Recent Reads: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood

Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood 

Series: Part of the Scared Sexy collection
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date:   September 23, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When a vampire slayer loses all his memories, the only person who can help him is the vampire he’s tried to kill for centuries in this unforgettable short story by #1 New York Times bestselling author Ali Hazelwood.

When Aethelthryth—“Ethel” to her modern-day Manhattan neighbors—finds her sworn nemesis Lazlo Enyedi with no memory of who or what they are, an ancient hunt becomes an unexpected chance at forbidden passion. He’s crashing on her couch, solving her sudoku puzzles, and looking at her like she’s his eternal flame (minus the whole bursting-into-ashes part). As his memories slowly return, Ethel realizes she might be in danger of losing more than just her head…

Ali Hazelwood’s Hot for Slayer is part of Scared Sexy, a deliciously dark collection of Halloween romance where things that go bump in the night might just steal your heart. These seductive stand-alone stories blend chills and heat in the perfect Halloween treat—each designed to be devoured in one sitting.

Review: 

Forever trying to keep up with Ali Hazelwood and read all of her books/stories. She has SO MUCH though. 

This was a novella of 94 pages, that follows a vampire and a vampire hunter. Ethel, the vampire has been running from Lazlo, the hunter, for centuries. However in a strange turn of events, they are forced together when he loses his memory and she feels obligated to take care of him. 

The story is told from Ethel's point of view and is a quick enemies to lovers romance. Ethel is oblivious and Lazlo has fallen first, it was so adorable and sometimes sad at times as they figure each other out. The forbidden longing that they are both going through it so swoon. 

I really enjoyed this from Ali Hazelwood - would love a longer version.

Recent Reads: Love & Other Killers by Brynne Weaver

Love & Other Killers by Brynne Weaver 

Series: The Ruinous Love Trilogy
Publisher: Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date:   August 12, 2025

 

Format: Ebook 
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Serial killers versus serial killer in a hot and twisted novella about family games, true love, and competitive carnage by the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Ruinous Love Trilogy.

It’s the annual hunt for Sloane and her vigilante family of serial killers. Track the most cold-blooded psychos imaginable and take them down. This summer’s prey is Allan Munster, a churchgoing chicken farmer who slaughters more than fowl. The rules of the hunt: divide into teams, devise a strategy, and make a move—the more cutthroat the better. May the best team win. The players are closing in. All eyes are on Munster. But there’s a hitch in the family sport this year. Someone might be watching them.

Review: 

Quick review for a quick read. This novella comes in at 61 pages and is an addition to the Ruinous Love Trilogy. To understand the overall dynamic, it is best to read the trilogy first.

This short story follows all three couples playing the serial killer game that takes place in book one. They are all competing with each other but to make it more playful make it boys versus girls. There are lots of references to the others books and the same fun and witty banter from the couples and and brothers. There is a fair amount of gore and some murder (obviously). 

The story is told from Sloan's point of view, which was great because she was my favorite across the couples. Overall, I think this was a fun and playful addition to the series and seeing them all together was entertaining. 

I am hoping that this also gives a peak into characters and series to come... we will see.

Recent Reads: Fall I Want by Lyra Parish

Fall I Want by Lyra Parish 
Series: Cozy Creek Collection #1
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: January 21, 2025

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at the time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Fall I Want is a feel-good, spicy small-town, romantic comedy with a billionaire who falls first and harder. Grab a pumpkin spice latte, a warm fuzzy blanket, and make your way down to Cozy Creek.

Autumn

The brokenhearted billionaire visits Cozy Creek to escape. I never expected to become his fake girlfriend or fall madly in love...but here we are.

My first impression of Zane Alexander isn't great. The second is worse, but when he uses his powers of persuasion to get me to hang out with him, I can’t say no. We quickly go from familiar strangers to flirty friends.

When my ex returns, Zane flawlessly pretends to be my boyfriend to protect me. He’s so damn good at it, I almost believe it.

I don’t know when our relationship moves from pretending to passionate, but I catch feelings. As our exes desperately crawl back into our lives like zombies, I realize there is only one man for me, and (f)all I want is him.

Zane

Everything changes the moment I see her. Autumn's enchanting gaze makes my heart race, so I push her away to protect myself. Immediately, I regret it. But when I find her standing in my haunted house, I convince her to be my friend. She begrudgingly agrees.

As the leaves transform and Cozy Creek's fall festivities come alive, our playful charade blossoms into something more.

The lines between real and pretend begin to blur, and I find myself falling under her spell.

I should keep my broken heart in check, but instead, I fight for love that feels like magic.

This woman is all I've ever needed and (f)all I want. 

Review: 

I went into this expecting a swoon-worthy, cozy fall romance, and while I definitely got that vibe, it was far spicier than I anticipated.

