Category: Book Review

Book Review: Reckless Refuge (Wrecked #4) by Catherine Cowles

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Rating: ★★★★
Audience: Romantic Suspense
Length: 326 pages
Author: Catherine Cowles
Publisher: Pagesmith LLC
Release Date: May 11th, 2021
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

There were shadows I was running from.
Ones that haunted and taunted.
Ones that made it so I had no choice but to disappear.

I’d spent years hiding from the world.
My little island haven, the only assurance of safety.

It all changed the moment he showed up at my door.
The hint of pain in his eyes told me that something haunted him, too.
And I couldn’t help but be drawn closer.

But finding the person I needed most came with risks I never expected.
And when our ghosts find us again, neither of us may make it out this time.

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST.

I’m really into this series now and it’s been another good one! I loved the island setting and all the turmoil that found its way to the shore. Brody and Shay were reluctant to be in each other’s circles and I loved watching the walls crumble.

In this case, I did find the twists predictable. It’s pretty simple to follow from the beginning so I wasn’t as surprised when things went down.

Still a great read and I’m excited to finish the series!

Overall audience notes:

  • Romantic suspense
  • Language: moderate
  • Romance: 3ish open door
  • Violence: high
  • Content warnings: parents murdered, PTSD, loss of loved ones, serial killer, panic attacks (on page), assault, psychopathic character

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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: 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: 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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