything once. Then I lost it all—my athletic career, my relationship, my dad.

Starting over as an assistant coach is my do-over. It’s supposed to be simple: keep my head down and do my job. Then comes Wes; too loud, too charming… too much. I’m trying desperately not to be sucked in and to keep him at arm’s length. But in the end, I let him in just enough to get a taste and forget what it feels like to be falling apart.

The more time I spend with Wes, the harder it is to pretend this is nothing. I can feel my walls crumbling, and I’m afraid. I don’t know if I’m strong enough to risk everything again.

🦆 Hero Worship
🦆 Small Town Romance
🦆 Friends with Benefits
🦆 Grumpy/Sunshine
🦆 Mental Health Rep
🦆 Hurt/Comfort
🦆 Rough Start
🦆 Opposites Attract
🦆 Interracial
🦆 Pan Awakening
🦆 Sports Romance/Running
🦆 Workplace Romance

Bless This Hot Mess By Charlie David | More Than Just a Comedy

Title: Bless This Hot Mess
Author: Charlie David
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Rating: 4⭐️ 
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I picked this one up expecting a lighthearted comedy, and while it absolutely delivered on the laughs, I wasn't expecting how much heart it would have. Somewhere between all the chaos and hilarious banter, I found myself completely invested in these wonderfully imperfect characters.

The Vibe:

Chaotic
Feel-Good
Found Family
Laugh-Out-Loud
Heartwarming


My Review:

I went into this story expecting a fun comedy, but I wasn’t prepared for just how much this book would make me laugh. This is a story about friendship, acceptance, faith, and finding your people.

The real stars of this story are the characters.

Rebekkah is dramatic, outspoken, and deeply rooted in her faith. Japheth is the overthinker. Ronald is the confident, athletic guy with more layers than I expected.

Together, these three are absolute magic. Their banter was everything, their friendships felt real, and I found myself looking forward to every conversation because they genuinely sounded like friends who had known each other forever.

The second half shifts into more emotional territory, which surprised me. While it worked.. it also kinda caught me off guard.

Overall, Bless This Hot Mess is exactly what its title promises: a wonderfully messy, genuinely feel-good read that embraces its characters, celebrates their imperfections, and reminds us that sometimes the most dysfunctional families are the ones we choose.

4 ⭐️

I received this arc from Book Sirens in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

SOUNDTRACK. WAIT...IS THIS A BOOK? OR A MUSICAL?
It’s both! Make this story interactive! Find the Bless This Hot Mess soundtrack on all major music storefronts including Spotify, Apple, Amazon, YouTube and more. Read, listen and sing along. '90s nostalgia never sounded so good.

SYNOPSIS (Buckle-up Buttercup!)
Hilarious, campy, musical and moving, this book provokes you to ponder: If I steal a few hearts, can I still get into Heaven?

When a failing radio station’s morning show starts stealing, sampling and remixing ‘90s pop songs in a Hail Mary attempt at attracting an audience, virtuous virgin Japheth is forced to team up with Rino, a dangerously charming Italian car dealership heir with advertiser dollars to spend and maybe-mafia vibes, and their enemies-to-lovers romance threatens to become the station’s biggest scandal and its only salvation.

At WWJD Radio in Greater Napanee, salvation is off script. The phones are ringing off the hook, the fax machine is spitting out cease-and-desist letters from every boy band of the ’90s, and Trinity, the trio of accidental evangelists, are stealing pop songs “for the Lord.”

There’s Rebekkah; the breathless true believer who, though 30, still refers to herself as an ingénue. Her best friend Japheth; virtuous and still virginal. Ronald: poly, pan, and building an ark in his backyard.

Together with Carrington (part receptionist, part stylist, part chaos incarnate), Suwarna (HR, in charge of keeping her new station owner alive and not ‘disappeared’), and everyone's new boss, Emma-Lou (an heiress with a talent for panic and bangs that weren’t her idea) they’re keeping WWJD barely afloat.

Until it burns down. Literally.

Their only shot at salvation comes from Rino Ferrari: a devastatingly charming Italian car-dealership heir with too much money, too many secrets, and maybe a little mafia energy. Unfortunately for Japheth (romantic mess and professional overthinker), Rino is also the last person he wants to need… and the first person he can’t stop thinking about.

As scandal, suspicion, and undeniable chemistry collide, Japheth and Rino tumble from enemies to lovers in a rom-com where faith is flexible, temptation is tailored, and the guy you’re supposed to hate is the one who makes you feel alive.

Is local car dealer Rino Ferrari a mobster, or just a surprisingly generous Christian with body bags of money to give away? Why did Emma-Lou’s parents really “disappear” in the Bermuda Triangle? And will Trinity rebuild a new station on a floating ark, or sell out to dirty money for fame, tote bags, and a studio album?

Outrageously funny, shockingly tender, and just heretical enough, Bless This Hot Mess will jump-start your heart.

