Book Review: The Unwanted Wife by L. Steele (The Davenports Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience • Brother's Best Friend • Secretly in Love • Curvy FMC • Billionaire Romance • Fake Marriage • Slow Burn • Small Business Owner • Virgin FMC

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Davenports Book 1

    Skylar has always wanted to own a bakery and she has finally got it open and is the sole employee. This means that she does all the prep-work and day to day. Her items taste amazing, everyone loves the items and their unique names...but without better marketing there is no way she will be able to keep it, even with her bother as her biggest supporter. Until his best friend Nathan comes in and offers her all the money she could possibly need in order exchange for being his wife for 1 year. He needs a wife to become CEO of his grandfather's company and she needs the funds. Perfect, and with a set deadline. 

    This is another Tiktok made me read it and I love a good marriage of convenience. This one had a fun twist with her brother (not incest) way that was unexpected. Not that her husband was her brother's best friend, but you will see. This is a cute and sexy brother's best friend marriage of convenience where they were both secretly in love all along, but were hiding it from...only themselves. 

    I love the names of her pastries so much. They absolutely stole the show for me. Probably because this adorable little curvy virgin had dirty booktok names for all her items. It was cute, and made me want to try all of them. It doesn't surprise me at all that all she really needed was better marketing, because the premise was great for this bakery. 

    There are spice scenes in this book, but they happen late in the book. I loved how this book ended, although it was on a bit of a bittersweet note. I can't wait to see what happens with her later in the series, because no way does that background character get to stay single. I also love that the epilogue immediately tells us who the next relationship in the series will be between. 

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

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Marriage of convenience romances
• Brother's best friend
• Secretly in love all along
• Billionaire romance
• Curvy heroines
• Small-town bakeries
• BookTok humor
• Slow-burn romance with open-door spice
• Fake relationships that become real
• Connected romance series

Book Review: Stolen Vows by Cassia Quinn (Twisted Arrangements Book 1)

Genre: Dark Romance • Mafia Romance • Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Arranged Marriage, Mafia Boss, Touch Her and Die, Revenge Plot, Forced Marriage, Protective MMC, Slow Burn, Morally Gray Hero, Family Duty

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Twisted Arrangements Book 1

    Sophia has always known her future wasn't hers to choose. As the eldest daughter of a powerful family, marriage has always been her duty. She doesn't love her fiancé, but after meeting him a handful of times, she believed they could at least build a respectful life together. She couldn't have been more wrong. On the night of their engagement party, her fiancé decides he doesn't like the color of her dress—and raises his fist to her. 

    Before he can strike, Roman steps in. Better known as Poseidon for the number of bodies he's supposedly sent to the bottom of the sea, Roman is one of the most feared men in the mafia. Sophia is stunned when he comes to her defense…until he blackmails her father into giving her to him instead. And if the rumors are true, his last wife is buried somewhere on his estate.

    I found this book on TikTok, and I have absolutely no regrets.

    This is a marriage of convenience wrapped inside a revenge story. Roman doesn't marry Sophia for love—at least not at first. His goal is simple: destroy her former fiancé by taking away everything the man values, including the woman he believed belonged to him. It's the perfect setup for a mafia romance full of tension and shifting loyalties.

    Roman makes an excellent morally gray hero. He begins the story as distant, intimidating, and emotionally closed off, but one thing becomes clear almost immediately: he refuses to stand by while Sophia is abused. That single moment completely changed my expectations for his character. Because of that, I found myself questioning the rumors surrounding his first wife almost from the beginning. I'm happy to say the truth behind that storyline was worth the wait and made perfect sense once everything was revealed.

    Sophia was just as enjoyable to read. One thing I particularly appreciated was that she earns many of her victories herself. Roman certainly protects her when she needs it, but he doesn't solve every problem or hand her success simply because she's his wife to be. In mafia romances, it's surprisingly refreshing to see a heroine carve out her own place instead of relying entirely on the hero's influence.

    Their relationship develops naturally as trust slowly replaces obligation, making the romance feel earned rather than rushed. Especially that Roman had to earn her back, instead of her just giving him whatever he asks without question. The ending wrapped up Roman and Sophia's story nicely while also planting the seeds for future books. Personally, I'm already hoping Baron ends up with Sophia's younger sister. After everything that happened, I think he deserves his own happily ever after too. 

