Category Archives: Reviews

Review: The Shattered King by Charlie N. Holmberg

Posted on September 2, 2025 by AmyB

A captive healer and a mysterious prince are drawn to each other in the midst of war and magic in a beguiling dark fantasy by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

The kingdom of Cansere is on the brink of war. Young men are conscripted from their homes, and a royal decree from the queen has made healing the only legal form of craftlock. Nym, a healer and beekeeper, is the sole provider for her family of seven now that her younger brother has been sent to the war front. But when a letter comes from the queen, summoning Nym to the palace to heal Prince Renn, the kingdom’s ailing shut-in, Nym finds herself making the tumultuous journey from her family’s apiary to the capital city. Nym is determined to fail the queen’s mission and return to her younger siblings as soon as she can.

But escaping the castle’s hold isn’t as easy as failing a simple test. Prince Renn is cold and distant, and his illness is like nothing Nym has ever seen before, nothing she could ever imagine treating. In a moment of connection with Prince Renn, Nym manages to remedy the faintest symptom of his ailment—only to discover that no healer before has made such progress. Forced to become the prince’s official healer and a ward of the castle, and with her only hope of returning to her family hinging on the prince’s recovery, Nym must navigate the castle’s cruel and twisted court and uncover the haunting truth behind Prince Renn’s illness—even as she finds herself irrevocably drawn to him.

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MY REVIEW

A captive healer and a mysterious prince are drawn to each other in the midst of war and magic in a beguiling dark fantasy by Wall Street Journal bestselling author Charlie N. Holmberg.

Overall, I thought this book was a solid read. The plot and world-building really stood out to me, and I found the magic system and darker elements unique and intriguing. Nym and Prince Renn were compelling characters, and I enjoyed the slow-burn aspect of their romance.

That said, let’s talk about pacing. At first, I was pleasantly surprised. The beginning moved along well, especially for a fantasy novel where slower pacing is often expected. However, as the story continued, the pacing started to drag. The more I read, the harder it became to stay focused, which left me feeling a little disappointed.

That being said, I still found this book to be an enjoyable read. The magical elements were fascinating, the mystery surrounding the prince’s illness kept me on my toes, and the twists near the end definitely left me curious as to where the story will go next.

While The Shattered King wasn’t a perfect fit for me, I’m glad I picked it up and would be open to reading more from this author in the future.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher & NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Fantasy, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Bad Luck Bride by Laura Lee Guhrke

Posted on July 29, 2025 by AmyB

In this dazzling Victorian romance from a New York Times bestselling author, one unlucky lady believes her fate is finally changing until the rake that broke her heart returns to town.

Third time’s a charm? For Lady Kay Matheson, it had better be. Her first engagement was a failed elopement; the second ruined by gossip about the first. Resigned to be a disgraced spinster, no one is more surprised than Kay when an American millionaire offers for her hand. Just when she’s convinced she will finally make it down the aisle, the scoundrel who broke her heart arrives with his own fiancée.

Devlin Sharpe has finally become a success. He has wealth, connections, and a lovely bride-to-be—and he won’t let an old flame derail all his hard work. But it turns out time has not dampened his grudge toward Kay—or the desire sparking between them. And one searing kiss threatens to ruin their wedding plans and their futures, and make Kay the bad-luck bride all over again.

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MY REVIEW

Lady Kay Matheson has the worst luck when it comes to men. Her first engagement was a failed elopement; the second was ruined by gossip. Resigned to be a disgraced spinster, no one is more surprised than Kay when an American millionaire offers for her hand. Just when she’s convinced her luck has finally changed, heartbreaker, Devlin Sharpe returns home with his own fiancée….

Now this was a historical romance I can get behind. Bad Luck Bride is a fantastic read from beginning to end. The characters were entertaining, and I just LOVED the setting. The writing style and flow was perfect as well. It reminded me a bit of Pride and Prejudice, but with more scandal and steam.
I absolutely adored Bad Luck Bride. This story was top-notch and exceeded my expectations. I think I might have just found my go-to author for Historical Romance.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 4.5 Stars, Adult, Feature, Historical Romance, Promo, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Murder on the Icing by Valerie Burns

Posted on July 29, 2025 by AmyB

Influencer-turned-bakery-owner Maddy Montgomery has sold plenty of wedding cakes before, but before she turns one out for her and her fiancé’s wedding, she’ll have to solve a little case of murder . . .

