Recent Reads: Throttled by Lauren Asher

Throttled by Lauren Asher 

Series: Dirty Air #1
Publisher: Bloom Books
Publication Date:   May 7, 202

 

Format: paperback
Source: Bought/ own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Maya

Noah Slade is a Formula 1 legend in the making.

Focused. Unapproachable. Ruthless on and off the track.

A man with walls higher than the Grand Canyon.

And my brother's new teammate.

I want more of the prince who disguises himself as the villain.

My only issue? He's considered off-limits.

Noah

Maya Alatorre is a forbidden temptation.

An ambitious post-grad I should stay far away from.

And chaos wrapped with a bow.

We're a ticking time bomb about one wrong move away from exploding.

I want to trip the wire, detonating together in passion and pain.

Because in the end, all's fair in lust and war.

Throttled is a steamy standalone romance in the Dirty Air world. Recommended for mature audiences.

Review: 

So I guess my 'midlife crisis' is F1... I have been loving everything about it. Last Fall when in Vegas for a vacation we were there to watch some of the practice before leaving the city and it was so cool. Since I have been watching all the races and the Netflix show Drive to Survive ... and now there are books!

Throttled is an F1 romance that follows Noah a moody F1 driver and Maya, the sister of his teammate that he should not get involved with but just can't help it. 

This book is definitely not going to be for everyone. At times it was a little cringe, and I wouldn't necessarily say the writing was amazing. That said, I had a really good time with it and absolutely flew through the pages.

Noah is a total man-whore, and Maya is often treated like the innocent little sister because of her overbearing brother. The thing is, she's a grown woman capable of making her own decisions, which made some of the protective behavior around her a little frustrating at times. The brother felt a bit overbearing at times, and I think I needed a little more development from him for some of his actions to feel fully justified, but it came together well enough in the end.

What really worked for me was the tension and the he-falls-first dynamic, which is one of my favorite romance tropes. Watching Noah drive himself crazy over Maya while trying to figure himself out was fun and funny. The characters were entertaining, hilarious, and easy to root for. I also appreciated the setup for future romances within the friend group. 

Noah is cocky and charming, and it was satisfying to see Maya refuse to immediately fall for his usual tricks. Their chemistry carried the story, and despite its flaws, this was a fun, addictive romance that kept me turning pages. If you enjoy lots of tension, a MMC who falls first, and a group of characters you want to spend more time with, this one is worth picking up.

Recent Reads: Mate by Ali Hazelwood

Mate by Ali Hazelwood 

Series: Bride #2
Publisher:  Berkley
Publication Date:   October 7, 2025

 

Format: Audiobook
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

A Human hybrid and an Alpha Were claw against the bonds of fate in the highly anticipated companion novel to the New York Times bestselling Bride.

Serena Paris is orphaned, pack-less, and one of a kind. Coming forward as the first Human-Were hybrid was supposed to heal a centuries-long rift between species. Instead, it made her a target, prey to the ruthless political machinations between Weres, Vampyres, and Humans. With her enemies closing in on her, she has only one option left—if he’ll have her.

As Alpha of the Northwest pack, Koen Alexander commands obedience. His authority is so absolute, only a fool would threaten his mate. It doesn’t matter if Serena doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, nothing will stop him from keeping her safe.

But power-hungry Vampyres and Weres are not the only threats chasing Serena. Sooner or later, her past is bound to catch up with her—and Koen might be the only thing standing between her and total annihilation…

Review: 

I needed to take a break from books on my review pile for a bit to make reading feel like less of a 'to do' and an Ali Hazelwood romance is seemingly always there for me to do this with. I love all of her books, there is just something about the way that she writes banter and builds tension that has me either not putting the book down OR thinking about it excessively until I can pick it up again. Mate was no different.

When I read Bride I was fully enthralled and I have since also re-read it, which I normally don't do. I loved it again the 2nd time. I was honestly dreading reading Mate because I didn't want to be disappointed... thank goodness it was good. It wasn't Bride good, but it scratched the itch in other ways good. 

One of my favorite things about this story was the dynamic between Serena and Koen. Their relationship develops in a way that feels both inevitable and frustrating. Serena, is unsure about being a hybrid and what that means for her and believing she may be running out of time, carries a vulnerability that makes it easy to root for her. Meanwhile, Koen's realization that he has a mate at all, and his attempts to keep his distance, creates an emotional push and pull that keeps the tension simmering and building through the book.

My other love.. the banter! Their conversations were funny, or had an awkwardness to the point of cringe, and but the genuine affection for each other was so cute. There were plenty of moments that made me laugh, mixed with just enough secondhand embarrassment to make the characters feel real and relatable. Beneath all of that was a constant undercurrent of longing, with both characters fighting feelings they never expected to have. The result is a romance that feels both earned and rushed.

As the story progresses, the tension only intensifies. Even once Serena and Koen finally begin giving in to their feelings, the emotional and physical chemistry continues to build rather than disappear. Ali does a great job of making every interaction feel charged, leading to a payoff that is equal parts romantic, emotional, and undeniably spicy. 

If you're looking for a paranormal romance that delivers plenty of steam without sacrificing character development or connection, this one absolutely delivers. The audiobook narration was also so well done, bringing both characters to life in a way that made it hard to put down/ turn off.

Recent Reads: Wild Card by Elsie Silver

Wild Card by Elsie Silver  

Series: Rose Hill #4
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group 
Publication Date:  September 9, 2025

 

Format: Audiobook
Source:  Bought/ Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Sebastian Rousseau is a grumpy, hot as hell fire pilot who is too damn good with his hands.

It’s the perfect combination. But unfortunately for me, he’s also my ex-boyfriend’s dad.

A chance meeting brought us together and a missed connection has kept us apart.

One year later, a stroke of fate has us living under the same roof—which makes everything between us downright messy.

Because even after all this time, he’s still the man I think about when I fall asleep. The one I can’t get over no matter how hard I try.

He’s working on mending a fragile relationship with his son and we both know acting on these urges would be the ultimate betrayal.

But I see the heat in his eyes. That look of need that never fails to send a shiver down my spine.

The mutual longing is borderline unbearable and the simmering heat between us is downright palpable.

We both know there are rules when it comes to situations like this.

But then again…following the rules never has been my strong suit.

In this series (Click on Covers for Reviews): 

    

Review: 

I adore this series and these books, every one has been a highlight in my day to listen to. Elsie has this way of making you fall for all her characters as chaotic, frustrating, and emotional as they are. It is also so cool to see them all interconnect and characters re-appear. 

All the books follow a dad falling hard... in this case Bash finds out that he has an adult son and on his way to meet him for the first time gets caught in the airport overnight while a storm passes. He meets this quirky memorizing woman, Gwen, and they hit it off. At the end of their laughter filled evening he gets her number but nothing comes of it. Fast-forward, he visits his son for a party and Gwen is his girlfriend. Immediately feeling start flying and readers are swept up into this beautiful will -they/ won't they banter and miserable attempts to give each other space. 

This book had me laughing so much. Between Bash and Gwen figuring things out and the awkward flirting and Clyde... OH CLYDE... our scheming, cranky, father-figure I kept giggling. I loved the emotional turmoil between the characters, and the uncomfortable tension was absolutely perfect. The slow burn felt a bit more prolonged than I expected, while the resolution came together fairly quickly, but I still loved the book overall.

If you like grumpy/ sunshine, forced proximity, an age gap and the 'ex-boyfriend's dad' tropes - you will really enjoy this one. 

Recent Reads: The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith

The Thorn Queen by Sasha Peyton Smith 

Series: The Rose Bargain #2
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  April 14, 2026

 

Format: Hardback
Source: Bought/Own

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Wed to one brother.

In love with the other.

Bridgerton, The Selection, and The Cruel Prince collide in this Victorian-inspired romantasy; the sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller The Rose Bargain.

This limited collector’s edition features an exclusive alternate jacket, gilded holographic edges, an intricately foiled case design, and never-before-seen bonus content.

Having won the hand of the faerie King Bram, Ivy is now Queen of England.

But with his ascension to the throne, Bram unleashed the fae into the human world. After hundreds of years of being kept from their favorite playthings, the Others are looking to make up for lost time—and they do, with wicked revelry that sweeps through the country.

To survive, Ivy acts the sweet, devoted wife. Behind the smile, she plots to banish her husband, save her sister Lydia, and reunite with the love of her life, Emmett.

Yet Emmet and Lydia are trapped in the Otherworld, where fae games are deadlier than ever—and a queen must play most viciously of all. Or see herself dethroned.