    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:

• Mafia romances with protective heroes
• Marriage of convenience
• Revenge-driven plots
• Touch Her and Die energy
• Morally gray MMCs
• Strong heroines who earn their victories
• Slow-burn trust and romance
• Family obligation and arranged marriages
• Rumors, secrets, and hidden pasts
• Dark romance with satisfying character growth

    A compelling mafia romance that blends revenge, forced marriage, and slow-building trust into a story filled with emotional tension, protective instincts, and two characters who genuinely grow.

Book Review: Lilac by B. B. Reid

Genre: Contemporary Romance • Reverse Harem/Why Choose • Rockstar Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem/Why Choose, Rockstar Romance, Forced Proximity, Found Family, Band Romance, New Girl in the Band, Enemies to Lovers, Betrayal, MM Romance, Sword Crossing, Open Door Romance, MMFM Romance

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Standalone

     Braxton Fawn has synesthesia and has used this to channel her love into music into her own style. This resulted in becoming the new forth for the world's most popular pop band following the untimely death of their co-star. Everyone believes that she is the luckiest girl alive to be with these music gods...except Braxton. They are intolerable, intoxicating, and off limits. Can she survive the tour or will she lose herself in the process to one...or all of them? 

    I found this book on Tiktok and added it to my seemingly never-ending TBR. It was a long book at 556 pages, but it is more than worth it. We get to meet each one of the characters, get to know and become attached to them, be betrayed by them more than once, and end on the perfect note. I loved every bit of this book from page 1 where Brax squirmed while looking at a video of the guys on the tv in the waiting room until the epilogue. 

    My favorite of the guys was Jericho, although his betrayal is the one that hurt Brax the deepest. Initially I wanted it to be Loren since he was the one who was gone on her first, but it didn't end up being that way. Something about the quiet ones. Houston was great and the broody bastard, but he just wasn't my favorite. In case you haven't realized, this was a very open door reverse harem/why choose. There is sword crossing. Which makes this one of my top reads for the year so far. 

    Now for the trigger warnings because this book is fun. Bullying, betrayal, cheating (technically), power play, primal play, kidnapping, abuse, referenced grooming, and a lot of very wonderful open door scenes that include MM action. If they aren't your cup of tea then this book won't be for you. 

    Now, for those of us that love trigger warnings you'll love this book. It combines all my favorite things: RH in a contemporary romance setting, enemies to lovers, and superstar romance. It is done in a great way that wraps up everything in the story and leaves you missing the characters, while happy for their resolution. 

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

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:
• Reverse Harem/Why Choose romances
• Rockstar and celebrity romances
• MM relationships and sword crossing
• Found family dynamics
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Forced proximity and touring together
• Emotional angst and betrayals
• Morally messy relationships
• Very spicy, open-door romance
• Big personalities and addictive character dynamics

Book Review: Carl’s Doomsday Scenerio by Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2)

Genre: LitRPG • Science Fiction • Dark Comedy • Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy

Tropes: Dungeon Crawl, AI Game Master, Talking Animal Companion, Found Family, Survival Game, Leveling System, Quest-Based Adventure, Dark Humor, Apocalypse

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2

    Carl and Donut survived the first two floors of the dungeon. Barely. They even managed to rescue most of the nursing home residents along the way, which is honestly more impressive than some of the boss fights. Now they've reached the third floor, where crawlers must choose their race, gain new abilities, and begin carving out their place in the dungeon hierarchy. This is where Carl and Donut stop being just another pair of survivors and start becoming legends.

    The third floor introduces a massive sky-fowl city filled with quests, factions, side missions, and enough chaos to keep even the most experienced crawlers busy. Mordecai warns them repeatedly to avoid the quests and focus on leveling, but when has Carl's life ever gone according to plan? Before long they're tangled up with a half-niad royal, a circus full of possessed animals, a town-saving mission, and a series of increasingly ridiculous situations where failure could mean Donut's death. 

    I don't think it's possible for me to be objective about Dungeon Crawler Carl anymore. This series has become a permanent fixture in my personality and I regret absolutely nothing. By this point, the world-building really starts to expand. The dungeon feels larger, stranger, and more alive than ever before. We learn more about Borant, the viewers, and the bizarre economy that keeps the crawl running. Every floor somehow manages to feel completely different while still maintaining the same chaotic energy that made me fall in love with the series in the first place.

