Book Review: River of Fire by Liana Valerian (The Rivers of Hell Book 1)

 Author: Liana Valerian 

Genre: Paranormal Romance / Dark Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Demon Romance, Hell & Purgatory Setting, Forced Proximity, Enemies-to-Lovers Vibes, Morally Gray MMC, Possessive Hero, Supernatural Hybrids

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: The Rivers of Hell Book 1

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    My life was never particularly exciting, but it was mine—and I loved it. That is, until Hell became overcrowded and decided the solution was to pull half-human hybrids into Purgatory to control the problem. Now I’m stuck in a dangerous supernatural world, and to make matters worse, Ash has decided I’m his personal plaything. As if adjusting to this new reality wasn’t hard enough, my already strained relationships with the other hybrids only get worse.

    This dark paranormal romance is set in Hell and Purgatory—two realms that are surprisingly connected, making the world feel immersive and unique. Humans with demon or angel ancestry are taken from Earth and forced into this hidden war, tasked with managing restless souls before they become a threat. While the souls themselves are mostly harmless, the real danger comes from imps, demons, and other creatures lurking in the shadows. The hybrids must train, fight, and survive using specialized weapons, adding a strong action element to the story.

    Despite all the chaos, one of my favorite characters is actually an imp. He’s clumsy, obsessed with tomatoes, and completely impossible not to love. He adds a bit of humor and charm to an otherwise dark and dangerous setting.

    The FMC has a unique background, tied to both angel and demon ancestry. While that could easily make her overpowered, the story keeps her grounded—her abilities are subtle, enhancing her senses rather than making her unstoppable. Unfortunately, that doesn’t help her much when it comes to Ash. The succubus arch-demon is intensely possessive, and once he sets his sights on her, there’s no escape. Their dynamic leans into dark romance tension, with every interaction charged and addictive.

    Her best friend is another standout character, bringing a lighter dynamic to balance the darker themes. I’m really hoping to see more development there in future books.

    This is a very spicy, open-door paranormal romance, with a heavy focus on chemistry and tension alongside the plot. There’s also an intriguing mystery surrounding a missing arch-demon, which adds another layer to the story and sets up future installments nicely.

    Overall, I had a great time with this one. Between the unique Hell-based setting, strong character dynamics, and high level of spice, it’s an addictive dark fantasy romance that I’ll definitely continue.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Dark paranormal romance set in Hell or demon realms
• Morally gray, possessive demon love interests
• Supernatural hybrid or hidden world storylines
• Very spicy, open-door romance
• Action-packed plots with mystery elements
• Unique side characters (especially lovable chaotic ones!)

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Of Blackened Blood by Isla Davon (Of Blackened Bonds Book 3)

 Author:

Genre: Dark Romance / Paranormal Romance / Why Choose (Reverse Harem)

Tropes: Why Choose, Reverse Harem, Found Family, Dark Past, Protective MMCs, Slow-Burn Bonds, Touch Her and Die, Hidden Powers

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Yes (Ongoing Series)

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    Micai is finally starting to understand her bond with one of her men, and she couldn’t be happier. But the looming threat of The Facility—and the consequences of her sister’s actions—still hang over everything. While the group is becoming stronger and more united, it’s clear they may need outside help… even if the guys aren’t thrilled about it.

    I downloaded this book on release day and finished it within a few days—it’s that addictive. While many readers may have already suspected who the fifth member of the group would be, chapter one confirms it right away. I had my guess, and I loved being right.

    This installment leans deeper into character development while still delivering the action and spice the series is known for. Annex shows a much more emotional side this time around—don’t worry, he’s still completely unhinged, just not when it comes to Micai. Ezra and Mal remain steady, though we do see some natural relationship progression there, along with plenty of added spice.

    Creed finally reaches a turning point, and that was incredibly satisfying to read. We’re also reintroduced to Gadriel, and the blacksmith becomes a much more significant part of the story. I’ll admit, I didn’t like his character going into this book, but his backstory completely changed my perspective.