Count on me By Leigh Carron | Hooked from the very first chapter

Title: Count on Me
Author: Leigh Carron
Genre: Romance
Rating: 5⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:
Before I begin, if you read any of my Reviews, you know I go into every new book completely blind.. If I pick up what you’re putting down while you’re promoting your book, I’m definitely gonna read it. For this book, my gut instinct was spot on!

The Vibe:
romance, emotional, spicy, secret relationship, self love

Favorite Quote:
"For the record, I'm not Home Depot. I'm DK's Bakery. Fresh baked bread served daily"


Review:

It’s stories like THIS that keep me coming back for more.

First of all, I knew from the very first chapter that this was gonna be a good time. The witty banter between DK and his brother, to Rayne aka Luna’s sassy internal monologues had me 😂😂

DK is absolutely everything. He’s confident but not arrogant, dominant but emotionally intelligent, and the way he supports Rayne without trying to fix her or diminish her power.. chefs kiss.. Now that’s a man.

The representation of self-love.. is very strong in this story..

Rayne learns to trust herself again, to own her body, her choices, and her worth. As a woman, seeing her struggle with self-acceptance and then watching her reclaim her power, especially in a world that constantly tells women to shrink, was deeply relatable. So many of us have been there, questioning if we’re too much or not enough. Rayne’s story speaks volumes as so many ppl are currently struggling with these same issues every single day.

The spice🔥🔥🔥.. Oh honey, this totally caught me off guard.. my man DK did NOT come to play.. I especially loved that he embraced HER sexuality.

The chemistry between them is absolutely scorching from jump!! These scenes weren’t just hot, every intimate moment felt earned and meaningful.

Rayne and DK are on opposite sides of their political campaign, both fighting for what they believe in. The way it all came together felt like I got behind the scenes look at an actual campaign.

Overall, this book is a must read. It’s beautifully written about 2 ppl from different backgrounds with different struggles fighting for what they believe in.. LOVE ❤️

After reading this, is what I found out that this was part of the series. 🤷🏽‍♀️ 🤦🏽‍♀️ Now I’m definitely gonna go back and read book one and the rest of her catalog cause yes!!!

5⭐

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review

Casually Yours By Vivian Jai Lac | Sometimes Love Deserves Another Chance

Title: Casually Yours Author: Vivian Jia Lac
Genre: Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Going into Casually Yours, I wasn't expecting such a gentle story to leave such a lasting impression.

Instead of relying on big twists or over-the-top declarations, Vivian Jia Lac focuses on something much harder to write...two people rebuilding trust after losing each other. Watching Dani and Parker slowly find their way back reminded me that sometimes the strongest love stories aren't the loudest ones... they're the ones built through patience, communication, and simply choosing each other every single day.

The Vibe:

Second chance romance, rom com, friends to lovers

My Review:

This was a slow-burning romance about Parker & Dani, who were given a second chance at love. Without the over the top drama or grand romantic gestures, I normally read. While I do love those moments, Ms. Jia Lac proves in this story that they are not always needed. Showing up when it matters, and choosing each other day after day. These are the moments relationships are built on.

When Parker finally came at Dani the right way, it absolutely struck romantic gold for me. I was already invested, but that scene hit me with all the feels.

“I know that I want to be with you. Ever since we were kids, it was all I ever wanted.”

I loved the movie references throughout the book. They added another layer to Dani and Parker’s journey, making their story feel even more meaningful.

Overall, this is a beautiful story about second chances, growth, forgiveness, and the courage it takes to be vulnerable with someone who once held your heart. Dani and Parker’s journey reminded me that love isn’t just about finding the right person… It’s about doing the work to keep choosing them.

So if you’re anything like me and love a good Hallmark-style romance, this is exactly that. 🥹💕

I received this arc in exchange for my honest review
5⭐️

Synopsis:

Dani Tsai and Parker Tran grew up inseparable in middle-of-nowhere Silverpine, Oregon. She was the bookish girl, introverted and dreamy; he was the quintessential boy next door: charming, popular, and destined to be a football star. They were an unlikely pair of best friends—until they left for college and their friendship came to an unexpected end.

In the seven years since, Dani has moved on to pursue a writing career in New York City, where she’s determined to keep her distance from the boy she once called her best friend, even if it means staying away from her hometown. That is until a chance encounter brings her face-to-face with Parker again, who is now a hotshot sports marketing director on a temporary assignment in New York. He’s traded his jersey and cleats for designer suits and an Aston Martin, and even more puzzling is that he seems to think they can be friends again. Try as she might, Dani can’t resist his pull. Sparks fly, and an impulsive kiss leads to heated nights in his hotel suite. They make a tentative agreement: Until Parker leaves New York, they’ll keep things casual—just sex, no strings attached.

Easier said than done. Challenges arise as Dani and Parker attempt to keep their relationship on the down low, especially when a sudden return to Silverpine forces them to sneak around their nosy families. As revelations about their past come to light, it becomes increasingly difficult to keep feelings out of the mix. In this second-chance, open-door romance and debut novel, the lines are bound to blur between lust and something deeper. Walls begin to crumble, and Dani and Parker soon find themselves far too close for casual.

