Feathers So Vicious by Liv Zander

Title: Feathers So Vicious (Court of Ravens #1)

Author: Liv Zander

Publisher: Ink Heart Publishing 2023

Genre: Romantasy

Pages: 412

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: She Reads Romance - Fantasy

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 8

Perched between branches and shadows, We watch, we scheme, Fighting for a kingdom forgotten and forlorn.

Until we rip her away with our claws, Our prisoner, our pawn, our plaything.

She’s innocent and pure, Fragile and helpless… …but oh so guilty by blood.

She calls us beasts, Wicked and evil, Vicious and cruel.

We are all that and worse.

One of us offers her shelter beneath his wings, Whispering promises of pleasure, Seeking redemption.

The other longs to shatter her into a million pieces, Whispering promises of pain, Seeking revenge.

Caught between our feathers, She endures our deranged desires, Our secrets, our lies, Our twisted plans.

Will she surrender to our darkness, or fight for a destiny growing ever elusive?

Welcome to the Court of Ravens, little white dove.

While I loved the magic system and some of the world building in here, I just could not get behind the romance. The literal torture the FMC received from the two men was too much for me to suspend my disbelief and go with it. I guess I found my limit for dark romance.

Court of Ravens

• #1 Feathers So Vicious

• #2 Shadows So Cruel

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Geographer's Map to Romance by India Holton

Title: The Geographer’s Map to Romance (Love’s Academic #2)

Author: India Holton

Publisher: Berkley 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 368

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - New Year, New Love (Second Chance)

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 5

Professor Elodie Tarrant is an expert in magic disasters. Nothing fazes her—except her own personal disaster, that is: Professor Gabriel Tarrant, the grumpy, unfriendly man she married for convenience a year ago, whom she secretly loves.

Gabriel is also an expert in magic disasters. And nothing fazes him either—except the walking, talking tornado that is his wife. They’ve been estranged since shortly after their wedding day, but that hasn’t stopped him from stoically pining for her.

When magic erupts in a small Welsh village, threatening catastrophe for the rest of England, Elodie and Gabriel are accidentally both assigned to the case. With the fate of the country in their hands, they must come together as a team in the face of perilous conditions like explosions, domesticated goats, and only one bed. But this is easier said than done. After all, there's no navigational guide for the geography of the heart.

I just really enjoy India Holton’s writing style. She weaves together the stuffiness of characters and language from the 19th century with madcap adventures and witty banter of today. I enjoyed the first book in this series, but I think I might just have enjoyed the second book even more. Ellie and Gabe and the best odd pairing. Their romance is somehow far-fetched but believable. I love that they both are so invested in their field of study and true scholars. And then there’s the fun and silly magic thrown in. It made all the adventures seems like a great time. I cannot wait to see what Holton writes next.

Love’s Academic

• #1 The Ornithologist’s Field Guide to Love

• #2 The Geographer’s Map to Romance

Next up on the TBR pile:

Seoulmates by Susan Lee

Title: Seoulmates

Author: Susan Lee

Publisher: Inkyard Press 2022

Genre: YA Romance

Pages: 314

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Lotus and Lei (AAPI Author); Cover Lover - POC

Where I Got It: Library

Hannah Cho had the next year all planned out—the perfect summer with her boyfriend, Nate, and then a fun senior year with their friends.

But then Nate does what everyone else in Hannah’s life seems to do—he leaves her, claiming they have nothing in common. He and all her friends are newly obsessed with K-pop and K-dramas, and Hannah is not. After years of trying to embrace the American part and shunning the Korean side of her Korean American identity to fit in, Hannah finds that’s exactly what now has her on the outs.

But someone who does know K-dramas—so well that he’s actually starring in one—is Jacob Kim, Hannah’s former best friend, whom she hasn’t seen in years. He’s desperate for a break from the fame, so a family trip back to San Diego might be just what he needs…that is, if he and Hannah can figure out what went wrong when they last parted and navigate the new feelings developing between them.