Autumn is in the market for love, or even a date, when the story begins. Zane, meanwhile, is running from family obligations and a truly unhinged ex. They end up meeting in a small town, Autumn's home and a location Zane has been avoiding for a while. The town even rings its own cozy charm to the overall story. When they spot each other in a coffee shop, the attraction is immediate, and neither can stop thinking about seeing the other again.

I really enjoyed this book, but if insta-love is not your thing, it may not work for you. There is some buildup, with Autumn regularly dreaming about a mysterious man and Zane feeling oddly familiar to her, but once they meet, their relationship develops very quickly.

Autumn is dealing with the fallout from a horrible ex and a bout of writer’s block that has left her drifting through life. She was witty, relatable, and genuinely fun to follow, especially as she becomes determined to uncover what is going on between her and Zane. Zane, on the other hand, is stubborn and occasionally frustrating, but his moody, broody personality worked for me.

This book leans hard into its tropes: insta-love, grumpy-sunshine, he-falls-first energy, fake dating that turns into something more, a fated-mates feel without the monsters, and just a touch of “he would burn the world down for her.” The pacing is fast, so even at 413 pages, it felt like a much shorter read. Just be prepared for plenty of spice once they get together.

Building the Book Pile #509

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

Another crazy week and some more snow in NH! December seems to be flying by but this upcoming week is the last work-week before holiday/ Christmas break and I am SO excited for break. 

Reading has been on the slower side - I have time, but find myself on my phone or watching TV instead. Hopefully this week I can get back to it... I have the Readathon finish out this week. 

Over the next few weeks I am reading for the HoHoHo Readathon - you can sign up with Caffeinated Reviewer and my progress is here.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

Recent Reads: Fall I Want by Lyra Parish (Adult)

Recent Reads: Love & Other Killers by Brynne Weaver (Adult, Novella)

Recent Reads: Hot for Slayer by Ali Hazelwood (Adult, Novella)

Books Received Recently...  

 

From Publishers for review consideration:

   

Bed Chemistry by Elizabeth McKenzie

Dead Set on You by Lexi Alexander

Forty Love by Jane Costello (won!)

Goodbye, French Fry by Rin-Rin Yu

Bought

The Bookshop Below by Georgia Summers

Have you missed anything lately?

HoHoHoRAT Review: The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger (Adult) - 4 stars

HoHoHo RAT Review: The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise (Youth) -5 stars

Recent Reads: Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson (Youth) -4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

Recent Reads: Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson, Illustrated by Dustin Harbin 
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date: September 30, 2025  

 

Format: Physical

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Buckle up for a raptor race, train-faring Titanosaurs and (gulp) a taxi-driving T. rex in this hilariously whirlwind picture book poetry collection for fans of Richard Scarry and Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site!

You've never seen a dinosaur that's into driving cars? Well, buckle up! Brontosaurus, Triceratops, Pterodactyl and T. rex are all here to show off their driving, flying and diving skills in this riotous, fully illustrated book of poems about dinosaurs and their favorite things-that-go! From flighty Bambiraptor's traffic chopper to hardheaded Pachycephalosaurus's garbage truck to mama Maiasaura's kid-carting minivan, and even to the stars beyond — these dinos on the go have no time to slow down. Each spread is full of fun details for young readers to pore over, but with our intrepid dino guides providing helpful dino facts on each page, you'll never need a GPS again!

Includes dinosaur pronunciation guides for every poem.

Review:

This book was such a good time. It’s all about dinosaurs, but in a fun, whimsical way...you learn about them while they drive cars and go about very human-like tasks and lives.

The pronunciation guides are a great touch (helpful for kids and parents), and the rhyming cadence makes it a delight to read aloud. The large, detailed illustrations give you plenty to explore on each spread, and the occasional longer text sections feel balanced by all the visual interest. 

I especially enjoyed the little dinos who pop in with commentary, they add an extra layer of charm. The recurring T-Rex appearances were fun and as they are a fan-favorite, I think kids will love it too. I actually learned quite a bit about lesser-known dinos as well. 

The imaginative driving scenarios offer a creative way to teach kids about what dinosaurs ate, how they lived, and other fun facts. While some moments are definitely over the top, it all adds to the whimsy.

Overall, I think both younger and older dinosaur lovers will enjoy this one. But just note that it’s a bit on the longer side, so it may not be the quickest bedtime read.

HoHoHoRAT Review: The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise by Riel Nason

Source: From Librarything Early Reviewers program. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise by Riel Nason, Illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler

Series: A Little Ghost Quilt Book
Publisher: Tundra Books
Publication Date:  August 26, 2025

 

Format: Physical 


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

When you're a quilt instead of a sheet, being a ghost is hard! But it does mean you can float around in cold weather . . . an adorable picture book about a ghost who wants to share the magic of the season with his chilly sheet friends.