Severed heart By Kate Stewart | At some point you just gotta rip the band-aid off

Title: Severed Heart
Author: Kate Stewart
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

I put this book off for far longer than I expected because I wasn't ready to have my heart broken again after One Last Rainy Day. I should've known Kate Stewart had other plans, because somehow Tyler and Delphine found a way to completely steal my heart anyway.

The Vibe:
Dark romance, emotional, Military romance, Second chance

One line that stood out to me:
"Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Delete. Hold.... I'm tempted to let one slip and see how it lands"

My Review:
It took me a very long time to finish reading this book.. I was so heavy in my emotions from OLRD, I didn't want to fall for another character. As I knew this was about Tyler and his love for Deplphine.. after reading the Ravenhood series, I knew how this story was gonna end, so I prolonged that pain that I knew came with this story.

What I didn't expect was how much I would fall in love with not just Tyler.. but Delphine.. from the trauma she endured throughout her life, to what made her the woman she inevitably became, to the unconditional love she fought so hard to deny she had for Tyler.
Tyler too fought his feelings for her just the same..

"Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Backspace. Delete. Hold.... I'm tempted to let one slip and see how it lands....

If only you would let me show you how kind love can be, beautiful woman."

His unsent message definitely hit.. for me

Emotions aside, there was one major plot twist in this story that had me scratching my head, trying to connect the dots and see if my suspicions were right. Most of my suspicions were eventually answered within this story..., but by now you all know I'm impatient. I wanted those answers ASAP. 😂

In the end, my heart was severed.. AGAIN.. I'm scening a patteren ms stewart.. and I'm not here for it..

Okay, who am I kidding... yes I am...prepare to get my heart broken yet again.. in BOAF

5⭐️



Synopsis:

Once upon a time . . .

There lived an ambitious boy determined to become a man before his time.

And a woman, and battered soldier who recognized the scars that marred his soul—scars which mirrored her own.

Determined to help shape the warrior within him, it was their inexplicable bond that would forever alter his heart.

And the loss of that love that would redefine his destiny.

After all, nothing has ever been fair in love and war.

Upgraded By Abby Millsaps | When Your Ex Cheats and Karma Delivers

 

Title: Upgraded
Author:  Abby Millsaps
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My initial thoughts:

While the racing aspect kept things exciting, & Alaric was a complete dream. Evandeline's journey kept me locked in

Read This If You Like:

Sports Romance, Age gap, Forbidden Romance


Review:

I don't think I've ever picked up a Formula 1 book before this. In fact, if you had asked me a year ago whether I'd be interested in reading about racing, my answer would have been a very confident absolutely not.

But somewhere along this sports romance journey, my tastes have apparently expanded as I found myself genuinely invested in both the racing world and the people in it.

I connected with Evangeline almost immediately. After discovering her boyfriend has been cheating on her, she's forced to rebuild her life from the ground up. What I appreciated most was that her journey wasn't just about finding a new romance. It was about finding herself again, her voice.

As someone who loves seeing mental health represented in books, I absolutely loved how authors are bringing these stories to life. As someone who has worked in the mental health field, people dealing with mental illness are treated as if they're broken or need to be fixed.
In this story, for example, Evangeline was allowed to be successful, capable, loved, and deserving of happiness exactly as she was. I would love to see more authors give characters with mental health challenges the empowerment they deserve.

And then there's Alaric.

Listen...

When your ex cheats on you and his daddy decides you deserve better... and then proceeds to prove it.. That's a level of karma I can fully support. The things this man did for her... my heart was swooning. 🥰🥰

The connection between Evangeline and Alaric wasn't built on him swooping in to save her. What stood out to me was the way he respected her, accommodated her needs, and genuinely saw her as a person. After everything she'd endured, those moments carried a lot of weight.

Overall, this was a story about healing, self-worth, second chances, and discovering that sometimes the end of one chapter can lead you exactly where you're meant to be.

4.5⭐

Synopsis:

If your ex can’t get you across the finish line, his dad probably can…

I’ve always been “too much.”
Too sensitive. Too picky. Too clumsy. Too dramatic.
As a result, I’ve mastered the art of masking.

But that doesn’t stop Alaric Steele from truly seeing me when he finds me flat on my back in his driveway, mid-meltdown.

As Team Principal of Granata Racing, Alaric is control personified. He’s almost twenty years older than me and happens to be my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

Out of desperation, I accept a new job with Granata.

Which means Alaric is also my new boss.

The most surprising part of my role working in Formula 1 isn’t the intense travel schedule or the fear of seeing my ex around the paddock: it’s navigating the surprise encounters and secret rendezvous that launch Alaric and I into a high-speed forbidden romance neither one of us ever saw coming.

