I intended to keep up with what books were read when, and honestly, that all fell to the wayside with sick animals and catastrophes. Will this year be better? Here’s hoping I can keep all the books read reviewed within the same month, but hey, in the end, they are reviewed and I enjoyed reading them–which is the most important thing.
This year I read 62 books on kindle and 24 in paper form for a grand total of: 86 books. We are up 8 books since last year read in total, though to be fair, one was quite short, and four were graphic novels/manga. Regardless, they were read!
I had challenged myself to read 2 paper books a month to start weeding through my library of randomly begotten books so I could instead have a library of intention. While I did manage to get 24 paper books read, they were not read 2 a month as I had originally intended, and many were not necessarily ones I already owned. 5 of the books had been purchased during the year and 2 were gifted to me (and read). All in all, this process certainly has made me appreciate what paper books I hold on to more, and I have gotten much better at letting go of books that no longer serve me. I intend to read at least 24 books this year, and hope that I can decide whether many stay or go. 6 books were set to depart the library from this challenge. Of course, I bought 5… but so it goes.
On to what you’re actually here for:
The Recommendations!
In the series category we have:
Beautiful Villain by Rebecca Kenney
The first book I read in 2025 was by far one of the best. Filled with pop culture but not enough to draw you away from the story, this book constantly had action, well developed characters, and breathtaking love. This is a retelling of The Great Gatsby and it was better than I could have ever imagined. Both Gatsby and Daisy are given depth, but the story shifts to fit in with our modern times, with a sprinkle of supernatural. I absolutely adored how the Gatsby/Nick/Myrtle/Daisy/Tom connection worked and that while Nick doesn’t remain the narrator, he is given more depth, backstory and love than the original story had. *Blurb taken from my original review posted on January 31, 2025.
Wishful Thinking by Helen Harper
Faery Godmothers have one of the best jobs; trying to make everyone’s life better by granting their deepest desires. Unfortunately, some of them have gone missing, so when Saffron Sawyer accepts a job opening to work there after so long dealing with a very different type of clientele that needs help, it seems like it was too good to be true. Enter the Devil’s Advocate, a dashingly charming faery who is looming around and you have a recipe for fae who are not going to let someone take their dreams (and dream jobs) away.
The Devil Made Me Brew It by Sarah Piper
It may break the third way by saying so itself, but this book is very much if Hallmark made Halloween movies. A witch down on her luck who is good at making teas that help with all sorts of things, and a demon who gets sucked into working with her, who have to find and grant her true desire in order to part ways. True desires aren’t always what they seem, because the outside view doesn’t always reveal what’s most important within. Warning: This book made making teas sound so good that I got a bunch of raw ingredients to infuse my own. It is not that simple. *As of right now, there is a lone book though it is listed as in a series online.
Enchanted to Meet You by Meg Cabot
Magic is the core of this book, and while there is certainly something dark and scary out there, Jessica wasn’t looking to become Merlin. Having been reprimanded from making a bad magical choice in her teen years, Jessica doesn’t usually associate with officials from the World Council of Witches (she was banned from the organization, after all). Imagine her shock when she learns that she has to be the one to save her town, whether or not all the other witches in it are good, all thanks to the handsome and so annoying Derrick. *As of right now, there is a lone book though it is listed as in a series online.
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Lured into a mysterious and dangerous game, Genevieve finds that if she’s to survive and try to get answers about her mother’s past, she’s going to have to pretend to be desperately in love with Rowin, who has offered to compete with her. A dazzling and thrilling follow up to Phantasma that I likely recommend for those who love Dark Fantasy/Dark Romantasy.
Waifs and Strays by Helen Harper
Kit is a purple haired cat lady who seems nice and perfectly harmless. Enter a teenage werewolf who wants to rent her upstairs flat, and suddenly she’s embroiled with all sorts of mystery and magic-caused mayhem. Luckily for Kit, she is more than she may appear. The worst thing you can do is underestimate a cat lady.
The Ether Witch by Delemhach
Of the Ashowan children, Tamlin was the one who never needed to be worried about. Appearing anti-social, shy, and unapproachable he’s always lived in the shadow of his famous parents, and his loud and rambunctious sister. When he is saddled with a new assistant he definitely didn’t ask for, and the need to check on the stability of Zinfera, his own personalities and abilities finally get a chance to shine. *This book is in the same world/series as The House Witch and The Burning Witch. While they aren’t completely necessary to read this series, they are amazingly fun and addictive and I’d recommend all three trilogies.
