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121 reviews by:
wrappedupinpages
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🩶🖤Review of The Dark Lord's Guide to Dating 🖤🩶
(And Other Crimes) by Tiffany Hunt
"Griffen, I'm kidnapping a noblewoman. I doubt she will want a fruit basket."
Synopsis:
🖤Feared by all kingdoms, Kazimir is the Dark Lord, a powerful villain with a 30 year plan for world domination
🩶The only part missing to his masterplan is a wife and he is sorely underprepared at wooing a woman!
🖤Arabella isn't just any noblewoman because not only has she been hidden away in her family's castle, but some of her suitors have left aflame!
🩶A playful, heart-forward take on villain-centered romance for with magical stakes and witty banter
Thoughts:
This book was ridiculously fun. I loved the witty banter and the fact that the Dark Lord doesn’t take himself too seriously at all.
The chapter titles alone had me laughing. The humor genuinely reminded me of the Percy Jackson series—Percy's all grown up and the jokes were decidedly adult 😂 (I mean… who doesn’t want an org@sm so powerful it damages a castle and requires renovations?)
While the story leans heavily into comedy, there’s also a surprisingly emotional core. Beneath the jokes, we get moments of vulnerability and real emotional growth that added depth and balance to the chaos. I also genuinely had no idea where the plot was headed, the humor kept things unpredictable in the best way.
That said, this leans much more toward the romance side of romantasy, and I found parts of the magic system and lore a bit confusing. The ending also felt slightly flat and unclear. There is a cliffhanger, which left me a little confused and very excited for book two!
Author: @Tiffany Hunt | Author 📚
Publisher: @Scarlett Press @Simon & Schuster
Release Date: March 3, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
(And Other Crimes) by Tiffany Hunt
"Griffen, I'm kidnapping a noblewoman. I doubt she will want a fruit basket."
Synopsis:
🖤Feared by all kingdoms, Kazimir is the Dark Lord, a powerful villain with a 30 year plan for world domination
🩶The only part missing to his masterplan is a wife and he is sorely underprepared at wooing a woman!
🖤Arabella isn't just any noblewoman because not only has she been hidden away in her family's castle, but some of her suitors have left aflame!
🩶A playful, heart-forward take on villain-centered romance for with magical stakes and witty banter
Thoughts:
This book was ridiculously fun. I loved the witty banter and the fact that the Dark Lord doesn’t take himself too seriously at all.
The chapter titles alone had me laughing. The humor genuinely reminded me of the Percy Jackson series—Percy's all grown up and the jokes were decidedly adult 😂 (I mean… who doesn’t want an org@sm so powerful it damages a castle and requires renovations?)
While the story leans heavily into comedy, there’s also a surprisingly emotional core. Beneath the jokes, we get moments of vulnerability and real emotional growth that added depth and balance to the chaos. I also genuinely had no idea where the plot was headed, the humor kept things unpredictable in the best way.
That said, this leans much more toward the romance side of romantasy, and I found parts of the magic system and lore a bit confusing. The ending also felt slightly flat and unclear. There is a cliffhanger, which left me a little confused and very excited for book two!
Author: @Tiffany Hunt | Author 📚
Publisher: @Scarlett Press @Simon & Schuster
Release Date: March 3, 2026
🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏅 𝔹𝔸𝕃𝔸ℕℂ𝕀ℕ𝔾 𝔸ℂ𝕋 𝕓𝕪 ℂ𝕒𝕤𝕤 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕘𝕒𝕟 🎨
𝕊𝕐ℕ𝕆ℙ𝕊𝕀𝕊:
🏅Jamie Lyons, a former Olympic gymnast, left the sport after a life-altering diagnosis.
🎨Years later, she’s drawn back toward the life—and feelings—she’s been avoiding.
🏅Beth Walsh, a divorced mom, is rebuilding her life and sense of self.
🎨When their paths cross, they navigate love, identity, and second chances.
🏅A slow-burn sapphic romance about finding balance between past and future.
𝕋ℍ𝕆𝕌𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊:
This is Cass' debut novel!! I really loved how she handled this story. She took so many common romance elements I usually dislike, third-act breakups and endless miscommunication, and simply didn’t use them. Instead, the relationship develops with intention and care, which made it feel grounded and deeply satisfying.
I also appreciated that the main characters are older and more mature, not in their teens or twenties.
