Book Review: The Debt Diary by Joshua Neal

Genre: Dystopian Fiction • Literary Fiction • Coming-of-Age

Tropes: Dystopian Britain, Illegal Immigrant MC, Survival Story, Homeless Protagonist, Found Family, Moral Dilemmas, Government Oppression, Near-Future Society, Bittersweet Ending

Spice Level: None

Format: Paperback 

Series: Standalone 

     Harry is a teenage illegal immigrant living in a near future dystopian Britain. The immigration laws have cracked down and those without citizenship papers are targets for scorn and abuse. For a young homeless man just trying to survive in the only home he's ever known this is difficult. And the prime minister's new rally isn't helping matters. When foot traffic and help starts getting more spaced Harry does the only thing he can think of: he heads to a known trafficker and offers to be a lookout for $20. This leaves Harry with a new dependent and more than his own future on the line. 

    I received a complimentary paperback of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  

    The plot itself of this book is intense and leaves off on a bittersweet note. A young illegal immigrant living in a country that has declared war on his kind living in an abandoned roofless warehouse and not knowing where his next meal or water will come from. He tries to be as honorable as possible, keeping a diary of everything he has ever had to steal in order to survive. But, when that same diary starts adding entries of things he couldn't imagine stealing, Harry feels he is trapped by a fate not yet lived. He spends so much time hoping for a better life and just to live that the end hits different. I don't want to spoil it, but it was like it was all for nothing. 

    The author has a way with words that allows the reader to see in detail every single item around Harry at any given time, be it a helicopter whispering overhead, a man standing in a garden, a train pulling into a station, or the decorations in a square. We always know what is around our character as he just tries his best to survive. He makes some questionable decisions along the way, but he is 17 and none of us make great decisions at that age. 

    Although I was occasionally pulled out of the story by some of the phrasing I enjoyed the plot and hope for good things from this author in the future. 

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $1.23 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Near-future dystopian fiction
• Coming-of-age survival stories
• Social and political commentary
• Homeless protagonists
• Morally complex decisions
• Character-driven literary fiction
• Emotional, bittersweet endings
• Realistic dystopian settings
• Stories about hope in impossible circumstances
• Books that make you reflect after finishing

Book Review: Icebreaker by Steven William Hannah The Interloper Trilogy Book 1)

 Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Science Fiction • Cosmic Horror • Dystopian Fiction

Tropes: Mysterious Phenomenon, Found Family Crew, End of the World, Forbidden Research, Shared Dreams, Survival Journey, Religious Conflict, Slow-Build Mystery, Expedition Story

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: The Interloper Trilogy Book 1 

    Bear has spent his entire life in Forgehead. Since the Cataclysm, that isn't unusual. Most people stay where they are born, rarely venturing beyond the safety of their communities. Even if Bear had the opportunity to leave, he isn't sure he would. His research is here. Illegal research.

    As one of the few people studying the mysterious phenomenon devastating the world, Bear knows more than most about what happens when it arrives. First come the dreams. Then comes the madness. People caught without their sensory blockers succumb to its influence, abandoning food, water, and reason as they obsessively carve strange runes into every available surface until death finally claims them. 

    When Bear's friend Callum, head of Forestry, sends him with the Crawler crew to warn Union City that the phenomenon is moving toward them, the mission should be simple. Except the Dreamers have already disabled the radio towers. Now they're heading into danger blind, carrying a warning that may already be too late.

    I received a complimentary physical copy of this book from the author.

    As someone who loves post-apocalyptic fiction, this book immediately checked a lot of boxes for me. It combines survival, mystery, horror, and science fiction into a world that feels both fascinating and deeply unsettling.

    One of my favorite aspects of the story is how little certainty exists about the apocalypse itself. The characters know the phenomenon is real, but nobody truly understands it. Depending on who you ask, it might be Gaia, Hell, divine judgment, or something else entirely. That uncertainty creates a constant sense of tension throughout the story.