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher
A very capable blonde widow ends up trapped by relatives who want to steal her inheritance, and ends up on a long adventure with a warrior who appeared out of a sword she unsheathed in her room. They must evade capture and gain help of those who upkeep the law while also traveling together without causing too much suspicion from anyone.
Thorn Season by Kiera Azar
Imagine a world in which you were born with a specific gift that the King would annihilate you for. Now imagine that you have to go to court for your rose season in which you’re supposed to find a husband, and that same King has declared this year he will find a wife–and his eyes appear to be on you. Political intrigue, magic, fantasy–you won’t be able to put this book down, and will wish the next installment was immediately available.
Season’s Schemings by Katie Bailey
A jilted on television nutritionist and the head hockey player of the team she ends up working for end up having a marriage of convenience to fix both their problems, but what if they fall in love? A holiday romance that is addictive, well written, and with clear knowledge of both hockey and nutrition. A fun, quick read that will have you immediately grabbing the second book in the series.
How to Survive a Fairy Bargain by Laura J. Mayo
Enter the world of the fae and so many hidden secrets, outspoken faerie familiars (here’s looking at you, Theo), and the sudden need to find who tried to stage a thousand year old assassination attempt. Mix in with the melancholy of missing a former familiar and the need for great haste in uncovering the mystery. An awesome follow up to How to Summon a Fairy Godmother.
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith
A lost sister in hiding, a fallen family, and a fae queen who requires that all females who come of age make a bargain with her. Bargains can better the lives of the families, and secure better matches, but with the fae something is often given in return. Enter the crown prince looking for a wife, and suddenly what was just a ceremony for a bargain becomes a series of tests to find the new princess–something that could save Ivy’s family’s social standing. Victorian style fairy tale esque, highly recommended for those who love romantasy.
And for standalone books I’d recommend:
Grimm Curiosities by Sharon Lynn Fisher
Lizzy is a strong and independent girl, who has to be, because her father has passed and her mother is stricken unresponsive after speaking with ghosts. She comes across Antony Carlisle while managing her parents floundering antique shop, whose sister is facing the same ailment as her mother. Together, they navigate the past, including that of a Yuletide story from long ago. They are both compelled to solve the mystery–no matter what it may bring to light.
Nocticadia by Keri Lake
Lilia watches her mother succumb to an unknown illness and knows that someday she wants to do two things: leave the city she is stuck in, and find out what killed her mother. Enter admission to a college she knows can help in her search, and Professor Bramwell, who is searching for something else entirely. Through research and forbidden relations, perhaps Lilia and Bramwell could find the answers they are searching for together. Dark Academia Dark Romance has never been written better.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
Every ten years the Dragon comes to take a girl from the village as a companion. Agnieszka isn’t graceful, poised, or the most beautiful, yet she gets chosen. Agnieszka is not a maiden to be locked away in a tower forever when she can do something to help those she loves, even if the Dragon, a master wizard, has told her to sit tight. Fairy tale esque with lots of magic and interesting flora and fauna.
Spinning Silver by Naomi Novik
Everyone is willing to take when they don’t think they will have to repay anything, but Miryem is done living in squalor with all the money they had lent away. Good at her job, she soon has her own house sorted, and takes in another from the village to help as well. Words have a way of traveling, and when they reach the Staryk king from a winter land of snow, a fae of sorts, that she can change silver to gold, her future fate becomes entwined with his as they fight to do the impossible and save both of their homes from ruin.
Dark Fantasy
Review of Hemlock and Silver by T. Kingfisher
Synopsis:
From New York Times bestselling and Hugo Award-winning author T. Kingfisher comes Hemlock & Silver, a dark reimagining of “Snow White” steeped in poison, intrigue, and treason of the most magical kind
Healer Anja regularly drinks poison.
Not to die, but to save— seeking cures for those everyone else has given up on.
But a summons from the King interrupts her quiet, herb-obsessed life. His daughter, Snow, is dying, and he hopes Anja’s unorthodox methods can save her.
Aided by a taciturn guard, a narcissistic cat, and a passion for the scientific method, Anja rushes to treat Snow, but nothing seems to work. That is, until she finds a secret world, hidden inside a magic mirror. This dark realm may hold the key to what is making Snow sick.
Or it might be the thing that kills them all.
