Romance

Review of Forked by Melanie Harlow

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Synopsis:
I have trouble saying no.

To shoes, handbags, the dessert tray… you name it.

But when I agreed to plan a last-minute engagement bash for a spoiled Mafia princess, I had no idea she’d demand that my sexy ex, Nick Lupo, cater it. Sure, he’s now a famous celebrity chef, but to me he’s just the boy who broke my heart.

Still, I need the money for a down payment on my dream house, so I summon all my strength and approach him. I should have known Nick would turn the situation to his advantage.

He’ll agree to work for me, but only if I agree to spend a weekend with him.

Hear him out. Give him a second chance.

Did I mention my weakness for dark eyes and tattoos?

I’m completely and totally forked.

Review:
I absolutely loved both Coco and Nick. Seeing their interactions, and how he clearly still is head over heels for her, made me team Nick from the beginning. I love how supportive Nick is, how he tries so hard to do and be everything Coco needs and wanted him to. There were times when they obviously needed to communicate a little better, and one in particular made NO SENSE AT ALL. No one goes that long without a phone in today’s day and age. Yet, in the end, this was an absolutely beautiful story and I am so glad I read it; even if it was so long after I read Frenched that I was reading about completely new people I didn’t really remember.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of Not Another Vampire Book by Cassandra Gannon

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Synopsis:
What’s worse than editing the stupidest romance novel ever written? Getting stuck inside of it. Karalynn Donnelly has somehow been transported into Eternal Passion at Sunset, a vampire love story filled with enough clichés, anachronisms, and run-on sentences to drive any hardworking book editor insane.

To make matters worse, Kara accidentally prevents the story’s hero and heroine from meeting. Now Slade, the idiot Vampire King, thinks Kara’s his destined mate. If she’s going to find her way home, Kara needs to get this story back on track. But, teaming up with Damien, the novel’s handsome, super-powered bad guy might not be the best place to start…

M/F
Happily Ever After
Fated Mates, Isekai trope, time travel romance
120,000 + words
Standalone book, but Vampire Charming is a sequel starring Slade

Review:
Originally, the ending bit above hadn’t been included when I decided to pick this book up. From the actual synopsis, it sounds like a lovely book, unfortunately in many regards this book is exactly what it claims, or at least seems to claim, to be a parody of. While Kara doesn’t want to do the instant attraction/love at first sight thing, she is drawn to Damien. While I did quite love Damien/Kara, there was just so much involved that was supposed to be REALLY happening that exactly mimicked what allegedly Kara would not stand for in literature (so why would she stand for it in her real life?) That being said, at the end we do realize why the romance novel that Kara’s stepmother’s friend wrote isn’t very good, though I will say I saw the ending of WHO wrote the book from the beginning.

I am torn between numbers on what to consider this book, because based on the description without the added bit, I’d have said 3 stars, but if you KNEW that it was going to be Fated Mates, that would kick it up to four for me. That being said, I do still want to read Slade’s book- but this time I’ll know from the start what I’m getting myself into. If you like being frustrated by characters consistently doing things that don’t make sense get called out on their dumb choices, and a hint of romance, this book is for you.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Hate Mail by Donna Marchetti

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Synopsis:
Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting…

But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop.

It’s been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything.

But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word.

Review:
This book was great. It was easy to fall into, a quick read, and one that was hard to put down. I loved the interspersed backstory bits about Luca, though it was a bit one sided as it was predominately from the perspective of Naomi. The main big “mix up” I saw a mile away and while I didn’t like the huge reaction it caused, I was completely smitten with how everything tied up in the end. There were some great quirky side characters, some awesome adventures, and a great little peek of spice. I also quite loved how one small connection kept over your life since you were young can make all the difference to what you turn out interested in/doing/being/who you are. If you like enemies to lovers, wordplay, and good banter, this is the summer beach read for you.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯
Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️

Review of Forged by Malice by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve found a new home and fallen in love with four cursed fae princes. But everything could be taken from me in an instant. If I’m to save the Enchanted Vale and the High Princes, this rose is going to need to grow thorns.

Being a part of the fae is wonderful. Except that the enchanted castle I live in is falling apart, one of my mates wants to give up his magic for good, the other one seems to be hiding something from me, and the two cursed fae princes I’m in love with still need to find their actual mates. Oh, and the villainous Prince of Thorns keeps trying to kiss me. And I kind of want him to.

When whispers of war spread from the Spring Realm, we find ourselves on a knife’s edge, trying to prevent a betrayal that could tear the realms—and my princes—apart. A vicious enemy from the Below will stop at nothing to kill me and claim Spring for herself. And Ezryn’s own brother has turned against him, claiming the Spring throne for himself. Allies become enemies, and enemies become allies.