While the pacing can feel slow at times, this also allows the relationship to develop authentically.
This isn’t insta-love; their connection grows through meaningful conversations and honest heart-to-hearts, creating a strong, believable bond.
The queer blended family was incredibly refreshing, and I loved that while queerness is present, it isn’t the sole conflict of the story. These characters are comfortable in who they are, allowing the focus to stay on self-discovery, happiness, and navigating life beyond societal expectations.
Each character has their own passions and sense of self, which I loved, and the Washington/PNW setting made this even more special for me personally, it added such a warm, familiar atmosphere.
Overall, a thoughtful, mature sapphic romance that felt refreshing and heartfelt.
I can't wait for Sarah's story!
𝕊𝕐ℕ𝕆ℙ𝕊𝕀𝕊:
🏅Jamie Lyons, a former Olympic gymnast, left the sport after a life-altering diagnosis.
🎨Years later, she’s drawn back toward the life—and feelings—she’s been avoiding.
🏅Beth Walsh, a divorced mom, is rebuilding her life and sense of self.
🎨When their paths cross, they navigate love, identity, and second chances.
🏅A slow-burn sapphic romance about finding balance between past and future.
𝕋ℍ𝕆𝕌𝔾ℍ𝕋𝕊:
This is Cass' debut novel!! I really loved how she handled this story. She took so many common romance elements I usually dislike, third-act breakups and endless miscommunication, and simply didn’t use them. Instead, the relationship develops with intention and care, which made it feel grounded and deeply satisfying.
I also appreciated that the main characters are older and more mature, not in their teens or twenties.
While the pacing can feel slow at times, this also allows the relationship to develop authentically.
This isn’t insta-love; their connection grows through meaningful conversations and honest heart-to-hearts, creating a strong, believable bond.
The queer blended family was incredibly refreshing, and I loved that while queerness is present, it isn’t the sole conflict of the story. These characters are comfortable in who they are, allowing the focus to stay on self-discovery, happiness, and navigating life beyond societal expectations.
Each character has their own passions and sense of self, which I loved, and the Washington/PNW setting made this even more special for me personally, it added such a warm, familiar atmosphere.
Overall, a thoughtful, mature sapphic romance that felt refreshing and heartfelt.
I can't wait for Sarah's story!
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
🏒Audiobook Review of Skate It Till You Make It 📸
By Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Thank you so much to both @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
Synopsis:
🏒Ari Shumba is unexpectedly made captain of Great Britain’s women’s ice hockey team as they head toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, juggling sport, family drama, and a toxic ex.
📸At a New Year’s Eve party in London, she meets Drew Dlamini, an American photographer trying to restart his career, and they share an unexpected connection. Lillie Pearl Wildman did an amazing job of bringing both Ari and Drew to life!
🏒Months later in the snowy Swiss Alps, they run into each other again at the Olympics and agree to fake-date to help Ari avoid her ex and give Drew access to the athletes.
📸What was meant to be a simple arrangement soon blurs into something real, with complications from family, past relationships, and their own rising feelings.
Thoughts:
This was a fun, cozy sports romance with a great Olympic ice hockey setting that felt fresh and engaging. I loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry—the banter, vulnerability, and slow shift from fake dating to real feelings worked really well.
The only thing holding this back from 5⭐️ for me was the third-act breakup. It felt predictable and slowed the momentum, even if it ultimately supported the characters’ growth.
Overall, a heartfelt, wintry romance with strong chemistry and a unique sports backdrop—just expect a bit of emotional turbulence before the HEA.
Authors: Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Publisher: @macmillan.audio @macmillanusa
Release Date: February 3, 2026
4⭐️
2🔥
By Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Thank you so much to both @macmillan.audio for the opportunity to listen and review this ALC!
Synopsis:
🏒Ari Shumba is unexpectedly made captain of Great Britain’s women’s ice hockey team as they head toward the 2026 Winter Olympics, juggling sport, family drama, and a toxic ex.
📸At a New Year’s Eve party in London, she meets Drew Dlamini, an American photographer trying to restart his career, and they share an unexpected connection. Lillie Pearl Wildman did an amazing job of bringing both Ari and Drew to life!
🏒Months later in the snowy Swiss Alps, they run into each other again at the Olympics and agree to fake-date to help Ari avoid her ex and give Drew access to the athletes.
