Andddd the slow-burn continues … Echoes of the Raven by Ingrid Seymour is a solid continuation of The Eldrystone series, picking up immediately where House of the Raven left off. The story plunges into darkness right from the start, which sets the tone for the intense journey ahead. The book shines in its second half, where the pacing quickly picks up, the plot thickens, and the character development deepens. Not to mention that ending?!!
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.
Cleo White’s Second Edition is a beautiful love story with a delightful blend of charm, sensuality, and emotional depth. The idyllic setting, excellent character development, symbolism, and a love story that feels both real and enchanting make it a must-read for fans of true love, hope, second chance romances, and well-done age gaps.
Not in a long time has the latter part of a story so thoroughly changed my mind on a book—or at least on the rating I was expecting to give it. To be honest, from the beginning, Dakota Monroe’s Shadows of the Crown, gave me very strong Throne of Glass vibes (a series which I love), but not in a way I was necessarily enjoying …
Crimson Stained Catalyst by Rebecca Ethington is an incredible start to The Last Fae King series. The story pulls you into a world of fae and power-wielding humans (unlike any you’ve experienced before), magic, and multidimensional characters that you’ll quickly get hooked on. This book is a MUST-READ.
A twist on Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, The Highlander’s Wild Flame is a wonderful (albeit somewhat “spicy”) Scottish retelling of the age-old story of true love. What follows is a tale of deceits and betrayals, truths and trust, a bit of fantasy, … and love. Will there be a happily ever after?
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.
Hall of Mirrors by John Copenhaver is a gripping historical mystery set in 1950’s McCarthy-era Washington, D.C. that follows Lionel Kane’s quest to uncover the truth behind his partner’s suspicious death. With multiple perspectives from complex characters, vivid period details, and a compelling narrative, it captures the tension and social injustices of the time.
May was full of contemporary romances, namely the Kings of Sin series by Ana Huang and the Playing for Keeps series by Becka Mack. A re-read of Sarah J. Maas’ ACOTAR series was also a feature this month, along with a couple of other books. Take a peek!
Reuven Fenton’s Goyhood is a funny, poignant tale of estranged brothers Mayer and David navigating a spiritual identity crisis. After discovering he’s not Jewish, Mayer embarks on a chaotic road trip through the Deep South with his brother, a one-eyed dog, and an Instagram influencer. A heartfelt journey of self-discovery ensues.
In Worthy of Fate by A.N. Caudle, Kya faces a perilous trial for the unwanted chance at great power, while Ryker, her fated mate, grapples with dark forces threatening his nation. With addictive tension and immersive world-building, this fantasy romance promises an unforgettable experience. A gem of a debut!
In Awakening the Dark Throne by Jessica Ann Disciacca, Genevieve Autumn navigates a perilous world of elven politics and her own hidden powers. Despite rich descriptions and intricate court dynamics, rushed romance and underdeveloped plotlines leave the story feeling disjointed. With a promising premise, the book earns 2.5 stars, leaving readers longing for more coherence.
