Reviews
The Rose Bargain by Sasha Peyton Smith – A Twisty YA Fantasy Romance
“I remember everything. I remember everything so much I am being crushed under the weight of it all. If I weren’t so horribly defined by everything I’ve ever loved and lost, maybe I could be the kind of person who moved through life easily.” Summary The Rose Bargain is a fast-paced, Regency-inspired fantasy romance set in an alternate England where young women are given the opportunity to strike magical bargains with an immortal fae Queen. In exchange for beauty, talent, or other gifts that could improve their marriage prospects, they must give up something deeply personal, often without fully understanding the cost. The story follows a sharp, ambitious protagonist navigating…
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon – Reading Diary Part 2
Last time we spoke, I was about 50% through Tusk Love. My thoughts were pretty neutral at that point as the story was following a fairly typical arc for fantasy. I enjoyed that aspect and had few complaints. But I have since finished the book and now have far more thoughts about it! It is still a fairly light-hearted story, that no prior knowledge of Critical Role is needed to dive right into. So let’s chat about the second half of Tusk Love. Continuing the Journey Funnily enough, until I hit pause about halfway through, there was some flirtation but no definitive spice. Going into this book, I wasn’t sure…
Tusk Love by Thea Guanzon – Reading Diary Part 1
Some books just beg to be documented as you read them. I haven’t done a reading vlog in a while but wanted to do one for Tusk Love! I also have a part 1 vlog if you’d prefer to watch, but I wanted to share some of my early thoughts and thoughts as I go. (Spoiler free of course) Why I Picked It Up This book came to my attention initially by social media. I really loved the cover and wanted to know more about it. Tusk Love is a mix of DnD meets fantasy romance. And while I know next to nothing about DnD, I know a fair share…
The Night Prince by Lauren Palphreyman – The Best Book in the Series So Far
“I have tasted freedom here, in the Northlands. But my dreams make me wonder if I still feel trapped – caught in a game between alphas I have little control over.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary In the sequel to The Wolf King, Aurora and Callum find themselves forced to form an alliance with one of the most feared wolves in the kingdom, Blake. Despite being their enemy, he has entangled his life with Aurora’s and so neither can harm him without also harming Aurora. As Aurora works to break their connection, she begins to think there is more than Blake is letting on. Not just about their connection, but also…
The Wolf King by Lauren Palphreyman – I Hate Love Triangles Except This One
“I’ll learn to fight. I’ll make my own stories, rather than be the side character in the stories of kings.” Summary Princess Aurora longs to escape the castle where her marriage has been arranged for her. And it is the night before her wedding, while at a dog fight, where werewolves are made to fight for sport, she spares the life of a young wolf. This gets her the attention of a powerful alpha. Later that evening when the alpha escapes, he kidnaps her and takes her to the rugged northlands. Where clans that once warred are beginning to unite. The alpha believes that Aurora is the key to winning…
A Kiss of Iron by Clare Sager – Possibly My Favorite Slow Burn?
“For the women who are, behind their smiles, fucking furious.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary In a world where magic is forbidden and danger lurks behind every mask, A Kiss of Iron follows a clever and resourceful woman who finds herself entangled in a deadly game of secrets, seduction, and survival. When she’s forced into a bargain with a powerful fae lord, she discovers that power—and desire—can be more treacherous than she ever imagined. With morally gray characters, slow-burn tension, and lush world-building, this fantasy romance is perfect for readers who love danger with a dash of decadence. Thoughts on the Plot If I am being honest, there are a lot…
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas – One of my Favorite TOG Books So Far
“So she steeled herself. “I have never told anyone this story. No one in the world knows it. But it’s mine,” she said, blinking past the burning in her eyes, “and it’s time for me to tell it.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary In Heir of Fire, Celaena finds herself far from Rifthold, sent on a mission that forces her to confront her past and face the truth of who she really is. As she trains and overcomes inner demons, new characters enter the story, and the world of Erilea expands in much more dramatic and magical ways. This book is a fantastic transition with emotional turns, setting the stage for…
Enchantra by Kaylie Smith – Still My Favorite MMC to Date
“She’d long given up the hope that someone with a white horse would ever come to save her. But that didn’t mean she couldn’t be the knight in shining armor for herself. For them.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary Genevieve Grimm has felt adrift ever since her sister became the head of the family. So when a mysterious friend of their mother’s invites her to Italy, she accepts. She doesn’t expect the owner’s ruthlessly handsome son to slam the door in her face. Rowin Silver is tall, dark, and exceptionally rude, and invitation or not, he demands Genevieve leave and never come back. But Genevieve follows nobody’s orders, especially those of…
Swordheart by T. Kingfisher – A Fun Cozy Fantasy Romance
“Even in her most dramatic imaginings, Halla didn’t think she could beat herself to death with the chamberpot.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary When Halla’s great-uncle passes away, she inherits not only his estate but also his unwelcome relatives. Sarkis is an immortal swordsman trapped in his own prison of steel. When Halla draws the sword one evening, Sarkis finds himself tasked with defending his new wielder. Which turns out to be from everything: bandits, inquisitors, and even her own relatives. Yet it is the sword itself that might prove to the greater threat. Thoughts on the Plot I think one of my favorite aspects of this book is that the…
The Assassin’s Blade by Sarah J. Maas – This One Ripped My Heart Out
“This girl wasn’t like wildfire—she was wildfire. Deadly and uncontrollable. And slightly out of her wits.” Goodreads / Storygraph Summary Celaena Sardothien is her kingdom’s most feared assassin. Though she works for the powerful and ruthless assassin’s guild, she yields and trusts no one, except her fellow assassin, Sam. When Arobynn Hamel, Celaena’s master, sends her on a mission that takes her to remote islands, she finds herself acting independently from Arobynn’s wishes. But defying Arobynn comes with a harsh punishment and puts Celaena’s closest friend, Sam, directly in danger. This prequel to Throne of Glass features five novellas that weave together Celaena’s early years. Novellas included are: Thoughts on…
