The Shadows That Listen - Louisa Carmody

The Shadows That Listen by Louisa Carmody 

Author: Louisa Carmody
Series: Angel Ruin #1
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group UK
Format: eBook / ARC
Genre: Dystopian Fantasy | Romantasy | Urban Fantasy
Publication Date: August 18, 2026
Rating: ⭐ 3.5/5

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Synopsis

Five years after angels and daemons arrived and changed the world forever, humanity is barely holding on. Strict rules keep the remaining population relatively safe, including a 6 p.m. curfew that no human wants to break once darkness falls.

Amara works for the Angel Intelligence Agency and knows better than most what waits outside. But when her longtime boyfriend, Jeremy, fails to return home before curfew, she refuses to simply wait for answers.

Her search brings her face-to-face with Nathaniel, a powerful and infuriating archangel who reluctantly agrees to protect her in exchange for something he needs. When they discover they're searching for the same mysterious man, the two are forced into an uneasy alliance that takes them beyond the relative safety of the city.

But the deeper Amara searches for Jeremy, the clearer it becomes that almost nothing about his disappearance, or the world she thought she understood, is quite what it seems.

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My Thoughts

Oh boy, I have slightly complicated feelings about this one.

The world immediately caught my attention. Five years after angels and daemons arrived, humanity is essentially trying to survive in a world that no longer belongs to them. Humans live under strict rules, including a 6 p.m. curfew, because once darkness falls... well, you really don't want to be wandering around outside.

Amara works for the Angel Intelligence Agency and is well trained to handle herself in this new reality. She also has a longtime boyfriend, Jeremy, who proposes to her one morning. She turns him down, not because she doesn't love him, but because marriage simply isn't something she wants; and they both head off to work.

Except Jeremy never comes home.

As six o'clock approaches, Amara knows something is seriously wrong. Her search eventually takes her outside after curfew, where she fights her way through daemons and crosses paths with Nathaniel, an extremely powerful and equally infuriating archangel.

Nathaniel agrees to protect her because he wants something in return, and after accessing surveillance footage, they discover they're apparently searching for the same man: the person who “supposedly” took Jeremy.

And I'm emphasizing supposedly because absolutely nothing in this book is quite what it seems. Aaaand I MEAN IT!

From there, Amara and Nathaniel venture beyond the city searching for answers, and poor Amara is absolutely not prepared for some of the things she's eventually going to discover.

There was a lot I enjoyed about the story. The dystopian setting was interesting, I liked the mystery surrounding Jeremy's disappearance, and the combination of angels, daemons, danger, and Amara's uneasy partnership with Nathaniel gave the story plenty to work with. There are also some genuinely interesting revelations as everything begins to unravel.

My biggest issue, however, was the pacing. At times, it felt like the story was going around in circles. We'd get an intense sequence or an interesting discovery and I'd be completely invested again, only for the momentum to drop shortly afterward. It happened often enough that the book eventually started feeling longer than it needed to be.

I should probably also admit that I'm a HUGE fan of Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series, so apparently I have very strong opinions about my fictional archangels. 😂 I tried not to compare the two because they're obviously very different stories, but I do think being so attached to that series made it a little harder for me to completely fall into another world involving powerful angels, humans, danger and romance.

That said, I didn't dislike The Shadows That Listen at all. When the story was at its most intense, I genuinely enjoyed it, and there are some very good ideas behind this world and its mysteries. I just wish the momentum had been more consistent and some parts had been tightened up.

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Final Thoughts

The Shadows That Listen is an interesting start to the Angel Ruin series, with a fascinating dystopian world, angels and daemons, an uneasy alliance, plenty of secrets, and some revelations I definitely wasn't expecting.

The pacing prevented me from becoming as immersed as I'd hoped, but the world and larger mystery have plenty of potential. And if there's one lesson to take from this book, it's probably this: don't assume you know what's actually happening.

Because you probably don't. :D

⭐ 3.5/5

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ARC Disclaimer

I received an advance reader copy of The Shadows That Listen in exchange for an honest review. Receiving this copy did not influence my opinion of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore - Brittanee Nicole

Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore

Author: Brittanee Nicole
Series: Hope Harbor #2
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Small-Town Romance
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis

After a very public failed engagement, Penny Darling has had enough of real-life romance.

