REVIEW - A Crown of Echoes (The Crown Saga #1) by Brindi Quinn

The Book

Release Date: 26 March 2025

Goodreads Link

“I want you, and I would give up everything to have you. So…think about that and let me know, lion queen.”

Queen Merrin might just be the least queenly queen in all the realms. After all, proper queens don’t sneak out at night to drink with their guards.

Her vibrant northern kingdom is famed for magical curatives—remedies for everything from headaches to fairy pox. Spirited, compassionate, and fiercely loyal, Merrin is utterly unprepared when her closest friend, the elegant Queen Beau, vanishes after confessing a secret that could shatter their reigns.

Determined to rescue Beau, Merrin disguises herself in a guard’s cloak and ventures into forbidden territory alongside three knights—including Windley, the North’s most notorious flirt. With hair that betrays his moods by changing color and a dangerously seductive touch that leaves victims enthralled, Windley’s hidden past and guarded heart conceal secrets that could alter Merrin’s destiny forever.

As Merrin navigates enchanted forests and ancient lore, she becomes bound by dark magic to shadowy echoes only she can command. To save Beau—and her kingdom—she’ll risk everything, including her heart, on a dangerously irresistible guard whose secrets are too tempting to ignore.

Prepare for forbidden romance, vengeful goddesses, and a thrilling journey deep into the heart of magic itself—because even the least queenly queen must fight to keep her crown.

A sweeping new adult romantasy filled with courtly intrigue, dark magic, and pulse-racing emotional stakes. Immerse yourself in a lush, vivid world where love is rebellion, alliances are treacherous, and destiny waits for no one. With swoon-worthy romance, captivating characters, and richly layered mythology, The Crown Saga delivers an epic journey of power, devotion, and the perilous secrets that bind hearts and realms.

My Review    4 STARS

**My thanks to the author and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

First of all i was drawn to this gorgeous cover!  That synopsis then brought me right in to wanting to read this book.

The book has been reformatted and partly rewritten by the audience as i believe it was initially written in the pandemic and she wanted to updated it for the New Adult market.

I really liked this book.  There's action, romance, intrigue, kidnapping, suspense, and so much more that you just can't help turning page after page.  

Merrien is a strong character.  She is loyal to her fellow queen Beau, respects her guards Ablie and Rafe and leans more about Windley, Beau's guard, where they all set off on a mission to find the missing queen.

Secrets come out, and Merrien finds out that both Rafe and Windley have more to offer her and open up more about themselves.

I enjoyed this book so much that I have now downloaded the next two book in this 4 book series and look forward to seeing what happens next!

REVIEW - Hero (Kindled #4) by Claire Kent

The Book

Release Date: 29 December 2022

Goodreads Link

I was in college when the asteroid hit, and all my dreams and ambitions went up in smoke along with more than half the planet. Now I'm left eking out a treacherous existence in the lonely, violent world that remains. Everyone who loved me is gone, and I'm stuck depending on Zed, my former stepdad's younger brother. I never liked him, but he and his four-year-old daughter are the only people I have left.

The small world we've built for ourselves in the past five years is crumbling at the edges. Our food is running out. So soon we'll have to leave our home and travel a dangerous road in search of safety that might not exist anymore. To make it worse, I'm hit with new feelings for Zed and start wanting things from him that I can never have.

I know better than to put my hope in romantic daydreams. This has become a world without heroes, and the happiest ending is just to survive.

Note: Hero is a short, steamy post-apocalyptic romance. This title was originally intended to be Mack and Anna's book, but their story has been postponed until later in the series. Hero features a different couple. 

My Review    4 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is a quick little novella in the Kindled series that I had happened to miss.

Is quick, fast pasted and lots happens in a short space of time, but we get a prologue of just after impact and then 5 years later when everything has changed for our main characters.

I enjoyed the characters journey as the navigated not only a change in relationship, but a change of circumstances as well.

The author has certainly out a lot of effort into this post apocalyptic world and the whole series is certainly worth reading.

