BOOK REVIEW: Good Spirits (Ghosted #1) by B.K. Borison

December 4, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Good Spirits (Ghosted #1)
by BK Borison
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’s the Ghost of Christmas Past. She’s not exactly Scrooge.

Ghost of Christmas Past Nolan Callahan intends to spend this holiday haunting like every other—get in, get out, return to his otherwise aimless existence as a ghost awaiting the afterlife. But when he’s faced with Harriet York, the sweetest assignment he’s ever had, he suddenly finds himself wishing for a future.

Harriet York has no idea why she’s being haunted. She’s a good person—or, at least, she tries to be. A people pleaser to her core, she always does what’s expected of her. But as she and Nolan begin to examine her past, they discover there are threads that bind them together— and realize there might be more to moving on than expected.

With the deadline of Christmas Eve fast approaching, will they find the key to their futures in each other’s pasts? Or will they stay firmly in the present, indulging in their unexpected, spirited connection?

Filled with magic, mayhem, and cozy holiday charm, this swoony romance is B.K. Borison’s best yet!

Review:

Good Spirits is a paranormal holiday romance that’s binge worthy! With grumpy sunshine, forced proximity, and characters you can’t help but love, this book was everything! I couldn’t help myself and was screaming and cackling with laughter! If you adore holiday books, definitely put this one on your tbr, you have to meet Nolan and Harriet!

Every murder mystery podcast I have ever listened to has started exactly like this.

Nolan was the Ghost of Christmas Past. And Harriet was his new job. From their first meeting, I was laughing out loud. But Nolan lived such a lonely life. Nobody would remember him, except his current assignment, and other ghosts in the area. And as we got to know him, we saw that he had a heart of gold. I loved how he would calm Harriet, but also how he could be playful and fun! But Nolan didn’t care about others. Except with Harriet….he couldn’t help himself. Her touch warmed his heart. And she gave him hope too.

“Ghosts drink coffee?”
One of his dark eyebrows jumps up. “That’s what you’re choosing to fixate on?”

While Harriet’s family seemed to walk all over her, I loved that she could be bold with Nolan. Telling him that he couldn’t just appear, and had to knock on her door instead ha, I adored her! As we got to travel to her past, my heart broke for her. She just wanted to be loved for who she was. And no one seemed to see her. Until Nolan.

I suppose I always have believed in Christmas magic.
I extend my hand, press my palm to his, and together we disappear.

The moment you could feel the sexual tension between them I was wondering…. is this allowed to happen? A human and a ghost?! Because even Nolan seemed to be wary. But they both felt so alone. Unloved. And the more time they spent together, their friendship developed so effortlessly. When events happened that shook up the status quo, I didn’t know what they could mean. But with sexy dreams, steamy hot kisses, snow flakes swirling and intimate scenes that will have you melting, I was lost in them. And I was rooting for their HEA!

I keep getting flashes of softness from Nolan. Glimpses of the man he might have been before, maybe. It makes me greedy for more.

Good Spirits was a little bit of a slow start for me, but once it got going I was obsessed. And this book made me smile so much! There were so many details that made me fall in love with this story. Like Nolan bringing Harriet drinks, to learning that he knit. To Harriet’s candy hoarding ways, and her pjs that I desperately wanted to own! These characters leaped from the pages and I loved how their story unfolded. The ending left me so happy and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

Her mouth hovers over mine. I want it so badly.
Kiss. Devour. Take.

PS I loved the shoutout to Lovelight Farms!

Other Quotes I loved….

I’m developing feelings for a ghost who will disappear before the end of the month.
But I can’t help it.

“You’re staring,” she whispers.
“Can’t help it,” I whisper back.

I kissed her because I wanted to. Because I couldn’t keep standing in front of her and not do it.

If I ever got to choose to come back to a memory, I’d want it to be this one.

She looks like a present I want to unwrap.