Now, more than ever, I’ll need to light a way for my princes and help Ezryn, the High Prince of Spring, take back his throne. I won’t let him lose himself to the darkness… unless I lose myself first.

FORGED BY MALICE is the third book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling seven-book series set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF, MM, and MMFM content. It is intended for mature readers only

Review:
The cliffhanger ending on this is absolutely horrible! There were so many things revealed just at the last possible second and ugh!!!! I cannot wait for this series to finish up!

This book has so many layers of what it means to be a good friend, what it means to forgive yourself, and accept goodness in your life. The characterization and depth is amazing. I do have some assumptions on how redemption works in the Vale, which I will reveal whether or not they were spot on after the next book is out. There were so many twists and turns and some I had some inkling on (here’s looking at you, Wrenley) and some I hated (here’s looking at you AGAIN, Wrenley!) There was a series of expectations about Rosalina and her princes and while some may say you cannot always have your cake and eat it too that is what was advertised so I am sure many of us are left mouth gaping.

The spice was, as always, spot on and awesome, but oh how I want everyone to have a happy ending; together! With Rosalina!

P.S. The true villain is never who you think it will be…

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Wreckless Heart by Brighton Walsh

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Synopsis:
Turns out the gorgeous stranger I had a one-night stand with is not only my sister’s best friend but also my new employee.

Worse? I shared a whole lot more with Avery than one mind-blowing night.

I told her my deepest, darkest secret.

Despite my constant worry that she’ll let the truth slip to my family, I can’t stay away from her. And when we’re tossed together for an out of town trip and forced to share a room with only one bed, the chemistry between us finally explodes…again.

I have no problem making her see stars—or breaking the bed. The trouble is, the longer our secret relationship goes on, the more I want to keep her.

But she’s eight years my junior, the sunshine to my grump, and I know her free spirit wants more than the small town of Starlight Cove can offer.

I have no doubt no one will ever give her more pleasure than I will, but I refuse to hold her back.

Even if that means letting her go when her three month contract is up.

Review:
This book is amazing and gripping from the very first page. Both main characters have excellent back stories with reasons for how they are how they are. Aiden is incredibly considerate and as Avery would say “the best book boyfriend”. The relationship developed well and there was never a point where I skimmed or just wanted to be done with part of the book. I absolutely loved how open and outgoing and out there Avery is (can relate!). I also quite enjoyed how detailed but not overly minutely so experiences were explained, specifically about a trip Addison pushes. One of the best parts of this book is the reoccurring suggestion that you should accept people as they are and while you may want something more, know that people do not often change their nature. “Begrudging her for what she wasn’t took so much more energy than just loving her for what she was.” (Page 225, Chapter 22)

Let’s talk spice. Holy. Crap. I considered adding a spice meter when I have been rating/reviewing romance/smut before and let me tell you- this book is the best to start that scale with a resounding 5/5. Well written, detailed but not too detailed, so perfectly steamy. I immediately signed up to Walsh’s mailing list in order to get those sweet sweet four additional bonus chapters and I was not disappointed!

Do you like best friend’s brother romances, opposites attract romances, hot and incredibly steamy scenes, and book loving MCs? This book is definitely made for you!

Spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of The Misadventures of Miss Adelaide by Maggie Dallen

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Synopsis:
She’s on the run from her cruel guardian…

And Miss Adelaide has found the perfect hiding spot in the home of the formidable Earl of Tolston. But masquerading as a maid comes at a cost. One day she faints on the job, and when she wakes…

She’s in the arms of the Earl. His eyes are dark as he glowers down at her, but then he says, “What are you hiding, little one?”

Her secrets about to be exposed, Addie wants nothing more than to flee—again. But the powerful, overprotective Earl with dark, brooding eyes makes it very clear that she’s his to protect. Whether she likes it or not.

“You can run, Addie . . . but I will follow.”

This is the first of a 10-book sweet regency romance series filled with enemies to lovers, friends to more, runaway brides, kidnapped debutantes, mistaken identity, alpha heroes, and a loveable group of friends. Each book is a standalone romance. No cliffhangers, just a swoonworthy happily ever after!

Review:
“Admit it,” he said. “You believe in the fairy tales–true love, happily ever afters–all that hogwash.”
“I did once,” she admitted.