📸What was meant to be a simple arrangement soon blurs into something real, with complications from family, past relationships, and their own rising feelings.
Thoughts:
This was a fun, cozy sports romance with a great Olympic ice hockey setting that felt fresh and engaging. I loved Ari and Drew’s chemistry—the banter, vulnerability, and slow shift from fake dating to real feelings worked really well.
The only thing holding this back from 5⭐️ for me was the third-act breakup. It felt predictable and slowed the momentum, even if it ultimately supported the characters’ growth.
Overall, a heartfelt, wintry romance with strong chemistry and a unique sports backdrop—just expect a bit of emotional turbulence before the HEA.
Authors: Rufaro Faith Mazarura
Publisher: @macmillan.audio @macmillanusa
Release Date: February 3, 2026
4⭐️
2🔥
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🥊 Tapout by Nicole Disney 🥊
Synopsis:
🥊Laila Moretti is a promising MMA fighter whose dream of a UFC contract is shattered by a devastating loss.
🥊Convinced she’s not cut out for the big leagues, she walks away from the cage, her coach, and her future.
🥊Harlow Hayes runs a gritty underground fight promotion and needs a star who can win and not just survive.
🥊When Laila enters Harlow’s world, their attraction ignites, and Harlow sees the fighter in Laila that Laila has stopped believing in.
🥊As their ambitions and emotions collide, both must decide what they really want in life, in love, and in the ring.
Thoughts:
Tapout hooked me with its strong emotional core and character growth. Watching Laila rebuild her confidence and believe in herself again was incredibly satisfying and felt very earned.
I also loved the side characters, who added so much heart to the story. Harlow’s relationship with her sister and her kids was another highlight and added great depth to her character.
The respectful relationship between Harlow and Laila’s former coach stood out, especially the clear boundaries that were established and maintained.
The MMA elements felt authentic without being overwhelming—Disney clearly did her research. I've had friends in MMA and watched many a UFC event, but you don't need any MMA background to understand this element of the story.
My only negative is that I wanted more content of Harlow and Laila together! Their emotional connection and dynamic were so strong, I wasn’t ready for their story to end. Can we get a directors cut edition please!
A powerful, well-written sapphic sports romance that really delivers a punch.
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
Author: @nicoledisneyauthor
Publisher: @boldstrokesbooks
Date Released: Sept. 9, 2025
Synopsis:
🥊Laila Moretti is a promising MMA fighter whose dream of a UFC contract is shattered by a devastating loss.
🥊Convinced she’s not cut out for the big leagues, she walks away from the cage, her coach, and her future.
🥊Harlow Hayes runs a gritty underground fight promotion and needs a star who can win and not just survive.
🥊When Laila enters Harlow’s world, their attraction ignites, and Harlow sees the fighter in Laila that Laila has stopped believing in.
🥊As their ambitions and emotions collide, both must decide what they really want in life, in love, and in the ring.
Thoughts:
Tapout hooked me with its strong emotional core and character growth. Watching Laila rebuild her confidence and believe in herself again was incredibly satisfying and felt very earned.
I also loved the side characters, who added so much heart to the story. Harlow’s relationship with her sister and her kids was another highlight and added great depth to her character.
The respectful relationship between Harlow and Laila’s former coach stood out, especially the clear boundaries that were established and maintained.
The MMA elements felt authentic without being overwhelming—Disney clearly did her research. I've had friends in MMA and watched many a UFC event, but you don't need any MMA background to understand this element of the story.
My only negative is that I wanted more content of Harlow and Laila together! Their emotional connection and dynamic were so strong, I wasn’t ready for their story to end. Can we get a directors cut edition please!
A powerful, well-written sapphic sports romance that really delivers a punch.
4.5⭐️
2🌶️
Author: @nicoledisneyauthor
Publisher: @boldstrokesbooks
Date Released: Sept. 9, 2025
✨Promise Me by Sara Cate Review✨
Synopsis:
✨Declan Barclay and Colin Shelby were inseparable friends in college, until one night before graduation changed everything.
✨Years later, Colin returns to Declan’s life… but is engaged to someone else.
✨Declan has seven days to win back the man he let get away.
✨Complicating everything: Declan’s family is counting on him to host the wedding at Barclay Manor, the family manor located in Scotland.
✨Declan must choose whether to stay silent and lose Colin forever or risk it all to ask him to promise forever.
