Tag: Romantasy (Page 1 of 5)

BOOK REVIEWS: Don’t Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell #2) & Firebird (The Fire That Binds #1) by Juliette Cross

June 9, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

Don't Hex and Drive (Stay a Spell #2)
by Juliette Cross
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Notoriously bad at peopling, Isadora Savoie spends most of her time in the greenhouse or at the local animal shelter, using her Conduit powers of growth and healing. Content to remain in the background of the Savoie sister shenanigans, she’s reluctantly roped into the mystery of missing neighborhood girls.

Now, she’s partnered with a flashy, flirty vampire to find them before it’s too late. Devraj Kumar has seen and done it all. Three hundred years roaming the earth as a Stygorn—a legendary vampire warrior who operates in the shadows—has its perks. But ennui has set in. That is, until he has a run-in—literally—with an intriguing witch while on a new assignment in New Orleans.

Fascinated by her resistance to his charms, Devraj can’t help but push her buttons in an effort to get to know the shy witch. Fortunately for him, she’s been recruited by the Lord of Vampires to assist Devraj on the case. Between a Bollywood marathon, supernatural dating app, secret package, and sexy driving instruction, Isadora is in over her head. And Devraj? After just one taste, he’s playing for keeps.

Review:

Don’t Hex and Drive was a paranormal romcom that was fun to listen to. It was steamy, cheesy, and this enemies to lovers slow burn kept me entertained. With an adorable family and lots of witchy vampire banter, I binged this one in two days. But I never fully connected to either of the characters, so it was a little bit of a miss for me in that regard. I can see many people love it though, but I won’t be continuing on with this series.

Firebird (The Fire That Binds #1)
by Juliette Cross
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A conqueror captivated…
A witch prophesied to save them all…
An unforgiving world where dragons rule Rome.

Julian Dakkia, Roman general and nephew to the emperor, has played his role as conqueror well. Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Malina, he was enthralled by the Dacian dancer. Years later, the fierce beauty stands before him, a captive on a scarred battlefield, her life in danger. He instinctively shifts into his fierce dragon form to save her, an action that may mean his head on the imperial gate.

The rules of their world dictate that he is the conqueror and she is the captured. But he and his dragon know one thing: their bond has nothing to do with the laws of mighty Rome. She belongs to them. And they belong to her.

Fierce and powerful, twenty-one-year old Malina has survived the loss of her family and she is determined to fight until her dying breath. Still, she can’t believe that the centurion who had once bestowed a secret talisman on her is the Roman general of legendary brutality…and now holds her life in his hands. Nor can she deny how her soul has always seemed to answer his. Slowly she learns that Julian is caught in his mad uncle’s machinations for domination, and helps him plot the downfall of the empire itself.

As they navigate a world where flying deathriders conquer and burn, their love will ignite a firestorm that can only end in heartbreak or death. Or both.

Firebird is an adult romantasy novel that contains dark themes, including slavery in Ancient Rome, which may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Review:

Firebird was a romantasy that had elements of a slave/master relationship, found family, magic, dragons, and political intrigue. I listened to the audiobook and I enjoyed both of the narrators. They made it so easy to get lost in this book. The story was quick paced, had forbidden love, and I was kept interested. Plus, I loved seeing all of the different sides of them, especially Julian Dakkis. But at the same time, I didn’t feel the emotions the characters did. Yes there were moments of joy, fear, disgust, happiness, and more. But I need that connection to the characters to want to continue a series. Firebird ended with a happily for now, and we closed the book with some peace in mind. Yet, there was still so much unrest and more to come. I’m uncertain whether I’ll pick up that next book. I think that will be heavily weighted on other people’s reviews, since it’ll be told by two different characters we met in this book.

BOOK REVIEW: This Vicious Dream (Kingdom of Death #1) by Stacia Stark

May 12, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

This Vicious Dream (Kingdom of Death #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Once, I helped save a kingdom.
Now, I’m trapped in a prison of thorns and nightmares.

My crime? Knowing the location of a power that could reshape the world—a grimoire I swore to protect with my life.

That secret is the only thing keeping me alive while my captors wait for me to break.

Until he arrives.

Beautiful. Ruthless.

Dark, inscrutable eyes. A dangerously wicked grin.

But he’s not here to rescue me. He wants the grimoire for himself––and he’ll destroy anyone who stands in his way.

My only choice is a fragile, temporary alliance with a man I can never trust.

Because there’s more at stake than just a stolen grimoire or an ancient grudge.

And behind his mask of effortless allure, he’s hiding something far more dangerous than a thirst for power.

Something that could destroy us all.

Review:

This Vicious Dream completely consumed me. With characters that captured my heart and twists that owned me, this story was impossible to put down. It’ll keep you on the edge of your seat while you find yourself falling in love and wiping away your tears. This story deserves all the stars!

When he glances at my collection of bodies, one dark eyebrow shoots up. I’m not sure if it’s appreciation or horror that makes his mouth twitch.

Madinia could be so vicious and ruthless, so I absolutely loved her! She had been held captive for the last three years inside of a tower, because she knew the location of a grimoire that would completely change their world. She was brave, tenacious, fearless, and would not be broken. So, when Calysian appeared, it set them on a path together. For the grimoire.

When I tuck the lock of hair behind her ear, she flinches.
Something twists in my chest.

