Category: BOOK REVIEWS

I just wrapped up the last book in the Flame Cursed Fae Series by Eliza Raine last night and wanted to take a sec to process my thoughts before rating each book. Since they all got the same rating, I figured I’d review them as a series to avoid repeating myself. There are three books: Of Blades and Wings, Of Frost and Feather, and Of Ash and Iron. Each book was on the shorter side for fantasy reads, and I kind of felt like it could’ve been squished down into a duology. It took me about three days to read the whole series since I’m a slow reader and didn’t have much time to chill with a book. The story’s concept was pretty cool. The main character, Maddy, gets picked to train at Featherblade to become a Valkyrie, much to her royal parents’ shock and disapproval. They’ve got a secret about her that you’ll need to dive in to find out—no spoilers from me! While at Featherblade, Maddy tries to keep her secret under wraps, cope with feeling lonely, train to become a Valkyrie, and deal with her feelings on Kain, whose touch is pretty deadly. Will they figure it out? So many questions! Plus, there’s a big plot twist. Seriously, you’ve got to check it out. Overall, I gave it 3 stars. It had a lot of great stuff, but something felt off. It got a bit dull at times and didn’t really pick up until the final book. Maybe I was expecting too much from it after reading a bunch of romance novels. I wanted to get lost in a fantasy world filled with adventure, but this one didn’t quite do it for me.

BOOK 129 TO 131 OF 2025📚

FLAME CURSED FAE SERIES

By: Eliza Raine

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Once again, Laurie Gilmore has delivered a heartwarming love story from Dream Harbor, and it’s the enchanting tale we’ve all been eagerly anticipating. I’ll admit, in the earlier stories, I found myself somewhat annoyed by Mac, envisioning him as a grumpy, older gentleman—no idea why my mind leapt to that! But in The Gingerbread Bakery, we finally get to experience the beautiful journey of Annie and Mac. To my surprise, Mac transformed into my absolute favorite character in Dream Harbor. I’ve never been more invested in two people finding their happily-ever-after! Prepare yourself for moments of laughter, tears, and an electrifying adventure that will leave you spellbound as you delve into this captivating story.

BOOK 128 OF 2025📚

THE GINGERBREAD BAKERY

By: Laurie Gilmore

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Elsie Silver, you’ve done it yet again! What an absolute masterpiece this is! With each book in the Rose Hill Series, I find myself saying it’s the best, but Wild Card has truly captured my heart like no other. Bash embodies the ideal blend of protector and lover, infused with just the right touch of vulnerability. The love story between him and Gwen is a breathtaking journey of discovering love against all odds. I laughed, I wept, and I sat on the edge of my seat—this book had it all! Please tell me we’ll get to savor more of their beautiful story in future books!

BOOK 127 OF 2025📚

WILD CARD

By: Elsie Silver

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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OMG, Katherine Center, how have I just uncovered the brilliance of your writing? The Rom-Commers was an exhilarating delight! What a charming tale! The witty banter sparkled, and the yearning was simply exquisite. Honestly, this book is entirely PG—there’s not a steamy scene in sight, if you catch my drift. Yet, who needs that when the writing is this phenomenal? I laughed, I wept—so many emotions flooded me. If you’re on the hunt for a refreshingly delightful romantic comedy, you cannot go wrong with this gem! Now, I’m absolutely eager to dive into more of her works!

BOOK 126 OF 2025📚

THE ROM-COMMERS

By: Katherine Center

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Let me begin by ardently professing my profound desire to love this book! Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube was raved about by not one, but two of my cherished friends—kindred spirits in the realm of literature who share my thirst for an unforgettable reading adventure. They’ve guided me to literary treasures before, but this time, I find myself grappling with doubt! Haha! The writing, unfortunately, left me yearning for more, at times thrusting me into the unexpected role of editor and proofreader. And then there’s the FMC, Tem. Regrettably, her character development felt stuck; instead of maturing, she resembled a middle schooler—unsure and flitting about, her love and loyalty wavering like a leaf in the breeze. There were instances when I nearly hurled the book across the room and even pondered DNFing it, but my passion for literature is unyielding; I’m a glutton for punishment! Nevertheless, the book sparkles with brilliant ideas! The mesmerizing world of the basilisk and their vibrant culture utterly enthralled me. So many intricate details enriched the narrative: the training, the claws, the gold, the rituals, the cresting, and yes, the fiery love scenes… the list is boundless! I was completely spellbound. And when it comes to book boyfriends, you can never go wrong with Caspen! Yet, it ultimately circles back to Tem and the writing. Will I eagerly devour the second book upon its release? Without a doubt! I’m far too invested to look back now!

