I really enjoyed The Girl with the Fierce Eyes! This debut YA romantasy delivers a compelling blend of dystopian tension, sweet romance, and magicvfilled rebellion. The world gave me major Divergent vibesvin the best way. In the Empire of Shariza, eye color determines everything: your power, your worth, your future. But Jantsia, our fierce and secretive main character, doesn’t quite fit in. She’s a “dualvoc,” born with two different colored eyes, something that is illegal and punishable by death. Her whole life mantra has been “stay invisible, stay alive”, but as rebellion brews, so does the pressure to stand up and fight for more.

The romance was sweet and understated, but I’m especially curious (and a little giddy) about the potential love triangle developing in future books. Daezen was definitely my favorite because he gave off serious broody, ride or die energy. The way he [spoiler redacted 😉] at the end? Loved it.

This story is told from three POVs: Jantsia, Daezen, and the mysterious Soba, and I really appreciated how each character’s voice felt unique. The pacing was solid and the writing style was easy to follow, making it great for those just getting into fantasy or dystopian fiction. There were a few clunky spots with world building and some info dump moments, but overall, it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

The magic system and societal structure were super intriguing (eye color based caste? Yes, please!), and while dark themes like grooming and abuse are touched on, the story balances those heavier moments with hope, rebellion, and the strength of its characters.

This one was a fun ride and left me excited for what’s to come in book two. The ending definitely had me shouting “You can’t leave it like THAT!”

Thank you to NetGalley, Sophia Vahdati, and HarperCollins One More Chapter for the eARC of this book. 

House of Frost and Feathers is a haunting, magical, and quietly powerful fantasy story that wraps Slavic folklore, slow burn friendship, and eerie winter vibes into one beautifully atmospheric book. This is a tale best enjoyed slowly, maybe with a warm drink, on a cold day because it reads like a snow dusted dream.

The story follows two very different but equally compelling girls: Marisha, desperate and grieving, and Olena, brilliant but guarded. Both end up in service to the mysterious and formidable witch Baba Zima, working together (somewhat reluctantly at first) to uncover the mystery behind a sleeping plague that strikes every ten years. I loved how their relationship evolved, from distant and distrustful to something resembling hard won loyalty and care. The emotional depth in their dynamic was easily one of my favorite parts.

The world itself was absolutely stunning. The walking house, the folkloric magic, the sense of creeping cold and ancient secrets is all so vivid. I’m a sucker for Slavic mythology, and while it took me a minute to separate this version of Baba Zima from the traditional Baba Yaga in my head, once I did, I really appreciated how Wiesebron carved out her own vision of this world.

That said, this is a slow read. Not in a bad way, but it just leans more on atmosphere, character, and vibes than action or romance (which is minimal and honestly could’ve been left out entirely). There were parts in the middle that dragged a bit for me, and the writing style sometimes got repetitive or overly descriptive. Still, there’s a quiet strength to the prose, and the payoff toward the end felt worth the build up. The ending left me wanting just a bit more but maybe that’s because I wasn’t ready to leave this world yet.

One thing worth noting: the book explores disability in a very central way, especially through Olena’s character. It’s clear the author wanted to dive into the complexities of how disability is seen and experienced in this world. While I appreciated the intention and the themes being addressed, there were definitely moments where the execution could’ve been more nuanced, especially in how Olena’s personality often felt entirely shaped by her trauma and appearance. I think there’s a powerful message at the core, but it didn’t always land as sensitively or fully realized as I hoped.

Still, for those who love a story rich in folklore, filled with prickly and strong willed characters, and rooted in themes of healing, secrecy, and strange magic, this book is absolutely worth a read. Think The Bear and the Nightingale meets Labyrinth with a touch of Naomi Novik’s dayt o day magical rhythms. It may not be for everyone, but if the idea of a snowy, eerie fairytale full of magic, mystery, and unlikely sisterhood speaks to you, then you’ll likely enjoy this one as much as I did.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lauren Wiesebron, and Avon Harper Voyager for the eARC of this book.

Letizia Lorini, I bow to your chaotic, messy, emotional, and spicy genius once again. With a Cherry on Top gave me everything I wanted and things I didn’t know I needed. Age gap? Forbidden romance? Single dad navigating life post mistake while falling for the one woman he really shouldn’t? Sign me UP.

Aaron Coleman’s redemption arc is chef’s kiss (pun intended). I’ll admit, I wasn’t Aaron’s biggest fan in Riding the Sugar High because it felt like he had villain vibes, but he peeled back the layers here and showed us the broken, soft hearted dad beneath the mistakes. And don’t even get me started on he cooks. That microtrope of cooking is my kryptonite and Aaron wears it so well. 😏

Charlotte is an absolute firecracker. She’s flirty, messy, bold, and yet so deeply vulnerable. She lives under her mother’s suffocating control, but she’s still clawing for independence and identity. Her job gave me pause at first, but the way Letizia handled her profession with care, nuance, and zero judgment was spot on. I appreciated how real and layered Charlotte felt, and the push pull between her maturity and her youth made her incredibly human.

