Recent Reads: Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose

Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose

Series: Romancing the Seas #2

Publisher: Burton & Burchell Ltd
Publication Date:  May 14, 2023 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

Love is their only lifeline in a sea of danger - dive into the heart-pumping adventure of Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose!

As the threat of war hangs heavy in the air, Princess Serena of Atlantis knows she must take drastic action to protect her sisters from being hunted and killed. With a plan to marry the human prince, Edward, she takes him to the mystical underwater city of Atlantis and to the court of her stern father, Poseidon. But her plan goes awry and Edward is sentenced to death. With no other choice, Serena is forced to use a forbidden ritual to bind the prince to herself, surrendering her immortality in the process. But with the King of England ordering his men to slaughter all sirens on sight, how will the two be able to convince the royal court to give their blessing?

Meanwhile, Georgette and Captain Stone must face their own demons of the past as they navigate treacherous waters in an attempt to form new alliances and put an end to all of the brutality. In the thrilling second book of the Romancing the Seas series, Bound to a Siren, readers will be taken on an epic journey of adventure, danger, romance, and ultimately, a heartwarming and satisfyingly happy ending. Dive in and start reading now!

TW: Death, pregnancy loss, infertility, sexual violence, and childhood trauma.

Romancing the Seas reading list:

Book 1: Married to a Pirate

Book 2: Bound to a Siren

Book 3: Sworn to a Demigod 

This series is written for mature audiences only.

Review: 

There are Trigger warnings with this book. They are listed in the synopsis so please keep that in mind before picking it up. 

It took me a long time to complete reading this one. I picked it up right after Married to a Pirate, which I really enjoyed, but this book fell a little short for me. I was expecting more of the Georgette and Captain Stone story, but since the POV changes in this book to Serena and Edward, you follow them more heavily. Book one was a whirlwind of adventure and felt very Pirates of the Caribbean. This one was slow to start and then kind of crept along. 

We follow Serena and Edward, so I guess you could say this was kind of like a Little Mermaid retelling in some ways. Their story involves a lot more politics from both families, revenge plots all around, and they are just trying to do their best. Edward, ever the gentleman, wants to help save the sirens, but is still hung up on Georgette. Serena is pretty much just jealous the whole time, trying to win Edwards affections for real. I think I had such a hard time with this one because I didn't really like Edward or Serena at all.

Some positives, this story was a great plot progression and there were a lot of fun twists - that involved the whole group, not just these MCs. There was still some spice, it wasn't as heavy hitting with it as book one, but still good. I also enjoyed the incorporation of all sorts of myths and legends into the story. 

I kept hoping this would turn into Pirates meet Greek myth since that is where it seemed to be heading, and it looks like that is where we will eventually get because next up is a Hercules plot and book 4 is Hades (swoon).  In all honesty, I thought about giving up on this series but now there is a Hades/ Persephone retelling for book 4... so I might have to keep it up. 

Overall, I felt like this story was more filler than anything. The characters were meh, the spice was ok, I finished it, so that is a win, but it was just middle of the road for me. 

Reading Recap: January 2025

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

I am changing things up for 2025, instead of a plan then recap, we are just going to focus on the accomplishments of the month.

While I do have a plan of things that I need to read, but I am trying to give myself some freedom to shift and change things as my mood shifts and changes.

So lets get this kicked off, trying out StoryGraph for some Stats help. 

In January I read...

~~Books I Read in January~~   

How was your January Reading? Do you have plans for February or books you are looking forward to reading?

Feel free to share it in the comments below! I would love to know what you are reading! 

Early Reader Review: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith

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

The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith  

Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication Date:  February 4, 2025

 

Format: Ebook


Rating:


Goodreads Synopsis: 

The Cruel Prince meets The Selection in this captivating duology opener brimming with heart-pounding romance, vicious competition, and beautiful, cruel fae, from the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch Haven, Sasha Peyton Smith.

Every citizen of England is granted one bargain from their immortal fae queen.

High society girls are expected to bargain for qualities that will win them suitors: a rare talent for piano in exchange for one’s happiest childhood memory. A perfect smile for one’s ability to taste.

But Ivy Benton’s debut season arrives with a shocking twist: a competition to secure the heart of the Queen’s fae son, Prince Bram. A prize that could save Ivy’s family from ruin… and free her sister from the bargain that destroyed her.

