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Yule Be Home for the Holidays by Dallas Smith is a heartwarming and enchanting sapphic holiday romance that perfectly blends small town charm, a sprinkle of pagan magic, and a touch of grumpy sunshine tension.

Natalie Bennett is a relatable protagonist whose journey from the grind of corporate life to rediscovering herself in the quaint coastal town of St. Henry is beautifully written. Her decision to quit her job after being overlooked for a promotion feels both cathartic and empowering, and it sets the stage for her return to care for her spirited Grandma Peggy—a character you can’t help but adore.

Evie Howe, the bubbly and ambitious co-owner of Lavender & Thistle, is the perfect foil to Natalie’s structured and hesitant demeanor. Their chemistry builds in a slow, authentic way that makes you root for them from the moment they meet. Evie’s dream of opening a physical witchcraft shop adds a unique, magical element to the story that makes it stand out in the holiday romance genre.

Dallas Smith captures the magic of small town holidays with vivid descriptions of festive markets, community events, and the warmth of found family. The dynamic between Natalie and Evie is deeply satisfying, and their opposing personalities create sparks that light up the pages. The pagan elements woven into the story feel fresh and inclusive, adding a touch of spirituality and wonder that’s perfectly suited for the holiday season.

This novella is more than just a love story; it’s a celebration of self-discovery, resilience, and the beauty of embracing new beginnings. With a cozy setting, lovable characters, and a healthy dose of Yuletide magic, Yule Be Home for the Holidays is a must read for anyone seeking queer joy and holiday cheer.

Highly recommend curling up with this novella and a cup of hot cocoa—it’s the perfect companion for a winter evening!

Thank you to Dallas Smith for the eARC of this book. 

Alright, besties, let’s talk about Dark Restraint by Katee Robert. I’ve been living for the Dark Olympus series, but this one? It was… okay. Not bad, but definitely not the all consuming, can’t put it down obsession I’ve come to expect from earlier books.

Ariadne? I wanted to root for her so bad. She’s in a mess of her own making, and her marriage to Dionysus has potential for intrigue and drama. But their dynamic felt more like a convenient partnership than a sizzling romance. And let’s talk about the Minotaur—he was hyped up to be this dangerous, unrelenting force, but his intensity felt more surface-level than gut-wrenching. I wanted more layers, more tension, more oomph.

The spice is there (of course, it’s Katee), but without that emotional connection and deep chemistry, it didn’t hit the way it should. The fiery passion between Ariadne and the Minotaur has its moments, but the “burn it all down” energy didn’t burn quite hot enough for me.

And let’s not forget the plot—Olympus’s dangerous politics and power plays are usually a huge selling point for me, but this one felt more like background noise. I missed the edge of your seat stakes and tight pacing that earlier books like Neon Gods brought to the table.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — A decent addition to the series, but it’s not the one I’ll be screaming about. The spice is good, the story is okay, but it doesn’t live up to the gold standard set by the early books. If you’re a die hard fan, it’s worth reading—but I wouldn’t go in with sky high expectations.

Okay, let’s talk about Midnight Ruin. I had high hopes because, let’s face it, Katee Robert rarely misses with her spice AND plot combos. But this one? It just didn’t hit the way the others did.

Eurydice, Charon, and Orpheus had the potential to bring the angst, the tension, and the chaos I love in the Dark Olympus series, but instead, it felt like something was missing. Eurydice’s journey from innocent sister to someone trying to reclaim her agency could’ve been SO compelling, but it felt rushed. I didn’t feel connected to her or her motivations.

Charon? I wanted more depth. He’s supposed to be this brooding, self-sacrificing badass, but his character didn’t leap off the page. And Orpheus—listen, redemption arcs are my JAM, but this one felt like it just skimmed the surface. Where was the emotional punch? Where was the chemistry that makes you want to throw the book (in a good way)?

