Tag: Fantasy (Page 1 of 121)

BOOK REVIEW: My Striking Beauty (Wicked Retellings #2) by Olivia Wildenstein

June 1, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

My Striking Beauty (Wicked Retellings #2)
by Olivia Wildenstein
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
TURNS OUT, VENGEANCE MAKES A TERRIBLE FOUNDATION FOR A LOVE STORY.

Cillian Lowry-real name classified, god-hater, former juvie kid, current dance instructor, professional liar. He entered my life pretending to be harmless and homeless. What he really was? A walking vendetta intent on destroying my people.

Electra Serran-modern-day goddess, romance-book devourer, proud moth in a world of butterflies, skilled avoider of emotional vulnerability. My mission? Make Malachi Hadez-my forever crush-finally take notice of me.

When Cillian suggests we fake-date to make Malachi jealous, I accept. After all, that trope works wonders in books.

The problem? The way Cillian looks at me. The way he touches me. The way he worships me.

The bigger problem? The way I start looking back. The way pretending begins to feel real. The way I open myself to him.

When his mask slips, my desire for his heart becomes a thirst for his blood.

I wished for a love story grand enough to burn the world down.

My fake boyfriend over-delivered.

Welcome to a world where gods walk among mortals, vengeance has teeth, and falling in love becomes more than a game. My Striking Beauty is a sizzling, gender-swapped retelling of the age-old tale of Cinderella.

Review:

My Striking Beauty was a fake dating, gender swapped Cinderella that will take you on a spell binding adventure! With mystery swirling, a mesmerizing cast of characters, and an entertaining storyline, I binged this book so quickly! If you love romantasy that will tug on your heart and consume your every waking thought, then definitely give this series a try. I’m obsessed!

“He’s really sweet, and you’re…”
“A bitch?” I supply.

Electra could be so prickly and harsh, but I loved her from the previous book! She was resilient, such a bad ass, and someone you would always want in your corner. So her deep friendship with Calanthe warmed my heart. But she was still hung up on Malachi, and I hurt for her since he only saw her as a sister. And he seemed to always have Ines around, on his arm. So, when Cillian suggested they fake date to make him jealous, I was all in! Even if I knew barely anything about him!

Cillian’s appearance throws me. He looks nothing like the man in the tux I met last night, or the easygoing teacher in sweatpants from this morning. How many faces can one person wear?

Cillian wasn’t even his real name. And Electra was his target. The games he played were dangerous. And his dark side had all the shades of grey. He was nothing but a bed of lies. So, while I wanted to hate him with every fiber of my being, I just couldn’t. His cheesy lines, his words that made me swoon, his perseverance, I loved it all. He snarled me with his seductive and charming ways. And I wanted to know all of his secrets.

“You’re relentless.” Her murmur ghosts across my Adam’s apple.

Electra and Cillian’s banter was so much fun, and their moments could be so steamy! But as feelings were caught, I watched as those were torn over what to do. Guilt played a prominent figure. And as pieces of the puzzle came together, my jaw was on the floor. I did guess a few things, but what a twisted web of deceit and secrets that swirled around them. I also screamed and was panicky as things came to fruition. And I couldn’t help the tears as feelings emerged, especially with forgiveness from those you don’t expect. It all made this book impossible to put down!

The darkest smile spreads over his lips as though he were a monster about to devour me whole.

My Striking Beauty was a hypnotic romantasy that kept me glued to the pages! Just keep in mind that this isn’t a standalone, and I highly recommend you read My Dark Beast first. In this story, you get to catch up with all of our favorites and even see some happily ever afters play out. But hold on, because it’s a rough road to get there and not everyone we care for will make it *cries*. That second half is definitely action packed! So, if you’re looking for a new romantasy series to get lost in, add this one to your list! I can’t wait for the next book, and I have a solid guess for who the couple will be, eeps!

Other Favorite Quotes:

Not all of us are meant to blaze in the sun. Some of us are built to blend with the dark.

My spirit animal is definitely the moth.

I can’t risk Cillian getting attached. Even if I can erase his memories, I can’t erase mine.

I turn on my side and brace my head on my fist. “I just wasn’t expecting… you.”

My girl…
Electra isn’t my girl; she’s only my way in.
As my conscience goes to war with my gut, I grip her hip and flip her front to back.

I’ve lost control— of myself, of this mission, of her.

I drop my voice to a whisper. “Wanting you was never one of my lies.”

I close my eyes, shame and grief gnawing on my insides.
I was too late.
Too late.
Too late.
My ears buzz.

