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BOOK REVIEW: Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne

April 28, 2025 / Jen / 2 Comments

Miranda in Retrograde by Lauren Layne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
After getting passed over for tenure and having her life upended in the process, a physics professor decides to throw caution to the wind and live by her horoscope predictions for a year in this effervescent rom-com from the New York Times bestselling author of Made in Manhattan.

As the youngest physics professor at her university, practical-minded Miranda Reed plans her life with minute precision. But that’s before she’s denied tenure and the promotion she thought was guaranteed. Suddenly, her tidy life is anything but constant.

Overdue for a sabbatical, Miranda takes some time to look towards the stars—only this time, she’s not looking for black holes. With her faith in science shaken, Miranda turns to a practice she’s long dismissed as preposterous: astrology.

Determined to figure out why her life has suddenly gone sideways, Miranda commits to a year of letting her horoscope guide her. Soon she’s taking on new home improvement projects, adopting a new pet, and studying what the stars have to say about her ideal love match. The intriguingly aloof artist living next door? Never. His Aries energy is all wrong. On the other hand, the charming father of her new tutoring pupil is Sagittarian perfection. Made for her...right?

As Miranda navigates life with new a perspective, she slowly discovers neither science nor the stars have all the answers. And that, when it comes to love, you sometimes just have to trust your heart.

Review:

Miranda in Retrograde was unique, loveable, fun, and I can’t recommend it enough! This adult slow burn romance pulled us into its orbit with characters that were memorable, a storyline that took us on an emotional journey, and the most wonderful happily ever after!

“I think the point, my dear girl”— Aunt Lillian pats my hand fondly—“ is that life isn’t meant to be hypothesized.”
I frown, not liking that one bit. “What’s life meant for then?”
Aunt Lillian smiles. “To be lived.”

I adored Miranda right away! Her ex left her, she was denied tenure, and her parents and brother didn’t seem supportive. Yet an adorable meet cute was in her future, where she met her knight in shining armor, Christian. So while she took a sabbatical from her job, I loved watching Miranda find herself. With living in her Aunt’s home, taking care of her plants, letting her horoscope guide her, and having a very interesting neighbor too!

But there is maybe just the tiniest part of me that can’t stop wondering:
Am I following my heart?
Or my horoscope?

This book felt so unique in that while Miranda didn’t believe in her horoscope, she went all in. She learned everything she could, and allowed it to help her make life decisions. Her experiment during her time off will have you smiling! It not only helped push her into Christian and his adorable daughter, Kylee, but it also led her in other directions too. Yet Miranda still seemed lost to what she truly wanted in life. It felt like the times she was true to herself, was when she was around Archer.

“I was alone. Figured you were, too. Not the way one should spend a holiday if they don’t have to.”
“That’s surprisingly . . . thoughtful.”
“Just had my software updated,” he says, tapping his temple, then balls up the sandwich wrapper with a large fist and drops it into the empty bag.

Archer was Miranda’s neighbor, and he could be such a smartass. I loved that he called her Randy! Their first meeting was awful, but just wait because the second one was even worse haha. Archer had no problem invading Miranda’s space, and their banter and openness with one another became everything! But at the same time, he could be so thoughtful. So while he kept his cards close to his chest, just know that Archer was the ultimate book boyfriend. He was sexy, brooding and you’ll fall head over heels in love with him!

This. This is what scares me. Because whatever it is feels too big to fit into the temporariness of what this experimental, sabbatical year is supposed to be.

With sweet moments between Miranda and Christian, and moments that simmered between Archer and Miranda, I had to know what happened next. Plus I was curious what Miranda would do when her sabbatical was up. So with thoughtful Christmas presents, beautiful talks on the roof at night, a zipper scene, and kitchen dancing, this book had it all! Plus, I cried all the tears later in the story, that moment was so perfect! If you’re looking for a romance that will keep you smiling, while you’re cheering on the heroine to find her own happiness, definitely pick this one up!

“I didn’t mean it like that.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I didn’t. I mean . . .” He exhales, sounding frustrated. “You did crash my solitude. But I don’t . . . mind it. As much as I thought I’d mind it. Or at all, really.”

