As a family historian, I was immediately drawn to Anneke Jans in the New World and its effort to bring real ancestors to life on the page. But I’ll be honest: I struggled at times with the large cast (and very similar names), the number of deaths, and some historical references that could’ve used more explanation.
This one has all the right ingredients, especially for this time of year! A dark, feminist Bluebeard retelling with witchy undertones and a setting and vibes straight out of Rebecca or Jane Eyre??? Yes, please!
Okay, so I just finished Lush by Tinia Montford (book one in her California Kings series), and whew—Reese deserves a medal. Like truly, this man is the definition of unconditional love. He shows up, he listens, he supports… all without ever asking for anything but love back.
The Sinner by Marni Mann, the third book in the Spade Hotel series, had a lot of potential, but for me, it didn’t fully deliver. The insta-love felt shallow, the characters lacked depth, and the conflict around the ex-boyfriend was underexplored. That said, if you’re here purely for the steam, you might have a good time with this one!
Flora Carr’s The Tower is an intriguing take on Mary, Queen of Scots, during her imprisonment at Lochleven Castle. Certainly, the writing draws you in—Carr has a way of crafting vivid scenes and emotionally charged moments that make you feel the weight of Mary’s isolation and the quiet strength of the women surrounding her.
It’s a peculiarity in some men that they cannot accept help without feeling compromised by…
With tropes such as enemies to lovers, forced proximity, he’s her boss, she’s a secret heiress, and she (surprisingly) falls (begrudgingly) first, there’s a lot to like about Maddison Michaels’ The Heiress Masquerade. Aimee’s determination to prove herself in a man’s world is both admirable and relatable, and the tension between her and Harrison—both romantic and otherwise—is well-executed.
Book 2 of the Seasons of Fae series, Land of Ice and Intrigue takes place a month after the events of the first book. The story centers on Lady Piris Volesion, who has hidden her fearsome powers most of her life, and Prince Jarok Borau of the Winterlands, known for his flippant mask that hides his feelings and responsibilities.
The Last Day in Paris by Suzanne Kelman offers an exploration of love and sacrifice during WWII. Dual timelines follow Brigitte and Isabelle in Paris, and Esther in England, unraveling mysteries of family heritage. While some character nuances falter, Isabelle’s inspired portrayal captivates, and lingering questions that demand answers leave readers eager for the next installment.
The Court Under the Sea by N.M. Lovely, the first installment in The Shade Princess series, immerses readers in a vivid world of magic and fae. Despite the allure of Lovely’s descriptive writing and an engaging romantasy premise, the story’s potential is hindered by an imbalance between world-building and plot development. With a rushed relationship and underutilized fae element, the novel holds promise but requires careful refinement for a more satisfying read.
Heritage by Holli Gregory follows seventeen-year-old Grace Chamberlain as she discovers her lineage as a descendant of Greek gods, facing sinister attacks and impending supernatural powers. While the concept is compelling and reminiscent of Percy Jackson, the execution could benefit from smoother pacing, deeper character development, and a more satisfying conclusion. Overall, it offers an entertaining blend of mythology, adventure, and contemporary challenges.
J.P. Feather’s Crescent Phase, first in the Moon Academy series, blends ordinary struggles with the supernatural. Arabella’s upheaval after a fire and a mysterious note from her owl companion hint at a magical world. While pacing and tense shifts challenge readability, the entwined characters and suspense keep readers hooked.