    The shared dream sequences and the madness that follows were especially creepy. Watching people slowly lose themselves to an unseen force was far more disturbing than any traditional monster could have been. The idea of entire communities living in fear of dreams and visions adds an eerie atmosphere that lingers long after you stop reading.

    The world-building was another standout. Rather than focusing solely on survival, the story explores how different groups and belief systems have adapted to life after the Cataclysm. I particularly enjoyed seeing various religions attempt to explain the phenomenon through their own perspectives. Whether they viewed it as a scientific mystery, a spiritual event, or something far darker, those differing viewpoints added depth to the world.

    Dusty ended up being one of the most intriguing characters for me. The more we learn about him, the more questions arise. His abilities, his history, and even something as simple as his age remain largely unexplained by the end of the book. Every answer seems to create two new mysteries.

    There are definitely a lot of unanswered questions when the story ends, but in this case that felt intentional rather than frustrating. The mystery surrounding the phenomenon remains one of the driving forces of the narrative, and I found myself wanting more information right alongside the characters.

    I did worry a little about Bear's relentless pursuit of answers. His determination makes sense, but it also feels like the kind of obsession that could create major problems for the crew later in the series. Whether that's a strength or a flaw remains to be seen.

    The ending leaves plenty of room for future books while still delivering an engaging first installment. I walked away with far more questions than answers, but I was invested enough to want those answers.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy a copy on Amazon for $2.99 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Post-apocalyptic science fiction
• Cosmic horror and creeping dread
• Shared dream mysteries
• End-of-the-world survival stories
• Complex world-building
• Religious and philosophical themes
• Slow-burn mysteries
• Found family expedition crews
• Unexplained supernatural phenomena
• Books that leave you theorizing afterward

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: Reverence by Raena Rood (The Reverence Trilogy Book 1)

 Genre: Dystopian Romance • Post-Apocalyptic Fiction • Science Fiction

Tropes: Government Control, Sacrificial Society, Slow Burn Romance, Forbidden Connection, Corrupt System, Pandemic Aftermath, Secrets & Lies, Rebellion, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level: None so far

Format: eBook

Series: The Reverence Trilogy Book 1

    While the rest of the world collapsed under the virus, Vita Nova sealed itself off and survived. But survival comes at a cost. In this carefully controlled society, resources are rationed and every citizen is expected to contribute. The elderly and chronically ill become "Mandatories"—people selected to die for the good of the community. Others choose a different path and volunteer their lives willingly, spending their final week in luxury before their sacrifice.

    Kira knows the system better than most. As a Volunteer Advocate, she helps those facing their final days receive whatever they desire before the end. Most requests are predictable. Then Will walks into her office. Unlike everyone else, he doesn't ask for wealth, experiences, or indulgence. He asks for her. And that single request changes everything.

    I found this book through a Facebook ad and immediately downloaded it while my TBR pile looked on in absolute horror. I have a serious weakness for post-apocalyptic fiction, and post-apocalyptic romance is a combination I don't come across nearly often enough.

    From the very beginning, the premise hooked me. The concept of Mandatories and Volunteers creates a society that feels both horrifying and believable. The ethical questions surrounding Vita Nova's survival strategy linger throughout the story, adding an extra layer of tension beyond the romance itself.

    Kira was an easy protagonist to root for. We witness the devastating impact of the system through her mother's fate and then follow her years later as she tries to help others navigate their final days with dignity. When Will enters her life, the story shifts into something much bigger than a romance, and that's where the book truly shines.

    The author does an excellent job revealing information gradually. Readers learn the truth alongside Kira, discovering the cracks in Vita Nova's carefully constructed façade piece by piece. Some of the larger mysteries surrounding the Wastelands felt fairly obvious early on, but the details of how everything unfolded still managed to keep me invested.

    Beyond the romance, there is plenty of action, political intrigue, and danger. The government secrets, manipulation, and power plays kept the story moving at a steady pace, and I found myself particularly fascinated by Kira's connection to one of the major antagonists.

    The ending definitely leaves the door wide open for the next installment. While a significant chapter of Kira's life reaches a satisfying stopping point, the larger story is far from over. It's very much a cliffhanger, but one that left me excited to see what happens next rather than frustrated.