As the owner of Bonfire and Bliss Books, she's perfectly content surrounding herself with fictional love stories, pumpkin-spiced everything, and book boyfriends who can't break her heart.

Then her former high-school best friend, Jake “Monty” Montgomery, returns to Hope Harbor.

When Monty unexpectedly tells the town's resident busybodies that he's Penny's new boyfriend, the two find themselves fake dating, and co-hosting the town's Maple Festival.

But Monty has problems of his own. His latest book hasn't performed as hoped, and he desperately needs inspiration for his next story. Since Penny spends her life surrounded by romance novels, he asks her to teach him how to become the perfect romantic hero.

Fake dating. Romance lessons. Old feelings.

What could possibly go wrong?

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My Thoughts

I have a confession to make.

I may or may not have screamed a little when I was approved for this ARC because I had such a good time with Darling Daffodils Farm.

And somehow?

I think I liked this one even more.

Penny and Monty gave me two tropes I absolutely enjoy: friends-to-lovers and fake dating. More importantly, their existing history made the relationship work particularly well for me.

They were once incredibly close, drifted apart, and are now trying to find their way back into each other's lives. That history gave their romance a foundation before any of the fake-dating shenanigans even began.

And then there's Monty.

This man was an excellent fake boyfriend.

He's supportive, helpful, and always there when Penny needs him... while apparently hiding a considerably dirtier mind than I initially expected. 😂 That particular discovery was certainly entertaining.

I also wouldn't necessarily describe Monty as a “failed writer,” despite the premise. To me, he felt more like an author who had lost his inspiration or perhaps someone who hadn't yet figured out exactly what kind of story he was supposed to be writing.

Having Penny, a romance bookstore owner and devoted romance reader, teach him what makes a good romantic hero was such a fun setup. And considering he's simultaneously pretending to be her boyfriend, you can probably imagine how wonderfully complicated those lessons become.

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Penny's Journey

Penny was another highlight for me.

After what happened with her previous relationship, her confidence has understandably taken a hit. I really enjoyed watching her gradually rediscover that confidence and allow herself to become vulnerable again.

What I especially appreciated was her willingness to try.

She doesn't simply spend the entire story hiding from everything that scares her. She begins opening herself up to new experiences, taking chances, and figuring out what she actually wants.

Watching that happen alongside her developing relationship with Monty made their romance even more satisfying.

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Back in Hope Harbor

And, of course, we're back in Hope Harbor.

The quirky residents and small-town meddling that I enjoyed in Darling Daffodils Farm are still very much present, and they continue to make the town feel lively and welcoming.

This time, however, we also get all the cozy autumn goodness.

A bookstore, crisp fall weather, the Maple Festival, apple orchards, bonfires...

Basically, this book looked at every autumn romance aesthetic and said:

Yes. All of them. 

Hope Harbor is quickly becoming one of those fictional small towns I genuinely look forward to revisiting with each new installment.

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Final Thoughts

Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore took everything I enjoyed about the first Hope Harbor book and somehow worked even better for me.

Penny and Monty's history gave the friends-to-lovers romance emotional weight, the fake-dating setup was genuinely fun, and I loved watching Penny regain her confidence while Monty found his way forward as a writer.

Add the romance bookstore, autumn atmosphere, quirky small-town community, and one suspiciously talented fake boyfriend, and I was sold.

Book one was a 4-star read for me.

Book two?

Five stars.

And now I'm already waiting to see whose business Hope Harbor will meddle in next.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Darling Daffodils Farm - Brittanee Nicole

 

Darling Daffodils Farm

Author: Brittanee Nicole
Series: Hope Harbor #1
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons
Genre: Contemporary Romance | Small-Town Romance
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis

Aspiring pastry chef Tally Darling returns home to her family's daffodil farm only to discover that quite a lot has changed in her absence.

For starters, there's a gorgeous, half-naked stranger living in her childhood bedroom.