But with Alaric’s career on the line, and my fear of being too much growing louder by the day, is the risk of crashing and burning worth falling for my ex-boyfriend’s dad?

Bone deep By JP Joseph | Spencer built his walls to survive. Ryan showed up with a sledgehammer.

 

Title: Bone Deep
Author: Jp Joseph
Genre: MM Romance
Rating: ∞⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


The vibe:
Coming out & self-discovery, Sexy banter, Sports romance, Emotional healing


Initial thoughts:

Going into this story, I expected a romance. What I didn't expect was to become so invested in these two men and their journey.


Review:

Spencer is guarded, stubborn, and determined to keep everyone at arm's length. Considering everything he's been through, those walls make sense. Ryan, on the other hand, is persistent as hell. This man simply refused to accept being kept out, and watching him slowly chip away at Spencer's defenses became one of my favorite parts of the story.

The chemistry between these two was immediate, but it wasn't just the attraction that kept me turning pages. Their banter was everything. Ryan's constant teasing mixed with Spencer's sharp comebacks had me smiling more than once. Even the smallest interactions felt important. A touch, a look, their moments of vulnerability..everything carried weight.

Several moments hit hard emotionally, especially when Spencer finally allowed himself to be vulnerable. Ryan's injury also forced both men to confront feelings neither of them could ignore anymore, and those scenes packed an emotional punch.

Watching Ryan's struggle with living authentically and the expectations placed on him made this hit harder. His coming-out journey felt meaningful and important because it was such a huge part of who he was.

Mr. Joseph balances the heavier moments with humor. The banter kept me from drowning in my feelings, and some of Ryan's antics had me laughing when I least expected it.

Although I haven't read King of Pain YET, I had no trouble connecting with these characters. I was completely invested from the beginning and genuinely struggled to put this book down.

Bone Deep is messy, emotional, sexy, funny, and surprisingly tender. More than anything, it's a story about choosing vulnerability, choosing love, and choosing to be your authentic self. In the world we live in today. This is the most important element of this story.

This is one of those stories that should be read by everyone.

∞ ⭐

I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:


SPENCER STARK
I have three rules.

No kissing.
No sleepovers.
And absolutely, positively no catching feelings.

The rules exist for a reason. I don’t do relationships, I don’t do attachments, and I definitely don’t do straight men looking to take a walk on the wild side.

Cue Ryan Buterbaugh walking into my life. A hot, relentless, slutty short-wearing golden retriever of a man that's entirely too good at getting under my skin.

He’s everything I avoid. And worst of all? He doesn’t scare off. No matter how many lines I draw, he keeps stepping closer—completely unaware or simply not afraid of what will happen if I let him in.

But I know better. I should have known better. Because the second I start breaking my rules for him, I don’t know if I can survive it.

What I do know for certain…if anyone hurts him, I will end them.

–––––
RYAN “BUTTERS” BUTERBAUGH

From the outside, my life is one most men would dream of.

America’s number one quarterback with two championship rings. Senator’s son. A respected family dripping in old money.

I’m the guy who always says the right thing, does the right thing, is the right thing.

But behind the scenes? I’m hiding my true identity.

I’ve managed to keep it separate. Anonymous. No strings. No complications. Because no one can know.

It works.

Until Spencer Stark.

He doesn’t care who I am. Doesn’t want anything from me. Keeps me at arm’s length with rules that should align with my own—except I don’t want to follow them.

I told myself I could handle it. That I could be near him without revealing too much. But the more he pushes me away, the more I want in.

And for the first time…I couldn’t care less if my whole life implodes.

As long as I can have him.

To Have & to Stalk By Mary Catherine Gebhard | Dear Dark Romance Readers, This One's For Us

Title: To have & to stalk
Author: Mary Catherine Gebhard
Genre: Dark Romance
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts: 

Dark, obsessive, emotional, and surprisingly thoughtful. This story balances danger and healing in a way that kept me invested from beginning to end.

Read this if your vibe is:

Morally gray MMCs, Stalker romance,Trauma healing journeys, Chronic illness representation, Protective obsession, Touch-her-and-die energy

Review:

This is what happens when you read too many dark romance books, decide to explore your desires, and of course attract a masked stalker. As someone who immerses themselves into dark romance, I was here for all of it.

Shay Adder is stubborn as hell and like many of us she carries enough emotional baggage to fill an airport carousel. 🤭
After escaping an abusive engagement, she creates an anonymous dating profile looking for something simple and uncomplicated.

What she gets instead is a masked stalker. Quite literally.

Who is first introduced as Void. A mysterious, obsessive, literal walking red flag.

Void is later revealed as Calder, a man living a double life. By day he’s a forensic accountant. By night he’s delivering his own brand of justice to people who hurt others. Beneath all of that darkness is someone who genuinely sees Shay, respects her boundaries, and becomes fiercely protective of her.

The closer Shay gets to Calder, the more complicated everything becomes. The lines between danger and comfort begin to blur, forcing her to confront both her fears and her desires.

