I really enjoyed this book! It felt completely different from anything I’ve read before, which was such a refreshing experience. Fallon Ballard took a bold leap into the romantasy world, and I think she delivered something unique and compelling.

The relationship between Callum and Lady Caterine was a highlight for me. The way their dynamic evolved throughout the story, from transactional to something layered and emotionally charged, was really well done. I loved watching the walls slowly come down between them, and how each had to reckon with their past and purpose in the middle of so much political upheaval.

Callum was a solid love interest; he was torn between duty and desire, carrying the weight of legacy and expectations. And Cate was just the right mix of power, vulnerability, and moral complexity. I appreciated that she wasn’t a flawless FMC but someone trying to survive and protect the ones she loved. Their chemistry felt natural and had a good balance of tension and trust, which kept me invested.

One standout character for me was Callum’s sister, Dom. She had such a bold presence and brought much needed levity and strength to the story. I honestly would’ve loved more page time with her because she had that spark of a scene stealer and felt like a character with real potential for future development (please let her get her own book!).

On the flip side, Lady M was a character I loved to hate. The author did such a fantastic job crafting her as someone you just instantly dislike and continue to root against the entire way. She was manipulative and calculating, and honestly, one of the more effective antagonists I’ve read in a while. She never slipped into cartoonish villain territory, which I appreciated.

Harold’s arc also deserves a mention. His journey was surprisingly emotional and added an extra layer of depth to the plot. His role in the story felt essential rather than secondary, and watching his layers peel back was super satisfying.

Now, let’s talk about the flaws, because while I definitely had a good time with this one, it wasn’t without its bumps.

First, the worldbuilding. While the idea of this world is fantastic like political alliances, magic, courtly power plays, it wasn’t always easy to follow. The rules of the world felt a bit vague and underdeveloped. Magic was referenced often, but we weren’t really shown what it could do or how it worked, which left some major plot points feeling a little weightless. I found myself craving more detail: how the kingdoms were structured, how power was maintained, and what the real limitations of each character were.

Then there was the pacing. The story starts off strong and draws you in with this mysterious, slightly seductive vibe, but somewhere around the middle, it stumbles a bit. The buildup was great, but once we hit the climax, things moved too fast. Some major twists and reveals didn’t get the breathing room they needed, and it made the ending feel slightly rushed and a little too convenient. I honestly wouldn’t have minded if the book was 50 pages longer just to allow everything to unfold more naturally.

There were also moments where the dialogue felt a bit modern for the setting, which took me out of the story. It’s a fine line to walk in fantasy romance; balancing banter and chemistry with the tone of the world, and this book didn’t always land that balance cleanly. At times, it read more like a contemporary romance with a fantasy backdrop rather than a fully realized romantasy.

Lastly, I do think some secondary characters deserved more development. While Callum and Cate were fully fleshed out, a few of the supporting cast felt one dimensional, especially given how important their roles were in the plot. I wanted more from their motivations, their stakes, and their relationships with the leads.

All that being said, this was such a fun, intriguing read, and I’m absolutely looking forward to what Fallon does with the rest of this series. She took a big risk jumping from contemporary rom coms to fantasy romance, and for me, it mostly paid off. The bones of something great are here, it just needs a little more polish in a few areas.

If you’re in the mood for a spicy, emotionally charged romantasy with rich characters and court intrigue, Something Wicked is definitely worth picking up!

Thank you to NetGalley, Falon Ballard, and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the eARC of this book. 

Kayla Grosse, the queen you are. What kind of magic do you put in these books? Because Change of Pace was everything I didn’t know I needed and then some. From the first page, I was completely floored by the storytelling. It felt less like reading a book and more like sitting down with my best friend as she told me how she fell in love with the most unexpected person in the most beautiful way.

I don’t think I’ve ever connected with a character the way I did with Jesse. A plus size FMC with a heart condition and a bucket list? That’s me, and I truly love feeling THIS seen when it comes to the books I read. Her vulnerability, her growth, the way she starts off unsure but slowly blossoms into someone who believes she’s worthy of love, hit me right in the chest. And Asher? OH MY GOD, ASHER. Loving out loud, devoted, golden retriever energy Asher. He falls first, he falls hard, and he never looks back. I’ll never be over him. Never. He is top tier book boyfriend and I stand by this. Also my favorite Kayla Grosse MMC by far to date (and there have been some great ones). 

