Book Review: Quest for Love by Danielle Hill (Hearts at Play Book 1)

Genre: Young Adult Romance • Contemporary Romance

Tropes: Online Friends, Gamer Romance, Hidden Identity, College Romance, Friends to Lovers, Slow Burn, Closed Door Romance, Meet Cute, Online Gaming, Love Triangle (Perceived)

Spice Level: None

Format: eBook

Series: Hearts at Play Book 1

    When Arden's best friend leaves for the summer, she decides to see what all the excitement surrounding online gaming is about. Logging into Quest for Camalor for the first time, she has no idea what she's doing until one friendly player takes her under his wing. Before long, he's introduced her to his group of friends, and what starts as simply learning the game slowly turns into something much more. 

    At least for Arden. As the weeks pass, she finds herself developing real feelings for the boy behind the screen. So when she discovers they attend the same college, asking to meet in person feels like the obvious next step. His answer isn't what she expected. Now Arden is left wondering if she completely misread everything between them—or if there's more going on than she realizes.

    I picked this book up after downloading it for free quite a while ago and finally got around to reading it for my alphabet reading challenge. It ended up being a charming surprise.

    This is a sweet young adult romance featuring college sophomores and a completely closed-door romance. As someone who spends plenty of time gaming on PC—and whose husband is also a gamer—the premise immediately appealed to me. There's just something fun about the idea of meeting someone online, building a genuine friendship through a game, and then discovering they're living in the very same town. It made the romance feel both modern and incredibly relatable.

    The author also does a great job directing the reader toward one potential love interest while quietly planting clues about where the story is actually headed. I had my suspicions fairly early on, simply because it's a trope I read with some frequence, but even knowing where I thought things were going didn't take away from the enjoyment. Watching everything unfold was still satisfying, and I appreciated how naturally the mystery was woven into the romance.

    Despite being only 157 pages, the story never felt rushed. The pacing works well for the length, allowing enough time to connect with the characters while still delivering a complete and satisfying romance. By the end, I found myself hoping we'd eventually get a story featuring Arden's best friend, Solana. She was a fun supporting character, and I'd happily come back to this world if she gets her own happily ever after.

    This book is available on Kindle Unlimited or buy it on Amazon for $3.61 by clicking here. 

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Gamer romances
• Online friendships that become something more
• Hidden identity romance
• College-age characters
• Sweet, closed-door romance
• Friends-to-lovers vibes
• Cozy contemporary reads
• Wholesome relationship development
• Fast, feel-good books
• Stories centered around online gaming

A heartwarming gamer romance that perfectly captures the excitement of forming real connections through online games while delivering a sweet, wholesome love story that's easy to read in a single sitting.

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: 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: Day of the Bluebirds by Tarin Elbert

Genre: Science Fiction • Techno-Thriller • Sci-Fi Thriller

Tropes: Self-Driving Cars, Cyberterrorism, Secret Society, Alien Intervention, Military Task Force, Star-Crossed Lovers, Political Conspiracy, First Contact, Multiple POVs

Spice Level: 🌶️

Format: Hardback

Series: Potential Series Starter

    The future promised safer roads. Self-driving vehicles were supposed to be unhackable. Perfect. Foolproof. Until someone proved otherwise. When a secret organization gains control of autonomous vehicles and turns them into assassination tools targeting world leaders, governments scramble to stop an invisible enemy. A multinational military task force is assembled, but after months of investigation they've uncovered little beyond whispers of someone known only as The Reacher.

    As if cyberterrorism wasn't enough, mysterious alien beings—communicating only through dreams and cryptic visions—appear determined to prevent humanity from destroying itself. The question is...why?

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

    This is a fast-paced sci-fi thriller that took me a little while to settle into. The story opens with several seemingly unrelated events before gradually revealing how everything connects. Once those pieces begin falling into place, though, the book becomes incredibly engaging and difficult to put down.

    There are a lot of moving parts throughout the story, making this one of those books that's easiest to enjoy in longer reading sessions. I'm normally someone who reads in small chunks throughout the day, but I found myself needing to dedicate larger stretches of time so I wouldn't lose track of all the interconnected storylines. That's less of a criticism and more of a recommendation for the best reading experience.

