[{"id":7,"title":"Fourth Wing","author":"Rebecca Yarros","rating":5,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Hold onto your dragon saddles, my dearest horny book nerds. This book is a fun ride through a deadly war college with dragons, danger, and a shadow-wielding Xaddy who’ll ruin you for real-life partners. It’s solid, with a gripping plot, badass heroine, and an immersive world.\n\nViolet Sorrengail is the MVP of this story. She’s smart, kind, and just horny enough to feel like your BFF who overshares at brunch (I am that BFF). Destined for the scribe life, she’s thrown into the brutal Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, where surviving is a flex and dying is Tuesday. Violet’s got a chronic condition (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is never named but heavily implied), which makes her physical triumphs—climbing ropes, dodging daggers, having sex with Xaddy—feel like you’re cheering for your underdog bestie.\n\nXaden Riorson’s overwhelming hotness is everything. Morally grey, brave, secrets-galore, sticks up for Violet…he doesn’t really smile or laugh but man is he sexy. The romance? Not as spicy as the hype suggests—Really just two scenes, though the kiss before the two scenes also did something for me. But the tension? Oh, it’s there, and suddenly sparring on a mat with a love interest seems sexy? I’m not sure how RY did that. \n\nThe world-building is excellent, too. Yarros nails the dragons’ individuality, making every dragon-rider bond feel epic and personal. Basgiath is a cutthroat, magical military academy that’s like Hogwarts if it traded wands for knives and had a body count. The mortality rate at Basgiath is a little unhinged— yet, somehow, this book made me want to walk the Parapet. It’s like when we were kids dreaming of Hogwarts letters, but make it hornier and more deathy.\n\nFourth Wing is a near-perfect 4.5-star read. Violet is wonderful, Xaden is my Xaddy, and the dragons are invited over for game night.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91n7p-j5aqL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Wing-Empyrean-Rebecca-Yarros/dp/1649374046?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EiOQBxySZI7jV617zicsBmxZgNH1QzXNJLBCFXZVN-UZ0YdGPOS_txXx6uk1F6vvFsTtryfFix2RuWTlQXXYn13oafT5IJvPe1nknKwqaqKWAX5SZ7h3arEehhHIGiY15ULk0URQIqJpMKZVMPkx1YeaEppww4Hu4O-N_ht_SPXSMMnfW8p61ZdiEqiw6eiOwLIS7P1d-fqLQolIfOP8ZTsBVokb5YUGm7yiVL1-Nok.9YyPcRiFM0AYyd6t2boDzQbxycbLHknTgbi8r7qRqkA&qid=1756080539&sr=8-1&linkCode=sl1&tag=goodgirlspodc-20&linkId=7a24d561ebd4c2bfcdb14f915c877f83&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl","audibleUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/Fourth-Wing-Empyrean-Book-1/dp/B0BVDJ293G/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.EiOQBxySZI7jV617zicsBmxZgNH1QzXNJLBCFXZVN-UZ0YdGPOS_txXx6uk1F6vvFsTtryfFix2RuWTlQXXYn13oafT5IJvPe1nknKwqaqKWAX5SZ7h3arEehhHIGiY15ULk0URQIqJpMKZVMPkx1YeaEppww4Hu4O-N_ht_SPXSMMnfW8p61ZdiEqiw6eiOwLIS7P1d-fqLQolIfOP8ZTsBVokb5YUGm7yiVL1-Nok.9YyPcRiFM0AYyd6t2boDzQbxycbLHknTgbi8r7qRqkA&qid=1756080539&sr=8-1","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T01:30:47.540Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T13:16:35.373Z"},{"id":8,"title":"A Court of Silver Flames","author":"Sarah J. Maas","rating":5,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Silver Flames is a sexy triumph that I very much so slept on. As a big ACOTAR fan, I dodged this book for ages after devouring the main trilogy. Well, I'm silly, as I would have missed out on SJM's smuttiest book with the most girl-friendship-power. \n\nNesta Archeron, our prickly, broken badass, takes center stage, and her arc is great. She starts messy, like we left her. She’s sleeping around but not in a way that seems fun, drinking but not in a way that you want to join in for a cheers, and overall angry and lost. Her journey from rock bottom to reclaiming her power is raw and so satisfying. Her friendships with the Valkyrie girl gang—Gwyn and Emerie—are the heart of this book. These women are fierce, funny, and loyal. \n\nThen there’s Cassian, he and Nesta? Whew. This book is way smuttier than Maas’s usual fare. Like, was going to recommend that my dad reads SJM, and now will recommend with the caveat that he cannot touch this book. I read Throne of Glass between ACOTAR and this, and TOG’s tame, almost YA vibe (Maas was younger, it shows) had me unprepared for Silver Flames turning up the heat to eleven. Nesta and Cassian are out here rewriting the Kama Sutra, and I’m not mad about it. Neither was my partner. Bow down to the spice lords. \n\nPlot-wise, it’s SJM: high stakes, ancient magic, and fun twists. The world of Prythian expands in ways that feel fresh yet familiar, with enough action to keep you glued to the pages. One maybe gripe? Rhysand, our once-beloved High Lord, continues his slide into “why are you like this?” territory. His shine from the original trilogy is fading for me, but Nesta and her women friends gave me characters to cling to so I was not missing him.\n\nFull disclosure: I dragged my feet on this one because I wasn’t sold on Nesta as a lead. Big mistake. Once I opened it, I couldn’t put it down. A Court of Silver Flames is a five-star knockout—sexy and heartfelt. If you love fierce heroines, steamy romance, and found-family vibes that hit you right in the feels, trust SJM and dive in.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/814ZCEQqyrL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-18","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/466OTh0","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:21:16.078Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:16:43.265Z"},{"id":9,"title":"Crescent City","author":"Sarah J. Maas","rating":5,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"The first book in the House of Earth and Blood trilogy is awesome. Murder mystery meets urban fantasy with a side of snarky, heart-wrenching chaos. Bryce Quinlan, our half-human, half-Fae queen, is a mess. She’s SJM’s first party girl and I loved it. Can't really picture Feyre or Celeana getting into hard drugs or one-night-stands but Bryce does and it's fun to read. Her character arc is excellent. Then there’s Hunt Athalar, the morally grey angel who also wears a baseball hat, and for some reason, it’s common consensus that the hat really makes him hot. They have hot slow-burn chemistry but no sex in this book (other than some bathroom one-night-stands with half-animals for Bryce but that’s a whole different story). \n\nThe plot’s a juicy whodunit. Lunathion is wonderful—magic, tech, and shady politics mashed into a city that feels like it could exist on your Instagram feed. Full disclosure: I almost didn’t read because the first chapter felt like too much - the fire sprite, in particular. She’s now my tiny, fiery favorite and maybe top 5 of all SJM characters. \n\nSpice-wise, it’s more simmer than sizzle. If you’re expecting Court of Silver Flames-level heat, sorry—it’s a slow burn with emotional punches over bedroom acrobatics. \n\nCrescent City is a five-star knockout—funny and fierce.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/819bAKQjTfL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45RAq7e","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:22:15.524Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:15:48.383Z"},{"id":10,"title":"Quicksilver","author":"Callie Hart","rating":3,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Quicksilver by Callie Hart is like stepping into a fever dream where the vibes are high, the stakes are higher, and the world-building makes you go, “Wait, what?” It’s a chaotic plunge into a fantastical realm that’s equal parts intriguing and infuriating, with a side of gooey cheese trauma I didn’t sign up for. And why sucking blood as foreplay when neither are vampires. Not my thing. \n\nLet’s start with the world-building. The premise of jumping between worlds by diving into pools of quicksilver (yes, liquid mercury, but make it magical) using a special metal feels…iffy. It’s not that I need every fantasy world to follow Newtonian physics, but the quicksilver shtick felt so arbitrary it yanked me out of the story. \n\nOur main female lead is a scrappy, resilient heroine who’s easy to root for when she’s not being force-fed questionable dairy products. Which brings me to that scene: our brooding male lead, Kingfisher, tells Saeris to “swallow” a hunk of gooey, stringy cheese that’s so thick it’s like giving a toddler a whole grape. She nearly chokes. It’s not romantic, it’s not sexy, it involves cheese. It’s now a core memory of mine. Callie Hart, why?\nSpeaking of Kingfisher, he’s the kind of brooding, intense hero who checks all the boxes for a romantasy heartthrob: mysterious past, sharp jawline, sharper wit. But then there’s the jewelry. Look, I’ll admit I have a weird personal hang-up about men wearing too much bling— a quirk or maybe a phobia requiring therapy? —but Kingfisher’s wearing both a ring and a gorget which I see as a thick necklace, and it’s giving “trying too hard at a Renaissance fair” vibes. Every time his accessories were mentioned, I cringed a little harder. Yes, I know the gorget had a purpose, it just made him hard to picture for me. \n\nNow, let’s talk about the real MVP: Carrion. This side character stole the show. He’s snarky and chaotic. The fact that a side character outshined the protagonists isn’t exactly a glowing endorsement, but Carrion’s energy kept me turning pages when the quicksilver nonsense had me questioning my life choices.\n\nThe romance is there, and it’s spicy in a way that’ll make you see if your partner has a half hour to spare, but it’s not the main event. The chemistry between Saeris and Kingfisher crackles when it’s not bogged down by weird food-related power plays or jewelry-induced side-eye. There is blood drinking and I'm not sure why, they aren't vampires and it's just not a kink of mine. The action scenes are fast-paced and thrilling, and Hart’s writing has a cinematic quality that makes you feel like you’re watching a blockbuster.\n\nWill I read the next book? Yes. Quicksilver has a magnetic pull, and I’m curious to see if Hart can iron out the quirks in book two. Plus, I need more Carrion in my life, preferably with his own POV. Is it better than the cover art with that emo tear dripping like it’s auditioning for a My Chemical Romance album? Absolutely. That’s a low bar, but Quicksilver clears it with room to spare.\n\nQuicksilver is a chaotic, ambitious romantasy with a hero who needs to chill with the accessories, a side character who deserves his own series, and a cheese scene will haunt me forever, but I’m still in for book two. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Hq7A-qqkL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-11","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3HTMn4p","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:23:25.009Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:17:12.488Z"},{"id":11,"title":"Day Dreamer","author":"Susie Tate","rating":3,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Day Dreamer is a mixed bag: a lovable heroine, strong writing, and some steamy moments, but also some serious “why did you do that?” plot choices that keep it from hitting the five-star mark. It’s a 3.5-star ride that’s equal parts addictive and frustrating. My personal can of pringles.\n\nLucy, our leading lady, is the kind of heroine you want to grab coffee with. She’s warm, relatable, and secretly a badass fantasy author penning epic novels under a somewhat pseudonym (not a spoiler, it drops early). Susie Tate’s writing is smooth as ever—chapters fly by, easy dialogue, and nice pacing.\n\nThe male lead—let’s call him Billionaire McSucky—spends the first half of the book being so insufferable I still have not forgiven him. Sure, he’s a sharply dressed, bedroom-gifted CEO, but no amount of tailored suits or spicy skills can redeem his trash-tier attitude for way too long. His grovel game eventually shows up, but it’s a slow crawl, and I wasn’t fully sold. If you’re here for a swoony hero, you might be gritting your teeth until the redemption arc kicks in. Billionaire McSucky's lack of appreciation for the lead for the first half of the book is painful. \n\nNow, the bigger issue: Tate’s handling of heavy topics like workplace assault. As a GP, Tate clearly cares about survivors, and her empathy shines through. But Day Dreamer, like many of her books, leans on workplace assault as a plot device, and it often feels more like a dramatic checkbox than a sensitively explored theme. It’s not exploitative, but it lacks the depth to feel educational or healing, which leaves a sour taste. Tate’s formula—awesome heroine, jerk hero, grovel, steamy payoff, plus at least one instance of domestic violence or assault—shows up here like clockwork. I know she’s got heart, but I can’t shake the feeling these topics are more about pushing the plot than teaching us something real.\n\nAnd yet, I can’t quit her. Which is why Tate’s books are my Pringles—samey, sometimes problematic, but so addictive I’ll devour every new release. The female leads are always amazing, the sex scenes are hot enough to make you find some time for sex, and the writing is polished enough to make you forget the flaws for a few hours. Day Dreamer is no exception: Lucy’s an impressive sweetie, the banter’s sharp, and the romance (when it finally clicks) delivers. It’s not perfect, but it’s a compulsively readable escape for romance fans who don’t mind a side of frustration with their swoon.\n\nWould I recommend it? If you’re already hooked on Tate’s brand of drama-packed romance, you’ll eat this up. If you’re new, brace for a bumpy ride but expect to be charmed by Lucy and the steamy bits. Just don’t expect a flawless hero or a masterclass in handling heavy topics. Absolutely a trigger warning for this one on sexual assault. Pop the Pringles can, dive in, and let me know if you’re as conflicted as I am.