The representation in this book is everything. Jesse has Kawasaki Disease and an ICD implant, something I had never seen written about before, and Asher has ADHD, which is portrayed so authentically. Hyperfixation? Hyperfocus? Yup, I again felt so seen. Kayla is so intentional with her characters, and it shows. She gives space for people who don’t fit the societal mold and tells readers that you belong here too.

The road trip vibes? The forced proximity? The “let’s keep it platonic” lie they both tell themselves while sharing a tiny RV and exploring bucket list items like quirky roadside attractions? So perfect. I was giggling like a schoolgirl at their banter, fanning myself from the tension, and full on crying during the soft, emotional beats. This book had everything I love: representation, spice, heart, healing, and humor.

And can we talk about the epilogue? Absolute perfection. Watching Jesse grow, love herself more deeply, and embrace the life she fought so hard to live was so empowering. Her journey was healing for me, and I’m so grateful for that.

If you’re into sweet, soft hearted MMCs (Asher is the literal definition of a cinnamon roll or a golden retriever), incredible representation, emotional depth, and an FMC you’ll root for from the very start, then Change of Pace is for you.

Kayla did it again! I’m in love with Jesse and Asher. This is more than just a romance; it’s a love letter to life, second chances, and the beauty of slow burning self-worth.

💛 HIGHLY recommend. 1000000/10.

Thank you to Kayla Grosse for the eARC of this book! 

Bowie, Becca, and Poppy… forever in my heart! 😭💜

This series just keeps getting better, and Wicked Love absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. Willow Aster is out here writing the single dad series of my dreams; sweet, emotional, sexy, and full of heart. I’ve said it before, but I truly mean it now: this one is my favorite of them all… until the next one, I’m sure. 

Okay, but let’s talk about that surprise pregnancy! It added such a rich layer to the story and really fueled some powerful character development for both Bowie and Poppy. I am not always a huge fan of accidental pregnancy, but this was so well done. 

Now, Becca—light of my life, my sweet angel, my everything. Her connection with Poppy just sparkled. Watching their bond blossom melted me from the inside out. From the moment they met, I knew something special was happening, and by the end, I was a sobbing, happy mess. There’s just no one better suited to walk into Bowie and Becca’s life than Poppy. 

Speaking of Bowie... HELLO, new top DILF. Sorry Weston, I still love you, but Bowie’s grumpy dad energy stole the crown. His character arc? Chef’s kiss. He starts off so guarded and jaded (understandably, given his past), but when Poppy and Becca crack open his heart, the transformation is everything. Watching him learn to trust, to hope again, and to let love in was so raw and tender and beautiful. He was always a good man, but Poppy made him better.

Willow has a way of writing stories that wrap around your soul and don’t let go. She handles complex topics, like parenting a child with Down syndrome, navigating grief, and healing from past trauma, with such a gentle, thoughtful hand. I always walk away from these books feeling a little more full hearted.

And now we’re almost to Penn’s book? I don’t know how I’ll survive it, but I’m READY. My theory? Sam’s future stepmom is either his social worker or a fierce attorney Bowie hires. I NEED IT RIGHT NOW.

If you haven’t picked up this series yet and you love emotional, plot driven, found family, grumpy/sunshine, single dad romances with just the right amount of spice and sweetness, you need to read these ASAP. I’m obsessed. Becca, Bowie, and Poppy… I’ll love you forever! 💜

Oh, now this is how you write an accidental pregnancy romance! Playboy is sheer perfection from the very first page to the last, and honestly, Brittanee Nicole has outdone herself yet again. I was crying almost immediately, and let’s be real, that is not something that usually happens in a sports romance. But nothing surprises me anymore with this author; she delivers every single time.

Let’s talk about Daniel Hall. Sweet, swoony, baby Hall. 😭❤️‍🩹 His POV wrecked me in the best way. I don’t think I've ever met a hockey playing MMC with a heart as pure and golden as Daniel’s. He’s persistent, loyal, vulnerable, obsessed with his Dream Girl, and absolutely feral in the best ways. Add pierced, dirty mouthed, and head over heels? PERFECTION. He is a walking green flag and officially a top tier book boyfriend.

And Hannah? Absolute queen. She’s strong, fiercely independent, career driven, and total personality goals. The way she makes Daniel work for it? ICONIC. But when she finally lets her walls down? Chef’s kiss. Their chemistry? Unmatched. The spice, as per usual, was out of this world.😳🔥💀 IYKYK.

Their emotional growth through the surprise pregnancy was so genuine and heartwarming, I felt every beat of their journey!

And let’s not forget the cameos! Seeing Beckett and the rest of the Langfield/Bolts gang was such a treat. The found family energy in this universe always hits me right in the feels. Brittanee drops the perfect little Easter eggs for what’s to come next (Noah 👀) and I’m already counting down.