Two friends recommended this book because of my love of K-Pop and K-Dramas. I went into it knowing very little. One of those things is that I didn’t realize that it was YA until I got the physical book. Not my usual cup of romance tea, but I thought I would try it. And overall, it was good. Not great, but good. There is some teenage angst sprinkled, but not too much. Mostly I was annoyed by the whole “let’s pretend to be dating to make my (IMO worthless) ex-boyfriend jealous so he takes me back.” UM, girl. Step away from the bland boy who clearly does not see you at all. I did want to see more adventures between Hannah and Jacob around San Diego. There was a lack of fun! I wanted to really buy them as a couple. So ultimately, I ended up giving this one 3 stars. Good, but nothing to get super excited about.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Divine Intervention by R.M. Virtues

Title: Divine Intervention (Black Rose Auction #2)

Author: R.M. Virtues

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 219

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered

Spice Rating: 7

In this Goldilocks remix, a witch must work with her ex's father (who she betrayed) and an angel to steal a magical chalice from the auction floor. But things get scorchingly complicated when all three agree that revenge is best served in the bedroom...

And that's just the beginning. Accept your invitation to this exclusive auction. You never know who you might see there...

After the success of Katee Robert’s story, I went into this one with high hopes. Unfortunately I could barely make it through the story. The author uses my least favorite romance trope “daddy play.” I just could not keep hearing the FMC call her lover “daddy” especially considering that he was the actual father of her husband. I have very few icks when it comes to romance. This is one of them. Definitely not a story for me. I mean I really should have known from that tagline. Nope.

Black Rose Auction

• #1 Wicked Pursuit

• #2 Divine Intervention

• #3 Stolen Vows

• #4 Irresistible Devil

• #5 Shattered Innocence

• #6 Royal Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Wicked Pursuit by Katee Robert

Title: Wicked Pursuit (Black Rose Auction #1)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Trinkets and Tales LLC 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 277

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Preordered!

Spice Rating: 7

A mafia heiress meets her match when a dangerously obsessed stalker claims her as his own. In this scorching reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood, bestselling author Katee Robert pulls back the curtain on a world where forbidden tastes are explored, loyalty is lethal, and love is the most dangerous game of all.

I had seen this series teased on Katee Robert’s instagram for months. Unfortunately I do not pay for her Patreon and so had to wait until it was published more traditionally. Thankfully that was in March and I snacthed this up. I didn’t get around to reading until just a bit ago, but devour it I did. We get a Little Red Riding Hood retelling where Red is not so innocent and the Wolf is wearing many disguises. I do love a good stalker romance as an escape fantasy. I don’t often turn there, but I trust Robert to not lead me astray. I could have used a bit more meat to this story, but I understand that they are supposed to be novellas and started as an author challenge. I cannot wait to read the stories from the other authors.

Black Rose Auction

• #1 Wicked Pursuit

• #2 Divine Intervention

• #3 Stolen Vows

• #4 Irresistible Devil

• #5 Shattered Innocence

• #6 Royal Heart

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 8

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 8

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 256

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“ONE OF YOU HAS TO DIE IN THE END.”Just when all hope of unearthing Raeliana’s memories seems lost…enter Iosa Ben! The dark priestess has the ability to awaken truths long since buried—and Raeliana is damned if she doesn’t finally get answers. But along with those answers comes Iosa’s ominous warning that her days are numbered, and she and Noah can no longer afford to stay on the defensive. As soon as they think they’ve finally got Beatrice backed into a corner, though, the ex-heroine turns around…and frames Raeliana for murder?!

AHHHH!!!! I have been so sucked into this story. I am desperate to see how the entire things concludes. I cannot believe the reveal about Beatrice and who she really is. And the political intrigues and Vivian and the high priest and priestess. And there’s still some lingering mysteries with Adam. I devoured this volume in one feverish sit-down. Unfortunately I have to wait until October to find out what happens… Boo.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 7

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 7

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2022

Genre: Manga

Pages: 284

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“THE ONLY ONE WHO MAKES MY HEART RACE EVER SO IS YOU.”Raeliana is off to save Noah from the terrorists’ trap, gun in hand and ready for action! But when the ominous sounds of explosions reverberate, she is horribly unprepared to find Noah gravely injured. Overwhelmed by guilt, Raeliana finally lets her big, body-jumping secret come tumbling from her mouth…and in the heat of the moment, so too follows a confession of love! With all laid bare between them, the couple should finally be on the path to their happily ever after, right? But the book this world takes place in is called Beatrice, not Raeliana, and the true heroine is fed up with waiting to take her rightful place. She’ll kill Raeliana with her own hands if she has to!