Yet every glittering fae deal has a rotting heart—and at the center of this contest is a dark plot that could destroy everything Ivy knows.

Sweepingly romantic and deceptively enchanting, this alternate history romantasy will enthrall readers of Holly Black, Stephanie Garber, and Adalyn Grace.

Review: 

I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait for the release of book two! This dark fantasy romance was everything I wanted—magic, mystery, and political intrigue woven into a high-stakes competition that pits England’s elite society girls against each other for a chance to win the Prince’s heart.

Ivy Benton is a resourceful, determined protagonist, fighting not just for her family’s status but for something far more personal—her sister’s stolen memories. The fae in this story are exactly as they should be: eerie, mischievous, and dangerously alluring. Every bargain comes with a cost, and the author does an incredible job of building suspense around these twisted deals.

And then there’s the love triangle—deliciously angsty and full of tension. Ivy is caught between Prince Bram, the fae heir at the center of the competition, and his human brother, Emmett, whose sharp wit and reputation for dalliances make their dynamic even more complicated. The banter between Ivy and the brother crackled with chemistry, and there was a constant push-and-pull, a lingering should they, shouldn’t they energy that had me completely hooked. This dynamic read more 'older teen' in the Young Adult audience, so I think a lot of adult readers will also enjoy it. 

The worldbuilding was rich, the stakes were high, and the competition itself was filled with tension and deception. If you love Young Adult dark fantasy with a touch of romance and a ruthless fae court, this book is a must-read. I’m already counting down the days until the sequel!

Blog Tour: Frog Fish and Worm by Christina Bianco

Frog Fish & Worm by Christina Bianco
Publisher: Pegasus Publishers
Publication Date:  January 30, 2025

 

About the Book: 

Get ready to giggle with 'Frog, Fish, and Worm'! 

This toe-tapping, fish-flapping, and worm-squirming adventure will have kids aged 2-8 in stitches. 

Watch as these three tiny titans team up against the fisherman, Stan. 

But guess who joins the underwater shenanigans? 

A toothless Crocodile! With their hilarious hijinks and a pinch of teamwork, they give Stan the fright of his fishing life. 

It's a rip-roaring rhyme-time, proving that even the littlest critters can outsmart the biggest bullies. So dive into this gigglesome, fin-tastic tale, and let the underwater fun begin!

Rating:

Format: Ebook
Source: From Zooloo Book Tours and the Author in exchange for an honest review. This in no way alters my opinion or review.

Frog, Fish, and Worm is a lively, rhyming adventure that’s sure to get kids giggling. With bright, engaging illustrations and a playful rhythm, it delivers plenty of humor—especially with the worm on the hook, whose antics will have little readers laughing out loud. The story’s teamwork and silly twists keep the energy high, and the addition of a toothless crocodile adds even more fun to the mix.

That said, as an adult reader, I found some elements a bit off-putting. The fisherman comes across as somewhat creepy, and certain aspects of the worm’s depiction felt oddly suggestive, even if unintentionally so. While kids will likely be too busy laughing to notice, it may give some parents pause.

Overall, Frog, Fish, and Worm is a fast-paced, entertaining read for young children, with plenty of silliness to enjoy—just be prepared for a few moments that might raise an eyebrow.

About the Author:

Christina has had a successful career in the Art, Design and TV Industry before
owning her very own Art Gallery.

Inspired by her love of reading and doodling, Christina decided to put pen to paper and create 'Dorothy Dustbucket.'

Splitting time between Europe and the UK, she lives in the beautiful county of Cheshire, along with her husband and two children, who provided much of the inspiration for the children's books.

Find the Author 

TikTok | Twitter | Instagram

 

Building the Book Pile #473

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

uuugh... I am sick, I think it is the flu or just a really bad cold. Either way, I feel disgusting. it is also in the negatives today, so I am just staying in and am going to cozy up with some Dayquil and a book. I hope you are better off than I am.

That all said, I did have time to prep some February reviews. Excited for the books coming out this month.

 

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

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week 

Blog Tour: Frog Fish & Worm by Christina Bianco (Youth)

Early Reader Review: The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith (YA)

Reading Re-Cap: January 2025

Review: Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose (Adult)

Books Received Recently...  

  

 From Megabat with Love by Anna Humphrey - From Librarything Early Reviewers program

Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros - bought

Have you missed anything lately?

Review:  Witching you Weren't Snowed in by Jenna Collett -4 stars

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway: Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black

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

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!

