Book Review: Falling for Keeps (Falling for Autumn) by Kasey Stockton

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Rating: ★★★★.25
Audience: Contemporary Romance
Length: 314 pages
Author: Kasey Stockton
Publisher: Golden Owl Press
Release Date: September 2nd, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

He was supposed to be one kiss…not the neighbor across the street.

As the children’s librarian in Autumn Ridge, Emma spends her days surrounded by happy endings. But between restoring her old farmhouse, keeping her family together, and searching for a decent man in a very small town, her own romance feels permanently shelved.

Then one impulsive night at a bar, she kisses Carson Price—the popular guy she crushed on in high school.

For Emma, it’s a reckless little dream come true.

For Carson, it’s a fun night with a beautiful woman he never expects to see again.

Until the next morning… when he moves in across the street.

Newly divorced, cynical, and focused on raising his daughter while rebuilding the dental practice he just bought, Carson has no interest in love. Marriage? Never again. Romance? Absolutely not.

Friendship with his warm, bookish, unexpectedly tempting neighbor? That might be safe enough.

Except Emma has never been good at doing anything halfway. And the more he lets her into his life, the harder it is for either of them to pretend friendship is all this is.

She’s ready to fall. He’s determined not to. But in a small town, staying just friends might be the hardest thing of all.

WORTH THE READ.

I am not reading this entire series this go around because [time], but I’ve always enjoy Kasey’s books and wanted to give hers a go. And now it’s my current second favorite of the four I’ve read! I was locked in from the beginning and liked the re-meet-cute opening.

The only thing that bugged me was the not quite a love triangle nonsense. It didn’t feel necessary too me and Seth kept just popping up at the wrong times.

I did feel the intense chemistry between Emma and Carson. They had some genuine fireworks and I loved all the ways this small town brought them together. Seeing Carson get a wee bit jealous here and there was stellar and I loved the way he took care of his daughter and Emma. There’s a lot of really sweet blended family moments that I adored too.

Bursting with fall vibes and small town shenanigans I would definitely recommend this book if you’re wondering which ones are worth it.

Overall audience notes:

  • Contemporary romance
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: low
  • Content warnings: loss of a parent (recounted), divorce (recounted), absent parent

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Book Review: A Bond so Fierce and Fragile (Compelling Fates Saga #3) by Sophia St. Germain

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Romantasy
Length: 465 pages
Author: Sophia St. Germain
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: August 20th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Torture. Darkness. Loss.

That’s what the Fae king has planned to break her.

But Elessia is prepared to fight.

She is ready to fight her way out of the king’s claws, fight to save Havlands from rebels and Fae alike, and above all, fight to return to the one she loves.

But in the end, it’s her own life she might need to fight for the most, and even though her mate will do anything, including rip the entire world to shreds, to keep her safe, there is nowhere to hide when the gods themselves are after you.

STILL GOOD.

It’s been a minute since I’ve had the chance to read multiple books in a series in one year and I’ve enjoyed diving into this romantasy world. Each book has been solid and I’m looking forward to reading the conclusion soon.

I liked the addition of new POV’s into this one. Getting some more insight into decisions and personalities was helpful for the overall plot. What wasn’t helpful was the *spur of the moment* [how it felt] additions of spice & mate finding. It lacked a sense of build or genuineness I was missing to get on board.

There were some really great moments that moved the plot well, and I still love the main FMC, Elessia. Her relationship with Merrick is solid and I like the way they take care of each other.

This book got brutal and took it out on my heart. Which now has me all sorts of concerned for how the finale will wrap up, but I’ll remain hopeful!

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantasy
  • Language: strong
  • Romance: 5+ open door
  • Violence: high

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Book Review: Moth Dark by Kika Hatzopoulou

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Rating: ★★★
Audience: NA Urban Fantasy Romance
Length: 384 pages
Author: Kika Hatzopoulou
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s
Release Date: October 28th, 2025
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

From the bestselling author of Threads that Bind and Hearts that Cut comes a brand-new compulsive romantasy about a girl obsessed with the dark and the shadowy magical prince she falls in love with, perfect for fans of Holly Black and Laini Taylor.