Forbidden romance, deceptive bargains, and lethal court intrigue intertwine in this mesmerizing, fae romantasy sequel that will captivate fans of Once Upon a Broken Heart and Belladonna.

Click the cover to see my review of Book 1: The Rose Bargain 

Review: 

I loved The Rose Bargain and was a liiiiittle nervous about book 2. I was afraid that it wasn't going to be as good as the first one... this is my toxic trait. I almost always delay a book 2 read because I don't want to be disappointed. 

All that said, I was NOT disappointed by this one.

One of the things I loved most about the first book was the mix of dangerous fae bargains, political tension, and the angsty love triangle, and this sequel expands on all of those elements in such a satisfying way. The stakes feel even higher now as Ivy is both competing for survival and trying to rule through chaos, grief, and betrayal. The relationships carry so much more emotional weight this time around, especially with the lingering tension, shifting loyalties, and the constant uncertainty about who can truly be trusted.

❗❗❗SPOILERS ❗❗❗

The story jumps right into the chaos with Ivy now Queen of England while Bram unleashes complete havoc by allowing the Fae world into England after his mother, the former queen, is captured/ replaced. Meanwhile, Ivy is grieving and searching for her true love Emmett (Bram's brother), unsure if he is missing or dead, while also desperately also trying to find her sister. 

The pacing is intense from the start and the plot is dramatic, emotional, and torturous at times. I found myself crying at the horrible Fae a few times. They create absolute destruction through dangerous bargains and manipulation, while humans are eager to participate without understanding the true consequences of their actions. I loved the political intrigue woven throughout the story, and the emotional weight of everything happening felt very real even when in a fantastical world.

Ivy continues to be such a strong protagonist. She’s trying to survive a lethal fae world while balancing the weight of the crown, her grief, and the complicated relationships around her. The forbidden romance elements still hit hard, but I also loved how much the story centered sisterly love, loyalty, and trust amidst all the courtly intrigue and chaos. I really enjoyed Ivy’s character growth, and I thought the transition deeper into the Fae realm was done incredibly well.

Overall, this was a fantastic conclusion to the duology and such an engaging read from beginning to end.

Early Reader Review: Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce

Source: From Netgalley and the Publisher in Exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce 

Series: Gaming and Romance #3
Publisher: Delacorte Romance
Publication Date: May 5, 2026 

 

Format: Ebook
 
Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

Roll the dice, strike up the band, and get ready for a swoon-worthy summer! A charming gaming romance that blends the magic of D&D with the camaraderie of band camp—from the bestselling author of Dating and Dragons!

Questing for love . . .

Hazel Buchanan has her senior year mapped out: Win respect as color guard captain, kick off her first D&D campaign, and steer clear of distractions. But her plan takes a critical hit when Max—her former best friend and longtime crush—returns to town with drumsticks in hand and an unexplained chip on his shoulder.

Hazel and Max can’t help bickering every time they’re together, and thanks to meddling parents, he’s invading her D&D game too. As Dungeon Master, she’s ready to shut him down, but D&D has a way of bringing people together like nothing else. Is this rivalry masking something more? With dice rolling and emotions spinning, Hazel might be in for more than she planned . . .

Review: 

I really enjoyed this one. Hazel heads into her senior year with a plan...and a lot of pressure riding on it. Much of that pressure is self-imposed, shaped by expectations from her mother who is always nerding out over band achievements, and Hazel is determined to prove herself. Both as color guard captain and while finally getting to reconnect with her former best friend, Max. Unfortunately, that reunion is anything but smooth.

Max comes back different; he is guarded, combative, and firmly planted on the “enemy” side as part of the rival drumline of their schools band. The first half of the book leans into that tension, with sharp banter, pranks, and a rivalry that feels equal parts frustrating and fun. But as the story unfolds, it becomes clear there’s much more beneath the surface of their falling out, some of it not on them, and that most of it comes down to a lack of communication.

I loved the forced proximity element in this teen romance. The way their shared D&D campaign becomes both an escape and a bridge between them was especially well done. As Dungeon Master, Hazel creates a space where they can reconnect indirectly, and those parallel layers, fantasy/ real life, add a lot of charm to their relationship development.