Jesse Walker has been helping run her late father's farm, and neither he nor Tally is particularly thrilled about suddenly having to share space or deal with each other.

But somewhere between arguments, salted honey cupcakes, small-town interference, and an attraction that becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, their mutual irritation begins turning into something neither of them expected.

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My Thoughts

I'll admit that Darling Daffodils Farm and I had a slightly rocky beginning, but once the story found its rhythm, this became such a fun and incredibly bingeable romance.

One of my main issues early on was the secrecy surrounding the farm.

I understood the reasoning behind wanting to protect family members from difficult circumstances, but the amount of information being hidden, particularly from their own mother, felt excessive to me. At times, it crossed the line from protection into something that felt more like deception.

Thankfully, the book didn't turn that issue into one enormous, drawn-out conflict. The secrecy remains relevant throughout the story and eventually contributes to a larger reveal, but I was relieved we weren't subjected to endless chapters of avoidable drama.

Once things settled down, though?

This book really worked for me.

We have enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, an age gap, slow burn, spice, a baker and one very grumpy farm guy who would apparently like everyone to know that he is NOT a cowboy.

Sure, Walker.

Whatever you say. 😂

Tally was a fun FMC. She's lively and brings plenty of personality and energy to the story. There were moments when I wished she believed in herself a little more, but overall, I really enjoyed following her journey.

Walker, meanwhile, begins the story as a proper grumpy grouch.

Naturally, that couldn't last forever.

I loved watching him gradually open up around Tally, and his increasingly unsuccessful attempts not to fall for her were especially entertaining. This man absolutely gave me he falls first energy, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

Their relationship also develops gradually enough for the slow burn to actually feel like a slow burn, before eventually becoming considerably... less slow. 😂

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Hope Harbor

Another highlight was the small-town setting.

Hope Harbor has exactly the kind of population you'd expect from a small-town romance: everybody knows everybody, everybody knows everybody else's business, and apparently minding your own business is merely an optional recreational activity.

But I actually liked the townspeople.

Their meddling generally came from a place of genuine affection and support rather than feeling intrusive purely for the sake of creating drama. It made Hope Harbor feel like an actual community and left me interested in returning for future books.

And speaking of future books...

The mayor.

Excuse me, sir. What exactly is going on over there?

There is very clearly a story waiting to happen, and I finished this book extremely curious about him.

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Final Thoughts

Despite a slightly rocky beginning and some family secrecy that didn't entirely work for me, Darling Daffodils Farm turned into a charming, funny, and very bingeable small-town romance.

Tally and Walker were fun together, the forced proximity and enemies-to-lovers dynamic worked well, and Hope Harbor gave the story a warm sense of community.

Most importantly?

I finished the entire thing in one night.

I'd say that speaks pretty well for how much fun I ultimately had with it.

Now bring me back to Hope Harbor!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

(Mostly) Human Resources - Grace Viall

 

(Mostly) Human Resources

Author: Grace Viall
Genre: Fantasy | Horror | Paranormal | Mystery
Format: eBook (ARC)
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Synopsis

After losing her father while he was working as a Warden in the Appalachian Mountains, Alexys joins Entity, the organization responsible for managing the world's monsters and cryptids.

Determined to continue her father's legacy, but without facing monsters head-on, she accepts a position in Human Resources, where she oversees the Wardens working in the field.

Everything changes when one of those Wardens disappears while investigating reports of an unknown cryptid.

Unwilling to risk another life, Alexys heads into the Appalachian Mountains herself, accompanied by Nic, Entity's ambitious Director of Research and Cataloging, who's equally determined to be the first to document the mysterious new creature.

Together, they must uncover what happened before they become the next victims.

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My Thoughts

The premise immediately hooked me.

A company dedicated to managing monsters and cryptids is already a fun idea, but making the main character work in Human Resources instead of out in the field was such an unexpected twist. Apparently, even supernatural organizations need someone to deal with paperwork and employee management!

I really enjoyed discovering how Entity operated. The different departments, the Wardens, and the research side of the organization all helped make the world feel unique and well thought out.