    We also get more insight into Knox. While he’s far from redeemed, my feelings toward him have definitely shifted from pure anger to something more complicated. And Seria? She’s starting to show her true colors, and I’m very curious to see where that leads.

    This book balances emotional development, dark romance tension, and high-stakes plot progression really well. And that ending—wow. The cliffhanger hits hard and definitely leaves you wanting more.

    I’m already counting down to book four (even though I don't have a release day). I need more answers, more action, and of course, more spice.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Dark why choose / reverse harem romance
• Morally gray, protective love interests
• Found family with strong emotional bonds
• High-stakes paranormal or supernatural plots
• Spicy romance with ongoing character development
• Books that end on intense cliffhangers

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.49 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Jace by Ava Benton (Everglade Brides Book 1)

 Author: Ava Benton 

Genre: Paranormal Romance / Urban Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Fated Mates, Shifter Romance, Lion Shifter, Instant Attraction, Protector Hero, Kidnapping/Danger

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Everglade Brides Book 1

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    Emma’s friends convince her to check out a local shifter bar, but once she’s there, everything feels overwhelming—especially when she locks eyes with the hottest man she’s ever seen. Deciding to leave early, she slips out the back…only to be attacked by two men.

    Just when things take a dangerous turn, she’s saved by a literal lion.

    Now, she owes him.

    This paranormal romance dives straight into a world where shifters are known—and hunted. Jace, a powerful lion shifter and heir to his pack, recognizes Emma as his fated mate almost instantly, bringing that signature fated mates trope front and center. The chemistry is immediate, and the bond between them forms quickly, as expected in a shifter romance.

    The added conflict comes from “Collectors,” a group that hunts and captures shifters. When they target Jace for his power and status, Emma becomes leverage. She’s forced into an impossible situation: betray Jace or risk the lives of her family. For someone she barely knows, the choice shouldn’t be hard—but emotions complicate everything.

    The story blends action, danger, and romance well, even if a lot of the tension could have been resolved with better communication—a common theme in paranormal romance, so it’s easy to overlook if you’re familiar with the genre.

    While this is a fated mates romance, it isn’t overly spice-heavy. There are a few open-door moments, but the story leans more toward plot, world-building, and external conflict than steam.

    Overall, I really enjoyed this lion shifter romance. The stakes felt real, the world was engaging, and I’m especially interested to see what happens next—particularly with Emma’s sister.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Paranormal romance with shifters
• Lion shifter / alpha protector heroes
• Fated mates and instant attraction
• Urban fantasy worlds where shifters are known
• Plot-driven romance with lighter spice

This book is available for FREE by clicking here. 

Book Review: Away Game by Cathryn Fox (Scotia Storms Hockey Book 1)

Author: Cathryn Fox 

Genre: College Hockey Romance / Contemporary Romance

Tropes: One Bed, Snowed-In, Forced Proximity, Hidden Identity, Hockey Romance, College Romance

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Scotia Storms Hockey Book 1

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    Sawyer has always hated hockey—which is ironic considering her father is a university hockey coach. Growing up under his rules meant hockey players were completely off-limits, and even now as a college student, she’s still holding onto her virginity. Determined to take control of her life, she books a trip to Florida over break with one goal in mind.

    Instead, she gets snowed in and stuck sharing a room—and one bed—with Chase, a sexy out-of-towner.

    This college hockey romance leans heavily into fan-favorite tropes like forced proximity, the one bed trope, and hidden identity romance. What makes it even more compelling is that both characters are keeping secrets. Chase is a hockey star and the stepson of a famous player, while Sawyer is the daughter of a well-known coach and former pro. Neither realizes who the other is at first, and by the time the truth comes out, feelings are already deeply involved.

    I really enjoyed how both characters tried to maintain their independence despite their ties to the hockey world. That push and pull added emotional depth beyond just the romance. The chemistry builds naturally, and since this is an open-door romance, there’s a satisfying level of spice woven into the story.