You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Post-apocalyptic romance
• Dystopian societies
• Corrupt governments and hidden agendas
• Slow-burn relationships
• Pandemic aftermath stories
• Moral dilemmas and social commentary
• Strong female protagonists
• Rebellion against oppressive systems
• Science fiction with romance at its core
• Books that end with major sequel hooks

A compelling dystopian romance that blends emotional character development, government conspiracy, and post-apocalyptic survival into a story that was nearly impossible to put down. I'll absolutely be continuing this series.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: The Game Master’s Legacy by Michael D Bridges

Genre: LitRPG • Sci-Fi Fantasy • Cyberpunk Adventure

Tropes: Full-Immersion VR, Disabled MC, Sentient NPCs, Evil Corporation, Glitch-Walker, Virtual Reality Survival, Inherited Legacy, AI Consciousness

Spice Level: None

Format: ARC / eBook

Series: Potential Series Starter

    Kade’s real world is painfully small. Confined to a wheelchair and dependent on a ventilator for most of his life, his only true escape exists inside Aethelgard, the fully immersive VR world his father created before his death. In the game, Kade isn’t weak or fragile—he’s a legendary speedrunner and glitch-walker capable of bending the world’s rules.

    But now the corporation Neosy wants control of the system. And Kade refuses to let them take it. Aethelgard is more than just a game. It’s the only place Kade has ever truly felt free, and his father left him the keys to protect it. There’s just one problem: every code alteration comes with a cost under the Law of Conservation of Code. And Kade himself is the price.

    Meanwhile, Neosy has unleashed EGO to “optimize” the system and recover the mysterious soul-data hidden within the game. They won’t stop until they control everything—including the sentient NPCs who may be far more alive than anyone realizes.

    I received a complimentary ARC copy of this book from the author.

    As someone who absolutely loves LitRPGs and full-immersion VR stories, this immediately grabbed my attention—but what surprised me most was how different it felt from most books in the genre. Kade’s physical disability fundamentally shapes both the emotional core of the story and the stakes within the game itself. In most VR LitRPGs, the virtual world is simply an escape or power fantasy. Here, Aethelgard is deeply personal. It’s the one place where Kade can move freely, feel independent, and connect to the legacy his father left behind. That emotional weight made the story hit harder than I expected.

    The concept behind the “Law of Conservation of Code” was one of the coolest parts of the book. Any change to the game must be balanced with a cost, and because Kade is considered the most unstable variable, he absorbs the consequences physically. It added genuine tension to every major action and made the coding mechanics feel dangerous rather than convenient. That said, the phrase itself was repeated a lot throughout the story—twenty-three times, according to my count—and it occasionally became distracting. Similarly, Kade consistently referring to his father by his full name instead of simply “Dad” during emotional moments felt a little unnatural to me.

    But honestly? Those were very minor complaints in an otherwise incredibly engaging read. I finished the book within 24 hours because once it gets moving, it’s hard to put down. The battle scenes are intense, the emotional moments land well, and the sentient NPCs completely stole my heart. I will always love stories where artificial beings blur the line between programming and personhood.

    And the revenge? Absolutely deserved. Vane got off far easier than I personally would have allowed. The ending leaves room for future books with a small cliffhanger that feels intriguing without being frustrating, and I would absolutely continue this series if the author expands the world further.

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You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG and VRMMO stories
• Full-immersion virtual reality worlds
• Disabled protagonists in fantasy/sci-fi
• Sentient NPCs and AI consciousness
• Cyberpunk corporations and conspiracies
• Emotional sci-fi adventures
• High-stakes coding and game mechanics
• Fast-paced action with emotional depth
• Ready Player One-style vibes
• Stories where virtual worlds truly matter

A fast-paced and emotionally grounded LitRPG that blends immersive VR gaming, corporate intrigue, and heartfelt character stakes into a genuinely compelling sci-fi adventure.

