Merry Christmas You Filthy Animal by Meghan Quinn is an interconnected standalone, holiday romantic comedy book, 2nd her Christmas series.This book can be described as:- [ ] Holiday Romance- [ ] Small Town Romance- [ ] Romantic Comedy- [ ] Rivals to Lovers- [ ] Forced Proximity- [ ] He Falls First- [ ] ‘Home Alone’ Easter EggsMy honest opinions:I did an immersive read and listened while following along on my kindle and it was absolutely perfection. The audio really made the chapters come to life and I would highly suggest listening it as well. Teddy Hamilton does a fantastic job at making Max/Atlas intense and lighthearted at the same time. Samantha Brentmoor really makes Betty expressive and sweet. And both make the comedic moments in this book pure gold!I found myself laughing out loud so many times as Meghan Quinn has the best sense of humor. I don’t know how she comes up with the creative, hilarious banter that gets me laughing with tears rolling down my cheeks.As always, it wouldn’t be a Meghan Quinn book without a healthy dose of spice! I loved how expressive and steamy the audio makes these scenes. I loved Max’s take-charge attitude and protectiveness. I adored Betty’s awkward banter and how truthful they were back and forth. Also, the creative use of holiday treats will live rent-free in my mind for years to come.‘Home Alone’ is one of my favorite holiday movies and I throughly enjoyed reading all the “Easter eggs” throughout the book. It’s one of those books you could read every Christmas season and find more and more and still be highly entertained.Overall, this book was extremely funny, just the right amount of spice, and had an excellent storyline that kept me engaged and very excited for the upcoming Christmas season. Easily my favorite holiday book I’ve ever read!!! I give this book a very enthusiastic 5 stars!!

A silly, funny romance novel, to many F words on each page, some times you don’t need to say the same word over and over again it gets monotonous and lazy. Great book to read on a day you want to relax.

This book gave me so much life. I truly don’t know how she does it, but she did, and Meghan Quinn never misses! After meeting Max in How My Neighbor Stole Christmas, I couldn’t wait for his story. It absolutely did not disappoint. Betty and Max’s shenanigans had me laughing so hard. The banter, tension, and rivals-to-lovers dynamic were so good. Betty and Max were perfect for each other. Both are goofy, awkward, and put themselves in embarrassing situations. Listen, they kept it weird, and I loved every second of it. The popcorn garland scene will live rent-free in my head.I loved catching up with Storee and Cole. I also loved the big narrator reveal at the end. There are lots of references from Home Alone, and it was so much fun recognizing them in the story. Merry Christmas, You Filthy Animal has everything you’d expect from a Meghan Quinn rom-com. There are fun characters, laugh-out-loud funny hijinks, well done steamy scenes, and some super sweet, heartfelt moments. If you are looking for a fun and festive romance with lots of laughs, this is it.Narration:We already know Meghan Quinn’s audiobooks are the BEST. This one was no different. Samantha Brentmoor and Teddy Hamilton were phenomenal as always. Add in Vanessa Edwin, J.F. Harding, Robert Hatchet, and Shane East? C’mon! It doesn’t get any better! I truly had so much fun listening to this story. I felt like I was watching a movie. This was an EXPERIENCE and is a must-listen!

Merry Christmas You Filthy AnimalBy @meghanqyinn⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️????️????️????️It’s a Meghan Quinn book so of course it’s funny and spicy and ridiculous and you will literally laugh of loud. I’d forgotten about the Narrator aspect from Book 1 and I delight in it. Especially when Max interacts with it. I also loved finding all the Home Alone movie references. I’m sure I missed a bunch but it was an added bonus to the mayhem.Max and Betty are enemies. She’s helping her uncle plan a rival Christmas park right next door to the one Max’s family has run for years. Of course he develops a plan to stop her. A perfect plan. What could go wrong? Maybe he might start to like her? Nah! Okay, yes.The biggest and funnest surprise is that Max may be a complete cinnamon roll in daily life, but in the bedroom he’s a complete alpha with a deliciously dirty dirty mouth! ????????????Things are going well. Maybe too well. These two peas in a pod fall apart and Max has to fix things before Betty leaves town for good. This book has it all – humor, spice, drama, and heart!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️This book was pure joy from start to finish. It’s funny, sweet, sexy, and filled to the brim with Home Alone references that had me grinning the whole way through. I listened to the audiobook while following along on Kindle, and it honestly made me want to go back with the physical copy again just so I can tab every single reference, there are that many!What makes it shine is how seamlessly the holiday magic, romcom vibes, and spicy moments all come together. It had me laughing out loud, swooning at the romance, and feeling completely wrapped up in the cozy excitement of Christmas. The execution of weaving in those nostalgic Home Alone nods was spot-on, it was creative without ever feeling forced.If you’re looking for a feel-good, spicy holiday romcom that gets you in the Christmas spirit and makes you laugh until your cheeks hurt, this is the one. No comparison, five stars through and through!

