Bookseller & Reviewer

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

An awe-inspiring tour of bat world by the world’s leading expert

With nearly 1500 species, bats account for more than twenty percent of mammalian species. The most successful and most diverse group of mammals, bats come in different sizes, shapes, and colors, from the tiny bumblebee bat to the giant golden-crowned flying fox. Some bats eat fruit and nectar; others eat frogs, scorpions or fish. Vampire bats feed on blood. Bats are the only mammals that can fly; their fingers have elongated through evolution to become wings with a unique super-flexible skin membrane stretched between them. Their robust immune system is one of the reasons for their extreme longevity. A tiny bat can live for forty years.

Yossi Yovel, an ecologist and a neurobiologist, is passionate about deciphering the secrets of bats, including using AI to decipher their communication. In The Genius Bat he brings to vivid life these amazing creatures as well as the obsessive and sometime eccentric people who study them–bat scientists. From muddy rainforests, to star-covered night deserts, from guest houses in Thailand, to museum drawers full of fossils in New York, this is an eye-opening and entertaining account of a might mammal.

Review:

A insightful and delightful read into the lives of bats. Told from the world's leading expert in bats, this was such a fun read. I really loved the way the author broke up different sections and discussed the variety of bats as well as how they behave. It's a fun read and one I would recommend for anyone who is looking to read more about bats!

Release Date: October 14, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

When a mysterious man rescues her from near death, a young woman finds herself in the throes of a dark and dangerous storybook romance, where pleasure reigns but happy endings are no guarantee.

Guinevere

For all my life, Italy has called to me just as strongly as my father forbade me to go. But now I’m making my own way, spending a summer in his homeland before I accept the life my parents have planned for me.

All those plans come to a screeching halt the moment I meet him. Raffaele Romano.

Raffaele

Everyone knows me as the capo dei capi of the Camorra, a notorious mafioso in Northern Italy, but she makes me remember who I used to be before I became this monster. For her, I could be so much more, but she can never know the truth about who I am.

She’s falling in love with me, but if she discovered the truth about what that monster is capable of, about the things I’ve done…she’d never believe in happily-ever-after again.

Review:

Dark, delicious, and absolutely the kind of fairytale I love reading. A vacation that was supposed to be a dream comes true becomes a nightmare after a terrible first day for Guinevere... except she is saved by the handsome Raffaele... only underneath his beautiful surface lies a monster who will do anything to let her believe in his goodness. I ate up every single chapter of this book and need the second one after that ending. I was so entranced by the dynamic between Guinevere and Raffele, and the whole "I may be a villain but for you I'd be a knight(adjacent)" haha. This book makes me wish I could go to Italy for my own vacation and I absolutely can't wait for more because the way Giana so easily immerses you into the world is fantastic. This is a worldwind romance that you absolutely have to read!! I fell in love with the characters and was on the edge of my seat until the very end of the book and can't wait for more!!

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Montlake and Giana Darling Arc Team for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

The first novel in an eerie, darkly creative, and new gothic romantasy duology from Maxym M. Martineau, for readers of Sarah J. Maas and Rachel Gillig.

Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender. She holds a rare, lifesaving power that can cure disease and heal injuries in the blink of an eye. But magic always comes with a cost, and saving anyone sacrifices a sliver of her own life. She’s always kept her abilities hidden…until the powerful Fernglove family discovers her secret.

The Ferngloves are charming and beautiful, possess powerful magic, and don’t take no for an answer—especially Orin, the head of these ruling elites. When Edira’s brothers unexpectedly contract blight—an incurable virus killing people throughout the town, and an illness too strong for her to heal them both—Orin offers to help. Together at his estate they’ll research a cure while Orin slows their sickness and Edira hones her magic. His kindness and honesty surprises Edira, as does her undeniable attraction to him.