If you love: 
🏒 Pro hockey romances
🏒 Hockey player x PR manager
🏒 Reverse age gap (she is older)
🏒 Surprise pregnancy done RIGHT
🏒 Brother’s teammate/sister’s best friend
🏒 Dirty mouthed MCs (both of them 😏)
🏒 Pierced, swoony MMCs
🏒 Found family & hilarious moments
🏒 Boston settings

This book deserves a standing ovation. I was laughing, crying, and swooning nonstop. It’s hands down my favorite in the Boston Bolts series and easily one of my top reads of the year.

Thank you to Brittanee Nicole and The Author Agency for the eARC of this book! 🩷

Wbat does she put in these books? I could not tell you, but each one always has me hooked. One thing I always count on when diving into an L.J. Shen book? The BANTER. And let me tell you, Wildest Dreams delivers in spades. The back and forth between Dylan and Rhyland is electric; it is smart, witty, and absolutely hilarious. Their chemistry crackles from page one, and their verbal sparring is just foreplay for the slow burn tension that builds to perfection.

Dylan is everything I love in an FMC. She is unapologetically herself, sharp as a whip, fiercely loyal, and full of heart. Her love and devotion to her daughter Gravity is the emotional core of the story. SI love how L.J. Shen beautifully portrays the complexity of single motherhood, like the highs, the crushing lows, the doubts, and the fierce, all consuming love. Dylan’s strength, humor, and vulnerability made me adore her more with every chapter.

And Rhyland? Whew. I liked him in Truly Madly Deeply, but I fell hard for him here. Shen peels back his layers with such precision, from the cocky, too charming playboy to the deeply vulnerable man with a soft spot he never expected. Watching him fall not just for Dylan, but for her daughter too, was everything. His transformation is so sweet but so on brand for him, so heartwarming, and a little spicy in the best way. (Also? Rhyland is a FREAK, and I’m not mad about it.)

Let’s talk about Gravity. That kid stole every scene she was in. Her innocence, sass, and sweetness lit up the pages. The bond she slowly forms with Rhyland was so pure and so real, and those “words of affirmation” scenes? I melted. She’s not just a side character; she’s a vital part of this love story.

This book has:

🔥 Enemies to lovers

💍 Fake engagement

👩‍👧 Single mom realness

😈 Reformed playboy

👨‍👧 Soft dad energy

🧨 Off the charts tension 

💬 Banter that deserves its own award

The emotional beats hit just as hard as the spicy ones, and L.J. Shen doesn’t shy away from showing that love, especially for a single mom, isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. The dual POVs made it even richer, and I felt like I had a front row seat to both Dylan’s and Rhyland’s internal struggles and their chemistry and how they slowly fell in love despite trying to convince themselves otherwise.

Wildest Dreams is a beautifully layered, emotionally charged, and wildly sexy ride. L.J. Shen masterfully blends heart, heat, and humor, and the result is a story that grabs you by the heart and refuses to let go. Book two in the Forbidden Love universe knocked it out of the park, so don’t skip this one!

Medievally Blonde was a killer title, and part of me is still mourning the loss of that brilliance, but I am also a huge fan of The Princess Knight and understand the change. The comparison to Legally Blonde had me immediately intrigued (as a certified Elle Woods enthusiast, I’ve been known to quote her), so when I heard about this book, I was convinced it was tailor made for me.

And in many ways, The Princess Knight should have been my perfect read. There’s so much here to admire: a queernormative world with nuanced chronic pain and autistic representation? Yes, yes, and yes! So needed and so perfect. I loved how those elements were thoughtfully woven into the narrative without feeling shoehorned in or overly explanatory and Cait Jacobs clearly cares deeply about this story and its message.

The worldbuilding was solid and imaginative, and I appreciated the Celtic myth inspired backdrop. Plus, the friendships (especially the female ones!) were a highlight. They were genuine, sweet, and occasionally surprising. Clía herself was also a bright spot. Her growth arc, from heartbroken princess to formidable warrior, was compelling, and I adored that she never sacrificed her femininity for strength. Sewing, sword fighting, and self discovery? Iconic combo.

But… now for what I did not like as much.

The biggest hurdle for me was the age mismatch. This is marketed as an adult fantasy (and the cover certainly suggests older characters), but the actual story reads more like upper YA. Ronan is nineteen. NINETEEN! Which would be fine—great, even—if that was what I was signing up for. But when you promise me Legally Blonde and deliver something more like Throne of Glass, you’ve set an expectation that the story just doesn’t quite meet. The characters, their behavior, the pacing, and the plot twists all felt a bit too young and predictable to fully deliver on the adult fantasy angle.