This book was a very short and very quick read that I found by means of TikTok advertising. That being said, I did enjoy the characterization but we were left with a lot of insta-feelings that I would have liked more time for development. I did actually like how the Earl came to care and push for Addie’s wellbeing, however, it seemed as if (and this is addressed within the novel) he and Adelaide never truly took the time to get to know each other but just felt a connection. I do very much love how Addie has her own secrets and her own goals that she must accomplish and that she isn’t willing to back down just because she found someone that could “save her”. I like that the two bring out the teasing nature in the other, especially with their word play. I also really liked that despite not knowing the whole story and realizing there is a lot left to learn, Alec doesn’t give up on Adelaide. While I would have liked more character development, perhaps a bit more interactions with Alec (especially with Reggie), I did rather enjoy this book as a quick little clean romance read.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯

Review of A Ship of Bones and Teeth by Karina Halle

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Synopsis:
A standalone adult dark fantasy pirate romance re-telling of The Little Mermaid from the New York Times Bestselling Author of River of Shadows and Blood Orange.

Princess Maren is a woman with a secret.

Ten years ago she sold her soul to the sea witch Edonia, giving up a life underwater in exchange for the love of Prince Aerik on land. But after a decade of abuse and misery inflicted by the cruel prince, Maren wants nothing more than to leave him and her royal role behind and find Edonia to reverse the spell.

An opportunity for escape presents itself when the prince and princess are traveling overseas and are taken hostage by a band of notorious pirates, led by the fearsome Captain Ramsay “Bones” Battista. Maren has heard the sordid stories about the infamous pirate–not only is his ship supposedly haunted and crewed by the damned, but that no prisoners ever survive.

Fortunately for Maren, she learns that the captain also has a score to settle with the sea witch. With any luck, Maren may be able to get her old life back, even if it’s being held in the captain’s wicked hands.

But Ramsay gets more than he bargained for when he learns who–and what–Maren is, and that her appetite for revenge, freedom, and bloodlust rivals his.

Meanwhile Maren finds herself falling for the pirate’s dark nature, even as she discovers that Ramsay has a secret more deadly than her own.

When it comes to the high seas, not all monsters lurk beneath the surface.

Content Warning: Though this is a fantasy, it is also a dark romance with potential triggers. A full list can be found inside the book or on the pinned cover reveal post on IG (authorhalle)

Review:
Firstly, spot on for having warnings before the book starts. I love that. Secondly, holy hell was this book awesome. Immediately the reader is drawn into the night where Princess Maren’s life changed forever. I loved that there was a darkness and definite consequences to actions. The spice in this is absolutely phenomenal, however, I was not a fan of a particular undersea scene.

There is a point where it is mentioned that, “…We don’t make mistakes but choices that lead us on another path.” (Page 386, Chapter 38) While there is definitely good versus evil at play, the way in which it is described is done so in an artful way that resonates where anyone can be a monster, and it’s all up to you and how you harness your reactions.

This is a great retelling of The Little Mermaid. I love how mermaid and siren mythology was merged together to create Halle’s syrens. I also absolutely adored the way she pulled in pirates and why they would be different than regular pirate crews. I thought she did an amazing job of explaining the sailing terminology and crew positions, as well as cleanliness. Absolutely loved this book and am looking forward to reading more from her in the future. It’s one that really sinks its teeth into you…

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Wild Scottish Knight: A fun opposites attract magical romance by Tricia O’Malley

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Synopsis:
Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:
From the very beginning line this book had me absolutely hooked. “What was it about death that brought out the worst in people?” (Page 1, Chapter 1) This is a cute enemies to lovers style book. I felt that the chemistry was organic and real, and all of the characters were well fleshed out. This was a quick and easy read.

I loved all of the invaluable lessons of life that Sophie mentions from her uncle, and the double meaning of her name. I also love the internal desire such as living out your best romance novel dreams. While Sophie learned many lessons throughout the novel, as did Lachlan, the biggest and most important being what you can find within–such an important lesson for us all. The responsibilities of a knight were pretty large but ambiguous which worked wonderfully in the story. I do think that for all the talk of magic and myths there could have been more on that front than a few interactions with kelpies, and I would have also liked to have seen Lachlan become something “official” to the island and to Sophie.

If you like Scotsmen, curvy girls, a hint of fantasy flavour and some spice, this is definitely the book and series for you! While I don’t intend to continue the next one immediately, I know I’ll return back at some point.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Rouge

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Synopsis:
A dark billionaire romance with a secret society twist and a happy ever after.

The Garde values four ideals: The Truth we twist. The Beauty we flaunt. The Freedom we grant. The Power we take.

I believed their lies until Lacey O’Shea.

She’s the only daughter of the Garde’s leading family, and she was meant to be mine. But her father stole her from me to sell to another.