Aunt Octavia would be so proud! Maddy has turned Baby Cakes Bakery—named for her 250-pound English Mastiff, Baby—into a runaway success, and she’s marrying the love of her life, veterinarian Michael Portman. #DreamWedding! Plus the timing couldn’t be the country’s biggest bridal expo has come to New Bison, Michigan, and Maddy has secured a spot for Baby Cakes to showcase their cakes. She’s also entered a contest for an all-expenses-paid wedding extravaganza offered by world-renowned wedding planner Serafina.

Unfortunately, supremely nasty Serafina truly takes the cake—she makes the worst bridezilla seem like a shy flower girl. But there’s one thing the wedding planner didn’t plan on—being impaled by one of the skewers Baby Cakes uses on their tiered wedding cakes.

While Maid of Honor Sheriff April Johnson rounds up suspects at the expo, Maddy and her aunt’s friends, the Baker Street Irregulars, and even Baby join forces to unveil a killer hiding in plain sight . . . before wedding bells start to chime.

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MY REVIEW

Icing on the Murder is the fourth book in the Baker Street Bakery. While I haven’t read any of the previous books in this series, I still found this book easy to read and follow.

Icing on the Murder is quite the departure from my normal reads, but I found this to be really enjoyable. I really liked the writing style and was thoroughly entertained by the characters. Icing on the Murder has a little bit of everything, from murder to mystery to a dash of romance. Icing on the Murder was my first cozy mystery read and definitely won’t be my last.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.*

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Contemporary Fiction, Diverse Romance, Feature, Promo, Release Blitz, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Feature with Review: The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau

Posted on July 29, 2025 by AmyB

A woman takes a job at a secretive French garden to avoid reminders of children; there she meets a mysterious girl needing help. This debut adult novel blends the charm of The Secret Garden and magic realism of Where the Forest Meets the Stars.

“Here lie the bones of those who broke the rules . . .”

There are many rules those who wish to live and work behind the mysterious walled gardens of Le Château du Paradis must follow. One must not gossip. One must not leave their room during dusk.

And most importantly for the newest gardener, Eloise Bourne, children are forbidden.

Although she’s locked inside the castle grounds and subjected to strange rules, Eloise’s new home enchants her with otherworldly lodging and magical flowers. Best of all, her co-workers–who are also retreating from the world–spark her to heal both body and soul. And she feels surprisingly drawn to the intriguing handyman, Raphaël.

But when she starts glimpsing a mysterious child in the trees, she reels. Is this a human girl? Or a woodsprite? Is it her imagination, or is this place truly enchanted?

As the summer unfolds, Eloise begins to fear the child is in danger. It’s not until she breaks the rules and risks her heart that Paradise becomes a prison. Eloise must unearth the gardens’ secrets, fight for her newfound family, and ultimately, claim a second chance at happiness.

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MY REVIEW

A broken woman. A mysterious job ad. A chance to heal in French castle gardens. The Alchemy of Flowers is an enchanting, modern-day take on The Secret Garden, sprinkled with magic, a hint of mystery, and a dash of romance.

The Alchemy of Flowers is a unique and complex debut novel. While enchanting and visually stunning, this book wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I’m not sure if it was due to the pacing or because I was hoping for a darker tone. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely an air of mystery, but I just felt like something was missing.

The Alchemy of Flowers is a story about healing, fresh starts, and second chances. Unfortunately, this book was a bit hit and miss for me as it had its fair share of ups and downs. It was a bit rough around the edges, and the pacing definitely could be improved. That being said, I do think the bones of this story are solid and that the author has a lot of good potential. I would definitely be open to checking out future books from this author.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Contemporary, Debut Novel, Fantasy, Feature, Promo, Release Blitz, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Feature with Review: From West, With Regret by Brittany Taylor

Posted on July 25, 2025 by AmyB

He promised he’d come find me… then I forgot that he existed.

