Tag Archives: Berkley

ARC — The Catch — Amy Lea — The Influencer #3

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Touches on tough topics like grief, family loss, family abandonment, and depression. Contains some explicit sexual content.

“The Catch” follows Melanie (Mel) Karlsen, a lifestyle blogger that feels like she’s losing relevancy, as she travels to Canada for a collaboration with a spa resort. But there’s been a mix up, they’re not expecting her until a week later. In a desperate attempt to survive in an unknown country, she books the only B&B she finds open and receiving guests. And in comes Evan Whaler, the stubborn and plaid-wearing local whose family owns said B&B. When Mel is mistaken to be Evan’s fiancée by his feuding family, they decide to play along in a last ditch effort to mend those broken ties—of course, in exchange of Evan helping Mel out with her content creation for the week. The last thing they expected was how the lines of this elaborate ruse would blend when you’re truly meant to be together.

This has to be my favorite read of 2024, without the shadow of a doubt. Amy Lea’s voice is so refreshing, I never get tired of it. Her characters are relatable and emotional and just plain interesting. I couldn’t wait to see how Mel’s and Evan’s story would play out.

If you’re a sucker for small-town romances (and burly and bearded fishermen), then Mel’s and Evan’s love will have you captivated—and just in time for Valentine’s Day! I can’t begin to recommend this book enough.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: February 13, 2024

ARC — A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch — Sarah Hawley — Glimmer Falls #2

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy meters: 2 fire emojis
Content Warning: Addresses toxic relationships and emotional abuse. Contains sexual content.

From the dedication line (“For all the angry girls who were told they were too much”) to the very end of this novel, “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is absolutely perfect.

“A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” follows Calladia Cunnington, a formidable witch with a penchant for bar brawls, who unexpectedly rescues Astaroth, a demon suffering from amnesia. Unbeknownst to him, Astaroth is the very demon who previously endangered Calladia’s best friend, and hence she hates him. Despite her initial animosity, Calladia agrees to help him recover his memories, leading them on a road trip filled with witty banter and undeniable chemistry.

Enemies-to-lovers with a supernatural twist? That’s a yes for me. This books works like a standalone, but it’s best if you already hold the context “A Witch’s Guide to Fake Dating a Demon” provides. This sequel also expands on the lore of the demon realm, introducing political intrigue and exploring themes of prejudice and extremism that parallel real-world issues. This backdrop enriches the plot, providing a compelling setting for the protagonists’ adventures.

If you’re into fun, spicy, and addictive paranormal romance, that also hold some enemies-to-lovers appeal, then “A Demon’s Guide to Wooing a Witch” is for you.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

ARC — In Charm’s Way — Lana Harper — The Witches of Thistle Grove #4

“Asking for help isn’t a weakness, (…) but being too proud to accept it is. Believe me, I know.”

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, LGBTQ+
Actual Rating: 5+ stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Showcases panic attacks, violence, magical injuries, and toxic relationships. Contains explicit sexual content.

“In Charm’s Way” follows Delilah Harlow as she deals with the aftermath of being hit by a god-tier oblivion spell. Her whole identity revolves around her good memory, so when she sees traditional methods aren’t working on remediating said oblivion spell, she decides to go with some good, ol’ forbidden magic instead. And oh, does it work. It works so well, in fact, that now her power is bringing into town a bunch of supernatural creatures, including a half-fae that’s apparently here to help her. Not knowing who to trust, Delilah has got to weigh her options: either keep wrecking havoc on Thistle Grove or let go of the spell and go back to dealing with her oblivion-ed self.

How do these books keep getting better? The Witches of Thistle Grove series has captivated my heart for the past 3 years and my favorite book in the series is forever changing—as the last book published is usually the one I highly regard as my favorite, and “In Charm’s Way” is no exception to this rule.

In this fourth installment we go back into the Harlow family, this time through Delilah, and I really think this is one of the only Thistle Grove books that wouldn’t work as well as a standalone novel—we’ve seen Delilah through various of the previous installments and you just wouldn’t be able to empathize with her if you haven’t seen her through Emmy Harlow’s and Nina Blackmoore’s lens.