    One of my favorite aspects was the aliens themselves. Rather than the typical humanoid extraterrestrials, they're portrayed as glowing spheres of light that communicate through dreams and fragmented messages. It gave the first-contact element a unique, almost ethereal feeling that fit the story surprisingly well.

    I also really enjoyed how the romance developed. The star-crossed lovers storyline blended naturally into the larger conspiracy, and it was satisfying watching all the seemingly separate plot threads weave together by the end. It's fascinating to think these two characters never would have crossed paths without all of the outside interference—and yet they clearly end up better together because of it.

    The ending wraps up the main conflict well while still leaving readers with plenty of new questions during the final pages. It definitely feels like there's room for this world to continue if the author decides to revisit it, and I'd happily read another installment.

    One thing worth mentioning is that there is some romance and spice sprinkled throughout the novel. The scenes aren't especially explicit, but they are open door, which isn't something I see very often in sci-fi thrillers, so it was a pleasant surprise.

    Overall, this was an entertaining blend of science fiction, political conspiracy, technology, and romance that kept me curious to see how everything would eventually connect.

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

⭐ You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Techno-thrillers with AI and futuristic technology
• Self-driving cars and cyberterrorism
• Political conspiracies
• Alien first-contact stories
• Military task force investigations
• Multiple interconnected storylines
• Star-crossed romance
• Fast-paced sci-fi mysteries
• Near-future speculative fiction
• Books that leave you thinking after the final page

A smart, action-packed sci-fi thriller that combines futuristic technology, political intrigue, alien intervention, and romance into a story that's both thought-provoking and entertaining. I'd absolutely read more if this world continues.

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 Beginning by Joshua Kern (The Game of Gods Book 1)

 Genre: LitRPG • Progression Fantasy • Apocalypse Fantasy

Tropes: System Apocalypse, Mythology-Inspired Gods, Chosen Champion, Survival Quest, Animal Companion, Anti-Social MC, Leveling System, Divine Challenges, Found Family, Road Trip Adventure

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook

Series: The Game of Gods Book 1

    The gods are tired of being forgotten. After centuries of fading into myth and legend, they decide to remind humanity exactly who they are. Their solution? End the world and turn survival into a game. Some gods choose human champions. Others choose monsters. 

    Charles, however, misses the announcement entirely because he sleeps through the apocalypse. The punishment is immediate and brutal: he loses the ability to sleep until he completes twelve divine challenges. His first task seems simple enough—travel from Colorado to Maine and find his sister, potentially the last surviving member of his family. The problem? The world is overrun with monsters, everyone else can grow stronger while sleeping, and Charles can't. Armed with a few divine gifts and accompanied by a loyal canine companion named Alley, Charles sets out across a shattered world where surviving one day at a time is an accomplishment in itself.

    I stumbled across this audiobook while browsing Audible's included catalog and looking for something to fill the void while waiting to continue another series. I've been on a massive LitRPG kick lately, and this one ended up being exactly what I was hoping for. The apocalypse setup grabbed me immediately. Instead of the typical system arrival, we get gods actively participating in humanity's downfall and transformation. The mythology elements add a fun twist to the genre, especially because the gods aren't distant figures—they are directly involved in shaping the world and influencing the people trapped inside it.

    Charles makes for an interesting protagonist as well. He's an anti-social computer programmer who suddenly finds himself navigating a world where social skills might actually be useful. Watching him adapt to impossible circumstances while dealing with the curse of sleeplessness creates a constant sense of urgency throughout the story. 

    The real star of the book, however, is Alley. Give me a giant husky companion that gets bigger, stronger, smarter, and more powerful as she levels up, and I am immediately invested. I will never get tired of animal companions gaining intelligence and becoming full-fledged characters. Every scene involving Alley was a highlight for me, and she easily stole the show.

    Beyond the action and monster fights, I also appreciated the character development. Along the journey, Charles gains new allies and encounters challenges that force him to grow beyond the isolated life he lived before the apocalypse. One particular storyline involving a new companion added a surprising amount of emotional depth and helped develop both characters in meaningful ways. The pacing stays consistently strong throughout, with plenty of combat, progression, and system-based advancement to keep things moving. By the end, the major characters feel well established, the world has expanded considerably, and the groundwork has been laid for future books.