Shay’s past abuse continues to affect how she views herself, her relationships, and her own worth. Her chronic illness is also woven naturally into the story rather than treated like a personality trait. Watching her slowly learn to trust herself again was just as compelling as the romance itself.

Shay and Calder’s chemistry is intense from the beginning. Their exploration of power, trust, vulnerability, and control felt connected to their emotional journeys rather than existing purely for shock value. Every interaction pushed them closer to confronting the things they had spent years trying to outrun.

Overall, this dark romance gave me obsession, suspense, emotional healing, and a morally gray man that will burn the world for you and ask questions later .. this one is worth adding to your TBR.

3.5 ⭐️
I received this arc from Sumthood in exchange for my honest review



Synopsis:

He was all my twisted, dark book boyfriend fantasies come to life. Masked. Tattooed. Dirty talking—and totally unhinged.
Morally grey? Check.
Stalker? Check.
A very illegal, very bloody hobby? Check.
Possessive, obsessive, and calls me a good girl? Check. Check. Check.
I should probably call the police.
I definitely shouldn’t take dirty selfies because I know he hacked my phone.
But what’s a girl to do?
It’s my very own stalker romance.

Wrecked By Bree L Mina | Soulmates, Survival, and Emotional Damage

Title: Wrecked
Author: Bree L Mina
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4.5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My initial thoughts:

This story is beautifully tragic. I knew early in this story.. this one was gonna hurt.

The Vibe:

Second-chance romance, Forced proximity, slow burn

Review:

Wrecked is the perfect title because my heart is exactly that… wrecked.

This story is about young love, soulmates, survival, heartbreak, and the cruel little games fate likes to play when it clearly has too much time on its hands. I knew early in this book that this one was gonna hurt.

Ellie and Nate’s story was beautiful, painful, messy, and completely devastating. These two loved each other in a way that felt deep, desperate, and unforgettable. From the beginning, you could feel that their connection was not something either of them could just walk away from, no matter how much time passed or how much pain sat between them.

Nate was the kind of man romance readers dream about. Despite everything he endured, he was protective, loyal, and willing to do whatever he had to do for the people he loved. His love for Ellie never felt small. It felt like the kind of love that stays with you, even when life does everything possible to tear it apart.

Ellie went through so much in this story. Her pain, her choices, her grief, and the way she tried to keep moving forward even when she was clearly still carrying so much broke my heart. She was not perfect, but she felt real, familiar.

This story does have a lot of flashbacks, and if you’ve read any of my reviews, you already know how much I “love” those. I understood why they were needed, but some of them did feel a little long-winded for me. There were also multiple POVs, and while Ellie and Nate’s made sense, one of Kate’s chapters threw me off for a second. I had to go back and check whose POV I was reading.

But once the survival part of the story begins, the entire book shifts emotionally. I just knew what was ahead. It was painful, romantic, stressful, and strangely beautiful all at once.

Ellie and Nate are forced to face the truth about their past, the years they lost, and the feelings that never really went away. Their love on that island felt raw and desperate in a way that made my chest hurt.

And yes, the spice was spicing. I did have a few moments where I was like… y’all are in survival mode, but okay, romance logic. I’ll allow it. Because the emotion behind it made it work.

What I was not prepared for was how deeply this book would hurt me.

This is not a light romance. This is not a read the story you read when you want to escape your life... This is the kind of book that slowly breaks your heart and then has the nerve to keep going. By the end, I was a sobbing mess. Like full-on emotional damage.

I will never hear Can’t Help Falling in Love the same way again. That song now belongs to this book.

Read this if you want a romance that will hurt your feelings, ruin a song for you, and leave you emotionally unavailable for the rest of the day.

Just know this one is heavy, and please check content warnings before reading.
4.5⭐️




Synopsis:

Fate is a fickle thing.

It can lead you down a path of pain, or it can take you on a journey toward happiness.

There is no equity in the unpredictable.

Fate is inevitable.
Not everyone is destined for a happy ending.
Not every story will work out in the end.
Not every love is meant to survive.

Some believe we are in control of our destiny. That we determine the outcome of our lives, the people we love, and the path we walk.

But I didn’t choose to survive a plane crash.
I didn’t choose to be trapped on an island with the man who once crushed my soul.
I didn’t choose to reopen my heart to a love so powerful that the end of it would be unsurvivable.

I didn’t want to fall in love with my sister’s fiancé. To feel the insurmountable pain that followed my rescue. Or let go of a man that would own my heart until the day I die.

But I am no longer allowing fate to decide my future.

This next path is mine.

Second First ates by Gabriella Gamez | A Cute, Chaotic Romance with One Messy Setup

Title: Second First Dates
Author: Gabriella Gamez
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rating: 3.5 ⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon


My initial thoughts:

Cute, chaotic, and painfully relatable. This book had such a fun setup, and Leti’s dating life truly had me stressed on her behalf.