Thoughts:
Promise Me delivers a second-chance MM romance with plenty of heart and heat. The dual timelines and dual POVs make the emotional journey rich and immersive, allowing you to see how and why Declan and Colin’s connection runs so deep before their reunion.
The chemistry between the two main characters is intense and the slow burn of their past turning into something lasting kept me invested throughout. Watching them grow emotionally, not just physically, was one of the book’s strongest points.
That said, at times the narrative pacing felt a bit uneven with all the time jumps and the wedding-planning subplot, but overall it added depth rather than distraction.
If you love friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, dual timelines, and emotional stories with spice and sincerity, this one’s a great pick. While the second book in the Sinful Manor series, you don't need to read Keep Me before this one.
Author: @saracatebooks
Publisher: @sourcebookscasa
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Thank you to @hambright_pr and Sara Cate for allowing me to read and review this book!
Synopsis:
✨Declan Barclay and Colin Shelby were inseparable friends in college, until one night before graduation changed everything.
✨Years later, Colin returns to Declan’s life… but is engaged to someone else.
✨Declan has seven days to win back the man he let get away.
✨Complicating everything: Declan’s family is counting on him to host the wedding at Barclay Manor, the family manor located in Scotland.
✨Declan must choose whether to stay silent and lose Colin forever or risk it all to ask him to promise forever.
Thoughts:
Promise Me delivers a second-chance MM romance with plenty of heart and heat. The dual timelines and dual POVs make the emotional journey rich and immersive, allowing you to see how and why Declan and Colin’s connection runs so deep before their reunion.
The chemistry between the two main characters is intense and the slow burn of their past turning into something lasting kept me invested throughout. Watching them grow emotionally, not just physically, was one of the book’s strongest points.
That said, at times the narrative pacing felt a bit uneven with all the time jumps and the wedding-planning subplot, but overall it added depth rather than distraction.
If you love friends-to-lovers, second-chance romance, dual timelines, and emotional stories with spice and sincerity, this one’s a great pick. While the second book in the Sinful Manor series, you don't need to read Keep Me before this one.
Author: @saracatebooks
Publisher: @sourcebookscasa
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Thank you to @hambright_pr and Sara Cate for allowing me to read and review this book!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
🐦⬛ Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy🐦⬛
Well, I was going to post my unboxing and the my review, but I started reading this book and finished it in one sitting. This doesn't happen often for me, but this one was just what I needed to help me get through my chronic pain flare up this weekend!
Synopsis:
🐦⬛Anamaya Onyx is the last of a cursed sorcerer bloodline, stripped of magic and blamed for an ancient crime.
🐦⬛After her mother’s death, she uncovers clues that could clear her family’s name.
🐦⬛To reclaim her magic, she enters the dangerous Nightsbridge Academy.
🐦⬛Her name makes her a target, drawing hostility and deadly threats.
🐦⬛Dark secrets, dangerous alliances, and complicated attractions begin to unravel everything she thought she knew.
Thoughts:
This book captivated me!
Picture this: I'm stuck in bed because my arm and head pain is so bad. I felt so exhausted but couldn't sleep. Enter Wicked Onyx: this story is so good that it helped me block out the pain and dive into this magical, academic world.
Wicked Onyx was such a fun, immersive start to the series. The dark academy setting immediately pulled me in, and I loved following Anamaya as she navigates a world that fears and despises her name. Her determination to reclaim her magic and her family’s legacy made her incredibly easy to root for.
The story balances danger, mystery, and tension really well, with secrets slowly unraveling and stakes that continually rise. I also enjoyed the layered dynamics with the other characters, especially the morally gray energy and complicated alliances that kept me guessing.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, addictive read with strong worldbuilding, a compelling heroine, and just the right amount of intrigue to make me eager for the next book. Which, I'm going to have to wait so long since this is an ARC! 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @pageandvinebooks and @debbiecassidyauthor for gifting me this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
Author: @debbiecassidyauthor
Publisher: @pageandvinebooks
Release Date: February 10, 2026
Well, I was going to post my unboxing and the my review, but I started reading this book and finished it in one sitting. This doesn't happen often for me, but this one was just what I needed to help me get through my chronic pain flare up this weekend!
Synopsis:
🐦⬛Anamaya Onyx is the last of a cursed sorcerer bloodline, stripped of magic and blamed for an ancient crime.