So I stole her back.

But there’s more to the conspiracy that kept us apart, and we have to keep our relationship secret from her former fiancé, the Baron, to find the truth.

He wants to lock her away, but she’s a bird desperate to flee her gilded cage.

I’ll fight the Baron, the Garde, and the whole damn world to free her.

Review:
This book has everything- passion, risks, rewards, family drama. This book is layers upon layers of amazing, from the characterization and societal expectations with the Garde that force people into preconceived roles and abilities, to what actual power and truth are, as well as what one’s purpose is and can be and how to fight against what others want for you. The connection, heat, and spice between Lacey and Kian is completely off the chart and I couldn’t put this down! Watching Lacey finally be able to be herself for a short while was glorious, and seeing them both become vulnerable with each other absolutely precious. I absolutely loved all of the Irish thrown in and just how well two people can connect when they realize that not everything has to be how someone else planned. The nods to Phantom, the first book in the series, were brilliant; but it does stand alone and you do not need to read that to understand this. If you love spice and an incredibly well written story with some dark parts definitely pick up this book!

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯✯

Review of Woven by Gold by Elizabeth Helen

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Synopsis:
I’ve been rejected by my mate and banished from the fae realm. But nothing will keep me from my princes…. And nothing will keep them from me.

I was living the most ordinary life… until I found myself in the fae realm, imprisoned in an enchanted castle by four princes who turn into deadly beasts at night. As I grew to understand them and their world, I couldn’t stop myself from falling for them. But living in a fairy tale isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Especially when Keldarion, the prince I know to be my fated mate, forces me back to the human realm. I don’t know what he’s hiding, but I’ll do everything I can to get back to him and my other beasts.

And I have to hurry, because my princes need me. When Ezryn, Dayton, and Farron discover Keldarion lied to them about my disappearance, fur will fly. And we have to be united to face the coming challenges. A frost has fallen over the Autumn Realm and the blame is placed on Keldarion. Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, has been accused as a conspirator and lost all control of his lands and people. Unless the four High Princes can stop the terrible winter and prove Keldarion is not to blame, open war will tear across the Enchanted Vale. Throw in a wicked bargain with the Prince of Thorns (who won’t stop talking in my head), my jerky ex-fiancé who doesn’t understand the word ‘no’, and the terrible curse that gets worse each day… Yeah, we’ve got problems. Not to mention that every day that passes, I’m losing more of my heart to each of the princes, despite the fact I know it only puts me in danger.

Now, more than ever, I will need to find my courage and help Farron, the High Prince of Autumn, stop this war. And I will be right by his side… as long as he doesn’t kill me first.

WOVEN BY GOLD is the second book in a steamy adult Beauty and the Beast retelling multi-book series set in a fantasy fae realm. In this version, our beautiful bookworm doesn’t have to choose between the four sexy fae princes. It is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. It includes MF, MM, and MMFMM content. It is intended for mature readers only.

Review:
This book had a bit of everything; war/fighting, adventure, intrigue, and most importantly four (somewhat brooding) awesome men. There were so many points in this book where Rosalina needed to just USE HER WORDS, with one particular instance with Dayton especially! For someone that is supposed to have spent so much time reading of adventures and all sorts of things, it is a bit ridiculous how lost Rosalina is so often. It was nice to see more of Farron and see him try to push forward and be his best self, and to see that when you let the right people in, they can help you more than you realize. Rosalina had special moments with all the boys, and it was good to get to see all of them come out of their shells a bit more (except for Day who is already there!) The spice was absolutely spot on in a few scenes, but most of the time Rosalina was left wanting. Ezryn did promise something that I am interested to see if it comes to pass.

I did very much like how Rosalina’s past issues and trepidations are used against her and she has to rely on herself and who she’s become to help her get through it. I also quite enjoyed the banter between she and Caspian, and I believe their connection and her ability to help people find their light will be of great use to him. After all, he told her to “Trust your own instincts above all else”, so he is really the villain? The mate connection is also well explained, with great imagery. “Starlight igniting your body, having the empty part of your heart filled.”

Unfortunately the plot is rather obvious from the beginning, and there is a lot of time spent with the boys refusing to acknowledge that Rosalina is their mate when it’s obvious. I feel in that regard that if more time had been spent to show that mates are very rare to be found, and even more rare to have multiples, it might have made more sense; or if it hadn’t been marketed specifically as a why choose. Always having something interrupt them or some reason to not go full out seems a bit contrived. The book did have a lot of fluff, but I didn’t feel that it detracted a lot from the story.

Star rating: ✯✯✯✯