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Story Blurb For humans and vampires, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart. The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself. But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival. Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him. But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love. My Thoughts/Opinion The Crowns of Nyaxia series came highly recommended to me and now I understand why. The world building was easy to follow and the plot was fantastic. I loved that no one was who they seemed to be. Oraya and Raihn face deadly trials and grow to trust each other until they shouldn't. The twist at the end of this book gutted me, but fortunately, I was able to jump to book two in the duet. And I did. Immediately. Favorite Quote: “I would beg," he murmured. "For you, I would. You have...destroyed me, Oraya. Do you know that?"

Story Blurb Hallie Barrett's life has imploded after she's dumped by her hotshot ex, who also happens to be her coworker and the star of the online series she was producing. Without a new show to present for the company competition, she’ll be out of a job. But inspiration can come from the strangest places . . . like the most handsome guy she’s ever seen passionately discussing Bigfoot on a late-night docuseries. Hayden Hargrove made a name for himself as a cryptid expert on his hit podcast, and is intrigued by the plucky, blue-haired producer who offers him the opportunity to lead his own web show. When the production team sees that Hayden’s solo on-screen presence is bad enough to make a ghost blanch, Hallie jumps on camera too, hitting him (and his cryptids) with a healthy dose of skepticism—and enough chemistry to electrify their show to the top of the competition. As Hayden and Hallie investigate the unknown, they unearth feelings for each other that shake their beliefs to the core. In their search for Mothman, aliens, and the truth, the most elusive discovery might just be learning to love again. My Thoughts/Opinion This book was on my October TBR and I'm so glad I didn't push it to next year's fall season. The book had fantastic characters, super slow-burn chemistry, and a unique and really fun premise. I loved it so much. The witty banter is so so good, the backstories (especially Hayden's) is so strong, and there is so much to love about these two. Don't sleep on this book. I'm very much looking forward to the next book from this author! Favorite Quote: “When you’re around, it’s impossible to look away. You are the only thing I see. He’s an idiot for not knowing you make everything you touch better. Please don’t believe anything coming out of the mouth of a guy who still has frosted tips.”

Story Blurb Elite ballerina Allie Rousseau is no stranger to pressure. With her mother’s eyes always watching, perfection was expected, no matter the cost. But when an injury jeopardizes all she’s sacrificed for, Allie returns to her summer home to heal and recover. But the memories she’s tried to forget rush in and threaten to take her under. As a Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Hudson Ellis knows that hesitation can mean the difference between life and death. He’s always prided himself on being in the right place at the right time, especially when it came to Allie Rousseau…until the night he left for basic. After the biggest regret of his life, the secrets he keeps mean he can never be with the one woman he wants more than his next breath. When Hudson’s niece shows up on Allie’s doorstep, desperate to find her birth mother, Allie finds herself in an unimaginable position. Allie and Hudson’s past and present might be endlessly complicated. The thread that tied them to each other all those years ago may have unraveled, but the truth could pull them back together, or drive them apart forever. My Thoughts/Opinion I genuinely don't think Rebecca Yarros could write a book I don't absolutely love. And every single one is deep in different ways. I think the thing I loved most about Variation was that so many people in this story were doing all the wrong things for sincerely right reasons. But their decisions, including Allie's and Hudson's, almost kept them from a future together. As with all of RY's books, the depth of emotion and the flawed nature of the characters make for such a realistic and emotional read. I could go on and on, but just do yourself a favor and read this one. Chef's Kiss! Favorite Quote: “The second her gaze lifted to lock with mine, I forgot how to fucking breathe, let alone think. I’d never been hit by lightning, but I bet this was what it felt like.”

Story Blurb She's about to make a deal with the college bad boy... Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she's carting around a full set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush's attention, she'll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice...even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. ...and it's going to be oh so good All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA is threatening everything he's worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he's all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn't take long for Garrett to realize that pretend isn't going to cut it. Now he just has to convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him. My Thoughts/Opinion I am so late to the Elle Kennedy party! This was my first book of hers but I will definitely be reading more. The characters are college-aged, which honestly, I don't read that often. But the story was so dang good. The characters had great depth and both had fully developed, very compelling backstories, but were still written true to their age. And the spice? Whew. Elle Kennedy definitely knows how to write great spice. If you haven't read her before, do yourself a favor and give her a shot! Favorite Quote: “She tries to take a step down the hall, but I tug on her hand and kiss her again, and this time it's not a peck. I kiss her hard, losing myself in her taste and her heat and every damn thing about her. I never expected her. Sometimes people sneak up on you and suddenly you don't know how you ever lived without them.”

Story Blurb Naomi and Luca have been pen-pals since fifth-grade. Well, more like bitter rivals caught in an epic battle of insults and verbal jousting... But what starts as a hilarious chain of hate filled letters, slowly develops into a friendship spanning coasts and years. That is until one day, years later, when the letters suddenly stop. It's been two years since Naomi last heard from Luca. Two years since the letter that changed everything. But when a new envelope turns up out of the blue at her desk at the local news station, Naomi is determined not to let Luca have the final word. My Thoughts/Opinion What a fun enemies (from 5th grade!!) to lovers rom-com. Both Naomi and Luca are hilarious though their humor hides tragic truths. I really liked this book all the way up to about the 80% mark when I felt like the angst and drama was really overdone. As a reader, I got impatient with their never-ending 3rd act breakup. I struggled to understand why they couldn't just talk about the issues, so the last part of the book dragged for me. Other than that, I was a good, fun, well-written read. Favorite Quote: “I fell so hard for you that I couldn’t even enjoy anyone else’s company, because I had already decided that you were the one. I tried to tell myself that I was holding you up on a pedestal, that you couldn’t be as funny, or beautiful, or amazing as I imagined you were. Before I came to Miami, I had convinced myself that I was wrong for thinking I could be in love with someone I had never met. And then I met you in person, and it turns out I was right. Everything that I thought I felt was real. I fell in love with you all over again.”

Story Blurb Falling for the wrong person? Bury your feelings. Painfully shy Callum Flannelly would rather dive into an open grave than take a stranger to dinner. But he can only inherit the family undertaking business under one condition: He must marry before his 35th birthday. Texan animator Lark Thompson moved to Galway, Ireland, to restart her life and career, not be reminded of losing her husband by moving in next to a funeral home. But when she learns of Callum’s dilemma, Lark’s certain she can help him find The One, even if she’s sworn off love herself. Though as the dating project progresses and Lark spends more time with straight-laced, sarcastic Callum, he starts to crack the ice around her grieving heart. And the more joy that vivacious Lark brings to Callum’s grey existence, the less he can imagine letting her return to Texas. If they think they can ignore their connection, they’re dead wrong. My Thoughts/Opinion If you've read any of my previous reviews, you know I'm a HUGE Abby Jimenez fan. So when she blurbed this book, I knew it was a one-click for me. And I am SO glad I trusted her. This book is really well-written and both main characters are quirky, and quirkily (?) perfect for each other. This book has all the feels, you guys. Callum reminded me so much of Jacob from Yours Truly, and Lark's backstory...sigh. I rooted for them both so hard. The premise may seem a little unconventional, but trust me, you won't regret picking this one up! Favorite Quote: “And miss all the moments that send the butterflies loose in your stomach? No way. First date, first kiss, first slow dance. Popping the question and hearing yes. The falling matters, too. Not just the ever after.”

Story Blurb When Jeanie’s aunt gifts her the beloved Pumpkin Spice Café in the small town of Dream Harbor, Jeanie jumps at the chance for a fresh start away from her very dull desk job. Logan is a local farmer who avoids Dream Harbor’s gossip at all costs. But Jeanie’s arrival disrupts Logan’s routine and he wants nothing to do with the irritatingly upbeat new girl, except that he finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Will Jeanie’s happy-go-lucky attitude win over the grumpy-but-gorgeous Logan, or has this city girl found the one person in town who won’t fall for her charm, or her pumpkin spice lattes… My Thoughts/Opinion This book was all over my socials, so I decided to pick it up. If you're in the mood for a simple, Hallmark-ish, cozy romance you'll do well with this book. I was slightly underwhelmed, especially given the hype. Very predictable story and the characters were relatively (again) simple, but sometimes this type of book is the palette cleanser you need. No complaints. It was cute and fun. Not sure I'll pick up the next book but I'm happy to have read this one. Favorite Quote: “She wasn’t so much afraid of dying as she was of forgetting to live her life. Somewhere along the way, she’d forgotten to figure out who she was or what she wanted to be when she grew up.”

Story Blurb Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two. That is until Rhys Penhallow, descendent of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and make an appearance at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless after all. Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off the charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late. My Thoughts/Opinion Super fun and cute Halloween-y story. While I thought young Vivienne's actions were overblown for the situation (they'd only dated a couple of months), we wouldn't have had the cute story without it. I loved the trouble that came their way, and the way Vivi and Rhys made it back to each other. Highly recommend for a fun holiday-themed read! Favorite Quote: What Rhys knew was that kissing her had felt like waking up. Like he’d been drifting sleepily through everything for the past nine years until he tasted her mouth again and remembered what actually being alive felt like. Better than any magic, Vivienne’s kiss.

Story Blurb Welcome to Phantasma. There are only two rules to the game: Stay alive. And don’t fall in love. When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish. Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals. Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain. Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life. Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer. Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart . . .  My Thoughts/Opinion This book was just what I wanted for a spooky season read. Innocent heroine, morally gray hero. A quest. A secret quest. Enemies. Lovers. All under the seductive mistiness of a New Orleans landscape. While I wish the ending hadn't felt so rushed, I really loved the layers of story and the characters. Would I have enjoyed it as much outside of spooky season? Maybe. Probably. Okay, definitely. I look forward to the second book in the series. Favorite Quote: “In a different life, in a fair one, I would’ve kept you until my eternal soul withered away to dust.”

Story Blurb Wells Whitaker was once golf’s hottest rising star, but lately, all he has to show for his “promising” career is a killer hangover, a collection of broken clubs, and one remaining supporter. No matter how bad he plays, the beautiful, sunny redhead is always on the sidelines. He curses, she cheers. He scowls, she smiles. But when Wells quits in a blaze of glory and his fangirl finally goes home, he knows he made the greatest mistake of his life. Josephine Doyle believed in the gorgeous, grumpy golfer, even when he didn’t believe in himself. Yet after he throws in the towel, she begins to wonder if her faith was misplaced. Then a determined Wells shows up at her door with a wild proposal: be his new caddy, help him turn his game around, and split the prize money. And considering Josephine’s professional and personal life is in shambles, she could really use the cash… As they travel together, spending days on the green and nights in neighboring hotel rooms, sparks fly. Before long, they’re inseparable, Wells starts winning again, and Josephine is surprised to find a sweet, thoughtful guy underneath his gruff, growly exterior. This hot man wants to brush her hair, feed her snacks, and take bubble baths together? Is this real life? But Wells is technically her boss and an athlete falling for his fangirl would be ridiculous… right? My Thoughts/Opinion Overall, I enjoyed this book. It took me a little bit to get into it and to connect with the characters but once I got there I was absolutely rooting for them. Josephine was a little too sunshine to be realistic. There were a few times I hoped she would kick Wells to the curb. But in the end, Wells grew and so did Josephine. And their HEA brought a smile to my face. Favorite Quote: “I just . . . have this pretty intense need to make sure everyone knows you’re very fucking important. Okay? Could you kindly just go along with it?”

Story Blurb Winnifred “Win” McNulty has always been wildly independent and not one to be coddled for her limb difference. Win has spent most of her life trying to prove that she can do it all on her own. With some minor adjustments, she’s done just fine. Hooking up at a costume party with the incredibly charming Bo changes everything. Win finds herself pregnant—and decides to keep the baby. While Bo is surprisingly elated to step up to the plate, Win is unsure of whether she can handle this new challenge. Together, Win and Bo decide to get to know one another as friends and nothing more while they embark on this parenting journey together. But, as they both should know by now, life rarely goes according to plan. My Thoughts/Opinion What a fantastic read. This sweet and sexy story was filled with poignant scenes of love, friendship, discovery, overcoming adversity, and learning to trust. I loved Win and Bo so much. Their decisions to move forward, despite their circumstances, are inspiring and their HEA is one for the ages. My heart is so happy. Favorite Quote: "You are my soul's purpose, Win. To know you, to love you, to build a family with you, to spend every day taking care of you, to watch you shine and get all the good things you deserve out of this life."

Story Blurb Five years ago, I nearly lost everything. But there was a glimmer of hope on that darkest night. There was him—a stranger I could never forget. Now, I’m finally getting the fresh start I’ve longed for. But when I show up to interview for a nanny position in the small mountain town, the single dad has startlingly familiar blue eyes. Eyes that have haunted my dreams for the past five years. Lawson Hartley is everything I know I can’t have. Older, handsome, and my boss. Not to mention the shadows in his eyes that tell me he has demons, too. Still, he seems to understand me better than anyone I’ve ever met. So gentle and careful of my scars, yet somehow making me believe I’m stronger than I ever thought possible. And when his lips touch mine, I’m lost. We find what we've been missing in each other. But the terrors of my past aren’t done with me yet, and this time, Lawson might not be able to save me... My Thoughts/Opinion Oh, Lawson. The oldest brother. Deep wounds. And three boys in varying states of rebellion. Then there's Hallie and the unspeakable things she endured. Both trying to find their way forward. This is such a beautiful story of learning to trust, and is a true love story that envelops Lawson's boys as well. So sweet, yet the suspense plot kept me completely on my toes. So so good. I'm so glad to have read this entire series. I'll definitely be looking for more from this author. Favorite Quote: “But you got to me. That’s what matters. When I had what felt like endless cruelty, you gave me kindness. You gave me blue.” My gaze locked with hers. “Blue?” The corners of Hallie’s mouth lifted. “Your eyes. I thought I could drown in all that blue, but it would be okay because there was only goodness there. Safety. Peace.” Pain struck my chest, jagged and brutal. “I want you to have all of that.” Her smile widened. “I’m finding it. Because you’re giving it to me all over again.”