I picked up The Tapes on a whim, mostly because that tagline—“If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered”—gave me chills in thActual Rating: 3.5⭐
I picked up The Tapes on a whim, mostly because that tagline—“If you’re listening to this, I’ve been murdered”—gave me chills in the best way. Who could resist a setup like that?
The Tapes was my first Kerry Wilkinson read, and the premise was immediately intriguing. While the story veered off in a direction I wasn’t expecting, it still delivered an entertaining thriller.
I especially liked the excerpts from the fictional true-crime book woven into the plot—they give each of The Earring Killer’s victims a voice and a life beyond just being another number. Too often, it’s the killer’s name people remember, not the victims’, and I thought this detail added real weight to the story.
I enjoyed following Eve as she pieced together clues about her mother’s disappearance—and whether it might connect to the identity of the long-unsolved killer. The final reveal? Totally caught me off guard!
There were a few hiccups pacing-wise, and parts felt a bit repetitive, but it didn’t take away from the fun. If you’re into domestic thrillers with layered mystery and a touch of true-crime vibes, this one’s worth checking out. I’ll definitely be looking into more of Kerry Wilkinson’s books.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
If you’re into urban romantic fantasy with a mix of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, hidden identities, he falls first, portalActual Rating: 3.5⭐
If you’re into urban romantic fantasy with a mix of enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romance, hidden identities, he falls first, portal fantasy, and court intrigue—Whispers Among Thorns might just be your next read.
This book had me at the premise and that stunning cover (seriously, how do you say no to that combo?). I loved the multiple POVs—it added depth to the story—and the dual-world setup between Earth and Faerie was super intriguing, especially with all the political drama happening in both realms.
That said, the plot did get a little tangled at times. There’s a lot going on, and I found myself wishing for more backstory—especially about the human vs. fae war and the history of the Fae court. Some parts felt a bit underexplained, which made it slightly tricky to fully connect with the stakes.
One of my favorite parts was when Sav and Jack journeyed to Faerie. That’s when things really started to click, and we got a glimpse into Sav’s past and true identity. There are still a ton of unanswered questions about her family and situation, but I’m hoping the sequel will dive deeper into all that.
As for the romance—it definitely leans into insta-love territory. The sparks fly the moment they meet, which felt a bit fast, but I have a feeling there’s more to it than meets the eye. I’m betting the next book will reveal why their connection feels so intense.
All in all, even with a few bumps, the ending left me curious and ready for more. I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel to see where Sav and Jack’s story goes next.
Thank you to Haus of Fables, author and publisher for gifting me an e-ARC and for having me on this book tour. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
A Killer Motive is the first book I’ve read by this author, and after hearing so many great things from my friends over at ThrillerActual Rating: 4.5⭐
A Killer Motive is the first book I’ve read by this author, and after hearing so many great things from my friends over at Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, I was super excited to dive in. And wow—it did not disappoint!
Short chapters, an easy-to-follow writing style, and fast pacing ? That combo is my sweet spot when it comes to thrillers, and this book nailed it! I was hooked from the very first page and could’ve easily devoured it in one sitting.
Every twist, red herring, and buried secret kept me totally invested. I had so many wild theories about who the culprit could be, and the chapters from their POV added an extra layer of tension that I loved!
Then came the ending—and I was shook. I didn’t see that reveal coming at all, and several twists that followed caught me completely off guard (in the best way)!
All in all, this was one of the most entertaining, binge-worthy thrillers I’ve read this year. It might be my first book by this author, but it definitely won’t be my last. I’ll be keeping an eye out for whatever the author write next!
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Inked in Onyx picks up right where Inked in Ashes left off, and don’t worry—there’s a handy recap at the start if you need a little memory jog (which Inked in Onyx picks up right where Inked in Ashes left off, and don’t worry—there’s a handy recap at the start if you need a little memory jog (which I totally appreciated).