Review:
“The human body is a strange combination of incredibly fragile and unspeakably tough.” (Page 46)
I absolutely love Anja, and I think many may not be sure that they like Snow. Anja is stuck in a peculiar situation; if she cannot yield results more than just her own reputation and life may suffer because while the king may not hold it against her, the rest of his subjects certainly would hold that against her family. I absolutely loved how the magic world worked, and of course our wonderful feline guide. I quite enjoyed the rapport between Anja and her guard, as well as how Anja would speak to the King when able. She is a very enjoyable protagonist to follow, and I was rooting for her all the time.
There were so many amazing quips and one liners in this book that it becomes almost impossible to pick one to encompass the feel of the entire story. While I am certain I will have picked one for the beginning of this review, I will share this one that I feel a special kinship with here. “Then I slept badly–I always do, the night before I know I have to be somewhere early–” (Page 55)
This book was such a unique and fun take on Snow White, and I greatly enjoyed it. If you love fairy tale retellings, magic, strong independent women that aren’t necessarily the slimmest, cats, and guards who are good at their jobs (even when it takes them to places they never could have dreamt of) this book is definitely for you!
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of Enchantra by Kaylie Smith
Synopsis:
Welcome to Enchantra. There’s only one rule: Never, ever trust your heart.
When Genevieve Grimm’s mother is killed, Genevieve wants answers nobody can give… until she receives an invitation to Enchantra, a cursed palace filled with temptations and illusions.
Arrogant and dangerously handsome, Rowin Silver meets her at the door and refuses to let her inside. But Genevieve finds her own way in… And soon realizes her mistake.
Enchantra is a twisted labyrinth of marble and thorns, where Rowin’s family are trapped forever in a deadly game. Now, Genevieve must win or die.
Rowin offers her a deal. They can compete together… if they convince everyone watching that they’re desperately in love.
Genevieve knows she can’t trust Rowin, but she’ll do whatever it takes to survive. As they hunt and hide together, Genevieve tries to ignore the desire burning between them. She absolutely cannot fall for this man. Cannot forget that she’s only pretending to be in love.
After all, it was Rowin who taught her Enchantra’s first rule… Never, ever trust your heart.
Review:
“…you have to choose to live for yourself. You are the most real thing you’ll ever be able to experience.” (Page 332)
Oh my goodness, Kaylie Smith knocked another right out of the park. I wasn’t sure that a story about Genevieve would hit as hard and well as Ophelia’s but this book totally stands on its own and is awesome. I loved all the background bits of Genevieve that were alluded to in Phantasma but not seen, and Rowin with Genevieve is just perfection. I think Enchantra’s games were an excellent change from those of Phantasma, and the way Rowin and Genevieve’s relationship bloomed was mere perfection. The enemies to lovers arc was prevalent, and it was great to see that even when Rowin was upset or exasperated with Genevieve he never once got upset with her for being herself. Neither character was expected to make a sudden shift in personality, which was quite nice as most novels hinge on that need for change that just happens.
This book did deal with some very real issues that people face; being put on the backburner by parents, not feeling adequate/good enough for partners, not feeling a sense of belonging. While Genevieve might have gone to the extreme to try to find someone who could understand, these are feelings that many know all too well. Even Rowin experiences the lack of understanding between siblings that so many have constant struggles with. No family is perfect, even those who do have a united front, and this was displayed very admirably in how conscious one has to be in order to have/give the support needed in life.
This book featured great atmosphere with well drawn out, well described landscapes, as well as interpersonal connections and stories that are impossible not to want to know more of and get lost inside. The spice level was just the right amount and well done. I highly recommend this book for any Dark Fantasy/Romantasy readers, as I eagerly await book 3 in the series.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
Synopsis:
Cordelia knows her mother is . . . unusual. Their house doesn’t have any doors between rooms—there are no secrets in this house—and her mother doesn’t allow Cordelia to have a single friend. Unless you count Falada, her mother’s beautiful white horse. The only time Cordelia feels truly free is on her daily rides with him.
But more than simple eccentricity sets her mother apart. Other mothers don’t force their daughters to be silent and motionless for hours, sometimes days, on end. Other mothers aren’t evil sorcerers.
When her mother unexpectedly moves them into the manor home of a wealthy older Squire and his kind but keen-eyed sister, Hester, Cordelia knows this welcoming pair are to be her mother’s next victims. But Cordelia feels at home for the very first time among these people, and as her mother’s plans darken, she must decide how to face the woman who raised her to save the people who have become like family.
