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#1 NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A teen girl decides to spend her summer helping her eccentric great aunt manage her quaint Vermont inn—only to discover that the fixer-upper is hiding a magical secret—in this cozy and irresistible new young adult fantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Spellshop.

“Frosted with whimsy and sprinkled with joy, The Faraway Inn is a testament to why Sarah Beth Durst is the queen of cozy fantasy!”—Tricia Levenseller, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Darkness Within Us

When sixteen-year-old Calisa arrives at her great-aunt’s B&B in rural Vermont for the summer, she’s shocked to find a rundown inn rather than the cozy bed-and-breakfast she was expecting. Grumpy and eccentric, Auntie Zee is determined to keep anyone from messing with her beloved inn . . . even though she clearly needs the help.

To convince her great-aunt to keep her around, Calisa sets to work fixing up the inn, enlisting extra help from the groundskeeper’s (handsome) son. But the longer she stays, the surer she is that there’s something strange about the B&B—and its guests. Something almost . . . otherworldly.

The inn is keeping a magical secret—but to protect the place she’s come to love, Calisa must unravel the truth before it’s too late.

Why Did I Listen To The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst?

The Faraway Inn by Sarah Beth Durst as a physical product is so aesthetically pleasing. The cover is gorgeous and the sprayed edges, OMG, I love them. Normally, I’d be one to pick this up and physically read it. However, I just HAD to engage with the audiobook instead because Soneela Nankani is the narrator and she is superb. This cozy young adult fantasy hit the spot as I had been in the mood for something cozy while longing for the weather to warm up — how is it – by the way – that it is still snowing in April in upstate NY? So, The Faraway Inn fit the bill for what I wanted. 

What’s The Story Here?

16 year old Calisa simply cannot stay in Brooklyn with her moms for the summer. She’s had her heartbroken in spectacular fashion, feels like a laughingstock due to her cheater ex and needs to get away. So, she has the brilliant idea of helping her great aunt with her B&B in rural Vermont for the summer. Only, Calisa gets to the inn and it is looking a little run down. Also, her aunt doesn’t really want her there and is kind of mean. It is definitely different from the last time Calisa is there as a small child. Calisa is determined to stay and determined to help out, she wants to bring the Inn back to its former glory. 

So, Calisa enlists the help of the Faraway Inn’s groundskeeper’s son, Jack. By the way, Jack is not so bad to look at per Calisa. Anyways, she realizes perhaps there’s something up with the inn and the guests of the inn. That’s right, turns out there are different fantastical beings who are staying at the inn. And the doors just might lead to other worlds. When Auntie Zee disappears, it is up to Calisa and Jack to find her and continue to uncover the secrets of the Faraway Inn. 

How Did I Like The Faraway Inn?

As someone who experienced heartbreak when I was young, I really liked Calisa’s journey. She has been through it and is now finding a new purpose – getting the Inn back on track. I liked that there wasn’t an immediate romance between Calisa and Jack. The story within The Faraway Inn is really more about healing and self discover. Also, I felt like the setting of the Faraway Inn was well written and compelling. I could picture it so well as I listened to this story. The characters are interesting. Calisa is easy to root for. There is even a little bit of comedy with the narcissistic magical mirror. Sarah Beth Durst’s The Faraway Inn met all my cozy fantasy expectations.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Faraway Inn is narrated by Soneela Nankani. It is 11 hours and 3 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed. Nankani is SUCH a good narrator. She has a perfect voice for fantasy. Her voice is melodic and easy to listen to. The audiobook pacing is ideal for the story. It is well produced with no sound issues at all. I found this audiobook to be transporting as I drove and spent time doing data analytics. I would certainly recommend this to cozy fantasy fans.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Two starred reviews!

An orphan races to uncover a killer—who may have come from the sea—when she and her beloved orcas fall under suspicion in this “atmospheric…beguiling” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) historical gothic mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of The Downstairs Girl, Stacey Lee.

1918. Orcas Island, Washington.

Lucy Nowhere has spent her eighteen years working on the vast estate of the eccentric shipbuilder who took her in after she washed ashore in a green canoe as a baby. But she has long wished for a life off the island, and in a matter of days, she is set to leave for college—and, for the first time, choose her own future.

Then she finds her employer’s severed head on the beach. Rumors swirl that a mischievous spirit and its minions, the sea wolves, have struck again. Lucy doesn’t believe in myths. She knows that a human—a human murderer—killed him. And when she is unexpectedly named heiress to the estate, she understands the next target is her.

Her closest friend, the estate’s vigilant young guard, begs her to escape while she can. But Lucy knows the only way she can discover who she is, and free the island of its curse, is to find the real killer—before she becomes the next victim.