I dont want to give anything away. I dont write reviews to rehash what I read. I skip reviews that give too much synopsis or delves into book report style. Just going to gloss over.These books get a wide expanse of reviews. Great to terribad. Like it or dont, writers have a magical ability to weave worlds and create people like they are real. I’m thankful for writers, and if a story can make me feel something, can make me imagine something, then I am forever grateful.I am a fan of this series, and a book or story doesnt have to be perfect for me to enjoy it. No, this is not perfect, but I love hanging out in this world. If I’ feeling it, then I read the book, if it isnt working for me, then I give myself permission to stop and turn to something else. I frankly found these books entertaining, and I look forward to the next installment.I think book 3 story line has gelled a lot, with much of that having to do with main characters having gone through some stuff. Some new names left it hard for me to keep track of, but not off putting. Some characters I would like to have seen more of, again not off putting. I definitely got the feels in this one, and I definitely wont say from what. But I will say I was blowing my nose as I read in bed. Not a devastating thing, just a bittersweet thing.Lots of humor, lots of WTF, and plenty of new areas explored. Of course, lots of low level (to me) spice.I like the diversity of characters. I love the dragons. I really got a greater understanding of degree of bond. It isnt that it was explicitly explained, I think something just clicked further.I like when I need to take a breather when I finish a book. That is when I have to read something entirely different, and with this one it is like that. Leaves me with feels and thoughts, and I dont want to jump into anything of same genre right away.

I loved this third book in the Empyrean series! The story is fast-paced, intense, and full of twists that kept me hooked from start to finish. The world-building and character development are fantastic, and I felt fully invested in the journey of the main characters.It’s a satisfying conclusion that ties up storylines while still leaving a bit of room for imagination. Fans of the series won’t be disappointed — I couldn’t wait to see what happened next!

Stars -5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent – Highly Recommended4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – A good, solid read3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ – An okay read2 ⭐️⭐️ – Meh1 ⭐️ – Not my cup of tea”To the ones who don’t run with the popular crowd, the ones who get caught reading under their desks, the ones who feel like they never get invited, included, or represented. Get your leathers. We have dragons to ride.”This one is tough for me to review because Onyx Storm took me on a ride—one that was exhilarating at times and frustrating at others.Let’s break it down.???? The first 10% – Solid start. It pulled me back into the world, set the stage for what was to come, and had me excited to see where the story would go.???? The middle 50% – This is where I struggled. The pacing dragged, and the introduction of so many new characters and places felt overwhelming. I love a good expansion of world-building, but parts of this felt like unnecessary detours rather than meaningful additions. There were moments when I just wanted to push through to get back to the heart of the story.???? The last 40% – WOW. The payoff was worth it. The emotional intensity, the revelations, the action—I flew through the final stretch and found myself completely hooked again. There were moments that genuinely hit me hard, and yes, a few tears were shed.One of the highlights for me was Ridoc. His humor was much needed, especially during the slower parts of the book. He added that perfect balance of lightheartedness in an otherwise heavy and intense story, and I really came to love his character.As much as parts of this book frustrated me, the ending has me locked in for the rest of the series. I know I’ll be reading the next books, and I’ll likely do a full re-read before Book 4 to see if the middle reads better the second time around.Overall, Onyx Storm wasn’t a perfect read, but it had its moments of brilliance. If you love dragons, high-stakes magic, and a slow-burn, emotional punch, it’s still worth picking up.“I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.”Final Verdict: Stick through the slow parts—by the end, you’ll be glad you did.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I’d give it 10 if I could!)Anathema (The Eating Woods #1) by Keri Lake absolutely consumed me—I was up way too late because I just had to know what happened next! The world-building is rich and immersive, full of dark magic, dangerous creatures, a mysterious curse, and a slow-burn romance that kept me hooked from start to finish.I switched back and forth between the ebook and audiobook, and wow—the audiobook is phenomenal. It’s a true duet performance with Melissa Barr and James Cassidy bringing the characters to life perfectly. Their range of characters and emotional delivery made the story even more intense.If you love fantasy romance with powerful magic, hidden identities, and that deliciously slow build between characters, this one’s for you. I’m dying to start book 2 but waiting (impatiently!) for the audiobook release.Pick it up—you won’t regret it!
????️????️ spice level#Anathema #TheEatingWoods #KeriLake