The spice was there—of course, it’s Katee—but the connection? The tension that makes the spice hit even harder? It didn’t deliver the way I hoped. And the plot with Olympus’s barrier breaking down? It felt like a backdrop instead of a driving force, leaving the stakes feeling meh.

If you’re a die hard Dark Olympus fan, you’ll probably still want to read this for the world building and to stay caught up. But if you’re here for the unputdownable drama and heat of earlier books like Neon Gods or Wicked Beauty, this one might not scratch the itch.

⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 — Decent spice, but lacking heart and chemistry. Do I regret reading it? No. Would I reread it? Also no.

🎄✨ Christmas at Fox Ridge by Bailey Hannah ✨🎄

If Hallmark movies got a spicy upgrade, Christmas at Fox Ridge would be the blueprint! Bailey Hannah delivers a cozy, small town Christmas novella brimming with charm, crackling chemistry, and just the right amount of steam to warm you up on a cold winter night.

Eira and Lucas are chef’s kiss—the ultimate "oops, we meet again" trope perfection. From that first meeting to their sizzling reunion at the ranch, these two had me hooked from the very beginning. Lucas? Total small town golden boy with a cowboy edge (yes, please 🙋‍♀️). And Eira? A quirky, relatable heroine you’ll be rooting for the whole way.

The snowy ranch setting is pure Christmas vibes, complete with twinkling lights and festive feels. But don’t let the holiday fluff fool you—this novella brings the spice and the swoon. Their banter is fire, their connection is electric, and the steamy scenes? Let’s just say you’ll need more than hot cocoa to cool down.

If you love second chance vibes, a bit of forced proximity (hello, cozy cabin moments 👀), and a romance that feels like a big Christmas hug, this one is for you. It’s sweet, spicy, and oh so satisfying—an unmissable treat for your holiday TBR.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌟
🎅 Spice level: Hotter than a fresh gingerbread cookie!

🔥📖 Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert 📖🔥

This book is SPICY, MESSY, and absolutely UNPUTDOWNABLE! If drama filled love triangles (or, let’s be honest, love shapes?) are your thing, Cruel Seduction will wreck you in the best way possible.

👑 Aphrodite: THE QUEEN OF PETTY, CHAOS, AND POWER PLAYS! She’s bold, manipulative, and unapologetically lethal—but beneath that, there’s so much depth. Watching her navigate her enemies to lovers and sometimes back dynamic with Hephaestus is like watching fireworks and waiting for them to explode.

🔥 Hephaestus: Dark, brooding, and an absolute wildcard. His relationship with Aphrodite is pure venom meets passion, and the tension between them is so thick it could smother Olympus. Oh, and his soft spot for Pandora? Chef’s kiss.

💔 The Love Tangle: Forget a triangle; this is a quadruple threat. Aphrodite, Hephaestus, Pandora, and Adonis make for a deliciously complicated web of desire, betrayal, and unexpected vulnerability. Every interaction sizzles with intensity—whether it’s hate, lust, or something dangerously close to love. While it could be confusing at times with so many names, it was just SO good. 

🗡️ The Stakes: This isn’t just about bedroom games—Olympus is crumbling under unrest, and every move these characters make has deadly consequences. The political intrigue blends seamlessly with the romance, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.

🔥 The Spice: This book is steamy AF. If you came here for tension and seductive games, Katee Robert delivers like no one else. Every page practically drips with heat, and yet, the emotions hit just as hard.

💥 Cruel Seduction is for readers who love morally gray characters, dangerous romance, and drama that could fill an entire Greek tragedy. Katee Robert proves once again she’s the reigning queen of Olympus, and we’re all just mortals in her world.

✨📖 Radiant Sin by Katee Robert 📖✨

If you're obsessed with spicy retellings and swoony, morally gray heroes, Radiant Sin by Katee Robert is here to steal your heart and maybe your soul.

👑 Apollo and Cassandra: OH MY GODS, these two! Apollo is not just the golden god of Olympus; he's a literal cinnamon roll wrapped in a mystery man’s trench coat. Cassandra? She’s the sharp tongued, take no prisoners heroine you live for. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the fake dating trope? It delivers everything you crave—tension, longing, and the hottest payoff.