    The side characters were also a standout. I found myself just as invested in them as I was in the main couple. While it seems like they won’t be getting their own book (since they’re already married in this story), I would absolutely read a prequel or companion novel if one were released.

    Overall, this snowed-in hockey romance wraps up well, delivering a satisfying ending that ties everything together. If you’re looking for a spicy college sports romance with strong tropes and hidden identities, this is definitely worth picking up. I’d gladly continue with the series.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Spicy college hockey romance
• One bed & snowed-in forced proximity
• Hidden identity love stories
• Coach’s daughter / hockey player dynamics
• Open-door contemporary romance

This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Big-Not-So-Small Curvy Girl Dating Agency by Ava Catori (Plush Daisies Book 1)

💘 Curvy Girl Romance with Messy Feelings & Found Confidence

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tropes: Curvy FMC, Body Positivity, Entrepreneur FMC, Forbidden Attraction, Love Triangle (Sort Of), Small Business Dreams
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️ (Open door)
Format: eBook
Series: Plush Daisies Book 1

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    Becky is done waiting for the world to make space for her—so she decides to build her own. Determined to create a dating agency where curvy women can find love and be celebrated, she sets out on her own after being denied a bank loan.

    Then she meets Reed.

    He’s charming, attentive… and very much engaged.

    While his fiancée tears Becky down, Reed looks at her like she’s everything. When he begins helping with photos for her business, the chemistry between them is undeniable—but so is the complication. What starts as looks and tension quickly turns into emotional intimacy, texting, and even a kiss… all before his relationship is fully over.

    I’ll be honest—this aspect made the book harder for me to fully love. Cheating (or even emotional cheating) is one of my biggest deal-breakers in romance. While it’s clear Reed’s relationship isn’t healthy, I personally prefer a clean break before a new romance begins. If that’s a trigger for you, it’s worth going in prepared.

    That said, there’s still a lot to enjoy here. Becky’s journey as a curvy woman building a business centered on confidence and love was genuinely empowering. The side characters add a lot of charm—especially the chaotic best friend (who is very clearly being set up for her own story) and the surprisingly entertaining cat.

    Despite the messy relationship dynamics, the story has heart, humor, and a strong message about self-worth. I’ll likely continue the series, especially for the best friend’s book—because that setup? Already has me invested.

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You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Curvy heroine romance and body positivity
• Female entrepreneurs chasing big dreams
• Messy, complicated emotional relationships
• Forbidden attraction / “he’s taken” tension
• Sassy best friends who deserve their own book
• Light, character-driven contemporary romance

A cute but complicated romance—great if you don’t mind a little emotional mess along the way.

This book is available for FREE on Amazon by clicking here. 

Book Review: Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine Mas (Villains of Lore Book 2)

 Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance • Mythological Romance • Reverse Harem

Tropes: Forced Marriage • Enemies to Lovers • Bully Romance • Greek Gods • Trial by Combat • “Touch Her and Die” • Immortality Games

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Very explicit, frequent by the end)

Series: Book 2 

                Alexis survived the training and is eligible to survive to 19 when she will become immortal. But, she is tainted now and in order to save face she must marry. Kharon and Augustus have stepped up and bound to her. She was their objective anyways and it doesn’t matter that they bullied and tricked her into marrying them. She is theirs and she will come to terms with it. But with Zues insisting that they must all participate in the games they just need to get her strong enough to survive what is thrown at her. Otherwise, they will go to war with the Olympians to keep her relatively safe.

                This book wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited. However, I needed it. Immediately. Do I know that it was going to end up on Kindle Unlimited? Yes. Does that matter? Nope. It wouldn’t be on there fast enough since it was a new release and I needed to know what happened next.