Romance wise, I loved the friends to lovers setup, but I needed more yearning, more tension, more chemistry than what I got. I was cheering for Clía and Ronan, but the romantic development felt undercooked. They had amazing friend chemistry, but the romantic spark just didn’t fully ignite for me. And as someone who rarely begs for more romance, that says something.

Lastly, the politics felt a little shallow. I typically live for a juicy subplot filled with court intrigue and strategic maneuvering, but that element never quite came to life in a satisfying way.

Overall, The Princess Knight is a heartfelt, unique, and promising debut that I think will resonate well with those who are okay with more of a YA fantasy who want inclusive rep, a fierce yet feminine FMC, and a lighter romantic adventure. For me, I didn’t love it, but I did really like it! But I truly hope it finds the right audience, because there’s real magic here and I know so many will love it.

Thank you to NetGalley, Cait Jacobs, and Harper Voyager for the eARC of this book. 

I have pretty mixed feelings about The Heir. On one hand, the premise was totally up my alley, which is Gossip Girl meets Scandal with a billionaire bad boy trying to clean up his image and a sharp, no nonsense PR consultant hired to keep him in check? Yes, please. The story had a lot going for it, and I genuinely enjoyed the overall arc, especially the glimpses into Henry’s growth and the behind the scenes look at power, image, and legacy.

But while I liked the plot and found it entertaining, I didn’t feel a deep connection to the characters themselves. Outside of their relationship dynamic, I didn’t feel like I really knew Henry or Selena on a personal level. Their romance was sweet, and the spicy scenes definitely added heat, but the emotional spark I was hoping for just never fully clicked. I wanted to feel their chemistry, not just read about it.

That said, Ava Rani writes in a way that makes you want to keep turning the page. The pacing was solid, and I appreciated the high stakes backdrop and the idea of reputations, redemption, and second chances. I just wish the character development went a bit deeper to help anchor the romance in something more heartfelt.

Overall, this was a good read with strong potential. I liked the story, enjoyed the drama, and wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the next book in the Biotech Billionaires series. I just wanted a little more from the emotional side of the romance. 

I was really looking forward to The Spare, especially with its promising pitch of Gossip Girl meets Succession, which are two of my favorite drama filled universes. Unfortunately, it didn’t quite deliver on that promise.

The story follows Sloan Amari, a determined Indian American attorney vying for the CEO position at her family’s company, while navigating old feelings for Marcus, who is her brother’s best friend and now her corporate rival. While I appreciated the premise and the importance of the themes the author chose to highlight, particularly cultural representation and the challenges women face in male dominated industries, the execution didn’t quite land for me.

There was a lot of telling and very little showing, which made it hard to really connect with the characters or feel invested in their journey. I found myself waiting for that spark, that tension or chemistry that typically drives a great slow burn, but it just never fully ignited. The pacing felt sluggish at times, and without that emotional pull or dynamic character connection, I was left feeling bored and a bit disappointed.

That said, Ava Rani clearly aimed to bring important conversations to the forefront, and I respect that. I just wish the characters and their relationships had been given more depth and shown through actions rather than exposition.

Overall, this one had a strong concept and some valuable themes, but it fell flat in delivery. I hope to see more from Ava Rani in the future, with more focus on character development and immersive storytelling.

I really wanted to like In Good Company, but unfortunately, this one just didn’t work for me. What started out with a promising premise—a private chef working for her ex’s billionaire brother in a luxe summer setting—quickly unraveled into a surface level, lust heavy story lacking in emotional depth, meaningful romance, or believable character development.

Let’s start with the biggest issue: this book felt more like a set up for future books and a nostalgic reunion for previous characters than a standalone romance. Cal and Lucy’s relationship never felt real to me. It was all attraction and heat, but no genuine connection. We’re told they fall in love, but I never saw it happen. Their conversations lacked substance, their connection felt forced, and their supposed emotional bond came out of nowhere.

Lucy is deeply insecure and incredibly frustrating to follow. She constantly puts herself down, calls her lifelong passion for cooking a “silly hobby,” and martyrizes herself over her family’s business, but without any logical reason. How do you know for seven years that you’re expected to take over the family business and not learn anything about it? It made her character feel wildly inconsistent and hard to root for. Also, she’s a chef who doesn’t wear a hairnet at catered events, and her “star” dish is chicken parm. That’s about the extent of the culinary detail in this chef 
centric romance.