While the first book gave us a Cinderella retelling, this one dives headfirst into a darker, twisted version of Neverland. I really enjoyed exploring this version of Peter Pan’s world as Harmony sets off in search of the second magical item to help her find her way back home. The monster battles were intense and super fun to read—packed with action and magic.
The found family vibes ? So strong. I loved watching Harmony’s bond with Molly grow, and seeing her connect with Captain Cook’s crew and the Lost Boys made the eventual goodbye scene hit that much harder. Definitely got me in the feels!
That said, the romance had me scratching my head a bit. I was intrigued by the dreamy, mysterious guy Harmony kept seeing, but when they finally met in person… the chemistry just wasn’t there for me. They mostly seemed to dislike each other, and I wish we got more than just that tension—like, why are they even dreaming about each other in the first place ?
The ending broke my heart just a little, and it definitely left me with questions—but now I’m really looking forward to the next stop: the Wizard of Oz world. Next stop: the Wizard of Oz—one last wild ride before Harmony’s story comes full circle.
I received a review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Out of all the books in the Love and Hockey series, The Overtime Kiss is hands-down my favorite so far!
If you’re into sports romancActual Rating: 4.5⭐
Out of all the books in the Love and Hockey series, The Overtime Kiss is hands-down my favorite so far!
If you’re into sports romance with a tight-knit found family, a single parent/nanny dynamic, forced proximity, heartfelt love notes, and just the right amount of spice, this one is a must-read!
Sabrina and Tyler’s chemistry? Off the charts! The tension is real, and I was rooting for them from the start as they tried to fight the pull between them. Tyler is a total green flag—he knows when to step back and let Sabrina grow, but he’s also there when she needs support, which makes him so easy to love.
The family dynamics in this book are a standout, from Tyler’s sweet dad moments to Sabrina slowly forging her own connection with the kids in her new nanny role. Sabrina’s childhood wasn’t exactly smooth sailing, and seeing how her parents reacted to her cheating ex-fiancé makes her journey even more compelling. That’s why I adored her relationship with Tyler and his kids—it felt natural, heartfelt, and healing.
And that ending ? So satisfying. The epilogue perfectly ties everything together, showing them as a full-fledged family. Plus, there’s bonus content at the end if you sign up for the author’s newsletter—which was such a nice surprise!
Overall, this book is sweet, heartwarming, and full of love, and I seriously can’t wait to meet the next couple in this series!
I received a review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
I wasn’t familiar with how this book was inspired by Frank R. Stockton’s 1882 classic short story, The Lady, or the Tiger but once I saw anti-heroine I wasn’t familiar with how this book was inspired by Frank R. Stockton’s 1882 classic short story, The Lady, or the Tiger but once I saw anti-heroine and mystery mentioned, I was instantly intrigued!
Belle King’s journey of strength, resilience, and bravery is where the story shines, especially in its feminist themes. That said, I found myself far more invested in the present timeline. While the flashbacks provide insight into her past and the experiences that shaped her, I kept wanting to get back to what was unfolding in the now.
One challenge was the nonlinear storytelling—multiple past timelines intertwined with the present, making it tricky to follow at times. There’s also a section where Belle speaks directly to the reader, which momentarily pulled me out of the story.
And the ending... Wow. There were a few twists that genuinely caught me off guard! But the open-ended conclusion left me feeling a bit frustrated—I wanted more closure.
For a YA book, this one definitely dives into some dark heavy themes—violence and abuse. Honestly, it feels more suited for adult or new adult readers rather than YA.
Overall, this book weaves mystery, romance, and self-discovery, making it a great pick for a book club discussion. There are so many layers and hidden meanings that would be fun to break down with friends.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and publisher!
Strange Houses is the kind of book that pulls you in and refuses to let go. It’s a fast-paced mystery thriller packed with dark secActual Rating: 4.5⭐
Strange Houses is the kind of book that pulls you in and refuses to let go. It’s a fast-paced mystery thriller packed with dark secrets, an eerie vibe that gave me chills, and a really unique format—between the odd house plans and the interview-style storytelling, it makes for an interactive reading experience that kept me completely hooked!!