Now, it ended on another cliff-hanger. Sort of. Alexis and her men are resolved, but she seems to be remaining a background character and we will be getting a new trio. I really need that one too, but who knows when the book will be out. The next Jasmine Mas book will be out September 15^th and it is added to my calendar to remind myself. But, it is a new series. Not going to stop me from reading it. As I have mentioned before, I seem to have developed an addiction to any book this author writes.

This book is just as amazing as book 1, but with more spice. It starts out small, but by the end of the book it is almost non-stop. No complaints. All the same trigger warnings from before still apply so check them before you start. This is book 2 that you absolutely cannot read without reading book 1 first. You will have no idea what is going on. So go read the others first.

Now then, I need to know what is going on with Charlie. I know he isn’t a normal human. I just know it. I don’t care if he gets his own book or if it is told in the background. I don’t care. I just need the information immediately.

The betrayal and bloodshed in this book is amazing. I am trying to hard to be vague when I just want to talk about it. I did see who the “big bad” was, but it wasn’t exactly subtle. I wasn’t really surprised by any of the reveals. Didn’t mean I didn’t adore being proven right and everything that happened along the way.

This book is available on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This If You Love:

• Dark mythological romance with Greek gods
• Reverse harem with morally gray men
• Bully-to-possessive devotion arcs
• Deadly trials and combat games
• Marriage of convenience (with teeth)
• Political power plays among immortals
• Betrayal, bloodshed, and revenge
• High-spice fantasy romance
• Cliffhangers that make you immediately need book 3

This series is pure obsession fuel.

Books by this Author:

Psycho Shifter (Cruel Shifterverse Book 1)

Psycho Fae (Cruel Shifterverse Book 2)

Psycho Beasts (Cruel Shifterverse Book 3)

Psycho Academy (Cruel Shifterverse Book 4)

Psycho Devils (Cruel Shifterverse Book 5)

Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1)

Book Review: The Vixen and the Vet by Katy Regnery

Genre: Contemporary Romance • Military Romance • Fairy Tale Retelling

Tropes: Beauty and the Beast Retelling • Wounded Hero • Small Town • Grumpy/Sunshine • Journalist x Veteran • Forced Proximity • Emotional Healing

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (Open door, explicit scenes)

Format: Contemporary Standalone Romance

Series: Standalone

     

    Savannah returns to her hometown after falling for an unreliable informant. Fired from her reporting job and left wondering what to do to get her life back on track. When an old friend from school calls her about the possibility of getting on at a gossip rag in Arizona. But, she has to write a fluff piece about something heartwarming to present her skills and she has until the 4^th of July. The seemingly perfect story falls in her lap when she learns of the wounded war hero that has reclused himself away in his family home and is largely shunned by the town. But, an account of his story quickly changes into something more.   

    This book is listed as a modern Beauty and the Beast retelling, which is my favorite fairy tale and always will be. This is a wounded by an explosion vet with a lot of PTSD and a beautiful journalist. There is a bit of lying by omission, attempted rape, and a bit of abuse in this book, so if you have triggers this is your warning.

    I really enjoyed this book and the very explicit scenes within. He does change for her, but not because it was something she needed. It was because it was what he wanted after getting re-introduced to life outside of his home, even in a small way. This couple wraps up perfectly at the end of this book and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.

⭐ You’ll love this book if you enjoy:

• Beauty and the Beast retellings
• Wounded, reclusive heroes
• Journalist heroines
• Small-town redemption romance
• High-spice contemporary romance
• Emotional healing arcs

Book Review: Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas (Villains of Lore Book 1)

 Genre: Dark Fantasy / Reverse Harem / Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Abused FMC, Found Family, Touch Her and Die, Villain Love Interest, Reverse Harem, Greek Mythology, Trauma Bonding, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level (Book 1): 🌶🌶 (builds in later books)

Format: Audiobook + eBook

Series: Villains of Lore Book 1

                Alexis Hert was abandoned as a baby and given to Foster Mother and Father. They were cruel, especially when they were hungry…which was often. Her only friend was an invisible snake she found one day while escaping to the library. Nix was her only companion…until the foster workers dropped off another boy. Charlie. Charlie was younger than Alexis and couldn’t speak, but she would die for him. When a test reveals me to be something else I am taken away from Charlie and I will do whatever I have to to get back to my brother and keep him safe. I just have to live that long.