Review:
“She picked up her cup and took a sip, trying, like many before her, to drown her emotions with tea.” (Page 185)
I’ve mentioned before that T. Kingfisher has my heart, well, that remains true with this novel as well. One of my favourite parts of this book is while yes, it is very much about Cordelia, we actually have an unlikely older heroine involved as well. I absolutely loved the characters in this novel. The book was spent in suspense between wanting Cordelia to have freedom and a happy ending, but wanting Hester to find one as well as free her brother. I adored the concepts within the book, and how the older women instantly took Cordelia under their wing. Penelope Green is truly an icon, and while I wished things were different, in the end I am so glad for everything this book let the reader experience. There are so many ways in which this book touches on issues the everyday person might have–keeping secrets and disappointing one’s family, worries of age and how that will change a person. All in all, as per all Kingfisher books, I’d highly recommend this one.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of A Heart of Desire and Deceit by Elayna R. Gallea
Synopsis:
How does one pick up the pieces of their life after it has been obliterated by the person they mistakingly trusted?
Ryker Waterborn’s heart is broken, and his wife is a killer. Their marriage is a sham, built on a foundation of murder, lies, and deceit. They’re broken. Destroyed. Yet, even after hearing her confession, Ryker cannot leave Brynleigh in the Pit.
In an act of foolish love, he makes a deal to set Brynleigh free. All she has to do is go back to her Maker and find evidence that Jelisette de la Point is a traitor.
That’s easier said than done, but Brynleigh is left with no choice. She can either accept the deal or rot behind bars. Worse than all that is her relationship with Ryker.
Once, she thought they’d get a happy ending. Now, an ocean divides them.
She broke the rules and fell in love, but is love powerful enough to save them?
This is the second half of Ryker and Brynleigh’s duet, and should be read after A Game of Love and Betrayal.
Review:
Oh my goodness. There were so many JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER ALREADY moments in this book! I am very glad we got to see both Brynleigh and Ryker’s perspectives throughout this or it would have been completely maddening. While I expected a bit of resistance at the end, I hadn’t expected what actually happened, but it also seemed like a bit of a let down with how fast everything happened–almost as if things were too easy for Ryker and Brynleigh.
Personally, I really enjoyed Ryker and all of the “how you act reflects on me” moments, as that’s something I heard often growing up.
I quite liked the ending, though I am not certain I’d read this book duology again.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Review of A Game of Love and Betrayal By Elayna R. Gallea
Synopsis:
He requires a wife. She needs to kill him. All’s fair in pursuit of love and revenge.
What’s a vampire to do when the fae who made her an orphan is searching for a wife?
Make him choose her and end his life on their wedding night, of course.
Brynleigh has been carefully planning this for years. Her plan is simple: date Ryker Waterborn, the Fae Representative’s son, make him fall in love with her, and kill him after they say, “I do.”
Unfortunately, it won’t be that easy. She won’t be the only one going after Ryker’s hand. Far from it. Two dozen men and women are competing in the Choosing, each searching for their perfect partner. The catch? It’s a blind selection process, and contestants won’t see each other until they have made their choice.
Nothing will stand between Brynleigh and her revenge, not even a competition for love.
A Game of Love and Betrayal is the first book in The Choosing Chronicles, a captivating enemies-to-lovers, new adult urban high fantasy romance.
Review:
I did truly like this book, but I’m not sure that the synopsis really explains it that well. Ryker is honestly looking for a wife and Brynleigh, well, she’s looking for something different entirely. It took me a bit to get into this book because it starts with Brynleigh in a very unique situation. From the very beginning, in the first chapter, we are told how hard it is for vampires to break away from their Maker, so it makes sense that Brynleigh does her best to appease hers. It becomes clear very early on that Brynleigh and Ryker are two very different people. The televised/blind aspect of this competition made it quite unique.
Both Brynleigh and Ryker both have trauma from their past that effects them more than one usually sees in a fae/vampire romance. If you’re looking for a morally grey female, this is it. As for this being enemies-to-lovers… somewhat from one side.
*This book ends on an ABSOLUTEY HORRIBLE cliffhanger, so be prepared to get book 2 immediately
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Review of The Whispering Night by Susan Dennard
Synopsis:
The forest is more dangerous than ever in this highly-anticipated, pulse-pounding, and swoon-worthy conclusion to the bestselling Luminaries trilogy.
