Category: BOOK REVIEWS

I picked this one up again because I just couldn’t stop thinking about it—it’s the kind of story that hangs out in the back of your mind long after you’ve finished. The first time I read it, I was in such a fog that when I was done, I could barely remember the plot, just the way it made me feel—and that feeling was strong enough that I actually put it back on my TBR, which I almost never do. Reading it again now, with a clearer head, I appreciated the moody vibe and emotional moments so much more; it’s one of those books that quietly pulls you back in, even when the details have faded. If I’d only read the physical copy this time, I probably would’ve rated it higher, because on the page the story really works. But the audiobook narration was super flat and weirdly paced, and it kept yanking me out of scenes that should’ve been totally immersive. The performance didn’t fit the tone of the story at all, and instead of making the experience better, it kind of dulled everything—so even though the book itself has that haunting, stay-with-you quality, the audio version kept getting in the way.

BOOK 87 OF 2026📚

DARKMORE PENITENTIARY #1: CAGED WOLF

BY: Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Wow, this was way more than just a 5-star read. I absolutely bawled—the kind of full-body cry that sticks with you long after you close the book. The writing is pure poetry at times, with these simple, gorgeous lines that make you stop and read them again. It’s a love story for the ages—soft, painful in the best way, and so, so human. I could go on and on about this book, but I won’t because I don’t want to spoil a single thing. It’s one of those rare stories you just have to dive into and feel for yourself.

BOOK 86 OF 2026📚

HEARTSTRING DUET #2: CROWN ME YOURS

BY: Liv Zander

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I’ve been dying for the audio for this duet to drop so I could finally dive in. You know I need both the book AND the audio to really enjoy it. It was so worth the wait. I went into this one basically blind, which is exactly how I like to experience a story—it just makes everything feel more intense. And this book was no different. I did not expect what I found in these pages. My heart was pulled in two completely different directions. Liv Zander is an absolute genius. Her story sparks so many emotions. This duet might honestly end up being my top read of 2026—maybe even of all time.

BOOK 85 OF 2026📚

HEARTSTRING DUET #1: CROWN ME DEAD

BY: Liv Zander

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

If you’ve ever picked up anything by Trilina Pucci, you already know her books are scorching, and this one turns the heat all the way up. But what absolutely consumes me about her stories—beyond the obvious— is how deeply emotional and layered they are. There is always someone broken open on the page, someone who’s been hurt, guarded, or “damaged” in some way, who has to fight their way back to themselves. Walls have to be torn down, hearts have to learn to trust again, and that journey toward true, hard-won “bliss” is what makes her books unforgettable. This story is no different, and it hit me right in the chest.

Another thing I adore about her writing? She doesn’t shy away from desire, complexity, or multiple players—if you know what I mean. “Comin’ In Hot” centers on a woman who’s spent the last 20 years in a marriage with a man who, let’s just say, was seriously lacking in a few very important areas. When they divorce, she heads to a retreat to visit her sister, raw and uncertain, and that’s where everything changes. There she meets three men who don’t just turn up the heat—they help her strip away her insecurities, claim her pleasure, and finally discover everything she’s been denied for far too long.

I’m not even exaggerating when I say I’m at a complete loss for words over some of these scenes. Trilina Pucci absolutely does not disappoint—she delivers intensity, tenderness, and filthy, blazing chemistry all in one breath. If you haven’t yet, do yourself a favor and dive into the other books in this world. They’re all standalone reads, but if you want to devour them in order, start with “Tangled in Tinsel”, then “Knot So Lucky”, and “Three Ways To Mend A Broken Heart”. Familiar faces from those stories show up here, and it makes this book feel like coming home to a wild, passionate, found-family reunion you never want to leave.

BOOK 84 OF 2026📚

TOUCHDOWN LOVE #3: COMIN’ IN HOT

BY: Trilina Pucci

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I absolutely loved how this series wrapped up, even though the ending definitely felt a bit rushed. It almost seemed like the author suddenly decided, “This is it,” and poured everything into those last few chapters in a whirlwind. But honestly, it still landed as a really satisfying read for me. I adored that the FMC wasn’t instantly confident — watching her struggle, grow, and slowly figure out who she really is made me so much more invested in her journey. The MMC was kind of adorably love sick, and while he did veer into feeling a little whipped at times, I still found their dynamic charming and engaging. I’d wholeheartedly recommend this book if you’re craving a fun romantasy that actually brings something fresh to the genre and refuses to blend in with the usual stuff.