                I got this book with an audible credit and loved it so much. I ended up tandem reading this book bouncing back and forth between the audiobook and the eBook because I just didn’t want to stop reading it. I usually listen to audiobooks while I am cooking dinner, working out, or driving. But otherwise it is a physical book or eBook and I will jump between books. I loved this book so much immediately that I only wanted to read it.

                It is 500 pages of pure trauma, depression, power, and sass. I loved the presents. I really want her to go dig up those boxes because excuse me? I mean maybe not the top part, but what was under the top part. Trying to be vague here. Also, I was in love with Kharon from the very first mention of him. I do not care that he was immediately the villain and was traumatizing her. He was perfection and I was in love. Still am. He is still my favorite and nothing you can do or say will change my mind.

                This is the start of a reverse harem series. And yes it ends on a cliff-hanger. If you have read the other Jasmine Mas books you know it is a theme with her. Book 1 is establishing background and getting to know our characters with just a little bit of spice thrown into the mix. Then there is book 2 that amps it up. I am trying to stick with what happens in book 1 though, because by this point I have already read book 2.

                I am addicted to Jasmine Mas books and the men she writes. I will happily live in every world she creates ad infinitum. Speaking of. This book is big on Greek gods and monsters, Latin, and math. Not thrilled on the math, but it is kind of a common coping mechanism for her FMCs. Case in point being Aran. Aran and Alexis would get along famously. We should do a cross-over. Although would they be sister-in-laws in that case? Food for thought. Still needs to happen.

                This book is what dreams are made of. Or nightmares. Depends on how traumatized you are, because Alexis goes through it. Basically through everything with non-stop torture. That being said, check your triggers. There is child abuse, adult abuse, bullying, physical violence, murder (like a lot), open door sex scenes, and stalking.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This If You Love:

• Dark fantasy with heavy trauma arcs
• Reverse harem with morally gray (or fully villainous) men
• Greek gods, monsters, and mythological undertones
• Touch-her-and-die energy
• Powerful, hyper-intelligent FMCs who survive through sheer will
• Villain love interests you absolutely should not root for… but do anyway
• Found family built through pain
• Cliffhanger endings that emotionally wreck you
• Books that hurt you and you thank them for it

Books by this Author:

Psycho Shifter (Cruel Shifterverse Book 1)

Psycho Fae (Cruel Shifterverse Book 2)

Psycho Beasts (Cruel Shifterverse Book 3)

Psycho Academy (Cruel Shifterverse Book 4)

Psycho Devils (Cruel Shifterverse Book 5)

Bonds of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 2)

Book Review: Psycho Devils by Jasmine Mas (Cruel Shifterverse Book 5)

Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance / Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Morally Grey MMCs, Deadly Trials, Hidden Identity, Tortured Hero, Groveling, Jealousy Chaos, Found Family

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Cruel Shifterverse Book 5

         Aran hates the devil kings. Especially Mallon….Mitch. She is still in disguise, but who knows how long that will last. Then there is Lothaire who knows only torture for his little crew of ungodly slayers. They must now battle in the Legionaire Games to determine who will lead the war. The one consolation? Sadie is there. 

    Book 5 picks up immediately where Book 4 left off. If you haven’t read 1-4 run, don’t walk, to Book 1 now. You won’t regret it. Where Sadie was mostly sunny Aran is all dark clouds and anger. She is and will always be my spirit animal….without the drugs. 

    We get plenty more John time in this book and it is kicked up a notch at the end of this book along with his big reveal. LOVED that! After John and his secret my favorite is Orien. 

    I loved the games and how brutal they were, utterly eclipsing the gladiator games in Book 2. I loved when the Devils realize what is actually making Aran sick and not that accursed slave tattoo Lothaire forced on her. 