Read this if your vibe is:

Read this if you like messy dating app disasters, forced proximity, second-chance energy, meddling family dynamics, and romances that are funny but still relatable.


Review:

Dating is already hard, but Leti really got hit with the deluxe package.

This woman finally decides to come out of her four-year dating retirement, swipes right, goes on what should have been a regular-degular date, and then realizes she has already been on this terrible date before. With the same man. Years ago.

I would have deleted the app, changed my name, and joined a monastery because absolutely not.

But Leti does not get that luxury because Julian is suddenly everywhere. In her building. Near her mailroom. Around her brother. Accidentally involved in her life, like the universe had a checklist. lol

While this was a cute, funny, and relatable story, the last few chapters dragged for me. It got to the point where I almost didn’t finish, which was disappointing because I was having such a good time before that.

Overall, I do recommend this if you’re looking for something fun, messy, and relatable.


⭐ 3.5 stars

I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review


Synopsis:

A librarian swipes right on a charming high school teacher, only to realize that she’d already dated him once—and it ended in disaster.

Leti Maldonado has heard all the dating horror stories, but she never expected to be part of one after coming out of a four-year dating hiatus. When she matches with Julian Gutierrez, she doesn’t think much of how familiar his profile picture looks. But when the date goes awry, it unlocks the terrible first date memory that made her quit dating in the first place—because she’s been on this date before. And it’s just as bad the second time around.

To make matters worse, at the end of the night she discovers Julian lives in the same apartment building as her and his roommate is her younger brother. From then on, he’s inescapable. In the mailroom. In the stairwell. Outside her door with a takeout mix-up. He’s even a witness to yet another of Leti’s terrible first dates.

When Julian suggests taking over her dating accounts, he makes a surprisingly convincing case. If Leti’s proved anything, it’s that she sure doesn’t know how to pick ‘em. How much worse can Julian be at picking dates for her? It’s a terrible idea, but at this point he might be her only hope of finding real, lasting love. If they don’t fall for each other in the process, that is…

Twisted Pawn by L.J. Shen Review | Dark Mafia Romance with Betrayal & Obsession

Title: Twisted Pawn
Author: L.J. Shen
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My initial thoughts:

I knew from the moment we met Tierney that her story was going to hit, and I was not wrong. This was violent, obsessive, emotional.

Read this if your vibe is: 

Enemies-to-lovers

second-chance romance

Bad ass FMC

Unhinged MMC

Touch her and die

Review:

I knew from the moment we met Tierney in Bad Bishop that I was going to love her story, and I was not wrong.
Tierney is exactly the kind of FMC I love. She is sharp, sarcastic, fearless, and every bit the badass she claims to be. But underneath all of that fire, her backstory was honestly heartbreaking. Seeing what shaped her made me love her even more.

Achilles. That man talks a very dangerous game, but Tierney has always been his weakness. No matter how brutal, cold, or terrifying he tries to be, when it comes to her, there is no denying she gets under his skin in a way no one else can.

"Because I wanted much more than her body. Always had. I wanted every piece of her heart and every last crumb of her soul."

Their dynamic had me hooked. Tierney’s sarcasm and dark humor mixed with Achilles’ ruthless behavior made this impossible to put down. The tension, the violence, the obsession, the history between them… everything just worked.

My only small issue is the same one I had with Bad Bishop: the third-person flashbacks. I’m not sure if there is a specific reason for them, but they didn’t fully work for me. At the same time, they didn’t take away from the overall experience.

Even with that, this was still an all around 5-star read for me. Tierney and Achilles delivered everything I wanted from their story, and now I cannot wait for Fallen Rook.

Synopsis:

Tierney

There’s a bullet with my name on it.

And Achilles Ferrante is the man who’ll pull the trigger.

I’d always known one of us would kill the other. I’d just hoped to do the honor.

Twice I betrayed him.

First, I broke his heart. Then, I sold him out to the Feds.

Even if I hadn’t, I doubt he could spell mercy, much less spare me any.

The Camorra prince promised he’d make a spectacle of my death when he caught me. Let him try.

He could chase me until the end of Earth.

I will always run faster.

Achilles

To love is to destroy, and I’d loved Tierney Callaghan far too long, and far too much.

She’s a fatal weakness, but unlike the Greek mythology warrior—I will remain undefeated.

My little flame can run fast, but my bullet is faster.

Once upon a time, she was the only person who saw my humanity.

She’s about to meet the monster everyone else is scared of.

To Catch A Sinner By Lucy Wilson-Tagoe l A Slow Burn Romance Wrapped in Secrets & Lies

Title: To Catch A Sinner
Author: Lucy Wilson-Tagoe
Genre: Romantic suspense
Rating: 3.5 ⭐️
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon



My initial thoughts:

A suspense romance filled with family secrets, stolen artifacts, and a slow-burn romance that kept me turning the pages.

Read This If You Like:

Read this if you like slow-burn romance, Suspense romance, Family secrets, & Secret relationships

My Review:

I really enjoyed the chemistry between Sin and Kwame and the way their relationship developed. The slow burn was full of tension, and I loved how their families were unknowingly connected long before either of them realized it.