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Y1MT4Pq8L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/Daydreamer-Susie-Tate/dp/1923232142/ref=sr_1_5?crid=RXOV9VYOZX9C&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YC4E_v0DQeRH4tsSpWPnTwHSKn7jHepbhOM3RtjtAljlRunHeXpTaQqH76hY2Ihs3QNw7wQsNcI-8XHP9FuJajFp_u5_Oqy1ue3hucoE6vsHsUew0ELNHdtZzemEkBvSmDGOxrr-aBlHOCfYIV3VOcEV8ON11yStASjYLp78djZQdNL4KHvK7NUWyCIvEfSUjdGU2tYCFC8CUYC0LSfeN8e6K8-kyPzWURC9zublHsc.byGET8mEmMPZMm552cNTNtLsCNwfx12PQbD6LYEoEps&dib_tag=se&keywords=Day+Dreamer&linkCode=sl2&linkId=bb4892b10e3b7462044dd462995c7ce5&qid=1756089851&sprefix=day+dreamer%2Caps%2C122&sr=8-5","audibleUrl":"https://www.amazon.com/Audible-Daydreamer/dp/B0DT1KHLDR/ref=tmm_aud_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.YC4E_v0DQeRH4tsSpWPnTwHSKn7jHepbhOM3RtjtAljlRunHeXpTaQqH76hY2Ihs3QNw7wQsNcI-8XHP9FuJajFp_u5_Oqy1ue3hucoE6vsHsUew0ELNHdtZzemEkBvSmDGOxrr-aBlHOCfYIV3VOcEV8ON11yStASjYLp78djZQdNL4KHvK7NUWyCIvEfSUjdGU2tYCFC8CUYC0LSfeN8e6K8-kyPzWURC9zublHsc.byGET8mEmMPZMm552cNTNtLsCNwfx12PQbD6LYEoEps&qid=1756089851&sr=8-5","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:45:21.485Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T13:35:43.322Z"},{"id":12,"title":"Kiss of the Basilisk","author":"Lindsay Straube","rating":3,"eggplants":5,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Buckle up, my fellow sexy weird fantasy book freaks, because Kiss of the Basilisk by Lindsay Straube is an unhinged fever dream that’s equal parts “what the actual hell” and “I can’t stop reading.” This book is like if The Bachelor got drunk, hooked up with a snake-shifter, and decided to film it for BookTok. It’s so outrageously entertaining that 3.5 stars might be lowballing it.  Straube’s mind is a national treasure, and I’m both horrified and obsessed with what she’s cooked up here.\n\nOur heroine, Temperance “Tem,” is a village girl thrown into a spicy, snake-filled Hunger Games for the prince’s hand. Who has gold canines? Why? But they're there and I actually like him otherwise, so fine. Her mission is to get trained in the art of seduction by a basilisk. Because basilisks are the obvious choice in sex trainers, don't ask questions. Enter Caspen, the Serpent King, who shifts between a hot human and a literal snake, and oh boy, does he deliver. Tem’s journey is a whirlwind of steamy lessons and royal drama and...other stuff that's too odd to describe. She’s a compelling enough anchor in this wild ride. Maybe. The ride is so wild I’m not sure who could anchor, though. \n\nNow, for the unhinged brilliance that earned this book a perfect 5-eggplant rating. Straube’s imagination is a lawless frontier. Caspen gifts Tem a sentient dildo made from his… jizz, that he can control remotely to vibrate. Yes. It’s so absurd that I think it's iconic. Might ask my partner if he can make one for me. Then there’s the scene where Caspen partially shifts—half man, half snake—for a sex scene that’s so out there that if I tried to describe you would think it was a typo. And don’t get me started on the ritual where Tem gets down with Caspen’s dad in front of a crowd. The spice is relentless, unapologetic, and so over-the-top it makes Fifty Shades look like a church picnic. \n\nStraube’s writing is a big part of why this works. The prose is engaging, the dialogue is snappy, and the pacing keeps you glued to the page, even when you’re questioning your life choices (am I seriously going to lose sleep for a snake sex book?? I guess so). The world of Kiss of the Basilisk—a fantasy realm with basilisk shifters, royal matchmaking, and simmering human-snake tensions—is vivid and intriguing, though it could use more depth to match the spice. The plot, much like Tem, gets a bit lost in the chaos, which is why I couldn’t quite give it a full 5 stars. It’s a blast, but it’s more of a one-night stand than a book I’ll reread every year. The sheer audacity of the concepts carries it, but the story sacrifices some substance for shock value.\n\nKiss of the Basilisk is a 3.5-star wild ride that’s not for the faint of heart—or anyone reading in public. If you love spicy, unhinged romantasy with a side of “did that just happen?” energy, this book will have you cackling, blushing, and texting your group chat in disbelief. Straube’s a mad genius, and I’m already braced for whatever she dreams up next. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91J2tG1DHjL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lJKx3Q","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:45:40.960Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-06T00:45:15.481Z"},{"id":13,"title":"All Superheroes Need PR","author":"Elizabeth Stephens","rating":4,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens is my first dive into her work, and it’s a steamy, quirky ride that had me grinning like I just saved the city with a side of smut. This book is a superhero rom-com with a brain, a heart, and a lot of heat—think Marvel meets Fifty Shades with a PR office spin. It’s a near-perfect 4.5-star banger, only held back by a hero who’s inexplicably described as “dirty” for half the book. I’m not here for unwashed superheroes, but the rest? Amazing.\n\nThe female lead, I’ll call her PR Queen, is sharp, sassy, and the kind of woman who could spin a superhero’s scandal into a viral redemption arc while sipping her latte. Her POV is a blast, full of wit and heart that makes you want to high-five her through the pages. Stephens nails her, making every scene she’s in pop like a comic book panel.\n\nThen there’s our male lead, the superhero in question, who’s all smolder, superpowers, and “good girl” lines that hit so hard I needed a minute or thirty. The chemistry between him and PR queen? Sizzling enough to earn a perfect 5-eggplant rating. These sex scenes are chef’s kiss—steamy, creative, and so well-written you’ll be blushing in public. Stephens knows how to crank up the heat, and the “good girl” moments might just be my favorite use of the trope ever. But here’s my beef: why is this man described as “dirty” for half the book? Like, is he rolling in Gotham’s sewers between missions? It’s never clear if he’s metaphorically gritty or just needs a shower, and it’s never fully resolved. I’m cool with short kings, bald guys, whatever—but cleanliness is non-negotiable, my dude. Get thee to a soap bar.\n\nThe world Stephens builds is a quirky delight, like a superhero comic mashed with a rom-com script. It’s got larger-than-life heroes, snappy PR campaigns, and a vibe that’s equal parts action-packed and laugh-out-loud. The plot zips along like a speeding bullet, with enough twists to keep you hooked and a romance that’ll make your heart do backflips. The ending? Oh, it’s weird—think “did I just read that?” levels of unusual (Knotting may or may not make an unexpected cameo), but in a way that fits the book’s offbeat charm. Without spoiling, the final chapters lean hard into the quirk, delivering a happy ending that’s as unconventional as a superhero in flip-flops. It works, but you’ll need to buckle up for the ride.\n\nWhy not a full 5 stars? The “dirty” hero thing bugged me, and while the quirkiness is fun, I wanted a touch more depth to make this a yearly reread. Still, All Superheroes Need PR is a 4.5-star triumph that’s perfect for anyone craving a spicy, funny escape. Stephens’ debut in my reading list is a win, with a kickass heroine, a world that pops, and spice that’ll fog your glasses. If you love superhero shenanigans, rom-com energy, and “good girl” moments that hit different, this book’s your next obsession. Just maybe bring some hand sanitizer for our hero.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71f5VCpKuwL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3JQYtMb","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:47:18.693Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:11:46.569Z"},{"id":14,"title":"King of Wrath","author":"Ana Huang","rating":3,"eggplants":5,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"King of Wrath by Ana Huang is like a chocolate molten cake. A little too decadent but I still stayed up past midnight reading. Huang’s writing is smooth and addictive, the pacing is great. But the male lead? No, thank you. He’s a hurdle I couldn’t quite clear. With a fierce heroine, scorching spice, and a plot that keeps you flipping pages, this is a 3.5-star banger that’s almost great but gets tripped up by a billionaire bad boy I just couldn’t love.\nVivienne Lau is the queen of this show. Huang nails her female leads, and Vivienne’s no exception—she’s got heart, drive, and a backbone that makes every scene she’s in sparkle. Whether she’s navigating high-stakes drama or just being her fabulous self, she’s the reason this book stays on your nightstand.\n\nThen there’s Dante Russo, our billionaire male lead, who’s… a lot. Sexy? Oh, absolutely—think tailored suits, smoldering glares, and a vibe that screams “I own the room and your soul.” But likable? Eek. This guy’s got inherited wealth (yeah fine he does a good job managing but it’s still inherited), a temper, and a penchant for violence that’s more mob boss than someone you want to marry. Or even go on more than one date with. To be fair, he never turns that violence on Vivienne, but his extra energy and punch-first-ask-questions-later style had me cringing. I get it, Huang loves her brooding billionaires with a side of danger, but Dante’s brand of chaos just isn’t my cup of tea. My dream man doesn’t need to inherit billions or use violence, and I’m hoping Huang mixes up her leading men in future books because her writing deserves it.\n\nHuang’s style is a masterclass in keeping you hooked. Her chapters glide with sharp dialogue. The plot, a steamy arranged-marriage romp, is packed with tension and twists. The sex scenes are hot enough to make you clear your schedule for a bit. Huang knows how to deliver the goods, and those moments alone bump this book up a notch.\n\nSo why not a full 5 stars? It’s all about Dante. He’s a dealbreaker for me, and no amount of chiseled jaw or bedroom prowess can fix that. The story’s fun, Vivienne’s a gem, and the writing’s top-tier, but it lacks that emotional depth or swoony hero to make it a reread staple. Still, it’s a juicy, addictive read that’s perfect for a weekend escape when you want glamour, heat, and a heroine who slays.\n\nKing of Wrath is like a flashy sports car—sleek, thrilling, and a little too extra, but you’ll still take it for a spin. If you love Huang’s signature mix of fierce women, steamy romance, and drama dialed to eleven, you’ll eat this up. Just don’t expect to fall for Dante unless your type is “violent billionaire with a too-small side of redemption arc.” Here’s hoping Huang keeps the killer writing and maybe trades the punchy tycoons for a hero I can root for next time.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91mdpvI1H3L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/421k0YO","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:49:41.260Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:19:14.258Z"},{"id":15,"title":"Problematic Summer Romance","author":"Ali Hazelwood","rating":4,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Ali Hazelwood’s Not in Love is a steamy, frustrating, and totally addictive summer fling. It’s a 4-star ride that’s saved by Ali’s signature charm, some hot chemistry, and a sexy male lead, but dear me, can we talk about something other than the age difference for five minutes? \n\nMaya, our college-aged heroine, is… a choice. She’s smart and ambitious, but her believability took a hit faster than you can say “gigantic dildo collection.” She meets Conor, her brother’s older friend, and decides the best icebreaker is to show him her dorm room’s desk door of sex toys. Huh?! I can’t imagine any college student—let alone one meeting a hot older guy for the first time—casually flaunting a dildo display like it’s a vision board. It’s bold, sure, but so wildly out-of-pocket it yanked me right out of the story. Maya’s got spunk, but moments like this made her feel more like a quirky plot device than a real person.\n\nConor is all brooding intensity, sharp suits, and an Irish accent. He’s the kind of hot that makes you forgive a lot—like, “Sure, you’re fixated on our age gap, but have you seen your jawline?” The chemistry between him and Maya is fire, and Hazelwood justifies their connection with enough backstory and spark to make you root for them. Their banter pops, and the steamy scenes? Four eggplants say it all—hot, detailed, and just explicit enough to have you fanning yourself. But here’s the rub: Conor spends 90% of the book obsessing over their age difference. Dude, we get it, she’s younger! Can we move on to literally anything else? The age gap isn’t just a conflict; it’s the entire personality of the plot, and it gets old faster than Conor.\n\nHazelwood’s writing, as always, is a delight. Her prose is smooth, her dialogue is sharp and fun enough to cut through the tension, and her pacing keeps you glued to the page, even when you’re groaning at yet another age-gap monologue. The romance delivers those classic Hazelwood butterflies. The spice is top-tier but even would-be-sexy-scenes take a backseat to the repetitive “we’re too different in age” drumbeat.\n\nSo why 4 stars? Because I’m a Hazelwood stan, and even when she misses the mark, her books are like literary crack. Not in Love isn’t my favorite—it lacks the emotional heft or fresh conflict to make it a reread staple, and Maya’s dildo stunt still has me side-eyeing—but Ali’s magic pulls it through. Conor’s hotness, the steamy payoff, and that addictive writing style make it a fun, frustrating escape. If you love Hazelwood’s nerdy-romance vibe and don’t mind a one-note conflict, you’ll devour this. \n\nGrab this for a spicy summer read, but brace for an age-gap obsession that’ll test your patience. Here’s hoping her next hero has more to say than “I’m too old for you.”\n","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81Hls-eCGRL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45MrPTh","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:51:11.254Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:19:55.155Z"},{"id":16,"title":"The True Love Experiment","author":"Christina Lauren","rating":4,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"This book is pure, unfiltered fun, led by a heroine so charming that I want her to exist in real life so bad. I want the book as a whole to happen in real life, but it falls shy of that “reread every year” magic. Still, for a flirty, joyful escape, it’s great.\n\nFelicity “Fizzy” Chen is the star of this show, and she’s a delight - witty and charming. Fizzy, a romance writer with a creative block, ends up as the reluctant star of a Bachelorette-style documentary. She demands her suitors be a buffet of male lead archetypes from chicklit: a brooding vampire, a silver-fox “daddy” (yep, she goes there), a hot nerd who probably owns a graphing calculator and your heart, the one-that-got-away with all the angst, and more. And she gets them. The show’s producer, Connor, is a hot Brit trying to wrangle this chaos, and the result is a hilarious, trope-tastic love fest that feels like a romance novel come to life. \n\nThe writing, as expected from Christina Lauren, is snappy and polished, with dialogue that pops. The chemistry between Fizzy and her world of suitors (and maybe someone else, no spoilers) is electric. The romance is more sweet than spicy—think closed-door scenes with just enough sizzle to make you fan yourself, but not enough to fog up your sunglasses. The story leans hard into its rom-com roots, delivering laughs, heart, and a premise that’ll make you wish you could pitch it to Netflix. I would definitely watch the smut spin-off of the bachelorette.