    There is so much torture, pain, and chaos in this book and I loved every second of it. Sadie is still up to her normal tricks and it is driving the kings nuts at the mid point of this book. I literally thought they were going to kill her in their jealousy. 

    Hate what Mallon chose to do to Aran in this, but watching him choke and grovel when the big reveal happens made it worth it. Sort of.  

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 by clicking here. 

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Dark fantasy romance with real consequences
• Deadly competition arcs
• Morally grey kings who must grovel
• Jealous antiheroes losing control
• Tortured heroes and hidden truths
• Ongoing war plotlines
• Series that must be binge-read in order

Chaotic. Painful. Satisfying. And I need the next book immediately.

Books by this author: 

Psycho Shifter (Cruel Shifterverse Book 1)

Psycho Fae (Cruel Shifterverse Book 2)

Psycho Beasts (Cruel Shifterverse Book 3)

Psycho Academy (Cruel Shifterverse Book 4)

Psycho Gods (Cruel Shifterverse Book 6)

Bonds of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 2)

Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1)

Book Review: Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer (Assistant and the Villain Book 1)

Genre: Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Villain Gets the Girl, Morally Grey MMC, Forced Proximity, Secret Identity, Castle Intrigue, Revenge Plot, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: Assistant to the Villain Book 1

                Evie left the blacksmith after an unfortunate happenstance and now she is out of work. As the sole caregiver in her house she must find work, but there are simply more workers than jobs in her small town. With an ill father and a younger sister at home to care for she will take a job from anyone. Including The Villain. Even if he has a terrible moniker.

                This is another BookTok made me read it. As always, they have yet to steer me wrong and I loved this book. My Aunt decided she wanted to read a book with someone so that we could keep each other on target and talk about the book. We set parameters of reading a chapter and then texting the other when we were done with that chapter. Then we either talked about it or just said to move on to the next. She said it helped her with accountability to finish a book. Personally, I was constantly waiting for her and going a little stir crazy needing to know what happened next.

                I really loved the book though. Evie is what I call my daughter, so that was fun. This book doesn’t have any spice in it, but I believe that will be changing sooner versus later. It also ended on a cliff-hanger, and I will be reading on in this series. It was amazing and Evie’s personality was wonderful.

                I will say I was surprised with who the rat in the Villain’s castle was. Realistically I knew it couldn’t be either of the 2 people that the book was setting it up to be, but I didn’t have a good option. The truth though? Brutal and I loved it. The Villain was probably my favorite character because how couldn’t he be? We always choose the villain. Although he doesn’t really live up to his moniker. So what if there are some heads in the atrium. That is nothing. Or he steals from the king. It’s fine and its all for revenge which makes it fine as well.

                I can’t wait to read on and find out how Evie deals with all the new circumstances that ended book 1. This will definitely be a series that has to be read in order. Besides, I can't abandon my favorite character, Kingsley. He is wonderful and I need to know all there is to know about him!

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $12.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• “Villain” love interests

• Morally grey men with revenge agendas

• Fantasy castles and political intrigue

• Slow burn tension

• Zero-spice first books that build anticipation

• Twists involving hidden traitors

• Touch her and Die Vibes

• Series you must binge in order

A fantastic fantasy romance starter with strong characters, sharp twists, and a villain we’re absolutely rooting for.

Book Review: Sparked by Lili Valente (The Virgin Playbook Book 4)

 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Second Chance Romance, Virgin Pact, Mutual Pining, Reunion Romance, Open Door

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: The Virgin Playbook Book 4)

                Jesse has had a crush on her best friend Sam for years, but when he leaves the day after graduation she never expected him to actually hold up his side of the bargain they made as teenagers. If they are both still virgins at 24 they will take the others. When he shows up for the first time at her 24^th birthday party she barely recognizes him. But when she does? The sparks are still there. But is he still the same man she cared so much about or has he changed irrevocably? Hell…is she even his type?

