Vicious Princess

 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love Divergent, Vampire Academy, and all things fae, you will love this!

I was taken by surprise by this book and read it in one sitting! 

After Phoenix's entire family is slaughtered, she sets out on a mission of revenge in a new land, using her training to help her infiltrate the elite academy for fae fighters (Ezkai). The catch? She's the only human in the school, is in denial that she loves her instructor after a pre-enrolment tryst, and she's one of the coveted Phantom Rangers, a Decarios born with a rare affinity for the bow. The pace of this new story was fast and never dull. The author pulls you in and satisfies the immediate problems the characters face while making you want to find out what happens next for Phoenix in Blood Queen! 

Worldbuilding: There was just enough to give the reader a sense of why Phoenix went to the new world to climb the ranks to take revenge on her homeland, whose royalty is responsible for the death of her entire family. The similarities and differences between where Phoenix grew up and trained to be a warrior, and where she escapes to, is sprinkled throughout the story in just enough snippets to avoid info-dumping and create a full picture of how harsh the land Phoenix escaped is. At the same time, her new world is shown as just as vicious, albeit in different ways. While one wants you to prove yourself with what pain you are willing to withstand to join, the other wants you to prove yourself in what you're willing to do to others for the cause.

Characters: OMG. I love, love, love Daegal and Phoenix! The forbidden nature of their relationship (student x instructor) heightens the stakes and somehow made me root for them like I did Dimitri and Rose! They both have ulterior motives and histories that they don't immediately share--always holding back! But they root for each other, and Daegel helps her connect to her bow to become the Phantom Ranger she's meant to be. And as much as she finds herself wanting him, her mission remains her focus, and that makes her a beast FMC!

Honestly, if you like:

🏹Fighting 

💘Forbidden Romance

💣Revenge

🧚Fae

🌍New World

You will love Vicious Princess and mark the release for the sequel, Blood Queen!

Thank you @NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

 

Seeing Stars

a Mashad Family Novel

by Candice Jalili

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Thank you @Netgalley and Disney Hyperiod for this ARC copy in exchange for my honest review.

If you love fake dating and reality television like The Kardashians, The Hills, or Jersey Shore, this is a must-read for you.

Meet Mona Marshad, a girl most of the world already knows because she has grown up on television for the last 10 years. 

I'm not a big fan of reality TV, but I enjoyed this book more than I thought I would, and I read it all in one sitting! It takes the feelings of a teenage girl as she grows up and falls in love, and throws it all under a microscope. It absolutely paints a picture I never would have imagined from the perspective of the people who choose--or don't, as how could a child make that choice?--to live their lives for everyone to see? And, of course, dissect.

In this second book of the Mashad series, Mona Mashad is trying to discover who she is and what her next step will be. She wants more than anything to do something on her own and discovers the only way to find the support she requires to succeed is to be in a fake relationship with the president's son, Lucas. At the same time, she meets Kai, who is a boy she wants to spend time with because he makes her feel normal. 

As expected in reality TV, witty banter, first-world problems, and drama ensue as Mona finds her way to her happy ending.

I will be finding more to read by this author.

Desolate

 

At the heart of this enchanting novel is Mia, a gay teenager grappling with feelings of isolation and rejection after being shunned by her friends. Her struggle is not only social but also internal, as she wrestles with magical powers that feel both unpredictable and unwieldy. Mia’s character is written with nuance and empathy, revealing layers of vulnerability, courage, and a sharp, searching intelligence. Her journey toward self-acceptance is marked by moments of doubt and triumph, making her growth compelling and authentic.

When Mia’s search for a missing friend draws her into the world of magic, she is unexpectedly transported to 1992, a time and place steeped in secrets and supernatural intrigue. The plot deepens as Mia discovers her family’s hidden past, the mysteries surrounding a haunted house, and the possibility of rewriting fate for someone she loves. Each twist is carefully woven, keeping readers on edge with genuine stakes and an ever-shifting sense of mystery.

Supporting characters enrich the narrative, especially Mia’s grandparents, whose warmth and wisdom help anchor her in the unfamiliar past. Tilly, Mia’s aunt and adoptive mother, stands out as a figure of unconditional love and quiet sacrifice; her relationship with Mia evolves from tense uncertainty to one of deep understanding and mutual respect. These familial bonds are crucial to Mia’s journey and serve as emotional touchstones throughout the story.

The novel’s plot is unpredictable, with skillfully layered revelations that explore themes of identity, belonging, and the courage to embrace one's differences. Magic here is not just a tool, but a metaphor for self-discovery. As Mia learns that her powers are unique, she begins to accept and celebrate her own singularity.

In sum, this is a well-crafted magical mystery that delivers not only surprises and suspense, but also richly developed characters and heartfelt relationships. Readers seeking stories that intertwine queer identity, time-travel adventure, and the pain and beauty of self-discovery will find much to cherish within these pages.

4.5 Stars rounded up to 5 Stars! Can't wait for book 2!

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Making the Cut

Making the Cut

by Sophie Wiggins

🌟🌟🌟

Published July 28, 2025, by The Book Guild

Thank you @NetGalley for the eARC for my honest review.