Blog Blast w/ Giveaway: Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black

Chasing Headlines by J. Rose Black
Series: Chasing Victory, #1
Publication date: January 2nd 2025
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, New Adult, Romance

They’re chasing the same dream…
Too bad they’re not on the same team.

When Breslin Cooper’s major league dreams go up in flames, he’s left with his backup plan: college baseball at Texas State Tech in Vanquer, Texas. But his public altercation with a reporter saddles him with mandated community service, therapy–and a toxic “Storm Cooper” reputation that no professional baseball scout will touch.

Liv Milline’s family name is practically synonymous with IML baseball. Yet despite her love for the game (the tight pants aren’t bad, either) and her dreams of becoming a baseball scout–her father holds one, ironclad rule: No baseball for Olivia (the corollary: no baseball players for Olivia is just downright mean).

Her one loophole? Playing baseball beat reporter for Texas State Tech.

Chasing similar dreams, Liv attempts to befriend Breslin. But the amazingly talented, pain in her aperture has only two words to say whenever she’s around: “No comment”.

Still, she can’t help but notice the troubled ballplayer’s running on overload. Emotionally wounded and reeling from his mother’s death, the only time Breslin seems close to “ok” is on the ballfield. Liv and his new teammates can’t seem to get through.

When a lapse in judgment catches Breslin in a real-world rundown, jeopardizing his probation and his baseball scholarship, his only choice may be to rely on Liv–the aggravating, attractive, and utterly relentless reporter, chasing her latest headline.

[Book one of a series, Chasing Headlines ends with a HFN, no cliffhanger, but lingering / unresolved issues waiting to bite them in the butt in Book 2.]

   

Breslin POV

I threw my glove in my locker and grabbed my backpack from the hook. I imagined myself bounding out of the room, but my legs barely managed more than a shuffle.

Still, I must have gotten going a bit too fast because, the next thing I knew, Rally Girl was on the ground, phone skittering across the tile.

And I was the asshole. Shit.

She sat on her rear in the center of the hallway, rubbed her hip and winced. Fuck, is she going to claim I injured her—to get back at me for earlier? I glanced behind me at the locker room door. She can follow me. I looked at the exit door. I’d have to step over her. That would be ridiculous. I had more integrity than that.

Still . . .

She hissed through clenched teeth.

“You . . .” Dammit, what was her name? I had not been paying attention to anything other than, well, my shirt. On her body. Idiot.

“Well, what’s left of me. Geez, do you eat bricks for breakfast or what?”

Her legs, long and tan and open—they bent at the knee as she rested her elbows on them. And apparently, my body was not too tired to enjoy the view.

“I’m not hurt and I’m not upset. But maybe you could help me up?” She spoke in a soft voice. Dark eyelashes framed bright blue-green eyes.

I extended a hand and tugged her to her feet. She stood for a breath, two. So close. Connected. Something about the feel of her skin against mine . . . A small, but soothing warmth tingled through the nerves in my hand, sparking a heated rush from my palm to my neck.

A sharp breath, and then her fingers slid from my grasp. I missed the warmth of her.

“. . . maybe offer an apology?” She moved her hand up and down in a phantom handshake. “Sure, Coop. No hard feelings.”

“Sorry,” I mumbled. Can this be over? I panted for air and shifted back a step. Her being the hot chick in the water fountain had been one thing. I could have tried to find her, always wondered, haunted the student center in the hopes I’d run into her again.

Her being a reporter meant all of those things went on the “no fucking way, ever” list.

“I don’t know what you’re over there thinking, but, I wouldn’t hurt you. You mean too much to the team.” She frowned. “This was an accident. Not that it didn’t jar me to the bone. You missed your calling as a linebacker.”

I blinked. Opened my mouth. Re-ran the words through my brain. She just said a shit ton of stuff, and what the fuck was any of it about?

“I’m fine, really. You need to stop gushing over me. All the upset is really beneath you.” One eyebrow rose and she crossed her arms. How did she breathe while saying all those words?

“Um, are you OK?” She leaned closer.

I stared at her mouth. “You talk a lot.”

Her arms dropped to her sides. “That’s what you have to say? Not a ‘You OK?’ or ‘So sorry, I didn’t see you there. Can I help you with your things?’”

I didn’t catch all of it, but, maybe, if I did the last thing, she’d move out of my way? And I could get food, drink a gallon of water, take a shower? I stunk to hell and back.