    One of my favorite aspects of this installment was seeing Carl and Donut truly establish themselves as major players. They're no longer simply reacting to whatever the dungeon throws at them—they're beginning to influence events themselves, whether anyone likes it or not. We also get significantly more Mongo in this book, which is always a win. He's finally grown into his full dinosaur glory and, while he's still very much a child with selective hearing, Donut has become a much more capable dinosaur parent. Their interactions remain some of the funniest moments in the series.

    The humor continues to be absolutely unmatched. The AI remains weirdly obsessed with Carl's feet, Mordecai is perpetually exhausted by everyone's existence, and Donut somehow manages to be both hilarious and infuriating in equal measure. At the same time, the emotional moments hit harder than ever. There were several reveals throughout this book that added depth to the larger story, including finally learning the truth about Ferdinand. Some long-running mysteries begin paying off, while others are only becoming more intriguing.

    And then there's that ending. I won't spoil it, but let's just say Carl acquires something that has all the potential to become an absolute disaster later. Knowing Carl, it almost certainly will. I am both excited and terrified to see what happens next.

    The audiobook continues to be phenomenal. At this point, Jeff Hays doesn't just narrate these characters—he is these characters. I genuinely cannot imagine experiencing this series any other way.

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG adventures
• Dark humor and absurd situations
• Talking animal companions
• Dungeon crawls with unique mechanics
• Explosive action and boss fights
• Found family dynamics
• AI characters with questionable motives
• Quest-heavy fantasy adventures
• Apocalypse survival stories
• Books that balance comedy and emotional moments

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

Books by this author: 

Dungeon Crawler Carl (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1)

Book Review: My Funny Demon Valentine by Aurora Ascher (Hell Bend Book 1)

 Genre: Paranormal Romance • Dark Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Demon Prince, Cursed MMC, Touch Her and Die, Escaped From Hell, Fated Mates Vibes, Brothers in Exile, Protective Hero, Jazz Musician FMC, Forced Proximity

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Hell Bent Book 1

    Asmodeus is a Prince of Hell, and feelings are supposed to be beneath him. Love, joy, music—those are human weaknesses. After centuries cursed to exist in a dull, colorless world where no one can truly see him, Ash has accepted that emptiness is simply his reality.

    Now living in London alongside his equally dangerous brothers after escaping Hell, Ash spends his nights hiding in jazz clubs, clinging to one of the few things that still makes him feel something. Then he meets Evangeline. Talented, beautiful, and somehow completely unaffected by his curse, Eva sees the real him immediately—and the curse begins to crack. Unfortunately, Hell wants its princes back. And by getting close to Eva, Ash may have just painted a target on her back.

    This was my book club’s pick of the month and I ended up enjoying it way more than I expected. I’m always weak for demon romances, and this one absolutely delivered on the vibes. Broody immortal demon prince obsessed with a talented woman who sees past his curse? Immediate yes.

    The chemistry between Ash and Eva is intense from the start, and the book wastes absolutely no time bringing the spice. Their relationship is packed with tension, emotional vulnerability, and plenty of explicit scenes while they try to stay one step ahead of the forces hunting Ash and his brothers.

    I also loved the curse aspect of the story. Watching Ash slowly rediscover joy, color, and emotion through Eva was honestly my favorite part of the book. Underneath all the spice and action there’s a surprisingly emotional core about loneliness, identity, and finally being seen for who you truly are.

    The humor throughout the book caught me off guard too. Between the brothers’ banter, Ash trying to navigate emotions after centuries of emptiness, and the supernatural chaos unfolding around them, there were quite a few moments that genuinely made me laugh. Some twists were pretty easy to predict early on, especially surrounding Eva, but honestly it didn’t take away from the enjoyment for me. The fun was in watching everything unfold and seeing how the characters handled it.

    The romance wraps up nicely by the end, but the larger conflict is clearly just beginning, and I’m very interested to see where the rest of the brothers’ stories go from here. I’ll absolutely be continuing this series.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Demon romances with morally gray MMCs
• Super spicy paranormal romance
• Protective heroes obsessed with the FMC
• Jazz club aesthetics and moody London settings
• Escaped-from-Hell storylines
• Cursed immortals learning to feel again
• Brothers who banter while causing chaos
• Fast-paced fantasy romance with humor and action
• Romance mixed with supernatural politics and danger

A sexy, emotional demon romance packed with curses, chaos, jazz clubs, and a surprisingly heartfelt story about learning how to feel alive again.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $8.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1)