Anathema is a story I’d been anticipating to read since its release last year. I went in expecting a gothic atmosphere paired with a chilling story line. What I found was a richly developed world, layered with lore, and filled with characters carrying heavy emotional baggage as they fight to protect their realm. There are definitely some eerie moments. You will get your fill of the macabre with mysterious ravens and a spider or two.While the world-building felt a bit confusing at first, once the story gained momentum, I was fully drawn in. Maevyth is a clever heroine, though her lack of self-trust was sometimes frustrating. Zevander’s brooding nature, on the other hand, completely fits his tragic backstory and added a edge to the narrative. Be prepared for a slow burn. The tension in their relationship was sometimes to much to bear, but it eventually delivers.

This had everything my dark little heart could want, except for the ending (more on that later.)✔️Dark, gothic worlds✔️Magical creatures✔️A splash of gore✔️Tab worthy storyline that has more than just romance✔️A MMC I’d throw hands for????Bonus points for bringing out a little rage & sadness in me.This was one of those books I had to force myself to put down at times because I didn’t want it to end! I needed to savor every detail. It’s a big one, coming in at 600 pages of mind tickling goodness, so bring snacks & stay hydrated if you choose to jump in.The world building and details are no joke. Told from two different POVs, it drags you in quickly, but can get overwhelming at times. I was taking notes like I was prepping for a pop quiz. Probably not necessary, but helped me retain the info better.It felt like watching a dark fantasy tv series unfold with all of the different characters, gods, etc & I loved every single second. Completely addicted.And then those last few chapters ????. The slowest burn imaginable suddenly burst into flames, on an absurd level. One minute I’m vibing, the next I’m watching five seasons of super spicy chaos on fast forward. Definitely a bit rushed, but I can appreciate the reasoning and see how it was set up for book two.*Check those triggers! This one is heavy.Also, if you have a fear of spiders, this isn’t the book for you. Or maybe it is, depending on how you roll ????????‍♀️. No judgement.5+ ⭐’s for being one of my favorite reads so far this year!Twist factor-????????Gore & creepy factor-????????????Spice- extreme slow burn & then????️????️????️????️????️*This is book #1 of a trilogy

Okay, this is a masterpiece! The world building, the plot, the writing, the absolutely unbearable tension and SLOW burn romance that will have you completely feral, just perfection. The magic system is unique enough to keep you interested but familiar enough that it’s easy to understand. Truly one of my favorite reads of the year. I’m so glad I waited for fall to read it because it truly is THE spooky season read. It’s dark and gothic but also has kind of the epic-fantasy vibes that I really enjoy. The cliffhanger at the end!? I had to start the second book immediately to know what happens, I’m so glad I don’t have to wait for the second book! Pick this up if you’re looking for the perfect spooky season read, you won’t regret it!PS – the spice is so well done, when it gets there it GETS there

On Wings of Blood completely hooked me from the very first page. Briar Boleyn delivers a delicious mix of dark academia, vampires, dragons, and a romance that had me grinning, swooning, and screaming at my Kindle.Medra was such a fun character to follow—stubborn, fiery, and absolutely unwilling to let anyone control her. Her “you don’t own me” energy gave me life. I loved her sarcasm, her resilience, and the way she pushed back even when the odds were stacked against her. And then there’s the found family element woven throughout the story, which added so much heart alongside the darker, more dangerous moments.And Blake… oh, Blake. He is the definition of a possessive vampire MMC. He’s obsessed, protective, and clearly devoted to Medra—but the man cannot stop sabotaging himself every time he opens his mouth. The tension between them was everything: true enemies-to-lovers, slow burn, and that “we’re bonded whether we like it or not” dynamic that had me hooked. Every time he pushed her away or made a mess of things, I loved him even more.The worldbuilding is layered with mystery, especially surrounding the dragons and Medra’s bloodline, and I can already tell that’s going to play a huge role in the series moving forward. Add in deadly competitions, dark secrets, and the constant pull of power, and I couldn’t stop flipping the pages.This book had all my favorite tropes:✨ Enemies to lovers✨ Possessive MMC✨ Found family✨ Forced bond/engagement✨ Hidden lineage & dragon mystery✨ Dark academia vibesI devoured every moment and now I’m counting down the days until the next installment. That ending? Cruel. Evil. Brilliant. I need book two immediately.

