BOOK REVIEW: The Ground That Devours Us by Kalla Harris

July 28, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Ground That Devours Us by Kalla Harris
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
The world ended ten years ago.

Vampires showed up, took over, and turned the whole planet into their personal all-you-can-drink buffet. The president? Bloodsucker. The government? Bloodsuckers. My social life? Absolutely nonexistent.

But hey, at least I had one thing going for me―slayer training. My twin sister, Ripley, and I were about to go pro, officially joining the ranks of the last people on earth who actually do something about the whole “undead overlords” situation.

And then X had to show up. The vampire boogeyman. The worst of the worst. And instead of killing Ripley, like any decent monster would, he turned her. Now she’s technically a vamp, but something tells me my sister is still in there. Which means I can’t slay her.

Review:

The Ground That Devours Us was the type of book that will completely consume you and was impossible to put down. With a gritty and rugged world, characters that will own you, and a storyline that was dark and hypnotic, this easily sailed onto my favorites list!

Ripley looks up at me, heartbroken. She wants me to accept her, but I don’t know if I can love these new parts of her. Maybe that makes me a monster, too.

Here’s more reasons why I loved this story…

“If you haven’t figured it out yet, I do wild things when it comes to you.”
His words sear me to the core. This is dangerous, this confession.

*X, oh I wanted to hate him. He was ruthless and lethal. And while he took from Ruby, he also protected her. He was all the shades of grey.

*Ruby was fierce, clever, and I was rooting for her every step of the way!

*The banter, hostility, and hate vibes were everything! It’s a slow burn that played out beautifully.

*While this is a book about vampires and humans, it felt unique and new. With a dystopian backdrop, and fantasy elements woven in, I was captivated by the world that they lived in and everything we learned about the vampires.

*At times I was terrified for who I could truly trust and my stomach twisted with unease.

*The stakes grew higher as the story unfolded and I loved the twists and turns!

“What are you most afraid of?”
His answer is quick, breathless. “You. A thousand times, you.”

I cried, laughed, and fell in love. Kalla Harris made a fan for life and I can’t wait to see what she writes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison

July 24, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Other Side of Now by Paige Harbison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
With a leading role on a hit TV show and a relationship with Hollywood’s latest heartthrob, Meg Bryan appears to have everything she ever wanted. But underneath, her happiness is as fake as her stage name, Lana Lord. Following a tiny nervous breakdown at her thirtieth birthday party, she books an impromptu trip to Ireland. Specifically, to the village where she and her best friend Aimee always dreamt of moving.

When Meg arrives, the people in town don’t just recognize her, they seem to know her. She quickly―reluctantly―realizes she has somehow slipped into an alternate reality. One where she did move to Ireland as a teenager, one where she never got famous, and―most shocking of all―one where Aimee is alive and well.

She just wants nothing to do with Meg.

Despite her bewilderment, Meg is clear-eyed about one thing: this is a once-in-two-lifetimes chance to reconnect with her friend and repair what she broke . . . or else risk losing Aimee all over again.

Review:

The Other Side of Now was a powerful story about healing and finding yourself. With friendship and love sprinkled in the pages, this magical realism book had me in its clutches. I loved feeling just as lost as Meg and walking in her shoes. It was jaw dropping watching how one different choice could affect so many of those around you. I adored that the story was easy to devour and I loved how much it made me laugh. I also sobbed my eyes out too. And while I understood that ending, I closed the book feeling a little unsatisfied. I needed a look into the future please or I wish I would have known in advance from other reviews what to expect. I still enjoyed the story though, so I am looking forward to whatever Paige Harbison writes next!

PS Cillian was my favorite!

“I love you so much.”
“I love you too.”
“I miss you all the time.” I can barely get through the words.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Left of Forever (Spunes #2) by Tarah DeWitt

July 24, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Left of Forever (Spunes #2)
by Tarah DeWitt
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This time, they'll get it right.

Wren and Ellis Byrd fell in love as kids, had their son Sam when they were only teenagers, and built a life together in the coastal town of Spunes, Oregon. They were made for one another . . . until they fell apart. Now divorced and in their 30s, Wren runs the bakery in town, while Ellis works as a firefighter. They live separate lives, though they are hardly off each other’s minds.

When Ellis and Wren move Sam into college, Ellis convinces Wren to take an extended road trip back to Spunes to see if they can give their relationship one last chance. Amid the gorgeous California coastline and the intimacy they have missed for years, Wren starts to think it just might be possible. But can the past truly be left behind? When words fail and old wounds resurface, it’s a soul-baring letter that could finally reveal the truth―or close the door on them forever.

Review:

Left of Forever was a second chance romance that was heartwarming, laugh out loud hilarious, and had the most fabulous ending! With a road trip and forced proximity, this book was filled with deeply emotional moments plus all the fun. Left of Forever is officially my favorite Tarah DeWitt book!