A tragic incident robbed me of any memories I’d ever had before my fourteenth birthday, and I spent the second half of my life wondering if I’d ever get them back.

Years later, on the way to my late husband’s funeral, in a city I don’t know, I slip into a bar to prepare his eulogy on a cocktail napkin. Instead, I end up confessing all my ugly truths about my abusive marriage to the bartender, confident we’ll never cross paths again.

Until I see him a few hours later, sitting beside my husband’s casket.

Turns out Weston Knight isn’t just a bar owner.
He’s also my dead husband’s billionaire brother.

Mortified, I’m desperate to escape, but when West finally catches up with me and offers me a job in one of his many bars in New York City, I can’t find it in me to resist him.

Everything about West feels familiar. His voice. His touch. His kisses.
It isn’t long before he’s consuming my every thought, even in my dreams.

But the closer we become, the more I learn that West has secrets of his own. Ones that have led to a life of regret. And when the memories of my tragic past finally return, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I’ve crossed paths with this man before.

They say you should leave the past behind.

But what if the past is all I’ve ever wanted?

*From West, With Regret is an angsty, spice filled, ex’s brother billionaire romance. It is Book 2 in the NYC Billionaires Series and can be read as a complete standalone, however, it is recommended you read Book 1 first.

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MY REVIEW

“Can you possibly know someone without knowing them?”

“Our connection was already mapped out in the stars.”

He promised he’d come and find me, and then I forgot him…Talk about a line that totally grips your heart!! It’s been a minute since I’ve read a book with an amnesia trope, and this one did not disappoint. From West, With Regret is a beautiful love story of love, loss, soulmates, and regret.

The moment West lays eyes on London, it’s as though no time has passed. Every memory, every moment, flashes before his eyes. The only problem is that London doesn’t remember him at all. Despite having amnesia, she doesn’t let her lack of memory define her. She takes every moment in stride and is determined to make the most of each moment. And when tragedy strikes, London finally gets her freedom and a chance to discover who she really is.

From West, With Regret left me tangled up in knots in the best possible way. West was one of my favorite characters and definitely a top book boyfriend for 2025. The lengths he went through to ensure London’s safety and happiness made my heart swoon. There is nothing and I mean nothing he wouldn’t do for her.

West and London’s story will take readers on one heck of a ride. Their story is emotional and consuming. These two characters have been THROUGH it and despite every obstacle and twist thrown their way, their love only grew stronger.

In the end, this book will make you believe in the forever kind of love, soulmates, and happily ever afters.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

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Posted in 5 Stars, Adult, Billionaire, Contemporary Romance, Favorite Author, Feature, Promo, Release Blitz, Reviews, Romance, Second Chance, Series. Bookmark the permalink.

Release Blitz with Review: Ruining Hattie

Posted on July 17, 2025 by AmyB

A man with no limits is the most dangerous kind of threat.

When Trent Clarke caught me picking pockets at eleven, he didn’t turn me in. Instead, he took me under his wing and taught me that in this world, you take what you want and never look back.

He might have shaped me, but I built my empire of the most successful string of strip clubs on the West Coast.

Now that I have everything, it’s time to track down my deadbeat mother and remind her who she left behind. That is if the drugs didn’t kill her already.

But I don’t find the worn-down shell of the woman I remember. Instead, she has all the things she never managed to give me—the white picket fence, a family dog, even church on Sunday mornings.

The real kicker? She replaced me and raised the perfect daughter with all the care and love she never gave me.

A twisted need for revenge roars to life inside me, and I aim it at my mother’s precious stepdaughter—sweet, sheltered Hattie Sinclair.

At first, it’s purely about vengeance, pulling Hattie into the darkness to watch her innocence unravel piece by piece. But she becomes something more. Something dangerous. Something I can’t resist.

Until she becomes my obsession.

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Amazon: https://books2read.com/RH

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MY REVIEW

A man with no limits is the most dangerous kind of threat.

Ruining Hattie is a delicious and tempting read featuring two completely opposite characters and one unforgettable love story.