The Appalachian Mountains also provided an atmospheric backdrop for the investigation. The isolated setting worked perfectly for a story involving mysterious cryptids, adding just the right amount of tension as Alexys and Nic searched for both Elliot and the unknown creature.

I also enjoyed the dynamic between Alexys and Nic. Their shared mission naturally brought them together, and I liked seeing their relationship develop alongside the investigation.

While I had a great time with the overall story, I did occasionally struggle to fully connect with Alexys, and there were moments where the pacing felt a little uneven. Neither issue significantly affected my enjoyment, but they did prevent this from becoming a higher-rated read for me.

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Final Thoughts

(Mostly) Human Resources is a creative and entertaining blend of fantasy, mystery, and cryptid adventure.

With its original premise, engaging world-building, and intriguing supernatural mystery, it offers a refreshing take on monster fiction. Although I didn't completely connect with every character, I still had a lot of fun and I'm definitely curious to see where the series goes next.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

To Drown a Witch - Lindsay Olsson

To Drown a Witch

Author: Lindsay Olsson
Genre: YA Fantasy, Romantasy
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.75 stars)

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Synopsis

In the kingdom of Orlonea, the Witch is the most feared being of all.

Reborn every generation, she alone possesses innate magic, making her both powerful and dangerous in the eyes of the kingdom. So when guards across the city begin dying in gruesome ways, everyone believes only one person could be responsible.

The Witch has returned.

Toran, one of the King's most skilled guards, is given a secret mission: find the Witch and bring her to the King alive. Along the way, he reluctantly recruits Nes, a thief with the rare ability to sense magic, promising to help free her imprisoned father in exchange for her assistance.

As the pair investigate the mysterious murders, long-buried secrets begin coming to light, forcing them to question everything they thought they knew.

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My Thoughts

Well...

This book was a bit of a hot mess.

And somehow...

I still had fun with it.

The premise immediately grabbed my attention. The idea of a Witch being reborn every generation, combined with the fear surrounding magic and the brutal witch hunts, created a world I wanted to know more about from the very beginning.

I also enjoyed the partnership between Toran and Nes.

Their reluctant alliance gave the story a nice balance between mystery and adventure, and I liked following them as they uncovered clues about the murders while slowly learning more about each other. Nes' ability to sense magic was also a fun addition that made the investigation feel a little different from the usual fantasy quests.

The world-building was another highlight.

As more secrets about the Witch, the kingdom, and Toran's own past came to light, I found myself constantly wanting to know what would be revealed next. There were plenty of betrayals, twists, and unexpected discoveries that kept me turning the pages.

That said...

The second half became incredibly chaotic.

So many revelations happened in such a short span of time that I occasionally felt like the story didn't give them enough room to breathe. Instead of letting one major twist settle before moving on, another one would arrive almost immediately, making the ending feel a little unbalanced.

And then...

There's Toran.

Let's just say...

We're not exactly on speaking terms right now.

I understood why he reacted the way he did, but I couldn't help feeling frustrated by his choices. If this series is heading where I think it is, then Book Two has some serious work to do before I'm ready to forgive him.

Let's just say...

I'm expecting some world-class groveling.

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Final Thoughts

Despite some uneven pacing toward the end, I genuinely enjoyed To Drown a Witch.

The mystery surrounding the Witch kept me invested, the fantasy world was intriguing, and the ending left me curious enough to immediately want to know what happens next.

Now all that's left is to see whether Toran can redeem himself...

Because at the moment, Nes deserves better. 😄

⭐️ 4 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions are my own.

 

Summerween - Joss Wood

 

Summerween (Halloween Town #1)

Author: Joss Wood
Genre: Cozy Paranormal Romance
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)

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Synopsis

Not too long ago, I read a romance set in a town that celebrated Christmas all year round.

This time?

Halloween gets the same treatment.

And honestly... I was immediately sold on the idea.

Professional dancer Wren Callahan arrives in Halloween Town hoping for a quiet summer, only to find herself helping organize the town's very first Summerween festival. Her biggest challenge isn't the event itself, though...