*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 Wicked Sea (The Wicked Sea #1) by Jordan Stephanie Gray

April 16, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Wicked Sea (The Wicked Sea #1)
by Jordan Stephanie Gray
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In this dark and sultry romantasy a mermaid battles hatred—and lust—for the wretched warlock who saved her life.

Mermaid Zephyra of the Syl dreams of freedom. On the run from a dangerous captor and years of abuse, she’s shed her tail, grown legs, and hidden herself on land in the merrow-loathing kingdom of Mortia, left to steal and barter on the dirty streets. But her freedom is short-lived when she’s caught and sentenced to death by the brutal warlock, Arion Stone.

Arion is as beautiful as he is cold and deadly, only interested in punishing the merrow he views as evil. He has grown as strong as any warlock might, but at great personal cost ... which can only be remedied by the heart of the God of Death, lost to a fabled kingdom beneath the ocean’s treacherous depths.

So Arion offers Zephyra a deal she can’t refuse; help him find the mystical heart, and he’ll spare her life. With no other options, Zephyra agrees, entangling their souls and forbidden desires in a magical bargain until death do they part. But Zephyra's past is catching up to her, and the enemy she fled seeks vengeance. If Zephyra and Arion can't learn to fight together—and trust each other—there are worse things awaiting them than just death. Of course, in the wicked sea, everyone has secrets, and no one should be trusted.

Review:

“I’m no longer certain if I’m the hero or the villain.”

The Wicked Sea was a mermaid and warlock, enemies to lovers romantasy that was filled with all the action! This story was set in a brutal world that swirled with betrayal, deals, and death. If you’re looking for an underwater and on land adventure that will keep you guessing, definitely give this one a try!

We are the depths of the sea and the salt of tears. We are the violence of the riptide and the snarl of waves.
We are vengeance.

Learning about their world and the powers that belonged to the warlocks and mermaids was fascinating! Zephyra, a mermaid, was kickass and had no problems playing dirty. She had been on the run when she was caught by Arion, a warlock. His kind slaughtered hers. And his powers seemed to trump hers too. Even if they were killing him. But as a common goal laid out in front of them, they found themselves working together with tension simmering, viciously hating the other, and so much unknown in front of them.

I can’t shake this skittering feeling across my skin, and every instinct in my body is screaming to flee.

With impossible situations and being forced to work together, the push and pull in this story was a lot of fun! Zephyra and Arion became unlikely allies, and I loved watching that very tentative friendship form. Especially since they could be so steamy too! But as others joined in their journey, I was left on unsure footing. Especially with that climatic ending that left us on a cliffhanger! The Wicked Sea was a fun journey and I’m excited to see what happens next!

The woman who has always run. The woman who tried to drown me. The woman who ordered me to explode an entire isle to save our asses. She hesitates.

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

BOOK REVIEW: King of Ravens (Upon a Broken Throne #1) by Clare Sager

April 2, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

King of Ravens (Upon a Broken Throne #1)
by Clare Sager
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
He’ll do anything to keep her. She’d do anything to escape.

Rhiannon is dying—of what, she doesn’t know. Protected by her family in their remote seaside cottage, she spends her days searching for a cure. Her world is torn apart, however, when a fae King of the Dead invades her home.

Cold and cruel, Drystan offers her a choice: descend to the underworld as his bride or watch her family die. Trapped in a twisted bargain, Rhiannon is thrust into a world of withered gods, scheming courtiers, and ancient magic, but she refuses to be a pawn in a game she never agreed to play. She attempts over and over to run away, until Drystan offers her a new bargain: escape his deadly labyrinth, and he will set her free. Fail, and become his bride.

But in a court where every promise has teeth, Annon must make an impossible choice: return to the home she's always loved or claim her place in a world where she might finally belong.

Review:

King of Ravens was a slow burn, grumpy sunshine romantasy that completely enraptured my heart. This book easily became a favorite with a morally grey fae who stole a human bride from her life. With mystery and secrets swirling, it was impossible to put down this book!

Remember, an echo of Drystan’s voice sounds in my head, weakness is death.

Rhiannon was dying and death visited her in her dreams. Until one day, he appeared. He was the King of the Dead from the fae realm, and Drystan gave her a choice, be his bride or watch her family die. Taken to the underworld, Rhiannon was forced into a life where she could trust no one around her. I was terrified yet fascinated at the same time. As we slowly got to learn this new world, I was hooked. And mesmerized with how many clues there were. I just didn’t know how to put them all together, yet.