Death is only the beginning…Medra Pendragon is a half-fae who wakes from the dead to find herself powerless and in a different realm ruled by vampires. And in this realm, she is marked as a dragon rider, despite there being no dragons left in existence. Her vampire captor, Blake, is bonded to her against her will, but she can’t escape the desire that rises despite her hatred of him.On Wings of Blood, the first installment of the Bloodwing Academy series, is an enjoyable dark academia romance. It mixes mythologies to create an interesting setting and fun character dynamics. And, of course, there’s Neville, who steals the show while stealing your heart.Blake is enigmatic and delightfully Draco Malfoy-coded. His appeal lies in his carefully concealed softness, revealed slowly as his relationship with Medra blooms. Medra, is mostly likeable, though she does fall into the sassy FMC role a little too heavily at times. However, her defiance of the role she’s been forced into and bravery in the face of threat to her personal safety is commendable.There are a few narrative mishaps that occur, though. The story jumps between scenes a little too rapidly at times, leaving critical plot points off the page that would have helped readers understand the story, setting, and characters more thoroughly. Medra also is able to realize things inexplicably and conveniently considering her lack of knowledge in the world, never more evident than in the fate of her friend, Naveen.Ultimately, though, the character relationships, especially the palpable chemistry between Medra and Blake, won me over. For readers drawn to myth, dark academia, desire and defiance, you’ll enjoy this compelling start to the Bloodwing Academy series.3.5 ???? 3.5????

If you like YA, this book will probably be a hit for you.If you came looking for an adult academy romance with vampires and dragons, then you may end up frustrated too.The story idea is solid, and the world-building is strong—vampires, dragons, academy setting—all great. Unfortunately, it just didn’t live up to the hype for me.I don’t understand the obsession people seem to have with this book. It’s a decent read, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not this amazingly written, mind-blowing, angsty, slow-burn romance to rival the ages as people are touting it to be.It’s… okay.This book is the latest viral “it” recommendation, and the way it’s been talked about, I genuinely expected to be blown away.It’s average.The slow burn is more of a slow warm.Angst? Where?Swoon? Who?Banter? Must’ve missed it.Dark fantasy? Huh?Are the dragons in the room with us??The tropes aren’t troping.The FMC is likable, but her flaws are frustrating. She’s just another heroine who can’t be bothered to tap into the power we’re told she has—should have—but doesn’t.The MMC is mid. He’s a bully with a heart, but he’s being touted as morally gray? Meh.Also—we KNOW his full name. We knew it after his first introduction. We definitely knew it after the second. Then we read it again. And again. Seventy times, to be exact. SEVENTY. TIMES.I think if I were a teen, this might’ve slapped. But I’m not. So it didn’t.Maybe I’m the problem here, but if you’re an adult reader who loves a true angsty slow burn with an eventual hookup as a reward, you might walk away just as underwhelmed as I did.Still, it’s a decent book and worth a read.

I had this book on my to be read list for a minute. Finally I took the plunge and read it. It did not disappoint. It did take a minute to get into but once it did I could not put down the book. I love the sprayed edges on the book. I recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a fantasy series