Heiress Of Nowhere by Stacey Lee is such a superb young adult historical fiction novel. I love these kinds of books — namely the genre and just, how interesting the storyline is. The book has such a unique plot. This is the second book I’ve read by Stacey Lee and has cemented me into a fan. I want to try and read at least two more of her books before the year ends. That is how much I enjoyed this atmospheric mystery with interesting characters.

Set in the early 1900s on Orcas Island, which is an island off of Seattle, Heiress Of Nowhere follows Lucy Nowhere. Lucy is an orphan who grew up working for shipbuilder Dakon Sanders on his huge estate. As the book opens, she is creating art for a book Sanders is working on called The Wilds Of Orcas Island. She has outdone herself and gotten close enough to do a picture of Shadow and Scull – a pair of orcas who are mother and son. Lucy is on her way to leaving Orcas Island and attending the University of Washington.

Unfortunately, Dakon is murdered. Lucy inherits his estate instead of his nephew, Nash. The residents of the island believe it was the Orkus spirit who killed Dakon. However, Lucy knows that it has to be someone else — perhaps the same person who killed her father. And so, this story follows Lucy trying to uncover what happened, learn about her past — including the fact that her father was Chinese and a translator for one of the canneries. She also is navigating a tenuous relationship with Nash — which has got her island security and best friend, Koa, on edge.

Stacey Lee has such a gift for writing atmosphere. Heiress Of Nowhere had me able to perfectly picture the different aspects of the island — from Mt. Consternation to the mansion and more. She also blends being able to perfect place with having such a compelling main character. I loved Lucy (sidebar: I love Lucy?). She is smart and hardworking. She wants want is best for the island as well as to find out what her heritage is. I liked the push and pull between her and Nash – including during a scene where she tries a strong drink. I also thought her friendships with other women were quite interesting too. There’s also this thread of naturalism and conservation that appears throughout. This is such an excellent book — if you enjoy historical fiction you must pick Heiress Of Nowhere by Stacey Lee up.

Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Now a major motion picture starring Ryan Gosling, directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard

A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this “propulsive” (Entertainment Weekly), cinematic thriller full of suspense, humor, and fascinating science—from the author of The Martian.

HUGO AWARD FINALIST • NEW YORK TIMES READER PICK: 100 BEST BOOKS OF THE 21ST CENTURY • ONE OF THE YEAR’S BEST BOOKS: Parade, Newsweek, New York Public Library, Polygon, Shelf Awareness, She Reads, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal

Ryland Grace is the sole survivor on a desperate, last-chance mission—and if he fails, humanity and the earth itself will perish.

Except that right now, he doesn’t know that. He can’t even remember his own name, let alone the nature of his assignment or how to complete it.

All he knows is that he’s been asleep for a very, very long time. And he’s just been awakened to find himself millions of miles from home, with nothing but two corpses for company.

His crewmates dead, his memories fuzzily returning, Ryland realizes that an impossible task now confronts him. Hurtling through space on this tiny ship, it’s up to him to puzzle out an impossible scientific mystery—and conquer an extinction-level threat to our species.

And with the clock ticking down and the nearest human being light-years away, he’s got to do it all alone.

Or does he?

Hailed by USA Today as “an epic story of redemption, discovery, and cool speculative sci-fi,” Project Hail Mary is an irresistible interstellar adventure as only Andy Weir could deliver.

Multiple fan edits from the Project Hail Mary movie on my FYP made me want to read this book. I had also come across multiple recommendations specifically for the audiobook. My husband bought the audiobook for us to listen to on our drive to Boston and back – which is ten hours. I then ended up so invested that I had to reactivate my Audible account and buy a copy for myself so I could finish listening. This story features Ryland Grace, a science teacher who wakes up in a rocket ship with no idea who he is or what is going on. As it turns out, he is a part of Project Hail Mary, a mission to save life on Earth as we know it. You see, the sun is dying because these things called astrophage are eating it. I found this story to be moving and miraculous. I especially loved the unlikely partnership and friendship within. One way this has been described is as hopecore and I must say that is so accurate. The audiobook is a YES from me. Ray Porter does a fantastic job imbuing the story with emotion and embodying the character of Ryland Grace. I don’t normally go in for science fiction but the 16+ hours I spent with this audiobook will be with me for a long time. And yes, I actually only listened to this at 1X speed, as my husband cannot do audiobooks sped up like I can. It still holds up at the intended, not sped up pace.

The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Discover the word-of-mouth hit hailed by Ann Patchett as “A cause for celebration”—an intimate novel about the transformative power of the written word and the beauty of slowing down to reconnect with the people we love.