But the other Ferngloves are suspicious of her power and may be more dangerous than the ever-present disease. The longer Edira stays within the confines of the Manor, the more the family’s pristine exterior begins to crack—until Edira discovers a terrifying secret and must choose who she can save and at what cost…

Review:

A slow burn gothic story about a girl who can cure sickness being drawn into a house riddled with disease, secrets, and beautiful immortals. Edira Brillwyn is a threadmender, she can cure disease and heal injuries by manipulating the life threads of people... but it comes at the cost of her own life. Her abilities must stay a secret because so many would want that... yet when her younger brothers are stricken by Blight, a incurable virus killing people throughout town, that is even too powerful for her to heal, she finds herself meeting the powerful head of the Fernglove family, Orin. The Ferngloves are charming, beautiful, and possess magical abilities... and are also known as Evers, immortals who stop aging around their 30s and have fae like features. Orin strikes a deal with Edira, if she comes to his home and help work on a cure for Blight he will help her save her brothers with some of his magic. Yet the moment she steps into the Fernglove home she realizes Orin is not what he truly says he is and she can trust no one in this house... and the deeper she digs the more lies she uncovers. Can she make it out of this house alive with her brothers? I really liked this first installment in a duology, and cant wait to see how the next book ends. I will say I hated the love triangle and the whole switch was so obvious but like they truly lacked the romantic aspect and it was so slow burn I hope the next book picks it up more on the romance part. Another thing that kinda got under my skin was that Edira, despite being 25, acted like a 16 year old girl. Like come on, the way she was acting and behaving just felt so juvenile and childish, it kind of grated at me. I am curious to see how she grows in the next one though. I liked Rorick from day one and can't wait to get more of him, I desperately hope he gets more POVS in the second book. Its a slow burn gothic fantasy and has a bit of creepy moments. I do think that fans of gothic fantasy will have a ton of fun with this.

*Spoiler*

Edira meets the Ferngloves and realizes that Orin twisted his words and didn't tell her the truth: i.e. that the entire house and estate is infected with Blight and that even the immortals are at risk. Orin creates a new deal: if Edira cures their grandmother Mavis, then he'll help her and protect her brothers. Orin seduces Edira but she also finds herself falling for Rorick, the enforcer/brother of Orin. Then she discovers that as head of the family Orin has an evervow on the family (essentially a vow that is placed on the entire family and can't be broken unless you find the correct words to break vow and destroy the embedded crystal inside the user's body that grants immortality). Orin has complete control over the actions of the family members and Rorick was forced to watch over Edira and her brothers and one of his watching beetles, that was infected with blight, accidentally infected her brothers (Orin knew and orchestrated this). Rorick has been falling for Edira and even Mavis and the other family members tried to show Edira the turth. Rorick is the bastard son and the half brother of Orin. Rorick's father is an Embergraves ( a strong and vicious family). Edira almost becomes heartbound to Orin because by being a heartbound you share powers with each other until she finds out that orin has been heartbinding himself to many others and killing them and absorbing their powers. Edira heartbounds herself to Rorick after helping him break the evervow Orin placed and then Edira cures everyone while Rorick kills Orin. Edira falls into a coma and at the end of the book wakes up and her and Rorick separate (despite his feelings for her) she can't forgive him for what he did to her brothers. The book ends with her seeing the blight again and questioning if she truly cured anyone and with Rorick realizing that the Embergraves might come after her but vowing to protect her and destroy anyone who threatens her.

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

Irish mythology collides with Gilded Age New York in this sweeping debut enemies-to-lovers historical romantasy, perfect for fans of Outlander and A Fate Inked in Blood.

Manhattan, 1870. Rua knows only two things: her name and that she has no memories. So when the wealthy Harrington family mistakes Rua for their missing daughter, Emma, Rua goes along with the charade, hoping for answers about who she really is. As she tries to blend into a society she doesn’t remember, she’s drawn to a firmly off-limits man: the Lord of Donore, a newcomer to Manhattan society who is somehow familiar to Rua.

Finn is new to this side of the Atlantic and knows that the best way to fit in as Lord of Donore is to make friends in high places and play by the rules of society. He knows he shouldn’t become involved with a mysterious, recently missing debutante, but he’s intrigued by Emma Harrington, and Finn has an uncanny feeling that this isn’t the first time they’ve met. 

With societal pressures mounting on both sides, Rua is determined to discover the truth about the missing Harrington daughter and her own past. But when her memories begin to return, they’re of a world far stranger than New York and traced in dark magic.

As ancient secrets unfurl in Rua’s memory, Rua and Finn are forced to uncover the mystery of their past and try to save their future. In this gritty and glittering romantasy, nothing and no one is as they seem.