Archer follows me out to the foyer, though when I open the front door, he places his palm on it to close it again.
I glance up in question, and his blue eyes are guarded as he briefly clenches his jaw. “Hey. Randy. You look . . . nice. Okay? You look good.”
The guarded gaze drops for a split second, revealing what I could have sworn is a flash of heat before it disappears.

BOOK REVIEW: If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley

April 2, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

If Tomorrow Never Comes by Allison Ashley
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Fate connects two people in life-changing ways in a deeply romantic and emotional novel about hope and second chances by the author of Would You Rather and The Roommate Pact.

Uncertain of what tomorrow brings, Elliott Holland decides to live it up—on the eve of a stem cell transplant to treat her leukemia. It’s destiny when she crosses paths with handsome and charming Jamie Sullivan. The chemistry is magic. So is a beautiful evening that ends with a bittersweet kiss goodbye and no expectations of ever seeing each other again.

One year later, Elliott’s future looks good. Her cancer is in remission. Her career in graphic design is taking off. And she’s finally met Carly, the young woman whose stem cell donation gave Elliott a second chance at life. Then, in a twist of fate both blissful and unfair, she meets Carly’s boyfriend. It’s Jamie, the man Elliott kissed like it was her last day on earth. Neither of them has ever forgotten it.

Now, the most difficult decisions of all lie ahead. Whatever risks there are to the heart, one need wins out: to grab hold of everything that can make someone feel alive again.

Review:

If Tomorrow Never Comes was a sweet and emotional romance that gave us a beautiful look at life. With all of the messy parts mixed in with it. This story was poignant, had the most fabulous angst, and ended with a beautiful happily ever after.

Be something other than a cancer patient for once.

With a memorable meet cute, I loved how this story started. Especially since it made me analyze…what is a cheesecake? I’m ready to fight on my hill haha. But I absolutely love the characters Allison Ashley always creates. They are vivid, memorable and shine so brightly. So within that first chapter, I already loved both Elliott and Jamie! They were so adorable together and their chemistry could be felt from the pages. Then we jumped one year in the future, and everything changed.

He curled his fingers through hers and lowered his head, dragging in a shaky breath. He paused at the last second with a squeeze of her hand, making absolutely sure she wanted this, and she tilted her chin to close the final distance.

If Tomorrow Never Comes was a book that will induce all of the emotions. I cried, laughed, and even found myself muttering to myself out loud. This story completely pulled me in and I loved watching how fate kept pulling together these heartwarming souls. If you’re looking for an adult romance that has second chance vibes, an adorable dog, a golden retriever male who’s so easy to love, and a heroine that you’ll instantly like, definitely add this one to your tbr! I can’t wait to see what Ashley 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: Gold (The Queen & the Assassin #3) by Lisette Marshall

March 29, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Gold (The Queen & the Assassin #3)
by Lisette Marshall
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
To challenge the Empire is to challenge Death...

The Queen

Uniting the Five Kingoms against the Taavi Empire was always a risk. But Tamar didn't expect the Empire to take its revenge only on Redwood. And she certainly didn't expect the Empress to make such an impossible demand: for Runo to return to Raulinna before the month is over.

The Assassin

Runo knows how the Empress's personal enemies die – slowly and painfully. A fate he has no intentions of meeting. But the Empress is not the only one who wants him dead... In the shadows of the Red Castle, Tamar's dukes are playing a dangerous game for power. And he might just be the first thing in their way.

A fight against time

Old enemies unite. Old secrets resurface. With their allies powerless and their court against them, the queen and the assassin need more than iron and bloodshed to survive. Will even their wit and ingenuity be enough to defy the Empire before time runs out?

Gold is the third and last book of The Queen & The Assassin, a steamy fantasy romance trilogy taking place in the dangerous, passionate world of the Five Kingdoms. Perfect for readers of enemies to lovers fantasy and adult fairy tale romances, it tells a story of deadly intrigue, dark secrets and sizzling forbidden love.

Review:

With betrayal, friendship, jealousy, threats, and love, Gold was a fabulous conclusion to The Queen & the Assassin Series! Watching those we love redeem themselves, and others get the happily ever after they deserve was so much fun! This forbidden romance will make you feel everything, and leave you smiling long after you read that last page!

