Give Me A Reason: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Give Me A Reason

Author: Jayci Lee

Publisher: St. Martin’s Griffin

Release Date: July 29, 2025

Pages: 352

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Synopsis:

A Korean drama actress gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family–if she can work up the courage to risk her heart on forever…one last time.

For ten years, Anne Lee told herself that Frederick Nam was her past. In order to save her father from bankruptcy, she left Frederick for an acting career in Korea. This was the only way she could stop him from following her and ruining his future. It was the best way she could love him.

After Anne left, Frederick spent years loving her, missing her, and hating her until he decided to live his life for himself. He followed his dream and became a firefighter in Culver City. He didn’t need romance. He had his work and his friends.

When Anne returns to Los Angeles, she and Frederick are thrown together in the same wedding—she as her cousin’s bridesmaid and he as his friend’s groomsman. Even though he is angry and distant with her, Anne can no longer deny that she never got over him. Not even close.

With so much hurt and uncertainty between them, Anne and Frederick suffer their love in silence. But all it would take is a single leap of faith to bring them together…

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

This was such a sweet story! If you love Persuasion and second chance romance, then I think you will enjoy this one.

Anne is a Korean drama actress who gets her second chance at love with the man she left in order to save her family. She just needs to work up the courage to risk her heart on forever one more time.

Anne and Frederick were absolutely adorable! I enjoyed getting both of their POVs. I wish we had had a little more of their backstory included though. I really enjoyed the family dynamics and the friendships in this one. Overall, a unique retelling!

I recommend! I hope to read more from this author in the future.

About the Author:

Jayci Lee writes poignant, sexy, and laugh-out-loud romance featuring Korean American main characters. Her books have been in O, The Oprah Magazine, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Hollywood Reporter, E! News, and Women’s World. Jayci is retired from her fifteen-year career as a litigator because of all the badass heroines and drool worthy heroes demanding to have their stories told. Food, wine and travel are her jam. She makes her home in sunny California with her tall-dark-and-handsome husband, two amazing boys, and a fluffy rescue.

Wild Reverence: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Wild Reverence

Author: Rebecca Ross

Publisher: Saturday Books

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 527

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Synopsis:

Dear Matilda, I wrote.
I let the words flow for her.
And when the ink dried,
I gave my very heart
to the fire.

Born in the firelit domain of the under realm, Matilda is the youngest goddess of her clan, blessed with humble messenger magic she uses to carry words and letters through the realms. But the gods will kill for power, and Matilda holds a secret she must hide from even her dearest allies.

And there is a mortal who dreams of her, though they have never met in the waking world. Ten years ago, Vincent of Beckett wrote to Matilda on the darkest night of his life—begging the goddess he befriended in dreams to help him. His request went unanswered, and Vincent became a hardened, irreverent lord of the river who has long forgotten Matilda . . . until she comes tumbling into his bedroom window with a letter for him.

Matilda and Vincent were fated to find each other beyond dreams. But to rewrite the blood-soaked ways of the gods, Matilda will have to face something she fears even more than losing her magic: finally allowing herself to be loved.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Solid adult debut! Rebecca Ross is one of my favorite authors, so I will read anything that she writes. Wild Reverence is the prequel story to the Letters of Enchantment duology. Her writing is just so vivid and sumptuous and pulls me into her stories.

Wild Reverence started out a little slowly for me, but once I really got into it, it was harder to put down. I really love Matilda and Vincent, and I appreciated how we got to know their characters over time and what really made them tick. They came up against so many challenges, and I loved how they persevered despite it all. The romance between them felt like a classic romance, and I loved this! The magic system and world building were spot on.

I recommend! Can’t wait to read more from Rebecca!

About the Author:

Rebecca Ross is the #1 New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling author of fantasy books for teens and adults.

She has written multiple highly acclaimed duologies, including LETTERS OF ENCHANTMENT, ELEMENTS OF CADENCE, and THE QUEEN’S RISING as well as two standalone novels: DREAMS LIE BENEATH and SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG.

When not writing, she can be found in her garden where she plants wildflowers and story ideas. She resides in Northeast Georgia with her husband and her dog. Find her on Instagram @beccajross or online at www.rebeccarossauthor.com.

Rebecca is represented by Suzie Townsend of New Leaf Literary & Media.

A Land So Wide: Review

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About the Book:

Title: A Land So Wide

Author: Erin A. Craig

Publisher: Pantheon

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: Fantasy, Horror, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

From the No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of House of Roots and Ruin, an irresistible blend of dark fairytale and romantic fantasy set in the beautiful but brutal Canadian wilderness.

Like everyone else in the settlement of Mistaken, Greer Mackenzie is trapped. Founded by an ambitious Scottish lumber merchant, the tiny town on the edge of the American continent is blessed with rich natural resources that have made its people prosperous—but at a cost. The same woods that have lined the townsfolks’ pockets harbor dangerous beasts: wolves, bears, and the Bright-Eyeds—monsters beyond description who have rained utter destruction down on nearby settlements. But Mistaken’s founders made a deal with the mysterious Benevolence: the Warding Stones that surround the town will keep the Bright-Eyeds out—and the town’s citizens in. Anyone who spends a night within Mistaken’s borders belongs to it forever.

Greer, a mapmaker and eccentric dreamer, has always ached to explore the world outside, even though she knows she and her longtime love, Ellis Beaufort, will never see it. Until, on the day she and Ellis are meant to finally begin their lives together, Greer watches in horror as her beloved disappears beyond the Warding Stones, pursued by a monstrous creature. Swiftly realizing that the stories she was raised on might be more myth than fact, Greer figures out a way to escape Mistaken for the very first time. Determined to rescue Ellis, she begins a trek through the cold and pitiless wilderness. But Greer is being hunted, not only by the ruthless Bright-Eyeds but by the secret truths behind Mistaken’s founding, as well as her own origins.

Playfully drawing from Scottish folklore, Erin A. Craig’s adult debut is both a deeply atmospheric and profoundly romantic exploration of freedom versus security: a stunning celebration of one woman’s relentless bravery on a quest to reclaim her lost love—and claim her own future.

Review:

*I received an e-arc via Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I love Erin A. Craig, and her writing in this one is what drew me in! This was solid for her adult debut, drawing from Scottish folklore.

I absolutely loved the atmosphere she creates in the beginning of the story. It’s so romantic and gothic feeling. I definitely could relate to the character’s sense of being trapped within the town and feeling as though they had no idea what was out in the world. I did a buddy read for this one, and we both agreed that the events described in the synopsis did not really take place until about half-way through the book and felt as though they were already a given.

The story was well written overall, with the first half being very atmospheric and romantic. The second half of the book felt more rushed to me.

I recommend and can’t wait to read more from this author!

About the Author:

#1 New York Times bestselling author Erin A. Craig has always loved telling stories.

After getting her B.F.A. from the University of Michigan, in Theatre Design and Production, she stage managed tragic operas with hunchbacks, séances, and murderous clowns, then decided she wanted to write books that were just as spooky.

An avid reader, decent quilter, rabid basketball fan, and collector of typewriters, brass figurines, and sparkly shoes, Erin makes her home in West Michigan with her husband and daughter.

To find out more about Erin and the worlds she creates, follow @penchant4words on Instagram and Threads.

She is represented by Sarah Landis at Sterling Lord Literistic.

Season of the Witch (Toil and Trouble #3) : Review

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About the Book:

Title: Season of the Witch

Author: Sophie H. Morgan

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: September 2, 2025

Pages: 368

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Holiday Romance

Synopsis:

It was a passion neither could forget—until he did.

Tia Hightower isn’t sure how she went from being a powerful witch to fake dating her ex at a winter house party.

For eight years, she has refused to speak Henry Pearlmatter’s name unless it has been to curse it. Now, with their family businesses merged, she and her insufferable ex must pretend to be together to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. Sharing a room—and a bed—with Henry is bad enough. Even worse is that Tia might have had a small potion mishap…and accidentally erased Henry’s memories of her.

Henry might not remember his ex, but it’s clear there’s still something between them. Whatever went wrong in the past, he intends to figure it out. Faking feelings for Tia isn’t exactly difficult, but one thing’s for starlight carnivals and mulled-wine kisses can’t change history.

With the threat of Henry’s memories hovering over every stolen moment, their time together is running out. But a little bit of Christmas magic and the snow-melting heat between them have Tia wondering if it’s time to risk her heart once more, even if it’s with the warlock who once broke it…

Toil and Trouble

Book 1: The Witch is Back
Book 2: De-Witched
Book 3: Season of the Witch

Review:

*I received an earc via Netgalley for review. Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

Season of the Witch is the final installment in Sophie Morgan’s Toil and Trouble series, and it did not disappoint!

Tia and Henry are exes that are forced to work together after the merging of their family businesses.  They need to secure a wealthy warlock’s investment. They must share a room and a bed, and there’s a catch. Tia accidently erased Henry’s memories of her with a potion. Henry can’t remember his ex, but there’s still definitely something between them. Henry is intent on finding out about their past history. It isn’t hard for Tia to fake her feelings, but what happened in the past can’t be changed.

Henry’s memories coming back threaten every stolen moment that they have together. Tia must decide if she wants to risk her heart once more.

I loved the banter and the laughs in this one! The romance was super cute as well. There were some fun and entertaining side characters that really added to the story. I also really enjoyed that this took place during the Christmas season, but it can be read any time of the year.

Can’t wait to read more from Sophie! She’s become one of my favorite romance authors.

 

About the Author:

Sophie H. Morgan is a romance author, repped by Cole Lanahan. She lives in crazy worlds, some concocted by her, some ruled by her spaniel.

You can usually find her on Instagram (SophiehMorgan), on Twitter (@SophieHMorgan) or through her website.

Happy Reading!

 

 

Debts of Fire (The Sunbolt Chronicles #3): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Debts of Fire

Author: Intisar Khanani

Publisher: Snowy Wings Publishing 

Release Date: July 8, 2025

Pages: 396

Genre: YA Fantasy

Synopsis:

A hunted mage. A cursed land. An impossible debt.

When Hitomi first crossed the Burnt Lands to rescue her mentor from unjust imprisonment, the phoenix came to her aid. His price? Release the monster-riddled lands from the curses that have raged there for centuries—a fight more than a few mages have lost their lives to.

Now Hitomi is back, her magic bound within her and the High Council of Mages’ best rogue hunters on her heels. Luckily for the phoenix, Hitomi’s not about to let little details like that keep her from paying her debts.

But when an allied mage wreaks havoc with her plans, Hitomi plunges into a desperate race to stop the work she started. It will take every ally Hitomi can summon, and whatever tricks she has left up her sleeve, to divert the spells of the Burnt Lands before their cataclysmic power destroys everything—and everyone—in their path.

 

Review:

*Thank you to the author for sending me an eARC. All thoughts are my own*

This is the third installment of the Sunbolt chronicles and the further adventures of Hitomi. The story begins shortly after Memories of Ash. Hitomi begins to slowly deal with everything that has happened to her. She begins to deal with her grief, her disappointments, etc. I felt as though she was able to heal a little from the wounds of her past. What I really enjoyed about this book, was that it really explores Hitomi’s relationships with the characters. I love how it builds on her relationships with Hulda, the Phoenix, Val and others. 

Some parts of the book when Hitomi spent time in the wastelands and the desert dragged for me honestly. I felt as though the book could have been a little shorter without some of the descriptions of her training, etc. I did like learning about the different cultures that she encountered on her journey though.

I am excited to continue the conclusion of the series and see where Hitomi will go next! 

 

About the Author:

Intisar Khanani writes mighty girls in diverse worlds. Prior to publishing, she ran a student volunteer center, helped hospitals stay afloat, and developed projects to reduce infant mortality—which was as close as she could get to saving the world. Now she pens fantasy novels about young women motivated by compassion, empathy, and radical kindness taking on systemic injustice, facing down monsters, and forging the families they need.

Intisar is the author of The Sunbolt Chronicles and the Dauntless Path novels. Two of her books were Kirkus Reviews picks for Best Teen and YA Fantasy Novels of the Year. She is deeply honored to serve as the 2026 Writer in Residence for the Cincinnati and Hamilton County Public Library.

To find out about new releases, giveaways, and so forth, subscribe to Intisar’s monthly author newsletter.

Murder at Donwell Abbey (Emma Knightley Mysteries #2): Review

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About the Book:

Title: Murder at Donwell Abbey

Author: Vanessa Kelly

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: November 25, 2025

Pages: 416

Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In this latest Regency-era mystery, Jane Austen’s clever Emma Knightley navigates shocking changes in her family—while meeting her match in a deadly adversary . . .

Emma’s spirits are elevated after she and husband George Knightley host a joyful holiday celebration at the Hartfield estate. But it’s instantly a bitter January when her father makes an unexpected announcement—he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry. Not only must Emma relinquish her role as mistress of the household, but also accept the reality that the excitable Miss Bates will become her stepmother . . .

More unwanted news arrives during an extravagant betrothal ball at Donwell Abbey, the grand Knightley estate where Emma and George will soon permanently reside. Nearly every villager in Highbury revels in the dazzling affair—except Emma’s hardworking lady’s maid, Prudence Parr. To Emma’s horror, Prudence is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace . . .

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled a terrible accident and whispers circulate around personal troubles leading up to her untimely demise. But Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more sinister is at play. Now, Highbury’s matchmaker-turned-sleuth vows to outwit a cunning criminal before an innocent man loses his freedom—or Donwell Abbey plunges into a darker mystery . . .

Review:

*I received an e-arc for review via Netgalley. Thank you to Kensington Books and Austenprose for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

4.5 rounded up to 5 

Murder at Donwell Abbey is book number two in the Emma Knightley Mystery Series. I was so excited for this book, and it did not disappoint! The story compelled me to read from beginning to end, and I had fun figuring out whodunnit. Perfect for Austen fans and fans of cozy mysteries! 

Emma and George Knightley host a fun holiday celebration at the Hartfield Estate. January begins with Mr. Woodhouse making an unexpected announcement-he and Miss Hetty Bates have decided to marry! Emma comes to grips with the fact that she’ll have to give up her role as mistress of the estate and that Miss Bates will become her stepmother.

During a betrothal ball for Mr. Woodhouse and Miss Bates at Donwell Abbey (where Emma soon will reside with George), something dreadful happens! Her lady’s maid Prudence Parr is found dead, sprawled across the stones of the library terrace! 

The woman’s tragic fall is quickly ruled an accident, but rumors begin to circulate about her personal troubles leading up to her demise. Emma’s instincts tell her that something far more dire has occurred. Emma decides to investigate and outwit a cunning criminal to save an innocent man.

I absolutely loved the witty banter in this one! Emma is one of my favorite Austen characters, and it’s so fun reading a “continuation” of her life and seeing her as a sleuth. It was also so fun to see her teaming up with her future stepmother, Miss Bates! Her nephew Henry was also an absolute delight! I of course loved seeing more of Emma and George working together as well. 

I highly recommend this one! I really hope that author Vanessa Kelly writes more in this world, as I’m definitely on board for more Emma on the case.

 

 

About the Author:

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. Vanessa also wrote USA Today bestselling contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph.D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Bitten: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Bitten 

Author: Jordan Stephanie Gray

Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers

Release Date: September 30, 2025

Pages: 384

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal

Synopsis:

Crescent City meets Fourth Wing in this fast-paced and romantic debut, in which a teenage girl must survive ruthless werewolves, a glittering court, and deadly politics to exact revenge on the monsters who destroyed her.

After a vicious werewolf attack on the night of her seventeenth birthday party, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves in a split second. Her best friend, her father, and even her home.

Bitten and imprisoned without explanation, Vanessa endures an agonizing transformation into the very beast that maimed her, and her captors make it clear she cannot escape: she will either swear her life to the Wolf Queen’s Court, or she will die.

With no other choice, Vanessa joins their enchanted Castle Severi—where flowering vines grow through the walls, gifts are bestowed by the stars, and a claw can break through skin as easily as silk—but she hasn’t forgotten what they stole from her.

Vanessa still seeks vengeance, scheming in the shadows even as she finds herself mesmerized by the golden prince Sinclair Severi, who threatens to steal her heart though he is promised to her nemesis. And by his brooding, disgraced cousin, Calix, whose smoldering gaze hides even darker secrets. Immersed in the magic of their whimsical yet cruel society, Vanessa soon learns not all is as it seems.

The Court is at war, and she may simply be a pawn in its lethal game.

For Fans of:
Forbidden Romance
Enemies to Lovers
Werewolves
Paranormal Romance

Content Warning: murder, language, spice

Review:

*I received an ARC for review. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and Toppling Stacks Tours for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

I thought this was a solid debut for author Jordan Stephanie Gray. This was the werewolf story that I didn’t know that I needed! It pulled me in and wouldn’t let me go. It totally gave me Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries vibes. I don’t think I’ve read a good werewolf book since I read the Shiver series honestly. I absolutely loved the world building, dark academia school setting, the courtly intrigue, the characters, the friendships and the romance. I have to mention that after reading this, I would say it’s definitely for more mature readers at least 17+.

On the night of her seventeenth birthday, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves after a vicious werewolf attack. She loses her best friend and soul mate, her father, and her home.

Bitten and taken prisoner without explanation, she endures painful transformations into the very creature that destroyed her life. Her captors make it quite clear that she must swear fealty to the Queen’s court, or she will die.

With no alternative, Vanessa joins Castle Severi, but she will not forget what they have taken from her.

She schemes vengeance all while finding herself enchanted by Prince Sinclair Severi and his disgraced cousin, Calix. Immersed in this magical society, Vanessa learns that not all is as it appears, and she just may be a pawn in the Court’s war.

This story had a lot of twists and turns along the way. It started off really strong, but I feel like the ending was a bit rushed and took away some of my good feelings. I am hopeful that there will be a sequel and that we can have more in this world.

Definitely recommend!

About the Author:

Jordan Stephanie Gray is the debut author of the young adult werewolf romantasy, Bitten, and the adult mermaid romantasy, The Wicked Sea.

When she isn’t dreaming up the fantastical and romantic, she is likely cuddling her two pugs and two chihuahuas in sunny Florida.

You can follow her journey through up-to-date newsletters on Substack and on Instagram.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule:

September 29th
Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog – Review
Betwixt the Sheets – Promotional Post

September 30th
the nutty bookworm reads alot – Review
Kim’s Book Reviews and Writing Aha’s – Top 5 Reasons to Read Bitten, Tik Tok

October 1st
Avni Reads – Review
The Clever Reader – Promotional Post

October 2nd
Boys’ Mom Reads! – Review
The violet west – Review, Journal Spread

October 3rd
Nerd Girl Loves Books – Review
The Book Dutchesses – Promotional Post

October 4th
Ilovebooksandstuffblog – Review

October 5th
Ashleigh’s Bookshelf – Review

Purchase Links:

https://a.co/d/h3jqu0r

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/bitten-jordan-stephanie-gray/1146511118?ean=9780316584548

https://bookshop.org/p/books/bitten-deluxe-limited-edition-jordan-stephanie-gray/7abf4e6a77cf733b?ean=9780316584548&next=t

More Than Life: A YA Historical Fantasy: Review

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About the Book:

Title: More Than Life

Author: Bethanie Finger 

Publisher: Wise Wolf Books 

Release Date: February 13, 2024

Pages: 436

Genre: YA Fantasy, Historical Fantasy

Synopsis:

“Romance, loss, and self-discovery take the stage in this series opener, with lots of enticing hints for the epic adventure still to come. A page-turner for all romantasy fans!” –Marissa Meyer, New York Times Best Selling Author of The Lunar Chronicles

“A sweeping tale of grief, love, adventure, and finding one’s path in life. Full of secrets long kept and characters you can’t help but root for, readers will get lost in its rich world.” –Annie Sullivan, author of A Touch of Gold and Tiger Queen

A gripping story of overcoming grief, self-realization, and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. As the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain, nineteen-year-old Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria. But when her father dies unexpectedly, she is stripped of her title and home, and forced to join the working class in order to survive.

Determined to rise above her losses, Cordelia is eager to prove her worth and stand on her own. But four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives, revealing the secret location of the mythical island of Qualaris. Known for concealing the secrets of magic and eternal life, Qualaris is often dismissed as mere legend, but Jaspar, Cordelia’s father’s enigmatic apprentice, is convinced of its existence and is harboring its secrets—secrets that the dark enchanter, Janus would stop at nothing to obtain.

For generations, Jaspar and his ancestors have pursued the discovery and rescue of Qualaris while battling a curse of nonexistence, and he believes that Cordelia is the island’s true protector, the one who can save it and its people from Janus’s impending threat.

Faced with the daunting task of defending Qualaris and its people, Cordelia embarks on a quest to locate the island, embrace her birthright, and take on the darkest enchanter in history. If she doesn’t, the island and its people won’t be the only casualties of Janus’s war.

Join Cordelia on her journey as she navigates a world of magic, mystery, and danger, discovering her true self and the strength within her.

*Content More Than Life is the first book in the More Than Life trilogy, and ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

*I received an e-copy of the book from the author and publisher for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*

More Than Life was such a pleasant surprise, and a compelling read! This story was one of grief and loss, a journey of self-discovery and growth, found family, romance, mystery, adventure, magic, and even some time on the sea! I loved the world building and the magic system that is being set up, and I look forward to learning more in the next book.

Nineteen-year-old Lady Cordelia Kimbal lives a life of luxury in the sea faring kingdom of Mikiria, as the daughter of a high-ranking sea captain. When her father dies unexpectedly, she is forced to give up her home, her servants, and her title and join the working class.

She begins working as a bar maid in a tavern, determined to rise above her losses and prove her worth. She chooses to go by the name Delia. She begins to make friends with her coworkers and patrons in the tavern. She meets an intriguing patron named Jaz, who winds up staying at the inn and helping out at the bar. They begin to develop feelings for one another. Their connection is more than they both realize. Four months after her father’s passing, a mysterious letter arrives at the tavern for Delia. The letter inspires her to embark on a quest to discover a lost island and find out who she truly is.

I absolutely adored Delia and Jaz and thought they were such likeable characters. Delia has gone through so much, but she is so resilient and doesn’t give up. Jaz has also gone through a lot, and I liked how he and Delia help each other through their grief.

I definitely recommend for fans of fantasy and sweet romance! I am eager to read book as soon as I can.

About the Author:

Bethanie Finger is a writer, reader, and a librarian. In 2021 she graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi with a Master’s in Library and Information Sciences. She has worked in public libraries and local bookshops and currently works as a school librarian.

When she’s not writing she enjoys hiking, podcasting, and exploring the world.

She happily lives in Nevada with her husband, their two dogs, Scamp and Beowulf, and an ever-growing TBR collection.

Between the Veil: Review

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About the Book:

Title: Between the Veil

Author: Zoe Zeman

Publisher: Book Bridge Publishing Company

Release Date: September 9, 2025

Pages: 365

Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy

Synopsis:

One ancient prophecy. Two wicked kingdoms. Three lives woven together by fate.

Night after night, Auden is tormented by creatures that haunt her nightmares and leave physical scars in the waking world. Day after day, she trains with determination, driven to avenge the loss of her parents to these malevolent beings.

When the kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, a force that teeters between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths long concealed are laid bare–the immortal rulers have sinister intentions to exploit Auden’s abilities and expand their realm.

Caught in the maelstrom of the immortals’ schemes and the emergence of her own uncontrollable powers, Auden must confront the realization that she may be the greatest threat of all.

Will she accept the destiny laid out for her, risking everything to fulfill a prophecy, or will she defy the spirits’ will and choose a life of freedom at the cost of unimaginable chaos? As darkness stirs and evil prevails, Auden decides the path that will shape the very fabric of fate.

Review:

*I received an e-arc from the author for review. Thank you for the opportunity! All thoughts are my own*

Solid fantasy debut for Zoe Zeman! I was hooked from the beginning of this spellbinding story, which compelled me to keep turning the page and wanting to know more. The world and characters are vividly imagined, and there are lot of twists and turns along the way. If you like immortals, the chosen one, ancient prophesies, court intrigue, battle scenes, love triangles, forced proximity, and a good slow burn, I think you will enjoy this one!

Every night, Auden is tormented by creatures in her nightmares that leave physical scars on her when she wakes. She spends her days training hard to someday avenge her parents who were killed by these horrible creatures.

When her kingdom is besieged by an ancient evil, Auden loses the only solace she has ever known. Grief ignites an unknown power within her, that is a fine balance between good and evil. In this moment of anguish, truths come to light that have been kept hidden. The immortal rulers of the kingdom plan to use Auden and her powers to expand their realm and influence.

Auden finds herself trapped between the immortals plans for her and her own uncontrollable powers. She must come to terms with the fact that she herself may be the greatest threat of them all.

Will Auden accept the path laid out before her, risking all to fulfil an ancient prophecy? Or will Auden defy the will of the spirits and choose a life of freedom which could cause complete chaos? As darkness stirs and evil triumphs, Auden chooses the path that could shape the very fabric of fate.

I really enjoyed the main character, Auden and I felt as though I could feel all the feelings she had. She is a character that has gone through unimaginable grief and loss, all while dealing with anxiety and depression. I really appreciated how the author touched on those subjects in the story and made her and other characters so relatable. As someone that has anxiety, I always appreciate positive representation in books. Auden is so much braver than she gives herself credit for, and she grows so much throughout the story. She also has a good sense of humor which brought some lighthearted feeling to the story. I also enjoyed reading from the POVs of the two MMC, Everett and Azrael. I love the banter between them all! There’s a love triangle and I feel as though it could go either way at this point, and I’m really interested to see what happens in the next book. I know who my favorite is, I tend to go for the morally grey bad boys. 😉

I definitely recommend and I look forward to book two!

About the Author:

Zoe Zeman is a devoted wife, loving mother, and child of God with an insatiable love for reading, writing, and the world of imagination. When she’s not lost amidst the pages of a gripping fantasy novel, you’ll likely find her weaving together the next chapter of her own story.

While her heart lies in the world of words, Zoe also wears the hats of a nurse and educator. With a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a master’s degree in nursing education, she works part-time teaching clinical for her alma mater, nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

An overachiever and an ambitious dreamer, Zoe fills her days with a mix of creative pursuits and hands-on family life. Whether she’s chasing after her little one, cuddling up with her husband and their dog, or balancing her professional responsibilities, Zoe finds joy in every moment, all while creating stories that transport readers to new worlds.

For Zoe, there’s never a dull moment, and that’s just the way she likes it.

The Heir (A Young Queen Victoria Mystery #1): Review

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About the Book:

Title: The Heir

Author: Darcie Wilde

Publisher: Kensington Books

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Pages: 361

Genre: Historical Fiction, Mystery

Synopsis:

Destined for a life beyond her wildest dreams, born fifth in succession to the throne, and determined to get to the bottom of a most foul puzzle. The future queen becomes a rebellious sleuth when she vows to solve the mystery of a dead man scandalously discovered on the grounds of Kensington Palace—by her.

The young Victoria remembers nothing but Kensington Palace. Arriving as a baby, she has been brought up inside its musty, mold-ridden walls. Others may see the value of Kensington’s priceless artifacts and objets d’art, but the palace is a jail cell for young Victoria. Raised with an incredibly strict regimen to follow, watched at all times by her mother, the controlling, German-born Victoire, and Victoire’s prized advisor, the power-hungry Sir John Conroy, the bright 15-year-old is allowed no freedom at any time—except that which she steals or wheedles for, always in the company of Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.

But one fateful afternoon, Victoria slips away from her mother to ride out on her beloved gelding, Prince. With reluctant Jane in tow, the princess gallops out from the palace green. But what would normally be an uneventful trot around very familiar terrain presents the mutinous princess with a most bewildering sight—a dead man, and on the grounds of the palace, no less.

Determined to get to the bottom of the inscrutable puzzle, young Victoria is met with shocking disrespect and any number of obstacles. Sir John lies to her, her uncles and aunts join with her mother to stonewall her questions and curtail her movements. But Victoria will not be deterred. With Jane Conroy as a tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria’s first “case” is underway . . .

Review:

*I received an arc from the publisher, Netgalley, and @austenprose for review. Thank you for the opportunity. All thoughts are my own*
As a fan of the PBS show Victoria, I was excited for the opportunity to read a mystery starring a young Queen Victoria. This was my first book by the author Darcie Wild, and I am happy to say it did not disappoint! I am fascinated by Queen Victoria and the Victorian Era, so it was such a fun read. The author had to take some liberties of course, but I thought she did really well and that the book was thoroughly researched. If you like historical fiction, court intrigue and mystery I think you will enjoy this one!
The young Victoria remembers nothing about Kensington Palace. She was brought there as a baby and brought up within its dilapidated walls. The palace is basically a prison cell for Victoria as she has a very strict routine to follow on a daily basis. Her mother is overbearing and watches her at all times, and her mother’s advisor Sir John Conroy is power hungry and controlling. The fifteen-year-old has no freedom except what she steals or barters for, and always in the company of Sir Conroy’s resentful daughter, Jane.
One afternoon, Victoria sneaks off to ride her horse with the reluctant Jane in tow. As Victoria gallops ahead of Jane, she comes across the body of a dead man on the green, on palace grounds.
Victoria is determined to solve the mystery, although she is faced with many obstacles along the way. Sir John lies to her; her mother and other family members stonewall her questions and watch her movements. With Jane Conroy as her tentative and untrustworthy ally, Victoria will not be deterred from solving her first “case.”
Victoria is portrayed just as I pictured her, spirited and determined to gain whatever freedom she can get from the monotony of palace life. She truly shines as she faces these challenges. I loved watching her friendship blossom with Jane, and her relationship with her governess, Lehzen.
I am excited to read more in this world, as it looks like it will be a series. Can’t wait to see what Victoria will be up to next!
Definitely recommend! This book releases on August 26, 2025.

About the Author:

Darcie Wilde is a pseudonym for Sarah Zettel, author of mysteries, science fiction, romance and Young Adult fiction, including the New York Times Notable Book Fool’s War and the bestselling Rosalind Thorne mysteries A Useful Woman. She also writes under the names Delia James, Sarah Zettel, Jennifer Hawkins C. L. Anderson and Marissa Day.

Darcie writes her classically styled (not to mention stylish) mysteries as well as adventurous romances from a university town in a certain northern-midwestern state that has been known to bear some passing resemblance to a mitten. When not writing, she’s reading, cooking, hiking, swimming, climbing things, embroidering other things, raising her rapidly growing son and trying to convince her cat — Buffy the Vermin Slayer — not to do any further damage to the furniture.