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jaywhygeereads's reviews
661 reviews
King of Flames by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
4.0
4 ⭐️/5
1 🌶️/5
Woahhh 😳 What in the fever dream did I just read? King of Flames from Kathryn Ann Kingsley grabbed my attention from start to finish in the best way. 🤗
The Masks of Under series books 1 - 3 is re-released, updated with new content. Books 4 - 6 will be released November 26. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for book 2 or 3 because book 1 ends in a cliffhanger and I’m guessing each book of the series ends on its own cliffhanger. 😅
King of Flames we get:
▪️References to sexy times, nothing descriptive
▪️Separate world planet
▪️Replenishing the Under
▪️Dream visits
▪️Ancients and primordial beings
▪️Marked humans
▪️Masked beings
▪️Cliffhanger
The FMC is human Lydia who gets abducted to the Under. Of course she’s the most fascinating human there ever was, but I really appreciated her seize the day attitude. Being abducted and thrown into portals can’t be easy, but Lydia has taken it all in stride. Act first. Panic later.
The dark Aon is delightfully the darkest shade of gray. It seems like a war is starting on this other world, and Lydia and Aon are somehow connected.
You will enjoy this series if you like dark fantasy worlds that parallel modern day Earth. This series seems dark, there’s gore, there’s monsters, there’s shifters, there’s immortality. This whole book was a puzzle I could not wait to piece together.
Thank you to Second Sky Books for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own. My review is voluntary.
1 🌶️/5
Woahhh 😳 What in the fever dream did I just read? King of Flames from Kathryn Ann Kingsley grabbed my attention from start to finish in the best way. 🤗
The Masks of Under series books 1 - 3 is re-released, updated with new content. Books 4 - 6 will be released November 26. I’m glad I don’t have to wait for book 2 or 3 because book 1 ends in a cliffhanger and I’m guessing each book of the series ends on its own cliffhanger. 😅
King of Flames we get:
▪️References to sexy times, nothing descriptive
▪️Separate world planet
▪️Replenishing the Under
▪️Dream visits
▪️Ancients and primordial beings
▪️Marked humans
▪️Masked beings
▪️Cliffhanger
The FMC is human Lydia who gets abducted to the Under. Of course she’s the most fascinating human there ever was, but I really appreciated her seize the day attitude. Being abducted and thrown into portals can’t be easy, but Lydia has taken it all in stride. Act first. Panic later.
The dark Aon is delightfully the darkest shade of gray. It seems like a war is starting on this other world, and Lydia and Aon are somehow connected.
You will enjoy this series if you like dark fantasy worlds that parallel modern day Earth. This series seems dark, there’s gore, there’s monsters, there’s shifters, there’s immortality. This whole book was a puzzle I could not wait to piece together.
Thank you to Second Sky Books for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own. My review is voluntary.
Holding Out for A Gyro by Mary Ann Marlowe
4.0
4 ⭐️/5
3 🌶️/5
A sweet love story between commitment-phobe Chelsea and catches-feelings-fast Bas. Their besties Elizabeth and Evan have a subplot romance with each other, which felt both fun and indulgent to have a two for one romance. If you’re into puns, you’ll enjoy the banter.
I loved how Chelsea took chance after chance with practicing her new honest and open self. I loved how Bas was so thoughtful and caring about Chelsea. Then came the major stumbling block between them - and Chelsea and Bas both have to face their default settings to decide if their relationship is worth nurturing. The ending wrapped up quicker than I would have preferred, but overall it was a good read.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts are my own and my review is voluntary.
3 🌶️/5
A sweet love story between commitment-phobe Chelsea and catches-feelings-fast Bas. Their besties Elizabeth and Evan have a subplot romance with each other, which felt both fun and indulgent to have a two for one romance. If you’re into puns, you’ll enjoy the banter.
I loved how Chelsea took chance after chance with practicing her new honest and open self. I loved how Bas was so thoughtful and caring about Chelsea. Then came the major stumbling block between them - and Chelsea and Bas both have to face their default settings to decide if their relationship is worth nurturing. The ending wrapped up quicker than I would have preferred, but overall it was a good read.
Thank you to Entangled Publishing for the ARC. All thoughts are my own and my review is voluntary.
Alien Minotaur's Prize by Hattie Jacks
3.75
3.75 ⭐️/5
3.00 🌶️/5
If you are looking for a quick and fun low stakes alien romance with lots of spice then this is for you. For me this is a perfect read to break a reading slump, or perfect you want something cute & spicy and not angsty.