Help her with her stuff. I set my backpack down and knelt at her feet. I tried not to think about those short running shorts or how good it’d feel to slide my fingers over the curve of her calf, up to her hip. I shoved her shit into her bag and tossed it to her. I retrieved her phone from the tile floor.

“That’s, um. Yeah. Thanks.” She pulled the device from my grip.

I pushed my sweat-soaked hair from my forehead. “You’re OK?”

“Yeah.” She pulled the bag over her shoulder. “Got bowled over by a human freight train, but lived to tell the tale. I pity any catcher that tries to get in your way.” She gave me a tight-lipped smile.

So many words. No wonder she had to write them all down. “But you’re fine?”

“What, do you need me to sign a waiver?”

Red hazed into my vision. “I’d say yes, but reporters are lying snakes in the grass. Wouldn’t matter.”

“I . . .” Her jaw worked, but no sound came out.

An errant thought about her mouth working flit through my brain.

“But, I–We’re on the same team, Coop.” She pointed at her jersey as if that was “proof”. It sure as hell wasn’t.

“We’re not.” I hefted my backpack onto my shoulder. “But you were right about one thing.”

“What do you mean?”

I leaned down and stared at her head on. She turned a deep dark pink.

“To pity the person who tries to get in my way.”

About the Author

J. Rose Black weaves stories about obsession, redemption, and the transcendental power of love. From her early days writing fanfiction for a passionate following of international readers, to crafting novels with her own characters, Rose has always been drawn to broody protectors and plucky, no-nonsense women ready to fight for what they believe in.

When Rose isn’t deeply immersed in her latest manuscript, she’s working in cyber security and thwarting the next generation of internet bad guys. Out of the office, she’s #Shipping with friends over her favorite, swoon-worthy couples, heading to the gym to battle the great evil that is Unmovable Baby Weight, or complaining about her husband’s addiction to 3D printing. Also: nagging her children to eat something other than cheese.

Find the Author

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram / Newsletter / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

—

Recent Reads: Witching you Weren't Snowed in by Jenna Collett

Witching you Weren't Snowed in by Jenna Collett 
Series: Witching You #2
Publisher: Independently Published
Publication Date: November 12, 2024 

 

Format: Ebook
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Rating:

Goodreads Synopsis: 

It's just a little snow...what could go wrong?

Sage Bennett is a witch with a tricky problem. After hustling for years to become a top agent tasked with granting holiday miracles, her latest case has left her burned out and hiding an awkward secret: a magical snowfall that follows her wherever she goes. With the storms creating chaos and her job in limbo, Sage escapes back home to a picturesque ski village just weeks before Christmas, hoping to break her snowy curse and rediscover her lost holiday spirit.

However, Sage's plans for a peaceful homecoming end when she runs into Leo Grayson, the new owner of the local resort and the man who broke her heart. Now, he's back—infuriating and somehow more irresistible than ever. He's also the town's favorite villain, and he needs her help to save his failing ski resort.

Sage could say no. She should say no. But when Leo discovers her secret, she's stuck playing along until one of her spontaneous snowstorms leaves them stranded together in the cozy lodge.

As old grudges melt and attraction heats up, Sage starts to suspect there's more to this holiday getaway and magical snowfall than she initially thought.

Witching You Weren't Snowed In is a laugh-out-loud, heartwarming romantic comedy that will leave you wondering if the one you left behind might just be the one you've been waiting for.

Review: 

I read the first book in this series for the HoHoHo Readathon, this one is in the series but follows a different romance and characters in the same world as before. 

Sage Bennett is burnt out and her job has placed her on mental health leave to sort it all out. When she is stressed she causes the weather to go crazy and so her stress has been causing blizzard-like conditions wherever she is.  She is sent home to mom and dad just in time for the holiday season, but she is bummed. She is her work and this relaxing thing is SO out of her element. While there she is tricked into helping her ex revive his reputation in the town. 

Sage is driven and determined, but too dense to see herself spiraling out. She was a good FMC though.  This was a short novella length Christmas romance at its heart. It was charming and cute and the twist ending was well played. 

The story was good and the witty banter was so fun. I enjoyed this read. It was short and easy and the plot was pretty fluff. If more come out in this series, I will likely pick them up. They have been great for cozy winter weather reads. 

Building the Book Pile #472

Welcome to Building the Book Pile!

Hello Readers, Bloggers, and Awesome people! 