It's teaching a former trauma surgeon named Dane how to dance.

As the lessons continue, the two begin growing closer, but with ghosts, small-town gossip, and a few emotional skeletons lurking in their closets, finding their happily-ever-after may prove trickier than mastering a dance routine.

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My Thoughts

Halloween Town was such a fun place to visit.

The spooky-but-cozy atmosphere, the quirky residents, and the year-round Halloween celebrations immediately won me over. Throw in a little paranormal magic, and this ended up being the perfect palate cleanser after several horror and thriller reads.

Sometimes you just need something light, cozy, and full of pumpkin vibes.

Wren and Dane also had great chemistry.

Their attraction develops fairly quickly, and while there's definitely a touch of insta-attraction, it didn't really bother me here. The story leans into its cozy romance atmosphere, and I thought their relationship fit that overall feel quite nicely.

One thing I especially enjoyed was the setting itself.

Halloween Town feels like one of those places you'd genuinely want to visit. Between the festive decorations, eccentric townspeople, and paranormal touches, it creates exactly the kind of whimsical backdrop I was hoping for.

That said, I did have a couple of issues.

The biggest one was the dialogue and point-of-view transitions.

The story frequently shifts between Wren and Dane's romance and the paranormal happenings around town. While I liked both elements individually, the transitions between them sometimes felt so abrupt that I'd have to stop for a moment and work out whose perspective I was reading.

My other issue was the communication between the main characters.

They're adults...

Yet several conflicts could have been resolved with one honest conversation instead of assumptions and misunderstandings. Miscommunication is one of those tropes that rarely works for me, especially when the characters are mature enough to simply sit down and talk things through.

It didn't ruin the book, but it did stop me from becoming completely invested in the romance.

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Final Thoughts

Despite those few frustrations, I genuinely had a lovely time with Summerween.

The Halloween atmosphere absolutely delivered, the romance was sweet, and the cozy small-town setting made this an enjoyable escape.

And...

I may or may not have already started book two.

(Okay... I'm about 40% in. 😄)

That probably tells you everything you need to know about how much I enjoyed spending time in Halloween Town.

⭐️ 3.5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK | One More Chapter for providing the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Painted Hearts - Bec George

Painted Hearts

Indigo Lake #1

Author: Bec George
Narrators: Flora Ogilvy & Mat Dwyer
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Small-Town Romance
Format: ALC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ (4.5 stars)
Release Date: July 1, 2026

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Synopsis

After escaping an abusive relationship, Winnie arrives in Indigo Lake determined to start over.

Her dream has always been to open a paint-and-sip studio, and she's finally found the perfect place to make it happen.

Well...

Almost perfect.

The only problem is that her new studio shares a building with Everett's whiskey bar.

When Winnie paints her half of the building a bright bubblegum pink, Everett is less than impressed. Between clashing personalities, competing businesses, and apartments that are inconveniently connected, the two quickly become rivals.

Or...

At least that's what they keep telling themselves.

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My Thoughts

This was such a sweet, cozy audiobook.

I actually started listening to it while working on a paint-by-numbers project (I'm definitely not an artist 😂), and honestly, it couldn't have been a better companion.

Relaxing.

Funny.

Romantic.

Exactly the kind of story I was in the mood for.

Winnie immediately won me over.

After leaving an abusive relationship, she's trying to rebuild her life one step at a time, and opening her own paint-and-sip studio represents much more than simply starting a business.

It's her chance to begin again.

Unfortunately for Everett...

...that fresh start comes in the form of bright pink paint covering half of the building he shares with her.

Needless to say, he's not exactly thrilled.

From there, the banter begins.

And it was one of my favorite parts of the book.

The grumpy/sunshine dynamic between Winnie and Everett worked incredibly well. Watching them argue over paint colors, noise, and their neighboring businesses while slowly falling for one another was simply fun.

Everett turned out to be such a wonderful hero.

Beneath all the grumpiness was someone incredibly thoughtful, dependable, and genuinely kind. Even while carrying the weight of his father's recent death, he constantly showed up for Winnie whenever she needed someone in her corner.

