Night of the Witch is the compelling story of a witch and a witch hunter. When Fritzi and Otto first meet, they couldn’t be more different. In fact, they're actively enemies. Otto seems to be trying to burn as many witches as he can, while Fritzi is trying to find her beloved cousin before it's too late. But Fritzi soon learns there’s more to Otto than meets the eye. Revenge unites them and they are forced to trust each other to survive. Will Fritzi and Otto be able to escape the witch burnings? 

I love stories about witches and Night of the Witch was a satisfying tale! The dynamic of a witch and a witch hunter being forced to work together really appealed. Otto took some time to grow on me, but by the end I liked his character. Fritzi felt very relatable and easy to connect with. I hope to see more of their romance in the next book! The villain felt a little extreme, though it made for some exciting fight scenes. Readers who enjoy stories about witches, the witch trials in medieval Germany, and enemies-to-lovers need to check out Night of the Witch. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next!

Thank you so much to Sara Raasch, Beth Revis, Sourcebooks Fire, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

In 1930s Mississippi, unlawful broom racing is a banned sport. Yet this doesn’t stop illegal racers from competing for life-changing sums of money. Billie Mae is the fierce captain of the Night Storms. She is determined to win so she and her best friend Loretta can move to a place where they will be safe and accepted. Other team members include Cheng-Kwan, Mattie, and Emma. All of them have dreams and lives that could be changed for the better if they were to win. Meanwhile, Billie Mae and Luella, Mattie and Emma’s cousin, are in love but struggle to see a future. When the government starts to crack down on racing, the team must risk it all to escape danger and fight for their dreams. 

I loved this graphic novel!! The characters were so vivid and real. I loved how they united to form a team and yet also had such individual stories and struggles. Real history is expertly portrayed, while being interwoven with the magic of broom racing. Brooms does not shy away from racism, LGBTQ+ discrimination, and sexism; showing the very real issues and conflicts that arose. The focus on found family and protection being found in working together was so heartwarming. I loved Billie Mae and Luella’s relationship and how well they complemented each other. I felt truly connected to all the characters and was thrilled with the ending. I hope to see more from this author/illustrator duo and perhaps more stories from the world of Brooms! I would highly recommend this graphic novel to anyone. 

Thank you so much to Jasmine Walls, Teo DuVall, Levine Querido, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Forged By Blood is the outstanding epic fantasy debut from Ehigbor Okosun. Dèmi was forced to run for her life at a young age when her mother was murdered. Nine years later, she’s ready for vengeance and becomes involved in a plan to kidnap the prince. Dèmi is shocked to discover that she has met the prince before and must untangle the many secrets between them. Dèmi will do anything to protect her people and avenge her mother- but how far will she have to go? 

Okosun deftly handles politics, romance, action-packed battle scenes, and a well-designed magic system. I couldn’t put this book down! The pacing was excellent- it felt action-packed with adventures, yet still had moments of deep connection between the characters. Dèmi is such a lovable character who it is impossible not to feel invested in. Dèmi is willing to risk it all for her people and tries to help everyone, even if it places her in danger. I enjoyed Dèmi’s romantic predicament and I think she definitely made the right choice. One of my favorite scenes was with the omioja; the verdict they reached was so heartbreakingly beautiful and moving. I really enjoyed Dèmi’s relationship with the magical creatures of the forest and can’t wait to learn more about them in the sequel. 

Readers who seek fated mates with a magical connection, strong heroines, and stunning magic systems will devour Forged Blood. Readers who enjoyed N.E. Davenport (The Blood Gift), Jordan Ifueko (Raybearer), and Deborah Falaye (Blood Scion) will love this book! 

Thank you so much to Ehigbor Okosun, Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.  

In this prequel, Bookshops & Bonedust returns to the world of Legends & Lattes. Viv is injured in battle and forced to recuperate in a small town called Murk. After a rocky first start, Viv befriends the local bookstore owner and gives her advice on how to repair the shop. Adventure, romance, friendship, mysterious creatures and more await Viv…

Bookshops & Bonedust is such a magical and cozy book! I was so happy to return to the adventures of Viv and her friends, especially in prequel form. This series is similar to the feeling of sipping warm hot chocolate while icy snow falls outside. I loved how Viv helped Fern improve the bookstore. Baldree describes the goals and dreams of the characters in such a satisfying way. I really enjoyed meeting the new characters, especially Fern and Satchel.

Travis Baldree narrates the audiobook and it was an excellent listening experience. He brings his witty banter to life and creates distinctive character voices. I hope Baldree writes more cozy fantasy or returns to other stories in this world. I can’t wait to add the physical book to my shelves! This is one of my favorite books of the year so far and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Readers who enjoy found family, cozy high fantasy, and fantastic world-building will love this book!

Thank you so much to Travis Baldree, Tor Books, and Netgalley for a free ALC in exchange for an honest review.

Love at 350° is the story of Kendra, a chef and baking show host, and baking show contestant Tori. Kendra is burned out on Bake-o-Rama, but needs the money she earns as a judge to support her restaurants. Tori is a chemistry teacher who is convinced to audition by her college-bound children. Tori and Kendra feel a connection, but must keep everything professional for the sake of the show. When someone seems to be sabotaging Tori, Kendra and Tori must work together to uncover the culprit. What will they do when the show ends and they can finally explore their feelings? 

Love at 350° is a sweet, sapphic, and lighthearted romance. I really enjoyed how Tori gained self-confidence and learned to believe in her baking ability. While Kendra and Tori are intrigued by each other, they must keep their distance to maintain the integrity of the show and avoid legal trouble. The sapphic romance is very light and slow-burn, because at times the rules keeping them apart work a little too well. Love at 350° has a strong focus on the recipes and competition rounds of Bake-o-Rama. There are some great recipes at the back of the book for readers to try. Readers who love the Great British Bake-Off will devour this delectable and sweet sapphic romance! 

Thank you so much to Lisa Peers, Random House, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.