                I downloaded this book after having read the prequal. I haven’t read anything else within this series, so I may be missing quite a bit and just not know it. But, since I don’t I don’t feel like I was walking in blind to this story. It works well as a stand-alone and I didn’t really see any background characters in relationships or anything that would spoil reading more in the series.

                I have mentioned it before, but for those that are new here I really like the best friends to loves trope. Although I feel like this book also covers the second chance romance aspect considering he did disappear for years without a word only to pop back up again. So I am going to consider it second chance as well.

                I don’t love that he lied by omission for so long into the story, but I am glad that it worked out in the end. This is an open door romance, just in case you have any problems with that. That being said, there is much more plot to the book than spice. I loved all of it and will definitely be reading more in the future by this author.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $5.99 by clickinghere.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Best friends to lovers romance
• Virgin pact / “if we’re single at 24” setups
• Reunion stories with lingering chemistry
• Second chance love
• Emotional payoff with open-door heat
• Standalones within connected series

A heartfelt, slightly angsty friends-to-lovers romance with sparks that never really died.

Books by this Author: 

Snowed in with the Boss (Master Me Book 2)

10,000 Things I hate about You (The Virgin PlayBook Prequal)

The Best Friends (to Lovers) Bargain (The Virgin Playbook Prequal)

Book Review: Drone Ensign by Kyle Johnson (Drone Rising Book 1)

 Genre: Science Fiction / LitRPG / Space Opera

Tropes: Dystopian System Control, Leveling Up, False Memories, AI Companion, From Nothing to Captain, Willpower Awakening, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level:  None – Action-Focused

Format: Audiobook

Series: Book 1 

                Drone Benning Kidd serves very little purpose. She walks the tunnels, cleans mold, and walks on with her little ai assistant. She doesn’t think of anything or remember long term things. In fact, if she tries the system rewards her with a sharp dot of pain to curb her desire to further the pain by thinking. When she is offered 3 game credits to go on a second job for the day she doesn’t hesitate. 2 credits is rare, but 3 for 1 job is basically unheard of. When she arrives she is to be put into a chamber to be chosen for a Citizen to be respawned into. But, the system deems her willpower too high for a drone, moving her up to a Citizen herself. Now, with false memories in place Benning Kidd decides to take on her new life as a warrior and starship captain.

                I got this book with my audible credit of the month. I have been on a bit of a LitRPG kick recently and it seemed like a good idea. I haven’t read a lot of space opera’s but this one is decent. We have a character that was the lowest of the low, little more than a meat suit waiting for a Citizens respawning needs. She gains consciousness and her own Citizenship, but temporarily looses her memories in the process. With the system urging her to “move ever forward” and a new set of false memories to go with her desired plan for the future she is ready to become a starship captain and warrior.

                This is a very action packed book although the audiobook left much to be desired. If I hear km and m physically said instead of meters and kilometers one more time I may just go insane. I almost stopped reading the book entirely because of it and my husband asked me if this was an ai generated read since surely no human narrator could be simple enough to literally say the letters instead of the metric reading system. Except according to google it’s a decently popular narrator. Now, I get to start looking for that narrator’s name to avoid.

                The story ends on a cliff-hanger and I might get the eBook to read on, but no way am I going near the audiobook again. Ignoring the audiobook I enjoyed the story. I won’t hold the narrator’s poor performance against the author. It really isn’t their fault. I really enjoyed the non-stop action in this book as well as how Ensign Benning Kidd was able to manipulate both the system and those around her. It made for an enjoyable read that kept you wondering what she would do next. Also, the amount of petty revenge in this book is just wonderful.

                This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $6.99 by clicking here. (eBook- not audio)

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG progression fantasy in space
• AI-controlled dystopian systems
• Strong female leads rising through ranks
• Starship captain arcs
• Non-stop action
• Strategic manipulation of rigid systems
• Cliffhangers that demand the sequel

A high-action sci-fi with a clever, evolving heroine—just maybe grab the eBook instead of the audiobook.