 Genre: LitRPG • Sci-Fi Fantasy • Apocalypse Adventure

Tropes: Dungeon Crawl, Alien Invasion, Survival Game, Talking Animal Companion, Dark Humor, Reality TV Apocalypse, Leveling System, Found Family

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook

Series: Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 1

    When The Flattening happened, Carl was outside in nothing but boxers, a jacket, and his girlfriend’s too-small Crocs trying to coax her prize-winning cat out of a tree during the coldest night of the year. Then every building on Earth vanished. Aliens have arrived, civilization has collapsed, and the only chance humanity has to survive is entering massive underground dungeons scattered around the globe. If humanity can clear every level, they get to keep Earth.

    Simple, right? Now Carl and Princess Donut—yes, the cat—must descend floor by floor through a televised apocalypse filled with monsters, traps, insanity, and an AI host that may be having entirely too much fun watching humanity suffer-and a weird fetish.

    Welcome to the dungeon, crawler.

    I absolutely love LitRPGs, and this series had been floating around my book group forever before I finally gave in and started it. My husband had technically started it first but never finished… until I bullied him into continuing because I needed someone else to witness the chaos. And chaos is truly the best word for this book.

    Princess Donut Queen Anne Chonk, Best in Dungeon is hands-down one of the greatest characters I’ve ever encountered in a LitRPG. She starts off delightfully obnoxious, overly dramatic, and completely ridiculous—but somehow becomes impossible not to love almost immediately.

    Book one mainly establishes Carl, Donut, and Mordecai while throwing them headfirst into complete madness. Between murderous monsters, explosive combat, bizarre dungeon mechanics, and an AI obsessed with feet for reasons I genuinely do not want explained, the humor in this series is unmatched. The dark comedy absolutely lands.

    One minute you’re laughing at Donut demanding proper recognition and the next you’re witnessing horrifying dungeon brutality. Somehow the series balances absurdity and violence perfectly without losing momentum.

    I listened to this on audiobook and immediately started book two the second it ended. The narration is phenomenal. The narrator gives Carl this Kronk-esque energy that somehow works perfectly, and now I genuinely cannot imagine Carl sounding any other way. Donut’s voice is equally iconic.  And yes—Donut talks. A magical pet biscuit gives her sentience, and from that point onward the series becomes even more unhinged in the best possible way.

    This book ends with Carl and Donut descending to the next floor, already mildly traumatized and wildly underprepared for what’s coming next. Unfortunately for them—and fortunately for us—it only gets worse from there. The combination of nonstop action, dark humor, ridiculous dungeon mechanics, explosive violence, and genuinely lovable characters makes this one of the strongest LitRPG starters I’ve ever read. Add in the unusual detail of Carl being former Coast Guard instead of the typical overpowered military archetype, and the whole thing just feels fresh.

    At this point my ringtone, notification sound, and phone background are all Dungeon Crawler Carl themed, so I think it’s safe to say this series consumed my personality a little bit. No regrets. I don’t feel like I need to say that I will be reading on in this series, because who could possibly stop after book one? After all crawlers, we have to get out there are “Kill, Kill, Kill!” There isn’t a thing I would change about these books and will be sad when I run out of them. Side note. I MAY have a DCC tee shirt on that says "I AM YELLING, CARL" as I write this...

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG and dungeon crawl stories
• Dark humor mixed with brutal survival
• Talking animal companions
• Reality TV-style apocalypse settings
• Explosive action and nonstop chaos
• Alien invasion stories
• Video game leveling systems
• Audiobooks with incredible narration
• Found family dynamics
• Ridiculous humor alongside real emotional stakes

An absolutely chaotic LitRPG masterpiece full of explosions, monsters, dark comedy, and one unforgettable talking cat.

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

Books by this author: 

Carl's Doomsday Scenario (Dungeon Crawler Carl Book 2)

Book Review: A Pack for Autumn by Emilia Emerson (Cozyverse Book 1)

 Genre: Cozy Omegaverse Romance • Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem / Why Choose, Small Town Romance, Lighthouse Setting, Protective Alphas, Fresh Start, Plus-Size FMC, Found Family
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Format: Audiobook
Series: Cozyverse Book 1 

    After losing her parents five years ago, Autumn has slowly drifted away from everything connected to her old life. Desperate for a fresh start, she accepts a job as a lighthouse keeper in a small coastal town her family once visited together. For the first time in years, things finally seem peaceful. 