Review:

A woman wakes up in the body of someone else and finds herself trapped in 1870 forced to act and follow societies rules all the while scrambling to discover what happened to her and who she truly is.... all the while memories of a past lover and betrayal haunt her... and it doesn't help that a lord who looks eerily like her past lover is also here. Rua wakes up in the body of Emma, Emma the daughter of a lord who had disappeared for two days and a man was also killed searching for her. Rua has no idea who she is and why she is in Emma's body but she does not like it, nor does she like any of the societal rules that 1870s has on woman. Rua's inability to adjust has Emma's parents threatening to put her in an insane asylum and Rua has to learn what happened to Emma and to her if she wants to escape and go back to her own body... all the while she is getting flashes of her past life and clues of what has happened. Then the handsome Lord of Donore shows up and Rua feels connected to him in ways she can never explain... because he looks exactly like her lover.. the very one she killed. Lord of Donore or rather Finn is just trying to marry a wife who will help him find connections and make him rich... yet the moment he meets Emma/Rua he feels a connection to her he can't deny, a connection he knows that if he gives into will destroy all his plans and lead to a life of chaos... yet he can't resist. The more time he spends with Rua the more he begins getting glimpses of a past life with her that he can't explain... yet with societies rules closing in on Rua and pressure being put on Finn to marry someone else... can they find a way to be together or are greater forces at play and the truth of who Rua truly is only unravel everything? This was definitely an interesting book, I love the whole "woke up in someone else's body" and must unravel the mystery. The pacing was a bit off for me because the ending was literally so abrupt and just there, I truly wish there was like 5 more chapters to explain more or to at least give a bit more. The ending just feels like a door slamming in my face and I'm just sitting here thinking "is that it?" as an avid k-novel/manwhua reader, I love transmigration novels or novels where people wake up in other people's bodies and must adjust to the world. Yet Rua was a bit harder to like because she really did not find a way to fit in at all, like come on girl work it out, fake it, she really just sped run the worst ways to get everyone on her case and be sent to the asylum. I was hoping she would be a bit more resourceful and a bit craftier considering she was said to be a goddess who schemed... but like it really was just a : welp here I am situation. All in all it was an interesting read and I liked the romance, thought I was hoping for a bit more in both the romance department, in the character growth department, and in the end of the novel department. All that is to say, if you like fantasy mysteries, absolutely pick this one up.

*Thanks Netgalley and Alcove Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Geography professors in a failed marriage of convenience inconveniently reconnect for an emergency mission in this swoony historical-fantasy rom-com.

Professor Elodie Tarrant is an expert in magic disasters. Nothing fazes her—except her own personal disaster, that is: Professor Gabriel Tarrant, the grumpy, unfriendly man she married for convenience a year ago, whom she secretly loves.

Gabriel is also an expert in magic disasters. And nothing fazes him either—except the walking, talking tornado that is his wife. They’ve been estranged since shortly after their wedding day, but that hasn’t stopped him from stoically pining for her.

When magic erupts in a small Welsh village, threatening catastrophe for the rest of Britain, Elodie and Gabriel are accidentally both assigned to the case. With the fate of the country in their hands, they must come together as a team in the face of perilous conditions like explosions, domesticated goats, and only one bed. But this is easier said than done. After all, there's no navigational guide for the geography of the heart.

Review:

A marriage of convenience between two polar opposite Geography professors that goes astray but now they are forced to work together on a new case and maybe finally make their marriage real because despite all their miscommunication, they might have been in love with each other all along. Elodie is chaotic, she’s sunshine, and she is determined to be taken seriously in the academic field. Gabriel is straight laced, grumpy, and can’t express his feelings all that well. Elodie and Gabriel are both geography professors at the same university and decide to get married to benefit one another... but things go wrong and they go from lovers to barely being able to stand being in the same room. Yet when a magic outbreak occurs and only they can solve the case, they will be forced to work together and finally face the issues of their marriage... or come to the realization that they’ve both been pining for one another secretly this entire time.

This was an absolutely delightful and romantic read. I can’t even begin to talk about the amount of times I was laughing and blushing over how adorable this book was.This is the perfect mixture of Anne of Green Gables x Twisters with magic and cozy romance. I love Gabriel and Elodie so much and their chemistry was fantastic. The slow burn, the pining, the absolute YEARNING was so well done. I love this series and I can’t wait for the next book. Every book just keeps getting better and better!!!