I’m still in love with my wife.

This story gave us moments from their past, and it made for such a deeper connection with Wren and Ellis. They fell in love when they were kids, had a child when they were teenagers, and fell apart in their 20s. Their past could be so heart wrenching. Now that they were both in their 30s, and their son was going off to college, a road trip was in their future. It felt like their last chance. Was anything still there, or were they truly done forever?

“But what if I could?” I croak. “Fix it, I mean. Wouldn’t it be worth trying?” My chest is an empty, barren cavern without her. My heart took shape around hers, too, and it will never go back.

I already adored Wren in Savor It. She ran the local bakery in town and was bestie’s with Ellis’ sister. Ellis was the oldest of his siblings, a firefighter, and he seemed to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders. The story was told from both of their POVs, and they were so easy to connect with and love. Yet they both didn’t seem fully happy with their lives. Wren couldn’t stop thinking about their past, and Ellis desperately missed his wife. Watching them both struggle broke my heart. But as little moments between them caused butterflies to erupt, I held out all the hope!

The sight of him brings the usual pang, but when he looks my way and his mouth hooks into a half-formed smile, I find myself smiling back, reflexively. He stares at me and I at him, and whatever shredded and frayed thread is still between us pulls unbearably tight.

Being on the road trip together forced Wren and Ellis to face their past. There was a lot of hurt and pain that needed to be worked through, so I loved how the communication was handled. They each shared their struggles from the past, yes it was gutting, but it was also beautiful watching them work through their issues. I loved how everything was laid out on the table. And even though the emotions were intense, there was hope woven through it all too.

“Fuck, I missed you.” The pure emotion in his voice sears through me.

But we were also surrounded by flirtatious moments, family intervention that will keep you smiling, a cooking scene that will have you rolling with laughter on the ground, and even occasions of holding hands made my heart soar. The sexual tension was intense, and when they crossed the line to more, it was steamy and so wonderful! Rounding out this story was the most beautiful ending and it made me cry all of the happy tears! I definitely recommend it to all of the romance lovers out there!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1) by Lyla Sage

July 15, 2025 / Jen / 1 Comment

Done and Dusted (Rebel Blue Ranch #1)
by Lyla Sage
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
For the first time in her life, Clementine “Emmy” Ryder has no idea what she’s doing. She’s accomplished everything on her to-do list. She left her small hometown of Meadowlark, Wyoming; went to college; and made a career for herself by doing her favorite thing: riding horses. But after an accident makes it impossible for her to get back into the saddle, she has no choice but to return to the hometown she always wanted to escape.

Luke Brooks is Meadowlark’s most notorious bad boy, bar owner, and bachelor. He’s also the unofficial fifth member of the Ryder family. As Emmy’s older brother’s best friend, Luke spent most of his childhood antagonizing her. It’s been years since he’s seen her, but when she walks into his bar and back into his life, he can’t take his eyes off her. Despite his better judgment, he wants to do a whole lot more than just look at her.

Emmy’s got too much on her mind to think about romance. And Luke knows he should stay away from his best friend’s younger sister. But what if Luke is just what Emmy needs to get her spark back? Or will they both go up in flames?

Review:

We were toeing a line I was desperate to cross.

Done and Dusted was a heartwarming and laugh out loud brother’s best friend cowboy romance that I absolutely loved. It was my second time picking up this book, and I loved it even more the second time around! I adored the characters and felt like I was watching a movie play out in my head. If you love small town romances that have a fabulous slow burn and no third act breakup, this is your book!

“Friends, then?” I asked. She seemed to chew on that for a moment.
“Friends,” she said.
When it came to Emmy, I was playing with fire, but I would happily walk into the flames for her.
And I’d have a smile on my face the whole damn time.

Emmy was so easy to click with. She moved back home after a riding accident, and was trying to find her new normal. She had her bestie Teddy at her side, and a loving family who I adored. Luke had always been in her life, but kept finding him there for her. When she was struggling. The compassion and kindness he showed her melted me into a puddle. And I found myself falling head over heels in love with him, right along with Emmy.

That’s your best friend’s little sister, dipshit.
Two words rang in my head like alarm bells: off limits.

Luke was protective, patient, thoughtful, and you couldn’t help loving him. With his jaded past making me want to wrap him in a hug, I loved that Emmy’s family was like his true family. But the way he wanted Emmy, knowing he shouldn’t since she was his best friend’s little sister….ohhh that pull was so good! We got this story in both of their POV’s and it added so much depth to Emmy and Luke’s story!

“Good morning,” he drawled. I used to hate his mountain drawl, but now I wanted to wrap myself up in it. I watched his eyes track me up and down, but he did it fast, like he didn’t want me to notice. My cheeks heated, and I tried to will it away.