Where to even begin with this review. I just finished this book and am just so thrilled to have read it. It taken on a journey filled with love, regret, hope and redemption.Hudson and Allie have a complicated past and their present time together is going to make for a complicated present as well. What it will do for the future remains to be seen. But through it all one things stays clear, Hudson and Allie belong together. Getting there is going to test their spirit and trust.Alessandra Rousseau is part of ballet royalty. But her life hasn’t been easy. Sure she and her four sisters don’t want for anything but when your mother is the premiere name in the ballet world and dictates with an iron fist how your life will be….yeah it’s not pleasant. But when Hudson, a local where they had their vacation home on Cape Cod, saves her and her sister from a boat accident in the ocean, they became fast friends. He becomes her refuge in her crazy world. Until tragedy strikes and Hudson then leaves her with out a goodbye when he goes to basic training when she needs him most.Hudson Ellis has one goal, to be the best rescue swimmer there ever was and get accepted into rescue swimmers school. When he sees boaters in distress he’s off to the rescue. This is when he really gets to know 2 of the 4 infamous Rousseau sisters who vacation every year in his town on Cape Cod. His impression is forever changed when Alexandra “Allie” Rousseau tells him to rescue her sister first. After that a friendship starts. But that friendship quickly turns into love for Hudson, but Allie has no clue.After the tragedy that forever changes the Rousseau and Ellis families in different ways time goes on. Hudson gets into rescue swim school and is enlisted into the coast guard and Allie becomes a principal dancer for her family’s elite dance company. After an injury she decides Cape Cod is the place to recover…and run smack dab into Hudson Ellis. And that’s when the fun begins!The characters are amazing. Their banter, emotion and love jump off the page. The similarities and differences between the families are showcased to help tell this rich story in the best way. You can’t go wrong with this love story. The love between two people, the love of family and how that shifts over time and leads to acceptance and forgiveness.

Definitely worth reading. I enjoyed the characters as well as the storyline, drama and romance. I would definitely recommend it.

*Spoiler Free*A truly masterful standalone book, finely crafted, lingers in the mind long after the final page is turned. As a fellow author, I understand the immense challenge and effort involved in crafting a compelling novel. I’m happy to say that Rebecca Yarros’s Variation was a delightful surprise, exceeding all expectations with its emotional depth. With compelling characters, a solid plot, and meticulous attention to detail, she crafted a performance so magical that you could almost hear the thunderous applause.Heart-stopping action kicks off the narrative, setting the pace and building the groundwork for Allie and Hudson’s story. Although polar opposites, they create a perfect, celestial-like harmony when together.Right from the beginning, Hudson acts heroically, selflessly risking his life for strangers. Allie, a gifted ballerina with a sorrowful history, is a complex character whose story blossoms throughout the novel. The way these two characters desperately clung to each other, weaving around one another under extraordinary circumstances, had me rooting for them from the moment they reunited.The supporting characters are equally compelling, possessing distinct personalities that enrich the narrative without eclipsing Allie and Hudson. Rebecca’s dedication to detail ensured each character action was logical and true to form. Managing numerous characters in a single narrative is a challenge, but her deft touch guided the reader seamlessly. I never felt lost or uncertain about any character’s choices or motivations.That romance was breathtaking. I was captivated by the passionate and desperate tone. It was tasteful and understated sometimes, avoiding clichés or forced emotion. I truly appreciated the slow burn. This experience let me follow two people who had been inextricably linked for years, their bond so undeniable that it felt like a tangible force. I could sense their unspoken understanding, a quiet harmony only forged by time and shared experiences. It left a lasting impression on me. Tears fell. I gasped! I chuckled. My outburst while reading this book made my husband question my sanity in the best possible ways.The villains in this story are so believable that their actions feel painfully real. The reveals are stunning. And the way it ended. GAH! Sheer perfection.This story truly cemented my appreciation for Rebecca’s writing. Someday, I’ll reread this book, eager to rediscover its captivating narrative and the comforting familiarity she created.I hope they adapt this into a movie because Rebecca Yarros is an amazing romance author. The emotional depth would translate incredibly well to film. I’ll be the first to admit that she flew under the radar for me, but now that I’ve discovered her, I’ll be reading the rest of her romance books.Trust me when I say that she’ll transport you to other worlds with relatable characters and realistic situations—all while delivering some of the most emotionally resonant lines I’ve ever encountered. I marked many passages on my Kindle. But beware. Your heart might be slightly broken.Thank you, Rebecca, for this wonderful story. I’ll never forget this beautiful Variation and the reminder that we don’t have to dance alone.

Fun read. Engaging characters. Interesting lives and life choices. The ballerina family angle was really interesting. The only draggy thing was the story about the car accident. I know they acted like it was central to the story but it didn’t feel that way.

This book reignited my love of reading. I had been in a reading slump for quite some time, and Variation reminded me how powerful and emotional a truly great story can be.Rebecca Yarros is best known for The Empyrean fantasy series (Fourth Wing), but her contemporary romances are equally unforgettable. This story follows Allie, an elite ballerina recovering from injury, and Hudson, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer who once owned her heart. Their past is complicated, but their journey of healing, forgiveness, and second chances is breathtaking.I adored Allie’s rediscovery of her passion for ballet and Hudson’s unwavering love and respect for her. The chemistry between them felt real, layered, and emotional in the best way.Heartfelt, romantic, and beautifully written — this is one of those rare books that will stay with me long after turning the last page.

