Thank you to Fierce Reads for the eARC.

WELL.

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I tried really hard to give this one a chance. It had all of the hallmarks of things I love. New adult, dark fantasy, enemies to lovers/forbidden romance. Buuut, I was missing some things.

Namely, the world building. The first chapter you are THROWN IN and it was chaos. And as the pages stretched out I never felt like I had a full grasp on the vespertine vs. warden situation. The fold area and why the magic involved bones and blood. Oh and vampires, why was there one vampire?

I did like the main character, Everline. She cared for those in her circle and fought to mend broken fences while looking for answers about her past. This is a standalone and I did think it wrapped up well that I felt satisfied in closing the book (besides the previous paragraph issues). The romance was a bit up and down. It grew on me, and there is some good enemies dynamics, I think with a standalone it felt more surface level overall.

This one didn’t quite click for me but might for others?

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: 3 brief/vague open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, loss of a parent, near death experiences, murder, battle themes 

WHAT A DELIGHT.

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I have been seeing some serious hype for this and I’m happy it didn’t disappoint! I was smitten from the get-go with Evie and the Villain and I love how quirky and different this was in the fantasy romance genre. I liked that it was still villainy but it felt a little lighter. Not weighed down with world building, but more of the focus on the office romance and the spy in the midst.

The mutual pining between Evie and the Villain was next level. I ADORED them. I love how protective the Villain became and how Evie had perfect little quips about not falling for the bad guy and how that utterly failed.

I enjoyed the plot. There’s betrayals and good turns, I love a ball scene, round it out with an evil king and I am excited to see where book two leads.

Overall audience notes:
- Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: loss of life, attempted murder, murder, loss of a parent (recounted) 

STOP IT RIGHT NOW.

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This was absolutely one of my new favorite reads. OMG. It was the sweetest, gooeyest, tender and romantic book. I LOVED IT SO MUCH.

Thank goodness for some dual POV. I loved getting Adrian and Juliette’s perspectives and learning more about them. They were beautiful people on their own and putting them together was JUST THE BEST. I loved how long angst this was. There’s no third act, there’s no insane drama. It is COZY in all the best ways and will wrap you up like a warm hug. These two are sweet on each other from the beginning and the mutual pining is the best. I loved the grump x sunshine trope. The ONE BED (but keep it sweet) and the little dash of dating help. I am a melted puddle after devouring this.

I seriously can’t stop gushing about this book. It was the perfect sweet read. I am a big time fan girl now and I can’t wait for the next in the series!

Overall audience notes:
- Contemporary Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: mentions of emotional/physical child abuse (briefly recounted), mentions of loss of mother, panic attacks 

 WHOA.

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Ya know, this might be why I don’t read horror books? This got a bit WILD Y’ALL. And maybe that’s totally on brand for the genre, but your girl does not read books like this often.

I had a pretty good time with it. It’s interesting. The audio was good so I enjoyed listening. I was simultaneously quirking my head at what was going on and feeling that need to know what happens next.

The ending becomes absolutely off the walls. It’s pure chaos in the best ways. I loved how it ended because it really fit the whole books vibe. I do think that it was oddly sexual. It’s definitely not a YA book. It fits more into the NA category for sure.

So I don’t know if I’d say run out and read it, but if you’re in the mood for something wholly different than your usual with an ending that will leave you feeling all of the spooky vibes, try it!

Overall audience notes:
- NA Horror Fantasy
- Language: a little strong
- Romance: innuendo + one vague scene + closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, medical experimentation, loss of life, near death experiences 

GREAT CONCLUSION.

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What an absolutely FUN series. I loved this whole concept, the world, magic, all of the paranormal people and the romance. It was a wild ride that brought a smile to my face every time I picked up one of these books.

I loved seeing Orion and Devanna AT LAST come together. The intense heat and passion between two unmovable forces could be felt through my kindle. While the spice wasn’t my personal cup of tea I know others will enjoy the more hate love scene/dominating style. I did love how fiercely protective they became for each other and how loyal once they let down a few walls.

The plot wrapped up really well and I liked seeing those final strings tied off. Getting the end of the larger story and seeing those HEA’s was so dang sweet. I’ll miss this entire cast.

Overall audience notes:
- Paranormal Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: 2-3 open; moderate explicit
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: false imprisonment, battle themes, loss of life 

Thank you to the author for an eARC.