All the things are finally seeing the light of day! I really love where the relationship between Raeliana and Noah is going. I feel like they are finally actually getting not he same page. I do love it when characters finally talk to each other. I heartedly dislike the miscommunication trope. And we get to dig into Beatrice and why she seems so intent on killing Raeliana.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 6

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 6

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2021

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF SHE APPEARS BEFORE YOU…WILL YOU STILL LOVE ME THE SAME?”As the first snow of the year descends in luscious flurries on Chamus, so too follows a romantic legend: Couples whose ties bind under such a sky shall live happily ever after. Noah, swept up by the romantic tale, vows his love once more to Raeliana, offering her a ring anew—only this time, it’s not a contractual farce. Forced to confront her feelings and just how her actions have changed the plot, Raeliana is still none the wiser to how twisted things have become. Enter Beatrice, the original heroine…now turned villain! She’ll do anything to see Raeliana dead—and Noah may very well end up as collateral damage…

A slow volume set in the snow. I know that the series needed a quiet volume before the last three action oriented volumes.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 5

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 5

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 286

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

A PLACE TO RETURN— NOT FOR THE RAELIANA McMILLAN WHO WAS…BUT FOR ME.Raeliana is putting on her detective cap! Set on unraveling the secrets behind her strange reincarnation, she starts digging into original-Raeliana’s past—which happens to entail an extended leave from the duke’s mansion. In light of her recent rejection of Noah’s advances and Justin Shamal’s persistent flirtations, this investigation may be just what she needs. Little does she know, the fated meeting between Beatrice and the duke has finally come to pass! With plot point after plot point from the novel playing out, will Noah’s heart join in following destiny’s script…?

Finally we get to see more about the workings of Raeliana’s body switch and learn a bit more. But my favorite part of this volume was the rivalry between Justin and Noah. Love it! Extra surprise, we finally get the appearance of Beatrice! Where is this series going to go next?

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 4

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 4

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 283

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

“IF BEATRICE DOES SHOW UP…WILL HE KEEP LOVING ME?”

Raeliana is being held hostage! Well, sort of. After being summoned to the palace by Noah’s half brother, King Siathrich, she’s forced to stay there—and to confront the future of her relationship with Noah. Considering the kiss he planted on her while she was sick, it’s obvious there are feelings involved, but the ever-present weight of Beatrice’s existence complicates things. Still, Raeliana doesn’t intend to sit around waiting for her Duke Charming Noah to come save her, and she’s got a plan…Little does she know, the universe has something else in store!

Loved the introduction of the King. He’s such a mysterious figured. I love how Raeliana is not afraid of him and even challenges him occasionally. I also love the dichotomy between Siathrich and Noah. Added another fun element to this series. I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 3

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 3

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2023

Genre: Manga

Pages: 288

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

It’s off to the temple for the torch-lighting ceremony! But what should be a mundane ritual is turned on its head when the legendary priest Heika Demint takes a liking to Raeliana…and demands Noah break up with her?! Meanwhile, Vivian Shamal is determined to have the duke for herself—and desperate times call for desperate (and deadly) measures. As the day of Beatrice and Noah’s fated first encounter approaches and the terms of Raeliana and Noah’s engagement draw to a close, it seems inevitable for the couple to go their separate ways… So why does Noah insist he still needs his fake fiancée?!

Oh we get a villain character introduced in this volume! I love seeing Raeliana adjust to the differences from the book and what she is actually experiencing. I’m very obsessed with this series. It’s just so much fun!

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 2

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 2

Author: Whale

Publisher: Yen Press 2018

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Raeliana McMillan thought she was escaping death through her fake engagement to Duke Noah Wynknight…only to realize that he’s a whole different kind of danger! Thoughtful and flirty one moment, cold and calculating the next, Noah is quickly blurring the line between obligation and volition. On top of that, her resentful ex and Noah’s jealous admirers all seem to be plotting against her—as if she didn’t have enough to worry about. And with the heroine Noah is fated to fall for missing, Raeliana’s starting to wonder just how much her actions are changing the story…

Yeah! We finally get this story really going! I loved seeing Raeliana interact with all the characters, especially Adam, and start to figure out her storyline. We get to see elements of more mysteries in the background as well as some great little action scenes. And we get a monster hunt! I am very intrigued as to where this is going. Also, what’s with the seemingly telepathic connection between Noah and Adam? Interesting…

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke's Mansion Vol. 1

Title: Why Raeliana Ended Up at the Duke’s Mansion Vol. 1: A His-and-hers Contract

Author: Milcha

Publisher: Yen Press 2017

Genre: Manga

Pages: 272

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Eunha Park thought she was getting another chance at life when she awoke in the world of a novel. The only problem? Raeliana McMillan, the character she was reborn as, is fated to be killed by her fiancé! For the sake of her survival, she comes up with an idea—get into a fake marriage with a man more powerful than her groom-to-be. But when that protection comes in the form of Noah Wynknight, the duke with a warm smile and cold heart, Raeliana realizes she might be a bit in over her head…She’s going to regret this plan, isn’t she?