“The Correspondent is this year’s breakout novel no one saw coming.”—The Wall Street Journal

“I cried more than once as I witnessed this brilliant woman come to understand herself more deeply.”—Florence Knapp, author of The Names

In development as a major motion picture starring Jane Fonda

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION FIRST NOVEL PRIZE, THE ANDREW CARNEGIE MEDAL, AND THE WOMEN’S PRIZE FOR FICTION • A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: NPR, The Washington Post, Boston Globe, Elle, Christian Science Monitor, She Reads

“Imagine, the letters one has sent out into the world, the letters received back in turn, are like the pieces of a magnificent puzzle. . . . Isn’t there something wonderful in that, to think that a story of one’s life is preserved in some way, that this very letter may one day mean something, even if it is a very small thing, to someone?”

Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, The Correspondent is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime.

Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter.

Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness.

Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever read.

Sometimes I am also influenced to pick up a book from blogs. I know, I know, I still get recommendations in the year 2026 from blogs (considering I am also still writing into the void). I saw The Correspondent by Virginia Evans on Modern Mrs. Darcy and knew I had to pick it up. There was a 100 person hold list at my local library. So, I went with the audiobook — thanks to PRH Audio for the gifted copy. This book absolutely must be experienced on audio. It is an epistolary novel about Sybil Van Antwerp, a retired law clerk. Every day she writes letters and emails – to friends, to family, to customer service and to authors. We see the letters provide us with a pieced together portrait of who Sybil is. I know she rubbed some people the wrong way, but I liked her. She’s brash and forward. She can be demanding. However, she takes up space in her world and at her age and I respect that. Too often, it feels like when a woman reaches a certain age, she becomes invisible to society. Not Sybil. I enjoyed the revelations that life still had for her. We see so much of the human experience play out across Sybil’s letters, including the ones that go unsent. This is a full cast audiobook which really leant to the experience. It is 8 hours 36 minutes unabridged. I listened at 1.5x speed and followed along perfectly. This is a YES if you like audiobooks with imperfect main characters. 

Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—now a hit Netflix series—returns with her first novel for adults: an “irresistible” (The Washington Post) thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder, “full of the writer’s signature twists and turns” (People).

**The first edition paperback of Not Quite Dead Yet features a new cover and stenciled edges!**

“This truly unique premise snowballs into a roller-coaster ride of page-turning suspense and knock-out twists!”—Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid

In seven days, Jet Mason will be dead.

Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old and back home, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time.

Until Halloween night, when she is violently attacked by an unseen intruder, suffering a catastrophic head injury. Doctors are certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a fatal aneurysm. To her parents’ dismay, Jet rejects an extremely risky operation in order to guarantee herself at least a few more days.

Jet never thought of herself as having enemies. But now, in the one week she has left, she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her former best friend turned sister-in-law, her ex-boyfriend.

As her condition deteriorates, she reconnects with her childhood friend Billy, the only one willing to help her. With Billy at her side, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something:

Jet is going to solve her own murder.

Holly Jackson is an author who has books that I prefer in audio format. Previously I had not been much of a thriller and mystery reader. However, that is changing as I am seeking out cozy mysteries in print and thrillers in audio. I found I was looking forward to listening to Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson. This story follows Jett who is going to die in approximately seven days due to a head injury she suffers after she is attacked at home. She does not know who her murderer is. As Jett has not really ever finished anything in her life, she feels it is her calling to solve her murder along with the help of her best friend Billy, who had initially found her. There are twists and red herrings. I did not predict who the killer was. I thought the pacing was excellent. I found the unraveling of Jett’s family history to be sad but also interesting. However, I was not at all a fan of the narration of this book. It was a little too hoarse for me. I guess I prefer a more melodic narration style. The narrator is Alex McKenna. The audiobook is 14 hours 26 minutes unabridged. I listened to this at various speeds between 1.5x and 2x. Going strictly for audiobook recommendations, this was a NO from me.

The Re-Do List by Denise Williams

I received this book for free from Library, Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

What would you do with a second chance at your first time? Following a bad breakup, Willow Lewis tackles a re-do list with the help of her brother’s best friend in this sweet and sexy new romance.

Willow experienced all her big firsts with her high school sweetheart. Now, reeling from their very public breakup, she wants to get a re-do on those important moments. While dog-sitting for her brother during his deployment, she has a chance to start over and spending time with his best friend gives her the confidence to start checking items off her “Re-Do list.”

Deacon promised his best friend two things when Cruz left for a deployment: that he’d look out for Willow, and that he’d keep his hands off Cruz’s baby sister. “Operation Re-Do” is innocent enough at first: Deacon likes Willow and he’s willing to help her out any way he can. But when the list of firsts turns from a first dance to first kisses and more, Deacon can’t deny the connection he feels to Willow.

As Deacon’s and Willow’s firsts turn to seconds, thirds, and fourths, this pair can’t get enough of each other—and they support each other through new challenges. But they are both aware there’s an end date to Willow’s time in town… and even if she were to stay, Deacon doesn’t know how to choose between his loyalty to his closest friend and the woman he’s fallen in love with. With no more romantic moments on her list for them to re-do, can these two still find a way to stay together?