The little ghost quilt loves being out in the cold. For once, he doesn't overheat, and he likes how the snowflakes make his patches look polka-dotted. His friends, who are sheets, get too cold in the winter weather and have to stay inside, but the little ghost quilt doesn't mind. He enjoys slowly drifting along on his own. 

On one of his frosty flights, he sees something happening in the town. People are putting up warm, twinkling lights, and there's a fun festive feeling everywhere — like Halloween, his favorite season, but with snowmen and wreaths and candles in windows instead of pumpkins. He is filled with excitement and happiness looking at all the beautiful decorations and joyous people, yet he can't help but feel sad that his friends can't be there. 

But then, after almost getting caught in a blizzard, the little ghost quilt is struck by inspiration . . .

Review: 

I really liked the first Ghost Quilt book and was so excited to get the next one in the series. 

This one follows Ghost Quilt during the holiday season. It is snowy and cold and luckily for him, their quilt keeps them warm while he is swooping through the air. Sadly the other ghosts are too cold to play and Quilt misses them. He heads to the human neighborhood and sees some amazing holiday lights and decide to bring the concept home for their friends.

The story showcased what ghosts do during the winter - stay in, stay warm, do crafts and read. I found that very heartwarming and cozy. It was all very cute. I also loved the ghost talk in the text (example: boooooks). 

The story overall held well to the winter theme and Ghost Quilts mission was clear and fun to follow along with. The illustrations are still done in mostly grey-scale with pops of the blue for his quilt and then red and green for the holiday lights this time. The full page spreads and short text will make this one a great read for young kids and parents. 

HoHoHoRAT Review: The Kill Clause: A Short Story by Lisa Unger

The Kill Clause: A Short Story by Lisa Unger

Publisher:  Amazon Original Stories
Publication Date: December 1, 2025 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A hired killer finds herself caught between her conscience and her contract over the holidays in this riveting short thriller from New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger.

A hit woman’s work doesn’t stop for the holidays. As the advent calendar winds down, Paige slips into a palatial house, ignoring a blizzard of texts from her ex-husband. No surprise—Julian always gets maudlin this time of year. The real shock comes when the target is not alone. His young daughter is there too.

Risking the wrath of her organization, Paige retreats. There are some lines that, for personal reasons, she just won’t cross. But when she returns on Christmas Eve to finish the job, the girl is still there…along with someone even more startling. As the ghosts of her past gather—to haunt or to help, it’s unclear—Paige must confront old traumas and outwit her superiors to make it to Christmas

Review: 

A fun short story for the holiday season. This one is set during the holiday season. We follow Paige as she attempts to assassinate a man, only to lose her cool when a child is present. Her moral compass has been leaning this way a lot lately and she finds herself in a not so great situation with her employer.

This was a very short read at 70 pages, I appreciated the character build in that short time. There are some great passages around her learning about herself, her past, and what she needs to move forward. I think that the author did a great job with the character development in this short story. I felt invested and I liked Paige. 

I liked the story overall but a few things were more predictable than I would have liked, but I read a fair amount of thrillers so the plot overall was still appreciated. 

If you are looking for a short read, with some action, plot twistiness, and want a little bit of the holiday vibe (decor and some snow) this one could be for you.

Building the Book Pile #508

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Happy Sunday

November flew by. I was traveling then Thanksgiving and I was exhausted... blog posting kinda feel off the radar a little bit, but I did read a good number of books.

Over the next few weeks I am reading for the HoHoHo Readathon - you can sign up with Caffeinated Reviewer and my progress is here.

Linking up this week with the Caffeinated Reviewer and her Sunday Post series.

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

HoHoHoRAT Review: The Kill Clause by Lisa Unger (Adult)

HoHoHo RAT Review: The Little Ghost Quilt's Winter Surprise (Youth)

Recent Reads: Dinos that Drive by Suzy Levinson (Youth)

Books Received Recently...  

 

From Publishers for review consideration:

Alice with a Why by Anna James 

Sibylline by Melissa de la Cruz 

Out of the Loop by Katie Siegel 

Postscript by Cory McCarthy

I'm Looking for a Man in Finance by Sabrina Waldorf

Have you missed anything lately?

Here is almost everything from November...