The blueprints sprinkled throughout the book ? A total lifesaver. They made it so much easier to follow along with what the characters were saying about the houses. Honestly, without them, things would’ve been a lot harder to piece together!
I had a million questions while reading, and when the truth behind those bizarre house blueprints finally came out—mind blown!! I never saw it coming. It was wild and honestly kind of unsettling to think about in a real-world context.
Overall, this was such a fun, gripping read—one of those books you can easily devour in a single sitting. And that ambiguous ending ? It just left me with even more questions, making me wonder if there’s another layer to the story we still haven’t uncovered.
This book has been huge in Indonesia, and I’ve had it on my wishlist forever. I’m beyond grateful for receiving the ARC of the English version—totally worth the hype!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you to the author and publisher!
A cozy, well-paced spicy romance fantasy that’s perfect for fans of: ✨ Bodyguard x princess ✨ Fated mates ✨ He falls first ✨ Touch her and die ✨ Academy seA cozy, well-paced spicy romance fantasy that’s perfect for fans of: ✨ Bodyguard x princess ✨ Fated mates ✨ He falls first ✨ Touch her and die ✨ Academy setting ✨ Forced proximity ✨ Dragons and witches
The plot is easy to follow, making it a great pick if you’re looking for something light and comforting after a heavier read.
The romance unfolds at just the right pace—not too rushed, not too slow. And the dual POV adds so much depth, letting us see both sides: the one who knows about the bond and the one who doesn’t. Oh, and the chemistry? Absolutely electric—which, of course, leads to some well-earned spicy moments!
While this is the first book in the series, it wraps up nicely while leaving a few mysteries lingering. I’m curious to see if the next book will introduce a new couple or stick with Raelan and Alina—either way, I’m intrigued!
If I had one wish, it’d be to dive deeper into the world-building—the magic system, the dragons, their history. There’s so much potential, and I’m hoping we get more of it as the series continues. Overall, a fun and enjoyable read that’s easy to get lost in!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
The Lies of Mortal kicks off with a strong opening, and I loved exploring this lush, richly built world alongside Auren. From the human realm to the FThe Lies of Mortal kicks off with a strong opening, and I loved exploring this lush, richly built world alongside Auren. From the human realm to the Fae courts, the journey was immersive and full of intrigue.
The map definitely helped bring everything to life, making it easier to visualize as the characters traveled. That said, some parts were slightly too detailed for my taste—trimming them down could have made the book feel less lengthy.
The pacing had its ups and downs. It started off fast, pulling me in right away, but things slowed down quite a bit in the middle and stayed that way for the rest of the book where we delved deeper into Auren’s relationship with Niall and met a new cast of characters.
Now, let’s talk about the romance—because Niall ? He absolutely stole the show. His flirtation, his mischievous, completely insufferable attitude, and those endless nicknames he threw at Auren? All of it had me grinning!
As much as I enjoyed the book, I couldn’t help but notice how similar some elements felt to ACOMAF. The settings, certain events, even the dynamics between characters—it all had echoes of Velaris, the Inner Circle, and Rhys and Feyre’s relationship. It’s not necessarily a bad thing, but it did pull me out of the story at times, reminding me of ACOMAF instead.
Overall, for a debut novel, this was pretty well done! The characters are lovable, the world-building is beautiful, and I’m definitely curious to see where the story heads next.
If you’re into Romantasy with found family, fated mates, a shadow-powered MMC, witty banter, he falls first, prophecy, chosen one and hidden identity—then this one might be right up your alley!
I received an advanced review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
This thriller throws you straight into multiple POVs across alternating timelines, slowly revealing what really happened twelve yeaActual Rating: 3.5⭐
This thriller throws you straight into multiple POVs across alternating timelines, slowly revealing what really happened twelve years ago. I won’t lie — keeping track of all the characters at first had me feeling a little lost. But once everything started to click, I was all in.
