I HAVE THOUGHTS.

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I feel really mixed on this one.

On one hand, the writing is excellent. But on the other, every scene was extended or explained just a touch too long making this book about 100 pages more than absolutely necessary. I liked the premise and set-up a lot. A good dose of enemies to lovers and righting wrongs and this is filled with plenty of reasons I pick up fantasy books like this.

I did think the Oracle/Seer angle took away from the story. It was causing a lot of telegraphing because of how often they were popping up. The gods then felt distant and not quite clicking with the main plot. There was little to no action for what should have been more interactive scenes between the two warring groups. I hope there’s a bit more intensity in the next read.

Elira and Crest have a nice super slow build happening. I appreciated a lot of the aspects of their relationship dynamic because of the way the story was put together. It’s realistic and not rushed so that alone makes me want to give book two a go.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of loved ones, war themes, loss of life, attempted murder, near drowning 

A great and super quick novella. I would definitely read a full length novel. I liked the writing style and the setup really worked for such a short book. And perfect for spooky season!

Spice: 🌶️🌶️ (one detailed scene)

WHAT A GEM.

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I don’t know why I didn’t pick this up sooner, IT WAS EVERYTHING I LOVE AND MORE.

The characters were all stunning. All of them. I love flawed souls who are sincerely trying their best. Working towards goals they have, doing the hard thing and making a path that’s best for them. Sewanee made me love her so easily. I like that this had a great fiction angle that was wrapped up in such a deep story.

BUT ALSO, the ROMANCE Y’ALL. Holy cow I was smiling like a loon the entire time. Whelan even made the dreaded one night stand trope (dreaded to me) work perfectly?! I AM IN AWE. I was smitten, swooning, loving every dang moment. Brought laughter, tears, the whole nine yards.

This book was intensely memorable and I will be thinking about it for awhile. Easily one of my favorites for the year. It was full of emotion and pure love through those hardest moments. Can’t recommend enough. READ IT.

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2ish open door; low explicit
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: a loved one with memory loss, eye trauma and lost of vision, death of a grandmother 

I THINK THIS IS HER BEST.

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There was something about this writing style that fit Adrienne Young so perfectly that I had a hard time putting it down. From the first few chapters I was wrapped up in the wildness of Saoirse island and the stories it held.

I did like the multiple points of view. I think it works well for a story like this and gives those extra angles needed to fully understand motives and desires. I do wish there was a touch more from Lily. I had a hard time believing her reasoning behind her choices, but that’s a small complaint compared to how much I loved everything else.

The second chance romance brought the pain. I wanted these two to make up and move forward because I loved them so. They push and pull of that cord that finally snapped between them was everything I want in angst and slowburn style romances.

Mystery wise my inklings were on the right track but I liked that some stuff was still surprising too. I loved the atmosphere and the small town witchy vibes. I wanted a bit more closure in the ending (a personal preference), but otherwise, fantastic. Can’t wait for more.

Overall audience notes:
- Magical Realism Romance + Mystery
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: 2ish scenes; low explicit
- Violence: med-high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: multiple murders, arson, attempted murder, blackmail, loss of a parent(s) (recounted), grief depiction 

AMAZING.

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I am sincerely hooked on this series and hopefully these reviews are convincing y’all to pick these books up. They need more love.

This will be a more vague review to keep away from spoilers, but know I LOVED IT.

I love this entire cast. There’s so many fantastic people. All with unique personalities, common goals, strengths and weaknesses. It’s all there. I love that they don’t always make the exact right choice. They’re flawed and growing and it’s my favorite.

There’s a few romance sub plots that got a little more speed this time and I ADORE them. Seeing some of those kiss scenes finally happen, HECK YEAH.

The ending hurt. Oh it did. I love the flow of story with rises and falls and how Dugan always leaves me wanting more.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy + Romance
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses; an implied closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of rape and sexual assault, PTSD, sexual assault and harassment , physical and weapons violence, abuse, torture, war themes 

WHAT A WASTE.

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Oh the downfall of this entire series. I am annoyed beyond belief.

I had to have someone breakdown the plot for me because it was convoluted and not well mapped. New characters got added in, there were random flashback chapters? There was a whole thing with Pride? Multiple curses? I DON’T EVEN KNOW. And even once it was explained it was lame and uber convenient.

All the potential was there. But instead it was only focused on the physical aspects. Emilia basically had no other thoughts other than when she could bang Wrath again. This turned Wrath into a piece of cardboard. He was flat, boring, and not the same man who walked on page in the first book. Once again, what a waste of great character possibilities.