This book will be published June 1, 2026, but I do not yet have price points or if it will be available with Kindle Unlimited. I will update this page when I know more. 

Book Review: The Phantom Beast by K. B. Broas (The Seers Book 1)

 Genre: YA Sci-Fi Horror • Paranormal Thriller

Tropes: Teens with Powers, Hidden World, Small Town Horror, Psychic Abilities, Creatures in the Dark, Found Friendship, Cosmic Horror Vibes

Spice Level: None

Format: Paperback

Series: The Seers Book 1

    Jake is losing his mind. At least, that’s the only explanation that makes sense after watching his best friend literally fall from the sky and wake up buried in a golf course. Ever since surviving a cave collapse, Johnny has come back… different. He can see and manipulate mysterious forces he calls strands.

    Now Jake and Johnny's girlfriend are being pulled into a hidden reality where people can alter perception, manipulate emotions, and bend the world around them in terrifying ways. But Jake’s abilities are unlike the others. Instead of flying or controlling objects, he can make people feel disgusted —or force their attention to slide right past him entirely. And once you become aware of the strands, you also become visible to the things lurking in the dark. Especially the creatures hunting Johnny.

    I received a complimentary paperback copy of this book from the author, and first off—the cover is absolutely gorgeous. It immediately caught my attention, and thankfully the story inside lived up to it.

    This is a fast-paced YA sci-fi horror novel that follows three teenagers as they uncover a hidden world tied to these mysterious “strands” and the terrifying entities connected to them. What starts as confusion and discovery quickly spirals into something much darker.

    I really enjoyed watching the characters go from ordinary high school students starting a new school year to kids trying desperately to survive forces they barely understand. Their shared connection to the strands initially brings them closer together, but the horrors stalking them slowly begin tearing those bonds apart. 

    The horror elements were easily my favorite part. The whistling creatures were deeply unsettling—especially the way they lure people into trancelike states—and the larger entity capable of tearing apart reality itself to reach Johnny added genuine tension and danger to the story. The deeper the group gets into this hidden world, the more oppressive and terrifying everything becomes.

    The pacing stays strong throughout, and the story constantly pushes you forward wanting to know what happens next. Even seemingly smaller moments, like dealing with school bullies, end up feeding directly into the larger horror unfolding around them.

    That turning point? Incredible. It’s the moment the darkness truly notices them, and from there there’s no going back. As soon as I finished the book, I handed it off to my high-school-aged niece, and she ended up loving it just as much as I did. This feels like the kind of YA sci-fi horror that could easily hook both teen and adult readers alike. I’d absolutely read more from this author in the future.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• YA sci-fi horror
• Teenagers discovering supernatural powers
• Hidden worlds and secret abilities
• Creepy creatures lurking in the dark
• Cosmic horror vibes
• Fast-paced paranormal thrillers
• Friendship dynamics under pressure
• Psychological horror mixed with action
• Stranger Things-style energy

A tense and imaginative YA horror story packed with eerie creatures, mysterious powers, and teenagers thrown into a terrifying hidden reality.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 by clicking here. 

Book Review: We Are Legend by Daron Kappanauff

 Genre: YA Horror • Post-Apocalyptic Horror

Tropes: Apocalypse Survival, Monster Invasion, Teen Survivors, Creature Horror, Survival Camp, Cannibalism, Fast-Paced Horror

Spice Level: None

Format: Physical Book

Series: Standalone 

    Nine months after the goblin apocalypse began, a group of gifted teens are still surviving on their own. No adults. No real safety. And supplies are running dangerously low.

    If they want to survive much longer, they’ll have to leave the relative safety of their camp and venture back into a world overrun by flesh-hungry goblins. The problem? Every supply run could easily become their last. And even if they make it back alive… how long can this kind of survival really last?

    I received a physical copy of this book complimentary from the author. 

    First and foremost: check your triggers before going into this one. This YA horror contains a lot of teen death. Like… a lot. Child and teen death is usually an immediate DNF for me, and in this case I ended up skipping multiple scenes because it was simply too much for my personal tastes. That said, outside of that issue, the actual premise is incredibly fun.