Regretting You is one of those novels that completely takes over your emotions and leaves you thinking about the characters long after you’ve finished. Colleen Hoover delivers a story that blends family drama, romance, and grief in a way that feels raw, authentic, and deeply moving.The book follows Morgan, a mother who has always played it safe, and her teenage daughter Clara, who couldn’t be more different. After a sudden tragedy, secrets start unraveling that put their relationship to the test. Hoover does a phenomenal job capturing the complicated dynamics between mothers and daughters—the miscommunication, the unspoken love, and the clash of perspectives between generations.What I loved most was how real the characters felt. Morgan’s struggle to find herself again while still being strong for her daughter is heartbreaking and inspiring, while Clara’s voice captures the confusion and anger of a teenager navigating first love and devastating loss. The dual POV makes the story even richer, showing how two people can live through the same pain but process it so differently.As always, Colleen Hoover’s writing is beautifully simple yet gut-wrenching. She balances the heavy moments with light, heart-warming scenes and sprinkles in just enough romance to give the story hope.This isn’t just a romance—it’s a story about family, healing, and the courage to move forward when everything feels broken. If you enjoy emotional reads that make you cry and smile in the same chapter, Regretting You is a must-read.

For a wife who became a mother at 17, the loss of her husband and her sister in a car accident generates a compounded grief and loss that becomes further complicated upon learning of the love affair the two had maintained.And the sister’s betrayal extend further when the baby she left behind with her fiancée was never his baby. Instead, that two month old infant was the product of this secret love affair, a love affair cloaked in secrecy and betrayal.For this young mother, the complications magnify as she struggles with parenting her 16 year old daughter who feels shattered. Rather than destroy the image and love this teen has had for her father, the grieving mother conceals the secret hoping to spare her daughter the grief, anger, and loss she carries.Complicated and emotional, much as the roller coaster of life, the story’s characters and plot move ever forward slowly and realistically healing with patience, wit, and love. Resolution delivers hope.

Colleen, this book, and the movie are a delight and all the feels all at once.You have a gift of creating characters that draw you in and make you lose yourself.It’s so easy to be empathetic to the protagonist, and in this case, to both of them.I am grateful for the character arcs and growth and development and the bits of humor you scattered in throughout.Thank you for a great novel.

“I’m confident that I’ll never spend a single second of my life regretting you.”5 ⭐️Morgan & her sister Jenny grew up close, always hanging out together with friends.At 17, Morgan learns she’s pregnant with her high school boyfriend’s child.Her & Chris end up getting married & raise their daughter Clara together.Sixteen years later, Jenny & Chris die in a car accident leaving Clara & Morgan with more questions & heartbreak than they ever thought possible.What to expect:???? Dual POV???? Small town???? Off limits / forbidden love???? Slow burn???? Second chance romanceThoughts:Another heartbreakingly beautiful story of love & loss brought to you by Colleen Hoover.

I’ll try to write it without spoilers. I loved the book and devoured it. In less than 24 hrs it was done, which means it really grabbed my attention and interest. The call for me was the mother daughter relationship since I always had a kind of complicated relationship with my mother and being myself a mother to fast approaching pre teens the theme really appealed to me. The first chapters are really well Constructed and developed, surprising you in the right moment. And when the freak accident happens and all hell breaks loose after at least 2 of 4 chapters I feel like the communication could have solved a lot of drama had it occurred sooner. I feel like it stretches for too long and therefore 4 stars instead of five. But when finally communication occurs it is beautiful, and such a satisfying book! It’s worth reading.

I’ve had this book for years but finally decided to read it now that the movie is coming out. This story causes so many different emotions that some are stronger than others. The day after Morgan’s birthday, she receives the worst news ever. Her husband Chris has been in a terrible car accident and needs to get to the hospital right. She keeps trying to reach her sister Jenny but to no avail. When Jonah arrives at the hospital, she can’t understand why he’s there. When they both find out together that Jenny and Chris were with each other in the car wreck, Morgan’s life falls apart. When more secrets come out, Morgan is determined to hide the truth from her daughter Clara. Not knowing the real truth, Clara blames Morgan for everything and anything. When she finally discovers the truth, it changes the trajectory of everyone’s lives.