We get:
▪️Dual POV
▪️Arranged marriage
▪️Fated Mate
▪️Knot
▪️Breeding
▪️Touch her and die
▪️Insta-love
▪️Milking
▪️HEA
Ginny is the perfect go-with-the-flow human FMC and the perfect antidote to Asteron, the newly-crowned-yet-hesitant-leader, minotaur MMC.
Thank you to Hattie Jacks for the ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own, and my review is voluntary.
Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto
5.0
5 ⭐️ /5
3 🌶️/5
Loved this book. I would describe Not Another Love Song as a love song dedicated to Gwen & Xander falling in love. Although this is a bit of a slow burn, once it heats up the spice it is on fire!
If you are looking for a contemporary romance that will give you butterflies, this is full of intense chemistry, features rivals/enemies to lovers, and includes lots of hot sexual tension, this is for you. I love how Xander is a complete mystery and we get to know his back story little by little as the book progresses. I love how intertwined the characters are.
While reading this I was reminded of From Lukov with Love from Mariana Zapata (one of my favorite books), so if you enjoy rivals forced to work together in the public eye please pick this up. Instead of the ice skating rink, the stage for Not Another Love Song is Carnegie Hall, and Xander and Gwen battle it out on the cello and violin.
Thank you to Forever publishing & NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
3 🌶️/5
Loved this book. I would describe Not Another Love Song as a love song dedicated to Gwen & Xander falling in love. Although this is a bit of a slow burn, once it heats up the spice it is on fire!
If you are looking for a contemporary romance that will give you butterflies, this is full of intense chemistry, features rivals/enemies to lovers, and includes lots of hot sexual tension, this is for you. I love how Xander is a complete mystery and we get to know his back story little by little as the book progresses. I love how intertwined the characters are.
While reading this I was reminded of From Lukov with Love from Mariana Zapata (one of my favorite books), so if you enjoy rivals forced to work together in the public eye please pick this up. Instead of the ice skating rink, the stage for Not Another Love Song is Carnegie Hall, and Xander and Gwen battle it out on the cello and violin.
Thank you to Forever publishing & NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Bound to the Shadow Prince by Ruby Dixon
4.5
4.5 ⭐️/5
3.5 🌶️/5
Bound to the Shadow Prince from Ruby is available for the first time in print. Originally this was a 3x a week serial on the Yonder app that I read it in real time. It was the good kind of torture to read each chapter one at a time as it was released from October 2022 - March 2023. Ruby’s writing draws me in from start to finish for each book, and it is a delight to absorb this story in one continuous read.
We get:
▪️Single POV
▪️Knotting
▪️Mates
▪️Wings, tail, fangs
▪️Forced proximity
▪️Enemies to lovers
▪️Touch her and die
▪️Virgin MMC
▪️Effects of war and the aftermath
Although it is not in the same series of Aspect and Anchor, if you like that series or the fantasy romance vibe in general you will love Bound to the Shadow God.
Because of ✨reasons✨ Candra and Nemeth, Princess and Prince of their respective kingdoms, have to spend 7 years locked in a tower together to appease the Golden Moon Goddess as Royal Offerings. Candra is humorous and bold and playful, she’s full of personality, she’s pampered, has a chronic illness, and wasn’t initially expected to be the Royal Offering. Nemeth is used to the shadows, he’s scholarly and quiet and has wings and horns and a tail, and has trained his whole life for his role; although his appearance is fearsome he turns out to be quite the cinnamon roll whenever Candra is involved.
There is humorous banter between Candra and Nemeth. Some of the sweetest bits are the quiet moments between two Royal Offerings traveling on the path from enemies to friends. There are darker and serious times in this book and it is also hot & steamy with doors thrown wide open! We get to see what happens when two individuals who are taught to hate each other are locked in a tower and are forced to get to know each other. When does your enemy stop being the big bad monster and start being your friend and confidant?
Thank you to W by Wattpad Books and NetGalley for my ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
3.5 🌶️/5
Bound to the Shadow Prince from Ruby is available for the first time in print. Originally this was a 3x a week serial on the Yonder app that I read it in real time. It was the good kind of torture to read each chapter one at a time as it was released from October 2022 - March 2023. Ruby’s writing draws me in from start to finish for each book, and it is a delight to absorb this story in one continuous read.
We get:
▪️Single POV
▪️Knotting
▪️Mates
▪️Wings, tail, fangs
▪️Forced proximity
▪️Enemies to lovers
▪️Touch her and die
▪️Virgin MMC
▪️Effects of war and the aftermath
Although it is not in the same series of Aspect and Anchor, if you like that series or the fantasy romance vibe in general you will love Bound to the Shadow God.