    While the story does end on a cliffhanger, it feels like a satisfying first installment because so much time is spent developing the characters and setting up the larger journey ahead.

    As for the audiobook, I thought the narration was excellent. The narrator delivered clear character voices, handled the action sequences well, and—most importantly—never had any distracting pronunciations that pulled me out of the story. It's a single-narrator production, but I never struggled to follow conversations or identify who was speaking.

    At this point I've already read Book 2, which should tell you everything you need to know about how much I enjoyed this one. And yes, Book 3 is absolutely on my TBR.

You'll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• System apocalypse stories
• LitRPGs with strong progression systems
• Mythology-inspired fantasy worlds
• Gods interfering directly with humanity
• Animal companions that level up
• Survival adventures across post-apocalyptic landscapes
• Anti-social protagonists forced to grow
• Monster hunting and dungeon-style combat
• Road trip fantasy adventures
• Audiobooks with strong narration

A highly entertaining LitRPG apocalypse featuring divine challenges, nonstop progression, memorable characters, and one of the best animal companions I've read in a long time. Alley alone is worth the price of admission.

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

Book Review: Bone Witch by Ivy Asher (The Osseous Chronicles Book 1)

Genre: Urban Fantasy • Paranormal Romance • Dark Fantasy

Tropes: Bone Witch, Blood Magic, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Bonding, Shifters, Magical Inheritance, Reluctant Heroine, Found Powers, Betrayal, Slow Burn Romance

Spice Level: None (Romantic Tension, No Real Spice Yet)

Format: eBook

Series: The Osseous Chronicles Book 1

    Just because Lennox was born into the Osseoumancer family never meant she expected to inherit the bones. Surely they would pass to her cousin—the one who actually showed talent for the family magic. But after her grandmother dies, the enchanted bones mysteriously appear on Lennox’s table after a long shift working as a masseuse. And just like that, her old life is over.

    Now responsible for her grandmother’s magic shop, Lennox must quickly learn how to wield dangerous bone magic, bond with a familiar, and navigate a supernatural world she never expected to inherit. But before she can even settle into her new role, Rogan Kendrick walks into the shop searching for answers about his missing brother. Then he magically binds Lennox to him against her will. His deal is simple: help him find his brother, and he’ll remove the binding. Assuming she survives long enough to collect.

    This was another case of TikTok convincing me to buy a book, and honestly? It did not disappoint when it came to atmosphere and magic. The bone witch elements were easily my favorite part of the story. The entire concept of osseoumancy felt dark, unique, and incredibly fun to read about. Add blood witches and shifters into the mix and I was immediately invested in the world.

    The pacing is fast right from the beginning, and the story feels very much like stepping into a fully established magical underground society. Lennox gets thrown headfirst into powers, responsibilities, magical politics, and dangerous people before she even has time to process her grandmother’s death.

    I also really liked Lennox as a main character. She’s capable without instantly becoming overpowered, and she reacts to everything happening around her in a way that actually feels believable. Watching her slowly step into her grandmother’s role while trying to figure out who she can trust kept me hooked the entire time.

    As for Rogan…that man tested my patience. For most of the book I was fully on board with the enemies-to-lovers tension and the reluctant partnership between them. There’s a lot of chemistry simmering beneath the surface, even though this first book has basically no actual spice. But those final chapters? Absolutely not. The betrayal pushed me right to the edge of wanting to throw the book across the room. Maybe he gets an incredible redemption arc later in the series. Maybe not. Currently undecided.

    The shifters, however? No complaints there. I would not be remotely upset if Lennox decided one of them was the better option.

    This book definitely reads more like the beginning of a larger story rather than a fully self-contained installment. We spend most of the time establishing the world, meeting the major players, uncovering magical history, and setting up future conflicts. Very little is wrapped up by the ending, and it closes on a pretty significant cliffhanger.

    At the moment I’m undecided on whether I’ll continue the series, but I’ve been trying to get better about actually finishing series I start…so we’ll see.