\n\nSo why not a full 5 stars? As much as I adored this book, it’s light on the kind of depth that sticks with you long after the beach trip ends. It’s a frothy, delightful romp, but it doesn’t quite have the emotional weight or unforgettable moments to earn a permanent spot on my reread shelf. Think of it as a perfect summer fling—hot, fun, and gone too soon, but not the one you’ll be journaling about in a year.\n","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/817K8wGRBAL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/467hbb9","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/467hbb9","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:52:30.732Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:21:12.451Z"},{"id":17,"title":"A Vow of Embers","author":"Sariah Wilson","rating":3,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"A Vow of Embers by Sariah Wilson is the middle child of a trilogy that’s like a gorgeous cake with a soggy middle layer (hopefully, third book isn’t out yet). This book had me torn between “wow, this world is epic” and “OH MY GOD, JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER.” It’s a 3.5-star ride that’s saved by a thrilling plot and a killer setup from book one, but good lord, the miscommunication trope is so overdone here it’s practically the main character. If you’re ready to grit your teeth through two people dodging basic conversations while sharing a bedroom, this one’s for you—but I’m still hyped for the trilogy’s finale.\n\nOur main characters—let’s call them Ember Queen and Broody McHotpants—are stuck in a hate-to-love spiral that’s equal parts steamy and infuriating. The setup from book one (no spoilers, but it’s a banger) had me pumped for their story, and Wilson’s world-building doesn’t disappoint. This fantasy realm is lush, with magic crackling in the air, political intrigue that’ll keep you guessing, and a central plot so exciting it carries the trilogy like a dragon hauling treasure. The stakes are high, the action pops, and the vibes are immaculate… until our leads open their mouths and refuse to say the obvious. The entire book—the entire book—is them misinterpreting each other’s every word, glance, and breath. Miscommunication tropes are fun for, like, 10 chapters, max. Stretching it across a whole novel? It’s like watching a rom-com where the couple could solve everything with a two-minute coffee date.\nDespite my rage, there’s a lot to love. Wilson’s writing is smooth and engaging, with dialogue that sparkles when it’s not mired in misunderstandings. Ember Queen is a fierce, relatable heroine who carries the story with her fire and heart, while Broody McHotpants is all smoldering looks and tortured vibes that make you want to slap him and kiss him simultaneously. Their chemistry is undeniable, even if it’s built on a foundation of “why didn’t you just say that?” The spice, though? A measly two eggplants, and you can thank the miscommunication trope for that. What is there is hot, though. \n\nThe plot itself is a highlight, weaving a thrilling thread that ties the trilogy together. Without spoiling book one, let’s just say the stakes are sky-high, and Wilson keeps you hooked with twists and turns that make the world feel alive. But here’s the thing: this middle book feels like it’s spinning its wheels. The miscommunication drags so hard I started wondering if this trilogy could’ve been a duology with a tighter edit. Still, the ending sets up book three beautifully, and I’m counting down the days for the finale—unless Wilson doubles down on the miscommunication trope, in which case I’m staging a protest.\n\nA Vow of Embers is a 3-star mixed bag—gorgeous world, epic plot, but a miscommunication trope that overstays its welcome. If you loved the first book, you’ll push through this one for the trilogy’s sake, and Wilson’s writing makes it worth the ride. Just bring a stress ball for the “why won’t you talk?” moments. Here’s hoping book three delivers the payoff we deserve without another round of “he said, she said.” Grab this for the fantasy vibes, but maybe keep a rom-com on standby to cleanse your palate.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91MZy4b2ZPL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4n3Q7zp","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/41ooPez","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:54:25.716Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:11:01.901Z"},{"id":18,"title":"Book Lovers","author":"Emily Henry","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Oh, Emily Henry, you absolute gift to chicklit! I appreciate you even with your closed door scenes! \n\nHenry’s writing is a warm blanket and a mug of tea in book form. This romance flips the Hallmark movie script on its head, delivers an equal-height love story (yay for average-sized men!), and sneaks in a sweet family arc. \n\nNora Stephens, our heroine, is a literary agent who loves her NYC hustle and has zero time for small-town clichés. She’s the anti-Hallmark queen, and it’s great. This book celebrates businesswomen who thrive in stilettos and city skylines, no picket fence required. Nora’s sharp, driven, and just vulnerable enough to feel like your workaholic bestie who secretly needs a hug. Then there’s Charlie Lastra, the grumpy editor who’s so awesome and complete with a custom car bed at his family’s home. Fun fact: Charlie and Nora are the same height, which might be the first time I’ve read a romance this year where the guy isn’t towering over the heroine. Equality in love and inches? Thank you, Emily!\n\nSpice-wise, Henry keeps it chill, as always. If you’re chasing Fourth Wing-level steam, you’ll get closed-door scenes and fade-to-black vibes instead. But the tension between Nora and Charlie is so delicious you won’t care. Every glance and quip feels like foreplay. This book is less about spice and more about soul—those moments that make you clutch your chest and sigh.\n\nBook Lovers is Emily Henry at her peak: witty, heartfelt, and so cozy it feels like home. It’s the rare romance that celebrates ambitious women, gives us a male lead who’s equal parts sexy and dorky, and makes you want to call your family just to say you love them.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71ExdzwqeFL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lQFG0Z","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4m4baRz","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T02:56:22.589Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:23:36.100Z"},{"id":22,"title":"Heartless Hunter (Crimson Moth)","author":"Kristin Ciccarelli","rating":4,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Hold onto your spellbooks my fellow romantasy-loving sexpots, this book is a masterclass in enemies-to-lovers, with a witchy cat-and-mouse game that puts the sex into pussy-cat (did that work? No? Okay). Ciccarelli’s world-building is smooth, and her leads, Rune and Gideon, are uber-compelling.\n\nRune Winters is our fierce, cunning witch heroine, and she’s serving looks, magic, and brains in equal measure. Gideon Sharpe, her nemesis, is a brooding, chiseled hunter who’s all duty and danger, with just enough heart to make you really want a guy that does not exist. Their cat-and-mouse dynamic is great—a tense, flirty game of deception. Ciccarelli gives both characters rich backstories that justify their actions, making their enemies-to-lovers arc feel earned and satisfying. \n\nThe world-building is where Ciccarelli stands out for me. Unlike some authors who dump lore on you, Ciccarelli weaves the magic system and world details into the story with such finesse you’re learning without even noticing. It’s like slipping into a magical world via osmosis—no info overload, just pure immersion. The plot zips along, blending high-stakes intrigue with flirty banter, and the tension between Rune and Gideon is hot.\n\nSpice-wise, we’re talking two eggplants and that might be overly generous—sexy but not full-on steam. The chemistry is scorching, with longing glances and charged moments, but it leans more on tension than explicit scenes. Think “slow-burn foreplay” rather than Nesta & Cassian-level fireworks. It’s super sexy, as promised, but keeps things just shy of NSFW (well, by my standards), which fits the story’s focus on suspense and romance.\n\nWhy not a full 5 stars? Honestly, it’s close—this book is a lot of fun, but I wanted just a tad more depth in the side characters to push it over the edge into yearly reread territory. Still, The Crimson Moth is a 4-star triumph that’s perfect for anyone who loves enemies-to-lovers, witchy vibes, and a world that feels alive. Rune and Gideon’s game of deception is flirty, thrilling, and impossible to put down. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91crzFBmw6L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45Unei8","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lP2Ip4","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T11:32:58.210Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:12:07.512Z"},{"id":23,"title":"The Player and the Pixie","author":"L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid","rating":3,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Get ready to laugh and maybe take some notes, my fellow horny hotdog consumers of smut, because The Player and the Pixie by L.H. Cosway and Penny Reid is a gem that’ll have you cheering for better bedroom game. It’s a delight that’s as empowering as it is entertaining, with scenes so hot and educational you’ll want to slip this book to every woman starting her navigation into the world of sex.\n\nLucy Fitzpatrick is the star of this show, and she’s lovely. With her rainbow-dyed hair and free-spirited vibe, she teeters on manic-pixie-dream-girl territory, swooping in to loosen up Sean Cassidy, a rugby star who takes himself too seriously. But here’s where Cosway and Reid save the day: Lucy’s not just a quirky savior with no problems of her own. She’s got a real flaw—kleptomania—that she actively works on, giving her depth and growth that make her more than a trope. She’s not here to fix Sean’s life while bouncing around with rainbow-dyed hair; she’s a complex, vibrant woman who’s figuring her own stuff out while stealing your heart (and maybe your chapstick). Her journey is relatable, raw, and makes you just love her.\n\nSean, meanwhile, is a brooding beefcake with a chip on his shoulder with a secret – he sucks in bed. It’s okay Sean, you’re in really good company with your fellow men. The real magic happens in the bedroom, where Lucy takes charge, teaching Sean how to be a good lover in scenes that are both hot and helpful. These moments are a masterclass in what women should expect from a partner—communication, respect, and results. Every woman new to the sex world needs to read this. It breaks down intimacy with humor, heart, and a roadmap for what “good” looks like, without feeling like a lecture. \nThe world of this rugby romance is quirky and delightful, blending Irish charm, sports drama, and family dynamics (Lucy’s the sister of a rugby teammate). Cosway and Reid’s writing is a great—snappy, hilarious, and so engaging that you’re staying up late even though you know the ending. \n\nThe Player and the Pixie is fun. Lucy’s a flawed, fabulous heroine, the sex scenes are a spicy education, and the romance has banter, heat, and heart. If you’re craving a rom-com with rugby vibes, a heroine who grows, and bedroom lessons that’ll make you say “why didn’t I know this sooner,” this book’s lovely. Grab it, devour it, and maybe keep a notebook handy for Sean’s glow-up.\n","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/915OeKSBsbL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4p02cHF","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/45B77He","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T11:47:11.211Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:11:29.296Z"},{"id":25,"title":"The Deal","author":"Elle Kennedy","rating":4,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Alright my fellow smut readers who decided reading about college kids' sex lives is okay, this college romance is fast, fun, and hits you right in the feels. This book could’ve been just another “jock falls for artsy girl,” but it doesn't because of Garrett Graham, the hockey-star hottie who is incredibly likable.\n\nGarrett’s the kind of leading man you wish existed in real life. He’s confident but not a jerk, witty without being extra, and effectively described as hot and sexy enough to make you forget the plot’s basically a rom-com playbook. The setup is a classic fake-dating deal. Garrett needs help passing a class, so Hannah, our theater-girl star, tutors him. In return, he pretends to be her hook-up to boost her hotness with another guy she’s crushing on. In a shocking twist, they fall in love with each other ;)\n\nWhat elevates this from “cute but meh” is how Kennedy nails the Garrett Graham's character, especially with Hannah’s past trauma. Garrett’s handling of her history with assault is thoughtful and sweet. He’s not just a hot jock; he’s a hot jock with empathy, listening and supporting without making it about him. It’s refreshing, it’s respectful, and it’s done with care.\n\nIs the story groundbreaking? No, it’s not reinventing the romance wheel. But it’s solid, like a perfectly baked chocolate chip cookie—familiar, warm, and stupidly satisfying. Garrett and Hannah’s banter is great, the steamy scenes are hot, and the whole vibe is pleasant. Does it kinda make you wish you could date a college guy named Garrett when you're in mid-thirties contemplating botox with messy kids? Yes, that too. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81jrrlzIBpL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3JqOk95","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4mHYZuD","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T15:23:43.417Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T20:31:53.624Z"},{"id":26,"title":"Kiss and Don't Tell (The Agitators Series)","author":"Meghan Quinn","rating":3,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Meghan Quinn’s Kiss and Don’t Tell is light, flirty, and a little ridiculous. Winnie and Pacey, our lovable leads, have sweet chemistry with a sprinkle of drama, and while it’s not Quinn’s wildest ride (I know you can do dirtier, Meghan!!), it’s a total mood-lifter for when you need a giggle and some heat.