Now, I would highly encourage you to grab a hold of this series. The author, Lana Harper, refers to this book as “Delilah’s Book of Rage” and it gives just that. This book carried the heaviest character to live life through, with deep resentments and huge trust issues; nonetheless, it’s easy to see why Delilah reacts the way she does and it’s even easier to see where her rage comes from.

I wouldn’t change a single thing about this book or this series as a whole. I literally cannot recommend it enough. If I go down as anything, I hope I go down as someone who spread the good word on Thistle Grove and the beautiful, witchy stories Lana Harper has been sharing since 2021.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: August 22, 2023

Blog Tour ARC — The Secret Service of Tea and Treason — India Holton — Dangerous Damsels #3

“Tighter, (…) in case I break free and strangle you.”
(…) “I’m not scared of that.”
“Then why are you restraining me?”
“I’m hugging you.”
“But you’ve already done that.”
“Alice, sweetheart, you deserve all the hugs I can give.”

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes violence, ableism, and kidnapping. Contains sexual content.

“The Secret Service of Tea and Treason” follows Alice, also known as Agent A, and Daniel Bixby, also known as Agent B, two top operatives of the Agency of Undercover Note Takers as they are forced to go undercover as husband and wife in order to infiltrate a pirate party and hopefully save the Queen.

This is the end of a wonderful trilogy and oh, did India Holton end it with a bang. The Dangerous Damsels series is all for that enemies to lovers trope, and although fake dating had been mentioned throughout other books of this series, none of them really embodied it as truly as Alice and Daniel did. I am just glad this wasn’t an excruciating slow burn, I don’t think I would’ve been able to survive.

Alice and Daniel’s rival-ness was also unparalleled—in previous books we would get two main characters that were essentially working for contradicting organizations, but through “The Secret Service of Tea and Treason” we get to see two main characters that are forced to work together because they literally work for the same government agency. And touching on the subject of the other books of the series, it was great to see some old and familiar characters sprinkled here and there, it was such a fun addition.

I’ll be recommending this series for the longest of times, I am absolutely in love. I would give everything to read this series again for the first time, with its quick banter, comedic delivery, and admirable chemistry between the characters, this series will have your heart racing both for the steamy kisses and for the actual adventurous, action-packed scenes.

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Review posted as part of a blog tour.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 18, 2023

Small PSA: For my anime and manga lovers, this was a true ode to Spy x Family, with a lil’ twist. Grab this book if you’ve been enjoying that story.

The League of Gentlewomen Witches — India Holton – Dangerous Damsels #2

“Do not look so concerned on my behalf, Captain. It is a common enough statement. For example, I myself love that house there with the wooden shutters. I love tea. I love you, and your smile, and the way you sigh in your sleep. See, common. Unconcerning. We are still enemies.”

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes violence, physical abuse, ableism, and kidnapping. Contains sexual content.

“The League of Gentlewomen Witches” follows Charlotte Pettifer, a witch and future head of the League of Gentlewomen Witches, as she tries to recover a long-lost amulet and keep it out of the wrong hands. That’s where the pirate Alex O’Riley comes in. He’s looking for the amulet as well, but for other reasons. As they team up, the tension between then grows, and perhaps the amulet won’t be the only thing stolen in the process.

The sequel in the Dangerous Damsels series is once again action-packed and completed with reluctant main characters, ones who aren’t willing to fall in love with each other.

And so, it appears that India Holton’s thing is the only-one-bed troupes and I must say I am entirely here for it. Her comedic approach to fantasy in a Regency Era setting is astounding. So many genres come into her writing and it’s amazing how she makes them work. India is really helping me fall in love with historical fiction again.

I would highly recommend this series, starting with the first installment though, as “The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels” felt like a better introduction to this mash up of genres. Nonetheless, I will be recommending this book to every single reader looking for a different and unique romantic fantasy read.