The creepy vibes of the house where the main character’s best friend used to live feels unsettling and it added such a mysterious, haunting layer to the story.
The book’s divided into three parts, and for me, parts one and three were the most intriguing. The middle felt a bit repetitive and dragged in places, but I pushed through — and wow, the twist at the end totally caught me off guard in the best way.
Overall, it’s a gripping read packed with jaw-dropping twists and just the right amount of chaos to keep you flipping the pages. Definitely one to check out if you love thrillers that’ll shock you!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
I really wanted to love this single dad x nanny, marriage of convenience, found family, and“‘What if’ won’t change anything. ‘What’s next’ will.”
I really wanted to love this single dad x nanny, marriage of convenience, found family, and "he falls first" story, but it just didn’t hit the way I’d hoped.
The time jumps were all over the place—one minute, everything’s moving along, and then suddenly, we’re a month, three months, or even six months ahead with no warning. It made the pacing feel disjointed and left me scrambling to keep up.
The romance also felt way too rushed. The characters had a cute first meeting on a train, which was nice, but things escalated way too fast after that. Plus, fate seemed to always work in their favor, making things a little too convenient and unrealistic. Some of the spicy scenes didn’t quite work for me either—certain parts felt a bit much.
Character-wise, I struggled to connect with most of them, except for the Cilla and Tyler’s dynamic with his unexpected daughter, Serene. That relationship was genuinely touching—watching Tyler grow into a kinder, more mature person to set an example for her was one of the few highlights. And Serene ? Adorable. I stuck around until the end because of her. She’s such a strong kid, considering everything she’s been through.
The writing style of this book is decent—but it just wasn’t my cup of tea. If you’re into spicy single dad x nanny stories and don’t mind very explicit scenes, this one might be worth a shot.
I received a review copy from Hambright PR, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Wow, this book was a twisted, mind-blowing, totally addictive thriller! If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, well-written story that keeps you on eWow, this book was a twisted, mind-blowing, totally addictive thriller! If you're in the mood for a fast-paced, well-written story that keeps you on edge, When She Escaped is a must-read.
The short chapters, dark secrets, and eerie atmosphere had me flipping pages like crazy—I could not put it down. Finished the whole thing in a few hours!
The story unfolds in three parts, and I'll be honest, the first part had me a little confused. The alternating perspectives between reality and the manuscript had me wondering, "What’s the connection here?" But don’t worry—it all clicks into place once you hit the second and third parts (which, by the way, were my absolute favorites!).
The ending ? Wrapped up quite nicely, but I kinda wished for more. I kept expecting one last twist or something unexpected, but it stayed a little open-ended, leaving me wondering. Still, it was solid.
When She Escaped felt like a fresh take on the thrillers I’ve read this year. The storyline was unique, and some of the twists—especially that first one—were straight-up shocking! Definitely keeping an eye out for this author’s next book.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
An Addictive Domestic Thriller Packed with Deception and Vengeance!
The Wife’s Silence by Amanda McKinney truly delivers as a captivating domestic thriAn Addictive Domestic Thriller Packed with Deception and Vengeance!
The Wife’s Silence by Amanda McKinney truly delivers as a captivating domestic thriller. However, I would recommend checking the trigger warnings beforehand, as the story explores some dark and potentially sensitive themes.
From the very beginning, I was drawn into the narrative. The alternating timelines between past and present piqued my curiosity, keeping me eager to uncover the truth about the characters and their secrets. The use of multiple POVs and a dual timeline was a fantastic choice, allowing readers to witness events from varying perspectives and adding depth to the story.
As the climax approached, the twists and revelations left me genuinely surprised! While some moments felt slightly far-fetched, the ending tied everything together nicely, leaving no loose ends.
Overall, this was an incredibly entertaining read! The short chapters and engaging writing style had me glued to my Kindle from start to finish. I’m excited to explore more of Amanda McKinney’s work in the future.
Thank you to Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse, author and publisher for giving me an e-ARC of the book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily!