The dark has come alive . . .

Six years ago, vicious creatures began to crawl out of the dark crevices of the world, and with it Sascia’s fascination with the darkness was born. Now eighteen, that fascination has become an obsession, and while exploring an area known for its connection to the Darkworld, Sascia sees a person climb out of the darkness. But Nugau is no ordinary person, they’re a genderfluid elf prince with one mission . . . to kill Sascia.

Except, the second time they meet, Nugau is younger and doesn’t recognise Sascia. And the third time, Nugau stumbles out of the darkness with poison running through their veins, expressing their undying love for her.

Piecing together the puzzle, Sascia makes two shocking the timelines of her world and Nugau’s are not linear, and she is inexplicably enmeshed in a war between humanity and elves. But with their worlds at battle, is it worth fighting for each other . . . ?

I’M NOT QUITE SURE.

I wanted to love this one but I got lost in the humdrum of repetitive middle ground that left me trying to get to the end. I think there were some good themes and discussions woven in. But maybe it was trying too much? There was a LOT in here for a standalone. And maybe that’s why inconsistencies and my engagement level petered out.

The concept was unique, I will hands down give it that. I loved the idea of an alternate world in the dark. There’s enough time spent there that it doesn’t feel like a portal fantasy that skips back and forth. And this was my second book with a time loop in one week and I need something different.

Overall audience notes:

  • YA Urban Fantasy
  • Language: mild
  • Romance: closed door
  • Violence: mild

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Book Review: Smoke in the Mirrors (Slanted London #2) by Jessica Scarlett

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Historical Fantasy Romance
Length: 451 pages
Author: Jessica Scarlett
Publisher: Oliver Heber Books
Release Date: February 24th, 2026
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

Some illusions save us. Others want us dead.

Dorothy St. James has three missions: slip inside the Rook’s circle, recover the stolen enchanted bracelets, and rescue her kidnapped father. But when whispers of a hidden map inside Buckingham Palace surface, everything shifts. Enlisting Ashley Gardner—the brilliant, backstabbing puzzle-solver she can never quite outsmart—might be her only chance of destroying him.

To Dorothy’s annoyance, her dangerous pull toward Ashley only grows, even as fellow Lightfoot agent Nicholas Hart offers a far safer path. Nicholas is steady and dependable, while Ashley is all secrets, sharp edges, and heartbreak waiting to happen.

But Ashley is running out of time. His mutating magic grows more sentient every day, and the final bracelet is the only thing keeping it from consuming him. Desperate, he agrees to help Dorothy hunt the hidden map, even though being near her threatens both his sanity and his survival. And as riddles twist into traps, he begins to fear that their fire may not be real at all—just another illusion his magic wants her to believe.

London’s smoke-choked streets are thick with danger. Where is Dorothy’s father? Who is the Samaritan? Why is the Rook kidnapping innocents? And who can she trust, when she can’t even trust herself?

A thrilling blend of mystery, magic, and simmering romantic tension, Smoke in the Mirrors deepens Jessica Scarlett’s richly imagined Slanted London. With razor-edged stakes and a heroine torn between duty, desire, and danger, this installment delivers atmospheric intrigue and emotional punch in equal measure—proof that in Scarlett’s hands, even the darkest illusions shimmer with heart.

AWESOME SEQUEL.

This absolutely did not have book two syndrome. I was intrigued with this from top to bottom and I need the conclusion!!

I love that this is multiple POV. All of these rotating views only increased my enjoyment. I think the balance of them was just right and I loved even more so that there’s a second romance too. Both of them have different vibes in the best ways making each POV easy to fall into.

The plot was mysterious and atmospheric. I love a gas lamp historical fantasy. The magic is artfully woven into the world building without info dumping and the insight established in this installment was exactly what I was hoping for.

I enjoy all of these characters, the betrayals and twists are good, and it’s just a book you want to pick up.

Overall audience notes:

  • Historical fantasy
  • Language: none
  • Romance: kisses
  • Violence: moderate
  • Content warnings: loss of loved ones, murder, torture, attempted murder

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