Okay… the premise of thus series is just silly and yet I was very intrigued by it. I was wanting something a bit more lighthearted and fun after my focus on horror manga. We dive into a book within a story and follow Eunha as she inhabits Raeliana’s body and life. The first volume was pretty slow, but that was to be expected. We needed to meet all the characters and acclimate to the world. Still I was entertained and cannot wait to keep reading.

Why Raeliana….

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

Next up on the TBR pile:

Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti

Title: Ne’er Duke Well (Belvoir’s Library #1)

Author: Alexandra Vasti

Publisher: Griffin 2024

Genre: Romance

Pages: 352

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Sunset Picnic (New-to-me Author); Cover Lover - Period Clothing

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Level: 5

Peter Kent—newly inherited Duke of Stanhope and recently of New Orleans, Louisiana—must become respectable. Between his radical politics and the time he interrupted a minor royal wedding with a flock of sheep—not his fault!—he’s developed a scandalous reputation at odds with his goal of becoming guardian to his half siblings. For help, he turns to the cleverest and most managing woman of his acquaintance, Lady Selina Ravenscroft.

Selina is society’s most proper debutante, save one tiny secret: she runs an erotic circulating library for women. When Peter asks for her help, she suggests courtship and marriage to a lady of unimpeachable reputation. (Which is to say, definitely not herself.)

But matchmaking doesn’t go according to plan. Peter’s siblings run rampant on Bond Street. Selina ends up in the Serpentine. And worst of all, the scorching chemistry between Peter and Selina proves impossible to resist. For the disreputable duke and his unpredictable matchmaker, falling in love just might be the ultimate scandal.

I don’t remember where I saw this book recommended, but the review focused on the wit and comedy along with the steam. Sounded perfect for me! I grabbed it from the library and dove in. Overall, I’m a huge fan of Peter and Selina’s love story. They are two characters clearly meant to be together, but of course, Selina doesn’t see it. I really enjoy romances where the man falls first if it’s a hetero pairing. They do have great banter throughout the book. I loved their interactions and Selina’s schemes to get Peter a wife. My biggest complaint was the quick ending. We didn’t really get to see enough of the two characters after they decide to marry. My eternal complaint about romances.

Belvoir’s Library

• #1 Ne’er Duke Well

• #2 Earl Crush

• #3 Ladies in Hating

Next up on the TBR pile:

Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez

Title: Say You’ll Remember Me

Author: Abby Jimenez

Publisher: Forever 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 368

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Valentine’s Day (Grand Gesture); Read Around the USA - California

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 4

There's no such thing as a perfect guy, but Xavier Rush comes disastrously close. A gorgeous veterinarian giving Greek god vibes—all while cuddling a tiny kitten? Immediate yes. That is until Xavier opens his mouth and proves that even sculpted gods can say the absolute wrong thing. Like, really wrong. Of course, there’s nothing Samantha loves more than proving an asshole wrong . . . unless, of course, he can admit he made a mistake.

But after one incredible and seemingly endless date, Samantha is forced to admit the truth, that her family is in crisis and any kind of relationship would be impossible. Samantha begs Xavier to forget her. To remember their night together as a perfect moment, as crushing as that may be. Only no amount of distance or time is enough to forget what's between them. And the only thing better than one single perfect memory is to make a life—and even a love—worth remembering.

I have really enjoyed all the Jimenez romances that I’ve read before this one. But this one just really did not work for me. In general, I appreciate about Jimenez balances romances and real life obstacles and difficulties. Unfortunately, this one leaned too much on the serious plot lines. I didn’t feel that there was enough romance. Our main characters spend almost the entire book apart. I want to read romances where we get to see the main characters interact in person with each other. We didn’t get that here. Instead, there’s a lot of crying about money and Samantha’s mom’s condition. Important stuff. But this read more as a women’s lit selection than romance. A rare disappointment for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry

Title: Great Big Beautiful Life

Author: Emily Henry

Publisher: Berkley 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 432

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Breezy Pier; Read Around the US - Georgia

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 4.5

Alice Scott is an eternal optimist still dreaming of her big writing break. Hayden Anderson is a Pulitzer-prize winning human thundercloud. And they’re both on balmy Little Crescent Island for the same reason: to write the biography of a woman no one has seen in years—or at least to meet with the octogenarian who claims to be theMargaret Ives. Tragic heiress, former tabloid princess, and daughter of one of the most storied (and scandalous) families of the twentieth century.