Another gripping fast-paced mystery thriller! I love the isolated setting and a crime writer chasing the truth to a 30-year-old coldActual Rating: 4.5⭐
Another gripping fast-paced mystery thriller! I love the isolated setting and a crime writer chasing the truth to a 30-year-old cold case.
I was hooked at the beginning, if i wasn't so busy with other things I would have finished it in one sitting! The last 70% I powered through and finished it in just a few hours said how addicting this book was!
The eerie atmosphere of living in a secluded place and the feeling like someone else was walking around the house at night successfully heightened up the suspense!
At first I thought I had guessed the story pretty early on, but I wasn't ready for the unexpected plot twist happen at the end ...more
“You make my world better. Every day, in a million different ways. You brought me to life.”
Actual Rating: 4.5⭐
This was my first read by Sarah Bet“You make my world better. Every day, in a million different ways. You brought me to life.”
Actual Rating: 4.5⭐
This was my first read by Sarah Beth Durst, and even though I haven’t gotten to The Spellshop yet, I jumped straight into The Enchanted Greenhouse and had no trouble following along. Even so, I bet longtime fans will have extra fun spotting easter eggs woven into the story.
What I loved most ? Honestly, the greenhouse itself and all the magical, sentient plants totally stole my heart — pure cozy fantasy magic. From tiny dragons and winged cats to dancing dragonflies and singing flowers, this felt like the kind of whimsical escape I’d happily move into. Lottie, the sentient resurrection rose with a full-on sassy personality, lights up every scene she’s in — I adored her!
Character-wise, I really enjoyed watching Terlu come into her own. After years of loneliness, she finds a sense of belonging with Yarrow and the plants, and starts building confidence in her magic and spellcasting. Yarrow, the grumpy greenhouse keeper, has a quiet but heartfelt way of showing love and support. I liked how Terlu’s sunshine energy slowly rubbed off on him — their friendship evolving into something deeper felt really sweet.
That said, I found myself wishing for more moments between Terlu and Yarrow. Their bond was touching, but I wanted extra layers of chemistry and emotional intimacy. Moreover, Yarrow’s reconciliation with his family felt slightly rushed — I was hoping for more emotional buildup or tension before the resolution.
Still, this story is a cozy, heartwarming delight about healing, found family, and second chances. If you’re looking for a gentle, low-stakes fantasy with lush worldbuilding and a big dose of comfort — this one’s for you.
P.S. I’m 100% grabbing The Spellshop next to meet Caz — the sentient spider plant sounds iconic and I need to know their story.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Sacred Struggle is a fantasy romance packed with fated mates, forbidden love, forced proximity, found family, and slow-burn tensionActual Rating: 3.5⭐
Sacred Struggle is a fantasy romance packed with fated mates, forbidden love, forced proximity, found family, and slow-burn tension—all set in a rich world of elves, shifters, and monarchy intrigue.
⚠️ Fair warning: some of the torture scenes get pretty intense. I wasn’t expecting them to be that graphic, and they definitely caught me off guard.
The story follows Sifa, an elf on the run from a ruthless queen, and Fhord, a dragon rider struggling between duty and the undeniable pull toward his fated mate. Their journey leads them into the depths of a brutal prison, forcing them to face their pasts while navigating the complicated bond between them.
Right from the start, I was hooked. The dynamic between Fhord and Sifa kept me engaged, especially their banter as they were thrown together on a mission that unravels layers of secrets.
That said, there were a few aspects I wished had more room to breathe. The pacing started strong but felt uneven—everything flowed well until the middle, but near the end, things sped up drastically. A lot of new elements were introduced, making it feel like I barely had time to process one revelation before jumping to the next. By the final pages, I still had lingering questions, especially about Fhord’s true identity and his connection to the queen.
I also hoped for deeper exploration into the dragons and their riders, as well as the history of the elves. It looks like those elements will be expanded in the next book, especially with Sifa’s new bond with Astarot, which I’m excited to see unfold.