The small-town setting was another highlight.

Indigo Lake felt warm, welcoming, and full of quirky personalities.

The local gossip page had me laughing more than once...

And then there was Gavin.

The goose.

That feathery little menace nearly stole the entire book.

Every time Gavin appeared, I couldn't help smiling.

The romance itself is definitely a slow burn, which I normally love.

My only small criticism came once Winnie and Everett finally acknowledged their feelings.

Because of Winnie's past, Everett became almost too cautious.

His intentions made complete sense, and I appreciated how respectful he was of everything she'd been through.

But after a while, I found myself agreeing with Winnie.

She was telling him she was ready.

I just wanted him to stop overthinking everything and believe her.

Thankfully, this was only a minor issue in an otherwise delightful romance.

Finally, I have to mention the audiobook.

Flora Ogilvy and Mat Dwyer both delivered wonderful performances, bringing plenty of warmth, humor, and emotion to the story. Their narration made it incredibly easy to keep listening, and I found myself staying with the audiobook longer than I'd planned.  (aka I finished it in one go and it was 9am when I did, but I have no regrets :D )

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Final Thoughts

Painted Hearts is exactly the kind of romance I reach for when I want something comforting.

It's filled with lovable characters, small-town charm, witty banter, and a relationship that develops with genuine care and plenty of heart.

Throw in a hilarious gossip page, one unforgettable goose, and a touch of suspense surrounding Winnie's past, and you have a romance that left me smiling from beginning to end.

I'm already looking forward to returning to Indigo Lake.

⭐️ 4.5 stars

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ALC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Bolinda Audio for providing the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

 

Witch Season - Julia Bianco

Witch Season

Author: Julia Bianco
Series: Broken Coven #1
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Romantasy
Format: ALC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)
Release Date: June 30, 2026

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Synopsis

Katherine Barnes is an enforcer for Aestas, a Los Angeles coven dedicated to finding and protecting "unsettled witches", people whose magic awakens violently and without warning.

As someone who was once an unsettled witch herself, Katherine owes her life to Aestas and its leader, Sylvia Page.

When Silas Khatri, heir to the world's most powerful coven, arrives to investigate Aestas and its unconventional methods, Katherine immediately clashes with him. To her, Silas represents everything she dislikes: privilege, tradition, and a coven that treats unsettled witches as problems rather than people.

But as a dangerous new threat begins targeting witches across the hidden magical world, Katherine and Silas are forced into an uneasy alliance.

Saving their covens may mean trusting the one person they least expected.

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My Thoughts

Witch Season had me from the very beginning.

It opened with plenty of action, introduced an intriguing magical world, and immediately established a darker tone than I was expecting.

Then the pace slowed down a little through the middle...

...before the final act completely exploded into chaos.

Overall, though?

I genuinely enjoyed it.

I'm always a sucker for urban fantasy, especially when it blends modern-day settings with hidden magical societies, and Julia Bianco created a world that immediately caught my attention.

One of my favorite aspects was the magic system itself.

Magic isn't something the characters can use freely without consequence. Blood plays a significant role in how witches access and control their abilities, giving the entire system a darker, more dangerous feel that I thought worked really well.

I also enjoyed learning about the different covens and the political tensions between them.

As the story unfolded, it became increasingly clear that many of the problems facing this magical world existed because people had spent years avoiding difficult conversations instead of confronting them.

Honestly...

Considering the way these covens function, I'm surprised everything hadn't fallen apart long before the events of the novel.

As for the characters...

Katherine was probably the one aspect I struggled with the most.

I didn't dislike her.

In fact, I understood why she behaved the way she did.

She carries an enormous amount of trauma, and much of her journey revolves around convincing herself that she's healed enough to keep moving forward.

The problem, at least for me, was that this internal struggle became somewhat repetitive over time. After a while, I found myself wanting her character arc to move forward rather than revisiting the same emotional beats.

Silas, on the other hand, took a little while to grow on me.

For much of the book, he came across as the sheltered heir who had spent most of his life accepting what others told him without questioning it.

I kept waiting for him to start thinking for himself.