I absolutely love to listen to books by Denise Williams. The Re-Do List is Williams’ latest book and was a delightful listen. This story is told in alternating points of view between Willow and Deacon. Willow has just had a very public breakup that went viral. So, she skips town and is house sitting for her brother who has been deployed. Her brother’s best friend, however, is around and helps Willa out. Deacon was told not to try anything with Willow because Deacon has a player reputation. However, Willow writes up this list of all her firsts with her ex that she wants to re-do. Deacon helps her out with some of the more innocent ones and then soon the list gets more spicy and he helps with those too – sparking a chemistry between the two. I found myself really rooting for Deacon and Willow both individually and as a couple. I liked the new friends Willow made. Also, liked how fun Deacon was. The audiobook is narrated to perfection by January LaVoy and Teddy Hamilton. It is 10 hours and 51 minutes. I listened to this at 1.5 and 2x speed. I would absolutely say The Re-Do List by Denise Williams is a YES.

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“J.R. Ward is a powerhouse in the genre and never disappoints!”--Rebecca Yarros, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

"Absolutely unputdownable!"--Jennifer Armentrout, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

Crown of War and Shadow is a brand new, sweeping, slow-burn romantasy from #1 New York Times bestseller J. R. Ward, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Rebecca Yarros, and Jennifer Armentrout!

An outcast burdened with a curse. A mercenary out for himself. A kingdom that must be saved.

In the deep, dark, dead of night, passions rise, and empires fall...

The Fulcrum is failing, and demons are slipping into the mortal world.

No one is safe.

Especially not Sorrel. An orphan and an outcast within the walls of her small village because of her mystical abilities. She wants to survive...and find somewhere she can call her true home. But Fate has other plans.

Sorrel has been chosen. Cursed.

She must cross the Badlands to return the Queen's crown and convince the fearsome female to save their world from destruction.

Well aware she’s no brave hero, Sorrel makes a dangerous deal with Merc, a brooding, commanding mercenary known only by his unscrupulous profession.

The deal? A night in his bed that she will never forget, in exchange for her safe passage.

But Merc has secrets of his own, and even though desire runs hot between them, adventure, danger, and betrayal lurk around every corner.

Crown of War and Shadow is the first book in the Kingdoms of the Compass series.

Crown of War and Shadow
*Forced proximity/Only one bed
*Chosen mates
*Dark mercenary
*Who did this to you?
*Touch her and die
*I'll die for you
*Hidden magic

At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.

I love dipping my toes in a new to me genre and really enjoying what I pick up. I have read fantasy romance but not really much in the way of romantasy. So, I was a little apprehensive and nervous about Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward. It is a bit long which feels like quite a commitment. However, commit I did. This was my treadmill book for a few weeks – meaning whenever I would deign to walk, this was the book I was reading. Friends, I absolutely enjoyed my time with Crown Of War And Shadow – apparently first of the Kingdoms of the Compass series. 

Crown Of War And Shadow follows Sorrel, a young woman who lives on the margins of her society. You see, Sorrel has some special skills. She can look in someone’s eyes and know exactly when they will die. She also can help women giving birth and babies being born to survive the whole childbirth process. Yet, people in her little town treat her with derision and disdain. Her life is small – she has no friends and lives in a little room at the tavern. One day this all changes with a man known simply as Merc comes to her town. Eventually all hell breaks loose and Sorrel must run away from the town. Merc promises to get her to the Outpost with the promise that he can have his way with her as payment. As it turns out, demons are coming out the Fulcrum. Bad things are happening across the Kingdom. So, Sorrel and Merc make some big discoveries, get into danger, and kind of find themselves on a quest to return a crown to the Queen Who Will See No One. 

I had this preconceived notion that Crown Of War And Shadow would be a lot of spicy scenes – based on what I’ve heard about romantasy. I was wrong and am glad about that. Even if it was, no shame if that is your thing.For me, I don’t really seek that out. I really loved the pacing and plot of this book. I found Sorrel’s character to be dynamic and engaging. She is a good person who has been held at arm’s length and it is wonderful when she does make a friend. She has a good heart ultimately. I also liked the chemistry between her and Merc. It was interesting sort of getting his story. There’s a big reveal. I find myself looking forward to the next book. Also, I’d like to pick up more by J.R. Ward as this was really good. The book itself is incredibly aesthetically pleasing and looks amazing on the shelf. The edges are gorgeous. But what is within — the most important part — is well worth reading if you are like me and just getting into romantasy.

@aprilbooksandwine

Thoughts on Crown Of War And Shadow by JR Ward – I very much enjoyed this book. @Tor Publishing Group

♬ original sound – April Books & Wine

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An Instant USA Today Bestseller!

“A lovely, affecting paean to the power of books and enduring love.”—People

A woman receives an unexpected gift from the man she loved and lost—a year of books, one for every month—launching a reading-inspired journey to live, dream, and love again in this glimmering and heart-stopping novel.

Twelve books. Twelve months. One chance to heal her heart…

When Tilly Nightingale receives a call telling her there’s a birthday gift from her husband waiting for her at her local bookshop, it couldn’t come as more of a shock. Partly because she can’t remember the last time she read a book for pleasure. But mainly because Joe died five months ago....

When she goes to pick up the present, Alfie, the bookshop owner with kind eyes, explains the gift—twelve carefully chosen books with handwritten letters from Joe, one for each month, to help her turn the page on her first year without him.

At first Tilly can’t imagine sinking into a fictional world, but Joe’s tender words convince her to try, and something remarkable happens—Tilly becomes immersed in the pages, and a new chapter begins to unfold in her own life. Monthly trips to the bookstore—and heartfelt conversations with Alfie—give Tilly the comfort she craves and the courage to set out on a series of reading-inspired adventures that take her around the world. But as she begins to share her journey with others, her story—like a book—becomes more than her own.

Why Did I Listen To This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page?

This Book Made Me Think Of You by Libby Page immediately caught my attention because I LOVE books about readers. I feel like there is a built in connection with the main character when that happens. I am so glad I picked this up to listen to – it is a heartfelt story about finding the courage to move forward after a terrible loss. I genuinely loved this story and the main character – Tilly Nightingale. This was perfect in audiobook form as well – easy to listen to and follow.

What’s The Story Here?

This Book Made Me Think Of You opens with main character Tilly Nightingale receiving an unexpected call. You see, there is a birthday gift waiting for her at the bookshop from her fiance. Only, that can’t be, because her fiance passed away. Still, Tilly picks the gift up and learns her fiance has prepared a year of books for her. Each month Tilly will receive a book and a letter from Joe. This is an absolute shock to Tilly. She was the reader in the relationship — working in publishing in fact. Yet, after Joe passed she hadn’t been in the mood to read. However, with each book she reads, the more she begins to engage in life again and finds herself even trying new things. She also gets to know the shopkeeper, Alfie, who is quite wonderful. Alfie has his own secondary plot as well. 

How Did I Like This Book Made Me Think Of You?

I loved This Book Made Me Think Of You. It made me want to check out more from Libby Page. The book had me tearing up early on as well as throughout a book. I love when I feel moved to tears while reading. It’s so cathartic, ya know? Tilly is a character I could easily relate to – she’s passionate about books and quiet and an “indoors” person for the most part. I loved reading about her opposites attract relationship with Joe. There are several flashbacks throughout the book which help to flesh it out. There’s also closure on her relationship with her in laws. I liked that Tilly gets out into the wider world as part of her healing. I should mention – this book is set in England and Tilly is Welsh. I liked the layer that adds to the story. 

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of This Book Made Me Think Of You is narrated by Zadeiah Campbell-Davies. It is 10 hours 27 minutes unabridged. Normally I listen to audiobooks at 2x speed. However, due to the accent, I did not speed this up. I hovered between 1x-1.25x. Campbell-Davies has a lovely, charming voice that is relaxing to listen to. I felt like she embodied Tilly so well, particularly with the accent. This is  a wonderful story no matter which form you choose to read – audio or print. I highly recommend. 

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

DELUXE EDITION — featuring stenciled edges, fully illustrated case art, designed endpapers, a map, and a ribbon!

“Equally brutal, hot, and provocative.” —C.S. Pacat, New York Times-bestselling author of Captive Prince

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a dark, sexy romantasy featuring a vengeful warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

Let's get something clear, Prince. I have claimed you. That means you belong to me now.

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.

What Fury Brings is an adult romance novel with graphic sexual content and darker themes that may be uncomfortable for some readers. Please see the author's note at the beginning of the book.

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller caught my eye because the hardcover is so aesthetically pleasing – from the dark blue color scheme to the stenciled edges. This book has a beautiful presentation. I just HAD to preorder it. The premise of the story was also appealing – a romantasy where women are in charge of a Kingdom called Amarra. After really enjoying Daughter Of The Pirate King many moons ago, I was looking forward to Levenseller’s adult debut.

Olerra is a warrior princess hoping to one day be queen of the Kingdom of Amarra. She is fierce in battle – particularly against the Kingdom of Brutus. In order to secure her throne, she must marry a nobleman. However, after a rebellion, Amarra does not have any appropriately aged noblemen. So, noblewomen have to seek out partners from neighboring kingdoms. Well, kidnap them. Olerra plans to kidnap one of the spare sons of the King of Brutus. Her plan is underway. Sanos is out celebrating with his brothers, when a prank goes wrong as he takes his brother’s place in a house of ill repute. So, Sanos ends up kidnapped by Olerra. Sanos is also a warrior. He resists Olerra and her efforts at seducing him. However, as he learns more about her, he starts to trust her. Eventually he catches feelings for her. 

I am on the fence about What Fury Brings. You know I love a story about a powerful woman. I liked learning the lore of Amarra and their goddess. I liked Olerra’s friendship that is featured in the story — also Olerra’s backstory is interesting too. However, I did get the ick multiple times while reading about her and Sanos. I don’t know, it just wasn’t for me. Maybe I am a little too uptight. Or perhaps I am just not experienced enough with romantasy. However, whenever Olerra and Sanos were about to engage in spice, I was like okay this is boring. Let’s go back to learning more of the lore or the politics between all the kingdoms. Or I just wanted to get back to Olerra’s quest to be queen – against her awful cousin. That is totally a personal preference though and I think if you are more chill than I am, you will likely love this book. I felt like there was a lot of potential and readers who absolutely love spicy stories will love this.

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Two women discover love after swapping their homes. Fleeing the messiness of their personal lives, a small-town waitress and a big-city Broadway press agent swap addresses and lives in this “sparkling” (Alicia Thompson, USA Today bestselling author) queer contemporary romance.

Tatum Ward and Eleanor Chapman lead totally opposite lives. Tatum’s never left her Midwestern hometown. She resides in a quaint guest cottage on her parents’ property while working part-time as a waitress, where she spends most shifts ignoring her feelings for a beautiful regular named June. Eleanor dedicates every waking hour to her high-profile press career, sacrificing personal relationships for professional success, save for the occasional hookup to fight off her loneliness. When both women’s lives unexpectedly blow up at the exact same time, they each need an escape, and fast.

In Tatum’s hometown, Eleanor expects a quiet hideaway where she can recharge. Instead she gets wrapped up in the family drama that Tatum left town to avoid, pulled in by Tatum’s charismatic older sibling, Carson, who charms Eleanor at every turn. Tatum ends up in Eleanor’s New York high-rise apartment with June. One week together in the big city might make it impossible for Tatum to avoid not just her true feelings for June, but her real dreams for her life.

Amid a friendship with a reclusive Hollywood actress and a complicated family reunion, Tatum and Eleanor each discover much more than they bargained for away from home. Their house swap won’t last forever, but it might be just long enough for both women to surrender their defenses and finally fight for the life—and love—they deserve.

Bridget Morrissey is one of my favorite contemporary romance writers. I say that confidently having only read two of her books. However, when you know, you know. I was so eager to pick up Anywhere You Go because That Summer Feeling was one of my top books in the year I read it. Morrissey has this way of writing characters that I really connect to – set against a plot that I find myself deeply interested in. So, when Anywhere You Go landed on my radar, I had such a good feeling about it. 

Anywhere You Go feels a bit similar to a queer version of the movie The Holiday. The story features Eleanor and Tatum who swap homes to escape their life blow ups. Tatum lives in a lovely cottage on her parent’s property. She works in a local diner as a waitress and hasn’t left her midwest town. She has had a longtime crush on June, who is new to town. Meanwhile, Eleanor is a publicist for Broadway and lives in an apartment purchased with an inheritance from her parents. Tatum’s family springs a surprise reunion on her and she just can’t take it, so she goes with June to New York City – to Eleanor’s apartment in order to help June get investors for her fragrance business. Meanwhile, Eleanor blows up her career and ends up at Tatum’s college where she meets and falls for Tatum’s nonbinary sibling, Carson. 

I absolutely enjoyed the parallel storylines between Eleanor and Tatum. Their love stories are very different, but both are equally engaging. I also must say there is a cameo from the main couple from That Summer Feeling which I definitely loved spotting.  As characters, Eleanor and Tatum are very different – but have some similarities. Both are queer. Both are going through some big life changes and transitions. Eleanor, however, is very lonely and going through some depression – based upon the state of her apartment when Tatum and June arrive. Meanwhile, Tatum is feeling stuck, so going to the City is the perfect opportunity for her to break out of her rut. Sidebar: I loved all the family reunion activities and also the connection between Carson and Eleanor. Overall, this was a wonderful story and honestly has me itching to pick up Bridget Morrissey’s backlist. 

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

After several years stuck as a ghost, Sky Flores learns to reconnect with the living again with the help of her handsome neighbor in this lush romance from the USA Today bestselling author of Witch of Wild Things.

Like her sisters, Sage and Teal, Sky Flores has a touch of magic, and it’s caused nothing but heartache. Not only did she disappear into the woods years ago and reappear with no rational explanation, she’s also more comfortable talking to animals than to people. Different and misunderstood, Sky is shunned in the small town of Cranberry.

Sky’s neighbor, Adam Noemi, has his own problems. After being laid off from a prestigious newspaper, Adam, ever the ambitious reporter, needs a big headline to redeem his career. Enter Sky, a girl with a story that news outlets have been chasing for years. Sky agrees to grant Adam an exclusive interview on one condition: that he befriend Sky, in a very public way, to prove to everyone in Cranberry that she’s not an outcast.

As Sky shares her experiences with Adam, something much bigger than a simple agreement begins to grow between them. But for love to take root, Adam will have to take a leap towards a life that defies expectations, and Sky must open her heart – full of flora and fauna and mystical energies – to his curious mind.

Why Did I Listen To The Magic Of Untamed Hearts by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland?

I picked up The Magic Of Untamed Hearts by Raquel Vasquez Gilliland because I so enjoyed the first two books in the Wild Magic trilogy. Audiobook was my format of choice because once I start a series in a format, I usually love to continue on in the same format, and so, with this series, I continued via audio. These books are superb listens – and deep and romantic. There is interesting magic among other also interesting elements. I was eager to see how Gilliland would conclude the trilogy and finally give us Sky’s story. 

What’s The Story Here?

The Magic Of Untamed Hearts follows Sky Flores who is the youngest Flores sister. FYI spoilers for the first two books follow this sentence. Skye was disappeared for years – in a liminal coma state after taking a tumble. At the end of the first book, she’s found, and is alive. It is a miracle. However, this event also makes her a freak in Cranberry, Virginia where she and her sisters live. So, Skye tries to live her adult life and maybe find a hookup or companionship. The town looks at her as a weirdo though. She has friends – including an elderly next door neighbor. The neighbor has his relative, Adam, move in. As it turns out, Adam was a journalist but loses his job and is trying to recalibrate. Sky offers Adam the chance to write her story – he’s the first journalist she would open up to. However, that is in exchange for Adam’s social cache. She wants Cranberry to accept her and Adam can help them do that. However, sparks develop between Adam and Sky. ALSO! I cannot believe I forgot to mention this, but just like the other Flores sisters, Sky has a supernatural connection. She has a special connection with animals which can sometimes be to her deteriment. 

What Did I Think Of The Magic Of Untamed Hearts?

I genuinely enjoyed my time with The Magic Of Untamed Hearts. First, I got to catch up with the Flores sisters from the other books – Teal and Sage. That is another element that is wonderfully done – the exploration of sisterhood. I loved the interactions between Sky and her sisters as well as seeing where Sky fits into the family. We also see a greater picture of complex family dynamics. I guess I forgot the grandmother was wealthy. I also liked the growth that Sky experiences. She certainly deserves joy and happiness and got a perfect ending — and the ending impacts the whole family too. This is such a gorgeous trilogy. Yes there is romance and magic, but it also feels so much deeper too. I should also mention that Sky and her sisters are Latina and that also impacts the storyline – as they are brujas. As said, I thoroughly enjoyed this series and cannot recommend it enough.

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of Raquel Vasquez Gilliland’s The Magic Of Untamed Hearts is narrated by Elena Rey. It is 11 hours and 36 minutes. I like that all three books in the trilogy have a different narrator. This works well because each book is told from the point of view of a different Flores sister. Elena Rey’s narration is smooth and easy on the ears. I found this was easy to crank up over the clanking noise my car was making on my commute. I did listen at 2x speed and had no issues following along or enjoying the story. I would absolutely recommend this series in whichever format you prefer, however, the audiobooks hold a special place in my heart.

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Two wolf shifters reluctant to love discover there’s no fighting the call of the wild in this steamy romance by USA Today bestselling author Lana Ferguson.

Contractor Tess Covington has spent her entire life as a regular non-shifter human, so after she lands in the Denver ER with flu-like symptoms, it comes as a complete shock to be told that, no, she’s not sick—she’s actually a late-presenting omega wolf shifter. With her family in dire financial straits and a contract for her own television show on the line, she can’t afford not to complete the renovation job she came for. And given that her newly emerged wolf is in danger of going into heat, she’ll just have to do her best to follow the doctor’s advice to keep away from alpha shifters.

Alpha wolf Hunter Barrett has spent most of his adult life living by a routine, and a big part of that involves staying clear of omegas after having one stomp on his heart. So when the tiny contractor shows up at his place smelling like the one thing he’s determined to avoid, he thinks it must be some sort of cosmic joke. But with his lodge on the verge of failing and this sweet-smelling omega his only hope to turn things around . . . he’s left with few other options than to grin and bear it.

Set on avoiding each other as much as possible, they find things unexpectedly starting to heat up between them enough to thaw even the frostiest of hearts. Though even with the pair going head over paws for each other, there’s no changing that their fling has an expiration date. The more time they spend together, the more they realize they’re playing a dangerous game—one where the only thing on the line is their hearts.

Why Did I Listen To The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson?

The Mating Game by Lana Ferguson appealed to me mostly based on the cover —  I was getting winter romance but not a holiday romance vibes from it. Also, I’ve never really read an Omegaverse book prior to trying out The Mating Game and so, I was curious. You see, I like trying out new genres and tropes. Previously I liked The Nanny also by this author and so, this seemed like a good choice to try a new spicy sort of book. 

What’s The Story Here?

Ferguson’s The Mating Games follows Tess Covington, a contractor who is flying out to Denver for a job. She’s spent her whole life being a regular human with no shifting abilities. However, she gets real sick after her flight and ends up in the emergency room. There she finds out, just kidding, she is a shifter – something called an Omega. She then moves along with this big news to a lodge that she is renovating as part of her content and in hopes of landing a TV show. Turns out the owner of the lodge is an alpha named Hunter Barrett. Hunter has been burned by an Omega before and so he will do anything to not get involved with an Omega again. Only, it turns out that the chemistry between Tess and Hunter is irresistable. The two begin hooking up, and maybe it could be more than the physical, but there’s an expiration date on their relationship.

How Did I Like The Mating Game?

I thought that The Mating Game was a decent introduction to the Omegaverse. I am still a little lost on some concepts – partially because when “knotting” came up, I was driving right next to someone so I turned the audio down and skimmed through it. However, I liked Tess. I liked that she wanted to succeed in a male dominated field. Her chemistry with Hunter was fun to read. They embody the grumpy-sunshine trope. Hunter as said, is so resistant to Tess. It makes sense though, because he’s been hurt and that’s what unhealed people do. 

How’s The Narration?

The audiobook of The Mating Game is narrated by Samantha Summers and Aaron Shedlock. It is 11 hours and 49 minutes unabridged. I did listen to this sped up. Also, if I was right next to someone at a red light, because I am a prude, I did listen to the spicy parts turned way down or skipped through them. I found the narration to be enjoyable. Dual narration audiobooks hold my attention really well because of the shifts in narrator. Summers and Shedlock do a fantastic job as Tess and Hunter. Both have voices that are easy to listen to and enjoy. Overall, this was a solid audiobook – great for driving down the highway and getting chores done. 

This post contains affiliate links you can use to purchase the book. If you buy the book using that link, I will receive a small commission from the sale.

Dani Dorfman needs an escape, so when she is offered a job in Amsterdam after getting dumped and fired, she's determined to make it work.

Unfortunately, her first week is disaster - especially when she crashes her bike into Wouter van Leeuwen, her family's Dutch exchange student from ten years ago. Her first love, until he ghosted her . . .

Wouter is also at a crossroads - to inherit his canal family home, he needs to get married. And when Dani's job falls apart, she needs a visa.

Dani is certain Amsterdam is temporary. But could its quirks and a second chance romance become her reasons to stay?

What Happens In Amsterdam by Rachel Lynn Solomon is a contemporary romance set in Amsterdam that takes on a second chance romance and fake marriage trope. This was my first time reading one of Solomon’s adult romances – as I’ve previously read and enjoyed her YA books. I found this story to be enjoyable and I just loved the setting. This was a lovely book to wind down with at night – with interesting themes and dynamics. 

Dani Dorfman has just had a devastating break up. Unfortunately, her ex was one of her coworkers so now she has to leave her job. Dani throws caution to the wind and lands a job in Amsterdam. She’s never done anything like this before – having always been someone who is so cautious. Her parents had always been quite the hovering types – as she was a preemie, so they’re protective and have not relinquished that protectiveness as she is an adult now. Unfortunately, Dani’s dreams of Amsterdam do not quite match the reality. Her apartment is weird and leaky. The job she has is full of red flags. She’s determined to make it work though.

By chance she crashes her bike into a blast from her past – the foreign exchange student that her family hosted back in high school – Wouter van Leeuwen. Wouter ghosted Dani when he went back to Amsterdam and so, Dani is taken aback to see him again. What are the odds? The two are about to interact a whole lot more though. You see, Dani’s job crashes and burns. Wouter has an issue where in order to keep his home, he needs to get married. And so, for Dani to stay, she marries Wouter in a green card marriage situation. As time goes by, the two grow a trust again and start to fall for each other. I should also mention that Dani has a port wine stain which plays a role in the story as well.

What Happens In Amsterdam is interesting in that there’s this stranger in a strange land element – Dani is a fish out of water. I liked that much of this book was her finding herself and figuring out what she wants to do with her life. Her personal journey is compelling. I also liked the friendship she forges with her former neighbor. How Dani and Wouter slot into each other’s lives is quite interesting too. They do have great chemistry and really seem to work as a couple. This story held my attention more so for the characterization and the setting than the romance. I am glad I read this book and look forward to reading more of Solomon’s backlist.