Done and Dusted kept me smiling and even gave me butterflies too! The tension that grew between Luke and Emmy was everything! And when they did cross that friendship line, I loved their steamy moments together. And Luke’s dirty mouth! This story felt like home to me and made me cry a few times too. So I can’t wait to binge the rest of the series. Plus, Teddy and Gus’s banter was hilarious, I’m so excited to read their story too!

More quotes I loved…

I wanted to make Emmy mine in every single way.

“Not worth my time?” He sounded…angry? “I don’t know what type of men you’ve been sleeping with, sugar, but devouring your perfect cunt is always going to be worth my time.”

I smirked at her. “Do you think insulting my bar skills is going to change my mind?”
“Depends on what you’re into,” she said coyly.
“Just you.”

BOOK REVIEW: Bound by Stars by E.L. Starling

July 1, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Bound by Stars by E.L. Starling
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A Love That Defies Gravity…and Fate

She never belonged in his world. He never thought he’d leave it.

When Weslie Fleet wins a golden ticket aboard the Boundless, humanity’s most opulent starliner, it’s a dream―and a danger. Raised in the dust-ridden ruins of Earth, she is thrust into the gleaming luxury of Mars’s elite, where every whispered word carries weight and every glance is a silent judgment. And none watch her closer than Jupiter, the golden boy of Mars’s high society, bound by duty, legacy, and a future he never chose.

Their reluctant partnership was supposed to be a one-off assignment. Instead, it becomes a battle of wills, a spark that ignites, and a love neither of them anticipated. But fate is as cruel as it is unpredictable, and when the Boundless veers off course, love won’t be enough to save them.

The ship is failing. The odds are impossible. And in the darkness of space, survival is the only thing that matters.

But some loves are worth defying the stars for.

Review:

Bound by Stars was a star-crossed lovers, Titanic but in space adventure that was impossible to put down. From that first chapter, this book had me glued to the pages. The found family was everything, and I loved how romance and friendship seeped into the pages. If you’re looking for a story that will whisk you away and is super easy to devour, this is your book!

“You people think the universe is yours to command.”
He holds my gaze, eyes gentle, and shakes his head. “You don’t know anything about me.”
The sincerity in his voice makes my breath catch in my throat. He’s not what I expected.

Weslie Fleet won a golden ticket aboard Boundless. Leaving Earth behind, she was bound for Mars and hopefully a better life. Presenting her creation ILSA, would secure a future for her mother and her that she could only dream of. On that ship, she met Jupiter. Jupiter’s family was one of the more powerful in the universe, but his future was dictated and bound by duty. Together, they shook the stars and all of those around them.

I was never going to be anything more to him than a moment on a ship between planets. It’s the only place where we make any sense.

I absolutely adored Weslie! She was smart, brave, and I loved the risks she took. She spoke true to her heart and refused to back down to others. Then there was Jupiter who had the weight of the world on his shoulders. His future was not his for the making, and once you got to know him, he was truly the sweetest. But Weslie and Jupiter were not only from two different planets, but two entirely different social classes too. They had strong dislike vibes in the beginning. So, their path to friendship was jaded and slow to start, but the more time they spent together they just clicked.

“He was making a bad joke, ILSA.”
“Oh. Then yes, I, too, am often concerned with Weslie’s mental state. Ha-ha.” Her robotic laugh is spaced out and over-pronounced. If she were human, it would sound like she were mocking Jupiter, but she faces him with the swoop of a conspiratorial grin across her face.
I swear, she’s getting more petulant by the day.
Jupiter erupts in laughter.

Surrounding Weslie and Jupiter was prejudice, stigma, and a lot of pushback. But when they spoke to each other, oh their banter was so much fun! And ILSA was always around too….. she was one of my top favorites. Created by Weslie, her personality shined brightly lol. I loved that she spoke about things she shouldn’t have, like telling Weslie she was attracted to Jupiter. And I loved that she had an opinion on so many things, like being put in silence mode against her wishes haha. ILSA was a robot who had so much heart, I loved her sassy ways and she made me laugh so much!

Ice runs through my veins as the threat echoes in my mind again. Hand the power back…or the ship will become an example of the power of the many over the elite few.

With danger and mystery around every curve, Bound by Stars easily kept me intrigued! The world building was fascinating, so I loved learning about the ship and how their worlds worked. But accelerating towards that ending, I had all the anxiety and sweaty palms! Risks were taken that were huge and love tried its best to defy the odds! We were left at the perfect breathing spot on that final page, but I am counting down till I can read the next book. I need to know what happens next and I have so many questions. I absolutely adored this sci-fi romance and can’t wait to see what happens next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*