    Then she meets Easton. Persistent, protective, and very much an Alpha who doesn’t understand the meaning of “no,” Easton immediately disrupts Autumn’s carefully controlled life. With his pack helping restore the lighthouse, avoiding them quickly becomes impossible—and while her Omega instincts may want to lean into the connection, her painful past makes trusting anyone difficult.

    I listened to this on audiobook, and the duet narration absolutely made the experience for me. Dual POV romances are already fun, but duet narration is quickly becoming my favorite format because it makes the stories feel so much more immersive. The narrators did an amazing job, and honestly, I didn’t want the book to end.

    This is a cozy, open-door Omegaverse romance where polyamorous relationships are normalized, and I loved how naturally the world handled it. One of the most unique aspects for me was that the Alpha/Beta/Omega dynamics exist without shifters. Most Omegaverse books I’ve read tie the hierarchy to wolf shifters or other paranormal creatures, so this felt refreshingly different.

    Autumn’s relationship with the pack develops in such a comforting way. I especially loved how patient and reassuring her men were when it came to her insecurities and fear of being “too much,” particularly as a plus-sized FMC with low self-esteem. Their support felt genuine without completely erasing her struggles overnight.

    But let’s be honest—the true star of this book was Felix the cat. That cat is absolutely not normal, and I refuse to believe otherwise. The epilogue from Felix’s perspective completely hooked me, and now I desperately need answers about whatever secrets that suspiciously intelligent feline is hiding.

    This was cozy, spicy, comforting, and exactly the kind of Omegaverse read I needed. I’ll absolutely be continuing the series.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Cozy Omegaverse romance
• Lighthouse and small-town settings
• Protective Alpha love interests
• Why choose / reverse harem romance
• Plus-size FMC representation
• Found family vibes
• Duet narration audiobooks
• Cats that are definitely hiding secrets
• Open-door romance with emotional comfort

A warm, spicy Omegaverse romance with lighthouse charm, supportive relationships, and one unforgettable cat.

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

Book Review: Beautiful Venom by Rina Kent (Vipers Book 1)

 Genre: Dark Contemporary Romance • Sports Romance

Tropes: Secret Society, Hockey Romance, Revenge Plot, Morally Grey MMC, Touch Her and Die, Stalker-ish FMC, CNC, Dual POV

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: Vipers Book 1

    Dahlia has one goal: find out who put her sister into a coma. The only lead she has points toward The Vipers, an elite secret society tied to the university hockey team. And the only way inside is through someone already connected to them. So Dahlia picks her target. Kane. After extensive observation that was definitely not stalking, she’s convinced he’s her best way in. What she doesn’t expect is that the cold, controlled persona Kane shows the world is nothing more than a mask hiding something much darker underneath. And once he notices her? There’s no going back.

    This was my reading group’s Book of the Month, and I loved every second of it. It’s a dark hockey romance that blends secret society tension with obsessive attraction perfectly. While hockey is technically the backdrop, the sport itself never overwhelms the story. We get a few hockey scenes, but the focus stays where it belongs: the twisted, addictive relationship between Dahlia and Kane.

    The book is told in dual POV, which works so well here because getting inside Kane’s head makes him even more fascinating. Watching Dahlia slowly break through his defenses was one of my favorite parts of the story. And the spice? Absolutely delivers. 

    The CNC scenes were especially well done because the trust and consent were always clear. The safe word dynamic made it possible for both characters to fully unleash their darker impulses while still maintaining a sense of safety and control. It never felt reckless—just intense in the best way.

    I also loved the balance between suspense and romance. The mystery surrounding Dahlia’s sister kept the tension high throughout the book, and every reveal pushed the story forward without slowing down the relationship development.

    And that ending? Perfect. I’m already excited to continue the series because it definitely feels like we’ll be making our way through the rest of the hockey team. Although… if Marcus gets a redemption arc, the author has a lot of work ahead of them because that man does not deserve a HEA right now.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Dark hockey romance
• Secret societies and elite campus drama
• Morally grey, possessive MMCs
• Revenge-driven FMCs
• CNC romance with clear consent dynamics
• Dual POV romance
• Protective “touch her and die” energy
• High-spice contemporary romance with suspense

A dark, addictive sports romance packed with obsession, secrets, and chemistry that practically crackles off the page.