BOOK 83 OF 2026📚

FRECKLED FATE #3: A RISING HOPE

BY: Tetyana Walker

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Just when I thought I couldn’t love Gideon more, this book proved me wrong in the best possible way. His protective, totally smitten side is swoon‑worthy, and the slow burn here is chef’s kiss—the kind that keeps you grinning, kicking your feet, and savoring every tiny shift between them. The banter is sharp, the tension is delicious, and watching his walls come down made my heart ache in the sweetest way. And that ending? Wow. It’s emotional, surprising, and so perfectly set up that I was so glad I already had book 3 ready to go because I dove straight in without even pausing. This book feels so fresh, fun, and emotionally rich, and is an absolute must‑read for anyone who loves a good slow‑burn romance.

BOOK 82 OF 2026📚

FRECKLED FATE #2: A SIMPLE TRUTH

BY: Tetyana Walker

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I’ve had this book sitting on my TBR for ages, and I finally got around to reading it, and now I’m seriously wondering why I waited so long. I totally devoured this book in one day, losing track of time as the pages just flew by. I loved Finnleah and how she stays super positive even when things get tough, but her intense hatred for the Destroyer General really confused me. Was it all the rumors about him making him out to be this huge villain? Still, holding onto that much hatred for someone who might not even deserve it felt like something I was questioning the whole time, thinking about what was really going on beneath the surface. This book is packed with deception, lies, and hidden identities, weaving together a web of intrigue that had me glued to my seat. The plot twists were on point, and just when I thought I had it all figured out, bam! Another surprise would hit, showing me that nothing is quite what it seems. It’s one of those reads that not only kept me entertained but also made me ponder the messy nature of feelings and how perception changes everything.

BOOK 81 OF 2026📚

FRECKLED FATE #1: A BROKEN PROMISE

BY: Tetyana Walker

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable

This wraps up the Fire & Metal series, but that little hint at the end has me thinking we might get more books, especially about Messer. And honestly, I’m totally here for it because he was my fave, even if he wasn’t the main guy. He really saved some of those moments in the book that had me feeling like I wanted to scream. Don’t get me wrong, I love a strong female lead, but there are times when you just wanna shake them and tell them to snap out of it. So much distrust and this stubborn belief that their way is the only way. The back and forth can get super tiring. But hang in there! Love’s gonna win out, but you’ve got to go through a bunch of ups and downs first. Seriously well written!

BOOK 80 OF 2026📚

FIRE & METAL #2: LIGHT WIELDER

BY: Rachel Schneider

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Okay, it took me a bit to get into this book. Honestly, the first time I picked it up, I just tossed it back on my TBR because I couldn’t vibe with the story at all. The second time around, it felt like a slow slog, which was kind of annoying. And with the World Cup going on, it totally distracted me with all those exciting matches, so I barely had any time to read each day. Because of that, it took me over a week to finally finish the book, and my mind was often drifting back to the games instead of focusing on the plot. But once I really got into it and dove deep into the characters and their journeys, I loved it! The way the author spun the plot was super captivating. And that betrayal at the end? You’ll never see it coming; it flipped my expectations upside down and left me completely stunned!

BOOK 79 OF 2026📚

FIRE & METAL #1: METAL SLINGER

BY: Rachel Schneider

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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I stumbled upon this book through a Facebook ad and just had to grab it on Kindle right away. Honestly, from the first page, it felt like a breath of fresh air compared to the usual wolf shifter stories that often just recycle the same plot. I’d never even heard the term “Luna Graced” before, which made me even more curious. Sure, it dives into some classic themes—like the whole rejected mate scenario, dealing with another pack, the thrill of finding a mate, and, of course, that pesky ex-mate trying to worm their way back in—but the author put such a fun twist on it that I was totally hooked. I couldn’t put it down, even during those late-night reading marathons when I really should’ve been sleeping. I was pretty surprised to discover that KristiferAnn Thorne, the writer, really built this awesome and magical world within the pages. As I got lost in her storytelling, I realized I hadn’t heard of her before, but now that I know, I can’t wait to check out more of her books. With her engaging style and colorful characters, I’m sure I’m in for a fantastic ride as I explore her other works!

BOOK 78 OF 2026📚

LUNA GRACED

BY: KristiferAnn Thorne

STAR RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

#2026readingchallenge #goodreads #readingwithrese #fable