Blog Tour: The Cornish Christmas Book Club by Angela Britnell (Adult) -3 stars

Monthly Re-Cap

Blog Blitz: Excerpt and Giveaway - Can’t Hurry Christmas by Melissa Baldwin 

Early Reader Review: The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer (YA) - 4 stars

Blog Tour: Sox in a Sizzle by Sara Semple (youth) - 3 stars

HoHoHoRAT Review: Stuffed by Hannah Murray (Adult, Spicy) -3 stars

HoHoHoRAT Review: A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau (Adult, spicy) - 4 stars

Donating Caffeine is greatly appreciated ... Donate on Ko-fi

What have you been reading?  How was your week? Feel free to leave a comment!

Happy Reading! 

HoHoHoRAT Review: A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau

A Match Made for Thanksgiving by Jackie Lau 

Series: Holidays with the Wongs #1
Publisher: Jackie Lau Books
Publication Date:  October 8, 2019 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Bought

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Advertising executive Nick Wong enjoys living in Toronto. He loves late nights partying and taking women back to his penthouse. And so it is with great reluctance that he returns to his boring hometown of Mosquito Bay for Thanksgiving.

This year, however, is even worse than usual. His interfering parents and grandparents, frustrated with the lack of weddings in the family, have invited blind dates for him and his three siblings. Nick’s brother Greg has been set up with Lily Tseng, who just so happens to be Nick’s latest one-night stand, the one he can’t get out of his mind.

Although Nick has never been interested in settling down, Lily has him reconsidering. Perhaps he’s good for more than a single night of sex, dumplings, and bubble tea after all. But first, he has to get through this painful weekend with his family and convince her that she should be with him, not Greg…

Review: 

Another novella read to kick off the HoHoHo Readathon. This was also a Thanksgiving themed read. I felt like since it was still November I wanted to start with the Thanksgiving ones first. 

This story follows Nick and Lily. Lily is trying to get over her ex and also be less boring when we goes out in attempt to find a one night stand. She finds Nick - happy to help, but then she sees him again at a Thanksgiving dinner... sadly she has been set up with his brother. 

This was such a fun, quick read. I really likely Lily's list of things to be less boring and try, and I liked that Nick was suddenly so into her and jealous that she was paired with his brother. The family dynamics here were also hilarious and I found the whole book overall to be so light and entertaining. 

If you are looking for fun family dynamics, quick feelings for each other, and some spice, this will be a good novella to grab.

HoHoHoRAT Review: Stuffed by Hannah Murray

Stuffed by Hannah Murray 

Series: F.I.L.T.H.
Publisher: Solitary Vice Publications
Publication Date: November 1, 2022

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited (at the time of posting)

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Why stuff the turkey when they can stuff her?

It’s Thanksgiving, two and a half years after lockdown began, and Tuck and Esme Parrish are deciding how to celebrate. Normally they’d have dinner with either his folks or hers, but with travel restrictions no longer a factor, both sets of parents are taking advantage and spending the holiday elsewhere. With a chance to craft the day to their tastes for a change, they decide to host a Friendsgiving.

The guest list is small, just four friends—Spence, Jude, Evan and Colin. Realizing she’ll be spending the day with her sexy husband and four single, sexy friends (some who had crushes on her in college, and one of whom she’s already slept with), Esme makes a joke about all the F.I.L.T.H (Friends I’d Like To Hump) coming for dinner. Which gives Tuck an idea: why not turn this Friendsgiving into a Bangsgiving?

When lockdown hit, it put a halt to a new and exciting element of Tuck and Esme’s sex life: swinging. It started as a way for Tuck to indulge his candaulism kink (a desire to show off his wife). But he soon discovered that sharing his gorgeous, curvy wife with other men was even more fun—for both of them. They were just finding their groove when lockdown happened, and though their sex life is still varied and vigorous, they’ve missed the extra zing that swinging gave them. And Esme has had a “group adventure” on her swinging to-do list for a while…

And after all, Thanksgiving is the perfect time to get stuffed.

Review: 

This is quite a long synopsis for a 194 page novella that is mostly spicy.  The story is about a couple that are looking to get back into swinging over the Thanksgiving holiday, so they have some friends over to do just that. Husband and Wife and 4 friends have a lovely Thanksgiving dinner (glossed over in the book)then have a lovely time with each other (very detailed plot this time). 

It was a fun and at times funny read. I couldn't help but be worried about having just stuffed themselves with food then moving into this intense intimate time. It all works out in that respect. There were a few of the angles I was also trying to work out, but it made for an entertaining Thanksgiving read.

If you are looking for something short and very erotic, and prefer a why choose-esq situation for your female lead, this once might be a fun read for you.

Happy Holidays from Cover2CoverBlog

Happy December and Happy Holidays! 

I hope your 2025 has been a great year! 

Mine has FLOWN by again...

However you will be celebrating this month, I would like to say Happy Holidays!!!

I hope you have a love-filled holiday season that is happy and healthy and full of good reads.

Stay well and warm my friends.