🐦⬛After her mother’s death, she uncovers clues that could clear her family’s name.
🐦⬛To reclaim her magic, she enters the dangerous Nightsbridge Academy.
🐦⬛Her name makes her a target, drawing hostility and deadly threats.
🐦⬛Dark secrets, dangerous alliances, and complicated attractions begin to unravel everything she thought she knew.
Thoughts:
This book captivated me!
Picture this: I'm stuck in bed because my arm and head pain is so bad. I felt so exhausted but couldn't sleep. Enter Wicked Onyx: this story is so good that it helped me block out the pain and dive into this magical, academic world.
Wicked Onyx was such a fun, immersive start to the series. The dark academy setting immediately pulled me in, and I loved following Anamaya as she navigates a world that fears and despises her name. Her determination to reclaim her magic and her family’s legacy made her incredibly easy to root for.
The story balances danger, mystery, and tension really well, with secrets slowly unraveling and stakes that continually rise. I also enjoyed the layered dynamics with the other characters, especially the morally gray energy and complicated alliances that kept me guessing.
Overall, this was a fast-paced, addictive read with strong worldbuilding, a compelling heroine, and just the right amount of intrigue to make me eager for the next book. Which, I'm going to have to wait so long since this is an ARC! 😭
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you so much to @pageandvinebooks and @debbiecassidyauthor for gifting me this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
Author: @debbiecassidyauthor
Publisher: @pageandvinebooks
Release Date: February 10, 2026
❄️How to Fake a Husband ❄️
By Bella Rivers
Synopsis:
❄️Noah needs a wife fast to secure his inheritance and keep control of his family’s store. Willow needs the financial stability.
❄️They strike a mutually beneficial deal to fake a marriage for a limited time.
❄️Forced proximity at the Store turns awkward pretending into undeniable chemistry.
❄️Lines blur as secrets, past hurts, and real emotions surface.
❄️Willow and Noah must decide if their fake marriage is worth risking their hearts for something real.
Thoughts:
A cozy, easy romance that leans heavily into cliché and predictable territory with a very Hallmark-esque vibe. While the 5th book in the series, this can be read as a standalone. Just be prepared for not a lot of back story at time for side characters. Lots of weddings happening.
I wished we saw Willow’s feelings for Noah earlier, and that her personal growth, especially with her mom, came more from Willow herself rather than Noah stepping in.
That said, Noah was the standout. He’s a total gentleman, incredibly observant, and I loved seeing his grumpy side emerge. Watching them realize their worth and that you can’t always put others first was satisfying, and I adored how Noah always has Willow’s back, even against her mom.
A sweet, comforting read that didn’t surprise me, but still had its charm.
Author: Bella Rivers
Release Date: December 3, 2025
Thank you to @hambright_pr and Bella Rivers for gifting me this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
By Bella Rivers
Synopsis:
❄️Noah needs a wife fast to secure his inheritance and keep control of his family’s store. Willow needs the financial stability.
❄️They strike a mutually beneficial deal to fake a marriage for a limited time.
❄️Forced proximity at the Store turns awkward pretending into undeniable chemistry.
❄️Lines blur as secrets, past hurts, and real emotions surface.
❄️Willow and Noah must decide if their fake marriage is worth risking their hearts for something real.
Thoughts:
A cozy, easy romance that leans heavily into cliché and predictable territory with a very Hallmark-esque vibe. While the 5th book in the series, this can be read as a standalone. Just be prepared for not a lot of back story at time for side characters. Lots of weddings happening.
I wished we saw Willow’s feelings for Noah earlier, and that her personal growth, especially with her mom, came more from Willow herself rather than Noah stepping in.
That said, Noah was the standout. He’s a total gentleman, incredibly observant, and I loved seeing his grumpy side emerge. Watching them realize their worth and that you can’t always put others first was satisfying, and I adored how Noah always has Willow’s back, even against her mom.
A sweet, comforting read that didn’t surprise me, but still had its charm.
Author: Bella Rivers
Release Date: December 3, 2025
Thank you to @hambright_pr and Bella Rivers for gifting me this ARC! All thoughts are my own.
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🪴The Enchanted Greenhouse 🪴
By Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis:
🪴Terlu Perna, a lonely librarian, is punished for illegal magic and turned into a wooden statue.