For a moment in my room, he’d almost seemed human. Silly me.

Drystan was a mystery. He could be subtly funny….. if you looked hard enough. But at the same time, he could kill someone in a blink of an eye. I did come to appreciate that as the story unfolded lol. So, while there were many different sides to Drystan, I loved trying to figure out exactly where he stood. As I searched for his heart in moments like the cat and snowball, I had hope for Rhiannon that her imprisonment wasn’t as horrific as she first imagined.

I thought the danger lay in his looks or his whispering spies.
But I missed his true power.
It isn’t seen or heard.
It’s felt. Just barely.
Like the sea inching against the cliffs, slow and patient— only noticed once it’s already too late.
And by then, you’ve already given him exactly what he wants.

As bargains were made, the trails Rhiannon went through were unfathomable. I loved seeing the tenacity she had and watching her gain confidence. Especially since monsters surrounded their world, and many of the fae could be just as horrific as those monsters. So while I wasn’t always sure who to trust, one of my favorites was Min. I kept my fingers crossed that she was one of the good ones.

“How readily you respond to a simple touch, even though all that lies between us is hate.” His voice weaves between us, low and rough.

The tension between Rhiannon and Drystan was thick and sensual! I loved feeling the electricity between them and when they did cross the line to more, it was so steamy! Yet the world they were in was a terrifying place. And as the story came to a close, that cliffhanger was brutal! I usually don’t think a lot of books have true cliffhangers, but oh goodness this one definitely was. It was fabulous and left me on the edge of my seat begging for more! So, if you love romantasy that’ll keep you on your toes, is steamy, and has characters that you can connect with deeply, I can’t recommend King of Ravens enough. I can’t wait to see what happens next in this world!

Other Favorite Quotes:

I should hate him. I should be disgusted. I should remember the moment with terror, be haunted by it in nightmares.
And yet…
All I can picture is the way Drystan looked at me after. The shade of desperation on his face. The fading fury that left him so raw.

I lift my chin and Min brings out a tiara of black metal studded with shimmering moonstones, I feel less like a clumsy scarecrow and more like a future queen.

This was only meant to be physical. Temporary. Something to enjoy before I go home.
But the King of Death has worked under my skin. A thorn I can’t push out.
And perhaps I’ve got under his too.

“I am the god of death, Avellan. And I wouldn’t let you die alone. Not ever.”

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

BOOK REVIEW: We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1) by Stacia Stark

February 12, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

We Who Will Die (Empire of Blood #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Life in the perilous Thorn district is a constant battle for Arvelle and her younger brothers. And the vampire standing on her doorstep is about to turn their world upside down.

Faced with an unthinkable choice, Arvelle makes a magically binding vow to do the impossible: kill the emperor, an ancient vampire created by the god Umbros. But first, she must enter the Sundering—an arena where only the fastest, strongest, and deadliest survive long enough to be selected for the emperor’s elite guard.

She quickly draws the ire of the Primus, the powerful figure charged with protecting the emperor. But the vampire under the armor is the last person Arvelle expects to encounter in the emperor’s court.

With her brothers’ lives in the balance, Arvelle has no choice but to ally with the man who once shattered her heart… and with the emperor’s sadistic son, Rorrik—two vampires whose motives are impossible to pin down. Rorrik holds the key to understanding the powers Arvelle is developing—abilities that would put a price on her head if discovered by the emperor.

To survive the arena and complete her mission, Arvelle must get to the bottom of a conspiracy that will change everything she thought she knew about herself—and the two vampires who are deeply entwined with her destiny…

Review:

With gladiator vibes and deadly trials, this book held me in the palm of its hand. The characters were so effortless to love and cheer on! Especially since Arvelle would do anything for her younger brothers. As this story unfolded with a slow burn, second chance romance, not everything was as it seems. With fun twists and turns, We Who Will Die was another huge hit and instant favorite by Stacia Stark! If you love romantasy, you desperately need this book in your life!

A chill slides down my spine. Every move I’ve made was to ensure I’d never have to fight for the emperor again. It’s bitterly ironic that those very steps have led me right back to this exact situation.

I was terrified for Arvelle’s journey. She was so smart and refused to give in, even with her past haunting her at every turn. But she lived in a deadly world. While it was Roman-inspired with magic, I loved that it was filled with vampires, magical creatures, and gods. I found myself screaming, crying, and clapping. And with mystery swirling through the pages, it made this story impossible to put down! One of my favorite things about Stacia Stark’s books is that her characters are always so effortless to connect to. There were so many that you couldn’t help but love, and others that will make you rage.