Overall, Sacred Struggle was quite an enjoyable read, and despite a few bumps along the way, I’m definitely invested enough to continue the series. The world-building has a lot of potential, and I’m eager to get more answers in the sequel!
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Not A Strong Enough Word is an emotional, beautifully written story that dives deep into themes of mental health, healing, second chances, grief and rNot A Strong Enough Word is an emotional, beautifully written story that dives deep into themes of mental health, healing, second chances, grief and rediscovering passion.
Scarlett Frye was once a literary star—until the pressure became too much, and she disappeared from the scene entirely. Five years later, she’s finally ready to write again, but her return forces her to confront Ryan Whitlock, the editor she once loved but left behind.
Scarlett’s journey of healing was one of my favorite parts. The author does a great job portraying the reality of setting boundaries, learning to separate work from life, and making sure she doesn’t burn out again. Her agent was such a great source of support, and I was so relieved she had someone in her corner.
As for the romance—Ryan is an absolute gem. Sweet, patient, and so devoted to Scarlett, even after all these years. The flashbacks from five years ago were heartbreaking, seeing what he went through when she walked away. He’s not perfect, but I appreciate that he eventually realized that what was best for Scarlett mattered more than chasing opportunities for the literary world.
While I loved the themes and the writing style, I have to admit the middle dragged a bit, with some moments feeling repetitive. And I wish we’d gotten even deeper into the emotional layers of the characters—it felt like we were just skimming the surface at times.
Overall, this was such a thoughtful, compelling read giving insight to the world of publishing. My first time reading this author, but definitely not my last—I’m curious to see what else she has in store.
I received a review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Sparrow and Vine brings a slightly different tone compared to the author's darker Brutal Birthright series. While still delivering on the heat and spiSparrow and Vine brings a slightly different tone compared to the author's darker Brutal Birthright series. While still delivering on the heat and spice, this new series shifts towards a lighter atmosphere.
I appreciated the tender and supportive moments between the main characters, Monroe and Sadie. However, I must admit that their chemistry didn’t quite ignite for me as strongly as the connection between Monroe's brother and Sadie's sister. That pair’s dynamic has genuinely caught my attention, and I’m eagerly anticipating their story in future books.
The narrative weaves together several compelling threads, including the struggles with the vineyard, the wicked mother-in-law, Monroe's grandfather’s situation, and the complex bond between Sadie and her sisters. These storylines kept me engaged throughout the book. However, the lack of complete resolution left me craving more by the end.
Overall, Sparrow and Vine was an enjoyable read, despite a few minor pacing bumps. That being said, my curiosity about the other sister and brother's story is strong enough to ensure that I’ll continue with this series.
I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!
Bargains with Benefits is packed with fae bargains, slow-burn romance, grumpy x sunshine vibes, opposites attract, and found family—all woven into theBargains with Benefits is packed with fae bargains, slow-burn romance, grumpy x sunshine vibes, opposites attract, and found family—all woven into the magical world connected to Witt’s Compass Points universe.
This book is pure cozy escapism, perfect for a one-sitting read. With its low stakes, engaging plot, and lovable characters, it’s easy to get swept up in the story. The found family aspect really stood out, especially with how the community rallies around Luna and her struggles to prove the inn’s worth before her father sells it.
Luna and Vincent’s romance ? Absolutely heart-warming! Their slow journey from strangers to something deeper was so satisfying, and Vincent’s attentiveness as Luna uncovers truths about her past made their connection even stronger. I also adore how Vincent's wind magic seems almost sentient—completely attached (or should I say obsessed?) with Luna right from the start!
The ending wrapped everything up nicely, leaving me completely satisfied. Plus, I couldn’t help but notice the subtle hint at the next book’s couple—and with rivals-to-lovers likely at the center, I’m beyond excited to see what’s next!
Overall, this was such a fun, magical read with a warm and charming story. Definitely keeping an eye on the next book in the series!
I received a review copy from the author, and I am leaving this review voluntarily!
Gabrielle (belle.bookcorner)
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