You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• Dark urban fantasy with unique magic systems
• Bone witches and blood magic
• Enemies-to-lovers tension
• Morally gray love interests
• Forced magical bonds
• Shifters and supernatural politics
• Slow burn paranormal romance
• Atmospheric magical shops
• FMCs inheriting dangerous powers
• Books that end with dramatic betrayal

A fast-paced paranormal fantasy filled with bone magic, supernatural intrigue, reluctant attraction, and just enough betrayal to leave you emotionally wounded by the final page.

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

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: 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: 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: Dungeon Incursions 3 by Adam Bright (Dungeon Incursions Book 3)

 Genre: LitRPG • Post-Apocalyptic Fantasy • Dungeon Crawl

Tropes: Dungeon Runs, Monster Portals, Team Progression, Apocalypse Survival, Leveling System, Government Control

Spice Level:  None

Format: Audiobook

Series: Dungeon Incursions Book 3

    Lance and his team have survived another brutal dungeon run and are steadily leveling up in the aftermath of the apocalypse. Once they’ve stopped “vibrating” enough for another incursion to be considered safe, they head toward a farm two hours outside the city. But outside the dungeons, the world is still changing. The government has issued a new directive that could drastically alter how survivors move forward—and Lance’s group will have to decide where they stand before the next portal opens.

    I’ve now read the first three installments in this series, and they absolutely need to be read in order. That said, I use the term “book” loosely here because these read more like episodic dungeon-crawling adventures than full-length novels.

    The primary focus is very clearly dungeon runs, combat sequences, monster encounters, and power progression.

    And honestly? The dungeon sections are the only fun bit. The portals themselves are one of the coolest aspects of the series. Each dungeon functions like a gateway into another world where monsters spill into Earth until the boss is defeated and the surviving humans are ejected back into reality. It’s a fantastic premise and creates nonstop tension whenever the team enters a new incursion.

    This installment’s dwarven enemies were especially well described, and the action scenes remain the strongest part of the series. The author clearly excels at combat and environmental descriptions.

    Where the series struggles a bit for me is outside the action. Even after three installments, there’s been very little character development, and I’m still not heavily invested in the cast themselves. The quieter moments often feel rushed—as though the story is eager to get back into the next dungeon instead of slowing down long enough to deepen the characters or world-building outside the incursions.

    Because of that, these feel more like “episodes” than fully fleshed-out novels. That isn’t necessarily bad—it just depends on what you’re looking for. If you want nonstop dungeon action and progression mechanics, this absolutely delivers. If you’re hoping for deep emotional arcs or heavy character-driven storytelling, it may feel a little thin.

    I already own the next two installments through the box set, so I’ll definitely keep going to see if the emotional investment catches up with the excellent premise.

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You’ll Love This Book If You Enjoy:

• LitRPG apocalypse stories
• Dungeon crawling and boss battles
• Fast-paced action over heavy character drama
• Monster-filled alternate worlds
• Team-based leveling systems
• Episodic fantasy adventures
• Portal fantasy with survival stakes
• Continuous combat and progression mechanics

A fun, action-heavy LitRPG with an excellent dungeon concept that shines brightest when the monsters start pouring through the portals.

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

Books by this author: 

Dungeon Incursions Book 1

Dungeon Incursions Book 2

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)

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    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.

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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: Fatkini by Monica Ross (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 1)

 Author: Monica Ross

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Plus Size Romance

Tropes: Body Positivity, Plus Size FMC, Toxic Ex, Healing Journey, MFM Romance, Why Choose Vibes, Self-Discovery, Workplace Romance

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Format: eBook

Series: The Fatkini Chronicles

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    Zelda is done being hidden away and torn down by her boyfriend of two years. The final straw? Him mocking the bikini she bought—calling it a “fatkini” and comparing her to a beached whale. According to him, someone her size shouldn’t wear things like that.

    Yeah… absolutely not.

    When Zelda finally walks away, it opens the door for something much better—especially when Aithan and Drew step in and make it their mission to show her just how gorgeous she really is.

    This plus size romance had been sitting on my TBR for a while, and it delivered exactly what I was hoping for. A toxic relationship gets left in the dust, and the FMC steps into something healthier, more supportive, and honestly? Way hotter.

    Her ex is the kind of character you love to hate—the slow-burn toxic type who chips away at confidence over time until you start believing the lies. That kind of emotional damage is hard to walk away from, and even harder not to go back to. Watching Zelda break free from that mindset and choose herself was incredibly satisfying.