🔥 Spice Level: Let’s just say the "scaldingly hot" is no exaggeration. Katee Robert doesn’t hold back, and you’ll be fanning yourself from the very first hint of tension. It’s a slow burn, but when it ignites? Explosive.

🕵️‍♀️ The Plot: This isn’t just about the romance—it’s a high stakes, dangerous game in Olympus, filled with secrets, betrayal, and power plays. The tension doesn’t let up, and the twists keep you guessing. Cassandra and Apollo don’t just survive the chaos; they own it.

💔 The Feels: Beneath the steamy moments, this book has so much heart. Apollo's belief in Cassandra, her fight for her sister, and the vulnerability they share hit you right in the emotions.

If you love Greek mythology, fake dating with high stakes, and spice that’ll leave you breathless, Radiant Sin is an absolute must read. Katee Robert keeps proving she’s the queen of modern Olympus retellings! 👑

📚✨ Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert ✨📚

🔥 Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus in a love triangle? Try a love trifecta—and it’s as hot as Olympus itself. Oh, this was SPICY! In all the best and right ways. 🔥

If you thought Olympus couldn’t get any steamier, Wicked Beauty takes the heat to an entirely new level. This isn’t just a modern retelling of Helen of Troy—it’s a battle royale of power, ambition, and passion that will leave you absolutely obsessed.

Helen Kasios is a force of nature. Forget the damsel in distress—this Helen is bold, cunning, and determined to claim her destiny, even if it means flipping the entire city of Olympus on its head. But when she steps into the competition for power, she finds herself tangled with two rivals who have ambitions of their own: Achilles, a ruthless warrior with fire in his veins, and Patroclus, the calm, strategic partner who sees the world in shades of gray.

What follows is a tantalizing slow burn of alliances, tension, and some of the most deliciously complicated dynamics I’ve ever read. Each character burns bright on their own, but together? Explosive. 🔥💥 The chemistry between Helen, Achilles, and Patroclus is off the charts. It’s spicy, emotional, and layered in a way that makes every interaction feel electric.

This book isn’t just about the spice (though trust me, there’s plenty of it). It’s about three people who refuse to be defined by the roles the world forces on them. Helen’s journey from pawn to queen is iconic, Achilles is a chaos king you can’t help but root for, and Patroclus? He’s the glue that holds them all together.

✨ Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💋 Spice Level: 5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖 Perfect for fans of: A Court of Mist and Fury, The Song of Achilles, or Dark Olympus.

Wicked Beauty is more than a romance—it’s a power play, a love story, and a battle for survival all wrapped into one. Read it, fall in love with this fierce trio, and prepare to be wrecked. 😍

📚✨ Electric Idol by Katee Robert ✨📚

🔥Beauty and the Beast? No. Psyche and Eros, but make it modern, dangerous, and absolutely sinful.🔥

Welcome back to Olympus, where the gods are messy, the politics are deadly, and the romance is chef’s kiss perfection. Katee Robert does it again with Electric Idol, a smoldering retelling of Psyche and Eros that’s packed with tension, betrayal, and just the right amount of heart (pun intended). 💘

Psyche is a goddess in her own right—smart, confident, and unflinchingly kind in a city where kindness is rare. But when Aphrodite decides Psyche needs to go, she sends her son, Eros, to do the dirty work. Too bad for Aphrodite, Eros is less “stone cold assassin” and more “reluctant softie when it comes to Psyche.” 🖤

The marriage of convenience trope is in full force here, but with a deadly twist—Eros is supposed to kill her, and Psyche knows it. Their chemistry crackles from the start, a perfect blend of enemies to lovers intensity and swoony vulnerability. Every stolen glance and every reluctant touch had me screaming. And when they decide to take their fake marriage to very real places? Let’s just say you’ll need a fan. 🌶️🔥

What makes Electric Idol stand out isn’t just the spice (though trust me, it delivers). It’s the emotional depth. Psyche and Eros are two people fighting for survival in a world where love is a dangerous game, and their journey from distrust to devotion will have you flipping pages faster than you can say “Olympus.”

✨ Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💋 Spice Level: 4.5/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🔥
📖 Perfect for fans of: Neon Gods, A Touch of Ruin, or From Blood and Ash.

Eros may be dangerous, but he’s also dangerously addictive. Read this book, and join me in begging for more Katee Robert retellings. 😍

📚✨ Neon Gods by Katee Robert ✨📚

🔥 "This is not your high school mythology class—this is Olympus After Dark!" 🔥

Neon Gods is a seductive, pulse pounding reimagining of Hades and Persephone that had me hooked from page one. Imagine the glittering chaos of a city like Gotham meets Greek mythology, but make it spicy—and I mean SPICY. 🌶️💀

Persephone Dimitriou is the ultimate rebel heiress: sharp, determined, and ready to risk it all for freedom. When Zeus drops a surprise engagement bomb on her, she escapes to the forbidden undercity and straight into the arms of Hades. Hades. Hades. Dark, brooding, and oh so willing to show Persephone exactly what freedom feels like—behind closed doors. 👀

Their chemistry is 🔥 smoking. 🔥 If you love the grumpy x sunshine trope with a side of “I’ll burn the world for you,” this book delivers in spades. Every steamy scene is perfectly balanced with emotional depth, making their relationship feel raw, real, and utterly addictive.

But it’s not all spice—there’s plenty of political intrigue, family drama, and a richly woven world that brings Olympus to life as a city of gods, sinners, and secrets.

If you’re a fan of modern retellings, morally gray heroes, or books that make your heart race in every sense of the word, this one’s for you. Katee Robert took a myth we all know and turned it into something darkly magical and dangerously sexy.

✨ Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
💋 Spice Level: 4/5 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
📖 Perfect for fans of: A Touch of Darkness, The Bridge Kingdom, or The Cruel Prince.

Go read it. Then come back so we can scream about Hades together. 😍

Mia Sheridan delivers another masterpiece with Heart of the Sun, seamlessly blending romance, suspense, and dystopian intrigue in a way that is both gutwrenching and utterly captivating.

Set against the backdrop of sunlit orange groves and a world descending into chaos, Heart of the Sun explores the fragile beauty of love and resilience in the face of an unforgiving reality. Emily Swanson and Tuck Mattice’s journey from childhood best friends to enemies to lovers is a slow burn rollercoaster packed with tension, passion, and tender moments that had me rooting for them every step of the way.

Emily, a pop star struggling with the confines of fame, is a heroine I couldn’t help but love—her strength and vulnerability shine brightly even as the world crumbles around her. Tuck, the brooding ex con turned bodyguard, is an absolute standout. His blend of stoic protectiveness and raw yearning makes him the perfect complement to Emily’s fire. Their banter is electric, their chemistry palpable, and their emotional scars make their eventual reconnection all the more satisfying.

Sheridan’s vivid descriptions of a post-apocalyptic California are hauntingly beautiful. The chaos following the solar flare feels so realistic, adding a layer of tension and stakes that keep the pages flying. Fans of The Last of Us will feel right at home in this gritty yet hopeful dystopian world.

For readers who adore tropes like second chances, enemies to lovers, childhood best friends, and popstar and bodyguard romances, this book delivers them with perfection. The slow burn romance is packed with aching tension, and the emotional payoff is worth every moment of longing.

Heart of the Sun is more than a romance—it’s a story about survival, redemption, and rediscovering what truly matters. Mia Sheridan has created a poignant and unforgettable tale that will stay with me long after the final page. Highly recommended for anyone who loves their romance with a side of adventure and a dose of dystopian grit!

Thank you to NetGalley, Mia Sheridan, and Canary Street Press for the eARC of this book.