Happy Sunday friends. I hope you have had a great week. 

I have been reading a lot, but most of the books are reviews coming in February or March, so bear with me as I try to have some reviews up but probably not as many. In February and March, the pace will pick up again. 

It has been cold here in NH, but this weekend we got a little break. It was right around freezing for most the weekend, which in January is warm. That said, this week we are back into the teens and very cold again ...sadly. I am over here dreaming of Spring and the garden and hammock time with my books. 

How are you holding up with winter?

 

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

xo steph

Coming up on the Blog

This Week Hopefully

Review:  Witching you Weren't Snowed in by Jenna Collett

Review: Bound to a Siren by Athena Rose

Books Received Recently...  

  

  

Anything by Rebecca Stead - From the publisher for review

A Song for You and I by K. O'Neill - from the Publisher and Netgalley for review.

Have you missed anything lately?

Review: Lightfall by Ed Crocker (Adult, Fantasy)-3 stars

Review: Pucking Wild by Emily Rath (Adult) -4 stars

Review: Pucking Ever After Volume I and II by Emily Rath  (Adult) - 5 and 4 stars

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

What have you been reading?  Leave a comment for me.

Happy Reading! Happy Holidays!

Recent Reads: Pucking Ever After Vol I and II by Emily Rath

Pucking Ever After Volume I and Volume 2 

Series: Jacksonville Rays #1.5 and #2.5
Publisher: Emily Rath Books
Publication Date:  April 23, 2023 & Nov 22, 2023

Format: Ebooks
Source: Kindle Unlimited

Goodreads Synopsis- Volume 1:

From the Amazon Bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series comes a Happily Ever After novella full of spice, laughter, and so much love.

Curious to know what happened to Rachel and the guys after that fateful hockey game in LA? PUCKING EVER VOL 1 provides readers with a six-chapter peek into the future of Team Price. Bonus content in this volume spans four years after the end of PUCKING AROUND.

"Show me all the ways I'm yours."

"I would bury myself in you, wife. No beginning. No end."

"Mars, if this is your baby, please don't name him Flörp."

PUCKING EVER VOL 1 is a special collection of bonus scenes meant to be read after PUCKING AROUND. It is a spicy 'why choose' hockey romance. A list of tropes and tags can be found at the author's website.

  

Goodreads Synopsis- Volume 2:

From the International Bestselling Jacksonville Rays Hockey Series comes a second Happily Ever After novella!

PUCKING EVER VOL 2 provides readers with SEVEN new chapters of happily ever after content. This volume spans five years and includes swoony and spicy HEA stories for both the Price Family (PUCKING AROUND) and Tess & Ryan (PUCKING WILD).

"Come on daddy...don't make me beg."

"I can't breathe for wanting you. I have no pride left."

"Mars...do you love me?"

PUCKING EVER VOL 2 is a special collection of bonus scenes meant to be read after PUCKING WILD (book #2 in the Jax Rays hockey romance series). A list of tropes and tags can be found at the author's website.

   

 

Review: 

As a follow-up to the main books, these two volumes of short stories are an absolute delight. Packed with sharp, witty banter and a chaotic energy that keeps the pages turning, they offer readers a whirlwind of emotions in bite-sized narratives. 

The multiple POVs from both Pucking Around and Pucking Wild bring depth and variety, allowing glimpses into the lives and thoughts of the beloved characters while keeping the storytelling dynamic and engaging.

These short stories are perfect for fans of the previous books, offering a mix of humor, heat, and heartfelt moments that expand on the world and relationships established earlier. They’re also a must-read for those who enjoyed the first installment of the series, an MMMF steamy romance that introduced this intriguing universe of messy, passionate, and unforgettable characters.

With their fast-paced, playful tone, these volumes feel like a love letter to readers who’ve grown attached to the series’ unique blend of steam, drama, and humor. If you’re craving more of the banter, chaos, and emotional depth that made the earlier books so captivating, these stories won’t disappoint.

Volume 1 includes: Jake's Ice Cream trick, Emergency Contact, Up in the Air (spicy airplane time), Ikea (Mars; worst nightmare), Paternity Test #1 and King of the Ice.

Volume 2 includes: Dark Devil (Karaoke night), Turks and Caicos (Tess/Ryan), Waiting Part 1 (Tess), Waiting Part 2 (Ryan), No Exit, and The Dentist parts 1-2 with Mars and Caleb.