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

From the acclaimed author of Old Flames and New Fortunes comes a steamy enemies-to-lovers romantasy about a paranormal skeptic who is roped into a ghost hunting romp by the charming boy next door . . . who might just show her what real fantasies are made of.

Paranormal skeptic Zelda Tempest is hoping for a much-needed creativity boost for a new paranormal mystery novel. But despite the alleged magic of her hometown, Moonville, Ohio, she’s as stuck as ever. 

With two witch sisters, not believing in magic is strange for a Tempest, but no one is more disappointed than Morgan Angelopoulos, the charming man next door. So, to cure her of her writer's block and her disbelief in magic, Morgan ropes her into a ghost-hunting romp, only for Zelda to discover something else entirely: bizarre, never-before-seen creatures that appear as ordinary pets to everyone else. 

Curious about what else might be lurking in Moonville's woods, Zelda and Morgan embark on a quest to uncover the true magic that lies in their midsts . . . and perhaps, just maybe, they will find that the magic they're searching for has been with them all along.

Review:

When you're a paranormal skeptic but your sisters are witches... and then a super hot guy asks you out only for you to find out he only wants you for your magic... things are not looking great. Zelda Tempest is a paranormal skeptic and writes novels, yet when she returns home to her small town, where her two sisters are actual witches... her life is turned upside down especially when the hot new neighbor begins flirting with her. Only the real reason why he is flirting with her is because he wants her magic... and now Zelda finds herself ghost hunting and discovering mysterious creatures while re-evaluating everything she's every thought... and along for the ride is the one man she didnt think she'd ever let herself fall for. I had really wanted to like this one because the premise sounded cute and the cover was adorable and even the title was fun. I love a quirky love interest and she had Luna Lovegood vibes... but honestly nothing else in this book really worked for me. The romance was not there at all. I couldn't believe in the romance between the two characters and I just dont feel any chemistry between them. The story itself was just boring and the it just didn't really feel all that coherent for me unfortunately. Sadly this one was a miss for me but I do think if you liked small town paranormal romances, do give it a try, because maybe you'll have a better time with it than I did.

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

A captivating and sizzling new queer romance by New York Times bestselling author Jasmine Guillory.

Avery Jensen is almost thirty, fresh off a breakup, and she’s tired of always being so uptight and well-behaved. She wants to get a hobby, date around (especially women), flirt with everyone she sees, wear something not from the business casual section of her closet—all the fun stuff normal people do in their twenties. One problem: Avery doesn't know where to start. She doesn't have a lot of dating experience, with men or women, and despite being self-assured at work, she doesn't have a lot of confidence when it comes to romance.

Enter Taylor Cameron, Napa Valley's biggest flirt and champion heartbreaker. Taylor just broke up with her most recent girlfriend, and her best friend bet her that she can't make it until Labor Day without sleeping with someone. (Two whole months? Without sex? Taylor?!?!) So, she offers to give Avery flirting lessons. It should keep her busy and stop her from texting people she shouldn't. And it might take her mind off how inadequate she feels compared to her friends, who all seem much more settled and adult than Taylor.

At first, Avery is stiff and nervous, but Taylor is patient and encouraging, and soon, Avery looks forward to their weekly lessons. With Taylor’s help, Avery finally has the life she always wanted. The only issue is: now she wants Taylor. Their attraction becomes impossible to ignore, despite them both insisting to themselves and everyone else that it isn't serious. When Taylor is forced to confront her feelings for Avery, she doesn't know what to do—and most importantly, if she's already ruined the best thing she's ever had.

Review:

A sapphic romance between a woman who is fresh out of a breakup and the cute bartender who is a huge flirt and offers to give her flirting lessons... but for some reason the only person she wants to be with is the very person coaching her. The premise of this book seemed really cute however the story felt really repetitive and boring, I wish I could like it more but it just wasn't for me. I adore sapphic romances and I do think that other readers who love a slow burn story with a simple story will enjoy it. I just didn't feel any chemistry or romance between the two characters and found myself checking out while reading it. While this one missed the mark for me I do think it can be a good read for other readers.