🪴She wakes years later on an isolated island filled with magical greenhouses.
🪴Yarrow, the island’s grumpy gardener, becomes her reluctant ally.
🪴The greenhouses’ magic is failing, and the plants are dying.
🪴Terlu must uncover the mystery behind the dying magic, even if it means breaking the rules again.
🪴Along the way, she finds healing, hope, and the possibility of love in this cozy, plant-filled fantasy.
Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this cozy, magical story. The atmosphere is warm and whimsical, the world-building is charming, and the characters—especially Terlu—shine with heart and growth. Sometimes Terlu's need to talk all the time could be a bit much, but that is true to her character.
I actually preferred this book over the Spellshop, though each can be read independently. I did love The Spellshop tie ins!
The enchanted greenhouses, the gentle magic, and the quiet emotional beats made this such a comforting read. A lovely, soft fantasy that feels like a warm cup of tea.
The audiobook version is wonderful. The narrator brings the story to life with expressive, soothing delivery that perfectly matches the cozy tone.
Each character feels distinct without being overdone, and the narration adds an extra layer of immersion. Highly recommend listening if you want a relaxing, transportive experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Author: @sarahbethdurst
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release: July 15, 2025
By Sarah Beth Durst
Synopsis:
🪴Terlu Perna, a lonely librarian, is punished for illegal magic and turned into a wooden statue.
🪴She wakes years later on an isolated island filled with magical greenhouses.
🪴Yarrow, the island’s grumpy gardener, becomes her reluctant ally.
🪴The greenhouses’ magic is failing, and the plants are dying.
🪴Terlu must uncover the mystery behind the dying magic, even if it means breaking the rules again.
🪴Along the way, she finds healing, hope, and the possibility of love in this cozy, plant-filled fantasy.
Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this cozy, magical story. The atmosphere is warm and whimsical, the world-building is charming, and the characters—especially Terlu—shine with heart and growth. Sometimes Terlu's need to talk all the time could be a bit much, but that is true to her character.
I actually preferred this book over the Spellshop, though each can be read independently. I did love The Spellshop tie ins!
The enchanted greenhouses, the gentle magic, and the quiet emotional beats made this such a comforting read. A lovely, soft fantasy that feels like a warm cup of tea.
The audiobook version is wonderful. The narrator brings the story to life with expressive, soothing delivery that perfectly matches the cozy tone.
Each character feels distinct without being overdone, and the narration adds an extra layer of immersion. Highly recommend listening if you want a relaxing, transportive experience!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️
Author: @sarahbethdurst
Publisher: @brambleromance
Release: July 15, 2025
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
🏛️ Review of Fallen City 🏛️
By Adrienne Young
Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio , @macmillanusa , and Adrienne Young for gifting me this audiobook! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
🏛️Set in the walled city of Isara, where political unrest and a long-brewing rebellion are about to erupt.
🏛️Luca Matius, a legionnaire, is determined to preserve his family’s legacy, even as his uncle’s cruelty looms large.
🏛️Maris Casperia, daughter of a magistrate, serves as a novice to the last Priestess, who guards the stolen magic of an ancient war.
🏛️A secret uncovered forces Luca and Maris into a reluctant alliance, but their love could be forbidden and dangerous.
🏛️When a public execution marks Luca as a symbol of rebellion, their loyalties are tested as the city fractures into opposing sides in a holy war.
🏛️Their fates become entwined by divine machinations and political betrayal. Even if they reunite, nothing may remain the same.
Thoughts:
I loved the way Fallen City weaves the past and present together, revealing secrets at just the right pace to keep me hooked from start to finish.
The worldbuilding is vivid without ever feeling overwhelming, giving just enough detail to make the story feel rich and visual.
I also appreciated how the book explores power. How even those raised with privilege can grow, change, and choose a better path for the greater good. My only wish is that we had a bit more of Luca and Maris' love story on the page.
Having dual narration for the dual POV was such a bonus, and Leela Bassuk and Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick did a wonderful job capturing the characters’ emotions and bringing their perspectives to life.
Threaded through it all is a powerful tension between fate and free will, especially as the battle over resources intensifies, making the story feel both epic and deeply human.
By Adrienne Young
Thank you so much to @macmillan.audio , @macmillanusa , and Adrienne Young for gifting me this audiobook! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Synopsis:
🏛️Set in the walled city of Isara, where political unrest and a long-brewing rebellion are about to erupt.