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

Book Review: The Skinny by Monica Ross (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Why Choose , Author x Narrator, Found Family, Toxic Ex/Sibling Drama, Personal Growth

Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Format: eBook

Series: The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2 (Must Be Read in Order)

---

    Zelda, Aithan, and Drew are finally settling into something that feels real. They know what they want—and none of them are willing to give it up.

    Unfortunately, life isn’t done testing them.

    Zelda’s toxic sister and her equally frustrating ex keep forcing their way back into her life, threatening everything she’s building. But this time? Zelda isn’t backing down. She’s done being pushed around and is more than ready to put both of them in their place.

    I started this immediately after finishing Book 1 because I needed answers—especially with everything going on with Aithan and that ending. This book delivers on all of it, with even more relationship development, higher emotional stakes, and definitely more spice. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

    The dynamic between Zelda, Aithan, and Drew continues to evolve in a way that feels natural, even as things get more complicated. There’s still the potential for the relationship to expand further, but with everything currently happening, I’m not convinced it’s the best move—at least not right now.

    One of my favorite parts of this book is Zelda’s growth. She isn’t just changing her situation—she’s changing how she sees herself. Watching her step into confidence, embrace her body, and stop hiding behind clothes that don’t fit was incredibly satisfying. Drew pushing her toward that? Exactly what she needed.

    The sister and ex drama was exactly what I expected—in the worst way. Zero boundaries, constant interference, and just overall chaos. I couldn’t stand either of them, but it made watching Zelda finally stand up for herself that much better.

    While this isn’t the end of their story, I was really happy with where this book stopped. I’m not desperate for the next installment, but I’ll absolutely pick it up when I’m ready for more.

---

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Why choose romance (or the possibility of it)
• High-spice contemporary romance
• Strong character growth arcs
• Confident, evolving FMCs
• Messy family and ex drama
• Workplace/author industry romance
• Relationship dynamics that grow over time

A spicy, character-driven sequel that builds on everything from Book 1 and delivers growth, drama, and heat.

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

Books by this author: 

Fatkini (Fatkini Chronicles Book 1)

Book Review: Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Fae & Alchemy Book 1)

 Author: Callie Hart

Genre: Fantasy Romance / Paranormal Romance

Tropes: Hidden Powers, Portal Fantasy, Enemies-to-Lovers, Alphahole MMC, Possessive Hero, Fish Out of Water, Royalty / Court Politics

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Fae & Alchemy Book 1

---

    Saeris is good at keeping secrets. In a world where magic is punishable by death, the small abilities she has with metal could cost her everything if discovered. With her mother gone, she’s all her brother has left—and she refuses to risk leaving him alone.

    But one mistake changes everything.

    After stealing a guard’s bracer, Saeris finds herself facing execution at the hands of the Queen. Just when her fate seems sealed, the floor beneath her turns to liquid and a mysterious man steps through, saving her…only to drag her into an entirely different world. Now she’s trapped with no way home, and her so-called savior? Completely insufferable.

    This fantasy romance wastes no time pulling you in. Between the high-stakes magic system, portal fantasy elements, and intense character dynamics, it delivers a fast-paced and addictive story. And yes—this is a spicy fantasy romance that absolutely leans into its steam. I fell in love the moment he said "I’m about to introduce you to all seven gods. When you meet them, don’t forget to tell them I’m the one you worship on your knees.”

    Kingfisher is peak alphahole energy. Broody, arrogant, and frustrating in all the best ways—but once he falls, he falls hard. The shift from cold and distant to possessive and all-in happens quickly, and it’s incredibly satisfying to watch unfold. Saeris holds her own well, even when she’s completely out of her depth in a new world.

    The chemistry between them is strong from the start, and the tension builds alongside the plot. There’s also a great mix of action, magic, and world-building that keeps things moving beyond just the romance.

    One of the standout elements for me was the overall vibe—this is the kind of book that gives you that swoony, over-the-top alpha energy while still keeping you hooked on the story. And I have to mention the adorable fox, because it absolutely deserves the love.

    Overall, this is a gripping, spicy fantasy romance with a strong heroine, an irresistible (and infuriating) MMC, and a world that leaves you wanting more. I’ll definitely be continuing the series—I need to know what happens next.

---

⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Spicy fantasy romance with strong alpha MMCs
• Enemies-to-lovers with lots of tension
• Portal fantasy / transported to another world
• Possessive, broody “alphahole” heroes
• Magic, court politics, and high-stakes adventure
• Memorable side characters (and adorable animal companions!)