\n\nWinnie’s car breaks down, and she stumbles into a gorgeous cabin packed with pro hockey players. It’s absurd, but you roll with it because Quinn writes hot sex scenes. Enter Pacey, a total sweetie hockey stud who’s all charm, no chaos. He has no tattoos or—praise be—penis piercings, which, let’s be real, is a relief for my male-jewelry-phobic soul. I’m not here to yuck anyone’s yum, but a surprise ring down there? No, thank you. I  accept their high prevalence in Meghan Quinn's worlds but I'm happy when they don't make an appearance. I’ll take my orgasms sans hardware, thank you very much, even if I’m missing out on some fireworks.\n\nThe romance?  Winnie’s a sweetheart with just enough sass, and Pacey is hot and sweet. There’s a tiny hiccup—Winnie dated Pacey’s brother back in the day, and he keeps it secret that he knows—but it’s not some soap opera-level mess. It’s more like a speed bump than a plot crater, and they glide over it. The sex scenes? Quinn brings the heat like always. Steamy, sultry, and just the right side of naughty. Though, Quinn's obsession with “clipped” body hair has me picturing Pacey with spiky pubes like a hedgehog with a buzzcut. Like, why’s it gotta sound so pointy?\n\nNow, let’s talk the goofy stuff. The hockey bros staging a fake living room scrimmage to prove they’re NHL players? Cheesy! And not the good kind you put on nachos. And the whole “stranded girl finds a mansion of jocks” setup? It’s giving Wattpad fanfic energy, but in the best, most unapologetic way. Quinn leans into the cheese, and you kinda love her for it.\n\nThis book’s fun, flirty, and perfect for when you want to kick back with something that doesn’t tax your brain. Pacey’s not Quinn’s kinkiest hero (no shade to her usual tatted-up, pierced-up bad boys), but he’s a hot sweetie, and the story’s got heart. I’m slapping it with 3/5 stars for being a solid good time and 4/5 eggplants for the spice that’s hot but not, like, call the fire department hot. Which Quinn can deliver. If you’re down for a quick, quirky escape with hockey hunks and zero male jewelry, Kiss and Don’t Tell is your jam. Just don’t expect it to win the Stanley Cup of literature.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610cgDLC-gL._SY522_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-25","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/610cgDLC-gL._SY522_.jpg","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/45OlEOD","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-25T19:27:22.760Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-25T19:27:22.760Z"},{"id":27,"title":"Deep End","author":"Ali Hazelwood","rating":4,"eggplants":5,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Here we are again, reading about the sex lives of college kids and deciding it's not creepy! This book is a skinny-dip in a pool of Hazelwood’s signature tropes, but with a few rogue pool floaties that don’t quite stay in place. Let’s break it down with some splash.\n\nThe Good: Oh, Lucas. This hottie swimmer is a total stroke of genius (hehehe). Lucas is refreshingly close in age to Scarlett, our leading lady. It’s a shift that works, and his towering height always seen in Hazelwood's main men feels right for a star swimmer—way more than it did for, say, her STEM nerds, rock climbers, or grumpy engineers. Lucas is charming, layered, and easily one of Hazelwood’s best male characters. He’s got smolder, candor, emotional depth, and is very much so a daddy in the bedroom.\n\nSpeaking of the bedroom, the sex scenes are her hottest yet, with a soft-core BDSM flavor that’s spicy enough to make you...want a minute...but accessible enough to not scare off the faint of heart. Actually kinky readers commented \"uhh this book is supposed to be kinky?\" So let's say still vanilla-version of BDSM scenes but a creamy vanilla? \n\nThe Meh: Scarlett's personality. Now, here’s where the water gets murky. Hazelwood’s female leads are usually the sparkling gems of her books—witty, fierce, and full of quirks. Scarlett's…kinda flat. Her personality doesn’t pop the way we expect from an Ali heroine, and it’s a letdown. The book leans hard into the spicy dynamic, but Scarlett feels more like a vessel for the sex plot than a fully fleshed-out character. Where’s the spark? The sass? The something that makes her stand out? I’m still searching the deep end for it (second lame joke of the post!).\n\nThe Questionable: BDSM and Daddy Issues? The soft-core BDSM in Deep End is fun and flirty, but I’m side-eyeing how two college kids, each with just one major ex, are suddenly pros at navigating kinky dynamics. It’s a stretch, even for romance novel logic. Then there’s Scarlett’s daddy issues which gets a nod, but it’s barely explored. You’d think a book dipping its toes into kink would dive deeper into how her history shapes her preferences, but nope. It’s like Hazelwood tossed that plot point into the shallow end and swam away (third lame joke??).\n\nThe Worst: And then there’s Pen. Oh, Pen. Without spoiling the plot, let’s just say Pen is the human equivalent of stepping on a LEGO—painful and unnecessary. She’s a walking red flag for female friendship, and I’m baffled why Hazelwood thought we needed her. She drags the book down faster than a lead weight in a kiddie pool (maybe too dark of a joke??).\n\nFinal Thoughts: A Mixed Bag with Sex Scenes I Will 100% Read Again and Other Chapters I Will 100% Avoid. \n\nDeep End is a wild ride—Lucas and the sex scenes are worth the price of some painful chapters. But Scarlett’s lackluster vibe and Pen’s outright awfulness keep this from being a Hazelwood home run. If you’re here for the heat and a dreamy leading man, you’ll have a blast. Just don’t expect the female characters to keep up with the boys this time around. Ali, we love you, but let’s give the gals some love in the next one, pretty please? We realize they can't all be Olive!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91q7ElhoupL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-26","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3Vhulfp","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lLcR6c","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-26T01:07:05.005Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-26T11:39:57.104Z"},{"id":28,"title":"Caribbean Crush","author":"RS Grey","rating":3,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Alright, my fellow smut readers whose brain cells want a vacation, let’s dive into Caribbean Crush by RS Grey. This book is like popping open a fizzy, tropical cocktail—zero intellectual heavy lifting (might actually hurt your experience if you try), just pure, loungy fun. Our lead’s on a fancy cruise ship, tasked with writing an article about the CEO, who—plot twist!—is a blast from her past. Do they end up together? Oh, I could never spoil that for you. \n\nThere’s lingering school drama—some academic bowl thingy where she kinda, sorta cheated and threw him under the bus. It’s set up as a conflict but seems to serve no purpose other than to make him dislike her at first. There is never closure, forgiveness, or any further conversation at all about it. Am I asking for too much depth in my beach read? Probably. I told you, don't make your intellect work here, it'll ruin the experience!\n\nNow, the good stuff: it's hot. The CEO dude is a daddy in the bedroom and a total dreamboat. And don’t sleep on the girl friendships in this book—those friendships are lovely, bringing the kind of chaotic, supportive energy I really love to see. The ending is wildly unrealistic, but it’ll make you happy, and isn’t that the point?\n\nOur main gal, though? Not really relatable. She’s out here living that nomadic life, stuff in storage, no apartment...I kinda get the “lost in the career world” mood, but it’s a stretch to fully connect with her choices. Still, Caribbean Crush is a sassy, sun-soaked escape that’ll leave you buzzed and ready for your next guilty-pleasure read. Perfect for when you wanna turn your brain off. Seriously off.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Jpbkj9kLL._SY445_SX342_ControlCacheEqualizer_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-26","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lWfKkM","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4lWfKkM","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-26T14:57:12.991Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-26T14:57:38.631Z"},{"id":29,"title":"Metal Slinger: Fire & Metal, Book 1","author":"Rachel Scneider","rating":4,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Ahoy my fellow fantasy friends who might be into pirates and nose rings!! This book is a quirky, sea-soaked, magic-slinging, heart-stabby adventure! Unfortunately, not really sexy. A little sexy. But by no means is sexiness a defining feature here. \n\nBrynn, the fierce FMC, is an Alaha guard—hot pirate vibes, living on tree-cities in the ocean, exiled by the snooty land-dwelling Kenta. She does a little shopping trip on land at their annual market, a rare chance to step on solid ground. Oopsy-daisy, though, she accidentally torches a century-old peace treaty. Then a mysterious enemy soldier with a nose ring (hello, Acker, you brooding cinnamon roll who maybe I'll forgive for having my phobia of extra male jewelry) comes into play.\n\nThe world Rachel builds is awesome—magic, political intrigue, and a rebellion brewing. Kinda like Pirates of the Caribbean had a little duology baby with Game of Thrones? The pacing is fast and fun but then that ending...eek. No spoilers, so I won't share more than that I was bothered but not bothered enough to stop me from sharing with friends and wait for the next one's release. \n\nBrynn is great as a heroine—smart and scrappy. I'll go ahead an imagine her as Keira Knightley in Pirates of the Caribbean though that's not quite how she is described. Acker's got that “I’m grumpy but secretly obsessed with you and maybe I'm a Daddy in the bedroom” energy. The side characters—Messer, Beau, Hallis—are the found-family glue that I love. The romance? Eh. It's saying something about the book that Rachel didn't give me a sweet love story yet (waiting for the second one to fully decide) and I still like it. And really only one mildly sexy scene. \n\nThis book has enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, political backstabbing, and a magic system that’s really fun. The twist is a bit of a cheap shock with plot holes that I won't get to into so there aren't spoilers. I still ate it up. It’s messy, sure, but it’s fun messy.\n","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/817xq0pAq4L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-26","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45yNhMS","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4mAhdhN","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-26T17:17:40.659Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:11:15.249Z"},{"id":30,"title":"A Court of Thorns and Roses","author":"Sarah J. Maas","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"It feels silly to write a review on A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas because isn't it well-established it is a master piece? But here I am! This book was my entry into SJM's metaverse and led to a lot money spent on both audio books and regular books so I could constantly be reading.  I didn’t even mean to get sucked in - was just casually sampling the audiobook’s first chapter to see what my friends were liking. That chapter was like a siren song, and now I’ve joined the SJM cult.\n\nTo not spoil anything, this review is strictly on the first book, alone. \n\nFeyre, the lead, is amazing. She’s not just strong—she’s I’ll arm-wrestle-a-bear-for-my-sisters strong. Like Katniss mixed with Belle? Though she is illiterate. Loyal, clever, and scrappy in the best way, she’s a great lead to root for. Then there’s Tamlin, our main dude for this book. He’s… fine. Also wearing a mask for the whole book which isn't his fault but doesn't help. He's hot and strong and leader-ey (maybe?), but he’s not stealing the spotlight. No shade, Tam, you’re doing great, sweetie. There’s this scene where he’s getting spicy with Feyre, and...claws pop out. I’m trying to enjoy a steamy moment, and now I’m picturing claws. Is this supposed to be hot? Sarah, why a claw kink? \n\nBut let’s pivot to the world-building, which is really excellent. Maas builds this vivid universe that you don't necessarily want to be in given deathy-ness and clawed men going down and everything, but is so good. And then there’s Amarantha, the villain, who is appropriately detestable. The challenges Feyre faces are pure adrenaline. \n\nThis book has zero skippable chapters. None. If you’re even remotely into fantasy, read! I roll my eyes when people call it smut, it's really fantasy with a side of romantasy. People putting that label on SJM’s work need to stop. This book has fewer spicy scenes than A Song of Ice and Fire, and I don’t see anyone out here calling George R.R. Martin the king of smut. SJM crafted a story that’s sexy, sure, but also a full-on epic with heart, soul, and a side of fae chaos. Read it. Love it. Join the cult. Go on to the next books so we can talk about other...developments. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81A-T+X6ukL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-27","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45AOD9R","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3HQTHxC","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-27T11:51:02.781Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:10:51.773Z"},{"id":31,"title":"The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride (The Dead Lands)","author":"Kati Wilde","rating":3,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Okay, my fellow horndog readers who are willing to look past these ridiculous book covers (or are into enormously large Sasquatch men in scraps of leather??), here is my review of the Midwinter Mail-Order Bride! Kati Wilde's stories are the literary equivalent of a speed-run: quick, punchy, and leaving you all hot and breathless at the end. I like them for when I want to read something before bed, but I don't want to stay up past midnight and then realize it's actually a trilogy. Midwinter nails that - it's hot, it's short, and has a side of fantasy flair that’s just enough to keep things spicy.\n\nAnja is our lead. She's a princess wronged by her family with a heart of gold and a backbone of steel. She’s out here trying to save her kingdom - despite her awful parents - by marrying Kael the Conqueror, and  she’s the kind of heroine you want to cheer for. Kael is a hot and fierce leader of his kingdom with a cool backstory. His initial misread of Anja gives enough friction to make things sexy. Kati’s doesn't let that drama drag into annoying territory, it resolves fast, leaving room for the good stuff.