Now I love a good mystery, and this one definitely kept me on my toes.

This is going to sound like a double-edged sword, but one of the things I loved most about this book was the short chapters. Some chapters were simply a character's thoughts on a situation, while others served as a setup for what came next. The quick chapters made it easy to keep turning the pages.

With that said, my biggest struggle was the pacing. While I understood the purpose of many of the slower moments, some sections felt drawn out and took longer to get where they were going.

That ending completely caught me off guard. Just when the investigation finally uncovered something substantial and the stakes reached their highest point, the story ended on a cliffhanger that left me with many questions. I finished the book both intrigued and frustrated, because I immediately wanted to know what would happen next. Well played, Ms Wilson-Tagoe 👏

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review

3.5 ⭐️

Synopsis:

Who gets to tell this story?
The sinner who lived it?
Or the saint who stole it?

Sin Sackey is driven by the same hardwired need as every eldest first-generation daughter—to make her family proud. And she built her career and chose her partners with that single goal as her north star.

Everyone said she had it all. And for more than twenty years, Sin let herself believe they were right.

Until a near-death experience makes the truth impossible to deny.

Her relationship is on life support. Her journalism career is in freefall. And the city she thought she’d conquer has chewed her up and spit her out.

With everything to prove—and everything to lose—Sin moves back home to Washington, DC, determined to start over. No more chasing shadowy criminals. And no more men who look too good to be true.

But on the eve of the first day of the rest of her new life, the saying about old habits proves painfully accurate.

A new lead falls into her lap, and Sin dives back into the story that nearly cost her everything.
Then, when a man who is all the things she’s sworn to avoid invites her to dinner, she says yes.

After everything she’s been through, it’s reckless.

But this story could resurrect her career—and take down an entire black-market empire. She’s closer than ever to catching its elusive leader, and she can’t let go now.

And this man—who makes her blush, makes her laugh, and understands things she usually has to explain—could be the one. So, she lowers her walls just enough for him to climb over.

But just when it seems her gamble might pay off, her lead starts to feel more like a trap. And the man she’s let herself love appears to be the one who set it.

Blood Slaves by Markus Redmond Review | Historical Vampire Horror

Title: Blood Slaves
Author: Markus Redmond
Genre: Historical horror
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon

My initial thoughts:
This was not an easy read, but it was powerful, brutal, and incredibly gripping. Mixing slavery, horror, vampires, and revenge could have gone wrong so easily, but this story made it feel bold, haunting, and unforgettable.

Read this if you like:
Historical horror

Black history

Vampires 

Revenge

Supernatural justice

Review:

First and foremost, thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing | Dafina, for allowing me to read this arc.

Mr. Redmond starts this book by explaining how he came to write Blood Slaves, and I agreed with everything he said. This made me even more excited going into the story.

Now, it has been a while since I read anything even close to this book. The last vampire book I read was in high school, and I can assure you… This was not that. I’m also a lover of horror movies, so the mixture of both was everything.

I’ve watched my fair share of slave movies, but never could I have imagined mixing that kind of history with horror. That could have gone wrong so easily, but Mr. Redmond executed it beautifully.

This story is a powerful blend of how far us Black people have come, while also teetering on the edge of what possibilities could be in store for us if we don’t take our power back.

This was far from an easy read. It was dark, brutal, and VERY heavy at times. But it was also gripping in a way that made it hard to put down.

Blood Slaves is definitely not for everyone, but I still think it’s a story worth reading.


5⭐

Synopsis: 

What if a mystifying revolt precluded the Civil War and changed history as we know it? The vampire origin story is brilliantly reimagined in this terrifying novel of ancient lore, startling revenge, and immortal emancipation in eighteenth-century America.

In the Province of Carolina, 1710, freedom seems unattainable for Willie, for his beloved Gertie, and for their unborn child. They live, suffer, and toil under their brutal master, James “Big Jim” Barrow, whose grand plantation was built by the blood, sweat, and tears of the enslaved. To flee this hell on earth is be hunted and killed. Until one strange night Willie is offered a dark hope by Rafazi, an enigmatic slave with an irresistible and blood-chilling path to liberation.

Hailing from the Kingdom of Ghana, Rafazi is the lone survivor of the Ramanga, an African vampire tribe rendered nearly extinct by plague. Rafazi has roamed the world for centuries with an undying desire to replenish the power that once defined his heritage. In Willie, Rafazi has found his first biddable subject to be turned and to help in a hungry revolt. And Willie desires nothing more than to free his people from malicious bondage. Whatever it takes.

One by one, as an army of blood slaves thirsting for revenge is gathered, the headstrong Gertie fears that no good can come from the vampiric legacy that courses through Rafazi’s veins. Willie knows that only evil can fight evil. And when the woman he loves stands between the reemergence of the Ramanga and the justified slaughter of the oppressors, Willie must make an irreversible decision. Only one thing is certain: on the Barrow plantation, and beyond, blood will spill.