‘I owe you more than my survival, do you realise that? I owe you my truth and my history and every shred of my soul that could still be salvaged– so be stubborn for me, be heartless, be every bit the Iron Queen you want to be, and I’ll still love you to death. Understood?’

With characters you couldn’t help but love, this story was so entertaining. Runo showed us time and again how wicked smart he was! I loved how cocky he could be, and his wicked mouth! And I found myself clapping my hands with how bold and fierce Tamar was. Yet Runo was to be given back to the Empress. And Tamar had the weight of the world on her shoulders dealing with political plays and the other kingdoms. So thank goodness for their steamy moments together. It felt like they could finally breathe when it was just them. Those scenes were everything.

‘You’re mine.’ Words he’d never even dared to think, and now they fell from his lips like the most self- evident of truths.

One thing I really loved about this final book was how friendships played such a large part. While Tamar and Runo had each other, my heart was so happy that they found friendships with others around them. I loved watching how those friends had their back, or helped them conquer their goals. It was the best! And the ending we were given was so fabulous. It was not only a beautiful happily ever after, but we also got to see where Jaghar and Viviette were in their happily ever after too. I can’t wait to read whatever Lisette Marshall writes next!

BOOK REVIEW: Silver (The Queen & the Assassin #2) by Lisette Marshall

March 28, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Silver (The Queen & the Assassin #2)
by Lisette Marshall
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He chose not to kill her. Will his life be the price he must pay?

The Queen
Tamar just wants the world to go back to normal after her guard’s betrayal. Back to the familiar schemes and squabbles. Back to a court she can control. But the dangerously seductive assassin sleeping in her bed won’t be so easily controlled, and his stubborn defiance of her authority isn’t the only threat to her court.

The Assassin
No one disobeys the Empress of the Taavi Empire without consequences, and Runo is doing far worse than disobey her. But another assassin on his trail isn’t the consequence he expected. Let alone the one infamous Silver Dagger who still has a few personal scores to settle with him… A grudge that doesn’t only put his own life in danger, but Tamar’s too.

A vengeful enemy
With an old enemy on her way to the Red Castle, the queen and the assassin must once again fight for their lives – and love. But as their secrets grow heavier and their differences turn into disagreements, can they trust each other enough to survive?

Silver is the second book of The Queen & The Assassin, a steamy fantasy romance trilogy taking place in the dangerous, passionate world of the Five Kingdoms. Perfect for readers of enemies to lovers fantasy and adult fairy tale romances, it tells a story of deadly intrigue, dark secrets and sizzling forbidden love.

Review:

Silver was a forbidden romantasy that was filled with charm, romance and political intrigue. This was an incredible continuation of The Queen & The Assassin Series, and I loved where this story led us. If you’re a fan of steamy romance, characters that will have you rooting for them, and fabulous angst, definitely add this series to your tbr!

He finally had a game to play. And he wasn’t going to wait a minute longer.

Runo is one of my favorites! I loved his dark humor and that while he could hold an air of hostility, he also had the ability to inject laughter in those moments too. He had such a spectacular way of making me feel multiple things at once. So as the story unfolded, I loved watching him make friends in the guard and the townspeople. Runo was clever, charismatic, sweet, kind, thoughtful, and so easy to fall for. When an assassin was sent after him from the Empress, I truly had no clue where this story would go. It kept me glued to the pages!

He slammed his mouth into hers.
It was a challenge, a confession, and a command at once– a kiss demanding full and instant surrender.

Tamar was in a precarious situation. As she grew closer to Runo, no one could know. Not even those closest to her knew about their steamy nights together or the friendship that was forming between them. So as Tamar was civil at best in public with Runo, it cut like a knife. I understood why, but still, it hurt. Especially since Tamar seemed to keep her guard up around Runo. She was so damaged from her ex-husband, and I wanted her to be brave. Just like she was as a ruler. I wanted her to open up and tell Runo exactly how she felt.

I just want you here. I just want you with me. But she didn’t speak the words, and the silence that fell was not an inviting silence by any means.