REVIEW - Try As I Smite (Brimstone Inc. #4) by Abigail Owen

The Book

Release Date: 26 October 2020

Goodreads Link

Bah humbug just got a lot darker.

Alasdair Blakesley is the head of the Covens Syndicate. He shouldn’t need to look beyond the witches and warlocks he governs, or his own abilities, to solve any problem. But a demon infestation means he can’t trust anyone who may be possessed. The last person he wants to ask for help is also the only person who can fix this, so he sucks up his pride and storms into her office.

And she turns him down cold.

As the owner of Brimstone Inc., Delilah’s passion is helping others with their supernatural problems. But Alasdair is the last man Delilah wants to tangle with. The infuriating man sees too much and demands even more. And did she mention the way he sets her body on fire?

Not that it matters — demons are the only things with which she cannot interfere. Too bad a higher power steps in and sends them both on a crash course of each others’ pasts, presents, and futures.

How is a Christmas Carol nightmare supposed to solve his demon problem without breaking the rules she’s bound by?

My Review     4 STARS

**My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is a quick and dirty little novella and certainly has a decent story as the pair battle magic and demons to come together. Not only that they must survive the vision that Heath send them thought to teach them an important lesson that is almost not learned without a little more intervention.

I really liked this book and I certainly like the authors writing.

REVIEW - Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump by Aria McDow

The Book

Release Date: 1 June 2025

Goodreads Link

I came to renovate the British billionaire’s paradise resort... now I'm leaving with an island bump. 

Winning a design competition brought me to Damon King’s outdated island resort.

An encounter in a dodgy elevator, and I mistake the powerful owner for a hot-looking construction worker with salt and pepper stubble. 
One heated glance and I’m undone.

But working for Damon? Pure hell.
He hates change—on his island, in his life, in his heart.

He guards his secrets well, but watching him with his little girl reveals the tender heart beneath that no-nonsense exterior.

When a tropical storm strands us together those walls he's built crumble against my fingertips.
Calloused hands caress my flesh…his smooth tongue takes me to downtown ecstasy.

I see — beach walks, candlelit dinners, a future bright as the Caribbean sun with a man learning to love again.
Until his college-aged daughter arrives. One look at me—close in age—and her accusations of “gold-digger" hurt.

Now I'm back in Tennessee, hugging the toilet each morning, wondering why I told the baby daddy that I left with much more than a great resume.

Some renovations are messier than others.

If you like brooding billionaire bosses, sassy younger heroines who don't back down, steamy island encounters with silver foxes, and surprise pregnancies that change everything, then you will love Renovating My Bossy Billionaire Grump.
Ready for a night you won't forget? One-click now and let the heat begin.

My Review    4 STARS

**My thanks to the author  and Hidden Gems for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was pleasantly surprised.

Twenty something Riley has won a competition for a TV show called The Last Resort and she has her choice of Resorts to choose from. She has chosen the Golden Sun resort, a resort that Damion King is renovating and a place close to his heart.

Damion is a widower in his forties and has two teenage children. This resort meant something to his family and his late wife , he has also been grumpy, but finds that he is immediately attracted to Riley especially as she does not recognise who he is at first.

The relationship happened both fast and slow between the pair and Riley is a strong character and shows an emotional maturity and heads things straight on when there is an issue, she does not sulk or go off in a strop.

I loved the supporting characters and that those that needed to made apologies where needed and that Damion had people to point him in the right direction.

REVIEW - Tale of the Heart Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #4) by Nisha J. Tuli

The Book

Release Date: 26 November 2024

Goodreads Link

After Lor makes the biggest mistake of her life, she finds herself on the run from the Aurora King and decides it's time to end this, once and for all. But when a new enemy emerges to claim her freedom, the entire fate of Ouranos comes to rest on her shoulders. 

As the land continues to rebel, Lor must admit she is the key to saving the continent, whether she likes it or not. To fight for Nadir, she must lie, steal, and do whatever it takes to hunt down the remaining arks. Growing more and more desperate, she worries her actions are turning her into something she doesn't recognize, dooming her to repeat her grandmother's mistakes. 