Both characters felt realistic and grounded, even if the intensity of the band dynamics felt a bit heightened compared to my own high school experience (but I also wasn't in band). That said, the emotional drama rang true in a very familiar, teenage way.

Overall, this was a fun read with strong character relationships, a sweet (and slightly chaotic) romance, and a great use of D&D as a storytelling device. You also don't have to read this one in order. There is a cameo of some of the other characters... so that might be a slight spoiler, but they all exist in the same world versus being fully interconnected.

Early Reader Review: The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake by Mara Rutherford

Source: From the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake by Mara Rutherford 

Series: The Broken Veil #1
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  April 14, 2026

 

Format: Hardback


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

In Wisteria, the very act of innovation is forbidden. Any creation—art, music, engineering—conjures a demon from the other side. The greater the innovation, the more dangerous the demon.

This has never stopped Aurelie from inventing—but it has made it more difficult. Her inventions are small by necessity, producing demons that she is capable of dispatching alone. But she knows she’s meant for something greater, and each day has her chafing more at the boundaries of her society.

Destrier lost his parents to demons as a child, and has devoted his life to preventing more senseless murder at the hands of demons. He was young when he joined the hunters, and each year he’s grown stronger. But it’s never enough.

When a mysterious figure offers Aurelie a job she can’t refuse—an impossible, magnificent invention—her decision to accept sets off a chain of events that will alter every aspect of their world… and sparks the connection that will change both Aurelie and Des irrevocably.

With the fierce enemies-to-lovers romance of Heartless Hunter and the high-concept worldbuilding of Arcane, The Demonic Inventions of Aurelie Blake will thrill readers looking for their new cross-genre favorite.

Review: 

I really enjoyed the central concept of this book, this idea that innovation literally summons demons is such a fresh and intriguing take on magic. It creates immediate tension and every creative and unique thing might kill you or others. 

Aurelie is a fascinating protagonist. Her restraint, keeping her inventions small enough to survive the consequences, adds a layer of quiet rebellion that I appreciated. Destrier, on the other hand, is shaped by loss and duty, and his internal conflict around Aurelie and her inventions is one of the more interesting character dynamics in the book. 

Their relationship leans heavily into the enemies-to-lovers trope, though to me it felt more driven by lust than emotional development. I wanted a bit more growth out of both of them. Given how different their worldviews are, I was honestly a bit surprised that their connection progressed as much as it did. That said, the tension between them does add to the story’s momentum.

This book really worked for me in terms of atmosphere. It has strong dark academia elements, which I always enjoy, and the dual POV structure helped keep the pacing engaging. The mysterious figure and his demon companion always kept you guessing. Although I had a sense early on of what the reveal was likely going to be, it didn’t take away from the satisfaction of that revelation in the end.

The plot itself moves at a solid pace, with plenty of dramatic moments to keep things interesting. I didn’t realize going in that this was the first in a series, so the ending left me a little disappointed in that sense, but it still felt like a worthwhile and enjoyable read overall.

All that said, I found myself wanting more depth in the worldbuilding, especially when it came to the Princes and the origins of this demon/magic system. The foundation is compelling, but parts of the history felt a bit too open-ended for my taste and I really wanted more there.

If you’re into dark academia vibes, morally complex characters, and a touch of romance mixed with fantasy, this is one to check out.

Blog Tour - Review: A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson

A Scottish Summer Escape by Ellie Henderson 

Series: Rowan Bay #2
Publisher: ChocLit
Publication Date:  March 18, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


About the Book

❤️  Enemies-to-lovers

❤️  Second-chance

❤️  Small-town

❤️  Forced Proximity

❤️  New beginnings 

After losing the career she built her life around, Flora Fraser retreats to her grandmother’s lakeside cottage in Rowan Bay for the summer.

Rowan Bay offers peace, kindness . . . and Brodie Robertson.

Brodie is infuriatingly self-assured, impossibly charming, and far too rooted in village life to fit into Flora’s temporary plans. Their first encounters spark with friction — and he always seems to be around when things go wrong.

For Flora, it can’t get worse — until she and Brodie find themselves working together. What begins as a battle of wills slowly deepens into attraction, one that becomes harder to resist with every day.

As summer unfolds, mornings spent swimming in the loch, evenings filled with laughter and long walks under starry skies, begin to heal parts of Flora she thought she’d lost. Rowan Bay feels less like a refuge — and more like home.