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating:4/5

Book Blurb:

"I still haven’t figured out how to keep / my shower floor clean or make morning / smoothies or respond to stress calmly. / Same, same, same my friends tell me, a love note of sorts." The debut collection from beloved Instagram poet @hannahrowrites, Same is a celebration of one thing we all have in common: a desire to be seen and understood. With her artful blend of intuitive and wise insights, Hannah’s observations resonate with readers across multiple life stages—girlhood, marriage, motherhood and beyond. Centering friendship and connection, her poems are filled with the kind of recognizable, intimate details described by a relatable, honest voice that make readers nod along and instantly want to share with someone they love. In a world that often aims to make women feel smaller, Same offers an unparalleled feeling of visibility and validation, and a reminder that not only are we not alone, but we’re also all in this together.

Review:

A beautiful collection of poems that examine girlhood, life, and more. It's a really nice read and one I'd recommend to girls and women of all ages. The collection of poems focus on friendship, marriage, motherhood and so much more. It's a great read and one that I feel young girls will also appreciate as well as older women.

Release Date:October 21, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 3.5/5

Book Blurb:

PRE-ORDER NOW to get a limited edition with designed sprayed edges—available only on the first printing! This special first edition hardcover will include a gorgeous, shimmering jacket with effects, beautifully illustrated endpapers and sprayed edges. "A gothic, darkly alluring tale that will leave readers spellbound"—Dua Lipa, Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter A haunting novel about the boundaries people will cross to keep their dreams alive.

A mysterious stranger shows up at Riccardo’s apartment with some news: his grandmother Perihan has died, and Riccardo has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famed butterfly collection.

The struggling writer is out of options. He’s hoping the change of scenery in Milan will inspire him, and maybe there will be some money to keep him afloat. But Perihan’s house isn’t as opulent as he remembers. The butterflies pinned in their glass cases seem more ominous than artful. Perihan’s group of mysterious old friends is constantly lurking. And there’s something wrong in the greenhouse.

As Riccardo explores the decrepit estate, he stumbles upon Perihan’s diary, which might hold the key to her mysterious death. Or at least give him the inspiration he needs to finish his manuscript.

But he might not survive long enough to write it.

Review:

A gothic story about just how far one will go to to keep their dreams alive. A poor writer named Riccardo, who is behind on his bills, suffering from writer's block with a loom date due, finds inspiration when a stranger appears telling him that his grandmother Perihan has died and he has inherited her villa in Milan along with her famous butterfly collection. Riccardo has no other choice and when he gets there he finds her manuscript.... a manuscript detailing her past yet with fantasy elements... and soon he begins to question how exactly she died and what he will do with her manuscript since he needs one for himself.... and the answers will kill him. This was a slow burn gothic read and I definitely think this is a cozy summer horror read and would make a fun gothic movie. It's a slow build and the final twist was so much fun. I really enjoyed the ending and I loved the "monstrous butterflies" of it all. As a fan of gothic horror, this was a nice easy read!

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

A sapphic rival-to-lovers story about two counselors who find an unexpected romance during a summer they will never forget! Perfect for fans of Auriane Desombre''s beloved debut I Think I Love You. Ivy Raines needs camp for an escape like she did as a child. After going through a very public breakup with her first girlfriend and teen TV show mega star, she wants nothing more than a summer of sunshine, friends and s'mores as newest counselor. 

But when she signs up to run the camp's musical production she soon finds herself in a rivalry she didn't see coming with the co-director, Rynn. She's bossy and thinks she knows everything because she's been most experienced counselor. Worse, it's a girl Ivy had a falling out with when she was younger.  It's the last thing Ivy needs while going through a breakup but as tension between them builds, sparks begin to fly brighter than a campfire. 

As the days get hotter, will Ivy discover she can still have the summer escape she needed after all...in the way her heart has always wanted?