BOOK 125 OF 2025📚

KISS OF THE BASILISK

By: Lindsay Straube

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️

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Ali Hazelwood has once again crafted a breathtaking masterpiece. Problematic Summer Romance may very well claim its place among my top 5 favorite books of 2025, perhaps even rising to the pinnacle of my all-time favorites for the year. As a dazzling follow-up to Not in Love, the narrative sweeps us into the lives of Maya, Eli’s sister, and Connor, his best friend and business partner. Set against the enchanting backdrop of Eli and Rue’s wedding in Italy, this love story sparkles with freshness, immersing us in the passionate yearning, witty banter, deep friendship, and heart-wrenching moments that unfold between Connor and Maya as they navigate their 15-year age gap while balancing the delicate line between cherished friendship and longing for so much more. A five-star read that unequivocally affirms that love can conquer all!

BOOK 124 OF 2025📚

PROBLEMATIC SUMMER ROMANCE

By: Ali Hazelwood

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I started two other books, which I ended up tossing back on my TBR, before I found this little treasure. For some weird reason, I just couldn’t get into a book, pulled in all sorts of directions by distractions, until I grabbed an Ali Hazelwood book because, honestly, you just can’t go wrong with her fun stories. Her books are such a blast; they’re packed with awesome banter and good vibes that really lift me up. Not in Love totally hit all the right notes. The witty banter had me cracking up, the unexpected love story made my heart do a little happy dance, and let’s not forget Tiny – the cutest dog ever who brought so much extra charm to the story. Who can resist a furry friend as a sidekick, right? It was such a fun read, totally immersing me in the characters’ feelings and wild adventures. I absolutely loved Eli and Rue’s love story, cheering for them the whole way through, and now I’m super excited for the follow-up books featuring the other colorful characters in their world, just dying to see how their stories shake out and connect in such cool ways.

BOOK 123 OF 2025📚

NOT IN LOVE

By: Ali Hazelwood

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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First, let me express that I dove into this book with no preconceived notions. All I knew was that Keri Lake crafted it, and her writing captivates my soul. And, can we talk about the cover? It’s absolutely mesmerizing! Yes, I’m judging a book by its cover, and I don’t care who knows it! I didn’t even glance at the summary because I crave the thrill of surprise. I plunged in with a clean slate, just the way I adore beginning a new literary adventure. From the very start, I felt echoes of Phantom of the Opera. I can’t quite explain it, but perhaps it was the mysterious MMC with his scarred face, the reclusive nature, and a fondness for the piano that sent my imagination spiraling. It’s truly enchanting! The story unfolds beautifully, revealing two individuals who have endured profound traumas, transforming them into something extraordinary. Through their bond, they find solace, learning to trust and love each other fiercely. I found every page brimming with intrigue and suspense, woven with the perfect amount of romance. Keri Lake never fails to deliver magic!

BOOK 122 OF 2025📚

MASTER OF SALT & BONE

By: Keri Lake

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Broken Country by Clare Leslie Hall is an absolute masterpiece that captivated me from the very first line: “The farmer is dead, he is dead and all anyone wants to know is who killed him.” The suspense builds, and you won’t uncover the truth until nearly 80% into the tale, leading you on an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected twists about the murderer. This book masterfully weaves through time, deepening the narrative and allowing readers to intimately connect with the characters and their intricate relationships. It powerfully illustrates how a single decision can ripple through lives, showcasing the weight of regret and the struggle to appreciate what is right in front of us. When faced with a chance at redemption, the question lingers: will you seize it, or will you let the past remain behind and forge ahead? This is truly a thought-provoking work that will linger in my mind for a long time to come—a definitive must-read!

BOOK 121 OF 2025📚

BROKEN COUNTRY

By: Clare Leslie Hall

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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First off, this book should have kicked off the series—seriously, how did that oversight happen? In Knot So Lucky, you meet the irresistible men who play a pivotal role in Tangled in Tinsel as Samantha’s steamy boyfriends. Yes, it’s a reverse harem, and trust me, you want to dive into this one first. Trilina Pucci knows exactly how to write a scandalous tale that’ll make your heart race. The men are drop-dead gorgeous, the kind who worship their woman both in and out of the sheets—if you catch my drift. Trilina excels at crafting unforgettable characters, and the witty exchanges between Samantha and Eleanor are downright side-splitting. I docked a star for a bit too much smut; maybe I hit my limit? Don’t get me wrong, I adore a good steamy scene, just in moderation. I crave more plot alongside the heat. Regardless, it was one heck of a ride!

BOOK 120 OF 2025📚

TANGLED IN TINSEL

By: Trilina Pucci

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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