Of course I had to fall in love with a ghost. I’ve always loved the broken and forgotten things best.

I was sent to haunt Harriet, but she ended up haunting me.

BOOK REVIEW: Fallen City (Fallen City Duology #1) by Adrienne Young

December 3, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Fallen City by Adrienne Young
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In the great walled city of Isara, political turmoil ignites a rebellion one hundred years in the making. But when a legionnaire falls in love with a Magistrate's daughter, their love will threaten the fate of the city and the will of the gods.

Luca Matius has one purpose―to carry on the family name, maintaining its presence in the Forum once his powerful and cruel uncle dies. But his noviceship with the city's Philosopher places him in the middle of a catastrophe that will alter the destiny of his people.

Maris Casperia was raised amidst the strategic maneuvers of the Citadel's inner workings, and she knows what her future holds―a lifetime of service to a corrupt city. But her years of serving as a novice to the last Priestess who possesses the stolen magic of the Old War has made her envision a different kind of future for the city. When she meets Luca, a fated chain of events is set into motion that will divinely entangle their lives.

As a secret comes to light and throws the city into chaos, Luca and Maris hatch a plot to create a calculated alliance that could tip the scales of power. But when an execution forces Luca to become the symbol of rebellion, he and Maris are thrown onto opposite sides of a holy war. As their fates diverge, they learn they are at the center of a story the gods are writing. And even if they can find their way back to each other, there may be nothing left.

Review:

Fallen City was a star-crossed lovers romantasy that had layers of political intrigue. With war and corruption seeping throughout this story, we got to watch a love that refused to burn. Yet the way the story was told, there was so much cast in shadows. Mystery swirled around, and I wasn’t ever pulled in enough to want to dig. That’s because the story alternated between the past and the present, and while dual timelines are one of my top favorite tropes, it didn’t work here for me. I felt as though I was kept at arm lengths from Luca and Maris. Who both told us the story. And while I was intrigued by what happened, I never got to connect or feel their emotions. I desperately need that connection to love a book, regardless of how fascinating or unique it is. Here’s hoping you make a deeper connection than me, if you pick this one up!

Breath by breath, the realization took shape in my mind. Mortals weren’t the architects of this war. The gods were.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Thrown for a Loop (New York Legends #1) by Sarina Bowen

December 3, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Thrown for a Loop by Sarina Bowen
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Zoe Carson, former figure skating queen, needs a fresh start as a hockey skating coach. An NHL gig with the New York Legends is her big chance. Unfortunately, that means facing off against the star player who broke her heart ten years ago.

Chase Merritt knows his game is off, and he’s on the verge of losing sponsors. But he doesn’t need the ice princess from that intense college summer showing up and telling him what he’s doing wrong—even when she’s right.

On the ice, they’re magic. Off the ice, they’re nothing but heat and stubbornness, and everyone on the team is enjoying the show. But when an old video of Zoe and Chase’s figure skating routine goes viral, they’re forced to work together more intimately than ever before. Can the two get it right this time or will the whole world watch them crash and burn?

Review:

I still miss him.

Thrown for a Loop was a second chance, slow burn, hockey romance that was so easy to love! From their first moments of seeing each other again, I loved how everything went sideways. It’s been ten years, and Zoe and Chase were now working together. There were so many emotions haunting them, and you could feel the angst and tension simmering. This story was so much fun, and I was cheering them on every step of the way!

“But I think I have something to offer. I’m good at what I do.”
“You always were,” he mutters. “That was never the problem.”
My heart stumbles. Then what was?

Their past was woven throughout this story, and the switch between past and present was so seamless. I loved that while the present was told by Zoe, we got to see a lot of the past through Chase’s eyes. Their innocence was adorable, and it was so rewarding watching them establish trust with each other. As they practiced, had quiet moments together, to even just eating pizza, I loved watching their friendship form. And for their feelings to turn into more. They were so effortless to fall in love with. But I was left desperate trying to figure out where it all went wrong.