When Margaret invites them both for a one-month trial period, after which she’ll choose the person who’ll tell her story, there are three things keeping Alice’s head in the game.

One: Alice genuinely likes people, which means people usually like Alice—and she has a whole month to win the legendary woman over.

Two: She’s ready for this job and the chance to impress her perennially unimpressed family with a Serious Publication.

Three: Hayden Anderson, who should have no reason to be concerned about losing this book, is glowering at her in a shaken-to-the core way that suggests he sees her as competition.

But the problem is, Margaret is only giving each of them pieces of her story. Pieces they can’t swap to put together because of an ironclad NDA and an inconvenient yearning pulsing between them every time they’re in the same room.

And it’s becoming abundantly clear that their story—just like the tale Margaret’s spinning—could be a mystery, tragedy, or love ballad . . . depending on who’s telling it.

I absolutely loved the romance between Alice and Hayden. I loved seeing these almost enemies slowly thaw toward each other and start to connect. I loved their little banter. I even enjoyed their misunderstandings and their miscommunications. Their relationship felt really real to me. I loved those pages within each chapter. What made this not quite amazing to me was the storyline with Margaret. While I enjoyed reading about her life, I found the entire construct to me very very reminiscent to Taylor Jenkins Reid’s The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. I found myself drifting slightly during those sections. And the big twists at the end was a bit contrived. I just didn’t really love that whole section, which was a lot of this book. I didn’t hate this book, but definitely not my favorite Emily Henry selection.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Swept Away by Beth O'Leary

Title: Swept Away

Author: Beth O’Leary

Publisher: Berkely 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 384

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Romanceopoly - Beachside Cafe; Cover Lover - Birds

Where I Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 3

What if you were lost at sea…with your one-night stand?

Zeke and Lexi thought it would just be a night of fun. They had no intentions of seeing each other again. Zeke is only in town for the weekend to buy back his late father’s houseboat. Lexi has no time for dating when she needs to help take care of her best friend's daughter.

Going back home with a stranger seems like a perfect escape from their problems. But a miscommunication in the dark, foggy night means no one tied the houseboat to the dock. The next morning, Zeke and Lexi realize all they can see is miles and miles of water.

With just a few provisions on the idle boat, Zeke and Lexi must figure out how to get back home. But aside from their survival, they’re facing another challenge. Because when you’re stuck together for days on end, it gives you a lot of time to get to know someone—and to fall in love with them.

I have enjoyed O’Leary’s past books, but had heard grumbles about this newest one. I went in with a bit of trepidation, but was pleasantly supposed. I really enjoyed seeing two characters with the ultimate forced proximity trope learn to rely on each other and eventually love each other. I am always the most excited in romance books for the parts where characters actually talk to each other. That’s what most of this book was about! Absolutely perfect. On the other hand, I knocked off a star because of the last section on land. We get the big reveal/twist that I totally telegraphed early on. That third act break-up was completely unnecessary and definitely should have been changed. I wouldn’t have minded a bit of a struggle at the end, but the way it played out was way too melodramatic. A little switch and this could have been a 5 star read for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Love in the Time of Serial Killers by Alicia Thompson

Title: Love in the Time of Serial Killers

Author: Alicia Thompson

Publisher: Berkley 2022

Genre: Romance

Pages: 352

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Read Around the USA - Florida

Where I Got It: Under the Cover, Kansas City, June 2024

Spice Rating: 4

PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh has always been obsessed with true crime. She's even analyzing the genre in her dissertation—if she can manage to finish writing it. It's hard to find the time while she spends the summer in Florida, cleaning out her childhood home, dealing with her obnoxiously good-natured younger brother, and grappling with the complicated feelings of mourning a father she hadn't had a relationship with for years.
 
It doesn't help that she's low-key convinced that her new neighbor, Sam Dennings, is a serial killer (he may dress business casual by day, but at night he's clearly up to something). It's not long before Phoebe realizes that Sam might be something much scarier—a genuinely nice guy who can pierce her armor to reach her vulnerable heart.