When he moves toward me, any pretense of civility is gone. This is the man who disemboweled his enemy the first time I saw him.
He was always this man.

With sacrifices, deals made, steamy moments, jealousy, and more, We Who Will Die was so easy to love. And while I guessed a few of the twists correctly, a few of them I definitely didn’t. Now here’s the struggle, I usually talk about the romantic interest in my reviews. But I think you need to discover this on your own. I’ll just say….while my brain is torn, my heart is leading me solidly down one path. And that path makes me nervous! So, with countless shades of gray and not everything is as it seems, this story left us at a fabulous spot. You’ll be able to breathe, somewhat. I can’t wait to start that next book!

Other Favorite Quotes:

The pain of loss never ends. It never gets better. Anyone who says it does is lying.

The stars are blocked by the Primus as he looms over me. He doesn’t offer to help me up. Instead, he crouches down. And when he dips his chin, the movement is suddenly so familiar, my heart stutters in my chest.

“All this time I thought leaving you smashed my heart into pieces, and I’d be picking shards out of my chest until the day I died. But my heart wasn’t smashed. I left it with you, and you’ve held it hostage ever since.”

He tastes like lost dreams and a thousand sleepless nights. He tastes like young love and bitter heartbreak.

“I missed you more than I miss the sun,” he says hoarsely.

“You never should have come here. And I’m a selfish bastard because I’m so fucking glad you did.”

Nothing else exists except this moment. These sensations. Us.

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

BOOK REVIEW: Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2) by Callie Hart

January 30, 2026 / Jen / 0 Comments

Brimstone (Fae & Alchemy #2)
by Callie Hart
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Duty. Blood. Honor. Power.
Saeris Fane doesn’t want power. The very last thing she needs is her name whispered on an entire court’s lips, but now that she’s been crowned queen of the Blood Court, she’s discovering that a queen’s life is not her own. A heavy weight rests upon her shoulders. Her ward—and her brother—need her back in her homeland…but the changes that have strengthened Saeris have also made her weak. Born under blazing suns, Saeris will surely die if she makes her way home through the Quicksilver. Which means that, once again, she must send someone else in her stead...

“Keep your mouth shut. Stick to the shadows. And for the love of all seven Gods, do NOT crack any jokes.”

Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate has defeated armies and survived all manner of horrors, but traveling back to Zilvaren with Carrion Swift might just be the death of him. The male just will not shut up. Hidden dangers await them down the narrow alleyways of the Silver City. Unfolding secrets pose impossible threats. Fisher must wrangle the smuggler and accomplish his goals quickly if he wants to see his mate again.

A darkness falls across Yvelia. The realm and their friends are in danger. Together, Saeris and Fisher will pass through fire and brimstone to save them.

Review:

Spoilers Below….

Brimstone reminded me of the movie Bedtime Stories where the kids kept piling on these ridiculous aspects to the story, and it just builds into an over the top adventure. Like with the ‘book’ (I really struggled with this plot device), to what she is, to who is attacking, to that ending. As someone who can suspend my belief and fall for mythical creatures, I definitely struggled at times. This story felt disjointed, and not cohesive.

But here’s the thing, I love so many of these characters. I loved watching them struggle and work together. Saeris, Fisher, Onyx, and Carrion are my top favorites. So yes I shed a few tears. But I also found myself bored at times and skimming. I missed the pace from the first book. I wanted to be consumed, and I never felt that with Brimstone.

But my biggest struggle were the plot holes or things that didn’t make sense. They were…..

*We were told that he got Quicksilver in his eye because of the first pool he went in without a relic. But then at the end when he tells about how this is the pool he was forced to go in, it’s not even a Quicksilver pool. It’s something else and it states it is not Quicksilver.

*In Quicksilver it was a huge deal she sat on his right. In Brimstone she wrote her to sit on his left. Why??? 😞

*Those creatures were impossible to kill and kept absorbing their power. So then how did they kill and defeat them outside the Satyrs home at the end when nothing has changed?

*A fae’s true name is to be sacred and never used. He then just switched his name to his true name and uses it and nobody even blinks?

The story ended at a great stopping point. One where we can kind of breathe, but want that next book now. And while I usually give the middle book some leniency, I just couldn’t find it here. So, I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that the final book in the series pulls me back into this series because Quicksilver is still one of my favorite stories ever.