When the Aurora King finally comes for her, Lor ventures into the Underworld's shadowy depths, where, once again, she finds herself at the heart of another deadly test. Only this time, she’s competing for everyone's future, not just a crown. 

The only thing Lor ever wanted was to be free, but she may soon find she was always destined for a cage.

My Review     5 STARS

This is the last book in the series and cannot be read by itself as there is very much an ongoing story.

This one had me crying at times, but it was lively to see how much strength Lor and Nadir had when they fought for each other and worked together.  Nadir was such a support knowing what he needed to do to make sure Lor became the Heart Queen.

All paths cleared and the right people got the roles they now should have and it was lovely to see the friendships and family ties come together.

I loved the continued world building, the character development and the whole story that developed.  There was just one point/twist that i did not spot coming, but i very much enjoyed the journey that this book and series took me on.

A strong recommended read.

REVIEW - Fate of the Sun King (Artefacts of Ouranos #3) by Nisha J. Tuli

The Book

Release Date: 4 June 2024

Goodreads Link

The highly anticipated third installment of the steamy Artefacts of Ouranos series journeys deeper into the glittering fae world as Lor puts both her life and her heart on the line in this enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance.

With the Heart Crown now in her possession, Lor must navigate the dangers of being an heir on the run, knowing more than one power-hungry ruler is after her blood. When she returns to Aphelion to unlock her magic and recover her family's legacy, it becomes clearer than ever that all that’s gold doesn’t sparkle. No stranger to battles, she continues to fight her attraction to the Aurora Prince, understanding this might be the one she finally loses.
As the past mixes with the present, Lor uncovers the truth about the Artefacts and their role in shaping her destiny. Now, her future hangs in the balance, leaving her closer than ever to getting everything she's ever wanted... or losing it all forever.

My Review     5 STARS

For the third book in the series, we finally get to see Lor and Nadir settle more into a relationship, find out what they mean to each other and more of the background of the beginning or the High Fae.

We find out what Atlas has really been hiding with his secrets and why Gabriel is so hot and cold and I am happy with the karma that Atlas receives.

I loved watching the relationships of them all develop, new relationships emerge and the greater world building and background given.

Lor is certainly a strong character and so much is thrown at her.

The book all but ends of a cliff hanger and i so hope that she gets the happy ending she deserves.

REVIEW - Rule of the Aurora King (Artefacts of Ouranos #2) by Nisha J. Tuli

The Book

Release Date: 6 Apr 2023

Goodreads Link

Full of pulse-pounding action, steamy enemies-to-lovers romance, and glittering fae magic, the epic second installment of the Artefacts of Ouranos series is perfect for fans of romantasy favorites like A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Fourth Wing.

“I am not his conquest. I am not his to claim. I am my own castle.”

Freed from the golden clutches of the Sun King, Lor now finds herself in the hands of Nadir, the Aurora Prince. Convinced she’s hiding something, he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make her talk. But Lor knows the value of secrets—she’s been keeping them her entire life—and she’s not letting hers go without a fight.

When Lor and Nadir team up to search for a lost item that holds the key to her past and her future, she isn’t sure she can trust him. All she knows is she won’t fall for another royal fae’s promises again.

With the Sun King determined to reclaim her, Lor must keep on the move, but nowhere is safe. Not until she destroys him and the Aurora King. But she soon learns that the future of Ouranos depends on much more than avenging her shattered legacy.

My Review    4 STARS

The second book in the series starts where the first book left off, however although Lor is in The Aurora kingdom again a relationship now forms between Nadir and her. We also start to get the backstory about her grandmother Serce and her love Wolf. We get to see what lead her to do what she did.

For has her own battles, finding her family again and learning to trust others even when she want to do things herself as she has been used to. She feels deeply the betrayal by the Sun King and it affects the way she trust Nadir and the relationship she make with Nadir.