Then there's Cal. We're told he’s respected and powerful, but nothing about his behavior reflects that. He’s mostly a sad, lonely guy who reads more like a placeholder than a swoony billionaire love interest. His big third act moment? Lying in bed, depressed, because Lucy dumps him over an avoidable, self imposed situation. It felt melodramatic and unearned.

The third act conflict was, frankly, pathetic. Lucy’s dramatic exit, Cal’s overreaction, and the convenient intervention by side characters to "fix" everything? It felt lazy. And don’t even get me started on the sudden mention of Lucy’s brothers 70% into the book. Their deaths are randomly inserted for drama, but add nothing meaningful to the plot or character motivations.

Charlotte, the quirky side character, was a lot, and not in a good way. It’s obvious she’s being set up for her own book, probably with Jude, but her antics and crude dialogue were more annoying than charming. The constant cameo parade of past and future characters took up way too much space and pulled attention away from the couple this book was supposed to be about.

The setting had potential—a billionaire’s estate in the Hamptons, private kitchens, upscale events—but it all felt wasted. Most of the story happens in Cal’s kitchen or house. Any “forbidden” tension because of Lucy’s past with Cal’s brother? Nonexistent. There were no real stakes, no true barriers, just a lot of waiting around for a spark that never really came.

Lastly, the writing itself just didn’t do it for me. It was very tell don’t show, the dialogue felt stiff, and the pacing was off. For a book marketed as a slow burn, it lacked angst or buildup. And for all the luxury and passion promised in the blurb, it delivered very little in terms of emotional payoff.

This was not my first book by Kat Singleton, and while I’m open to giving her another chance, I don’t think I’ll continue with this series. With how much of this book was focused on cameos and setup, I feel like I already read the next installments before they’ve even been released.

TL;DR: In Good Company had a decent premise but fell flat due to underdeveloped characters, a rushed and unearned romance, and writing that prioritized setup for future books over the story at hand. I expected more.

Okay, listen. I wanted a grown up version of Teen Wolf. A paranormal rom com with a chaotic fanfic core vibe and maybe a little werewolf spice. And Fan Service said, “Sure, but what if your MMC is a 42 year old man child and we made you fall in love with the fandom instead?” 😅

The premise? Absolutely phenomenal. We follow Alex, a fan forum mod for The Arcane Files (think Supernatural but furry coded), and Devin, the washed up actor who played the show’s lead. Alex used to worship him until a disastrous in person encounter ruined the fantasy. But now? Devin’s waking up naked in the woods, possibly turning into a werewolf, and Alex is the closest thing to a lore expert around.

Chaos. Ensues. And seriously, I was so here for that setup. But... well, there was a lot left to be desired.

👎 Let’s talk Devin.
He’s supposed to be 42. But he reads like a 22 year old frat bro who discovered Reddit and thinks he’s hilarious. He says things like “chub” and “surfing the crimson wave” (are we for real right now?), and his internal monologue felt like it was trying so hard to be edgy and “real,” but ended up obnoxious. And the way he talks about Alex? Borderline condescending. He calls her weird, goth, not his type… but still wants to bang her? Bro, do you even like her or are you just horny and confused by the full moon?

❤️‍🔥 On the flip side: ALEX.
Alex is a gem. A prickly, passionate, sharp as hell, unapologetically herself gem. She’s got a huge heart, stands her ground, mentors queer teens at her local community center, and basically carried this book on her black nail polished back.

Her relationship with her dad was so sweet. And her experiences with being treated like an outcast? Super relatable for anyone who’s ever been the “weird girl” growing up.

She deserved a better love interest! I will stand by that. One who didn’t have to be possessed by his inner wolf to treat her like a human being.

🌕 What did work:

The werewolf lore and trials = FUN.

The fanfic/fandom references = SO well done.

Devin’s wolf persona = somehow more respectful than Devin himself???

The spicy scenes = steamy! (But also... a Florida forest?? Bugs. Sweat. Gators. No thanks.)

🤷‍♀️ Final Thoughts:
This book is a love letter to fandom culture, and in that sense, it really shines. If you’ve ever lived in AO3 tags or built your personality around a fictional character, you’ll feel seen. But as a romance? It stumbles. Devin never fully earned his redemption, and their chemistry felt more “because plot” than organic.

Still, it’s wildly entertaining, delightfully unhinged, and unlike anything else I’ve read. Just... don’t take it too seriously. And maybe lower your expectations when it comes to grown man behavior. 😬