\n\nKati’s superpower is building worlds that feel alive without bogging you down in endless exposition. It’s like she sprinkles just enough magical dust to make you believe in this snowy, medieval-ish kingdom, then zooms in on the romance. And the spicy scenes are very, very hot. Kati is a top bedroom scene writer. Not in the mood? Open a Kati Wilde book, and you will be. She’s also always crafts happy endings that tie everything up in a bow and feel earned.\n\nNow, a tiny side-eye to a couple of quirks. Anja’s white down-there hair (which has a plot reason) gets mentioned by Kael one too many times, and it yanked me out of the steamy scenes. I’m very okay with body hair, but do we need a play-by-play of the pubic follicles? Also, Kael’s whole “barely-there leather scraps and infinite muscles” aesthetic is a bit much for me. Sir, put on a shirt, this isn’t a Magic Mike audition. But Kati writes her guys so dang hot otherwise that I’m willing to overlook her fondness for Tarzan cosplay.\n\nAll in all, The Midwinter Mail-Order Bride is a fun and easy read. If you want a quick escape with a side of fantasy and enough heat and maybe too many mentions of pubic hair, Kati’s got you. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91v5JOpVdpL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-27","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/461wjWy","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4fVw2ZD","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-27T12:14:17.343Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:10:40.802Z"},{"id":32,"title":"Throne of Glass","author":"Sarah J. Maas","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Alright my lovely fantasy boonfellows who don't always need spice (would we prefer some? Yes! But we are not spice-aholics! And will thus indulge in TOG!), let's get into the kickoff of the Throne of Glass series. This book is a keeper - an easy 5 stars. It reads more as a young adult fantasy than some of SJM's later work, but the vivid world-building and awesome characters are all there. Just, you know, no Nesta-and-Cassian porny-style scenes here.\n\nFirst off, Celaena Sardothien. An actual badass and I don't even say that word? She’s an 18-year-old assassin who has been through everything, yet still has this super-fun swagger that lights up every chapter. She’s deadly with a blade, intelligent, and still seems to be an amazing dresser?? Celaena’s young, and you can feel that—she’s bold and a bit reckless. Also has a hot guy sleep in her bed with no activity, so, ya know, another sign she's young. Knowing Sarah J. Maas was pretty young when she wrote this makes it even cooler; Celaena has this vibrant energy that is just awesome. She’s hands-down the coolest character SJM has created.\n\nThen we’ve got the boys: Chaol and Dorian. These two are peak YA main guy leads. Chaol, the stoic Captain of the Guard, is all duty and honor, but you can see his heart melting for Celaena in the sweetest, slow-burn way. We imagine him as the Captain of Mulan in our house (Singing 'Let's get down to business...to defeat the Huns'). Dorian, the charming prince, is flirty and nice and bookish, with his roguish grin and daddy issues - maybe more Eric in Little Mermaid. They’re both very young adult—full of longing looks and awkward moments. They’re not perfect, but their chemistry with Celaena (and each other??) is great.\n\nThe world-building, as always with SJM, is excellent. Adarlan’s a gritty, magical kingdom with a dark edge. There’s a secret woven through the story that keeps you guessing, the pacing’s fast, the stakes are high with this deadly competition to become the king’s champion, and the vibes are pure fun with just enough danger.\n\nNow, if you’re coming from Maas’s later works like A Court of Thorns and Roses, brace yourself: Throne of Glass is firmly YA. Celaena’s younger, the romance is more innocent, and the writing style isn't quite as developed as her later books (saying something as it's still amazing). It’s like the fun, scrappy younger sibling of her more grown-up books. And heads-up: this is just the start of a very, very, VERY long series, so buckle up for a wild ride.\n\nIn short, Throne of Glass is a blast—Celaena’s a firecracker, Chaol and Dorian are adorable, and the world is somewhere you're happy to stay. But fair warning that it's going to lead to reading a series that will take about the next 1-2 months of your time and then a lot more time spent in maasverse subreddits. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81mjhdiPeDL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-27","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3UM5hgD","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3UM5hgD","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-27T20:02:40.617Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:10:22.941Z"},{"id":33,"title":"Bride","author":"Ali Hazelwood","rating":5,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Hold on to your half-wolf fetishes my fellow weirdos, because Bride is a supernatural rom-com that’s adorable! It’s got vampires, werewolves, a cute little girl, a marriage of convenience, and...knotting. Which I had to google after reading and...huh? Is this a thing women want? Not that it's possible to get from a human man in this world? I have so many questions. And google don't start judging me by looking up knotting, I didn't know what I was doing. \n\nMisery Lark, our vampire lead lady, is an awesome protagonist. She’s relatable - it's the first time in romantasy I've read about a genuinely unathletic female lead, and peanut butter is the only food she eats besides blood, so I love her very much. Also has a strong female friendship with another character, yay!! She somehow makes blood drinking seem cool, efficient, and sexy? And blood drinking is normally a big no-no for me. Then there’s Lowe, the werewolf - maybe a little Channing Tatum in looks? - who’s all serious alpha hotness but a sweetie-pie. These two get married to smooth over some vampire-werewolf drama, but it’s a one-year deal—think 90 Day Fiancé but with...knotting. I really can't get over that. \n\nThe world-building is fun. The tension between vamps and weres feels real, and the side characters are super lovable. The plot zips along, keeping you hooked without needing to lean on the steamy bits.\n\nSpeaking of those steamy bits…Kinda meh for me, mostly because the interspecies thingy highlighted how Misery and Lowe are navigating their differences in the bedroom so there was more talk about that versus an actual hot scene. Even when Lowe goes down on her, he's like \"it's a were thing\" - huh? Why can't you just go down on her because you want to? It's a were thing...explain. And then there’s knotting. I didn’t know this was a thing, but apparently, it’s a werewolf romance staple. It's not my thing and my life would probably be better if I didn't have to learn about it. Also, there’s sexual blood-drinking, but Hazelwood makes it feel kinda sweet?” Weirdly, it works. Even worked more than the knotting for me.\n\nEven with the so-so spicy scenes, this book is wonderful. Misery and Lowe’s chemistry, the quirky world, and the heartfelt moments make Bride ones that I've come back to a few times sense. It’s cozy if you just forget the knotting thing. Unless you're into it, and I will not yuck your yum anymore than I already have!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71VprhrGkJL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-28","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3UPSIRu","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3HSwBH3","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-28T12:32:51.796Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-28T14:28:11.150Z"},{"id":34,"title":"The Spare Room","author":"Laura Starkey","rating":3,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Alright, time for us horndogs to take a spice-free break and enjoy The Spare Room by Laura Starkey which is like a uber-gentle canoe ride of a book. This book is a warm cup of tea - mild, very mild tea - on a rainy day. No spicy sex scenes here, my boonfellows, but the tension? Also not really there but enough to keep you reading. \n\nRosie is a relatable lead, making lattes as a barista while she’s in her “what’s next?” life phase. Should she go back to school? Maybe. Should she keep frothing milk for hipsters? Guess so. Her internal monologue is endearing and real. Then there’s the Welsh dude, Aled, who is a bookish dreamboat, all cozy sweaters and quiet charm, with a side of awesome mates. If you've read Sharon Penman and had a crush on Llewelyn, Aled will be an easy win for you. He rents Rosie's room while redoing his own place, so there's some nice not-really-forced proximity.\n\nThe plot is a gentle river cruise. Think kids-ride-you're-not-sure-why-you-waited-in-line-for-at-Disney-but-feel-kinda-relaxed-so-fine versus Cosmic Rewind. She’s figuring herself out, and Welsh Guy’s got his own family drama and backstory that add just enough depth without drowning you in angst. This book doesn’t try to be a heart-pounding thriller, and that’s its superpower. Stuff happens—don’t get me wrong, it’s not a snooze-fest—but your heart rate’s staying steady. The love story unfolds without any over-the-top fireworks.\n\nIf you’re after a low-key, feel-good read with characters you’d want as your neighbors, The Spare Room is your jam. Laura Starkey nails the art of keeping it light, lovely, and just engaging enough to make you flip pages with a goofy grin. Grab a blanket, curl up, and let Rosie and her Welsh roomie charm your socks off. And I warned you about the closed door sex scenes so don't come complaining here that you saw it on our raunchy website and then were left with no spice.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71UtPryzQGL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-28","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/47od4sx","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3JvCD0T","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-28T18:13:49.787Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-28T18:13:49.787Z"},{"id":35,"title":"Gild: The Plated Prisoner Series","author":"Raven Kennedy","rating":4,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Hi readers who are willing to go through an uncomfortable first book to get to the others, let’s dive into Gilt, the first book in Raven Kennedy’s Plated Prisoner series. The plot moves fast enough for you to maybe get past trying to picture an entirely gold main character though I'm still very unsure about the sexual violence.\n\nGilt follows Auren, our golden girl who is a actually golden - not like the beloved 80s sitcom - skin, hair, everything. She's King Midas' beloved prisoner. Midas is a manipulative narcissistic and you know from the first chapter we shouldn't like him because he's blonde, not fit, and it's romantasy. Also right from page one, you’re hit with some heavy stuff—trigger warnings for nonconsensual sex and emotional abuse. Honestly, I could’ve done with less of that and I really don't like it as any sort of plot device. Since apparently the later books tone it down, I’m crossing my fingers and diving into book two anyway.\n\nAuren’s story is the heart of this book, and Kennedy does a good job making you get why she’s stuck in this toxic mess with Midas. Her backstory helps you understand her choices—frustrating as they can be. You’re in her head, feeling her struggle, and rooting for her to break free, even if she’s not quite there yet. Visualizing Auren was tough. She’s all gold, with these magical satin ribbons sprouting from her back like some fantasy runway model. It’s cool in theory, but I kept picturing a shiny statue instead of a relatable main character. My brain kept going to Oscar trophy and since she is written as desirable to men and also our main character -- that clearly is not what Raven is going for. \n\nThe world-building is good with icy kingdoms and gilded castles. But the focus is way more on relationships than on the world itself. If you’re here for epic lore, you might want more. If you’re into messy, emotional drama, you’re in the right place. At least I think, I always second guess if it's my brain making the romantic chapters pop versus fantasy ones. \n\nPlot-wise, Gilt keeps things moving. It’s fast, it’s twisty, and with enough surprise. Cliffhanger that throws you right into Book 2.\n\nOverall, Gilt is a dazzling, dark, and sometimes disturbing start to the Plated Prisoner series. It’s not perfect—the sexual violence was a lot, and Auren’s golden glow made her hard to connect with at times—but it’s got enough intrigue to keep you hooked. If you can get through the triggers (I understand if you can't, it's a lot) and don’t mind a story that leans hard into relationships over world-building, I'd try. Just maybe keep a silly and fun contemporary romance on hand. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91VR-War12L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-29","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45UXQZl","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3HWKB2s","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-29T12:06:31.958Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:10:08.300Z"},{"id":36,"title":"Throttled - Dirty Air Series Book 1","author":"Lauren Asher","rating":4,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Let's vroooom vrooom vrooom into the first book in the Dirty Air Series, a Formula 1 book that's delightfully smutty and fun. This book is the literary equivalent of Emily in Paris. It's a glamorous and sexy place to escape to for a few hours, and there's no need to bring your brain along with. \n\nNoah, the f1 hunky-hunk, is confident, charming (maybe? depends on the scene), and a lot of sex appeal. You kind of hate him for how he talks at first, but I can guarantee you'll come around. You will picture him in a f1 uniform at some point of this and be a little turned on. Maya, the lead, is sexy and relatable (not saying I can relate to being a Spanish bombshell but she's sweet!). She makes vlogging about her brother’s F1 life feel like a career we all secretly want. You will want to be Maya, sipping champagne in the paddock while your sweetie f1 star brother bankrolls your adventures and enables your social media stardom.