The book ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, but I can't wait to see what happens next with book three of the series.

REVIEW - Trial of the Sun Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos, #1) by Nisha J. Tuli

The Book

Release Date: 12 September 2023

Goodreads Link

A Court of Thorns and Roses meets The Fourth Wing  in this pulse-pounding, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance—with fae magic, high-stakes trials, and a dark prince—from Booktok favorite author Nisha J. Tuli. 

Ten women. A deadly contest. Only one can win the Sun King's heart.
Lor has endured twelve long years of torment under the Aurora King’s rule. Her only desire is to escape and pay him back for every moment of misery she's endured.

When a surprise release finds her in the hands of the rival Sun King, Lor is thrust into the spotlight as she competes against nine other Tributes for the role of queen. If she wins his heart, she'll earn her freedom and finally get her revenge.

But Lor doesn't belong in the Sun Queen Trials. Not only does she not understand why she was freed, she isn’t a citizen of the Sun King’s court. The other Tributes resent her presence and will stop at nothing to ensure Lor is removed from the competition, permanently.

Now Lor must win, because if she loses, she dies. Or worse, she'll be returned to the evil—and now vengeful—Aurora King.

My Review     5 STARS

I can see why there is a comparison to this book with A Court of Thorns and Roses, haven’t yet read Fourth Wing to compare but the is definitely some hunger games in there too.

I enjoyed the twists and turns and could not tell at first if Gabriel was friend or foe, but i could tell that Atlas was up to no good.  He was a good actor.

Considering her upbringing Lor was able to lead others, make friends and make decisions that shaped those around her.  I loved her strength of character and that she stayed true to who she was at heart and did not mislead anyone in who she was as a person.

I really enjoyed this book and look forward to seeing what happens next.

REVIEW - A Lair So Fateful (The Last Dragorai #4) by Zoey Ellis

The Book

Release Date: 19 May 2022

Goodreads Link

From a dark, magic-ravaged world comes an enthralling new fantasy romance series. Five brothers, last of an ancient Alpha bloodline, each bound by fire and blood to their majestic dragons.

He demands her worship. Or he will bring her to her knees.

Uraya is desperate to live in peace. Having finally escaped the queen of the south, her goal is to vanish - to leave the war in the Twin Realms and start a new life.

But to get her freedom she must work with the most intolerable dragonlord across the Realms.

Known for reducing women into simpering worshipers, Sethorn ruins the lives of any woman he desires.

Uraya refuses to be his plaything…

And her defiance fuels his intense captivation with her.

In an effort to maintain her quest for serenity, Uraya is forced to bargain with him, but Sethorn rouses a sinful craving that he dominates.

Primal attraction erupts into savage, carnal hunger.

When the queen complicates their mission, Uraya realizes she is on the brink of losing not just the peace she has always dreamed of but every part of herself.

And if she doesn’t evade Sethorn’s obsessive claim on her, he will drag her to a fate of his choosing.

A LAIR SO FATEFUL is the fourth book in The Last Dragorai, an epic fantasy romance series. This series can be read as standalones but will be better enjoyed if read in order. Includes romance of a dark nature and a HEA.

My Review     5 STARS

I missed this book by accident when i was reading the series and is such a good book.

I really loved who Uraya pushed Sethorns buttons and challenged him. She is certainly a strong character and was exactly what he needed.

Again the brothers band together and work well as a team and the women are welcoming and friendly to each other.

Loved this whole series.

REVIEW - Pucking the Grump (Bad Motherpuckers #8) by Lili Valente

The Book

Release Date: 23 May 2025

Goodreads Link

Three things you should I’m a pro on the ice, a smartass in the locker room, and head-over-skates for the coach’s daughter.

She’s grumpy, gorgeous, and completely off-limits, and not just because her dad is a legendary hardass who will separate my nuts from the rest of me if he finds out about us. Remy is the hardest-working woman in hockey, determined to leave the admin world behind and start a coaching career of her own. She has goals. Rules. Boundaries. Walls around her heart more impenetrable than the glass around the rink.