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $9.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: Devil by Rumor by Ariel Brouillette (Diabolic Hearts Book 1)

 Author: Ariel Brouillette

Genre: Dark Romance / Paranormal Romance / Fantasy Romance

Tropes: Deal with the Devil, Touch Her and Die, Morally Black MMC, Forced Proximity, Possessive Hero, Enemies-to-Lovers Vibes, Hell Setting

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: Diabolic Hearts Book 1

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    Carmen has been on the run for weeks from the man who tried to kill her. Going to the authorities isn’t an option—they’re too well connected, and no one would believe her anyway. Desperate and out of options, she makes a deal with a shadowy stranger to save her.

    The catch? Damon isn’t human.

    He’s the literal devil, and now Carmen is bound to him—forced to travel to Hell while he decides what to do with her. But the longer they’re together, the more she starts to get under his skin, breaking through his cold, unfeeling exterior. Determined to regain control, Damon considers releasing her from their bargain…until she chooses him instead. That’s when something dark, possessive, and eternal takes hold—and walking away is no longer an option.

    This dark paranormal romance delivers exactly what you want from a deal-with-the-devil story. Damon is far beyond morally gray—he’s firmly in morally black territory—and somehow still completely irresistible. The push and pull between him fighting his feelings and Carmen refusing to back down makes their dynamic addictive.

    The “touch her and die” energy is strong in this one, and it only intensifies as the story progresses. Carmen holds her own well, giving as good as she gets, which makes their chemistry even better.

    One of the standout elements for me was the foreshadowing. There’s a moment woven into the story that pays off in such a satisfying way later on, and it added a lot of depth to the overall plot. There’s also a key emotional moment that brings a sense of closure for Carmen, which I really appreciated.

    The story has a dramatic, almost addictive feel—like those over-the-top romance dramas where emotions run high, past relationships resurface, and chaos follows. And honestly? It works. I was completely hooked.

    Everything wraps up nicely while still setting the stage for the next book in the series. And I have one major hope: I need the next book to feature Death. There’s just too much potential there not to explore.

    Overall, this is a gripping dark romance with a powerful, possessive MMC, high emotional stakes, and just the right amount of drama and spice to keep you turning pages.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Dark “deal with the devil” romance
• Morally black, possessive demon MMCs
• Touch her and die energy
• Hell-based or demon realm settings
• High-drama romance with intense emotions
• Spicy paranormal romance with strong chemistry

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $18.00 by clicking here. 

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: 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: 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: 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: Hex, Love, and Rock & Roll by Kat Turner (Coven Daughters Book 1)

 Genre: Paranormal Romance / Contemporary Fantasy

Tropes: Celebrity Romance, Age Gap, Accidental Curse, Witchy Magic, Grumpy/Skeptic Hero, Forced Proximity, Slow Burn Tension

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Format: Physical Copy

Series: Coven Daughters Book 1

                Helen is desperate. Her yoga studio is failing after a disastrous investment. Her best friend can barely look at her. So when she’s offered the chance at a money spell, she takes it. The witch gives her a choice: Left or right. Choose wrong, and there will be consequences. Helen chooses. She’s gifted enchanted crystals and strict instructions: bless one with good intentions and gift it properly. Skip a step, and a curse follows. And somehow? She accidentally hexes her celebrity crush. Brian. The Brian. The only problem? He doesn’t believe in magic. Now they’re stuck together trying to break a curse he isn’t even convinced exists.

                This is a paranormal age-gap celebrity romance with strong magical elements and plenty of spice. It takes a minute to really get going—but in the best way. The tension builds steadily. There’s delicious back-and-forth, stubbornness, denial, and just enough chaos to keep you turning pages. I genuinely wondered how the author would wrap everything up as the ending approached. They absolutely did. The couple’s arc feels complete, satisfying, and earned—while still leaving plenty of magical threads open for future books in the series.

                I loved the characters and the world building in the story and will absolutely read on at some point. The author does an amazing job of describing everything the characters are going through and I especially loved the astral-projection scenes.

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

You’ll Love This If You Enjoy:

• Witchy vibes with real consequences
• Celebrity romances with tension
• Age-gap dynamics
• Slow burn that turns spicy
• Magic that feels vivid and dangerous
• Emotional payoff with a satisfying ending

I really enjoyed this one and will absolutely continue the series when I’m in the mood for more magic.