\n\nThe romance is hot, really, really hot. Unfortunately I was not able to identify a f1 star that's the equivalent of Noah, but that's probably good for me. The chemistry is there, and spicy scenes will have you needing 15 minutes (or however long it takes). The racing scenes are fun with adrenaline but I won't pretend like I know enough about f1 to decide if they're well-written. It’s all pure fun. \n\nNow, it’s not all smooth laps. There's one line where Noah describes himself as having “walls higher than the Grand Canyon.” Cringey, and there's a lot more cheesiness where that came from. Noah's behavior is also a little revolting in the first few chapters, but his redemption arc is solid enough to make up for that. \n\nThrottled isn’t trying to win a literary championship. It’s here to be your sexy, escapist joyride, and it delivers. So vrrooom vroooom! Go get yourself all hot and bothered by Noah Slade.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/813oJcIqFtL._SY522_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-29","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/41toKpY","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/41XcMVO","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-29T22:08:09.217Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-29T22:08:09.217Z"},{"id":37,"title":"Of Withering Dreams: A Dark Fantasy Romance (Fate of the Embered Book 1)","author":"Rowyn Adelaide ","rating":5,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Okay, people who are into the Conrad-Jeremiah-Belly love triangle but would prefer it's much weirder, Of Withering Dreams is for us!! This book is like someone tossed epic dark fantasy, Greek mythology, dystopia, and sci-fi amazing weirdness into a blender, then topped it with a The Summer I Turned Pretty-esque brothers' love triangle. \n\nAdelaide doesn’t just throw you into this multi-layered universe, she holds your hand with a glossary, a map, and a clear check on the genre so you know exactly what you’re diving into. There's so much reader-care here and gave the hand-holding I needed to learn the world. The world grabs you with its dystopian edge and this sci-fi-ish element where characters go into “dormancy” (forced winter naps? but not like a bear in a cave) to save resources. It's clever and well-done. Whole things happen during the dormancy where they are in an astral form and all hang out in that form, then come back and don't remember anything. I won't get into spoilers and it's kinda hard not to if I describe further (eh I'm sure it is but I'm not talented in that way).\n\nThe love story was what fully had me hooked. Not because of the fantasy isn't amazing but because I'm a total sucker for the love story in all books. It’s a brothers’ love triangle that’s equal parts sexy, yearny, and weird sci-fi-ey. If you loved the messiness of The Summer I Turned Pretty, you’ll eat this up. The open-door scenes are hot, given the love triangle I otherwise stay quiet here other than to let you know they deliver.  \n\nRowyn, our guide through this chaos, calls it an epic dark fantasy romance with dystopian, Greek mythology, and sci-fi flavors, and I felt it all. You can feel the mythic element in the world’s lore, the dystopian grit in its resource-scarce society, and the sci-fi in the dormancy concept. It’s a lot, but Adelaide weaves it together so smoothly you’re just along for the ride, flipping pages like a fiend.\n\nThe second book is downloaded and ready to go :) I came for the sci-fi weirdness, stayed for the brothers' love triangle. \n\nAlso Rowyn did a lovely job of describing that the book is dark fantasy romance -- not a dark romance. So, this does not describe the darker side of love and relationships, power/control, dynamics, fear, obsession, violence. Previously whenever I saw \"dark\" in the same genre as a romance I figured it did and usually stayed away because of that Not yucking anyone's yum, I hardly even like brooding male leads let alone ones that would be classified as \"dark.\" Anyways, now I know and can also let you know!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/810kfDQiJwL._SY522_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-08-31","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4p5Fn5q","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4p5Fn5q","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-08-31T11:54:52.316Z","updatedAt":"2025-08-31T12:09:50.843Z"},{"id":38,"title":"The Boss Boycott (The Songbird Cafe Series Book 2)","author":"Maggie Linn Sharp","rating":3,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Okay, my horndog readers who are about to be with their extended family for a week so maybe don't need something too salacious or immersive - The Boss Boycott (The Songbird Cafe Series Book 2) is the literary equivalent of a sunny afternoon with a margarita. It's fun, breezy, and spicy but it's not going to make you choke on your drink. Think Meghan Quinn’s hot romances meets Laura Starkey’s cozy, heartwarming, always-awesome-friends-involved vibes. \n\nOur main duo, Eric and Annie, are super likable. It's enemies-to-lovers because of a miscommunication thanks to Annie’s no-good college boyfriend, but super light on the enemies part. The mix-up lingers just long enough to keep things interesting, but it’s not some heavy, angsty drama that’ll stress you out. It’s more like a playful tug-of-war that keeps the pages turning without spiking your blood pressure.\n\nI loved that both Eric and Annie have solid sidekicks in their corner. Eric’s got his sister, Annie’s got her mom, and they have a great friend group. I'm a sucker for solid friends and family because there's too many books where friends are largely unmentioned or the only family mentioned sucks, so this was a quick win for me. \n\nThe villains, Kevin Ex and Manager (yikes, Annie) and his new fiancée are conveniently far away in another state, so they’re more like background noise than antagonists who'll make you anxious. This keeps the story light, perfect for when you want a plot that’s pleasant without dragging you through an emotional rollercoaster.\n\nThe steamy scenes are open-door and just spicy enough to make you fan yourself a little, but not so wild you’re hiding the book from your nosy aunt. I’ve got a high spice tolerance and a penchant for oversharing smut scenes, so take that as you will. It’s flirty, fun, and fits the vibe without stealing the show.\n\nOverall, The Boss Boycott is your go-to for a vacation read when you want something easy, upbeat, and satisfying. It’s not gonna keep you up until 3 a.m. with “one more chapter” syndrome, but it’ll leave you smiling like you just finished a really good rom-com flick. Enjoy this low-stakes, high-charm ride!\n\nWhy 3 stars? Part of me feels like it could have been a novella or at least half the length. There just isn't much friction or plot need for a full book. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81RvnYSvZRL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-01","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/41xFpc2","audibleUrl":"","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-01T01:16:36.789Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-01T01:57:25.976Z"},{"id":39,"title":"Recipe for Second Chances","author":"Ali Rosen","rating":4,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Need a not spicy book and weren't expecting to find one here? I have it! And I loved it enough to keep it on hand for awhile. A Recipe for Second Chances by Ali Rosen isn’t spicy, and I accepted it because Samuel, the male lead, is...so wonderful. The rest of the book is nice, too, but Samuel left a mark. \n\nStella, our lead, is in a work funk. She got passed over for a promotion at her food recipe magazine job, and now she’s going to a wedding in Italy, where (dun dun dun) her ex, Samuel, will be. But the second you meet Samuel, you have to hold it together to remain sympathetic to Stella for ending things with him. Samuel is a golden retriever, loyal, warm, and just so good, and he has the financial success and hot body thing so don't try to justify any of Stella's poor decisions. Flashback chapters to their early dating days are equally as lovely because of Samuel. \n\nPast Stella's reasons for keeping Samuel at arm’s length are maybe kinda-sorta valid? Her sister’s ex broke her sister's heart, and it left teenage Stella with trust issues. But, her parents have a solid marriage? So why’s she not taking notes from that? Unclear and a star deducted for that whole part. Maybe it was a full star because I am too biased towards Samuel, I'm not sure. \n\nThe vibrant Indian wedding in Italy is a lot of fun. Rosen, a chef herself, goes into detail for food descriptions and even has a cute recipe at the end. The wedding scenes keep the book colorful. And Samuel is the cherry on top, gliding through the story with zero drama, just pure, unfiltered wonderfulness. \n\nIf you’re looking for a sweet, low-stakes read and maybe need a break of broody, toxic male leads, give this a go! Samuel’s perfection made me smile for a bit afterwards and made me want to lead a protest for smiley male leads. No more grumps (Xaden don't worry, not you, love)!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71gkY9GNZ0L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-01","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4p2h3RA","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3JzrE6F","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-01T01:56:21.897Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-01T01:56:21.897Z"},{"id":40,"title":"Not Another Love Song","author":"Julie Soto","rating":5,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Okay, people who didn't know they needed a cello sex scene, Not Another Love Song by Julie Soto is really lovely. I don't have a musical bone in my body and about zero interest in musicians (as humans, yes, but never got hot and bothered watching a guy playing Wonder Wall), but this book is a quarterly reread for me. \n\nGwen is our lead, a gorgeous violin prodigy who is so likable. She gets first chair in the “pop”—a symphony that gives pop tunes a classical glow-up. Xander Thorne is the hottie-hot male lead who wanted that chair, and is also the frontman of a successful band. Xander’s has a Kylo Ren-coded intensity (no surprise, since Soto’s has Star Wars fanfic roots, much like Ali Hazelwood, so we are in enemies-to-lovers FanFic Land, baby!). The way these two yearn through the orchestra pit is way sexier than I thought anything involving string instruments could be. \n\nThe chemistry is really well-done. Gwen and Xander are respect each other’s talent and their attraction is there and believable. Soto writes their mutual admiration so sweetly I was sitting there thinking that I can't even hold a beat, but I totally get how it would feel as a violinist to harmonize with a cellist. There's a spicy cello scene that is iconic to me. \n\nOf course, no love story is complete without some drama, and Soto delivers with Xander’s shady band manager and Gwen’s boss—who is also Xander’s stepdad. These two throw just enough friction into the mix to keep you reading on to the next chapter, but never so much that it drowns out the sweet love story.\n\nWhat makes this book a reread for me is how it balances quirky, lovable characters with slow-burn. Xander’s pining for Gwen is intense and he delivers many sexy highlightable lines. He stands in doorways holding the frame a lot, which is something authors have hot tall characters do so I accept it. Gwen’s no slouch either—she’s giving as good as she gets.\n\nNot Another Love Song has all the charm of a Hazelwood novel with a musical twist that’ll leave you youtubing \"hot cello players\". Which we know from podcast Ep 6 is SJ's thing, surprising absolutely no one.  I keep coming back to this book because of the Xander's sexy love professions and that amazing cello scene, so it's 5 stars for me. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81eg1ZEzutL._SY522_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-01","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/47jvWJ7","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/3HRKKV2","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-01T16:56:41.089Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-01T19:25:09.121Z"},{"id":41,"title":"Simply Irrestible","author":"Rachel Gibson","rating":4,"eggplants":3,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"I'm here with the book that has my smut maiden voyage back in 7th grade, Simply Irresistible by Rachel Gibson. I loved this book so much I packed it for summer camp, right along with Gone with the Wind and Pride and Prejudice, treating those steamy scenes like they were the beauty that brought us Elizabeth Bennett. Spoiler: they’re not. But. they still deliver the heat, even on a reread in 2025. Let’s break down why this book is a cheesy and sexy relic that I’m still kinda obsessed with.\n\nWe’ve got Georgie, our runaway bride southern gal. She’s set to marry a crusty old rich dude (he is described as very, very crusty) who owns a hockey team, and bolts when she realizes this would involve crusty sex. John Kowalsky, a hockey star with a tragic backstory, comes to rescue. His late wife lost a baby and then herself, leaving him reluctant to enter into marriage. He picks Georgie up on her runaway mission, having no clue who she is, and they have a one-night stand that was the hottest thing by bespectacled 12yo self could imagine. Fast forward, Georgie’s has a sweet little girl from that night, John’s clueless, and when they reconnect years later, he’ realizes it's his daughter. Drama, forced proximity, lovers-turned-enemies-turned-lovers...it all happens.\n\nGeorgie is likable, spunky, and doing well. Gibson does a great job describing John's heavy sex appeal as a huge hockey player with a dimple and a landrover. Remember, I read this why Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen got their matching landovers so that alone had me. Their romance is sweet, messy, and ends with a happily-ever-after that’s satisfying. The plot’s pleasant enough to keep you hooked, and the characters are solid. Not Darcy-and-Elizabeth solid, but they hold their own.\n\nNow...the 90s cheesiness. This book is corny. You will cringe. \"Open up and say ahhh\" was a line. John’s dialogue wouldn’t make it past a modern editor’s red pen, with a 90s alpha male vibe that’s kinda... “dude, you can’t say that anymore.” The sex scenes? Still hot, though not quite as crazy as I remembered from my youth. My 12yo self had yet to discover Meghan Quinn. \n\nIs Simply Irresistible a literary masterpiece, to be shelved next to Jane Austen? No. But it’s a fun, sexy, throwback romance with a heart of gold and enough spice. If you’re looking for a quick, hot read with a side of 90s cheese, this book’s here for you. Come, get your nostalgic smut fix.