We’ve been sneaking around for over a year, but after one too many "this can’t happen again" close calls, she’s ready to end things for good.

Problem is, I’m not.

Somewhere between late-night texts, weekend road trips, and falling asleep with my secretly vulnerable girl on my chest, I pucked around and became this woman's biggest fan.

Now, I want everything her rough childhood has her too scared to believe in—teamwork that lasts a lifetime and love that was never part of the plan.

And when the final buzzer sounds, I want this woman next to me. Forever.

My Review      5 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Stone is about to start his very last season of Hockey, but he has also found that the girl he has been seeing on the sly, his coaches daughter, is the one for him, however she has other ideas.

That is until she finds out that he has wormed his way into her heart and is just there and comforting in ways she never knew she needed before.

I really enjoyed this book, loved that we got to see a little bit more of Tank and Stephanie and a very small bit of some of the other team members.  Of course we also get a healthier relationship for Remi with her dad

There is also certainly some good spice for those that lie that kind of stuff, i do :)  The author always gives you a good read, decent character plots and angst where its needed.  I really do enjoy all of this authors books.

REVIEW - Bride (Bride #1) by Ali Hazelwood

The Book

Release Date: 6 February 2024

Goodreads Link

A dangerous alliance between a Vampyre bride and an Alpha Werewolf becomes a love deep enough to sink your teeth into in this new paranormal romance.

Misery Lark, the only daughter of the most powerful Vampyre councilman of the Southwest, is an outcast—again. Her days of living in anonymity among the Humans are over: she has been called upon to uphold a historic peacekeeping alliance between the Vampyres and their mortal enemies, the Weres, and she sees little choice but to surrender herself in the exchange—again...

Weres are ruthless and unpredictable, and their Alpha, Lowe Moreland, is no exception. He rules his pack with absolute authority, but not without justice. And, unlike the Vampyre Council, not without feeling. It’s clear from the way he tracks Misery’s every movement that he doesn’t trust her. If only he knew how right he was….

Because Misery has her own reasons to agree to this marriage of convenience, reasons that have nothing to do with politics or alliances, and everything to do with the only thing she's ever cared about. And she is willing to do whatever it takes to get back what’s hers, even if it means a life alone in Were territory…alone with the wolf.

My Review    5 STARS

I finally got round to reading this book after all the hype that I have seen online through TikTok and other online platforms.

Its the first book that I have read by this author and I am impressed with the new spin that she has given to both creatures, it was enough to feel different from any other book similar to this that I have read.

The book is told from the FMC point of view, so we have the vampire Misery and seeing things from her side and learning her way into the Were world and that both sides that think things that are not true.

Lowe is honourable and looks after Misery and his little sister along with his pack.  Bringing Misery to his house brings out tension with other members and both he and Misery have to work together to find out what is happening and who is behind it all.

I enjoyed this book and bring introduced nicely to the next two characters that are to have a book was certainly helpful.

REVIEW - The Maiden and the Steel Guardian (Of Metals and Curses #2.5) by Renna Ashley

The Book

Release Date: 27th May 2025

Goodreads Link

When hearts ignite, only destruction will follow...

They want me to be quiet. Afraid. And I’m through with giving it to them.

Invisibility is how Arella Kellener once survived. As a human servant at High Keep—the Inatian seat of power—she could go unnoticed. The less attention she received from those in higher places, the better.

But everything changed when Arella saw something she shouldn’t. Now, she has a target on her back, hunted by a god-touched fae hellbent on eliminating his one loose end: her. A past dalliance taught her to keep her eyes from wandering beyond her means, and now, with her life on the line, that lesson holds even greater importance.

That is, until Orim Brennor, the devastatingly handsome fae male who smiles at her like she’s the only woman in the realm, becomes her protector. Her guardian. Orim’s made it his mission to keep her safe, and for the foreseeable future, he won’t be leaving her side.