Madinia and Calysian both struggled with their memory, but I loved that a common mission forced them together. Their banter was phenomenal and the tension that simmered between them was addictive! And as memories started to find their way back to Madinia, it forced her hand to become hard-hearted and throw remorse out the window when it came to Calysian. But he was tenacious, and he refused to give up Madinia without a fight. Even if she was the one who was standing in their way.

This woman would slit my throat if she could. And then she would gleefully burn my body to ash. There must be something wrong with me, because that look in her eye makes me want to crush my mouth to hers.

Calysian came across as dangerous and lethal, but I loved how he saw so much. It didn’t matter how much hate Madinia threw his way, he took care of her. And could be so kind and thoughtful. Calysian is a book boyfriend you will fall hard for. So, when he called her beautiful woman or sweetheart, it was impossible not to melt into a puddle. Calysian was everything!

“I hate you.”
“Well, sweetheart, I’m currently not too fond of you either.”
My eyes burn at the injustice. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d gut him.

As the story unfolded, I was terrified for them. They were being hunted and nowhere felt safe. Life and death situations were always around the corner. But through it all, they both had their dark and twisted humor. And their vicious rage. Together they were a formidable team. And with fabulous banter and steamy moments, Calysian and Madinia were a powerful couple that sailed right to the top of my favorites list!

“You never should have let me taste you. Now I’ll stop at nothing to make you mine.”

With forced proximity, brutal truths, only one bed, betrayal, and trust, This Vicious Dream is easily one of my top favorite books! Plus, the side characters captured my heart so easily too. Eamonn and Fox were two favorites, but we also got to see a few of our favorites from the series Kingdom of Lies. So, while you can easily read this as a standalone, I definitely think certain moments will hit harder if you’ve read the Kingdom of Lies Series first. I found myself crying 7 different times. With phenomenal twists that left my jaw on the ground, I found myself laughing and crying while dread pooled in my stomach in those final few pages. This story was beautifully crafted, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Other favorite quotes:

“I’ll make them pay.”

“You left me to die again.”
I give him a humorless smile. “And yet you’re still here.”

Sometimes in life, there are no good choices. Sometimes, it’s about making the choice with the least pain now and dealing with the consequences later.

“You want her?” Calysian asks, and my stomach sinks. “Come and take her from me.”
Wait, what?

Something wrenches in my chest. Something that feels almost like… betrayal.

I was stupid enough to let him in, and truly idiotic to let myself begin to feel something for him.
When he leaves— and he will— it will hurt.

Calysian steps in front of me. “Don’t talk to her. Don’t even look at her.”

*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 REVIEWS: The Sea Witch (For the Love of the Villain #1) by Rebecca F. Kenney & When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1) by Casey L. Bond

February 14, 2025 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Sea Witch by Rebecca F. Kenney
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
When Averil saves a young man from a shipwreck, she thinks she feels the Soul Echo--the sign that the young human male is her one true mate. And the malevolent Sea Witch is all too happy to offer a deal that could make all her dreams come true. He wants her to win the prince's heart--even coaches her in the art of seduction. But what is the real price of the Sea Witch's help? Why is he more brutally beautiful--and charming--than Averil expected?

Perfect for readers who simp for the villain and who enjoy dark, deliciously spicy retellings of beloved fairytales, reminiscent of the original but unique enough to keep it interesting!

Trigger warnings and content warnings can be found on the author's website or in the front matter of the book.

Review:

With twists to the original tale that were so much fun, The Sea Witch was a steamy, Little Mermaid Retelling! The Sea Witch was someone I loved right away. His backstory was fascinating, but from the moment Averil came to him for help, I couldn’t stop smiling. He wanted her. Even though she was forbidden to him. So as he helped her assimilate to her new legs, and teach her many different things *smirks*, I adored their story. The seductive scenes were scorching hot! And I have officially claimed this as my first monster romance, I learned so much haha. So if you love spicy fairytale retellings, with a dash of monster romance, then definitely add this one to your tbr!

When Wishes Bleed (When Wishes Bleed #1)
by Casey L. Bond
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
One Prince. One Witch. One Fate.

The upheaval in my life began the moment a prince stumbled into my house and asked me to read his fortune. Any other night, I might have made an excuse to get him to leave, but this was no normal visit. My fingers prickled to touch him. So, I granted his request by handing him a single wishbone. When he snapped it, the wish ... bled.

Hearing me suck in a shocked breath, he asked what it meant. Such an ominous omen could only mean one thing: his death was imminent. Fate revealed that he wouldn't die of natural causes. Someone wanted him dead. Stunned by the revelation, the man I now knew as Prince Tauren disappeared into a night I feared he wouldn't survive. The following day, I received an invitation to the castle. While it seemed the prince believed I could intervene and uncover who was plotting his death, his motives didn't stop there. I was being summoned to join twelve other women in vying for the opportunity to be his wife and future queen.

Going could mean jeopardizing my plans to reclaim my heritage and resurrect the House of Fate. But staying would guarantee Tauren's death, and the blood of his wish would be on my hands.

Review:

With an interesting magic system and unique world building, When Wishes Bleed was a fun read! This book took us on an interesting ride with little remnants of The Hunger Games and The Bachelor tucked into the story. The characters were easy to like, and the story was a quick read. Even though I got tears in my eyes towards the end, I still couldn’t fully connect to either of the characters. Even though I liked them a lot! Sable always seemed so calm and collected. And Prince Tauren was kind hearted. While this book started out with insta attraction, it did dive into insta love, yet it was done well! While I won’t be continuing on with this series, I definitely want to try another one of her series since this was my first book by Casey L. Bond.