I think I liked Emilia’s sister the most? I have no clue when that happened, but at least the woman had motives and her decisions I could actually follow.

Out of place sub plots, spice that did not support the plot and made both characters lame, turns that didn’t make sense and I am done.

Will I read her next series? Honestly I don’t know.

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: multiple open door; high explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: death, loss of life, abandonment, blood depiction, grief/loss depiction, kidnapping, war themes 

GREAT FOR THE SEASON.

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Read this on a whim (and from a friend’s recommendation) and it hit the spot. This is a hidden gem for the paranormal romance genre!

I loved this small town and all of the characters. There’s all sorts of mythical types (demons, angels, shifters, witches, etc.) and they all fit into the story perfectly. Great autumn vibes for the setting that set the mood.

Petra was a great FMC. Had no major complaints and just enjoyed watching her explore Deadlights Cove and coming to terms with the new world surrounding her. Blaze was a swoony cinnamon roll. I loved their connection and build. It’s a bit insta-y for me, but over time I thought it all worked out just fine. There were a lot of good communication moments and I loved the way the third act was handled.

This leans on the lighter side and absolutely made me laugh out loud a few times. I can’t wait to read book two.

Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: two open; low-med explicit
- Violence: medium
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder 

NEW OBESSION.

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I loved this book so much y’all!!!!!! It was one of my biggest releases for the year and it did not disappoint in the slightest.

All of the characters were amazing. The main leads Rosalind and Orion had me hooked on them because MARRIAGE OF CONVENIENCE. I loved the build they have and the way they are slowly moving from unsuspecting partners to a close bond. They, along with the other relationships that are starting (not saying because spoilers) are fantastic. I am here for it all.

The plot is captivating and I never wanted to stop listening to the audiobook. There was great pacing and the flow of writing is stellar. I was definitely shouting at my steering wheel listening to some of these scenes. Shocked doesn’t even begin to cover it. I loved all of the twists and betrayals. Never quite knowing who’s side someone is on. It reads like an incredible spy thriller and I cannot wait for more.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Historical Fiction + Magical Realism
- Language: some
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: racism, blood depiction, medical experimentation mentioned, murder, physical violence, weapons violence 

I’M SOLD.

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Well hi there new fantasy romance indie book. I LIKED YOU A LOT.

This was a pretty good start. I liked the beginning but there was a particular scene I’m still thinking really didn’t need to be added. And after that point things slowed down a bit so I was in limbo wondering how I would feel about the book overall.

The second half showed up big time. It had many things I always turn back to in fantasy romance reads. I love hidden identities, a FMC who’s realizing her own worth and power, changing alliances and allllll of those secrets revealed. I do think Fallon was a bit on the naïve and super oblivious side, but I’ll cut her some slack to make it up in the next book.

I enjoyed the plot too. It’s a good mix of warring kingdoms, with new people rising to the throne and even kingdoms you didn’t see coming. I can’t wait to further explore those politics and dynamics in the series too. This was just a really nice beginning and my first book by this author.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some
- Romance: one open door; innuendo throughout
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: blood/gore depiction, loss of life, loss of loved ones, physical and magical altercations 

Thank you Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an ALC.

GLAD I WENT WITH THE AUDIOBOOK.

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Audiobook review: Fantastic. I have zero complaints about the narration, story telling, or anything in regards to the audiobook. Easily would say to read this book that route.

Why am I happy I did? Because I could speed it up a bit. I adored the first book in this duo, and I’m unfortunately writing another meh review for a second book in a duology.

The plot was a bit meandering as if it was trying to fill space. I didn’t really get the sense of adventure I think was trying to be conveyed. All of the lore with Reapers and Shinigami was still one of my favorite aspects. I love dark fantasy and I this did hit those notes really well.

I also did like the sibling relationship. It’s not always simple to love your brother / sister and I liked the exploration of those dynamics. The good and the bad that can come with family, but how ultimately they were able to work things out. I loved Neven and Ren for these scenes the most.

For once I’ll say I don’t think the romance was necessary. I actually thought this had none and wasn’t upset about it (because it’s not the vibe here) so no harm no foul. BUT then when a little was woven in it felt out of place. I would have been here for a strong friendship over a relationship because Ren needed that kind of connection in her life.

Overall audience notes:
- YA Fantasy
- Language: very little
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: blood and gore depiction, loss of loved ones