The Bounty of Blood and Nails Review

The Bounty of Blood and Nails by N.K Brown

3/5 Stars

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 Right off the bat, I was hooked in from the book description of blood magic, bounty hunting, and princes!

 Tam does NOT disappoint... I found her character to be well written, and I was allured by the prince and his bodyguard Clement. This book was exactly what I needed, and I enjoyed each chapter as I was reading! The castle itself felt as if it was alive, and I truly did not know what to expect, especially the consequences for Tam's  sometimes questionable decisions lol.

 This book is a lot more violent (she is a bounty hunter who works with blood magic, remember) than you might expect, so please note this going in. There is some spice somewhere along the way in this book too.

 As much as I enjoyed this book, I felt the ending was a bit rushed, and there are lots of questions left unanswered, hence the 3-star rating.

 I would still recommend it on the basis of the plot being different from the bog standard romantasy plots out there. I can't wait to see how N.K Brown is going to follow this up in book 2!

A Vow in Vengeance (Immortal Desires, #1) Review

A Vow in Vengence by Jaclyn Rodriguez

3/5 Stars

Honestly, this book was pretty good! Saw it before it came out as an ARC but had WAYYYY too many books on my TBR for January so waited until the release to officially go and buy it. 

I regret not picking it up sooner as there was some pretty fresh ideas interweaved with the typical plot lines we all love and hold dear ( dark broody dude and super normal looking but BIG AURA female main character). 

Rune is a pretty vengeful gal (haha) for valid reasons and learning her story and following her in the academy is really the only reason I kept reading ( that and some tension w broody boy). Unfortunately I feel there was a lack of depth to the middle bits where I kept losing interest but I feel it ended well? The author writes in a way that I feel I am ALSO in Runes head so bonus points here. 

Would I recommend? If you are in the mood for a decent romantasy book and have nothing else to read yeah!

Bound to the Broken Crown Review

Bound to the Broken Crown by Astoria Hope 

4/5 Stars 

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Bound to the Broken Crown was a pretty solid read that had me looking forward to picking it up before bed all week. The characters all have a bit of substance to them which felt very immersive to me. Isca’s POVs are especially fun to follow!!! FYI this is a dual POV book, which I know is important to some readers out there!

Nisien is pure golden retriever energy while Emrys gives MAJOR black cat vibes. Both brothers are very different, yet you can really see how they are brought together by Isca’s alluring presence. The world building is solid without being overwhelming, and I found the plot easy to follow overall. Just a good aul' smooth and enjoyable read.

I also find it so cute to see some Irish words thrown in, especially as an Irish person hehe... The romance is definitely a slow burn, but the tension and emotional connection are there from day 1 which kept me invested throughout.

I will be purchasing a copy upon release on the 27th January 2026 (yay!) and cannot WAIT to see what Astoria Hope has coming next!!!

Wicked Onyx Review

Wicked Onyx by Debbie Cassidy

3/5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of Wicked Onyx coming out on the 10th of February 2026. 

Overall, this was a super enjoyable read with refreshing plotlines that I have not seen done before and some strong main characters. Paranormal academy setting (always a win for me!) and the big mystery surrounding Anamaya kept me interested. There's a constant senes that Anamaya is fighting for both her life and her place in the academy which added tension throughout. ALSO... saucy men (but not too saucy) are much much MUCH appreciated in this book. 

However, there was a few issues that brought this book down to a 3/5 for me... At times, the story dragged. in the last 1/4 of the book, Anamaya seems to drift away from her supposed 'goals' and I found myself disengaging more than I wanted to. Aside from this, I enjoyed the first 3/4 of the book immesely and I am awaiting book two! There is so much to uncover, especially when it comes to the academy and its secrets so I KNOW curiosity will pull me back in again. 

I recommend for those who want a paranormal mystery with potential romance on the table.

Blood of Hercules Review

 Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

5/5 Stars

WOW. Blood of Hercules was such an insane book so it HAS to be my first proper review of 2026. 