Their chemistry was really explosive. The forbidden aspect was chef’s kiss #2, and the tension between them was thick enough to slice with a knife. But what really got me was the communication. The honesty. There was no third act breakup nonsense. Just two people, flawed and hurting, choosing each other again and again. The emotional intimacy was just as strong as the sexual tension and yes, the spice delivered.

I also have to shout out the found family vibes in this book. Sadie was a bright little star, and I adored how quickly she and Charlotte bonded. Aaron and Amelie’s friendship was another emotional gut punch (in the best way), and seeing Logan and Aaron work through their strained sibling relationship gave me feels.

This book managed to be cozy and comforting while also dealing with heavy themes like emotional abuse, guilt, and addiction. It was messy, heartfelt, and vulnerable and yet, so fun and romantic too. And don’t even get me started on that epilogue. I’m still crying. Like full on, soft girl tears. 🥲

Letizia’s books are just a guaranteed hit for me. This one? Absolutely devoured it.

Thank you so much for the ARC, Letizia! If you write it, I’ll read it. No questions asked. 💕

I think it's so difficult - damn near impossible - to capture the magic of Lights Out, because that was lightning in a bottle and I am not sure it strikes twice. With that in mind and keeping my expectations where they need to be, I enjoyed this. Do I think it is what Lights Out is? Absolutely not, but it will never be. It's a totally different book and it was ridiculous to believe it would be. However, I do think Caught Up was a bit of a regression because it was missing... something. It was missing the charm and banter and overall humorous and light feeling of the previous book. Josh was a really funny and likeable stalker in Lights Out, and Nico was just a sad mafia boy, trying to get the girl. I just wanted more from him, and from Lauren too. More depth, more connection, more history, and certainly more explanations for what they went through and why it affected them now. There also wasn't a lot of action, and you really need that in dark romance and especially mafia romance. I need much more plot than their push and pull, back and forth and then just them hooking up for the rest of the book. I also think the ending was rushed. I did think their chemistry was there and I was rooting for them. I like the sex club and sex worker representation, and the commentary was great. I LOVED Nico and Lauren together in the majority of their scenes. Nico was actually sweet and he was perfect for Lauren. I also loved the cameos! I loved seeing the characters from Lights Out and I am really am excited for Tyler's story! 

This was such a fun read! Not Part of the Plan is book four in Lucy Score’s Blue Moon series, but honestly, you can easily jump in here without feeling lost, though you will want to go back and read the rest once you fall in love with this small town and its quirky, lovable residents.

Nikolai Vulkov, a globe trotting fashion photographer with some serious bad boy vibes, rolls into Blue Moon looking for creative inspiration and a break from his burnout. What he doesn’t expect is to find himself completely captivated by Emma, the no nonsense manager of the local restaurant who’s got no time for his smooth talking, playboy energy.

The tension between Niko and Emma is so good. I loved the push and pull between them and how grounded their emotional hesitations felt. Emma isn’t interested in being another notch in his belt, and Niko is determined not to get attached… except they keep falling into each other’s orbit. Over and over.

✨Read if you like:
Small town romance
Bad boy MMCs with a soft center
Strong, tight knit family dynamics
That delicious "just friends" denial that never lasts long

The entire town of Blue Moon is a delight, and watching Niko and Emma try (and fail) to resist each other is a journey filled with banter, spice, and a surprising amount of heart. If you’re a fan of Lucy Score’s signature mix of humor, slow burn, and sweetness, this one won’t disappoint.

Big thanks to Sourcebooks Bloom Books and NetGalley for the ARC. 

I devoured Infernal Hearts by Danny Haliwell in one sitting. This deal with the devil trope hit all the right notes! Jason’s stubborn “I’d rather be single than giving it away to just anyone” had me swooning (and screaming 🤭) when Levi shot back, “Oh sweetheart, who said you’re just anyone.” Their hate to hot blooded allure dynamic is super hot, and I loved the way their reluctant alliance to find Jason’s dad and Levi’s brother kept me on my toes. The banter is sharp, the mystery twists keep you guessing, and the chemistry… let’s just say I’m Team Incubus all the way. I do think the writing could have been better, and development was lacking, but it was a good time nonetheless. 

Big thanks to Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. 

This book was such a fun ride! I’m a sucker for forbidden romance and this one delivered with all the drama, tension, and heart. Gavin is the coach and best friend to Millie’s dad, which makes their connection feel totally off limits, but also super juicy. Millie is young, bold, and totally holds her own. Their chemistry was really palpable and I liked them together, especially with the obstacles they had to face.

I loved the text threads with the Langfield brothers (so funny), the unexpected baby twist, and all the chaotic but sweet moments like the hockey team singing and the hot tub scene. Oh,and the ducks?! Random but hilarious.

The one thing that bothered me was the timelines went back and forth too much, and were hard to follow at times. I was not sure if I was in the past or the present.

Definitely a major puck up in the best way possible. Can’t wait to read more from this series!