Thankfully, that growth does begin to happen, and I have to admit...

Watching him fall for Katherine while she remained thoroughly unimpressed by him was actually pretty adorable.

The romance, however, ended up being my biggest disappointment.

It started with plenty of potential, but before the emotional connection had much opportunity to develop, the relationship shifted into insta-lust territory.

Then, just as I expected the romance to deepen, the plot took over.

By the final act, the larger conflict became the clear focus, leaving the romance feeling almost secondary. If I'm judging the relationship based solely on this first book, I honestly think the story would have worked almost the same without it.

I also noticed some repetition throughout the novel.

Certain explanations surrounding the magic system, the Books, Noctis, and Silas's family history were revisited several times, even after those details had already been established.

That said, I appreciated that the book wasn't afraid to lean into darker territory.

Without relying on excessive gore or graphic violence, it still managed to create several genuinely unsettling moments that added weight to the story.

And then...

That ending.

Let's just say Julia Bianco clearly expects readers to pick up book two.

Because I definitely need answers.

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Final Thoughts

Witch Season delivers an engaging blend of urban fantasy, coven politics, dark magic and high-stakes conflict wrapped in an intriguing magical world.

While I wished the romance had been given more room to develop and felt the pacing dipped slightly through the middle, the unique magic system, darker atmosphere, and explosive ending left me excited to see where the series goes next.

If you enjoy urban fantasy with witches, hidden magical societies and plenty of action, this is a promising start to a new series.

⭐️ 3.5 stars

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ALC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for providing the advanced listening copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Among Wildflowers - C Ellan Rose

 

Title: Among Wildflowers (Among Wilds #1)

Author: C. Ellan Rose
Genre: Small-Town Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format: eARC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5 stars)
Release Date: June 16, 2026

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Synopsis

Ali Bennett had it all.

Money, status, luxury vacations, designer clothes and a carefully curated life that looked perfect from the outside.

Then she lost everything.

After a disastrous breakup and the loss of her job, Ali retreats to the only place she can think of: a small cottage left to her by her grandmother in Lakeside, Wisconsin.

The town couldn't be more different from the life she left behind. It's small, quirky, obsessed with wildflowers and full of people who know everyone's business.

Including Jake Elliott, the town's beloved veterinarian.

As Ali slowly rebuilds her life, she discovers that sometimes the things we never planned for end up being exactly what we need.

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My Thoughts

I went into this book hoping for a cozy small-town romance and for the most part, that's exactly what I got.

After losing both her job and her boyfriend in spectacular fashion, Ali finds herself escaping to a small Wisconsin town where she quickly realizes that designer heels and country roads don't mix particularly well.

Watching her adjust to small-town life was one of my favorite parts of the entire book.

The "fish-out-of-water" moments were genuinely funny, and I enjoyed seeing her navigate a world that couldn't have been more different from the one she was used to. While Ali doesn't make the best first impression, she gradually becomes a character that's very easy to root for.

What I appreciated most was her growth.

At the beginning of the story, she's still carrying a lot of assumptions about herself and the world around her. But as she settles into Lakeside, builds friendships and starts contributing to the community, she begins to discover who she is without the lifestyle that once defined her.

The transformation felt natural and was easily my favorite aspect of the book. (I think I said it 3 times already, sorry :D)

And then there's Jake.

First of all, if you know me, you will also know that if a book features a veterinarian, there's a very good chance I'm going to pick it up.

It's basically a rule at this point. 😅

Jake was kind, dependable, patient and exactly the sort of person you'd want living next door. I also appreciated that despite the strong attraction between him and Ali, the romance wasn't rushed. The relationship was allowed to develop over time, which made it feel more believable.

For a large portion of the book, I really enjoyed the two of them together.

That said...

Jake and I had a brief disagreement near the end of the novel.

By "brief disagreement," I mean I wanted to sit him down and have a very serious conversation about some of his decision-making skills.

Without getting into spoilers, I felt he could have used a little more groveling afterward. I understood what the author was trying to do, but I wasn't entirely convinced he earned forgiveness quite as quickly as he did.