Tamar and Runo together were so much fun. I loved the bond that was forming between them, and I kept all of my fingers crossed that one day Runo would rule alongside Tamar! Runo had no problems calling Tamar out on her bs, and Tamar had no qualms about being playful with Runo. And their steamy moments were done so fabulously *fans face*!

You just spent decades looking for a place where your heart wouldn’t kill you.

Silver left us at the perfect stopping point where we could breathe and also be excited for that next book. I’m so glad this trilogy is complete, because I jumped right into the next one already. And if you’ve read her series, The Princess and the Spy, you’ll be so happy to see some of our favorites in this story!

BOOK REVIEW: The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1) by Abigail Owen

March 26, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Rogue King (Inferno Rising #1)
by Abigail Owen
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Kasia Amon is a master at hiding. Who―and what―she is makes her a mark for the entire supernatural world. Especially dragon shifters. To them, she's treasure to be taken and claimed. A golden ticket to their highest throne. But she can't stop bursting into flames, and there's a sexy dragon shifter in town hunting for her...

As a rogue dragon, Brand Astarot has spent his life in the dark, shunned by his own kind, concealing his true identity. Only his dangerous reputation ensures his survival. Delivering a phoenix to the feared Blood King will bring him one step closer to the revenge he's waited centuries to take. No way is he letting the feisty beauty get away.

But when Kasia sparks a white-hot need in him that's impossible to ignore, Brand begins to form a new plan: claim her for himself...and take back his birthright.

Review:

The Rogue King was a forbidden dragon shifter romance that was filled with action and a lot of heart. With political intrigue, precarious situations, and a fascinating world, I fell madly in love with this book! I cried, laughed, and this story went right onto my favorites list. If you love romance that holds you in the palm of its hand, definitely add this one to your tbr!

“My knight in shining scales,” she quipped.
“I’m no knight any more than you’re a princess,” came the immediate denial.
Huh. Little do you know.

This story started off with a bang and within a few chapters, Brand and Kasia found themselves being hunted. Brand was a dragon shifter, who was supposed to bring Kasia back to the Blood King. It would make him one step closer to his revenge. Yet they hit a plethora of obstacles along the way. The action was so much fun, and it made this book impossible to put down!

She called to something deep inside him.
Mine, that voice whispered.

Brand was someone I instantly loved. He was protective and loyal, yet I wanted Kasia to be for him. He was so focused on the end game, that he didn’t even realize when little cracks started to appear in his plan as a friendship formed between them. But Brand was the mysterious and silent type. I loved getting to know him, and when he would show us little peaks into who he was, it felt like the sun was breaking through the clouds.

“It’s not smart to piss off a dragon.”
She lifted a single eyebrow and snorted— a very dragon sound. “Like you’d hurt me.”
There went that trust thing again, like a quiver of arrows unloaded into his heart. Only now, it just pissed him off.

There was so much unknown in Kasia’s world, but her visions never steered her wrong. Because of them, she knew without a shadow of doubt that Brand would always protect her. That she was safe with him. So as she traveled with Brand, I loved that we got to see how brave and fierce she could be. And that in the end, she definitely knew what she wanted! I easily loved Kasia with my whole heart!

Kasia kept pushing. “Look at how you handled our first meeting. Your instinct was to help me.”
Now he scowled. “My first instinct was to fuck you. Long and hard.”

On their dangerous travels, watching them get to know each other was so entertaining. I loved how they messed with one another. How they learned to rely on each other. And how they worked together as a team. But one of them things I loved the most, was when their moments turned seductively steamy. Sigh. Rounding out this story were so many fabulous characters that I can’t wait to see in future books!

To hell with supposed- tos, and the world outside, and what logic should tell her was a bad idea. She didn’t want to stop this, to fight it any longer.

With revenge, lies, bargains, and love, The Rogue King was an instant favorite! This story will make you feel so much, I even screamed and jumped haha. And while I couldn’t wait to jump into the next book, I learned that this series, Inferno Rising, intertwines with the Fire’s Edge Series. And the author has a reading order recommendation on her website that I will be following. I’ll share the link here. Enjoy!