Part historical drama, part supernatural horror, and part alternate history, Blood Slaves is an ingenuous and defiant new creation myth of the vampire, one rooted in both justice and the sometimes-violent means necessary to achieve it.

Bandoleros by Heather-Christine Lynch & Jessica Wright Review | Forced Marriage, Family Betrayal & Mafia Chaos

Title: Bandoleros
Author: Heather-Christine Lynch & Jessica Wright
Genre: Dark Mafia Romance
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Book Links: Goodreads | Amazon



Initial Thoughts:

This book was packed with mafia drama, revenge, betrayal, and enough secrets to keep me side-eyeing everyone. The forced marriage setup added even more tension. 

Read this if your vibe is:

Mafia romance

Forced marriage 

Revenge 

Family betrayal

Power plays 


Review:

This story had me stressed the entire time in the best way.

This one pulled me into a world where loyalty means nothing if power is on the line. Between the Brancatos, the Zahcarras, and the Mancinis, everybody seemed to be hiding something, plotting something, or willing to sacrifice someone to protect their empire.

Amorio’s story hit the hardest for me. Watching him turn from a grieving son into a cold, revenge-driven man made him feel far more layered than a typical mafia MMC.

Eesabella proved very early in this story that she could be just as ruthless as the men trying to control her.

The tension throughout this book stayed HIGH. The family politics, forced marriage, revenge, shifting alliances… every time I thought things might settle down, another twist got thrown into the mix. And that ending.. I’m gonna need the next book immediately because that cliffhanger was actually insane.

I will say there were moments where I wanted certain emotional scenes to breathe a little more because some big moments moved very fast. And with so many moving pieces and characters involved, I did occasionally have to stop and remind myself who was connected to who.

But overall..this one definitely delivers.

I received this arc from the author in exchange for my honest review

4⭐

Poppy By Kade Vale

Synopsis:

She played the bride. He stopped pretending.

I knew every romance trope by heart.
I never expected to become one.

As a romance novel reviewer, Poppy Lane has read hundreds of love stories. She knows every setup, every red flag, and every fake-dating rule.

Then she gets lost in the hedge maze of a billionaire’s private estate, overhears a devastating breakup, and makes one impulsive decision that changes everything.

She doesn’t correct the wedding planner who mistakes her for the bride.

Now Poppy has ten days to pretend to be engaged to Weston cold, controlled, dangerously hard to read, and heir to a powerful old-money family that cannot afford another scandal.

He needs a bride.

She needs money before an eviction notice destroys what little stability she has left.

So they make a

Ten days.
One fake engagement.
One performance convincing enough to save them both.

The rules are

Smile for the guests.
Survive the family.
Keep your boundaries.
Do not fall for the groom.

Easy—until Wes stops pretending.

Between sharp banter, old-money secrets, a terrifyingly elegant matriarch, a cousin who weaponizes courtesy, and a found family determined to keep Poppy alive and emotionally inconvenient, the line between performance and truth begins to blur.

Because Poppy may know every romance trope on the page…

But surviving one is another story.

POPPY is a sharp, emotional fake-bride romantic comedy about boundaries, found family, slow-burn tension, and two people who pretend to fall in love until the lie becomes the safest truth they have.

One hedge maze.
One wrong bride.
One chance to stop pretending.



Perfect for readers who love fake dating, fake engagement, grumpy x sunshine, old-money family drama, sharp banter, wedding chaos, found family, and slow-burn romance with a guaranteed happy ending.


Review:

Poppy is a struggling romance novel reviewer who is at the very prestigious Ravenmoor Hall for a press tour. While exploring the grounds, she overhears Wes's phone conversation and his fiancee who calls off the wedding. Given her financial problems, Poppy agreed to step in as the stand in bride. To meet his grandmother's demands, He agrees to the fake engagement. But of course, in true romance fashion, there is a contract. And as feeling begins to unravel, it becomes hard to stick to.

Wes is the perfect blend of sophistication and charisma. He just has that natural charm that draws you in.

Wes definitely fought his feelings for Poppy.. until he couldn't.

"I'm trying to keep things manageable .. Are you? Yes. For whom? I could have said... When I stand close to you, I forget which part of this arrangement are meant to end. Because a photograph caught me wanting something I have no right to make real, because Monaco arrived in white roses Hugo was digging, my grandmother is moving pieces I cannot see, and you are becoming the least manageable thing in this house. Instead, I said... For the wedding." 🙄

This story had me giggling and smiling like a schoolgirl with a crush. The laugh out load moments and mixed with the emotional ones, completely got me🥹🥹, and of course, I cried more than once. I would happily do it all again in a heartbeat.

Now, if Mr Kade can conjure up my very own Weston Blackwood for THIS struggle romance reviewer, all would be right in the world 😂

5 ⭐

*I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review*