    The book has a very strong Gremlins-inspired apocalypse feel. The goblins are chaotic, vicious little creatures with an appetite for human flesh, and the similarities in appearance to Gizmo were hard to miss—in the best way. The reveal surrounding how the goblins come into existence was fairly obvious early on, but the deeper explanation later in the story still worked well.

    The pacing is one of the book’s strongest elements. Once things start moving, the story barely slows down. Between the goblin attacks, survival tension, and moments of outright horror—including cannibalism—the book keeps the pressure high throughout.

    The author clearly has a talent for writing fast-paced creature horror and survival situations. I’d absolutely read more from him in the future… preferably with significantly fewer dead kids. At least let them turn eighteen first.

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You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Gremlins-style creature horror
• YA apocalypse survival stories
• Fast-paced monster attacks
• Survival camps and scavenging missions
• Horror with constant tension
• Creature features with gruesome stakes
• Post-apocalyptic worlds overrun by monsters

A brutal, creature-filled YA horror with nonstop action, survival tension, and goblin chaos straight out of a nightmare version of Gremlins.

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $0.99 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.

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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: Apocalypse by Kyle West (The Wasteland Chronicles Book 1)

 Author: Kyle West

Genre: Young Adult / Post-Apocalyptic / Dystopian Sci-Fi

Tropes: Bunker Survival, Coming of Age, Survival Journey, Found Allies, Hidden Truths, End of the World, Cliffhanger Ending

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: The Wasteland Chronicles Book 1

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    It’s been 30 years since the meteor Ragnarok crashed into Earth, forcing humanity into underground bunkers to survive. Of the original 144 bunkers, most have fallen—and no one knows why. The residents of Bunker 108 believe their only chance at survival is to remain completely closed off from the outside world.

    Until everything changes.

    When 16-year-old Alex goes on his first patrol with a senior guard, they discover a survivor from a neighboring bunker and bring him back. Within 24 hours, Bunker 108 falls—and Alex is forced to flee to a surface he’s only seen once in his life.

    This young adult post-apocalyptic novel throws you straight into the action and never lets up. The pacing is fast from the very beginning, making it an easy, bingeable read that keeps you turning pages. Even though this first installment focuses heavily on world-building and character setup, it never feels slow.

    As the story unfolds, we get key insights into what happened to Bunker 108, clues about the fall of other bunkers, and more information about the mysterious people Alex encounters on the surface. The world-building is layered in naturally, keeping the tension high while slowly revealing the bigger picture behind the apocalypse.

    Alex’s journey is filled with constant danger, making this a strong survival story with coming-of-age elements. Every chapter introduces new challenges, whether it’s navigating the unknown surface, dealing with other survivors, or uncovering unsettling truths about what’s really happening in this world.

    By the end, it’s clear this is just the beginning. While some questions are answered, many more are introduced, and the story ends on a light cliffhanger that sets up the next book in the series.

    Overall, this is an engaging YA dystopian survival story that balances action, mystery, and character development. If you’re looking for a fast-paced post-apocalyptic read with strong series potential, this is definitely worth picking up.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• YA post-apocalyptic or dystopian survival stories
• Bunker or underground society settings
• Fast-paced, action-driven plots
• Coming-of-age journeys in dangerous worlds
• Mystery elements surrounding the apocalypse
• Books that set up a larger series with cliffhangers

This book is available on Amazon for FREE 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: Nameless by Jessica Sorensen (The Broken City Book 1)

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic Romance / Paranormal Romance / Dystopian Romance

Tropes: Reverse Harem, Why Choose, Vampire Overlords, Captive Heroine, Found Family, Hidden Identity, Slow Burn Romance, Survival

Spice Level: None (so far)

Format: eBook 

Series: The Broken City Book 1

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    Humans don’t have names anymore. We are the Nameless—little more than cattle for the Wardens and the monsters that now rule what’s left of the world.

    But I had a name once. Allura.