But Flora has always believed her stay to be temporary. And Brodie belongs here.

When the time comes for Flora to leave, both must decide whether this was simply a fleeting escape — or the beginning of something that could last beyond one perfect summer.

Rating:

This book was both enjoyable but a bit slow for me in the pacing department. The story follows Flora, who heads to her grandmother’s home in Rowan Bay for the summer after losing her job. Her plan to be there for a summer reset slowly shifts when she meets Brodie, the local handyman who seems to help everyone in the village and also volunteers with the loch rescue squad. Their relationship builds gradually as the summer unfolds, creating a sweet, slow-burn romance.

The romance itself was heartwarming and charming, but I struggled a bit to fully connect with the characters. Both Flora and Brodie felt somewhat underdeveloped. There were moments where they seemed to realize important things about themselves but instead of being explored more deeply, they were glossed over pretty quickly. So, I found it a little hard to fully lose myself in the story.

That said, the overall vibe of the book was very cozy. I enjoyed the scenes of Flora helping her grandmother and settling into summer life in Rowan Bay. The other villagers were great additions to the story, and the quieter moments with Iris added warmth to the story. All of this made the setting feel comforting and inviting. The romance is definitely on the sweeter side, with a friendly slow-burn and closed-door/off-page spice.

One thing that did catch me off guard was the inclusion of a POV storyline from Grandma Iris. While I enjoyed it, it felt a bit unexpected in the middle of a romance focused on Flora and Brodie, and it also kind of broke me out of the story whenever it popped in. I otherwise liked the dual POV from Flora and Brodie overall.

This is the second book in a series, and I didn’t read the first installment, so it’s possible there were some connections or character background that I was missing, so some things might be missing the mark for me because of that. Overall, it was a cozy and pleasant read and definitely put me in the mood for some summer sunshine and warmth. 

About the Author

Ellie Henderson lives near the sea on the east coast of Scotland and is a regular visitor to the Isle of Arran on the west coast of Scotland. When she's not writing she runs creative workshops in the community. Ellie also writes psychological fiction under the name Lorna Henderson.

Find the Author

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Early Reader Review: Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

Heir of Illusion by Madeline Taylor 
Series: Verran Isles #1
Publisher: Slowburn
Publication Date:  February 10, 2026

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

She is not the pet they tamed.

Blessed with the power of illusion, Iverson Pomeroy has many tricks up her sleeve. However, none of them are a match for the enchanted collar at her throat that keeps her bound as assassin and mistress to a ruthless king. Forced to play the role of his obedient pet, she plots in secret to destroy him and claim the freedom she has always been denied.

She is the beast they let inside.

When a mysterious reaper, Thorne, arrives in the city with his sights set on the same weapon Ivy needs—the only artifact that can remove her collar—s

With a tenuous alliance tying them together, Ivy learns there is more to her reluctant companion than meets the eye... He sparks her curiosity and ignites dangerous desires within her. But will the secrets they harbor destroy each other? And does it even matter, when anyone who so much as touches Thorne dies?

he must decide how far she’s willing to go.

And she will show no mercy.

Review: 

I have been finding some great romantasy lately and I am here for it.

Heir of Illusion follows Ivy, bound by the king with magic, she has to use her power of illusion to do his bidding. Mostly that means being his assassin but sadly she also fell into the trap of being his lover as well. Essentially a glorified slave, Ivy is not ok with her situation and is looking for a way to break free when Thorne enters her world. A dark and mysterious Reaper, who makes her feel things she doesn't want to explain and he is in her way.

The plot follows her and Thorne through learning that the magic they seek is the same, and there are so many twists. Some were predictable but others were so wonderfully jarring. I have so many questions, in a good way, and cannot wait until book two. 

Ivy, while strong, is also broken and her character was the perfect blend of 'I will kill you' and 'I am hopeless'. She is stubborn and won't ask for help but in comes Thorne with his 'who hurt you' mentality and shadow-daddy nature was swoon-worthy. Thorne was frustrating at times though with the mystery and evading, but in the end it all comes together so wonderfully. 

I really enjoyed the story overall but there are a fair number if triggers, so be aware. Here are a few: domestic abuse, physical abuse, torture, murder, violence. The villain here is really horrible in every way. 