CLOSED DOOR HOCKEY QUEEN.

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I don’t care that we’re only three books into this series (including the prequel!), Leah Brunner is creating the best closed door hockey romance series around.

I LOVED THIS BOOK. Colby was absolutely GONE for Noel from the get-go and he was so dang sweet. Good heavens. I loved how much he cared. For Noel, his friends, family and those around him. I loved his passion and commitment. I just loved HIM.

And Noel. I loved her too. I loved how incredibly intelligent and nerdy she was. I loved her character arc too and how she learned to trust and move forward with the things she wanted in life.

The chemistry between Colby and Noel was off the charts. I loved how soft it was, but also sexy. It’s a fiery combination that sets the book A FLAME. I loved the dating lessons, and protective moments. All of the family get together and the seeing my favorite D.C. Eagles again.

This book had it all. I already want to read it again.

Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: some light – moderate
- Romance: heated kisses
- Violence: low
- Trigger/Content Warnings: brief physical altercation, cheating ex (recounted) 

VERY SUSPENSEFUL.

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I was asked to be apart of a release for a future book in this series and I wanted to catch up with the start of the stories! (Though I heard you don’t HAVE to read this first, I wanted to though).

ANYWAYS. Y’all, I really enjoyed this. All of these authors truly came together and created a cohesive story that flowed well and got my heart rate up a bit. I loved seeing the whole cast of characters come together to get back what was rightfully there’s.

I do wish there had been a little more depth to the relationships. There were three small plot romances that I loved, but wanted to see a little more of them. I did like all of the characters and how each had a unique background that I think will show up in future books.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Suspense
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, gun violence, knife violence, loss of life, attempted murder 

Thank you to AustenProse PR, Barbou Books and Netgalley for an eARC.

GENUINE ENJOYMENT.

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This one took me by surprise. And as it’s Hannah Linder’s third novel I can see how much her writing and story telling has grown. Not for one minute was I ready to speed read and move on. I loved this story and the truths it held throughout.

The romance had this forbidden layer to start out that was worked out really well. I loved the slow progression between William and Isabella and how fate pulled them together. William was an incredible MMC and his ability to constantly have to turn and make a new move was inspiring. I felt a lot of his anger and disappointment towards his fortune and I loved the honest way the subtle faith elements played into his character.

This is definitely a darker book and I was surprised at the layers of mystery that unfolded as truths were revealed. There were continual things to unpack and the pace of the plot remained steady as I was grasping to know what happened next. I enjoyed the drama. I loved this story and I look forward to Linder’s next book.

Overall audience notes:
- Historical Suspense + Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: murder, gun violence, physical & weapons violence, loss of life, loss of loved ones, kidnapping, torture, harassment, blood/gore depiction 

THE PIVOT.

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Y’all. This is how you do a middle book. I loved it! I took my time devouring every word and tabbing all of my favorite little moments. I love the lush, gothic vibes and how dark and devious everything is. This is painted in morally gray and I am here for it all.

I loved getting to see more of Signa and Death (and if I had to lodge one minor complaint I wanted more of them!!). A lot happens with their relationship, and with the addition of Fate, I honestly never knew exactly where this plot was going to go. I had a few ideas and when those started to come to fruition I was GIDDY. I AM SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK IT IS UNFATHOMABLE.

Anyways, incredible mysterious plot. Some fantastically swoony moments. Twists and turns and all the things that I love about this series. I love Adalyn Grace’s writing style. This is not a book to miss!

Overall audience notes:
- NA Fantasy Romance
- Language: some strong
- Romance: one vague open door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: false imprisonment, loss of life, murder, attempted murder, near death experiences 

 Thank you to Book Club Favorites and Simon & Schuster for the gifted copy.

WASTED TIME.

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I’m grateful this book was short because it was not charming.

This was about Nathanial Hawthorne’s muse??? In the weirdest story I think I’ve read as of late. I don’t know what to even say about it. Just that I’m wholly confused how we got here. It was scattered and unfocused.

I’m not the audience for this one and I don’t feel like spending anymore time on this book.

Overall audience notes:
- Magical Realism
- Language: some strong
- Romance: closed door
- Violence: high
- Trigger/Content Warnings: unplanned pregnancies, loss of a mother, stalking, living in a cult