    The journey of self-discovery is a huge highlight here. From how she handles the breakup to exploring her confidence, her body, and what she actually wants out of life and relationships—it all feels empowering without losing the emotional weight behind it.

    I also loved the dynamics between Zelda, her author friend, and her ex’s boss. The relationships build in a way that feels natural while still bringing plenty of tension and chemistry. This is definitely an open-door, spicy contemporary romance, with MFM dynamics that hint at possibly expanding further as the series continues.

    One detail I didn’t expect to love as much as I did was the lifestyle and food aspect. Zelda’s commitment to her health and diet added another layer to her character, and it even inspired me to look into some of the recipes mentioned for my own health issues that I am also supposed to be on an AIP diet for. 

    Overall, this is an empowering, spicy plus size romance that balances emotional growth with steamy relationships and leaves you wanting more. And that ending? Total cliffhanger. I immediately needed book two.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Plus size, body positivity romance
• Escaping toxic relationships and healing journeys
• Spicy MFM / why choose romance dynamics
• Strong character growth and self-love arcs
• Supportive, confidence-boosting love interests
• Books that end on cliffhangers and make you binge the series

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

Books by this author: 

The Skinny (The Fatkini Chronicles Book 2)

Book Review: The Librarian of Crooked Lane by C. J. Archer (The Glass Library Book 1)

 Author: C. J. Archer

Genre: Historical Fantasy / Mystery / Magical Realism

Tropes: Hidden Magic, Post-War Setting, Quest for Answers, Family Secrets, Slow-Burn Relationship, Amateur Sleuth, Artifact/Art Theft Mystery

Spice Level: None

Format: Audiobook

Series: The Glass Library Book 1

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    Sylvia was a reporter during the war, but now that the men have returned home, there’s no place for her in that world anymore. Not that she misses it. Instead, she finds quiet comfort working in a library, repairing books and keeping to herself. With no real family left—her mother and brother gone, and no knowledge of her father—she’s always lived a transient life, moving from place to place.

    But everything changes when she reads her late brother’s journal.

    Inside, he writes about magic—about the possibility that their family was connected to it—and his search for a mysterious magician named Glass. Determined to uncover the truth, Sylvia sets out with her friend to track down the elusive Glass family and finally get answers about her past.

    Along the way, they stumble into an unexpected art theft mystery that pulls them deeper into a world of secrets, danger, and hidden magic.

    I listened to this as an audiobook, and I’ll admit—it took a little while to fully grab my attention. Historical settings, especially ones with older social dynamics, aren’t usually my go-to. While this leans more WWII/post-war than Regency, it still carries some of those same frustrations, particularly with how women are treated.

    That said, once the story gets going, it really pulls you in.

    This historical fantasy blends mystery and magic in a way that keeps you guessing. Sylvia’s journey through London, following the clues left behind in her brother’s journal, is engaging and layered with emotion. She’s searching not just for answers about him, but about herself—and keeps hitting dead ends until one name changes everything: Glass.

    The magician she’s searching for is one of the last known magic users, though she rarely practices anymore. That mystery alone is compelling, but when combined with the art theft plotline, the story gains a strong sense of momentum. The investigation feels real, the twists land well, and while the theft itself is resolved, the bigger questions surrounding Sylvia’s past are left open—ending in a solid cliffhanger that sets up the next installment.

    One thing I kept questioning throughout the book was whether this would turn into a romance. The dynamic between Sylvia and Gabe walks that line, but as of now, it reads more like a slow-burn partnership or colleagues working toward a common goal. Personally, I’m hoping it stays that way—at least unless circumstances change—because certain tropes (looking at you, cheating) just aren’t for me.

    Overall, this is a strong historical fantasy mystery with a unique blend of magic, post-war atmosphere, and investigative intrigue. Once it finds its footing, it becomes an engaging and rewarding read.

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⭐ You’ll like this book if you enjoy:

• Historical fantasy set around WWII or post-war London
• Hidden magic and magical realism
• Mystery-driven plots with investigations
• Female protagonists searching for identity and truth
• Slow-burn character dynamics (romance-light or ambiguous)
• Stories with layered secrets and cliffhanger endings

This book is available on Amazon for $4.99 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.