September saw me finishing up the copyedit for an upcoming release (Addictive Contact!), reading a few more books of a historical romance series, and getting through half a dozen ARCs. My ratings were kind of all over the place this month, though there were a few standout novels I really loved!
August was all about ARCs and historical romances, with a spattering of other genres such as a variety of fantasies and retellings, true crime, and science fiction! Can you tell I’m a mood reader?
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.
This month was filled with ARCs, editing, and finishing up my re-read of Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series before moving on to her Crescent City series! There were a LOT of good reads this month, including Olena Nikitin’s Oath of Betrayal, Rebecca Ethington’s Crimson Stained Catalyst, and more!
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?
April brought us an array of worlds, from realms marked by divine trials to the ballrooms of Regency London. Among them, “Worthy of Fate” by A.N. Caudle stood out as our favorite read of the month, while “Romancing Mister Bridgerton” by Julia Quinn was a nice re-read in anticipation of Bridgerton Season 3!
In March 2024, we were treated to a fantastical array of novels across genres. Day Leitao’s “A Cursed Son” mesmerized as a romantasy, blending enemies-to-lovers intrigue with dreamy connections while Ingrid Seymour’s “House of the Raven” unfolded an epic fantasy of vengeance and twists. These offerings, among others, offered magic, love, and intrigue.
As we bid adieu to March and embrace the blossoms of April, book dragons everywhere eagerly anticipate the literary treasures awaiting them on the shelves. With April just around the corner, it’s time to highlight some of the most anticipated book releases of the month.
Journey to the rolling green hills and lively traditions of Ireland with our curated selection of St. Patrick’s Day reads! Pour yourself a pint of Guinness and settle into a book where legends come to life and the legacy of St. Patrick’s enduring influence is realized. The Emerald Isle awaits!
The Best-Laid Plans by Sarah M. Eden is a delightful historical romance portraying a strategic matchmaking scheme that unexpectedly leads to love. Set in a charming historical backdrop, the story follows Newton and Ellie as they navigate familial and societal expectations. The novel offers wonderful character development, endearing protagonists, palpable chemistry, and an adorable friends-to-lovers storyline.
Our November 2023 wrap-up includes a diverse range of literature from romance novels to fantasy short stories. From the tale of an unlikely marriage proposal in “An Unlikely Match for the Governess” to the enchanting journey of a gifted pianist, Rosemary, in “Sage, Rosemary, and Time,” each story promises compelling characters and captivating plots.
In Sage, Rosemary, and Time, pianist Rosemary’s life is disrupted by family obligations and a mysterious discovery in a magical bookshop. This historical romance with a time-travel twist captivates with wonderful world-building and an enchanting writing style, but suffers from uneven pacing and unresolved threads. Ideal for fans of romance and time-bending elements.