Because of ✨reasons✨ Candra and Nemeth, Princess and Prince of their respective kingdoms, have to spend 7 years locked in a tower together to appease the Golden Moon Goddess as Royal Offerings. Candra is humorous and bold and playful, she’s full of personality, she’s pampered, has a chronic illness, and wasn’t initially expected to be the Royal Offering. Nemeth is used to the shadows, he’s scholarly and quiet and has wings and horns and a tail, and has trained his whole life for his role; although his appearance is fearsome he turns out to be quite the cinnamon roll whenever Candra is involved.
There is humorous banter between Candra and Nemeth. Some of the sweetest bits are the quiet moments between two Royal Offerings traveling on the path from enemies to friends. There are darker and serious times in this book and it is also hot & steamy with doors thrown wide open! We get to see what happens when two individuals who are taught to hate each other are locked in a tower and are forced to get to know each other. When does your enemy stop being the big bad monster and start being your friend and confidant?
Thank you to W by Wattpad Books and NetGalley for my ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Deceiving the Cursed Beast by Jen Lynning
3.5
3.5 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
I thought this was a cute spin on a Beauty & The Beast retelling. This version was full of mysteries and magic that Isa and Felix had to solve together. What surprised me was the detail and focus on the mystery and magic aspect of the story versus the relationship building between Isa and Felix.
Felix and Isa had a great dynamic and I love a good banter between the main characters which they fulfilled. I loved how Isa was resigned to being seen as off putting due to her magical ability to spot lies and see only truths from people but her direct and forward nature was exactly what a cursed isolated Duke needed. However, I wish there were more moments that focused on Felix actively changing Isa’s perception of him. She was magically bound to Felix’s castle and experiencing the upheaval of her life and loss of free will; instead of following her and Felix around the castle separately and getting lost in magical nodes I wish I saw more of Felix endearing himself to her, and had more moments of them together instead of feeling their relationship turn was rushed through at the end.
If you like more mystery solving focus and magical details in your romance Sleeping Beauty retelling over hot and steamy relationship building I would recommend this to you. Thank you to Jen Lynning for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
1.5 🌶️/5
I thought this was a cute spin on a Beauty & The Beast retelling. This version was full of mysteries and magic that Isa and Felix had to solve together. What surprised me was the detail and focus on the mystery and magic aspect of the story versus the relationship building between Isa and Felix.
Felix and Isa had a great dynamic and I love a good banter between the main characters which they fulfilled. I loved how Isa was resigned to being seen as off putting due to her magical ability to spot lies and see only truths from people but her direct and forward nature was exactly what a cursed isolated Duke needed. However, I wish there were more moments that focused on Felix actively changing Isa’s perception of him. She was magically bound to Felix’s castle and experiencing the upheaval of her life and loss of free will; instead of following her and Felix around the castle separately and getting lost in magical nodes I wish I saw more of Felix endearing himself to her, and had more moments of them together instead of feeling their relationship turn was rushed through at the end.
If you like more mystery solving focus and magical details in your romance Sleeping Beauty retelling over hot and steamy relationship building I would recommend this to you. Thank you to Jen Lynning for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
To Love a Dark Lord by Kathryn Ann Kingsley
3.0
3.0 ⭐️/5
1.5 🌶️/5
Hmm. The hopes I placed on the final book of the Iron Crystal series were destroyed. I’m actually really disappointed at the ending.
This is a four book series that I don’t think needed to be a four book series. Each book felt like Mordred and Gwen were waffling back and forth on their decisions and feelings. It left me wondering, why is this series 4 books long? It felt like the conclusion of this series that was wrapped up in the last 10% of the book was too rushed.
There were funny moments and sweet moments, but <mild spoiler> romance readers expecting a true HEA will be disappointed. I feel like this would be a good binge read for fantasy book lovers, but not for romance readers expecting a traditional HEA.
Thank you to Second Sky for the ARC. All thoughts/ opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
A Rivalry of Hearts by Tessonja Odette
4.5
4.5 ⭐️/5
2.0 🌶️/5
A Rivalry of Hearts is an absolutely delightful read, and anyone who enjoys gaslamp fantasy romance, bickering enemies to lovers, rivals for a publishing contract, forced proximity, quirky FMC, and a mysterious fae MMC will love this book.
It’s literal laugh out loud romance with spice and heart. I was so charmed by the entire cast of characters and world building. Edwina is one of my newest favorite characters. She is simultaneously so uncertain and bold at her approach at life, but definitely does not shy away from adventures. I loved the moments with Edwina interacting with her readers and her realizing that her writing career in Faerwyvae is more a reality than dream. I also loved the slow reveal of William’s backstory, because that past really kept me guessing.