Book Review: The Baby Dragon Café by A. T. Qureshi (The Baby Dragon Series Book 1)

 Genre: Cozy Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Small Business Owner, Grumpy x Sunshine, Baby Dragons, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Romance, Friends to Lovers (Side Plot), Small Town Vibes

Spice Level: 🌶🌶 (Sweet with Light Open-Door Moments)

Format: eBook

Series: The Baby Dragon Café Book 1

                Saphira has always dreamed of opening a baby dragon café. With her grandmother’s small inheritance and years of coffee shop experience, she finally takes the leap. The only problem? Baby dragons are adorable… and wildly destructive. If the café fails, she has no financial safety net. Enter Aiden. After his brother’s death, Aiden is left caring for a baby dragon he never asked for. When the tiny menace quite literally runs into Saphira, a deal is struck—she’ll train the dragon. And maybe, just maybe, soften Aiden’s guarded heart in the process.

                This book was a case of BookTok made me buy it. It wasn’t on Kindle Unlimited, but it was on sale and I had seen it so many times that I just had to get it. This is a very cutesy fall read that has dragons in it. I physically could not pass it up. I loved every second of this book and while it doesn’t end on a cliff-hanger I still immediately bought book 2.

                I loved the dynamic between Aiden and Saphira almost as much as the very obvious budding romance in the background with her best friend and co-worker. I am hoping they are the ones that are in book 2. Friends to lovers will always be one of my favorite tropes. In this book dragon’s are prevalent, but only a select few are able to own and care for them. Outsiders aren’t allowed unless they undergo a certain test that most don’t even know exist.

                I love that Aiden is from a rich family and is technically well off but instead decides to run a little landscaping business and stay far away from people. I completely get wanting to do that. If I could afford not to be around anyone I wouldn’t either. Then there is Saphira who is this outgoing and bubbly person who thrives on being around others. Can’t relate there, but she is still the sweetest.

                This book is available on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Cozy fantasy with low stakes and big heart
• Grumpy x sunshine romance
• Small business owner heroines
• Baby animals (but make them dragons)
• Soft, comforting fall reads
• Subtle magical world-building
• Background couples you can’t wait to follow

Adorable, comforting, and full of baby dragon chaos—I loved every second. 🐉✨

Book Review: The Best Friends (to Lovers ) Bargain by Lili Valente (The Virgin Playbook Prequal)

 Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Best Friends to Lovers, Mutual Pining, Slow Burn, Confession Scene, Small-Town Vibes

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook (Short Novella – 54 pages)

Series: Prequel Novella to Sparked by Lili Valente

                Sam and I have been best friends forever…but recently things are a little different. Every touch. Every comment. There is something more there. And I don’t think it’s one sided. So I have arranged for a picnic and I am going to tell him how I feel. Tell him I want to be more. What’s the worst that can happen?

                This is a free book that I got at one point in time or another. I have a lot of Lili Valente books in my account, but haven’t read a ton of them. I have enjoyed the ones I have read, though. This book is more of a long prologue for Sparked. It is 54 pages and most of the book is what happens in that above paragraph. I really say much more than that about the story without giving everything away.

                I will say that I enjoyed that little snippet enough that I immediately downloaded Sparked and read it. Jesse was a bit awkward, but it was adorable. Meanwhile Sam is the reason girls end up crushing on their friends sometimes in the first place.

                This book is available on Amazon for FREE by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Best friends to lovers romance
• Short, bingeable reads
• Confession scenes that hit
• Mutual pining payoff
• Sweet with a touch of heat
• Prequel novellas that lead straight into book one

A quick, adorable read that perfectly sets up the full story.

Books by this Author: 

Snowed in with the Boss (Master Me Book 2)

10,000 Things I hate about You (The Virgin PlayBook Prequal)

Sparked (The Virgin Playbook Book 4)