My biggest issue, however, wasn't Jake.

It was the pacing.

For the first half of the book, I was completely invested. I loved the setting, the characters, and Ali's journey. But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn't quite as emotionally engaged as I had been at the start.

The story remained enjoyable, but the spark that initially hooked me never fully carried through to the ending.

That's not to say the book became bad, far from it. It remained a pleasant, easy read throughout. I simply found myself less invested in the outcome than I expected to be.

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Final Thoughts

Among Wildflowers is a sweet small-town romance filled with charming characters, personal growth, and plenty of cozy atmosphere.

While I wish the second half had maintained the same level of engagement I felt at the beginning, I still enjoyed my time in Lakeside and especially appreciated Ali's character development.

If you're looking for a feel-good romance featuring a fish-out-of-water heroine, a lovable veterinarian, and a small town full of quirky residents, this is definitely worth checking out.

⭐️ 3.5 stars

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ARC Disclaimer

Thank you to NetGalley and Xpresso Book Tours for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. 

A Curse of Beasts and Magic - Jeaniene Frost

 

Title: A Curse of Beasts and Magic
Author: Jeaniene Frost
Genre: Fantasy, Romantasy, Urban Fantasy, Retelling
Format: Audiobook ALC
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5★)
Release Date: May 26, 2026

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Synopsis

Raine Stone survived a horrific creature attack years ago, but she didn’t walk away unchanged. Ever since that night, she’s carried a dangerous Beast inside her, one she constantly struggles to control.

By day, she works as an ER nurse. By night, she lets the Beast feed just enough to keep it satisfied and innocent people safe.

But after using the Beast’s power to save and heal an elderly man during an attack, Raine accidentally opens the door to a hidden supernatural world filled with dangerous creatures, political power struggles, and deadly secrets.

And at the center of it all is Remington “Remy” Byrne, the powerful Warden responsible for keeping supernatural creatures under control.

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My Thoughts

It’s safe to say that the Night Huntress series is one of my all-time favorites, so the moment I saw Jeaniene Frost was starting a brand-new series? Immediate YES.

And honestly, this book reminded me exactly why I love her writing so much.

Also… THIS is how you do a retelling.

Beauty and the Beast, except Beauty IS the Beast? Add supernatural politics, dragons, basilisks, dangerous magical creatures, and a morally intense urban fantasy atmosphere? YeP, I was obsessed.

As the blurb says, Raine survived a horrific attack years ago that killed members of her family, but she didn’t escape untouched. Ever since then, she’s been living with a Beast inside her, trying to control it while also making sure it doesn’t hurt innocent people.

By day, she works as a nurse. By night, she lets the Beast feed just enough to keep it under control.

Everything changes after she saves an elderly man from an attack and unknowingly throws herself into an entirely new world of danger, secrets and supernatural chaos.

And then… there’s Remy.

Powerful, protective, territorial, and very much in control of the supernatural world around him.

Naturally, their first interactions are not exactly smooth...aheem...

But once they’re forced into an alliance? Ohhh things escalate quickly.

The chemistry between them was one of my favorite parts of the book. The tension, the build-up, the banter… and when the romance finally starts delivering, it DELIVERS.

On top of that, the plot itself stays constantly engaging. Between assassination attempts, kidnappings, shifting alliances, supernatural politics, dragons, basilisks and creatures from other realms, the story genuinely kept me hooked from beginning to end.

I listened to the audiobook and honestly inhaled it in one sitting. Started listening, blinked, and suddenly it was 5am.

My only real complaint? I desperately wish we had dual POV because I NEED to know what Remy was thinking during several moments in this book.

And after that ending? Yeah… I absolutely need book two immediately because I already know things are about to become complete chaos.

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Final Thoughts

Overall, this was an incredibly fun, addictive, and fast-paced start to a new series.

If you enjoy urban fantasy with strong supernatural elements, dangerous creatures, intense chemistry, and darker retelling vibes, this is absolutely worth picking up.

Jeaniene Frost did not disappoint.

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ARC Disclaimer
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for the ALC. All opinions are my own.