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The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels — India Holton — Dangerous Damsels #1

“We have only three laws in our Society, Cecilia. No killing civilians. Pour the tea before the milk. And no stealing each other’s houses.”

Genre: Romance, Historical Fiction, Fantasy
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 2 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes violence, kidnapping, drug use, and death of parent. Contains sexual content.

What do you get when you cross Regency Era romances with Star Wars and pirates? Well, “The Wisteria Society of Lady Scoundrels” indeed. This novel follows Cecilia Bassingwaite, a pirate-witch of sorts that thrives in Victorian society as part of the Wisteria Society, and Ned Lightbourne, an assassin set to kill Cecilia, but who falls in love with her instead. Both going rogue, they set out to work against Ned’s employer, whose plan is to destroy England along with all its presumptuous women pirates.

This was such a creative and fun read, unique to the extreme. It was most literally a cross between period dramas like Bridgerton and science fiction and fantasy books, series, and movies. Both Cecilia and Ned were so very likable and fun to follow. I would’ve read this in a single sitting if I had had the chance.

I would absolutely recommend this read, specially if you’re looking for a unique historical romance read, filled with action and snarky banter. May all enemies (or would-be assassins) to lovers stories aspire to be as good as this.

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Blog Tour ARC — What The Hex — Jessica Clare — Hex #2

“You’re obscene.”
“You love it.”
“Jupiter help me, I really do.”

Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes toxic relationships and mentions animal death. Contains explicit sexual content.

“What The Hex” follows Penny Roundtree, a hopeful familiar without a warlock or witch, and Willem Sauer, a 270-year-old warlock, as they participate in a downright illegal arrangement—she’ll be his familiar while he’ll teach her the magic he isn’t even supposed to partake in. But when doubts begin to rise, they have to act as a couple to justify the amount of time they’re spending together, even though they’re as different as opposites can get.

This book had all the cards stacked against it and it still won my heart over. Because, although I was looking forward to this series as a whole, I came into this sequel a bit biased and disappointed when I read it would be following Penny—I found Penny to be extremely annoying and a bit naïve in “Go Hex Yourself.” So now, tell me, why did I love this second installment so much?

Warlocks are meant to teach their familiars, and oh, did Penny have a lot to learn and Willem a lot to teach. I absolutely loved how the characters in the first installment were present in “What The Hex”. Nowadays, series tend to be more standalone-ish, and you’ll get a small crossover here and there and that’s it, but this was not the case with Jessica Clare’s Hex series. Here, Reggie from “Go Hex Yourself” was ever present in Penny’s life, be that through texting or through actual in-page time together. It was definitely different to other series I’ve experienced lately.

In general, this was a fluffy but spicy piece that’ll have you finishing up the whole 336 pages in one sitting, running for that HEA. If you like witchy and magical romances, then don’t hesitate on grabbing the Hex series—its magic system is complex enough to entertain but simple enough to understand and leave enough space for romance and some plot development.

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Review posted as part of a blog tour.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: April 4, 2023

Go Hex Yourself — Jessica Clare — Hex #1

“I can’t change the past, but it’s no wonder that I can’t keep a familiar.
No one wants to serve a monster.
Certainly no one wants to kiss one.”

Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 4 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses parental death, child abuse, and emotional abuse. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Go Hex Yourself”, the first installment in the Hex series, follows Reggie Johnson, a pretty average young adult, as she finds the perfect job in a newspaper ad: being an assistant for her absolute favorite card game, Spellcraft: The Magicking. But she might’ve been a bit wrong on what the position entailed, since they’re actually spell-crafting—Reggie is being recruited to be an actual witch’s familiar (aka an apprentice, of sorts). That’s okay. The pay is great, the old witch is quirky but nice, it includes room and board… the only problem is her boss’s nephew. Ben Magnus is insufferable and selfish and just plain out always in the way. But when Reggie finally comes to realize magic is real and this isn’t some LARPing thing, Ben is the only person she can trust, especially after people around them, including her witch boss, start getting cursed left and right.