Review:

When your celebrity girlfriend dumps you, the best way to forget about it is to throw yourself into becoming the best summer camp musical theater coordinator... but the only person in your way is your ex best friend and the girl who absolutely gets under your skin, yet all this rivalry might actually lead to a new romance? What? Ivy Raines was known as the girlfriend of TV show megastar Ali.... and now she's been dumped by her and its an extremely public breakup. It doesn't help that Ali won't tell her why and Ivy is just reeling from the last year of their relationship in which Ali checked out of their relationship despite how hard Ivy tried to make it work. Ivy knows she needs to get offline and away from anything so she signs up to run her favorite summer camp's musical production, yet she finds herself with a rival for the job, Rynn. Rynn, her former best friend whom she had a terrible fight with, Rynn who gets under her skin constantly, Rynn who she can't stand. When the head of the camp makes Rynn and Ivy co-directors, this play is about to get messy. Ivy is in over her head as her campers barely listen to her, she's bombarded with constant news of Ali and her weird feelings for Rynn, which she can't decide if its hate or if she's actually falling for her. This was a very YA sapphic romance but I felt like some things didn't work for me, from the fact that Ivy so easily forgives Ali despite finding out that Ali might have been cheating on her, how Ivy talks about Ali treating her poorly, and then the romance between Ivy and Rynn just didn't really feel believable to me. I do think younger YA readers will enjoy this as a easy summer romance read though.

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Children's | Delacorte Romance for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

March was a bit hectic and finding some reading time was a bit harder but I did manage to get in 51 books this month! Here are some of my favorites 🌼

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Spicy enemies to lovers fantasy romance with an HEA. NEVER CATCH THE COURT JESTER’S ATTENTION. AND NEVER BE ALONE WITH HIM. Those were the rules. And I’d broken them. The jester had been a dark temptation. Forbidden. Magnetic. Seductive. His wicked tongue was impossible to resist. Captive to my enemy’s heated embrace, I became his obsession. And this devious, sensuous trickster became my destiny. Now our fates are linked. In a kingdom where passion and power clash, I’m the ruined princess he’d walk through fire to protect. But deadly threats are closing in. A dangerous game has begun against the Crown. And if I don't make a cruel deal, my heart will be forced to choose. My claim to the throne. Or my desire for the jester. WARNING: This is the second book in a scorching hot romantasy series with explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+ who want heavy steam, epic forbidden love, a morally grey book boyfriend, and 'touch her and he'll unalive you' vibes. FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

SECOND EDITION with spicy adult content including extended, new, and revised scenes. WARNING: Reviews prior to October 2022 do NOT reflect the second edition or its adult content. Spicy enemies to lovers fantasy romance with an HEA. STAY AWAY FROM THE COURT JESTER. ESPECIALLY IF YOU'RE A GOOD LITTLE PRINCESS. The Court Jester marks his targets with a ribbon. That’s how I find out I’m next. The moment that band of scarlet fabric appears on my pillow, I know it’s a promise—a bad omen delivered by someone wicked. He’s powerful. He’s sinful. They whisper about him in the castle’s shadowed halls. Everyone fears his devilish tongue, yet everyone desires his heated touch. With each seductive temptation, I fall under the jester’s spell. With every forbidden moment, he ignites a fire that I’ve never known before. But the jester is guarding a treasonous secret. And becoming his obsession is dangerous. As a good little princess, I should know. Because if I don’t risk my ruin, I’ll surely sacrifice my heart. WARNING: This is the first book in a scorching hot romantasy series with explicit sexual content and language. For readers 18+ who want heavy steam, epic forbidden love, a morally grey book boyfriend, and 'touch her and he'll unalive you' vibes. FOR CWs: Please check the author's website.

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

From award-winning author Nghi Vo comes Don't Sleep with the Dead, a standalone companion novella to The Chosen and the Beautiful, her acclaimed reimagining of The Great Gatsby.

“A vibrant and queer reinvention of F. Scott Fitzgerald's jazz age classic. . . . I was captivated from the first sentence.”―NPR on The Chosen and the Beautiful

Nick Carraway―paper soldier and novelist―has found a life and a living watching the mad magical spectacle of New York high society in the late thirties. He's good at watching, and he's even better at pretending: pretending to be straight, pretending to be human, pretending he's forgotten the events of that summer in 1922.

On the eve of the second World War, however, Nick learns that someone's been watching him pretend and that memory goes both ways. When he sees a familiar face one very dark night, it quickly becomes clear that dead or not, damned or not, Jay Gatsby isn't done with him.

In all paper there is memory, and Nick's ghost has come home.