We get:
💖Dual POV
🩷Gaslamp Fantasy
💖Rival writers for one contract
🩷Fae MMC
💖Human FMC
🩷Hilarious quips and moments
💖He falls first
🩷Protective and possessive
💖Fae bargain
🩷”Research” for writing
💖Teasing banter
🩷Forced proximity
The rivals were rivaling and the little spats and squabbles between William & Edwina really tickled my enemies-to-lovers loving self. This book also sets up the next couple of the series so nicely and I’m can’t wait to read it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for my ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
2.0 🌶️/5
A Rivalry of Hearts is an absolutely delightful read, and anyone who enjoys gaslamp fantasy romance, bickering enemies to lovers, rivals for a publishing contract, forced proximity, quirky FMC, and a mysterious fae MMC will love this book.
It’s literal laugh out loud romance with spice and heart. I was so charmed by the entire cast of characters and world building. Edwina is one of my newest favorite characters. She is simultaneously so uncertain and bold at her approach at life, but definitely does not shy away from adventures. I loved the moments with Edwina interacting with her readers and her realizing that her writing career in Faerwyvae is more a reality than dream. I also loved the slow reveal of William’s backstory, because that past really kept me guessing.
We get:
💖Dual POV
🩷Gaslamp Fantasy
💖Rival writers for one contract
🩷Fae MMC
💖Human FMC
🩷Hilarious quips and moments
💖He falls first
🩷Protective and possessive
💖Fae bargain
🩷”Research” for writing
💖Teasing banter
🩷Forced proximity
The rivals were rivaling and the little spats and squabbles between William & Edwina really tickled my enemies-to-lovers loving self. This book also sets up the next couple of the series so nicely and I’m can’t wait to read it.
Thank you to The Nerd Fam for my ARC. All thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
Fate of the Sun King by Nisha J. Tuli
5.0
The Artefacts of Ouranos series has quickly become one of my newest favorite series! I just downloaded the first three books from Audible and I can’t wait to hear what I just binge-read in the last week. Fate of the Sun King is book 3 in the series, and I’m already anxious anticipating the fourth book. 😅😅😅
If you love morally gray and an epic fantasy tale of a baddie FMC and the magical world she is struggling to blossom in, then this series is for you. If you are a fan or epic fantasy romance with a strong FMC and a “cinnamon roll only for her” MMC (think ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, Throne of Glass) then you will love Artefacts of Ouranos.
In Fate of the Sun King we get:
♥️Nadir is his alphahole era?! 🤗
♥️On a mission for magic
♥️Quest for a queendom
♥️So many secrets
♥️MORE yearning and pining and angst
♥️Just “Friends” 😉
♥️Touch her and die
♥️Mine!
♥️Tortuously Slow Burn
♥️Mates
♥️Ouranos lore
♥️Magical restraints
♥️Spice and steam and some more spice 🌶️
♥️Cliffhanger of all cliffhangers 😮😧😦
Thank you to Nisha, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts/opinions are my own.
If you love morally gray and an epic fantasy tale of a baddie FMC and the magical world she is struggling to blossom in, then this series is for you. If you are a fan or epic fantasy romance with a strong FMC and a “cinnamon roll only for her” MMC (think ACOTAR, From Blood and Ash, Throne of Glass) then you will love Artefacts of Ouranos.
In Fate of the Sun King we get:
♥️Nadir is his alphahole era?! 🤗
♥️On a mission for magic
♥️Quest for a queendom
♥️So many secrets
♥️MORE yearning and pining and angst
♥️Just “Friends” 😉
♥️Touch her and die
♥️Mine!
♥️Tortuously Slow Burn
♥️Mates
♥️Ouranos lore
♥️Magical restraints
♥️Spice and steam and some more spice 🌶️
♥️Cliffhanger of all cliffhangers 😮😧😦
Thank you to Nisha, Forever Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC. My review is voluntary and all thoughts/opinions are my own.
Court of Vines and Vipers by Emberly Ash
4.0
4.0 ⭐️/5
2.5 🌶️/5
I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Be prepared for angst and more angst and some more angst when you read this book.
There are unexpected twists and turns in book 3. Without giving too much away, I will say I prefer when my main characters are together on page so I wish that happened sooner.
It’s a continuation of road trips and fulfilling prophecies and realizing who it is you have to be.
Thank you to Emberly and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.
2.5 🌶️/5
I cannot wait until the next book comes out. Be prepared for angst and more angst and some more angst when you read this book.
There are unexpected twists and turns in book 3. Without giving too much away, I will say I prefer when my main characters are together on page so I wish that happened sooner.
It’s a continuation of road trips and fulfilling prophecies and realizing who it is you have to be.
Thank you to Emberly and publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. My thoughts/opinions are my own and my review is voluntary.