The worldbuilding was good and immersive, and the characters absolutely drive the story forward. The emotional arcs and slow-burn relationship tension were perfection. While I gave this 5 stars, I did find myself wanting a bit more depth and clarity around the magic system itself but expect the series to further enlighten us along the way. The foundations were intriguing, but the rules and limitations could have been explained a bit more. 

Overall, the character dynamics, great tropes, and momentum more than carry the story, making it an addicting read! Be prepared for the triggers and some spice, but if you like a longer fantasy read with that touch her and die vibe, this is certainly for you.

Early Reader Review: A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez

Source: From the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review. 

A Vow in Vengeance by Jaclyn Rodriguez  

Series: Immortal Desires #1
Publisher: Slowburn
Publication Date:  January 13, 2026

 

Format: Paperback ARC


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Deadly tarot, wicked schemes, dangerous alliances . . . can you survive the Forge?

Sexy, action-packed, and brimming with magic, A Vow in Vengeance is an unputdownable romantasy debut.

Rune Ryker has nothing left to lose. Everything’s been stolen by the Immortals—her family, her home, her freedom. But she’s done playing by their rules.

Each year, humans are forced to journey into the Immortal Realms, but twenty-year-old Rune orchestrates her own selection, determined to find her family and destroy anyone who stands in her way. Rune is used to doing whatever it takes to survive, and now she must endure the Forge, a cutthroat college for the Immortal druids’ elusive tarot magic. When Rune’s magic reveals itself to be the rarest and most powerful, she must live with its only other wielder—Prince Draven. As arrogant as he is ruthlessly ambitious, he’s the last person she can trust.

Rune’s abilities also draw the eyes of the most dangerous druids in the realms. Some want to use her. More want her dead. Draven offers to train her . . . for a price. As Rune becomes ensnared in Draven’s dangerous games, she learns there are secrets at the heart of the kingdom that some will kill to protect.

And Rune and Draven’s growing attraction may be the spark to ignite a brewing war.

Tropes

Enemies to Lovers

Fake dating/ fake fated mates

Coming of rage

There’s only one bed

Review: 

This book... was... so... good. I read most of this book in 2 sittings and it was only because I had to force myself to put it down to go to bed. I learned about this book during a virtual author panel and have been thinking about it non-stop since August. I received a review copy and had to force myself not to read it immediately... because I knew that it was going to give me a book hangover and it wasn't out until now (January 2026)

I am so happy that it lived up to my expectations and I am thrilled to have read it. 

The book follows Rune, a mortal who is part of the Selection, a ceremony by the magical realms to claim mortals for their use. She is taken by the Druids and now has been transformed into an immortal being. Part of this race is their magic, a tarot card based system where you are attuned to a power/ Arcane Major and not surprisingly, Rune gets a very good one. She comes with a lot of hatred and rage for the immortals and now especially for the Prince that is always around her. 

This book packs a punch, it is action and adventure, and romance and swooning and the magic system is my new favorite thing for a book. 

Characters - 

Rune is determined, super stubborn, and consistently aggressive. She has had to pave her own way making her independent and high-strung. As she progresses through this story, she learns that she is able to find joy and love in things that she was scared to before. She seems like a force and I can only imagine the rage that will progress through this series. I am so excited for it. 

Draven, the princeling, is a World magic user and he is both feared and revered, but he is lonely and withdrawn until meeting Rune. Their banter and flirting is delicious and the lead up to their feelings is intense and so swoon-worthy. 

The side characters Ember, Wynter, Morgan, Kesper, etc were also SO well formed. Each had a distinct personality and something to add to the story. While there were a lot of them, I never found it hard to tell them apart or understand their motives. So very impressive. 

The magic system - this was the first sell. Magic based on the Tarot. Each Druid is attuned to one and each has a very interesting power. Immortals use the power for a variety of things that the book does a really good job of teaching Rune about the system, so as the reader you get that education as well. Between her classes and the practical uses of the magic in the plot, the build up here was wonderfully done. The other races - Seraphs and Elves also have magic but they operate differently. 

The world - this was such an interesting world-build. We start in the mortal realms and then head into the Druid lands of the immortal realms. I really appreciated having a map, but the author also did a fantastic job piecing it all together throughout the story. 

Overall, if you are looking to dive into a new romantasy series... this IS IT. 

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.