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!

A Crown of Thorns and Magic

A Crown of Thorns and Magic

by E. Evans

A Crown of Thorns and Magic is the first book in a series. It is fast-paced and never slows down, but the stakes never quite have the chance to hit home as we are thrown in after the FMC kills her uncle to take the throne when her father dies.

It's a great premise--I love the adventure--but I wish the worldbuilding and character development had been explored more thoroughly. At least enough to get us to 'care' before throwing all of the twists at the reader. I didn't quite believe that Astar, the 16-year-old FMC, was as mature and skilled as a warrior and queen as portrayed. I do like the adventures that brought her to Hathan, as well as the set up for a new world in subsequent instalments of the series, but there wasn't enough development to make me feel for the characters.

For me, this book has a lot of potential to be great, and I would read the next in the series to find out what happens.

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

⭐⭐⭐

Gone Country

Gone Country 
by Hunter Snow
⭐⭐⭐⭐

If you love Blake Shelton and Gwen Stafani, you'll love this book. It 100% gave me the TV Series, Nashville, vibes.

Jamie Keaton is a rockstar who comes across as a diva with her penchant for top-shelf vodka, glamorous on-and-off relationship with hollywood heartthrob, and ambition to succeed. Layton Langley is the complete opposite, leaving behind his party days and drama when his ex abandons him to raise their twin daughters alone.

When Jamie and Clayton write a song together, their worlds are forced to sync up because the song catapults them into the spotlight. Soon, their label forces them on tour together, the accidental co-writing righting a wrong when Clayton didn't let Jamie open for him in the past. They pull pranks, argue, and continue to deny what's growing between them, even when his daughters join them and melt Jamie's barriers until the rocker is living a country song herself.

This was a refreshing read. Beyond the romance--and there is plenty!--the MC's help show each other that their side of the industry isn't all bad. That maybe even when there are clear lines between their chosen genres of music, their songs are better when melded together. And people love it!

Slow burn, found family, self-discovery, rockstar romance, enemies to lovers... There are so many tropes that I have a guilty pleasure enjoying, I simply couldn't put this down. The refreshing 4-Star read is fast-paced and heartfelt, and shows us that relationships are meant to bring out your very best.

Thank you @netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my 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.

Persephone's Curse

 

Persephone's Curse

by Katrina Leno

Publication Date: December 2, 2025

Thank you @NetGalley and St. Martin Press/Wednesday Books for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The premise of this novel pulled me in from the synopsis. I'm a sucker for stories about mythology, so I was eager to read about four sisters descended from Persephone who can see ghosts. When one falls in love with the ghost and another banishes it, I thought this was going to be an amazing, one-sitting read for me.

In truth, getting into the story was difficult. The first 50% was riddled with more prose than dialogue, which dragged it down (for me). The author did a good job setting up the problems and creating backstory for the four sisters: Winnie, Evelyn, Clara, and Bernadette; however, it read more like an information dump at times, and there was more telling than showing. I'm also not sure what the character motivators were throughout, and I didn't connect with Henry at all. Aside from being a creep Evelyn couldn't outrun in her own bedroom, what quality about him made her love him? It was clear how much the sisters cared for each other and that each had their own 'quirk' that added to the storyline, but I felt that I was told this to set my expectations for the end, versus discovering it as the story unfolded.

I'm glad I kept coming back to the story, hoping that the next chapter would be the aha moment, which finally happened when Henry is sent to the Underworld (or so one assumes) and the sisters hide it from Evelyn, the sister who loves him. The second half of the book picks up; however, I would have liked to have more of the front half description evened out so there was more in the backend for consistency.

Overall, I rate it 3 Stars. The idea is great and that ending... I <3 that!

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.

The Frost Witch Book Review

 

The Frost Witch by Emberly Ash

4.5 Star Review

Available August 5, 2025!!

Thank you @NetGalley and Publisher for the eARC copy in exchange for a voluntary and honest review.

The first book in this new series by Ash follows a 400-year-old witch, Koryn, as she tries to save her world from a curse from the gods. She enters the trials of The Seven Gates to save another and soon finds herself life bound to a notorious bounty hunter, gaining a familiar, and learning to defend herself when magic is no longer available to help her. Each gate presents a new trial by a different god, increasing in danger.

If you love…

Ø Enemies to Love

Ø  Slow Burn

Ø  Forced Proximity

Ø  Gods

Ø  Dragons

Ø  Betrayal

Ø  Fae

Ø  Witches

…this is for you!

This story will pull you in like it did for me. Koryn is intent on being a witch – they have no heart and kill without remorse – but her true nature betrays every choice she makes. When she saves Garrick, the bounty hunter who should want to kill her instead of protect her, she forms a life bound between them. As they go through the trials together, he not only protects her but teaches her to protect herself. It is a slow burn that has you turning pages to see if – or when 😊 – they will finally make their move.

The writing is phenomenal, the pacing perfect, and the entire premises refreshing and EXACTLY my cup of tea. The only reason I gave 4.5 stars instead of 5 was personal preference. There was too much description and prose over dialogue (for me) to start, and I didn’t really get into it until about 50% of the way through when the ‘baby’ dragon was introduced and the dialogue picked up. If you get past that, though, it’s worthwhile. By the end, all the character development that took time to start makes you connect with Garrick and Koryn, and the ending… It broke me!

If you haven’t picked this one up, I 1000% recommend adding it to your TBR! I can’t wait to read the next book! I’ve already started Crown of Earth and Sky!

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.

Author Interview with Sue A. Hart

Author Interview with Sue A Hart

Sue Hart is finally delving into the world of publishing and I, for one, couldn't be more excited. Her first novel, Challenges, is set for release on June 20, 2018, and is now available for pre-order!

She is a fantastic writer who has helped many authors while on her own journey - myself included. I am happy that she took the time to answer a few questions about her writing process, the stories that readers have fallen in love with, and her future publication plans. You can look into all the books that are up-and-coming from Sue Hart at Amazon.
Q. Does writing energize or exhaust you? A. Energize to the point of obsession. I can be on one story, get an idea for another and write multiple chapters at one sitting until my discipline returns enough to go back to the other book. It isn't unusual for me to write both. I bore easily and creativity is never boring. But I am self-motivating too, so I tend to go with the book that I know I can complete quickly. Q. Have you ever gotten reader's block? A. I never have. Stories come to me with the plot. I see it as it develops. Then I see the characters and their part in presenting that plot. What they are like, what kind of antagonist (silly, stupid, mean, jealous), is the heroine sweet, serious, fun? But I do not like wimpy females. Not even for an antagonist. People who whine about their situation don't creat fans. People avoid them. Sad is different. There can be a solid reason for it that the character has to overcome. I believe my methos of storytelling can come from many directions. I recently asked this question to other writers and they told me how they found inspiration. It boils down to one thing. Imagination. I believe many are born with it. A child will tell you stories. Ask them questions and they will give you a plot. Q. Do you try to be more original or to deliver to readers what they want? A. Both. I have discovered what kind of characters the majority of readers like. I know they like to laugh, have an adventure, and get so involved with the book, they can't sleep. Women like romance, men like it too, especially from a male perspective. Flirting wins both, especially with comedy thrown in. The plot comes from my interest and the topic I believe has some depth. If I have to spend hours researching, like I have for a few of my books, I want to be interested in it. I write Romance genre with comedy, adventure, suspense and so forth. It depends on my research topic. Not everyone like the same thing, but most enjoy situation comedy, even enough to read a book they have doubts about. Q. What other authors are you friends with and how do they help you become a better writer? A. This is a great question. I have over 300 friends who are authors because of reading sites I've belonged to over the years. I'd say that twenty have freely advised me with specifics, while many others just encourage. I did not study writing, journalism, or anything similar in school. If I had, by the time I began writing, I would have forgotten most of it. I know how to tell a story--like it comes to me. What I was ignorant of was the structure. How to make a reader gobble up every word while hating to put it down. This kind of information was trickled down from many ideas from writers. But how many quthors had books that were read cover-to-cover hating to put it down? What's the key? Those are the people you listen to. I did, but also to Hollywood. They introduce the character in a scene which begins the plot. Page one. They don't tell you abou tit like you're blind, they show it. If a book narrates the first page or more, my mind won't cooperate. Put me in the middle of it with action going on and I'm entranced. So I write what I like. Q. Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you trying to build a body of work with connections between each book? A. This question fits into what I'm trying to do. My readers on Wattpad didn't want my stories to end. Not because they were 'cut off' but because they loved the characters. So, I decided to connect each book I write, even though they are all standalone novels. I will present the older characters briefly to let the reader see them and their family. Down the line, those children will grow up and get their own book decades down the line. My blurb will guide a reader as to the order of guest appearances. These will connect the books over decades and continents. Q. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? A. Hold on. After explaining my plans and how I write, you know it's a high number. Three are heading for publication in the next few months. One needs edits, and then it's going to publication. Two are half-finished. Four have the outlines and first ten chapters. I'm trying to have them all in publication by the end of 2019. Want to know more? Visit Sue A. Hart on her blog: Books, Authors and Me. Again, her novel is set for release on Amazon June 20, 2018! Over 200,000 readers on Wattpad have already fallen in love with this book and I recommend it. Sue has the amazing ability to suck you into the worlds that she creates until you are not only believing the story is happening like a movie in your head, you are crying and celebrating along with the characters. You can read a sample of this story, along with the comments from readers that loved it, here.

SHATTER ME BOOK REVIEW

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I saw this book on Goodreads and ordered it online based on reviews already made, and was pleasantly surprised when it arrived sooner than the books I ordered via the Chapters store did. At first, it took me a while to get into this one. I thought that the editing was poor during the first few chapters i.e. run-on sentences, poor grammar, and the strike-outs kept tugging me out of the story. But as I forced myself to keep reading, this got better - or it stopped mattering because the story yanked me into the pages. More importantly, it made sense. The author wasn't being lazy, the author was making a point. This is the character's state of mind.

But Juliette is far from simple; she adapts to her lot in life. Juliette is a character who deals with what she is given as it is received rather than wishing for what she can't obtain. Her growth throughout the novel is shown as the world around her changes, and the way that the author portrays this in her writing is brilliant. I now love the grammar and punctuation errors because it represents growth and really sucks the reader into Juliette's frame of mind as events unfold. Tahereh Mafi has woven a very complex character who endures real-world problems - love, war, dejection - in an intricately designed world that's beyond anything I could comprehend having to deal with, yet it works because the world the author has created is something I could foresee happening based on the world today. When you add in the problems Juliette deals with because she can't touch anyone (with exceptions) without causing physical pain that can lead to death, this was a first installment I could not put down. In fact, it was causing physical pain impossible not to pick up the second book in the series, Unravel Me.



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LUX: OPPOSITION BOOK REVIEW

Opposition by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I found this series on the shelves of a local Chapters store, and I am glad I finally purchased it. Normally I shy away from alien stories because I sometimes picture ET (not the best way to get attached to characters) and don't want the story to be better than Roswell (one of my favorite shows in high school), but I am glad I went against my gut this time, and even upset that the story had to end in the first installment of this two-part book. That said, I think that the ending was perfect. Without giving away spoilers, it closes many loose ends and sets the end up in a way that allows the reader to imagine what "could" happen next for their favorite characters, which is always a great way to say goodbye and leave the world an author created with their readers. The second story, like a prequel, is about Dawson - all the unanswered questions that Katy and Daemon had about what happened to him explored. I usually don't like to go back to the beginning with new characters, but this was an exception. Highly recommend.



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LUX: BEGINNINGS BOOK REVIEW

Beginnings: Obsidian & Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I purchased this whole series after humming and hawing during many trips to Chapters. Aliens aren't usually my thing, and I see a lot of reviews stating that this reminds them of Twilight, but it took me a while to dig in because it reminded me (in my opinion) of that TV series, Roswell - not that that is a bad thing. I used to be addicted to that show :)

The characters are well-rounded and likeable, and even the antagonist, Ashley, is endearing because she is the perfect little you-know-what. The love story was a bit predictable; however, I really liked the twists and turns that the author created in this world. The setting the author created was great. I especially like the fact that everyone seems to "know" that the aliens are somehow different, but they don't know how. In my opinion, I would imagine more than Dawson's girlfriend would have guessed or caught them being different, but that is the only nit-pick I had. Otherwise, by the end of the second story, I had to go buy the next installment right away. I would definitely recommend this book - and the series as a whole - to fellow readers.



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Book Review - Bait by Kasi Blake

Bait by K.C. Blake

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This was an incredible read - I literally downloaded Kindle just to finish. I can't wait to start the second in this series!

Bay-Lee and Nick (sometimes Tyler) have such great chemistry, and the plot is so well written, it keeps you up well past your bedtime. Reapers (who knew they were ghosts?), monsters, fighting, and oh, the romance. I don't want to say anything to give it away . . . simply read it.

K.C. Blake is the perfect choice if you are looking for the next great series that makes you want to do a toe dance of anticipation waiting for the next installment.

Sasha Leigh



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5 Ways to Get Book Reviews

Let's assume that you have the next great novel that has the potential to become an overnight success for the purposes of this post. Negative reviews can and will reflect upon other novels under your name, so when asking for reviews, make sure that the content you are providing is the best you are capable of producing - your reputation will thank you for it. Use editors, beta readers, proof-readers, and cover designers when necessary. Just because we "can" self-publish doesn't mean we can't be as good as authors who are traditionally published - or better.

Book reviews are a HUGE part of a self-publishing/indie author's marketability and internet presence. Reviews posted to sites such as Amazon, Goodreads, Shelfari, Smashwords, etc., are essential to building a rapport with readers you are propositioning, which is what happens whenever you publish - a reader clicks on it (thumbnail picture, link, etc.), studies the cover, reads the blurb, and if you're lucky, checks out excerpts, if available. Is it important that your book looks good? Edited thoroughly? YES.

But good content aside, how is a reader going to know they should buy a book when they don't know the author enough to compare previously read books against?

Vampire Academy Series

Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a great series to read. I really enjoyed the characters and the problems they faced, and was happy to have waited to read it - when I finished the fifth installment, I took my daughter to the grocery store and saw "Last Sacrifice" on display, so it was the perfect timing! I didn't have to wait.

For me, the best part about this was that the characters - Rose, Lissa, Dimitri, and Christian - weren't "fake". They face real problems that teens and young adults (NA?) would face, human or night creature, and while sex wasn't glorified, it wasn't skipped over, either. You can really immerse yourself in the storyline, which I found to be believable, and not just "another vampire" novel. And while it definitely is about vampires and dhampirs (a half-breed guardian), it focuses more on the magics than the blood, and has multiple storylines running through each book. I loved all six, but the last novel is my favourite.

Bloodlines, the spin-off series, is also pretty great. I would recommend both to anyone who enjoys YA Fantasy/Paranormal/Romance with kiss-ass heroines.

Sasha Leigh



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