Bastian is a deeply complicated character who’s no stranger to struggle and intense situations. While he had a rough start, he’s built an empire and has everything he could want at his fingertips. What he didn’t plan on was Hattie. Hattie is the epitome of innocence that he can’t wait to corrupt.

Ruining Hattie takes us back to the darker side of Piper Rayne and is completely addictive. I mean, you can’t go wrong with a revenge plot that turns into more. Hattie and Bastian’s story is messy, complicated, and will keep you on your toes. The chemistry and sexual tension oozed off the pages, leaving me begging for more.

If you’re a fan of morally gray characters and forbidden romances, you won’t want to miss Ruining Hattie.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review *

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Dark Romance, Favorite Author, Feature, Morally Gray Hero, Promo, Release Blitz, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Eclipsed Empire by Tessa Hale

Posted on July 16, 2025 by AmyB

One secret tore my life apart. It sent me running from the place I thought I would be safe, right into the path of untold enemies.

But when my life is in danger, the wolves I thought I’d lost for good are the ones who come for me. And they’ll burn down the world to keep me safe—even if none of us trusts each other anymore.

With every moment we’re forced together, every whispered apology and stolen touch, my resolve to keep them at a distance weakens. And when I realize just how much each of these men has come to mean to me, that resolve crumbles to dust.

Only there are more secrets to uncover—all our pasts lurking in the shadows. And when the monsters emerge from the darkness, there’s no escaping them this time…

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MY REVIEW

Eclipsed Empire picks up right where the previous book left off and hits the ground running. And let me tell you, this book packs a punch. The chemistry. The pack dynamic. The twists and drama…This book kept me on my toes, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

I am obsessed with this series and these characters. The Wolves of Crescent Creek series is quickly becoming one of my favorite guilty pleasures. I loved everything about Eclipsed Empire from beginning to end. And speaking of the end, this book ends with a doozy of a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 3.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 5 Stars, Adult, Favorite Author, Morally Gray Hero, Paranormal Romance, Promo, Reviews, Romance, Supernatural. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: The Side Project by Laurel Osterkamp

Posted on July 14, 2025 by AmyB

Ten years ago, he shattered her heart. Now they’re writing their next chapter… together.

Rylee Lynch is stuck. Still living in the small Minnesota town she swore she’d leave, she spends her days caring for her younger brother and mourning the literary future her late father dreamed for her. California, graduate school, and the Great American Novel? Not even close.

Then Carson Meyers walks back into her life.

He was the high school golden boy who left her behind without a second glance. Now, he’s a single dad with a past full of regrets—and the last person Rylee expects to see across the aisle of her graduate writing class.

When they’re paired as critique partners, it’s like fate is forcing them to confront the story they never finished. But the real plot twist? A secret agreement to become each other’s “side project”—a no-strings, no-feelings, keep-it-casual arrangement they both swear won’t lead to heartbreak.

Yet with every late-night writing session and stolen moment, buried secrets begin to surface. Old wounds are reopened. And the story they’re telling on paper starts to feel a lot like the one they’re living.

Because falling in love was never part of the plan… and neither was the truth that could ruin everything.

Perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Annabel Monaghan, The Side Project is a smart, sexy, and emotionally layered novel about second chances, unfinished stories, and the risk it takes to rewrite your life.

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MY REVIEW

The Side Project is a cute and spicy single dad, second chance romance.

Rylee had big dreams of pursuing a life in California, but having to raise her little brother kept her home. Carson also had plans of his own until his girlfriend got pregnant. Being a single dad was the last thing he planned for. Ten years later, Carson and Rylee find themselves as partners in a graduate writing class. When research becomes reality, nothing good can come from a no-strings romance….

I thought this book was an okay read. I thought the characters were likable, and the plot was entertaining. I liked the dynamic between Carson and Rylee. There was definitely some history between them, especially with Carson rejecting Rylee in high school. I couldn’t wait to see how things would develop and if they’d be able to leave the past behind.

However, I did have some issues with this story. Pacing being the biggest one. For me, the pacing was slow and dragged at times. Also, there were some parts that felt unclear/confusing to me. And while I liked Carson and Rylee, it felt like something was missing. The sparks were there, but they just left me wanting more.

Overall, this book was a bit of a hit and miss for me. I felt like it had a lot of potential, but somewhere along the way, it just fell flat. Despite this not being 100% hit for me, I’m still glad to have checked it out.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 3 Stars, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Feature, Promo, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Rock Star by Leigh Court

Posted on July 11, 2025 by AmyB

He’s a rock star with stage fright. She’s a therapist with a dangerous secret…

Sebastian Roe was shot onstage during a concert five years ago, sending him into a creative tailspin and leaving him with a deep fear of performing. But his love of music is too strong to keep him off a stage forever, despite the fact the police never caught the gunman. He just needs a little help getting back in front of an audience, and figures announcing a U.S. tour will force him back onstage. Unfortunately, it’s bringing up his worst nightmare and puts his sold-out comeback tour in jeopardy.

Mia Merrill was in the audience the night of Sebastian’s fateful concert. She loves his music and wants to help him overcome his PTSD and get him back onstage, but there’s another reason she’s determined to become his therapist.

She’s the reason he was shot.

Driven by guilt and a need to atone, Mia takes Sebastian on as a patient. Romantic sparks fly between the two during their therapy sessions, but no sooner do they start to make progress on Sebastian’s stage fright than the gunman announces he’s back to finish the job.

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MY REVIEW

Rock Star is a fast-paced forbidden romance that takes a realistic approach to what life can be like for someone famous. I thought the plot was original, and I really liked the concept. I mean, it’s not every day that you come across a rock star who’s been lost ever since he was shot and is struggling to find his way back to music. And what better way to help a struggling artist? Bring in a stunning therapist who brings him back to life in more ways than one…

I thought Mia and Bash were a great match. Both of them were plagued by their pasts. He’s damaged, and she’s the only one who can fix him. The chemistry between them just oozes off the pages. However, any type of relationship between them, while Bash was a patient, would only end in disaster, especially if the secret Mia is hiding comes to light.

Overall, I thought this was a realistic and entertaining read. This is one of those books that’s got something for everyone. I mean, you can’t go wrong with romance, steam, and a little mystery in between.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*

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Posted in 4 Stars, Adult, Contemporary Romance, Feature, Forbidden Romance, Promo, Reviews, Romance. Bookmark the permalink.

Review: Bound by Stars by E.L. Starling

Posted on July 1, 2025 by AmyB

A Love That Defies Gravity…and Fate

She never belonged in his world. He never thought he’d leave it.

When Weslie Fleet wins a golden ticket aboard the Boundless, humanity’s most opulent starliner, it’s a dream―and a danger. Raised in the dust-ridden ruins of Earth, she is thrust into the gleaming luxury of Mars’s elite, where every whispered word carries weight and every glance is a silent judgment. And none watch her closer than Jupiter, the golden boy of Mars’s high society, bound by duty, legacy, and a future he never chose.

Their reluctant partnership was supposed to be a one-off assignment. Instead, it becomes a battle of wills, a spark that ignites, and a love neither of them anticipated. But fate is as cruel as it is unpredictable, and when the Boundless veers off course, love won’t be enough to save them.

The ship is failing. The odds are impossible. And in the darkness of space, survival is the only thing that matters.

But some loves are worth defying the stars for.

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MY REVIEW

A love that defies gravity…. and fate

Bound by Stars is a Titantic inspired debut novel with a unique sci-fi twist. This book has a little bit of everything from class differences to a sweet, young adult romance to politics and family dynamics. And of course, I can’t forget about the ILSA bot. The ILSA bot stole the show with its witty banter and lifesaving capabilities.

The only real issue I really had with this book was the pacing. I do feel like it was a bit on the slow side, but I feel like that might be due to all of the world-building that had to take place.

All in all, Bound by Stars is a solid debut novel that will take readers on an unexpected journey. If you’re looking for a young adult novel filled with witty and entertaining banter, he falls first, action adventure; you won’t want to miss Bound by Stars.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book via the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *

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Posted in 3.5 Stars, Debut Novel, Dystopian, Fantasy, Feature, Promo, Reviews, Romance, YA and tagged Sci-Fi. Bookmark the permalink.