He sighs. “I’ll be there, Ice Princess.”
Ice Princess. My heart does a pirouette at the sound of my old nickname, and I stare up at him with unfiltered surprise.

Zoe and Chase were both such complex characters. I just wanted to hug them. What they had been through, ugh, my heart hurt. But they now had to work together. And I knew that if they could heal from the past, and start to find their friendship again, they would be an unstoppable team! It was a rough road, but one that was so easy to become obsessed with! Especially since you could feel the attraction to each other. I kept finding myself smiling, laughing, and falling even more in love with this book!

“It’s not too late, right?”
“Never,” I whisper.

Thrown for a Loop was a book that’ll make you so happy! It was steamy, emotional, and so swoon worthy! Plus, the found family that was starting to form has left me so excited for how this series will expand! And that epilogue was absolutely phenomenal! I was overjoyed! I’m so excited for the next book in this series! So, if you love hockey, sports romance, second chances and a little bit of romantic suspense, then definitely add this one to your tbr! I loved it so much!

“Practice is for tricky things,” he whispers. “Loving you is simple, Zoe.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Between These Broken Hearts (These Hollow Vows #4) by Lexi Ryan

November 25, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Between These Broken Hearts (These Hollow Vows #4)
by Lexi Ryan
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Princess Jasalyn has eleven days to live.

Jasalyn is facing the repercussions of a deadly bargain. Her life, and the future of the shadow court, are forfeit on her birthday unless she can stop the evil fae king Mordeus. She needs to face her greatest fears and find him before she runs out of time, but even after everything, Kendrick won’t let her face this alone.

Shape-shifter Felicity has vanished.

Felicity disappeared from King Misha’s dungeons, and her friends have been searching for her to no avail. But even if she’s found, Felicity will never be able to escape the oracle’s tragic prophecy for her and her family. In her lonely battle with fate, Misha is the last person she can ask to stand by her side, but the first one she’ll need.

Review:

Between These Broken Hearts was a beautiful conclusion to the These Hollow Vows Series! Games were played, plans went sideways, and with mysteries and magic lacing the pages, it made this book impossible to put down! I love how strong the sisterly love was throughout this story, and the found family was so beautiful! If you enjoy YA romantasy, definitely put this series on your tbr!

I traded everything for vengeance, and I can’t allow my mind to drift to what happens when there’s no more left to take.

Jasalyn faced an impossible future. With Mordeous having some level control of her body, everything looked so bleak. And with the ring not allowing others to remember her, she felt truly alone. I loved that she had those rallying behind her. Even if I wanted to hate one of them, *cough Kenrick cough *. But as truths came to light, my feelings towards those changed. Especially when we saw the lengths they would go to protect her. But I was terrified for Jasalyn. Time was running out, and there didn’t seem to be any answers in sight for how she wouldn’t die.

“Like what you see?” he asks.
I roll my eyes. As if I don’t care. As if the memories of his touch don’t haunt me.

This story alternated between Jasalyn and Felicity, and I was invested in both of their stories. With Felicity, while I started out confused, I loved the path her story took. Especially when Misha was on the pages, he was my favorite! I loved how forward he could be and his banter with Felicity was everything! I desperately wanted to know his thoughts! With prophecies and trying to protect those they loved, they both kept me on the edge of my seat with having to know what happened next!

This, I think. If I get to live, I want more moments like this.

With unlikely alliances, plans made that put those we love in precarious situations, gut wrenching truths, and so much at stake, this book easily became a favorite! I cried happy and sad tears. And that ending was incredible! We got to see HEAs for so many within this story! Now I can’t wait to see what Ryan writes next!

Other Favorite Quotes:

The pain that moves across his face makes me wish for a different life in a different world under a different set of stars.

“Everyone in this world has a fate they would personally rearrange the stars to avoid.” His gaze settles on my mouth for a beat before he takes a step back. “Don’t think I am so different.”