Review:

A sequel/companion novella that takes place after the first book, The Chosen and the Beautiful, a Great Gatsby retelling. This story follows Nick Carraway, or rather the paper soldier and novelist as he delves through the hellish magical New York in search of Gatsby... the very man he loves and thought dead.. back and very much alive. The story takes place after the first book and now Nick ( or rather the paper version of Nick, since the Carraway family created a paper version of Nick to send to war while real Nick stayed home only real Nick died and Paper Nick came back and inherited it all). Paper Nick is sifting through his memories and real Nick's memories as he also searches for Gatsby, who died... but is now back in Nick's life as Nick traverses throughout New York and makes deals with demons to find Gatsby. This was definitely an interesting continuation of the story and I loved the little cameo of Jordan that we got (she completely stole every scene she was in). This story is a fun take on Nick and Gatsby relationship though it can be confusing to anyone who hasn't read the initial first book. Nick is an unreliable narrator and you don't figure out what is really going on until 50% into the story. It ends on a kind of open end but I enjoyed it overall. I love the way Nghi Vo writes and their prose is just so lyrical and beautiful.

Release Date: April 8, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tordotcom for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

This gorgeous hardcover first edition features emerald hued edges, creating a lush look for this stunning fantasy.

At sixteen, Honora "Nora" Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money—and all the magic—in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.

But there's a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora's aunt. When Lotte's absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she'd abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead. And soon, Nora discovers that her mother's death wasn't random—it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.

While the dangers of the Veritaz competition threaten each of the Holtzfall girls, and the stark class differences turns political outrage to terrifing violence—the new cousins must fight to stay alive, no matter what.

Incredible tests, impossible choices, and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

Review:

Wealthy Celebrity lifestyle x deadly trials x magic x revolution as the murder of the head of a family sparks a set of trails that the winner gets everything. The Holtzfalls are a wealthy powerful family and when the head of the family is murdered the rest of the heirs must complete in the Veritaz trials to win fame, fortune, and superiority over the rest of the family. To help them in their trials are blood sworn knights, bound and forced to do everything the family says. The story follows four characters. Nora, Theo, August, and Lotte. Nora is the main heir to the Holtzfalls and is investigating the death of her mother with August, a junior tabloid reporter. Theo is a knight sworn to protect the Holtzfalls but finds himself assigned to Lotte while trying to discover what happened to his brother, a knight who was also assigned to the family but died... or so he thinks until he receives a mysterious letter. Lotte is an outsider who finds herself as the newest member of the family and thrown into the trials... and has the magical ability to read people's minds. This is the first book in a series and it ends on a cliffhanger. For me this book was extremely hard to get into, like it really doesn't get going until about 50% in and the amount of info dumps that you are thrown is too many. The trials themselves weren't all that interesting and the story just kind of felt super boring. I really wish I could like this more because it had an interesting premise.... but I found myself falling asleep and disassociating while reading this. This just wasn't my cup of tea but I do think other fantasy readers who love a big cast and a bit of a mystery will have a better time with this than I did.

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group | Viking Books for Young Readers for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

ALL-NEW HARDCOVER EDITION--This new hardcover edition of the bestselling Slaying the Vampire Conqueror features new case art, a detailed map, and a never-before-seen bonus chapter!

From New York Times bestselling author Carissa Broadbent comes a standalone novel set in the world of the TikTok mega-hit, the Crowns of Nyaxia series.

She was commanded to kill him with a single strike to the heart. She didn't expect her own to betray her.

Sylina has sacrificed everything for her goddess--her soul, her freedom, her eyes. Life in service to the Arachessen, a cult of the Goddess of Fate, has turned Sylina from orphaned street rat to disciplined killer, determined to overthrow Glaea's tyrannical king.

But when a brutal vampire conqueror arrives on their shores, Sylina faces an even deadlier adversary. She's tasked with a crucial mission: infiltrate his army, earn his trust...and kill him.

Atrius is a terrifying warrior carving an unstoppable path through Glaea. Yet when Sylina becomes his seer, she glimpses a dark and shocking past--and a side of him that reminds her far too much of parts of herself she'd rather forget.

Sylina's orders are clear. The conqueror cannot live. But as the blood spilled by Glaea's tyrant king runs thicker, her connection with Atrius only grows stronger. A connection forbidden by her vows. A connection that could cost her everything.