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/817nW2FljnL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-03","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/45WHbpT","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4g9S5fh","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-03T15:31:33.042Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-03T15:31:33.042Z"},{"id":42,"title":"The Starlight Heir: A Novel (Starkeeper Book 1)","author":"Amalie Howard","rating":3,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Want some Persian and Indian mythology and maybe some Squid Game mixed in with your Romantasy? You don't know because you never thought those two things would be a book? Well here we are. Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard has a deadly competition, some magic, romance with the illegitimate king's son, and a bunch of secrets. I'd probably rate the first 50% of the book 4/5 stars, the last 50% lost me a bit. \n\nSuraya is our very cool main lead. She forges magical blades with jadu (the last scraps of magic in this realm) and has a best friend and a family she loves which instantly catapults her up the standings for me. This girl’s loyalty to her fam and friends is fierce, and man do I prefer that over other situations. Roshan, the crown prince’s illegitimate brother, who’s got secrets, a flirty smile, and can do a flip off a high wall which is separately hot. Roshan’s witty, charming, and just trying to keep Suraya safe...maybe. \n\nThe plot is a little Squid Game-ey for a bit. Suraya is invited into a fake “tournament” for the crown prince’s hand, but it’s really a cover to figure out the Starkeeper—a girl with star magic in her blood (no spoilers...I'm sure you're wondering who that could possible be). Apparently this is revealed by being in mortal peril, hence why it's Squid Game mixed with Cinderella. Things get messy when Suraya and Roshan end up on the run and whether the rebels to the crown are good or bad become a whole thing. The royal family is trash, with Prince Javed and his dusty mom needing a big downfall in the next book, please.\n\nSide characters are great. Aran, Clem, Laleh, and Amma are found-family, and I loved it. The magic system is fun, and the rebellion drama and palace scheming kept me reading to the end. But...it did get a little foggy for me and I was not as engaged for the last half as I was for the first half.\n\nIf you thought the royal ball in Cinderella could've used some more death and like a little magical chaos, Starlight Heir might do it for you! Will I read Book 2? Definitely yes.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91RAhN-pukL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-04","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4gssajf","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4g9g7Hi","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-04T20:44:22.786Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-04T20:44:22.786Z"},{"id":43,"title":"The Starlight Heir: A Novel (Starkeeper Book 1)","author":"Amalie Howard","rating":3,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Contemporary Romance","review":"Want some Persian and Indian mythology and maybe some Squid Game mixed in with your Romantasy? You don't know because you never thought those two things would be a book? Well here we are. Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard has a deadly competition, some magic, romance with the illegitimate king's son, and a bunch of secrets. I'd probably rate the first 50% of the book 4/5 stars, the last 50% lost me a bit. \n\nSuraya is our very cool main lead. She forges magical blades with jadu (the last scraps of magic in this realm) and has a best friend and a family she loves which instantly catapults her up the standings for me. This girl’s loyalty to her fam and friends is fierce, and man do I prefer that over other situations. Roshan, the crown prince’s illegitimate brother, who’s got secrets, a flirty smile, and can do a flip off a high wall which is separately hot. Roshan’s witty, charming, and just trying to keep Suraya safe...maybe. \n\nThe plot is a little Squid Game-ey for a bit. Suraya is invited into a fake “tournament” for the crown prince’s hand, but it’s really a cover to figure out the Starkeeper—a girl with star magic in her blood (no spoilers...I'm sure you're wondering who that could possible be). Apparently this is revealed by being in mortal peril, hence why it's Squid Game mixed with Cinderella. Things get messy when Suraya and Roshan end up on the run and whether the rebels to the crown are good or bad become a whole thing. The royal family is trash, with Prince Javed and his dusty mom needing a big downfall in the next book, please.\n\nSide characters are great. Aran, Clem, Laleh, and Amma are found-family, and I loved it. The magic system is fun, and the rebellion drama and palace scheming kept me reading to the end. But...it did get a little foggy for me and I was not as engaged for the last half as I was for the first half.\n\nIf you thought the royal ball in Cinderella could've used some more death and like a little magical chaos, Starlight Heir might do it for you! Will I read Book 2? Definitely yes.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91RAhN-pukL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-04","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4gssajf","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4g9g7Hi","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-04T20:44:23.092Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-04T20:44:23.092Z"},{"id":44,"title":"A Taste for Lies","author":"LC Whitehouse","rating":5,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Hello my fellow book nerds with beast fetishes,A Taste for Lies by LC Whitehouse is a ton of fun. I didn’t skim a single page, and that's big enough for me to give 5 stars. I'm ready for book 2 now!\n\nAlora is the main girl who’s a badass thief in a guild of other bad-doers, and she’s well known for her skills. She has a best friend, Eleni, which always warms my heart. Her memory’s a blank for the first 15 years of her life, she does not know what happened to her parents or anything about her upbringing. Alora has a sweet heart while being fierce, always looking out for her bestie and her pint-sized guard (Mei, a whole other reason I'm looking forward to the second book).\n\nThen there’s Taran, the prince from a neighboring kingdom who’s a tall, sexy cinnamon roll with a big beast inside him (yes). He’s brave, kind, and recruits Alora for a super-secret, noble theft. I particularly like that he's a little broody with a dark past BUT still smiles, jokes, and laughs. I hate male leads who are always frown-ey - fine, make them broody, but I still want fun company! The chemistry between these two is great. But, fellow horny readers, hold your horses: the spicy scene doesn’t drop until the last fifth of the book, and there’s only one. It’s worth the wait to see Taran in action, but don’t expect a smutfest. \n\nNow, let’s talk about the world-building, specifically this whole Apex thing. Apexes (or apices, if you’re feeling fancy) are people who “emerge” in their teens with a beastly side they have to make peace with. Think werewolves, but make it chaotic and varied—each Apex has a unique beast and a special skill, like super eyesight, epic hearing, or even code-breaking (huh? like any type of code in particular or all codes?). Most Apexes seem to get a strength or height boost, but it’s not a guarantee (looking at you, Mei, my tiny fave who’s neither tall nor buff but still an Apex queen), which keeps things spicy but also… kinda confusing? The rules around emergence and skills feel a bit like trying to nail jelly to a wall—slippery and hard to pin down. It didn’t ruin the vibe (hence the five stars), but I was left scratching my head, like, “Wait, how does this Apex thing work?”\n\nStill, this book’s a keeper. The plot’s tight, the characters are lovable, and the pacing is great. Just don’t expect the Apex system to come with a user manual—it’s more like a vibes-based magic system, and I’m here for it.","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81RkGJaUJvL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-05","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3JPAT2w","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4p6If1E","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-05T13:08:43.223Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-05T13:08:43.223Z"},{"id":45,"title":"A City of Gods and Monsters (House of Devils)","author":"Kayla Edwards","rating":3,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Are you into guys who smoke, wear really tight t-shirts, and a notable amount of hair product? I'm not but I still did finish this urban fantasy with the main male lead seems to be John Travolta from Grease but with daddy issues. City of Gods and Monsters by Kayla Edwardsis like a neon-lit urban fantasy rollercoaster. It has great world-building and the plot...mostly moves besides the romance piece of it where the same issue repeats itself endlessly. \"I'm not good enough for you, you deserve better.\" \"No, you are, John Travolta from Grease with Daddy Issues, let me fix you.\" - Like 10 times. But it has fun gritty city with magical undercurrents vibes, and the mystery was solid enough to keep me reading. But...there were quirks.\n\nFirst off, the world-building is great with Edwards creating a dark, sprawling city packed with monsters and...not sure about the gods?? But there are witches and werewolves and warlocks and hellsehers. Hellsehers aren't quite clear to me which is a shame as the main male lead is one. They can see peoples' auras and sometimes hold their brain and sometimes erase memories but not all of them and those who can cannot do it consistently. And basically everyone important can block their power, so there is that. The plot clips along at a solid pace, tossing in twists and turns that keep it fun. \n\nBut then we get to Loren...our leading lady, who cries and shakes a lot. I get that it's a  scary magical world...but do we need a tear-streaked trembling every other page? She is nice and loves her dogs and plants. So I liked that. But even her friendships were not clear to me. One friend who steamrolls over her all the time with the lightest resolution on that ever, and another friend who she spends the book caring a bunch about but we never really see them have any friend chemistry. \n\nAnd then there’s Darien, the male lead, who’s a Bad Boy with a side of Grease-era John Travolta energy. Lots of descriptions of gelled hair, really tight shirts (often bloodied for that extra oomph), rings, and cigarette smoking. I half-expected him to break into “Greased Lightnin’” during a fight scene. Sorry, Darien, you’re just not my type—maybe lose the cigarettes, wear clothes that are skin-tight, and ease up on the hair gel? His character arc would be good but it just feels a little too forced on you.\n\nNow, let’s talk magic, because this is where things get a bit... convenient. Darien’s Hellseher superpower is sniffing out auras, kind of like a magical bloodhound, which sounds so cool and is a big deal when he’s tasked with hunting Loren. But then...everyone and their grandma can apparently cloak their aura? Rendering his snazzy skill not at all useful for anything that matters? It’s like Edwards handed him this cool ability, then decided “Let’s make it irrelevant except for that one time.” The magic system overall feels a tad inconsistent, a little too obviously just there to serve the plot’s needs. \n\nThe plot resolution went a little along those lines. It’s not that it’s bad, just vague? Maybe I missed something, or maybe book two clears it up, but I didn’t vibe enough with Darien’s cigarette-smoke-and-tight-shirt energy to dive into the sequel. I was surprised to see it so heavily recommended online, but Grease was popular so there's that.\n\nOh, and if you’re here for the spicy stuff, buckle up for a long wait. The sex scene doesn’t hit until you’ve waded through a ton of buildup, so don’t expect instant fireworks. It's okay when it comes.\n\nOverall, City of Gods and Monsters is fun, but it has some quirks...Loren’s tear ducts working overtime, Darien’s Grease cosplay, and a magic system that feels like it’s making it up as it goes. If you’re into urban fantasy with a side of melodrama and don’t mind waiting for the steamy bits, you’ll probably dig it. Me? I’m passing on book two, but I’ll cheers to Edwards for crafting a wild world!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91D6FS0Vc4L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-12","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/3IdDfrB","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/46xzKp3","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-12T02:10:50.099Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-16T13:34:27.641Z"},{"id":46,"title":"The Night Prince: The Wolf King, Book 2","author":"Lauren Palphreyman","rating":5,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Come to daddy, fellow werewolf romantasy readers. Night Prince's only problem is that I'm stuck waiting for the next book in this unfinished trilogy. This book has a somehow respectable love triangle and also a slow-burn romance. Plot is also full of fun twists I didn't see and nice character arcs. \n\nThe standout? Blake...who says come to daddy at one point and I didn't know I was into that but now I know I am. If you’re jumping into book two, it’s no shocker there’s a love triangle. I'm apparently a total hypocrite because I’m usually rolling my eyes at the dark, broody, tortured-soul male love interest, screaming, “Give me a sunshine boy who smiles!” But here I am saying CHOOSE THE DARK ONE, HE’S SO MUCH SEXIER. Blake is...a strategist, really get the main character, secretly very sweet to those who need it, has dimples...I love him. \n\nAurora, \"little rabbit\" to Blake (somehow sexy when he says it, I'm not sure) and Rory to Callum the Boring, is our woman lead. Her arc of choosing to not be anyone's pawn or puppet is great. It’s empowering without being preachy. The worldbuilding is still top-tier. The plot twists hit like a plot twist should, where nearly every character has a surprising turn you didn't expect. I didn’t skip a single page, and that’s rare for me when a book’s this chunky.\n\nNow, Callum. He’s… fine? He’s Tamlin from ACOTAR but without the red flags (eh, bossy at times and doesn't seem to get Aurora but not in a super problematic way), which sounds great but somehow makes him more boring. He has an alpha-male vibe but is all, “Is this okay? You good?” mid-everything, and it's...too much. He’s the guy who checks in during spicy moments, and you’re like, “Yes, it’s fine, PLEASE KEEP GOING.” It’s sweet, but also… snooze. Give me Blake’s daddy energy any day.