I will be completely honest here. The only reason I read this book was because I was contacted to read an advanced copy of the second book in this series, but oh, did I not know what I was missing. How did “Go Hex Yourself” go under my radar? I have no clue, but this series could easily become one of my favorite, right up there with Lana Harper’s The Witches of Thistle Grove series. We’ll see where the second installment goes, but the potential is clearly there.

I love witchy romance as much as the next gal, but I am here to scream at the top of my lungs that “Go Hex Yourself” is more than just spice. With complex characters that have just as complex back stories and being told through different points of view, this book did not fall flat on just lust and sexiness. I related to Reggie at a ridiculous level and I was right there along for the ride, being as surprised and horrified as she was at all things magic—and being just as undeniable attracted to a not-so-evil evil warlock.

I feel like “Go Hex Yourself” caters to every reader, not just fantasy and witchy romance readers—so, if you’re looking to explore genres (or if you already know you love witchy stories, either way) this book is perfect for you.

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Mixed Signals — B.K. Borison — Lovelight #3

“I know I can be too much, but I think I’m just enough for you.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Spicy Meter: 5 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Describes beings uncomfortable with one’s sexual experiences. Contains explicit sexual content.

“Mixed Signals” follows Layla Dupree, owner of one of the most prominent town bakeries and one of the co-owners of Lovelight Farms, as she fake dates one of her frequent customers, Caleb Alvarez. Layla is lowkey giving up on love but Caleb talks her into a low-risk arrangement: no strings attached dating for a month so 1) he can convince her that not all men suck and 2) so she can help him polish his dating skills, as women tend to not want more than one or two dates with him. What could go wrong, right? Not much. Unless one or both of them end up inadvertent falling for the other, that is.

No two characters had ever given off such strong chemistry ever. I was completely won over by their banter and how they slowly became more comfortable around each other—oh, and Caleb’s delicate way to address and comfort Layla’s insecurities. They took their sweeeeet time.

I was honestly impressed with the way Layla’s and Caleb’s sexual intimacy was addressed. It was such a unique take on a reality that isn’t frequently displayed: sexual dysfunctions and insecurities—oh, and a string of ex partners that were selfish to a T, but that’s another topic all together.

If I could only recommend one of the books in this series, “Mixed Signals” would be it. It’s sweet and lighthearted and the characters were as lovable as they get. Layla and Caleb will win your heart, I am sure of it.

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In The Weeds — B.K. Borison — Lovelight #2

“I know you came back here because you were looking for your happy. But Evie, you gave me mine while you were looking for yours and I think it’s only fair if I try to return the favor.”

Genre: Romance
Actual Rating: 4.5 stars
Spicy Meter: 3 fire emojis
Content Warnings: Discusses burnout, panic attacks, and racism. Contains explicit sexual content.

We’re back at Inglewild, but this time looking at another duo—“In The Weeds” follows Evelyn St. James, a super famous travel influencer, as she visits Inglewild again, now in looks for a break and her happy, because this was the last place she felt at peace and happy at. But there is one downfall to this idyllic small town—and that’s Beckett Porter, her ex-one-weekend-stand and the now co-owner of Lovelight Farms. The tension between them is tangible, but they’re powering through it because their worlds couldn’t be further apart. Unless, perhaps, their home was meant to be each other all along.

I liked this book a lot more than I thought it would—and I know that sounds horrible, but hear me out. I came looking for a fluff romance and I left with a highly introspective, kinda depressing at times, very deep (and yes, romantic) read. I mean, “In The Weeds” literally had me crying at the gym. I would give my life for Evie and Beckett.

I would highly highly highly recommend this series, but specially I would recommend this book. “In The Wild” brings us that second-chance, small-town romance perfectly, and although it’s part of a series, it could easily be a standalone read. You are rooting for the characters all along, you hurt with them and fall for them. I wish I could move to Inglewood, to be honest.

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“I’m starting to think I made a mistake. When I taugh you how to love.
If you think love means having to sacrifice bits of yourself to make someone else happy. If you are afraid to ask after what you want. Maybe I did something wrong.”