Crowns of Nyaxia Reading Order: The Serpent & the Wings of Night The Ashes & the Star-Cursed King The Songbird & the Heart of Stone

Crowns of Nyaxia Standalones Six Scorched Roses (short novel) Slaying the Vampire Conqueror

Review:

Her mission was to kill him but first she must infiltrate his group as a seer.... yet the vampire conqueror who was supposed to be her enemy has might have conquered something she never expected... her own heart. A blind seer, a Vampire conquerer, and one forbidden romance as they both must find a way to navigate the war going on around them as blood is spilled. Sylina was taken in by the cult that worships the Goddess of Fate when she was a child... willingly blinding herself to gain the powers of the sisters within the cult, being able to see but without her eyes. Sylina was forced to become a child soldier and had escaped until she was rescued by the cult... and despite how hard they tried to train her to be their perfect Sister, something within Sylina strives for justice, for revenge... and when the terrifying vampires along with their leader, Atrius comes into her homeland, Sylina is tasked with infiltrating his group and killing him. Sylina thinks she knows right from wrong and will do anything for her people... yet the more time she spends with Atrius and the more she begins to realize that what he is doing, who he is killing, isn't at all what she expected, she finds herself questioning her vows to her goddess and everything she's known. This was a fantastic standalone set in the Crowns of Nyaxia world. I absolutely adored the enemies to lovers romance between Atrius and Sylina. Sylina was such an interesting protagonist and I loved how strong she was. She adpated so well to every situation and stood by her decisions, and that last minute sacrifice and path she chose? AMAZING. I truly adored the romance between these two characters and how it was developed. I hope to see potential cameos of these characters in the universe!

Release Date: Marh 25, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Bramble for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

The dark and thrilling Black sapphic vampire romantasy that questions what it truly means to sacrifice for love. "This is a lush, intoxicating read, packing tender romance alongside vicious twists. My new obsession!" - Mark Oshiro, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Anger is a Gift and Into the Light

You have no idea what I’ve done for love. Just as you have no idea what you may one day do.

Once long ago, a girl named Favre sacrificed her wings for love. Thana, the young goddess she so willingly gave them up for, sacrificed that same love for power. But everything has a cost.

Favre never got over the loss of her wings. And Thana’s choices led to a life of eternal night, and later, their destruction. Favre has bided her time ever since, waiting for the chance to resurrect the girl she loves who turned her into the creature she hates.

Now, a thousand years later, Leyla, the crown princess of a vampire nation, must travel to Nekros, the island of the dead, when her best friend is captured during an attack on her nation’s capital. But nothing is as it seems. The closer she gets to her goal, the more her body seems to work against her, and the more she risks awakening an ancient evil and destroying everything she holds dear.

Set in the aftermath of a war between vampires, humans, and the gods that created them, Patrice Caldwell’s devastatingly romantic fantasy debut, Where Shadows Meet, centers the heart-wrenching pain of loss and the struggle of self-discovery to ask: do we choose our fates, or do our fates choose us?

“A feast for the senses. Love, friendship, loss, and the fantastic… it’s all here in exquisite, vivid detail. A brilliant addition to the dark fantasy genre.” - Kalynn Bayron, New York Times bestselling author of Cinderella Is Dead and Sleep Like Death

Review:

First book in a duology, slow burn romance. BIPOC Queer vampires, sapphic romance, and a world of gods, humans, and vampires at war?? What more do you need to want to read this series? The story follows Favre and Thana first, Favre is the daughter of gods and has wings... which she sacrifices for Thana, a princess trapped by her family to give her powers... which she uses to kill her father and drink her blood, thus bringing a curse upon them both as they've essentially become vampires, can't be in sunlight and must feed on blood. When their powers are threatened, Thana is locked in a curse and Favre is forced to wander alone waiting to find the key to break said curse and awaken her. Then a thousand years go by and there is a war between vampires, humans, and gods.... and we follow three new characters: Layla, the sheltered crown princess of vampires, her best friend, and Najja, a seer who goes to help. All their fates are intertwined and told from past and present, various POVS, and journal entries. This book was not great, like I can see the premise drawing people in and making you curious however, the actual execution and story is lacking. The characters felt barely fleshed out and kind of blended, the story itself was all over the place and not exactly easy to follow, and the whole book just felt boring. I felt myself disconnecting various times and just trying to make it to the end of the book. I unfortunately will not be continuing with this series. I give this book points for having Queer rep and BIPOC romances... but thats all I can really give it points for.

Release Date: April 1, 2025

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Wednesday Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*