But if Arella abandons the safety of her silence and opens her heart, her life might not be the only one at stake.

The Maiden and the Steel Guardian is a short novel that should be read after A Shattered Kingdom of Steel, featuring bodyguard romance, mentor/mentee training sequences, a golden retriever hero, and a HFN, perfect for readers that enjoy fantasy romance/romantasy. There may be unanswered questions that lead into the next book in the series, and any cliffhangers pertain to the continuing plot, not the couple's love story.

My Review     5 STARS

**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is a novella set after book two and runs alongside book three and focuses on Orim and Arella.  We meet Arella in book one, but mostly book two with Orim.  You could see the attraction on book two so i am glad that they get to have a story of their own.

Loved to see how shy Arella gets stronger with Orim by her side and that instead of hiding she decides to help where she cane and practice her gift.

I loved how Orim was just so open and supportive of Arella and really helped her become more strong in herself and trusted in herself more.

It was a sweet read with a little spice and some good side characters.

Would certainly recommend this book.

REVIEW - Archangel's Ascension (Guild Hunter #17) by Nalini Singh

The Book

Release Date: 6 May 2025

Goodreads Link

THE LATEST GUILD HUNTER BOOK FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR NALINI SINGH 

Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.

Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael's legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan's past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.

The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan's Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy...and uncaring of Illium's fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal's life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time...

My Review     5 STARS

I am so glad that we got to see more of Blue and his Adi.  It was so nice to able to see how the pair managed to navigate from best friends to so much more.  It certainly had me in tears at times.

This pair will always hold my heart, their pain and the way they always support each other is a joy to see, even if at times it is hard.

We had a little suspense as they tackle a case together along with the pain of having mortal friends and not only do we see the past of them in this new relationship, we get the future when Illium finally ascends to the Cadre and has to find a new path from one he has loved so much.

I really hope that this series is able to continue a little longer.  I would love for example to find that Elena and her Rafe are having a child of their own, celebrating with friends and that they still have strong connections with their friend group.

I can feel this series coming to an end and it makes me sad as this has been going for many years and the whole series is fantastic and you cannot help but feel as if these characters are a part of your family too.

Certainly not only a book to be recommended, but the entire series....... Hmmm maybe a re-read is due soon.

REVIEW - Archangel's Lineage (Guild Hunter #16) by Nalini Singh

The Book

Release Date: 23 April 2024

Goodreads Link

Raphael and Elena are experiencing their first ever year of true peace. No war. No horrors of archangelic power. No nightmares given flesh. Until...the earth beneath the Refuge begins to tremble, endangering not only angelkind's precious and fragile young, but the very place that has held their most innocent safe for eons. 

Amid the chaos, Elena's father suffers a violent heart attack that threatens to extinguish their last chance to heal the bonds between them and make sense of the ruins of their agonizing shared history. 

Even as Elena battles grief, Raphael is torn from her side by the sudden disappearance of an archangel. But worse yet is to come. An Ancestor, an angel unlike any other, stirs from his Sleep to warn the Cadre of a darkness so terrible that it causes empires to fall and civilizations to vanish.

This time, even the Cadre itself may not be able to stop a ticking clock that is counting down at frightening speed…

My Review     5 STARS

Cassandra knows her friends need a little nudge in the right direction as she assesses the strings of what may come to pass.

With Win missing when they are just trying to stabilize the world after the war, things are strung right for the remaining Cadre members, but now they find they are running out of time to keep the world safe.

With the immergance of someone nearly old enough to be an ancestor, they find out that the natural disasters are all leading up to one thing thanks to this entity.

As the Cadre work closely together they find more of lost history that is needed to keep them all safe and has them closer than ever.

The book had me in tears at times, especially with all the other stuff Elena has to deal with her father suddenly having a heart attack and the ensuing pain as the family heal hurt bonds and relive painful memories.

I love how the family and friends support each other and give each other the strength to carry on and the joy in each other that is needed too.

I carry on to love this series.