Winnie Wednesday’s future is looking bright. Hemlock Falls is no longer hunting the werewolf, she and Erica Thursday are tentative friends, and Winnie finally knows exactly where she stands with Jay Friday.
With everything finally on track, Winnie is looking forward to the Nightmare Masquerade, a week-long celebration of all things Luminary. But as Luminaries from across the world flock to the small town, uninvited guests also arrive. Winnie is confronted by a masked Diana and charged with an impossible task—one that threatens everything and everyone Winnie loves.
As Winnie fights to stop new enemies before time runs out, old mysteries won’t stop intruding. Her missing father is somehow entangled with her search for hidden witches, and as Winnie digs deeper into the long-standing war between the Luminaries and the Dianas, she discovers rifts within her own family she never could have imagined.
What does loyalty mean when family and enemies look the same?
Review:
This book was the ending that I am so excited to finally have in the trilogy! There is a huge mystery of what/where the Dianas are, and what they are up to, and there is no greater girl up to the task than Winnie. Interchanged bits of the past with the present fit perfectly together as Winnie attempts to uncover both what happened to Jenna, Erica’s sister, as well as her own father.
Despite having done everything right and appearing as a huge saviour/girl who was bitten, Winnie still finds herself fighting against the Luminary council people who should be her allies. It’s interesting to see how even when one just tries to survive, if you are perceived as elite, how you can be used to bolster the image of an organization–even if you’re a very unwilling poster child. I quite liked how Winnie did not suddenly become detached or able to cope with the horrors she previously faced, and how multiple times she had to try to go through her PTSD. Despite the hunters being considered elite, it is amazing to see how important that the leaders take mental health into account and not just physical well being/training.
That being said, it’s clear that I would recommend this book series to any YA Fantasy/Urban Fantasy lovers.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
Synopsis:
When Alex Easton, a retired soldier, receives word that their childhood friend Madeline Usher is dying, they race to the ancestral home of the Ushers in the remote countryside of Ruritania.
What they find there is a nightmare of fungal growths and possessed wildlife, surrounding a dark, pulsing lake. Madeline sleepwalks and speaks in strange voices at night, and her brother Roderick is consumed with a mysterious malady of the nerves.
Aided by a redoubtable British mycologist and a baffled American doctor, Alex must unravel the secret of the House of Usher before it consumes them all.
Review:
This book had me enthralled from the absolute beginning. The setting was perfectly dim and dark and creepy, especially when compared to other places known by the main character. The past flash backs were well established and perfectly aligned when and where they needed to be. The mention of history and language was always well added and never seemed gratutious. Everything was perfectly dark, gothic, and seemed set for there to be a perfectly reasonable explanation for the mental decline that the Ushers seemed to be facing. I never imagined in a million years what it turned out was actually happening, and the story haunted me for many days afterward.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
Synopsis:
Welcome to Phantasma.
There are only two rules to the game. Stay alive. And don’t fall in love.
When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish.
Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.
Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain.
Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.
Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.
Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart…
Review:
“Who wants to be around someone tied so closely to death and darkness? It’s morbid.” (Chapter 26, Page 208)
Oh my goodness. I love this book so very much that I snagged a physical copy after having read this on kindle. I have reading exclusively on the kindle and working on weeding the library of things that aren’t loved but this book needs to be on the shelves! There are real characters with great depth, secrets, and so many twists and turns throughout the plotline. There were several times when I thought I knew/understood everything that was going on and then when revealed found I was only partially correct in my assumptions. I thought the challenges were great, and Ophelia’s sense of herself and her family thoroughly grew as the story progressed. I absolutely adored Blackwell from the start, and while I wasn’t sure if I would like Ophelia, I loved how she had to grow and change once she was in Phantasma. This book was an opulent mash up of Phantom of the Opera and Caravel, some of my top loves. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to come out!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves fantasy, a bit of darkness, some romance, twists and turns, competitions, and who loves Phantom of the Opera and Caravel.
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Review of Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco
Synopsis:
One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge . . . Welcome to Hell.
After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.
She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria . . . even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.
The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world . . or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature?
Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves . . .
Review:
This book was all about finding things out that had seemed almost already too obvious in the first book in the series. This book still left enough mystery that I continued to read the third book, but it was the beginning of a decline. What had started as a young adult book became decidedly adult with an overabundance of sexual experiences, which were often at points that would not make sense.
Star rating: ✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️
* This was read in May, but did not write the review until June.
Amy S. Brown 