His gaze flicks to mine. If you’re so worried, you should probably stop looking at me like that.
Like what? Like you know how my mouth feels on your skin and you’re wondering when you can feel it again.
I gape at him and he lifts a shoulder as if to say he can’t help how I’m feeling.

His hands are gentle and he’s trying to hide the fear in his voice, but I am dying. I know it. Why fight this when I can take comfort in my final moments?

The rough pad of his thumb skims across my bottom lip and he bends down to speak softly into my ear. “When you’re in my dreams, you never look like the princess.”

He wanted to break me. He needed me to be so fragile that when the flames burned me to ash, I’d surrender. He wanted to make me weak, but he didn’t realize he was teaching me just how much pain I can endure and survive. I am so much stronger than he is.”

BOOK REVIEWS: Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace & The Fake Santa Apology Tour by Julie Olivia

November 24, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Holiday Ever After by Hannah Grace
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Clara Davenport wants to solve Fraser Falls’s biggest problem. According to Jack Kelly, Clara is Fraser Falls’s biggest problem.

All Clara Davenport has ever wanted to do is climb the ladder at Davenport Innovation Creative, her family’s toy business. Everything was going according to plan, until the company was accused of stealing a doll design from an independent toy maker, creating a flurry of bad publicity. With a promotion dangled in front of her like a carrot to a reindeer, Clara is tasked with charming the locals of the small town to solve the PR nightmare, by any means necessary.

Jack Kelly would be happy to never hear the name Davenport ever again. Less than a year after a guy in a fancy suit appeared on his doorstep with a sleigh-full of promises, the company that once falsely claimed they wanted to sign him to their small business program has copied his design. So when Clara prances into town hoping to convince Fraser Falls that her company is not the enemy, Jack is determined not to be fooled by Davenport twice.

But Clara has a plan to win over the community only to realize that beneath Jack’s frosty demeanor lies the key to the town’s heart—and maybe her own.

Review:

Holiday Ever After was a small town holiday romance that was super adorable. From the moment that Clara and Jack met, they clicked so beautifully. The tension thrumming between them was electric, until they both realized who the other was. What unfolded next was laugh out loud hilarious and very entertaining. But this city girl and small town boy romance dragged on at times. Even though it was under 400 pages and I enjoyed both of the narrators, it did lose my attention time and again. But regardless, oh how I desperately wanted to go visit this small town! It sounded like a winter wonderland!

The Fake Santa Apology Tour by Julie Olivia
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Short-term flings with good looking Santas are kinda my thing.

After my latest holly jolly break-up with the fake mall Santa Claus of my dreams, I escaped to a small town winter wonderland in the middle of nowhere. But it's just my luck that I run into the only person in the world who could get my Christmas lights in a twist: freaking Nicholas Ryan. A man I haven’t seen in twenty years and who I never wanted to see again. Except now he’s my hot bartender, complete with a silver-fox beard, a twinkle in his eye, and looking a lot like my one true kryptonite: jingle belling Santa Claus.

It’s five days until Christmas, I’m stuck in a snowy small town straight out of a Hallmark movie, and all I want is to avoid the Grinch who stole all my Christmases and pretend that our chemistry is simply just the magic of Christmas in the air.

Review:

The Fake Santa Apology Tour was one of the most unique Christmas books I have read. That’s because Birdie Mae had a Santa fetish. She loved to hook up with them, but typically said goodbye when the new year came around. So when she ran into a hot bartender at the bar, who could easily pass off as a Santa, she was intrigued. But Nicholas Ryan was from her past. And was to blame for her now hating Christmas. So with snowball fights, Christmas sayings, lots of Santas, and steamy moments, this Christmas romance was an easy one to listen to! It ended happily, but was definitely quirky! Like The apology tour. My brain is still processing that lol. I definitely won’t forget this book lol.