    I can also do something most Nameless can’t: I can speak. And then there are the dreams—clear blue skies, green grass, and rain. Things that don’t seem to exist anymore. After years of imprisonment, I’m finally freed by Blaise and his group, only to discover that the outside world is nothing like those dreams. Which raises the question… were they ever just dreams at all?

    And if I start uncovering the truth about myself, I might become even more hunted than I already am.

    I originally picked this book up during a free deal and completely forgot about it until I was in the mood for a post-apocalyptic romance. Seeing that it was also a reverse harem (why choose) romance? Immediate bonus points.

    From the very first chapter, I was hooked.

    This is the kind of book that makes you ignore everything else you’re reading. I finished my original copy in one night—only to realize it was an older, much shorter version (about 64 pages). After some digging, I found out the author had combined multiple parts into an updated edition. I immediately downloaded it on Kindle Unlimited and flew through the next 100+ pages just as fast… only to hit another cliffhanger.

    And let me tell you—this story thrives on cliffhangers.

    The world-building is one of the most compelling parts of this dystopian paranormal romance. Earth has fallen, and vampire-like beings now control everything. The Wardens keep humans—the Nameless—imprisoned, while other creatures pay for the chance to feed on them. Most don’t survive long, but Allura is different. She doesn’t know how long she’s been captive or even how old she is, but she does know her essence is more valuable, she can speak, and she still has a name—even if she’s not allowed to use it.

    Once she’s freed, the story shifts into survival mode as she navigates a brutal, unfamiliar world with a group who has never known anything else. The found family dynamic starts to build here, and I was immediately attached to all of the guys.

    But Blaise? Absolutely my favorite.

    He’s a total sweetheart—at least when it comes to her—and I’m really hoping that continues as the relationships develop. As of where this book ends, this is very much a slow-burn reverse harem romance. There’s little to no spice yet, focusing instead on world-building, character development, and setting up future relationships.

    Overall, this is an incredibly addictive post-apocalyptic vampire-esque romance that will pull you in fast and leave you desperate for answers. The mystery, the characters, and the cliffhangers make it impossible to stop once you start.

And the best part? Books 2 and 3 are now available again—so unlike me originally, you don’t have to wait to continue.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Post-apocalyptic or dystopian romance
• Vampire or monster-controlled worlds
• Reverse harem / why choose romance
• Slow-burn relationships with strong buildup
• Found family and survival dynamics
• Books that hook you fast and end on cliffhangers

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $4.99 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: 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: 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: Fear Farm No Trespassers by S. J. Krandall

 Genre: Psychological Horror / Thriller

Tropes: Small Town Secrets, Unreliable Narrator, Disappearances, Serial Killer Threads, Short-Story Structure, High Tension

Spice Level: None

Format: Physical Copy (Signed Edition)

Series: Standalone

                Over the course of a year several people had gone missing from a section of deep country-side never to be heard from again. Rumors abound, but no one knows for sure what happened. A young woman obsessed with their fates begins to live them. Are they real or a figment of her imagination?

                I received a physical copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. That book was signed and even had a cute little photo of the actual farmhouse the author based the stories around.

 I like this book if you think of it like a series of short stories around one area. If you try to connect each chapter into one overall story that is where it gets confusing. I read it and reread parts and I still don’t know how they are connected. Outside of the murder bit.

That isn’t to say the book is bad, far from it. We have a high tension read where you never know if anyone is going to survive. Just because a story is from that person’s perspective doesn’t mean they will make it. I loved that part, because we usually know someone will live till the end.

The book is well written as a series of short stories. Each chapter has a new instance set in the same general area with the same murderer. That person may or may not be alive, but the risk is still the same. The stories had a very Twilight Zone feel to them and I would absolutely read more by this author in the future.

This book is available on Amazon for $8.99 by clicking here.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Psychological horror with an ambiguous edge
• Anthology-style storytelling
• Small town or rural thriller settings
• Stories where anyone can die
• Twilight Zone–inspired tension
• Atmospheric horror over gore

This is a strong, well-written collection that thrives on mood and unpredictability. I would absolutely read more from this author in the future.

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.