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:

A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor by Hank Green

Title: A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor (The Carls #2)

Author: Hank Green

Publisher: Dutton 2020

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 452

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: COYER; Quarter of a Century - 2020

Where I Got It: ebook

The Carls disappeared the same way they appeared, in an instant. While the robots were on Earth, they caused confusion and destruction with only their presence. Part of their maelstrom was the sudden viral fame and untimely death of April May: a young woman who stumbled into Carl’s path, giving them their name, becoming their advocate, and putting herself in the middle of an avalanche of conspiracy theories. 
 
Months later, April’s friends are trying to find their footing in a post-Carl world. Andy has picked up April’s mantle of fame, speaking at conferences and online; Maya, ravaged by grief, begins to follow a string of mysteries that she is convinced will lead her to April; and Miranda is contemplating defying her friends’ advice and pursuing a new scientific operation…one that might have repercussions beyond anyone’s comprehension. Just as it is starting to seem like the gang may never learn the real story behind the events that changed their lives forever, a series of clues arrive—mysterious books that seem to predict the future and control the actions of their readers—all of which seems to suggest that April could be very much alive.
 
In the midst of the search for the truth and the search for April is a growing force, something that wants to capture our consciousness and even control our reality. A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor is the bold and brilliant follow-up to An Absolutely Remarkable Thing. It is a fast-paced adventure that is also a biting social commentary, asking hard, urgent questions about the way we live, our freedoms, our future, and how we handle the unknown.

Such a disappointment of a book. I really enjoyed Green’s first book and was interested to see what happened after April “died.” The book started well with chapters from each of April’s friends discussing their lives after the first book. Of course, we all knew that April would be back. But once she was back, the book started to go off the rails for me. There’s a whole middle section that seemed superfluous. Multiple characters just spin their wheels for entire chapters. It was boring. And then the action kicks back in and I could not care less. Too much deus ex machina and weird philosophical tangents that muddled the message.

The Carls

• #1 An Absolutely Remarkable Thing

• #2 A Beautifully Foolish Endeavor

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:

The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

Title: The Familiar

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Publisher: Flatiron Books 2024

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 379

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf

Where I Got It: Book of the Month May 2024

In a shabby house, on a shabby street, in the new capital of Madrid, Luzia Cotado uses scraps of magic to get through her days of endless toil as a scullion. But when her scheming mistress discovers the lump of a servant cowering in the kitchen is actually hiding a talent for little miracles, she demands Luzia use those gifts to improve the family's social position.

What begins as simple amusement for the nobility takes a perilous turn when Luzia garners the notice of Antonio Pérez, the disgraced secretary to Spain's king. Still reeling from the defeat of his armada, the king is desperate for any advantage in the war against England's heretic queen—and Pérez will stop at nothing to regain the king's favor.

Determined to seize this one chance to better her fortunes, Luzia plunges into a world of seers and alchemists, holy men and hucksters, where the lines between magic, science, and fraud are never certain. But as her notoriety grows, so does the danger that her Jewish blood will doom her to the Inquisition's wrath. She will have to use every bit of her wit and will to survive—even if that means enlisting the help of Guillén Santángel, an embittered immortal familiar whose own secrets could prove deadly for them both.

So incredibly boring. That’s my review…

I was so very excited to get this from BOTM last year. I was hoping for a magical fantasy mystery with great characters. Instead, I got a very very very slow moving story with just a little bit of magic and no interesting characters. Luzia wasn’t going to be that interesting, but I hoped that she would be the entry point for the readers to get involved in a great expansive mystery. Most of the book is so incredibly slow and and boring. I kept wanting the plot to actually pick up. When it finally does, it includes a romance that I really never bought at all. Why include that part? No need. I finished this reluctantly.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wedding People by Alison Espach

Title: The Wedding People

Author: Alison Espach

Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. 2024

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

Pages: 384

Rating: 2/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Unread Shelf; Read Around the US - Rhode Island

Where I Got It: Book of the Month

It’s a beautiful day in Newport, Rhode Island, when Phoebe Stone arrives at the grand Cornwall Inn wearing a green dress and gold heels, not a bag in sight, alone. She’s immediately mistaken by everyone in the lobby for one of the wedding people, but she’s actually the only guest at the Cornwall who isn’t here for the big event. Phoebe is here because she’s dreamed of coming for years—she hoped to shuck oysters and take sunset sails with her husband, only now she’s here without him, at rock bottom, and determined to have one last decadent splurge on herself. Meanwhile, the bride has accounted for every detail and every possible disaster the weekend might yield except for, well, Phoebe and Phoebe's plan—which makes it that much more surprising when the two women can’t stop confiding in each other.

In turns absurdly funny and devastatingly tender, Alison Espach’s The Wedding People is ultimately an incredibly nuanced and resonant look at the winding paths we can take to places we never imagined—and the chance encounters it sometimes takes to reroute us.

Oof! Terrible people being terrible to each other. I really do not like reading books where people just stumble around low key being terrible to everyone around them. I understand Phoebe’s initial state of mind and the choices she makes. What I do not get is the rest of the book. No way that she radically changes her mind that quickly without true intervention. I did not find this book funny or tender. I really need to stay away from these types of contemporary fiction books.

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:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 18

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 18

Author: Junji Ito

Publisher: VIZ Media 2021

Genre: Manga Horror

Pages: 192

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 18In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In order to thwart the culling game, Itadori needs the help of Kinji Hakari, a third-year who is currently suspended from Jujutsu High, so he decides to participate in an underground fight club where Hakari works as a bookie. Meanwhile, Fushiguro infiltrates the fight club and heads for Hakari’s base of operations, but another Jujutsu High third-year is using their cursed technique to block his way!

Fushiguro is back! I am so glad! I love his character and wanted to see more, but he’s been absent for multiple volumes. We get to see him team back up with Itadori to convince a suspended student to join the cause. And we learn all abut the culling game. This volume felt like it was setting up bigger events to come, but still enjoyable.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 17

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 17

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2021

Genre: Comics

Pages: 200

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Hunted down by Okkotsu and on the brink of death, Itadori recalls a troubling family scene from his past. But why is the former form of Noritoshi Kamo there? As the sorcerers begin to take action toward suppressing the lethal culling game, Maki pays the Zen’in clan a visit…

We get to check back in with Itadori and Okkotsu after the abrupt shift of the world in the last volume. I loved learning more about Okkotsu and get his actual game play. But my favorite section of this volume was focused on Maki. The Zen’in clan is fascinating and I was hoping to see more from them. We finally get to see the ultimate play for Maki and Mai. I cannot wait to see how this plays into the larger storyline.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 16

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 16

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2021

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

After he consumes Mahito’s soul, Geto reveals part of his nefarious plan to Itadori and the others. In that moment, Choso recognizes the evil sorcerer possessing Geto's body and is filled with rage! Who is this evil sorcerer, and what relation do they have to Choso? Now that Gojo is imprisoned and the foundations of jujutsu society are crumbling, what will happen to the world as it devolves into destruction and chaos?!

And with that, everything changes! We start by wrapping up the Shibuya incident and then we jump forward. Things are drastically different in this world of Tokyo. All of our heroes are on the run or are not on the page. The fate of so many is left hanging. But at least we get to check back in with Choso and Itadori and see more from the Zen’in clan. I loved seeing the reappearance of another student of Gojo’s and some more action sequences. On to the next volume!

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 15

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 15

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Sukuna is on a murderous rampage. Meanwhile, invaluabe Jujutsu Sorcerers have been taken down, and even Kugisaki falls into Mahito’s trap! Feeling the burden of his sins, Itadori finds it hard to keep going, but he rushes off to help Kugisaki anyway. Can he reach her in time?!

Another super serious volume. I couldn't imagine the story going the way it is and yet I am so invested. I really hope Kugisaki makes it, but considering what happened, I’m not confident. And we get the set-up for what seems to be last act for the Shibuya Incident.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

Next up on the TBR pile:

Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 14

Title: Jujutsu Kaisen Vol. 14

Author: Gege Akutami

Publisher: VIZ Media 2021

Genre: Comics

Pages: 192

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Where I Got It: Library

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna have been lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

In a world where cursed spirits feed on unsuspecting humans, fragments of the legendary and feared demon Ryomen Sukuna were lost and scattered about. Should any demon consume Sukuna’s body parts, the power they gain could destroy the world as we know it. Fortunately, there exists a mysterious school of jujutsu sorcerers who exist to protect the precarious existence of the living from the supernatural!

Oh no… I don’t think this incident is going to end well for our heroes, especially Idatori. Sukuna coming out was not the best plan of action, but sure made for some exciting pages. I’m still slightly confused by the weird Todo and Idatori brothers thing, but I assume it has something to do with the larger weirdness surrounding the sorcerers.

Jujutsu Kaisen

• Volume 1

• Volume 2

• Volume 3

• Volume 4

• Volume 5

• Volume 6

• Volume 7

• Volume 8

• Volume 9

• Volume 10

• Volume 11

• Volume 12

• Volume 13

• Volume 14

• Volume 15

• Volume 16

• Volume 17

• Volume 18

• Volume 19

• Volume 20

• Volume 21

• Volume 22

• Volume 23

• Volume 24

• Volume 25

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: