Book Review: "Spark the Flames" by Ivy Asher

I already knew I loved Ivy Asher’s books, so my expectations for “Spark the Flames” were high - and she absolutely delivered.

Dragon shifters, revenge, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, found family, and a deliciously slow-burning romance? This book had practically everything I want in a romantasy.

Ever is fierce, stubborn, powerful, and determined to get answers about what happened to her family. Then she’s captured by Aeson - the second Scion of the Dragon Horde who is supposed to be her enemy - and the tension between them was SO GOOD. Their constant push and pull kept me completely invested, and I loved watching their relationship slowly shift as more secrets were revealed.

Ivy Asher always writes the kind of strong, complicated heroines I immediately become attached to, along with powerful men who are possessive, protective, and just morally gray enough to keep things interesting. Ever and Aeson were no exception.

The world-building, mystery, banter, chemistry, and twists all worked together perfectly, and that ending left me desperate to know what happens next. I absolutely devoured this one and will be impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

An easy five stars and another reminder of why Ivy Asher continues to be an auto-buy author for me!

Book Review: "Cowboy Casual" by Holly Renee

I have to admit - I’ve been a huge fan of Holly Renee’s for a while. But when I heard she was writing a contemporary cowboy romance, I was more than a little skeptical. (She’s a romantasy queen!) But, as all die hard fans do, I decided to try it out.

Blaire Monroe’s life is a mess. She’s recently learned that her fiancé has been cheating on her. Her father, a politician with no Dad gene whatsoever, is an asshole; he tries to convince Blaire to stick around and move beyond the cheating - only concerned about how this scandal might reflect on his political career and upcoming campaign. Frustrated, angry, and with nowhere else to go, Blaire heads back to her small town roots and returns to her grandmother’s strawberry farm in hopes of finding herself again. Enter Cole - “THE guy” from her past, boy-next-door…the one who got away and broke her heart in the process. Tension, emotions, and yearning that’s palpable ensues. 

I approached this ARC with some hesitation since small-town, second-chance romances aren’t usually my thing. But Renee did several things right.

Renee creates a vivid small-town world full of warm, homey details and just the right amount of grit - from the strawberry farm setting to the town’s familiar feel. The setting adds richness to the story and gives the “return home” theme genuine emotion.

I also appreciated that Colt’s role as a single dad added so much depth to his character. He’s not just the rugged cowboy next door - he’s a devoted dad doing his best for his little girl, Ruby. His tenderness and patience balance perfectly with Blaire’s fiery independence, making their dynamic richer and more heartfelt.

And Ruby? She’s an absolute scene-stealer. Her innocence and charm soften Blaire’s edges in the best way. The bond that grows between them feels natural - never forced - and gives the story an emotional warmth that grounds the romance. Blaire’s moments with Ruby show how healing and love can take unexpected forms, even outside the central romance.

The secondary characters were just as awesome as Blaire and Colt. Grandma June reminded me so much of my meddling grandmother who was too wise for her own good but who had more intuition than most. I loved that she was behind the scenes, trying to play matchmaker for her granddaughter and the boy next door. 

Don’t let the “small town/second chance” tag scare you away - Holly Renee breathes fresh life into the trope, giving depth, heart, and heat. Blaire and Colt’s journey reminded me that sometimes running away doesn’t save you - going back and facing your past can. And in this case, it leads to something real.

Book Review: "What Fury Brings" by Tricia Levenseller

Tricia Levenseller makes her adult romantasy debut with “What Fury Brings” -  and wow, this story was amazing! This story is raw, dark, and unapologetically furious - and with everything going on in the world today, this is exactly the story I needed to hear.

The book is set in Amarra, a matriarchal society where women rule and men are literally captured to ensure noble lineages. The main character, Olerra, is a fierce and ambitious warrior fighting for her place as heir to the throne. She accidentally kidnaps the wrong prince - Sanos, the crowned prince of a rival kingdom - and that mistake sets off a chain of political intrigue, dangerous games, and a romance that is anything but simple.

What I loved:

• The bold worldbuilding - a matriarchy that flips gender power dynamics on their head. Levenseller doesn’t shy away from making this world brutal, messy, and thought-provoking.

• Olerra herself. She’s strong, ruthless at times, and refuses to apologize for her ambition. She’s also naively authentic at times which makes the budding romance between her and Sanos that more endearing. 

• The tone. Levenseller balances dark, heavy themes with moments of humor and snappy pacing, which kept me turning the pages - I literally devoured this book in one day!

• And of course, the romance. It’s spicy, it’s complicated (true enemies to lovers!), and for readers who like their romance with high stakes, this definitely delivers.
  
  

That said, this isn’t a book for everyone. The romance may feel more physical than emotional at times, and the themes are also heavy - there’s kidnapping, bondage, abuse, and other triggers, so definitely check content warnings first.

For me, this book worked because it’s not trying to be soft or gentle. It’s meant to be intense, sexy, and cathartic. It’s Levenseller writing with rage and passion, and you can feel it on every page.

If you loved her YA work, just know this isn’t that - this is her turned all the way up to adult. I’d recommend it for readers who enjoy dark, boundary-pushing romantasies with a fearless heroine and aren’t afraid of a little chaos in their romance.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: "Fated in Blood" by L.A. McGinnis

I will preface this by saying that L.A. McGinnis writes a really great why-choose series. When I initially read “Savage is My Kingdom” (the first book in the Wicked Realms series) I was hooked - and immediately went on to read the entire series. Not one to shy away from plot or spice, that series had a perfect blend of both.

So, it’s no surprise that her latest series, “Fated in Blood,” would be any different. I absolutely devoured “Fated in Blood.” Always one for a good, paranormal vampire romance, this book had it all. Evangeline (Evie) is the badass, feisty female lead who’s on a revenge mission to find her younger sister who was kidnapped. Simultaneously, our two male main characters - best friends Blake and Riordan - are trying to stave off an uprising under Riordan’s new rule as king of the local vampire clan. Evie’s search leads her to staking some pretty horrible bad guys and she finds herself in the grasp of an evil vampire overlord - in the process, crossing paths with Blake and Riordan. In a move reminiscent of a Buffy episode, Evie attempts to take her own life so that she doesn’t become some sadistic vampire’s plaything - only to become a baby vamp at Riordan’s hand. 

This book has fated mates, political intrigue, true enemies to lovers, forced proximity, protective/jealous MMCs, and a shadow daddy that’ll have you wishing you were his shadow queen. L.A. McGinnis masterfully crafts a tale ripe with plot and vampire spice that would put Bella and Edward to shame. After reading “Fated in Blood,” I immediately dove into book two, “Fated in Secrets.” (And girl, did I mention Malachi!? Oh yeah…Evie’s building her harem!) This is definitely a series that you can sink your teeth into! 😉

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: "Uncharted" by Ellie Pond

It was embarrassing how quickly I read Ellie Pond’s “Adrift” (book one in the Wrecked series). I mean, a why-choose romance reminiscent of Gilligan’s Island, complete with a five-man crew, a deserted island, and a treehouse that had the makings of a modern, steamy Swiss Family Robinson tale. So yeah…completely devoured that book in the course of a day. It’s no surprise that I jumped at the opportunity to review its sequel, “Uncharted.” 

“Uncharted” picks up where book one left off. Haley and her small band of men are still stranded on the island, with a rescue looking bleaker by the day as weeks have now passed without so much as a possible rescue patrol in sight. The crew has tried to make the most of things and have started to fashion a more permanent dwelling further inland. Haley continues to worry about Captain Sam’s whereabouts.  The group continues to battle the elements, along with the natural dangers of the island, with the threat of pirates heavy in the air. Sam eventually makes his appearance and the crew eagerly reunites. Haley’s reluctance to pick up things with Sam are smothered with one steamy night with the entire crew aboard the Rock Candy. The rest of the book has Haley’s men making declarations of love up until the cliffhanger ending that finds Haley missing a couple of her men.

Although it was an easy, quick, and enjoyable read, I did feel that the “major” events were very anticlimactic. For example, the crew’s suspicions of sabotage are further validated in this book but there’s no real progress made at identifying the saboteur. Likewise, the threat of pirates is present throughout (as is the guys’ concern over what would happen to Haley should they be forced to face pirates)...but nothing really happens until the end of the book…and even then, that cliffhanger was more like a mild jump. 

I would really like to see things come to a head in the next installment!

Rating: 3.5/5 Stars

Book Review: "The Rivaled Crown" by Holly Renee

“The Rivaled Crown” is the final installment in The Veiled Kingdom series by Holly Renee - and quite honestly was THE BEST book in the series. I have loved this series since the first book, but this final book just solidified that Dacre and Verena are one of my favorite bookish couples.

Despite some of the issues I had with the second book, “The Hunted Heir”, this book took the various conflicts and wrapped everything up in a bow. The level of detail to really suss out some of the storyline and back history was just perfection (I was literally crying when she started talking about her mother’s motives). This book was an emotional rollercoaster - but of the best variety (I literally cried like four times throughout the book). 

Even with the pull on emotions, this book had everything you’d expect from a romantasy novel - court politics and political intrigue, found family, scheming fathers, familia trauma, and a love story that persists through it all. Daddy Dacre is one of my favorite book boyfriends - hands down! His devotion to seeing Verena succeed and take her rightful place in her kingdom is just everything you want in a dark, rebellion leader. He’s literally her number one advocate - vowing to make the world burn for her!

I have always loved the relationship Verena has with Wren and the family she finds among the rebellion. I loved seeing Wren and Kai’s relationship finally come to a tipping point in this book (is there a spin-off for them in the future!?) Their support for Verena and Dacre was everything. 

But Verena really takes the cake! She has been through the ringer with her abusive father, betrayals from those closest to her, and the death of not only her mother but her own kingdom’s subjects at the hands of her power-hungry father…but her resilience and inner fight never break. She is strong, opinionated, and isn’t deterred by men who think they know best. I absolutely love her!

This book was just amazing and such a great way to end the series! I hope that Ms. Renee continues to write books where bad ass females continue to lead and bring kingdoms (and the Daddy Dacres of the world) to their knees. 

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: "House of Raven" by Ingrid Seymour

Ingrid Seymour’s “House of the Raven" is a captivating blend of fantasy, intrigue, and romance. Seymour’s latest introduces a richly imagined world filled with complex characters and a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Valeria, the king’s daughter, is a total dreamer with a big heart. After her mother was killed by a Fae sorcerer, Valeria’s own life force was drained by Fae magic, which has pretty much disappeared from the human world since the fall of the Veil. But here’s the kicker: Valeria and her older sister, Amira, are secretly half-Fae, thanks to their mother’s side of the family - a fact that’s been kept hidden for a long time.

Then there's Rífíor, aka River, the leader of a Fae rebel group. He’s definitely a complex, morally gray character, and I think the author did a great job with him. He’s got his own agenda, full of goals and motivations that he doesn’t readily share - even with his closest allies. Determined to enact his long-standing plan for revenge, Rífíor is dependent on Valeria for his plan to work. Their fates are intertwined from the start and when their paths cross, it sets off a series of events that had me gripping my seat. 

 “House of the Raven" is labeled as a romance, so I thought that would be the main focus, but I was pleasantly surprised. There’s also the whole enemies-to-lovers thing going on, but it’s done really well—nothing superficial or rushed here. The way the romance develops is full of subtlety and slow-burn tension, which worked out beautifully in the end. Yes, there’s romance, including one steamy scene, but the story remains the primary focus (which I appreciated!)

Seymour does an exquisite job with this novel’s world-building. I loved how the setting drew inspiration from Spanish culture and how Seymour’s storytelling is such an immersive experience. The concept of “espiritu” (literally, the Spanish word for spirit or life-force) and the magic system built around it was particularly intriguing. The author reveals the story’s secrets little by little, so you get to piece things together and discover the truth alongside Valeria. Valeria’s character arc and growth throughout the story was on point; despite being relatively naive in the beginning, she remains feisty, stubborn, and surprisingly empathetic as certain truths are revealed throughout the novel. 

Overall, “House of the Raven” is a well-crafted fantasy novel that offers readers compelling characters, intriguing world-building, and the beginnings of a satisfying romance. This book surprised me in the best way, and I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book!

Rating: 4/5 Stars

Book Review: "Fear the Flames" by Olivia Darling

“Fear the Flames” by Olivia Darling was everything I had heard about it and more! Since falling down the dragon hoard hole, I’ve been devouring any and all dragon books I could get my hands on. Many were good but I was still missing my next dragon read that would give me the same high that the Empyrean series did. Enter “Fear the Flames.”

This book had it all - an exiled princess seeking revenge against her cruel childhood abusers, a dragon heist, a steamy romance with banter that had me laughing out loud, and found family that was pulling on heartstrings. 

The relationships in the book were expertly crafted. I loved that Elowen had a platonic best friend who supported her through every step of her journey. Her friendships with Ryder and Saskia are fundamental to her after having been alone both during her imprisonment and after as she forged a name for herself in her new kingdom. And then there’s Cayden - our morally gray MMC. He’s possessive, commanding, and has some beef with Elowen - so there’s this love/hate aspect of their romance, even though she’s really given no precedent for why there’s strife between them. But the banter! Elowen and Cayden’s quick-witted, snarky banter made the book!

And then Elowen herself was the cherry on top. I absolutely love and connect with books in which - despite trauma and abuse - the female main character is a badass bitch who lets nothing and no one get in her way of righting those who have wronged her along her journey. Elowen is strong, lethal, and every bit the queen her birth right ensures her to be.

I devoured this book in one sitting - I absolutely LOVED it! I am so excited for the sequel and can’t wait to see where it takes Elowen and her dragons.

Book Review: "The Hunted Heir" by Holly Renee

“The Hunted Heir” by Holly Renee is the second book in the The Veiled Kingdom series. It continues the story right where the first book left off, with Verena, heir to the kingdom, on the run. Not only is she being hunted by her cruel, manipulative father (the king), she is now a person of interest to the rebellion who have since found out her true identity and are looking to use her as leverage against the king. Between the political machinations of two power-hungry men, Verena struggles to keep one step ahead of both enemies. 

Dacre, fresh off the heels of betraying Verena, is now desperately searching for her. Haunted by his feelings for her and the secrets she's hiding, he's racing against time (and his own father) to find her.

The story is filled with thrilling action, intense romance, and shocking revelations. As Verena and Dacre navigate a dangerous world, they must confront their complicated feelings for each other and decide who they can trust.

I had originally rated this book 5-stars, but after letting it sit and percolate a bit, I am bumping that down to 4. The predictability of both the storyline and dialogue were slightly off-putting. I mean, I saw that ending coming so it wasn’t this huge cliffhanger or reveal. Despite Dacre’s minimal character development, I was really disappointed to see that Verena was still making frustratingly stupid decisions. I mean, the whole trusting Eiran thing - really, girl?! This book was also super short in my opinion - and while it was a fast read (I read it in literally one sitting), I wished Renee would have spent some more time teasing out Dacre’s journey to repentance. Like, make him work for that forgiveness!

Despite these minor flaws, I did really enjoy the book. I appreciated the dual-POV and the push and pull of Dacre and Verena’s tension-filled relationship. I do think that Renee has the potential of making book three really incredible if she buffs up the character development (I would love to see Verena really come into her own with her powers).  Overall, a fun, romantasy read that I will likely re-read in the near future!

Book Review: "Illusion of Stars" by Sarah Marie Page

Sarah Marie Page’s “Illusions of Stars" is an intriguing fantasy novel from the first chapter! This debut novel features a masterful blend of fantasy, romance, and intrigue that will leave readers yearning for a sequel.

Our FMC Isabel is a royal physician on a windswept island whose world gets turned upside-down when it’s discovered that her best friend has been murdered. Doctor turned sleuth, Isabel begins looking for answers to her friend’s untimely death and  in the process discovers a cache of letters revealing a terrifying truth: the enemy kingdom has a devastating weapon they wish to release upon the realm. Seeking vengeance for her friend, Isabel infiltrates the enemy’s ranks, looking to woo Erik Lothgarson (the general’s son), gather information, and steal the weapon away. But as she plays spy, her black and white world turns gray and she finds herself under the enemy’s spell.

This book has plenty of tension and suspense. Page skillfully weaves together a complex tapestry of political intrigue, personal loss, and forbidden love. “Illusions of Stars" is filled with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is perfect, balancing moments of heart-pounding action with quieter, character-driven scenes.

The world-building is impressive. From the tiny island to the raging neighboring kingdom, readers will find themselves transported to a place that feels both magical and ethereal. Page creates a rich and immersive fantasy world filled with unique cultures, magic systems, and political dynamics. 

Page does an excellent job with character development throughout the novel. Isabel, the determined and resilient protagonist, is a character readers can't help but root for. Her journey of growth and self-discovery is inspiring and relatable. The supporting characters, including the enigmatic Erik and the loyal Katrina, are equally well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. The slow-burn romance between Isabel and Erik - while a delight to see unfold - was not the driving force of the novel, which I deeply appreciate.

“Illusion of Stars” immediately draws readers in with its richly developed world, compelling characters, and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end. Whether you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, or both, this book delivers a delightful blend of adventure and emotion. And don’t worry—the spice level is steamy but tastefully done, with foreplay and build-up rather than explicit on-page scenes.

In summary, “Illusion of Stars” is a banter-filled fantasy with romantic aspects that will leave you eagerly awaiting the sequel. Sarah Marie Page’s elegant prose and engaging storytelling make this a must-read for fans of enemies-to-lovers tales and magical intrigue.

Book Review: “Metal Slinger” by Rachel Schneider

“Metal Slinger” by Rachel Schneider was such a surprise! I was a little trepidatious when I received the digital ARC and there was no cover art…and I put off reading this until the last possible moment. However, this turned out to be such a great story!

In a story that reminded me of “Water World” meets “Pirates of the Caribbean,” readers are introduced to Brynn - a sea-faring youngin’ whose entire community of Alaha was exiled to a life at sea. Living on a barge-like “island,” she’s trained as a young guard alongside her friend Messer and possible love interest Kai. As Brynn nears the end of her training, she is rewarded - along with the rest of her graduating class - a rare trip to the land market. At the market, Brynn has a chance encounter with the mysterious Acker - and things take off from there.

Schneider does an excellent job of world building - from the island at sea, to the market, to the dark forest and beyond, I was completely immersed in all that was Kenta! Fantasy novels are always hit and miss in this respect - too little and readers can’t imagine being there; too much and they get bogged down in details that quickly begin to take away from the actual story. But Schneider’s world-building is nothing short of spectacular, painting vivid images of the Alaha’s exile and the looming threat of rebellion.

What truly sets this book apart is its ability to blend intense action with deep emotional connections. Brynn’s encounters, especially with the enigmatic enemy soldier, Acker,  are fraught with tension and intrigue. Schneider seamlessly weaves magic into the narrative, making the fantastical elements feel both real and essential to the story.

The characters are richly developed, each with their own motivations and secrets - and secrets do they have! Brynn’s loyalty and courage are inspiring, and her internal struggles make her incredibly relatable. And the plot twist - WHAT?! I was not expecting THAT…and it was wonderful! Let’s just say this book will be a true enemies-to-lovers after that debacle. 

Schneider’s writing style is both engaging and accessible, making it easy to lose oneself in the story. The pacing is perfect, with just the right balance of action, romance, and suspense. “Metal Slinger” is a must-read for fans of fantasy who crave a story that is both thrilling and heartwarming.

In short, “Metal Slinger” is a masterful tale of magic, loyalty, and the complexities of the human heart. I can’t wait to see where Brynn’s journey takes her next!

Book Review: “Crown of Light and Shadows” by G.K. Derosa

“Crown of Light and Shadows” by G.K. Derosa is a fast-paced, enemies to lovers romantasy with all of my favorite tropes! This book would essentially be the result if “Hunger Games,” “Fourth Wing,” “Harry Potter” and “The School of Good and Evil” had a baby - a novel filled with death trials, dragon riders, sexy shadow daddies, rival schools of light and dark Fae, and magical menageries. 

Aelia Ravenwood was raised to believe she was a Kin - a human - that upon their 20th birthday are bound to a Fae for a life of servitude. However, much to her surprise, it’s revealed on her birthday that she’s been selected to attend the Conservatory of Luce in Feywood, a prestigious academy that spits out elite graduates that go on to become the king’s guard. Oh - and she’s supposedly a Light Fae (or at least, partially). She is whisked off to her new academic home by broody Professor Reign Darkthorn.

Aelia is thrown into a world where most everyone is looking out for themselves and their post-academic career as a king’s guard. With the exception of a good few - including Aelia’s new roommate, Rue - many of the Conservatory’s students hold prejudices against Aelia for being less than and weaker than the other Light Fae in attendance. Despite having challenge after challenge stacked against her and other students (and even her own teammates) trying to sabotage her tenure at the school, Aelia is stubborn, fierce, and unwilling to back down from adversity. 

With Reign’s help, Aelia meets each challenge of her trials head-on - even going as far as bonding with a dragon (an almost unheard of feat in academy history). She finds herself falling for the handsome, slightly older professor - whom we come to learn is a shadow daddy from the Court of Umbral Shadows, the Dark Fae academy across the river from the Conservatory. Despite a peace treaty between the two courts, tensions between the two schools are on the rise and a potential war looms in the not so distant future. 

I absolutely LOVED this book! While there are clear parallels between Derosa’s novel and some of the aforementioned best-sellers, this book’s storyline was unique. The world building was incredible and each scene made me wish I was there! I’m a sucker for a good student-teacher, forbidden relationship and while Aelia and Reign were not that far apart in age, I was all for the sparks flying between them. Reign is pivotal in Aelia’s growth and development and in discovering her true parentage in the novel. These two cannot stay away from each other, despite their best attempts - they are magnetic and I was here for all of Reign’s protective, “touch her and you die” vibes!

If you’re looking for a romantasy that reminds you of one of your favorites and leaves you with a cliffhanger that will have your jaw on the floor, check out G.K. Derosa’s latest.

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: "A Fire in the Sky" by Sophie Jordan

“A Fire in the Sky” by Sophie Jordan follows Tamsyn, official whipping girl to the pampered princesses of Penterra. Raised as one of the royal family’s own, Tamsyn’s sole purpose is to accept the punishments for the princesses’ misdeeds. When Lord Fell Dryhten, the Beast of the Borderlands, arrives at the castle, demanding payment for his assistance to the kingdom - a princess as his only asking price - Tamsyn is dragged into a deception of the royal kind. 

Despite her only friend’s objections (Stig, captain of the guard who’s also secretly/not so secretly in love with her), Tamsyn marries Lord Dryhten and is swept away to the Borderlands. 

This book had me hooked from the first chapter! Despite being duty-sworn, Tamsyn feels this innate compulsion to protect her “sisters” - even when it comes at her own cost. When she’s thrust into an arranged marriage with a stranger, Tamsyn puts on a brave face and goes through with it so that her sisters don’t have to. Tamsyn is the quintessential romantasy leading lady - tough, compassionate, pragmatic, imperfect, resolute. 

The characters in “A Fire in the Sky” are deftly written. Tamsyn and Fell - both wrapped up in upholding their duty - passionately and unapologetically collide in this story. Their chemistry is palpable from their very first meeting, and their journey is filled with fiery passion, danger, and unexpected twists that kept me on the edge of my seat.

With Jordan’s rich and immersive storytelling, Tamsyn and Fell’s story had me reading this book from cover to cover in one sitting! (I actually read and then re-read the book before writing this review - and it had me biting a clenched fist each time!) Jordan masterfully weaves together romance and fantasy, creating a story that's both heartwarming and thrilling.

And then there's the cliffhanger ending – a brilliant, jaw-dropping twist that left me eagerly anticipating the next installment. It's a testament to Jordan's skill that I'm already counting down the days until I can dive back into this magical world. If you’re looking for a book that has it all - witches, dragons, arranged marriage, secret heritages - you’ll want to add this to your TBR list!

Rating: 5/5 Stars

Book Review: “Here for the Cake” by Jennifer Millikin

“Here for the Cake” by Jennifer Millikin is a cute romantic comedy filled with witty banter, instant chemistry, and a beachy romance that ends with a happily ever after. 

Poor Paisley’s in a predicament. Her younger sister is marrying her ex-boyfriend and Paisley’s expected to show up to the wedding and serve as the maid of honor. During a night of drunken debauchery in the bride’s name, Paisley runs into her college crush and one-time snogger, Klein. Saving Paisley some unwanted embarrassment, Klein poses as Paisley’s new beau in front of the female wedding party.

Not wanting to look like a loser, Paisley enlists the help of Klein for the upcoming nuptials. What ensues is your typical fake-dating trope set against a beachy, island backdrop, complete with the dysfunctional family tomfoolery thrown in. 

I enjoyed seeing Paisley go from a Grade A people pleaser to a woman redefining her boundaries and someone no longer wanting to be “the floor,” as Paisley’s friend Paloma would say. Her complicated and complex relationships with her family members - from her distant father to her selfish sister - made Paisley very relatable. (Her sister reminded me of Tess from 27 Dresses - the narcissistic, overindulged bride-to-be. Actually, Paisley and Sienna’s relationship is very much reminiscent of Tess and Jane’s from 27 Dresses.)

Klein is the typical cinnamon roll boyfriend - even more so when Paisley and Klein admit that their fake feelings are anything but that. He encourages her to stand up for herself but is also her protector when needed. (I loved that Klein was mere seconds away from putting Paisley’s ex on his ass any time he bad-mouthed her.) They also pushed each other to be better individuals.

This book was an easy read and I was eager to see how Paisley and Klein’s story played out. The chemistry between them was palpable and the spice hit just right (the hide-and-seek scene!) It was a cute and enjoyable read and fans of 27 Dresses will be delighted with Paisley and Klein’s love story.

Book Review: "Serpents of Sky and Flame" by Rebecca F. Kenney

Rebecca F. Kenney hits it out of the park with her latest novel, “Serpents of Sky and Flame.” I  have been a fan of Kenney’s since devouring the entire Wicked Darlings and Immortal Warriors series. I absolutely love her world building of these fantastical realms, full of delicious characters and storylines that keep you hooked from the beginning. And the spice never disappoints!

It should be no surprise that “Serpents of Sky and Flame” hit no different; really, I think it’s the best book I’ve read of hers so far. This first novel in the Merciless Dragons series, introduces us to Princess Serylla, whose father is leading a war against a rival kingdom that has banded together with mercenary dragons. In retaliation for a fatal curse that desimates every female in the dragon kingdom, Kyreagan, the dragon prince, leads a raid that captures Serylla and a hoard of females from her kingdom. What follows is a tale of captor/captive that very much gives Beauty and the Beast vibes. 

The story, told between dual POVs between Kyreagan and Serylla, is a lot of fun - mostly because of the miscommunication that runs rampant between the two main characters. Grumpy Kyreagan is often blunt - almost animalistic and so literal in his responses at times that it was quite humorous in how Serylla responded to him. (She literally thought she’d be torn apart because of his dragon sausage.) This novel had me laughing out loud and I couldn’t help but to appreciate the evolving dynamic between Kyreagan and Serylla.

And the nod to mental health representation with the panic attacks - and the subsequent care the character was given during the episode - was just beautiful! (Kenney does such a great job of this in her books. I felt seen!) 

“Serpents of Sky and Flame” is a slow burn, enemies to lovers, monster romance that checked all the boxes for this dragon book girlie. If you’re looking for your next fun read (that’ll keep you turning those pages until the cliffhanger at the end), you’ll want to check this book out.

Rating: 5/5 Stars