\n\nOverall, Night Prince is a wild ride with a world that sucks you in, a love triangle that’ll make you question what you thought was hot, and a remarkably well-done slow-burn. It's the first book in a while I've gone back and read all of one character's scenes, starting with Book 1 (yeah, not boring Callum's). I’m mad I started an unfinished series, and I’m counting down the days until book three. \n\nOh and for spice...eh some fine scenes with Callum. Book 3 better have some awesome Blake ones. Pretty, pretty please!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81SoA71qJiL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-09-15","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4nxWCuy","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4gnwD6J","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-09-15T12:48:14.445Z","updatedAt":"2025-09-15T12:48:14.445Z"},{"id":47,"title":"Mate","author":"Ali Hazelwood","rating":2,"eggplants":4,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Ahhh I did not like this one! And I'm so bummed about it because Bride was great. \n\nThere are spoilers in this review because it's impossible to share what I didn't like without spoiling a bit. \n\nSerena is great, no notes there. She's fun and even though she has a \"lie\" (I'll complain about that soon), she's actually remarkably open. Realizes off the bat that she wouldn't mind getting to know Koen more and suggests a date. \n\nKoen...says words like jizzmuffin and twatwaffle and is a 36 yo male who thought hiding his well-known celibacy covenant from his mate was the rationale thing to do. Why not explain to her from the get-go that there is a celibacy covenant and instead pretend to her that you're not interested in her besides a purely sexual urge to have sex with her? Was there really no other way to make it that the there was tension between the two characters at the beginning that they had to withhold their mutual desire for each other? Add to it that Serena is close with Lowe and Misery, and Lowe would obviously know about the celibacy covenant...her not having that information (and the readers not) made no sense other than to create tension for the readers.\n\nAnd then we get to the next plot point that was a big source of tension...Serena thinking she was dying. Turns out she was just in the early stages of heat and not giving into her sexual urges was worsening it. Two were physicians saw her and did not recognize that, huh? And a grown woman did not recognize she was horny and take any actions on that? We spent about half of the book thinking the main character was dying just for it to be unrecognized heat? I could maybe get behind it if she just was not feeling well and physicians could not figure that out. But many different treatments, ways to alleviate the pain...this seems like way too much of a stretch, even in a romantasy world. \n\nThe cult thing was a fine plot point, but made it feel a little disjointed from the initial tension about vampyres trying to capture her. \n\nPositives...Serena is fun and the sexy parts were sexy. And it was sweet to read the Misery and Lowe scenes. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71+45XTR7RL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-10-09","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4h67nlG","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4ngez0d","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-10-09T12:27:19.662Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-09T12:27:19.662Z"},{"id":48,"title":"Rose in Chains","author":"Julie Soto","rating":4,"eggplants":2,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"I can't quite make up my mind on Rose in Chains. It is based on Dramione fanfic originally published on AO3, \"The Auction,\" which was inspired by \"Manacled\", also Dramione fanfic - now published as Alchemized in the real-world. I like Julie's writing, and how she does her slow-burns -- I've reread \"Not Another Love Song\" a few times and Xander/Alexander was objectively sexy. Toven is the same here. I'll get into it!\n\nThe world-building is great and patient. Soto explains the world, the magic, and the political rivalries in a way that's smoothly interwoven with the Toven/Briony scenes so you never are stuck with those few chapters that feel more like reading high school history than a fantasy novel. It was a fun place to be, and different enough for Hogwarts and JK Rowlings' whole world that I don't think anyone would readily spot this as an HP fanfic unless they were told beforehand. The world Soto creates is not at all \"I'm just going to swap out names here\" - Briony is a princess, twin sibling to the prince/heir to the throne/maybe-fated-savior. So her twin siblings has some Harry-vibes, but their relationship and Briony's standing is not identical. \n\nThe Toven/Briony yearningish scenes are nearly exact replicas of Soto's original Auction. Which brings me to an issue I have...these characters are mid-20s. Reader, they PRACTICE how to have Briony sit on Toven's lap in a smooth and comfortable way for when they are at a lounge in public and have to act like they are intimately familiar. Like, many practice sessions. Someone said that if you like the ACOTAR Book 2 Court of Nightmares throne scene with Rhys/Feyre, you'd like this. Uhh...nah, that was one scene where Feyre sat on Rhys' lap and they both knew what to do and it was hot. This is endless \"practice\" sessions where yes, Toven does understand that he just doesn't want to get turned on by someone who does not have fully autonomy. But Briony genuinely does not get it. That removed some sexiness for me, particularly when it was a repeated scene. \n\nOn the topic of redundancy -- this is a slow-moving book. Soto takes her time to build the world and Toven and Briony's relationship. So, if you are wanting any fast twists or big plot moments, you likely will not get them in Book 1. \n\nI think this review reads as negative but I can promise that it had me hanging on every page. So you might be seeing some of my bitterness that Book 2 isn't out for another year and Book 1 left me wanting more here. ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91iiBkxA9PL._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-10-14","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/47pk6MU","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4q9ILwv","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-10-14T14:39:09.953Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-14T14:39:09.953Z"},{"id":49,"title":"The Jasad Crown: The Scorched Throne, Book 2","author":"Sara Hashem","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Sara Hashem is extraordinary and this book was special. I don't know how I would describe this duology...it's one of the best true love stories I have read in awhile, yet I do not know if I would say it's a romance. To call it a romance feels like it is ignoring the incredible work Hashem put into Sylvia's growth, separate from Arin, and into building the fantasy world's conflicts - which, yes, involved and affected the romance, but did not read as existing only to build the romance story. \n\nSylvia's character arc throughout the duology is stunning. Watching her character develop and grow throughout the two books, as she learns what her magic means...just so well done. She is also super funny with a lot of laugh out loud lines, and touching in her loyalty to her friends. Arin is top-tier. Everything you want in a fantasy male lead. Reading about his clever battle strategies was consistently joyful, and his ability to always be on the right side of ethics while not sticking strictly to the rules was great. \n\nI sometimes don't like it when POVs being 2 main leads are shared, yet Sera's chapters were just as intriguing to me as Arin and Sylvia's. Marek's...not so much, but still solid. \n\nThis book is truly brilliant. I was taking pictures of passages that felt so meaningful on topic like doubt and the horrors of group meetings. The ending sticks with you. It is happy...but not without being true to the story and the characters' growth, first, so it is tinged with something heavier than a simple HEA. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/914aCsvJO3L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-10-21","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/47rTMAW","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4qrGtZS","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-10-21T21:50:09.691Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-21T21:50:09.691Z"},{"id":50,"title":"The Jasad Crown: The Scorched Throne, Book 2","author":"Sara Hashem","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"Sara Hashem is extraordinary and this book was special. I don't know how I would describe this duology...it's one of the best true love stories I have read in awhile, yet I do not know if I would say it's a romance. To call it a romance feels like it is ignoring the incredible work Hashem put into Sylvia's growth, separate from Arin, and into building the fantasy world's conflicts - which, yes, involved and affected the romance, but did not read as existing only to build the romance story. \n\nSylvia's character arc throughout the duology is stunning. Watching her character develop and grow throughout the two books, as she learns what her magic means...just so well done. She is also super funny with a lot of laugh out loud lines, and touching in her loyalty to her friends. Arin is top-tier. Everything you want in a fantasy male lead. Reading about his clever battle strategies was consistently joyful, and his ability to always be on the right side of ethics while not sticking strictly to the rules was great. \n\nI sometimes don't like it when POVs being 2 main leads are shared, yet Sera's chapters were just as intriguing to me as Arin and Sylvia's. Marek's...not so much, but still solid. \n\nThis book is truly brilliant. I was taking pictures of passages that felt so meaningful on topic like doubt and the horrors of group meetings. The ending sticks with you. It is happy...but not without being true to the story and the characters' growth, first, so it is tinged with something heavier than a simple HEA. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did!","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/914aCsvJO3L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-10-21","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/47rTMAW","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4qrGtZS","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-10-21T21:50:10.036Z","updatedAt":"2025-10-21T21:50:10.036Z"},{"id":51,"title":"Alchemised","author":"SenLinYu","rating":5,"eggplants":1,"genre":"Romantasy","review":"To start the review: I'm not sure if this book as a romantasy. SenLinYu took Manacled, her extremely well-beloved Dramione fanfic, removed all Harry Potter references, and turned it into Alchemised. The story is beautiful, heartwrenching, and dark - very, very, very dark. But the romance feels like more of a subplot than the main focus. \n\nHelena is based on Hermione in Manacled, and Kaine Ferron is based on Draco Malfoy. Helena was a healer during the war, and aided espionage efforts through information exchanges with Kaine, who served as a spy. Helena is entirely loyal to her side - the Undying Flame, based on the Order of the Phoenix, while they are not loyal to her, use her, frequently downplay the value of her intelligence and skills, and do not treat women well. SenLinYu does a wonderful job showing the hard positions Helena is constantly put in, where she has to abide by orders even when she knows they are not the orders that will win the war. \n\nI overall liked Kaine. He chooses to spy as a way to avenge his mother's death at the hands of the High Necromancer (Voldemort), does not want to fall in love with Helena, but does over the course their espionage exchange meetings. He's clever and highly able, and obsessed with Helena once he falls in love with her. He becomes \"the High Reeve\" - the High Necromancer's second in command - intentionally so that when he is outed as a spy or killed, it causes the optimal amount of dysfunction. This leads to him killing a lot of people, and whether that's morally justified because they would have died at the hands of the High Necromancer regardless/he did it quickly without torturing/he did it so he could ultimately bring the High Necromancer down...is grey. \n\nThe nonconsensual sex scenes between Kaine and Helena - post-war, when Helena is technically his captive and has erased her memories so she does not remember that they fell in love or that he was a spy - are controversial. These are somewhat the Handmaiden's Tale fanfic, and it was a bigger part of Manacled than it is Alchemised. There is a view that these are unforgivable, were an attempt to make nonconsensual sex sexy, and that Kaine cannot be redeemed from them. I do not agree with this view, because Kaine did not want to have sex with Helena during these scenes, he was put into a situation by the High Necromancer where he either he had to do it, or she would be given to another who would do it, with all evidence showing that others in Helena's situation were being physically abused. Kaine's decision to be the one to do it so he could at least guarantee it was gentle seemed to be the best one available. In SenLinYu's defense, these were very clearly not written to be sexy scenes. I read a lot of smut, and no part of my brain interpreted these scenes as sexy/an author trying to make them sexy. They were to show the horrific situation Kaine and Helena were both put into. \n\nNecromancy - the power to turn dead people into zombies - is a big thing in Alchemised, so dealing with dead people walking around and doing things without a true brain or soul is a big thing. It's a dark world, darker than I usually read. It also has less romance and sex than other books I read. So, reader beware if that is not your thing. \n\nThere's overall something beautiful and touching about this book. It sticks with you. Helena's story of being an outsider who has frowned upon and not wanted by many at their prestigious institution, of constantly having others undervalue her skills and intellect, and clearly making the biggest contribution to the war effort while not being at all recognized for it, is what sticks for me, though. The romance was nice, but by no means the focal point (from my read). ","coverImage":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/91-9GG7RQ3L._SL1500_.jpg","dateReviewed":"2025-11-04","tags":[],"amazonUrl":"https://amzn.to/4nAV6Hy","audibleUrl":"https://amzn.to/4nBRDbO","reviewer":"Kay","createdAt":"2025-11-04T16:44:05.025Z","updatedAt":"2025-11-04T16:44:05.025Z"}]