I grabbed this at the retreat last year hoping for a great witty, steamy, slightly dark romance. Instead, we got a very slow-moving, low-steam, traditional romcom romance. I couldn’t really connect to the pairing of Phoebe and Sam. They started out with a silly meet cute, but then went into a holding pattern for most of the book. The story is really focused more on Phoebe and her unease with her life than the romance aspect. It read more like women’s fiction than romance. And Phoebe grated on my at many points in the story. She was just a fairly unlikeable character. I really got bored about halfway through the book. I pushed through, but even the ending did not bring it back up for me.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Sweet Obsession by Katee Robert

Title: Sweet Obsession (Dark Olympus #8)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Sourcebooks 2025

Genre: Romance

Pages: 336

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; She Reads Romance - Queer

Spice Rating: 6

Icarus may not have flown particularly close to the sun, but he has fallen…right into the rough hands of Olympus's own Poseidon. Being held captive by the gentle giant wouldn't be so bad if Olympus wasn't on the eve of destruction…or if Poseidon stopped looking at him with those irresistibly stormy eyes.

Poseidon doesn't have time to babysit his increasingly bratty prisoner, but he has no choice: Olympus is officially at war, and someone has to keep their best bargaining chip out of harm's way. The thing is, the longer Poseidon is with Icarus, the more he starts to care for his sworn enemy...and the more he realizes that Icarus isn't the villain he's been made out to be. There's a warmth to him, a vulnerability, that Poseidon finds difficult to ignore or deny.

Now with Circe and the Aeaens at the gate and Olympus a hair's breadth away from falling, Poseidon will have to make a difficult choice: about himself, about his allegiances, and about the man who woke his heart from its long slumber only to threaten to break it for good...

Fully admit that this isn’t my favorite pairing. Honestly I was more interested in the large plot line about Circe’s invasion than the romance between Poseidon and Icarus. They are fine as characters, but I didn’t find either one to be particularly compelling. I appreciate the topics and relationships that Robert’s is exploring, but not my favorite. The inclusion of a Dom/Sub relationship was interesting, but again, not my favorite. It’s just not my favorite romance kink. The rest of the plot keep me engaged and wanting to know more. I am very very interested in reading the next book. In fact, I’ve been waiting since after Neon Gods to see Zeus and Hera’s story played out.

Dark Olympus

• #0.5 Stone Heart

• #1 Neon Gods

• #1.5 Hades and Hades

• #2 Electric Idol

• #2.5 Zeus and Hera

• #3 Wicked Beauty

• #4 Radiant Sun

• #5 Cruel Seduction

• #6 Midnight Ruin

• #7 Dark Restraint

• #8 Sweet Obsession

• #9 Tender Cruelty

• #10 Shattered Gods

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Demon's Queen by Katee Robert

Title: The Demon’s Queen (A Deal with a Demon #6)

Author: Katee Robert

Publisher: Trinkets & Tales LLC 2024

Genre: Romance

Pages: 164

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: She Reads Romance - Paranormal; Cover Lover - Illustrated Scene

Where It Got It: Library

Spice Rating: 7

Eve’s life might not be perfect, but it’s hers. She has money, freedom, and a client list that she’s handpicked over the years. If sometimes she gets a little too attached to those clients? Well, that’s her problem. After a stressful day, she’s looking forward to dinner and a long night with Azazel…until he asks her to sign a contract under the guise of roleplay—and then kidnaps her to another realm.

Azazel has been in love with Eve for years, but he knows his place. The window to offer her a contract has long since closed, so he takes her in the only way he can—as her client. Until one of his enemies realizes exactly how much Eve means to him…forcing him to lie to her to protect her.

Unfortunately for Azazel, Eve isn’t thankful for the protection. She may be stuck in the demon realm with her new captor, but she’s going to make him choke on every moment they spend together.

Too bad her heart is more in the mix than she’d ever admit…

Finally! We finally get Azazel and Eve’s story! I’ve been waiting this entire series for this pairing and it does not disappoint. We get to see a woman who came from nothing and found something like a life who then gets basically kidnapped to the demon realm. But thankfully, her captor is Azazel who, even though he missteps many times, truly cares about Eve. I loved seeing these two characters circle each other before finally professing their feelings. We get great cameos from many other characters in the series. We also get the opposite side of scenes from my of the books adding to the full series story. Sad that this series is at an end, but have really enjoyed the ride.

A Deal with a Demon

• #1 The Dragon’s Bride

• #2 The Kraken’s Sacrifice

• #3 The Gargoyle’s Captive

• #4 The Succubus’s Prize

• #5 The Demon’s Bargain

• #6 The Demon’s Queen

Next up on the TBR pile: