REVIEW The Baby Dragon Bakery (The Baby Dragon Series #2) by A.T. Qureshi

The Baby Dragon Bakery (The Baby Dragon Series #2) by A.T. Qureshi
Rating: 3 Stars
Release Date: August 28, 2025
Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Avon

Check out my review of the first book in the series, The Baby Dragon Cafe

The Baby Dragon Bakery by A.T. Qureshi was an adorable sequel to The Baby Dragon Cafe. While not relying on as many fantasy elements as the first book (no baby mystical creatures participate in the romancce plot in a meaningful way), it's still a cozy romance with just a dash of fantastical elements. 

Lavinia and Theo have been best friends forever, and basically everyone knows they have feelings for each other except for them. I did find it harder to be as invested in their relationship, with the massive miscommunications that went on repeatedly between them, but things work out in the end and everyone gets their happily ever after so I was happy. If you're getting frustrated like I was, I recommend pushing through towards at least the middle of the book. And for those who are invested in the first book in the series, Aiden, Saphira, and Sparky do make multiple appearancces. 

A highlight of this story was all of the yummy food items and baked goods that make an appearance. Theo's passion as a baker was evident, and if you listen to the audiobook you can hear the author and the editor discuss how much work went into getting those descriptions just right. I appreciated how the author used food to highlight the differences between Lavinia and Theo's families, and the dynamics at home (one goes out of their way to make a favorite food, one doesn't even bother...)

Overall, this was an entertaining book and I enjoyed reading it. It wasn't as impactful as the first book, particulary complex, or one of those books I'll be thinking about for a while, but it hit the spot when I wanted a cozy book for an afternoon reading session under a warm blanket. If you have Kindle Unlimited or a library card, I highly recommend checking it out. Ishmeen Dhesi and Yuvi Bains did a good job bringing the story to life with their performancce in the audiobook narration. I'm also very curious to see how the series will be rounded out with Emmy and Luke's story in The Baby Dragon Bookshop. 

REVIEW The Baby Dragon Cafe (The Baby Dragon Series #1) by A.T. Qureshi

The Baby Dragon Cafe (The Baby Dragon Series #1) by A.T. Qureshi
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: January 16, 2025
Format: eBook (Kindle Unlimited) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Avon

A.T. Qureshi’s The Baby Dragon Cafe, the first book in The Baby Dragon series, was a cute and cozy fantasy romance book. Narrators Ash Raju and Hunter Johns did an excellent job bringing the story to life with their performance in the audiobook. It’s very reminiscent of Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes series.

This book has been popping up in my recommendations for a while, and I’m so happy that I finally picked it up (thank you Kindle Unlimited). The baby dragon cafe has just the right touch of whimsical while also being somewhat recognizable, being very similar to a cat cafe while adding a bit more chaos and charm with the baby dragons running amuck. The author also did a great job of capturing the small town vibes you’d expect from a Hallmark movie. I’d love to see a map or something similar of the area, as there are also other magical creatures that are briefly mentioned (and somewhat domesticated in certain cases). 

Saphira and Aiden had a lovely relationship that blossomed over the course of the book. They embody the grumpy x sunshine trope. I thought it was hilarious how Sparky played into their relationship; at first he was jealous when Saphira paid attention to Aiden and not him, and then getting jealous when Saphira paid attention to anyone but him and Aiden. As a reader, I really appreciated how Aiden’s family didn’t add to any drama, and welcomed Saphira with open arms. The fake marriage and the ‘there’s only one bed’ troped worked out well too, and everything came together nicely. I’m especially excited by the epilogue (cue the happily ever after).  

Overall, an excellent read. I’m so excited to read the rest of the books in the series, The Baby Dragon Bakery and The Baby Dragon Bookshop and I hope Saphira, Aiden, and Sparky make more appearances. I highly recommend the book to those who enjoy low stakes fantasy and happily ever after romances. 

REVIEW The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: August 5, 2025
Format: eBook + Audiobook (Library)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Young Readers

The Island of Forgotten Gods by Victor Piñeiro was an excellent middle grade and a very fun introduction to the culture and legends of Puerto Rico. Timothy Andres Pabon did a great job bringing the story to life with his performance in the audiobook narration. I highly recommend this book for fans of Percy Jackson, any Rick Riordan Presents Book (i.e. Tristan Strong by Kwame Mbalia), or B.B. Alston's Amari and the Night Brothers series. It's very family centric and very educational (without making it feel like you're getting an education).

Nico (the main character) is spending the summer with his cousins and his abuela in Puerto Rico, hoping to get through the pain of not making it into his planned visual arts school or thinking too much about his parent's failing marriage. The first mythical creature Nico encounters is on the plane to Puerto Rico, so the author really hits the ground running with getting readers involved. The story is a love letter to the island, along with highlighting all the troubles the island has gone through for those who may not have been aware. As someone who was born on the continental US, I never considered the fact that Puerto Rico has always been under someone else's rule for centuries (and it affected their ability to improve their situation, i.e. electric).

While this is primarily a fantasy, the book has a taste of so many other genres. Humor, adventure, mystery and horror were all wrapped up in one nice little bow for the readers. While Puerto Rico might not be thought of in the same breath as Ancient Greece or Rome (the more famous mythologies), it has the same level of rich creation myths and lore surrounding the island (which I still can't believe I've never heard of).  The lore surrounding these figures was epic. I especially enjoyed the dynamic of how Márohu and Boínayel's powers worked. 

Overall, a great read and I'm so glad I listened to it in audiobook form (otherwise I would have been very lost on pronunciation). I believe it's a standalone novel, but can't wait to check out other books produced by the author in the future.

REVIEW Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno

Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno
Rating: 4 Stars
Release: December 2, 2025
Format: eARC (NetGalley) + Audiobook (Library)
Publisher: Wednesday Books 

 When I originally picked up Persephone's Curse by Katrina Leno, I was expecting something more heavily rooted in fantasy and mythology. However, it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the book was closer in genre to magical realism, with only hints of mythology. Audiobook narrator Phoebe Strole did an excellent job bringing Winnie's perspective to life, along with that of the other Farthing sisters.

The Farthing sisters are said to be descended from the goddess Persephone, queen of the Underworld. Or at least, that's what their aunt tells them. The fact that all four sisters can see Henry, the ghost inhabiting their attic is pretty convincing though. At the heart of this story is the relationship between the sisters. There are romantic subplots, but they are secondary to the bond between each sister. A mistake committed in a moment of raw emotion and anger threatens that bond however, and the sisters have to work together to fix things before it's too late.

While it's not the highly involved worldbuilding one would expect with a fantasy novel, I really enjoyed the way the author wove the myth of Persephone (as well as Melinoe) into the story. There were just enough fantastical elements to make things believable, without making it feel like readers were being thrown into a Percy Jackson like adventure.

Overall, this was an excellent read and I'll definitely be checking out more by this author in the future. I highly recommend this book to fans of authors like Shea Ernshaw, Isabel Ibanez, or Adrienne Young. Thank you the author, the publisher, and the team at NetGalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely.

REVIEW All Superheroes Need Photo Ops (Supers in the City #2) by Elizabeth Stephens

All Supheroes Need Photo Ops (Supers in the City #2) by Elizabeth Stephens
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: November 25, 2025
Format: eBook and Audiobook (Kindle Unlimited)
Publisher: Montlake  

I thought that the first book in the Supers in the City series by Elizabeth Stephens, All Superheroes Need PR, was great but the sequel All Superheroes Need Photo Ops blew it out of the water. Monica, the war photographer that we meet in the first book, has been adjusting to life out of war zones and following the lifes of various 'Champions', or the group of beings that fell from the sky when they were young and are now considered superheroes. The Wyvern, one of the leads of the previous book, is now the most popular superhero on the planet. However, the former top dog, Taranis, isn't thrilled that he's losing out on the attention and contracts Monica to follow him around for photo ops. Sparks fly, and a much more dynamic relationship ensues (along with more superpowered clashes).

Without spoiling the events of the first book, its safe to say that the action is moving very quickly. The author revealed more of the mystery surrounding the champions and their powers in this book, and it left me excited for the rumored third book in the series (and who I think the main focus will be). Monica and Taranis have a very different relationship than Vanessa and the Wyvern do, but it makes sense for them. There were definitely scenes that get very spicy (i.e. the limo post gala), which put this very clearly into adult romance territory. The action also gets more intense, and graphic, so anyone whose worried about being triggered should check the content warnings before opening the book.

Overall, this was a fantastic read. I highly recommend it to fans of adult romance, especially with the superheroes tropes or monster/alien romance. A great choice if you have Kindle Unlimited.Sean Crisden and Emery Erickson did an excellent job bringing Monica and Taranis’ perspectives to life with their performance in the audiobook.

Content Warnings: Kidnapping/Captivity, Graphic Violence, Torture, War 

REVIEW A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Format: eBook (Personal Library) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

A Forgery of Fate by Elizabeth Lim is a new standalone fantasy romance that's filled with Lim's signature worldbuilding (and dragons!), slow burn romance, and lots of East-Asian inspired elements. Audiobook narrator Mirai did an excellent job bringing the story to life with her performance. While the book is marketed as a Beauty and the Beast reimagining, the story focuses more on the mission and the fantasy elements than the romance. That didn’t detract from the story at all, and helped add to the uniqueness.

Truyan is a gifted art forger who stepped up to take care of her family after her father's disappearance at sea and her mother's gambling habits worsened.. After a sale of a forgery went wrong, Truyan runs into the mysterious 'Demon Prince' Elang who offers her a deal. Protection for her family in exchange for her help (and the use of her gift in painting the future) with overthrowing the Dragon King. The only catch? To overthrow the Dragon King, they both must venture to his domain and underwater kingdom.

The worldbuilding and the chemistry between Tru and Elang were what kept me hooked throughout the story. The author painted such a vivid picture of the underwater kingdom that it was easy to envision in my mind. I didn’t expect to see turtles depicted as handmaidens and mermaids as queens, but it worked well for this book. There's also some major twists and unexpected reveals in Tru and Elang's relationship that I didn't expect. While there's a slow burn romance developing, they also treat each other like reluctant partners in crime a good portion of the time which was entertaining. And all the art metaphors, especially with the main theme of the book being art forgery, were particularly witty; my favorite line was "Gray is the color of truth. The same in art as it is in life, nothing is ever as black and white as it looks."

Overall, this was a great book and a very bingeable fantasy. It's currently listed as a standalone novel, and I liked how the author wrapped up the story threads at the end of the book. I recommend this novel to fans of Lim's earlier works, as well as dragons, fantasy romance, and books inspired by East Asian folklore.

REVIEW Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti

Hurricane Heist (The Sherlock Society #2) by James Ponti
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: September 2, 2025
Format: Audiobook
Publisher: Aladdin 

Hurricane Heist by James Ponti, the second book in The Sherlock Society series, was another engaging caper for the group to solve. It was fun how the author featured not one but two hurricanes in this book, with flashbacks to the original one that Grandpa witnessed when he was 12 and then the one in present day.

When the present day hurricane unearths the body of someone thought to have committed a crime during the original hurricane so many years ago, the Sherlock society is originally the only ones interested in taking up the case (especially since the statue of limitations has expired). However, as more information is revealed more people join in on the investigation and it was fun to try and solve the mystery right along side them. I really appreciated how relatable the characters are. Alex and Zoe had multiple stereotypical sibling disputes. Grandpa's investigative journalist background really came into play with this one. And it was funny to see all of the retirees get so into the case, partially out of sheer boredom in their retirement.

Overall, this was a great read and perfect for younger mystery fans. I highly recommend it to those who are already fans of one of the authors other series, City Spies. Audiobook narrator Mark Sanderlin did an excellent job bringing the story to lfie with his performance. As the statue of limitations did run out, the ending isn't quite as satisfying as the first book but I still enjoyed the ride.

REVIEW The Court of the Dead by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro

The Court of the Dead: A Nico Di Angelo Adventure by Rick Riordan and Mark Oshiro
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 23, 2025
Format: Audiobook and Hardcover
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

The Court of the Dead by Mark Oshiro and Rick Riordan, second book in the Nico DiAngelo adventures and set in the same world as the Percy Jackson universe, was the perfect follow up to The Sun and the Star. As someone who's been a lifelong fan of the stories in this universe, I really appreciated getting to see the characters’ growth and development from the first time each of them appeared on the page.

For this story to feature monsters who don't want to be monsters anymore (and instead prefer the term "mythics"), it felt like a full circle moment. For Asterion, or the Minotaur, to be one of the monsters leading the efforts for integration, that also felt like a full circle moment as he is one of the first monsters Percy meets in The Lightning Thief. All of the campers in this book, Nico and Will included, have to deal with complex emotions. Yes, monsters are known for killing demigods. Yes, they have been trained by their respective camps to kill monsters for most of their lives. But these specific monsters are not responsible for their troubles, and shouldn't really be held accountable for others' decisions in that way. There is less action in this book, and a lot more moments with the fan favorite characters and as a reader I appreciated that. Not every book has to be them fighting for their lives. Sometimes being a teenage demigod is dealing with really complex emotions, and having to learn to deal with other people as they deal with their complex emotions.

Overall, another fantastic addition to the world of Percy Jackson. I really enjoyed all of the Solangelo moments in this book, as well as the sibling relationship between Hazel and Nico. Audiobook narrators AJ Beckles and Mieko Gavia did an excellent job with their performances and bringing the story to life.

BLOG TOUR Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour for Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray, organized by Toppling Stacks Tours (formerly TBR and Beyond Tours). Please check out my post to learn more about the book, read my review, and learn more about this fabulous debut author too. If you want to pick up your own copy (since this book comes out tomorrow), I've included the links for you to be able to do so. Make sure you show some love to the other tour hosts too. The link to the schedule is below. Happy reading everyone!

Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray Tour Schedule (Toppling Stacks Tours)

About the Book

Check out the book's Goodreads page
Get the book on Amazon!
Get the book on Libro.fm!
Get the book on Barnes and Noble

Crescent City meets Fourth Wing in this fast-paced and romantic debut, in which a teenage girl must survive ruthless werewolves, a glittering court, and deadly politics to exact revenge on the monsters who destroyed her.

After a vicious werewolf attack on the night of her seventeenth birthday party, Vanessa Hart loses everything she loves in a split second. Her best friend, her father, and even her home.

Bitten and imprisoned without explanation, Vanessa endures an agonizing transformation into the very beast that maimed her, and her captors make it clear she cannot escape: she will either swear her life to the Wolf Queen’s Court, or she will die.

With no other choice, Vanessa joins their enchanted Castle Severi—where flowering vines grow through the walls, gifts are bestowed by the stars, and a claw can break through skin as easily as silk—but she hasn’t forgotten what they stole from her.

Vanessa still seeks vengeance, scheming in the shadows even as she finds herself mesmerized by the golden prince Sinclair Severi, who threatens to steal her heart though he is promised to her nemesis. And by his brooding, disgraced cousin, Calix, whose smoldering gaze hides even darker secrets. Immersed in the magic of their whimsical yet cruel society, Vanessa soon learns not all is as it seems.

The Court is at war, and she may simply be a pawn in its lethal game.

Content Warning: murder

Review of Bitten by Jordan Stephanie Gray
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: September 30th, 2025
Format: eARC (Courtesy of Publisher/NetGalley)
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

I've followed Jordan Gray (and her critique partner/best friend Shelby Mahurin) on Instagram for years, so it was so exciting to see all of her years of work come to fruition when she got her book deal. And when I finally got to read her debut novel, Bitten, it was an oh my god moment (in the best way possible). Bitten pulls no punches with vicious world building, and is probably one of the most memorable young adult paranormal romance/romantasy books I've read in a long time. So many twists and turns, heart wrenching moments, and that ending - I'm gonna be thinking about that for a while and I'm crossing all my fingers and toes that a sequel comes out soon (please please let there be a sequel).

The worldbuilding I think was my favorite part of the book. After Vanessa's brutal transition and introduction to the Wolf Queen's courts, she's metaphorically thrown into the deep end as she must learn the hierarchy or be killed in the process. Between the hierarchy (going from the ruling Kings and Queens down to deltas and omegas), along with the nobility structure, there was a lot to learn but I was all here for it. It was engaging and fast paced along with a little bit of political intrigue.

The romance was also entertaining. There's a palpable tension between Vanessa and Crown Prince Sinclair, but of course the aformentioned hierachies and nobility make things complicated. Especially when Vanessa is an anomaly as a Bitten werewolf who carves out her own place in the hierarchy. There were just enough moments of them giving into the tension to be satisfying, so I'm excited to see where the author will take their relationship in the future.

Overall, an amazing book and I'm so glad I had the chance to read it early (even if it means I have to wait longer for the sequel). I highly recommend it to fans of paranormal romance or romantasy books, especially if you love werewolves. Thank you to the author, the publiser Little, Brown Childrens, the team at Toppling Stacks Tours and Netgalley for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book as part of my participation in the tour. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review the book immensely. Please note - all opinions expressed in the review are my own, and not influenced in any way.

About the Author 

Jordan Stephanie Gray is the debut author of the young adult werewolf romantasy, Bitten, and the adult mermaid romantasy, The Wicked Sea.

When she isn’t dreaming up the fantastical and romantic, she is likely cuddling her two pugs and two chihuahuas in sunny Florida.

You can follow her journey through up-to-date newsletters on Substack and on Instagram.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

REVIEW My Haven (Bewitched and Bewildered #16) by Alanea Alder

My Haven (Bewitched and Bewildered #16) by Alanea Alder
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: August 26, 2025
Format: eBook

"My Haven" by Alanea Alder, the sixteenth book in the Bewitched and Bewildered series, is another great example of found family and paranormal romance. Meryn and the others have finally made it to the city of witches, Storm Keep, met the Irownwood brothers, and are ready to finally take on whoever the villainous mastermind(s) is there. The oldest Ironwood and unit leader, Caiden, also finds his mate, and that was a very unique and fun pairing.

As this book is the first of an (expected) five books in the Storm Keep arc, a lot of the major action is just being set up. The Witches council has been introduced, the clash between the Witches council and the Elders council is coming to a head, and we're starting to be introduced to more characters who may have a role in the conflict. I am so excited to meet the mom of the Ashleigh brothers and the Ironwoods. I also really liked Mr. Compton's character, and I feel like he'll be a big help going forward.

Caiden and Genevieve were a really fun pairing. The way Meryn sets up their meeting was ingenious, and I thought the comment about how both of their love languages are (at least partially) based in food was a nice touch. The side mating of Arlo (Genevieve's pseudo brother/best friend) was hilarious in how it came together, and I'm curious to see how Troy will play a part in the action going forward.

Overall, another excellent book. I highly recommend this series to those that enjoy books that are a cross between paranormal romance and urban fantasy, and that are filled with moments of humor and heart (especially considering the strong emphasis on found family). Best to read the books in order for the optimal experience.

REVIEW Bemused by Farrah Rochon

Bemused by Farrah Rochon
Rating: 5 Stars 
Release Date: January 7, 2025
Format: Audiobook (Personal Library, Libro.fm)
Publisher: Random House/Disney

Bemused by Farrah Rochon, a spin off of the original animated Hercules movie from Disney, was entertaining and engaging. I absolutely loved the Muses in the movie, so I was super excited for them to get their own book. The author did a great job bringing their stories to life, and Joniece Abott-Pratt did a great job narrating their story in the audiobook performance (similar to how they narrated part of Hercules' story...)

The story takes place before the events of the Hercules movie, though there is a note in the last chapter that suggests things start to line up. Calliope, Clio, Melpomene, Terpsichore, and Thalia are the daughters of Mnemosyne (a Titan and former resident of Olympus who has left that life behind her). When we initially meet them, they are not the Muses we originally know them as, rather a group of sisters living with their mother in a small, quiet fishing village. When they break one of their mother's only rules and perform together in front of a crowd, things begin to go awry and their mother is ultimately kidnapped. The girls band together to save her, and each of them discovers their special powers along the way.

Getting to watch the girls go from simple villagers to the "Muses" and goddesses of the arts was fun. While there are only five muses in this book, compared to the nine in the original mythology, the author did a great job in honoring all of the areas they are known for. I think Thalia was my favorite. It was also nice for them to be celebrated individually in the story as opposed to a collective (as to the best of my recollection, they are not individually recognized in the movie/individually named).

Overall, an amazing book that was very entertaining and fun. I recommend this book to fans of Disney movies and Greek mythology.

The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn by Lily Meade

The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn by Lily Meade

Rating: 4 Stars

Release Date: August 26, 2025

Format: eBook (Personal Library, Bookshop.org)

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

As a lifelong fan of Scooby Doo, it was exciting to hear that the Hex Girls were getting their own novel in Lily Meade’s sophomore release The Hex Girls: A Rogue Thorn. The book had the trademarks of a typical Scoobyverse story with a mystery at the heart. It also features a subplot with a sapphic romance between Thorn and Velma. 

It was nice to see how much Scooby substance the book had, as well as the elements of nostalgia it invoked. Daphne’s fashion, Fred’s love of traps, Velma’s intelligence and Shaggy’s deep love of food and loyalty to his friends are all featured in the story. It also showcased the very deep relationship between each of the Hex Girls (which I feel like has only been explored on a surface level in previous cartoons/movies).  Velma and Thorn’s relationship was an interesting component of the story (have I mentioned I want someone to flirt with me by threatening to buy me more books haha), but it wasn’t what kept me invested in the read. I did want to note that the author does depict some of the characters to be of particular racial backgrounds (Thorn describes herself as a “Black goth” and Velma mentions having an abuela/seems to be depicted as a Latina) but it does not take away anything from the original version of the characters.  

My only complaint was that Scooby did not say a single word in the entire book. I know it’s a Hex Girls novel primarily, but for Scooby to not talk and act more like a standard dog than anything, it was a missed opportunity and a bit of a pull out my hair moment in frustration as a reader. 

Overall, a great read and I think most Scooby fans will enjoy this book. It is a bit darker, as there is death in the story but I think it’s a good fit for young adult readers and above. I’m excited to see more of the author’s work in the future, and hope we get more Scooby books in particular. 

REVIEW All Superheroes Need PR (Supers in the City #1) by Elizabeth Stephens

All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: May 27, 2025
Publisher: Montlake
Format: eBook + Audiobook (Kindle Unlimited)

All Superheroes Need PR by Elizabeth Stephens wasn't even on my radar until I saw a recommendation for it from author Katee Robert, and I'm so glad I picked it up on a whim from Kindle Unlimited. I completely devoured it in a day. Switching between Dara Brown and Sean Bassett's narrration along with the ebook made me so excited. And I was not expecting that ending.

Decades ago, 48 beings from outer space (in the form of children) landed on Earth. With fantastical powers, some of them developed into what we would consider heroes and some of them became supervillains. Some never picked a side. Roland (previously Pyro and later Wyvern) decides he wants to become a hero after much negotiations and needs a PR team to help make it happen. Enter Vanessa and her team. Both Roland and Vanessa are drawn together by feelings they can't explain, and once they finally do get together strange things start to happen. I'm a big fan of the superhero genre, and I was so excited by this author's take on things. Also, as previously mentioned, I was not expecting how things played out at the end and I all but screeched while reading it. I know Monika and Taranis have a book coming up in November 2025 (All Superheroes Need Photo Opps) but I really hope as many characters as possible in the series get their HEA because they were all amazing. I'm also very excited to hopefully learn more about some of the other beings who fell to Earth, as we haven't even touched on most of the 48.

Overall, a fantastic read and a fantastic story. I highly recommend this book to adult romance readers who like diverse reads with elements of superheroes and the paranormal.

REVIEW Go Luck Yourself (Royals and Romance #2) by Sara Raasch

Go Luck Yourself (Royals and Romance #2) by Sara Raasch
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Format: eBook (Personal Library, Bookshop.org) + Audiobook (Borrowed from Library)
Publisher: Bramble

“In all that writing you used to do about happily ever after,’ Coal continues, ‘did you ever think what being happy would actually feel like?”

The Nightmare before Kissmas by Sara Raasch is a favorite of the holiday themed books I’ve read, and its sequel Go Luck Yourself is no slouch. Audiobook narrator Dylan Reilly Fitzpatrick absolutely knocked it out of the park with his performance in the audiobook. I really felt like he captured both Kris and Loch’s personalities, and brought the book to life on another level. 

This book is an enemies to lovers romantic comedy meets mystery, and it's absolutely joyous insanity. From Kris’ lack of ability to hold his liquor, to the Irish method of flirting being ‘talking shite’, I was hooked. While there are some minor similarities to the first book (Kris and Loch are also princes of their holiday, like Coal and Hex), this romance has an entirely different feel. There are silly moments, old timey romance swoon moments, and even some incredibly emotionally deep moments. While I was 100% on the Kris and Loch ‘ship’, I was also invested in the growth of Kris and Coal’s brotherly relationship over the course of the book. As someone who has my own sibling, Coal’s commitment to seeing his brother happy and enjoying life on his own terms was particularly impactful. 

Overall, a fantastic novel. I think the author did a great job wrapping up the storyline of the Christmas princes, but I would be absolutely thrilled if there was a third book in this series featuring Iris (and maybe a short story of her sister and the Valentines day prince). I highly recommend this to mature readers who enjoy queer romantic comedies that feature an enemies to lovers romance and pure, joyful shenanigans.

REVIEW The Dragon's Apprentice by James Riley

The Dragon's Apprentice by James Riley
Rating: 4 Stars
Release Date: April 1, 2025
Format: Audiobook (Borrowed from Library) + eBook (Personal Library, Bookshop.org)
Publisher: Labyrinth Road 

The Dragon's Apprentice by James Riley was a really fun new middle grade fantasy read. Audiobook narrator Alana Kerr Collins did an excellent job with her performance bringing both Scorch and Ciara's perspectives to life. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy humorous reads filled with magic, dragons, and slightly cliche but equally despicable villains.

Ciara is a very relatable protagonist who is willing to do anything to save her mother. When she stumbles upon the journal of the 'lost apprentice' (which also happens to be somewhat sentient), it changes her life and that of her village forever. Enter Scorch, the grumpy and stern Great Dragon. He agrees to help Ciara save her mother as long as she helps him find his lost siblings and determine what happened to his last apprentice. Shenanigans ensue, as they work towards both of their goals. I loved the heart of the book as well as the worldbuilding (one specific power of the dragons was quite cool). There is a major cliffhanger, where the author sets up the events of the next book but it left me excited. If you like dragons, magical mentor-mentee relationships, and/or magic in general, this book is for you.

REVIEW Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins

Sunrise on the Reaping (The Hunger Games) by Suzanne Collins
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Format: Audiobook (Libro.fm)
Publisher: Scholastic Press

While it's been 5 years since the last Hunger Games book release, the series is no less impactful. Suzanne Collins did not pull any punches with Sunrise on the Reaping, which follows Haymitch's origin story and features the fiftieth Hunger Games. Haymitch's history is impactful and heartbreaking, and the author puts a major highlight on the power and impact of propaganda with the aftermath of the games. 

The amount of cameos and previous characters that make an appearance in this book is astonishing. Many of them also make an appearance in Catching Fire, but this book gives a background on why they are the way they are and how they become part of the eventual rebellion. I didn't realize how on the nose Haymitch's statement of there being no true victors of the Hunger Games, just survivors was. It's also curious how Ms. Collins has told the story exclusively through the lens of the four District 12 victors. While I think she’s done writing books (for now), there are definitely other victors I’d like to learn more about (such as Mags, Beetee, and Finnick).

Witnessing the horrors of the different arenas on the page was particularly impactful. The tidbits we see of how Wiress won her games were shocking (though also vindicating). And while readers have gotten teasers of Haymitch's arena, there was nothing like reading about the real thing (especially since perspectives are skewed much later on). As a reader, it was also particularly heart wrenching to put faces to the tributes who fans of the series know are destined to die.

Overall, this was an emotional and gripping read. The movie was announced the same time as the book, and I'm curious to see what the cast and crew will do with the source material. I highly recommend this book to readers who enjoy dystopian fiction reads that aren't afraid of social and political commentary.

SPOTLIGHT Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond by Adrian Lynch

Hi friends! Welcome to my spotlight on the tour organized by TheWriteReads for Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond by Adrian Lynch. Check out my post to learn more about the book and the author. 

About the Book

Title: Star Quest Academy: Above and Beyond
Author: Adrian Lynch
Age Category: Middle Grade
Genre: Science Fiction
Length: 280 Pages
Published: February 13, 2025
Buy the Book: Amazon
Add on Goodreads and TheStoryGraph

For centuries, trillions of life forms throughout space have allowed humanity to believe we’re alone in the Universe. Any alien who dared to befriend us has met an unfortunate end: eaten, squashed, sent to a zoo, or even planted in a garden pot. But our advances in space exploration now threaten every civilisation across the Cosmos.

Amelia, a savvy, street-smart orphan, is one of four exceptional children selected from around the globe to represent humanity in the Human Inclusion Programme at the intergalactic Star Quest Academy. Here, they’ll unravel the Universe’s wonders, explore strange new worlds, and encounter magical creatures. Earth’s safety from invasion hinges on their success as cadets, but if any of them fail, Earth will be invaded by ruthless warlords.

When a series of sinister incidents jeopardise their mission, it becomes clear that someone – or something – wants them to fail. To save their world, the cadets must overcome their differences and combine their unique skills.

About the Author

Adrian was born a long time ago in Harrow Weald, North London. He is dyslexic, which wasn’t allowed in those unenlightened times. As a kid, when he wasn’t learning to be ‘normal’, (he failed), he would hang out in the nearby bluebell-carpeted woods. To him, they harboured space aliens, mysterious creatures and the ghosts of Grims Dyke whose mournful songs rustled autumnal leaves. This inspired stories that Adrian would tell eager audiences for pocket money.

Following successful careers within the NHS and as a Company Director, Adrian obtained a BA degree in Creative Writing from the Open University and is now bringing those fantastical stories to life in his novels. The Star Quest Academy – Above and Beyond is the first to be published. Adrian hopes that it will be as exciting and fun to read as it was to write.

Adrian now lives in North Bedfordshire.

REVIEW London Calling (City Spies #6) by James Ponti

London Calling (City Spies #6) by James Ponti
Rating: 5 Stars
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Format: ARC (Courtesy of Publisher) + Audiobook (Personal Library, Libro.fm)
Publisher: Aladdin

Buy the book on Bookshop.org

Buy the audiobook on Libro.fm

London Calling by James Ponti is the sixth book in the City Spies series, and it is the most action-packed yet. There’s so much that’s happening in this book, and one of the biggest highlights was the parts where the team interacts with Clementine (who has made minimal on page appearances over the course of the series until this point). 

Each book has sort of focused on one of the children, and this was undoubtedly Cairo’s chance to shine. While Cairo is adapting well to the team, we also got to meet Annie for the first time and get glimpses into both of their pasts. It was really cool to see how she and Robert adopted Clementine’s training (as opposed to the others getting training from Mother and Monty). Without spoiling it, I do want to note that the author took the time to wrap up a lot of storylines (some even going back to the first book), so that was equally exciting and intriguing as a reader to unravel.  

While in some ways it seems like this could have been the end of the series, I’m very excited that it seems like the author is planning (I hope) at least two more City Spies books. I can’t wait to see what the kids get up to next. The end of the book ‘brief’ does give some plausible options on what each city spy might do in the future, so at least there’s that glimpse into more of their story. Once again, I think this is a great series for young readers who enjoy spy novels or tales of adventure. 

Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with a complimentary review copy of the book. I appreciate the opportunity to read and review London Calling immensely. Please note - I voluntarily read and reviewed the book. All opinions expressed in the review are my own and not influenced in any way. 

BLOG TOUR Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela

Hi friends! Welcome to my stop on the tour organized by TBR and Beyond Tours for Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela. Check out my post to learn more about the book, the author and where you can get yourself a copy. Make sure you show the other hosts some love as well. The link to the tour schedule is below. Happy reading everyone!

Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela Tour Schedule (TBR and Beyond Tours) 

About the Book

Ell has spent years slaving away for her cruel stepfamily. So when Prince Bayard—who seems to have difficulty recognizing faces—shows up at her door with a glass slipper, Ell allows him to believe she danced with him at the ball. There’s just one problem: Ell didn’t attend the ball and she’s never met the prince before in her life. But if it’s a choice between moving to the royal palace or staying home, Ell is willing to say anything to escape.

However, Ell finds that being royalty comes with its own problems. Bayard’s sister, the princess, has gone missing. The king is preparing for war against the fae. And Maxim, Bayard’s treacherous (and handsome) best friend, appears to know Ell is lying.

If Ell wants to keep this life she’s stolen, she’s going to have to roll up her sleeves and rescue herself.

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: January 14, 2025

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Review of Liar's Kingdom by Christine Callela 

Rating: 4 Stars

Format: eARC (Courtesy of TBR and Beyond Tours and Publisher)

Christine Callela's new young adult fantasy, Liar's Kingdom, was an innovative and exciting spin on the Cinderella fairy tale. The prince of the kingdom is on a hunt for the girl he met at the ball, and all he has to find her is the glass slipper she left behind. But little does the prince know, the first girl he meets whose foot fits the slipper (Ell) never actually went to the ball. 

I loved the twists in this book. The prince's face blindness in particular was so unique, and I appreciated how it honored the original tale without parroting it exactly. The incorporation of the fae into the story was also excellent, and it added another layer of magic and intrigue to the tale. 

The characters were excellent. Ell is not the whimsical and naive girl from the Disney fairytale. She's been living a hard life subject to the whims of her step-family for years, and is desperate to do whatever she can to escape. Seeing the opportunity, she jumps at the chance to leave with the prince. Maxim was another interesting character, and I loved the verbal sparring matches that the two got into. 

Overall, this was a great read and I'm excited to see more from this author in the future. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy fairytale retellings complete with unique twists, thought provoking themes, and morally grey heroines. 

Favorite Quotes

• A nice pinch is sometimes what you need to remind yourself the good things around you aren't a dream. 
• ...don't ever want to be so evil someone would rather shatter than forgive me. 
• I love you because, from the first moment our hands touched, it was like lightning. I felt like we were made for each other. Like you were my other half. 

About the Author

When not writing, Christine Calella spends her spare time singing showtunes in the shower, drinking more chai lattes than is strictly necessary, and either over- or under-watering an unfortunate string of houseplants named after sitcom characters. She has an MFA in Creative Writing from Columbia University, and she lives in New York City.

As her romance alter ego, Madeline Bell, Christine also pens adult rom-coms with a bookish twist. For more information, check out the Books section, under the “By Madeline Bell” drop-down.

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