🏛️Luca Matius, a legionnaire, is determined to preserve his family’s legacy, even as his uncle’s cruelty looms large.
🏛️Maris Casperia, daughter of a magistrate, serves as a novice to the last Priestess, who guards the stolen magic of an ancient war.
🏛️A secret uncovered forces Luca and Maris into a reluctant alliance, but their love could be forbidden and dangerous.
🏛️When a public execution marks Luca as a symbol of rebellion, their loyalties are tested as the city fractures into opposing sides in a holy war.
🏛️Their fates become entwined by divine machinations and political betrayal. Even if they reunite, nothing may remain the same.
Thoughts:
I loved the way Fallen City weaves the past and present together, revealing secrets at just the right pace to keep me hooked from start to finish.
The worldbuilding is vivid without ever feeling overwhelming, giving just enough detail to make the story feel rich and visual.
I also appreciated how the book explores power. How even those raised with privilege can grow, change, and choose a better path for the greater good. My only wish is that we had a bit more of Luca and Maris' love story on the page.
Having dual narration for the dual POV was such a bonus, and Leela Bassuk and Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick did a wonderful job capturing the characters’ emotions and bringing their perspectives to life.
Threaded through it all is a powerful tension between fate and free will, especially as the battle over resources intensifies, making the story feel both epic and deeply human.
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
🍂Series Highlight!🍂
The Legacy Series by Melissa Roehrich is almost complete! Coming out November 25th (that's tomorrow!!) book 4 Dawn of Chaos and Fury!
Synopsis:
🍂A realm called Devram was left behind by the gods, who abandoned their demigod children — the six Heirs.
🍂The Fae are forced into a ritual called the Selection, where they’re chosen to serve as magical Sources for the Heirs.
🍂Tessalyn (Tessa) Asura, an overlooked Fae, is unexpectedly chosen as the Source for Theon St. Orcas, Heir of the dark kingdom of Endings.
🍂Tessa must survive political games, dangerous magic, and the secrets inside Theon’s kingdom.
🍂Power imbalances, forbidden attraction, and the truth about the Heirs unfold across the series.
🍂Betrayals, alliances, and hidden histories shape the fate of Devram.
🍂Tessa’s choices ultimately determine whether the world falls into chaos or finds redemption.
Thoughts:
How have I never heard of this series before!!
I loved that this story doesn’t fall into instant love. Instead the tension builds slowly and deliciously as Tessa and Theon circle each other with equal parts fear, fascination, and stubbornness.
Tessa’s determination to fight the bond and hold tight to her autonomy was one of my favorite parts of the book; it adds so much depth to her character and makes every step toward trust feel earned.
A dark, addictive fantasy romance with incredible world-building and a heroine who refuses to be controlled. This story has everything I love about fantasy! I'm so excited for book 4!
4.5⭐️
3🌶️
The Legacy Series by Melissa Roehrich is almost complete! Coming out November 25th (that's tomorrow!!) book 4 Dawn of Chaos and Fury!
Synopsis:
🍂A realm called Devram was left behind by the gods, who abandoned their demigod children — the six Heirs.
🍂The Fae are forced into a ritual called the Selection, where they’re chosen to serve as magical Sources for the Heirs.
🍂Tessalyn (Tessa) Asura, an overlooked Fae, is unexpectedly chosen as the Source for Theon St. Orcas, Heir of the dark kingdom of Endings.
🍂Tessa must survive political games, dangerous magic, and the secrets inside Theon’s kingdom.
🍂Power imbalances, forbidden attraction, and the truth about the Heirs unfold across the series.
🍂Betrayals, alliances, and hidden histories shape the fate of Devram.
🍂Tessa’s choices ultimately determine whether the world falls into chaos or finds redemption.
Thoughts:
How have I never heard of this series before!!
I loved that this story doesn’t fall into instant love. Instead the tension builds slowly and deliciously as Tessa and Theon circle each other with equal parts fear, fascination, and stubbornness.
Tessa’s determination to fight the bond and hold tight to her autonomy was one of my favorite parts of the book; it adds so much depth to her character and makes every step toward trust feel earned.
A dark, addictive fantasy romance with incredible world-building and a heroine who refuses to be controlled. This story has everything I love about fantasy! I'm so excited for book 4!
4.5⭐️
3🌶️