This was so good! I love a good friends to lovers trope romance, especially when the MMC is down BAD for his girl best friend. Brooks was obsessed with Sara, and I loved every minute of it. The "good boy" got me; each and every time was super hot. Also, Brooks and his piercing?! Brooks never having been with anyone else?! I loved it. The one thing that did bother me was Sara having an affair with a married man. Yes, she did not know and the guy was a total pig but I kind of felt like this was a bit over the top and there were many other ways this story could have been told without that in it. 

🌒 Shadowed Obsession by Evelyn Leigh

Okay, Shadowed Obsession had so much promise for me going in. I mean, a morally grey PI falling for his target? Yes, please. César is sent to dig up dirt on Deirdre, a badass mafia princess trying to go legit, and instead… he falls hard. Like, cooking in her kitchen while she sleeps hard. It’s definitely giving golden retriever simp energy, wrapped in a shiesty wearing alpha package, and I was ready to be obsessed right along with him.

I’ll start with what I loved:

The vibes. Evelyn Leigh brings BIPOC rep to dark romance in a way that feels fresh, fun, and needed. The nods to culture, like Spanish phrases, food references,  and the abuelita love are literal perfection.

The characters. Deirdre is a strong, independent FMC with some real emotional baggage, and César? Talented, loyal, lowkey unhinged in the best way. I loved their banter, their chemistry, and honestly, their whole cat and mouse dynamic.

The spice. Let’s just say the ✨dick-tionary✨ had me cackling and ready. It was sexy and playful. Win win.

That said, I wanted to love the book more than I actually did. The setup was incredible, but the plot? Kind of fizzled and the pacing was really off. The romance went from “mystery man breaking into my house” to “we’re in love” a little too fast for me. I wanted more buildup after César finally took off the mask, like some tension, a reckoning, something. But instead, it felt like the story skipped ahead to domestic bliss without the emotional payoff.

Also, the family dynamics (which were a central plot point) lacked depth. The Klarke family had so much potential for drama and intrigue, but it wasn’t fleshed out in a way that made it feel meaningful. And that ending was way too abrupt. I actually went back a few pages thinking I missed something.

Technical stuff like random POV shifts, repeated text, and typos in the ARC also pulled me out of the story a bit. Not the end of the world, especially for an early copy, but it definitely impacted my reading flow.

While Shadowed Obsession didn’t completely stick the landing for me, I do think Evelyn Leigh is one to watch. Her debut was stellar, and this one, while a bit messy, still had charm, heat, and a unique voice. If you’re looking for an entry level dark romance with culture, spice, and a PI who simps hard, this could be your vibe.

Rating: 3.5⭐ rounded up to 4 for potential + representation.

And yes, I will absolutely be picking up whatever Evelyn writes next. 👀

Thank you to Evelyn Leigh and Good Girls PR for the eARC of this book. 

Okay, wow. I finished Seeds of Passion a few days ago and I still can’t stop thinking about Delilah Greer and Troy freakin’ Hawkins like they’re actual real people walking around my campus. This book broke me (in the best way) and I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Lola Lockhart is so underrated and this series deserves so much more love. I’ve loved every installment in the University of Mountain Springs series, but this one? It just might be my favorite. Delilah and Troy are next level and my favorite couple yet.

This is a stunning, slow burn, academic rivals to lovers college romance that manages to feel deeply young and so mature at the same time. Delilah is everything. She is independent, guarded, driven, prickly in the most relatable way. I saw so much of myself in her. Her voice is raw and real, and I love how rooted this whole series is in STEM. It never feels gimmicky, it just works, especially for a character like her.

And then there’s Troy. The golden boy with hidden layers. He’s got the looks and charm, sure, but what gutted me was his quiet gentleness, his steadiness, his patience. Watching these two go from barely tolerating each other to unraveling every wall the other had built? It was deliciously painful. The chemistry? ELECTRIC. The banter? Razor sharp. The slow burn? One of the best I’ve read in a long time. Every lingering glance, every moment of vulnerability, every quiet line where Troy sees Delilah had me sobbing into my Kindle.

And let’s talk about the spice, because yes, it’s there and it is good, but more importantly, it belongs. It’s earned. It’s emotional. It feels like an extension of their trust, not just something hot and spicy for the sake of it. That balance of plot and spice is everything I need in a romance, and Lola delivers it perfectly here.

Also, can we give a moment to appreciate the side characters? UMS feels like a real place because of the amazing, messy, lovable cast around our leads. Talfie? Adore them. And the way this series subtly threads in environmental themes? Chef’s kiss.

If you’re into:
-enemies to lovers
-golden boy x emotionally avoidant grumpy girl
-STEM/academic rivals
-deep emotional development
-slow burn tension that hurts
-found family, big feels, and authentic college vibes

READ. THIS. BOOK.

Lola Lockhart, you’ve outdone yourself. I am begging the universe for Ethan’s story next. I need it like yesterday.

Thank you to Lola Lockhart for the ARC of this book.