I was hooked from the first page and quite literally had to have this book pried from my hands between lectures this week. Blood of Hercules delivers a refreshing, unique take on Greek mythology with a futuristic twist and brutal Spartan War Academy. Honestly, what MORE could you ask for?

Alex Hert is neither a hero or a god... she is first and foremost a survivor. She battles for both her life and future against fate itself gripping me from start to finish. Jasmine Mas' writing style is hilarious, sharp and emotionally unhinged in the best way possible. Alexis is so quirky, strange and witty that I genuinely did not know whether to cry or laugh at times but she really grows on you fast. 

This book is plot twist after plot twist after plot twist. If you love to be kept guessing 'what could possibly happen next?!?', rooting for an underdog and indulging in some terribly toxic men, then this book is perfect for you! Ruthless academy, intense mentors and professors (Achilles, Patro, Augustus and Kharon) and some high stakes... need I say more? 

I would recommend this book and happily reread this again soon. Cannot wait to see what Jasmine Mas plans next!

Odin's Child Review

 Odin’s Child by Siri Pettersen

4/5 Stars 

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Odin’s Child by Siri Pettersen is a captivating dive into Norse mythology that truly grabbed my attention. The main character, Hirka, is unique and intriguing—especially in a world where everyone has a tail, and those without one are seen as “rot” and hunted.

The writing style in this book is a bit different from other mythology-based stories I’ve read, and I found it quite amusing. The first 100 pages were a challenge for me, as I spent a lot of time trying to grasp the terminology and remember names and places. I definitely learned a lot about Norse mythology that I didn’t know before!

Hirka’s struggle to hide her true identity adds a layer of tension throughout the story. It’s fascinating (and at times heartbreaking) to watch her relationships with other characters evolve as she tries to conceal her true nature.

My only critique is that Odin’s Child reads more like a new adult book, with teenage characters, rather than a young adult novel. Trigger Warning: There is a scene of sexual assault, but aside from that, the book was an engaging read.

Overall, I would recommend Odin’s Child to others. It wasn’t quite what I expected, but I still enjoyed it!

Once Upon a Broken Heart Review

 Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber

5/5 Stars 

Spoiler Alert

Sigh—I pulled an all-nighter for this book, and oh my, was I not disappointed!

Written in the world of Caraval, what’s not to love? The magic, the intrigue, the twists—everything about this book was captivating.

We follow Evangeline, the pink-haired girl determined to make costly deals with the Fates in order to be with the one she believes she loves…

Spoilers ahead

In my humble opinion, I really hope the author pulls a teensy tiny twist in the second book and gives Jacks and Evangeline a chance to become one true love (well, second for Jacks). I know it might not seem realistic, but I low-key want it. I truly believe in a Jacks redemption arc, and if Evangeline opens the door (even though she says she won’t), there’s something waiting inside that could give Jacks a second chance at love.

Overall, this was an amazing book that completely enthralled me and brought me back into the world of Caraval (though I admit, this story had a bit less of that same magic).

Punk 57 Review

 Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas 

 3/5 Stars

Spoiler Alert

This book was quite different from what I normally read. Ryen and Misha are both deeply flawed characters, and the story doesn’t shy away from showcasing their struggles. Ryen hides behind a mask, while Misha often lets his anger control him.

I’ll admit, I struggled to continue around the midway point because I couldn’t connect with the characters. Their toxicity at times made it difficult to enjoy, but I pushed through and finished the book.

That said, I was impressed by the character growth both Misha and Ryen displayed by the end. The main reason this book gets 3 stars instead of two is Ryen’s heartfelt letter to Delilah! That moment truly showcased her progress from being a cold, image-obsessed cheerleader to someone more self-aware and compassionate.

However, I’m still a bit confused about how Misha got away with certain things so easily, even with his familial connections. And Trey? He was barely punished! Though it’s mentioned he went to court, I would’ve liked to see more concrete justice being served.

Overall, Punk 57 was a quick and interesting read with a unique storyline. I’d recommend it to those who enjoy NA romance with a bit more spice!

Illusion of Stars Review

 

Illusion of Stars by Sarah Marie Page

5/5 Stars 

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with a copy of this book!

I really enjoyed the slow-burn romance between Isobel and Erik—it was well-paced, full of tension, and made their dynamic so fun to follow. The characters were incredibly intriguing, and since I’ve always been a fan of first-person narratives, this book was right up my alley!

One thing I really appreciated was the inclusion of trigger warnings and a list of sexual scenes at the back of the book. It’s always great when authors consider their readers in this way. Speaking of the author—Sarah Marie Page seems like such a sweetheart! Her acknowledgments were absolutely adorable.

Beyond the romance and world-building, Isobel’s internal struggle was compelling. She has to balance her personal battles while trying to decide what’s morally right and what’s best for her kingdom, which added so much depth to her character.

Overall, this was an amazing read! I can’t wait to purchase a physical copy and get my hands on the second book when it releases (since it will be a duology!).

The Shadows Between Us Review

 The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller

5/5 Stars

The Shadows Between Us is a YA fantasy novel with a refreshingly unique protagonist—not the firstborn heir, but a cunning second daughter. In this slow-paced yet captivating fantasy, Alessandra sets out with a bold plan: seduce the Shadow King, marry him, and then kill him. I was in awe of Levenseller’s writing and obsessed with the secrets Alessandra tries so hard to bury—only for the past to inevitably catch up with the present.

Alessandra is intelligent, beautiful, and fiery. She does as she pleases and doesn’t care for society’s expectations. She plays men the way they play women, a rarity for her time, and keeps dirt and blackmail on all her lovers. Her character is strong and sly, captivating the entire court. Even more impressive, she manages to catch the eye of the Shadow King and secure a dance with him—something unheard of in court. The other courtiers were left shocked, the women glaring while the men envied Kallias.

I was intrigued by Alessandra’s fashion choices. Unlike the other girls in their predictable colors, she wore trousers, loose skirts, and flowing fabrics—always standing out. It was amusing how she always seemed to match the Shadow King, dressed in black, setting her apart from everyone else.

King Kallias (the Shadow King) was dark, handsome, and mysterious. I loved his description—his constant distrust of everyone except Alessandra and his pet dog, Demodocus, made him all the more compelling. The way his eyes followed Alessandra, even when she wasn’t looking, added an intense and electrifying element to the story.

Come read this book as a friendship founded on lies and murder slowly transforms into something more…

I have to give this book 5 stars as it amazed me from start to finish! Recommended for fans of Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco and To Kill a Kingdom by Alexandra Christo.

Song of Achilles Review

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

“Name a hero with a happy ending.”

“You can’t.”

5/5 Stars

I was absolutely devastated by the end—RIP.

Achilles was beautiful but also graceful, and Patroclus deserved a better fate. The last couple of chapters completely broke me.

Overall, The Song of Achilles was an amazing read. It stays fairly accurate to The Odyssey while truly exploring the Iliad’s interpretation where Patroclus and Achilles are lovers, not just close companions. Seeing LGBTQ+ representation without it being downplayed made the story so much more enjoyable.

Some parts felt like straight-up smut, but I also believe the author was trying to convey the depth of their love—not just emotionally but physically. They are soulmates, two halves of the same soul.

Everyone knows the story of Achilles, but if you don’t, you’re in for a surprise!

This book is a true tragedy with a bittersweet ending that left me brokenhearted, distraught, and on the verge of tears. I admit, I cried a few times while reading, and I love books that have the power to move me like that. The fact that words can evoke such strong emotions—both positive and negative—shows how powerful storytelling can be.

Madeline Miller’s writing style is so unique and fluent; her words just flow together beautifully.

Without a doubt, this book gets 5 stars from me. It stirred up a whirlpool of emotions and made me truly appreciate the people I love.