The cover and synopses of this book drew me in right away. My daughter just got on point and is going into her final year of competitive dance, so I thought it would be a great relatable experience. The book is about a single mom who struggles after putting her two-year-old into ballet and being sucked into the world of dance: the costs, the joys, the drama, the tears, the competition... the pain. All for small rewards (if you are lucky). As the book progresses, it also highlights the price you pay when you are good: pettiness, parent drama/fights, marital problems, studio hierarchy, etc., and the emotional toll it takes on even the most sane of people.

I am a dance mom and had no idea what that world entailed until I was in it, and I have had many, many arguments with our studio and dance friends' parents about what is 'the norm' in the dance world. For anyone going into this blind, I 100% recommend the first 1/2 of this book as it absolutely highlights the costs, the feelings of guilt to not do something for your child, the sacrifices, and more than anything, the joy when they find happiness. The author did an amazing job at capturing the truth behind the performance, right down to the costs of the 'swag' dancers get from their own studio. In essence, every opportunity has a price tag, no matter how talented the dancer is. Every parent should question it and not allow their child to think they are going to be granted special privileges because of money.

It took a while for me to get into the different POV's from Lydia talking about her daughter to remembering her own crisis, and I'm still unsure how it all ties together. As these scenes unfolded, I would guess the author was trying to show that everyone has trauma and that every trauma can make someone do things they normally wouldn't--or that the character was capable of the extreme actions she took in the end because of the past trauma triggering her during the trauma her daughter went through. To be honest, I think the book was better without the flashbacks from Lydia.

All in all, I rate this as 3* because I really enjoyed the truth in Lydia's perspective as a dance mom, but I do think that the character development and overall plot can be worked on. The storyline turns very dark after the halfway mark, and I would recommend anyone who is triggered to tread carefully; however, it does reflect that no matter what we go through as a dance parent, the dancer is likely enduring their own issues--especially if they are good and dancing on a competitive level. The author was able to show that a parent's job is to safeguard their child and showcased that good can come out of separating yourself from a toxic environment.

I'd still recommend the first half to first-time dance parents--it's all true!!

Rules for Fake Girlfriends by Raegan Revord

 Rules for Fake Girlfriends

by

Raegan Revord

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for an honest and voluntary review.

This had a very strong start and fantastic premise: Rom-com about rom-com-obsessed college-bound girl who makes the drastic choice to forego Columbia to attend her mother's alma mater in order to follow the first clue to a scavenger hunt her mother sent her just before she died. The distance between our Avery and her father, and the separation as she parts ways with her best friends to go to a different college, solidify the connections to the main character right away. Right away, we pivot to the introduction of Charlie, Avery's new friend/fake girlfriend, which was so ridiculous it was fun! I very much enjoyed the reading Avery's journey from knowing it wouldn't end well--to swearing it has to end--to where she winds up.

The story was a fresh take on an old idea, and had moments of real charm; however, the execution and character development needs some more work for consistency and pacing. There were some descriptions that did not add up, many repetitive words and emotions that slowed the overall story, and the pacing for the scavenger hunt was sporadic. That said, it does come to a conclusion I think readers will enjoy.

I would rate this 3.5 Stars but rounded up to 4 on Goodreads. The author had a great idea, fantastic chapter titles that suck you in, and a great idea. I hope they continue writing and would read another book they pen.

Balancing Act (The Heights, #1)

Balancing Act (The Heights, #1)

by Paula Chase 

 

"Balancing Act" by Paula Chase, which I received as an eARC from St. Martin’s Press via NetGalley, is a compelling blend of classic coming-of-age themes and modern storytelling. The novel stands out for its creative use of social media posts, which highlight the drama and public pressures faced by the characters.

While the story centers on competition and the drive to succeed in high school sports, it goes much deeper. Chase portrays the realities of growing up in diverse neighborhoods, the pain of grief after losing someone young, and the sadness that shapes adolescence. The book also explores the complicated landscape of friendships—especially the challenge of dealing with frenemies. Through nuanced storytelling, Chase reveals that even rivals and so-called adversaries have their own struggles and moments of unexpected kindness. The characters gradually learn that people are rarely just one thing, and that even those who seem unfriendly can surprise you with their depth and decency.

The writing is engaging and the characters feel real, their vulnerabilities and hopes shining through. While the novel tackles tough topics, it remains relatable and grounded, balancing humor and hope with its more serious undertones.

If there’s one drawback, it’s the abrupt ending—a reminder that this is the first book in a series. Despite this, I’m eager for the sequel to see where these vivid characters go next.

"Balancing Act" releases on October 21, 2025. I highly recommend it to anyone interested in contemporary young adult fiction that doesn’t shy away from real-life challenges, including the pain of loss, the complexity of relationships, and the resilience required to move forward.

 

Flutter Book Review

Flutter

by Melody Percario 

⭐⭐⭐

Thank you Netgalley and OCS Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

“Flutter” begins with the promise of a classic whodunit and quickly moves into territory far more complex than the synopsis suggests; however, the execution often falters. While the concept is intriguing, hinting at a world that would be an amazing series, the characters and narrative is difficult to connect with.

Despite the high stakes and the novel’s somber undercurrent, the protagonists are never quite believable. Their reactions to traumatic events are not at all how someone would respond e.g. finding people shot and then having a conversation with the killer like she met him on the street and isn’t scared? This tendency saps the tension from moments that should be gripping and immersive. That said, the villain of the story was intriguing and grew throughout the novel enough that I felt empathy for him, and I'd like to see how that is further developed.

The narrative, too, is bogged down. Rather than letting scenes unfold organically, the story frequently opts to tell rather than show, diminishing reader engagement and slowing the pace. This is made worse by the plot’s unlikely scenarios, such as a teenager being assigned an eighteen-year-old bodyguard who repeatedly leaves her unprotected—especially when a parent seems unfazed by these lapses. The romance between this so-called protector and Daphne also falls flat (for me).

The connections between events can feel illogical, with “A” not always leading convincingly to “B.” Greater attention to the logic of character motivations and reactions would lend the story a much-needed sense of realism and emotional depth. The last 20% or so leads me to believe that the sequel is one I would want to read, if only to see how Sebastian is developed.

Nevertheless, “Flutter” is not without merit. Its premise is promising, and the concluding chapters hint at a richer, more dynamic sequel. With more character development that focuses on emotional depth and believability, this could become the strong start to a series that its concept deserves.

Crown of Briars

 

Crown of Briars Book Review

Slow-Burn Dark Fantasy That Surpasses Expectations

If you love fairy tale retellings with a bit of bite, you’ll probably be hooked by this one just like I was. From the description alone, I was eager to dive in—a Beauty and the Beast story with some darkness and spice? Yes, please!

I’ll admit, dual POVs usually aren’t my thing. At first, it threw me off, but pretty soon I was looking forward to seeing both sides of the story. The author does a great job making each character’s perspective unique and interesting, so it didn’t take long for me to get invested in both of them.

One thing I worried about was that the plot might fall into the whole Stockholm Syndrome trap, but I’m happy to say it really doesn’t. The relationship between Sybelle and Varius actually felt honest and slow-burning. I found myself rooting for them more and more as their connection grew.

What really makes this book stand out is Sybelle’s inner struggle. She has to choose between holding on to a lie she grew up believing—a lie meant to protect her people, and the whole reason she agreed to marry Varius, the enemy Wraith King—or following her own instincts when she discovers his kingdom is cursed, and she just might be the one who can break it. It definitely kept me turning pages!

The chemistry between Sybelle and Varius is off the charts. I wasn’t sure what to expect with the “spice,” but honestly, the romance was way more swoon-worthy than cringey. In fact, I ended up wanting a Varius of my own by the end!

There’s also a great message here: that love isn’t about what you look like or where you come from, but about who you are. The author gets that across without being heavy-handed, which I really appreciated.

This was my first book by R.L. Perez, and I was so hooked I immediately picked up "Crown of Slumber" to see what else they’ve got. This is the first book in the series, but both can be read as a stand-alone novel; however, the dragon companion we fall in love with in Crown of Briars is first introduced in Crown of Slumber, and I love, love, love Azure! The writing pulls you right in, and the characters just stick with you.

All in all, if you want a romantic fantasy with real depth, some edge, and a love story you can truly root for, definitely check this one out!

Thank you to NetGalley and Willow Haven Press for an e-arc of this book.

Just devoured #CrownOfBriars by @rlperezbooks and I’m obsessed! This dark fantasy #mustreadbook is a #fairytale retelling of #beautyandthebeast, spiced up with romance and danger. Out August 4, 2025!

Spiritborne (Spirit's War, #1)

Spiritborne by K.V. Wilson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was introduced to this novel on a free platform and loved it so much, I purchased a copy from Amazon. K.V. Wilson keeps the reader hooked from the very beginning, both with conflict and heartbreak, and I would recommend it to readers across genres.



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LUX: CONSEQUENCES BOOK REVIEW

Consequences: Opal & Origin by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I started this series by chance after seeing the books on the shelf at the store. While I was lukewarm about the first two stories because they reminded me of Roswell, I have to say that the next two did not disappoint. I liked them even more than the start of the series. Perhaps because the storyline forked away from what I expected to happen, I was more invested at this point in the characters, or the characters' problems were so much bigger, I couldn't help but connect. But whatever the case, I finished this and started Opposition all in a day.

In the third and fourth books, we get to find out a lot about the aliens heritage, what makes Katy so special, and the oh-so-sweet protective (and sexy and dangerous and vulnerable) side of Daemon. While there is much heartbreak and a lot of rivalry - even between friends - these installments are gripping in the love story they weave, all the while keeping the suspense and mystery of what's going on in the world they are fighting to survive in clear. There were moments when I found myself holding my breath for the characters, and as a reader, there is nothing better than being that sucked into a great story. I'd recommend this to anyone.



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