This was the first book I have read from her. Once I saw the trailer for the movie I knew I had to read it and im glad I did. I feel like it was so well written to the point where you can feel what the characters are feeling. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially when you need a book that will get you right in the feels lol

I really enjoyed this one! Colleen Hoover never fails to pull on my heartstrings. The story was emotional, raw, and beautifully written — a perfect blend of love, loss, and second chances. I managed to finish it just in time before my scheduled movie night on Thursday, October 23 ????✨

When I say Ali Hazelwood can do no wrong, I mean it with my entire chest. ???? One of the best things she ever did was take the leap into paranormal romance, with vampires and werewolfs, because Bride and now Mate proves that even when Ali steps away from her usual STEM-centered storytelling, she simply can’t leave science behind, and honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. You can take the girl out of STEM, but you can’t take the STEM out of the girl. And I mean that in the absolute BEST way possible.This book is everything I wanted and more after Bride. The moment Serena and Koen met, I needed their story, and when I found out they were mates? I was feral. Add in Ali’s signature humor, clever plotting, and palpable chemistry, and you’ve got a story that’s equal parts science, spice, and supernatural perfection.From the very first several pages, I was hooked. Ali once again returns us to her rich, otherworldly universe of werewolves, vampires, and all the messy politics that keep their worlds colliding. The pacing is spot on and I felt like the romance and the plot weave together so seamlessly that I never once wanted to put it down.Serena was such a fascinating FMC. Half human, half werewolf, and fully determined to find her place in a world that’s never quite known what to do with her. She’s strong, loyal, brave, and yes, a total nuisance to Koen on the daily (which I adored). Ali balanced her fierceness with vulnerability in a way that made her feel real. Her relationships showed so much heart. She’s layered and imperfect and powerful, and I loved every second of being in her head.This man. THIS. MAN. Koen had me grinning and kicking my feet like a teenager. He’s protective, gruff, funny, and absolutely down bad for Serena, even though he fights it so much. His banter, his dry humor, his unwillingness to admit how hard he’s fallen is all so delicious. Ali Hazelwood truly has the formula for writing men who love with their entire soul. The “touch her and die” energy? 10/10. The acts of service? PERFECT.This story is peak Ali: witty, emotional, and addictive. There’s political intrigue, plot twists, and mindblowing reveals mixed with that classic Ali Hazelwood banter we all live for. It’s a slow burn, but the tension is there the entire time. You can feel every heartbeat, every glance, every moment of yearning between Serena and Koen. Their love is so deep and based on loyalty, sacrifice, and devotion wrapped in tension and vulnerability.And the spice? Let’s just say… whew, it deserves its own round of applause. ????????The expansion of the supernatural world from Bride was phenomenal. We get deeper insight into pack politics, mating bonds, and history and yet it never feels like info dumping. The tension between species and the political maneuvering added so much depth. It was the perfect blend of high stakes and heart.Mate felt like seeing an old friend again. It gave me the same butterflies Bride did, but somehow even more intense. It’s hotter, more emotional, and somehow manages to raise the stakes while making me laugh when the time was needed for some comedic relief. This is easily my favorite Ali Hazelwood book to date.Ali Hazelwood continues to craft worlds and characters that make me fall in love with reading all over again. Please, for the love of all things supernatural and spicy, go read Mate. ????????‍♀️????

“Serena, I would throw away my pack, my life, my entire works for you. Which is why I can’t have you.”Okay listennnnnnnnnnnnnn,I have waited two years for the sequel to Bride, and I must say…I liked this a lot.It isn’t better than Bride for me, but it’s high up there. I will say this had the potential ti be so much better than it was, and I gave it 4 stars.I really wanted more in depth details about the pack and their lives. That is such a huge part of werewolf lore and I feel like we missed a huge chunk of that, and I was needing more.I will say I did like the duet narration of the audiobook, it gives the audio so much more life.I feel like entire plot of the book was Serena going into heat and Koen finding ways around his celibacy pact. I wanted more of Serena and her life prior, because all of that was just a blip in the story.Overall I really did like it, I was just wanting a bit more.Spice: ????️????️Tropes:???? fated mates???? touch her and die???? it’s always been you???? found family???? pack life

Ali Hazelwood can truly do no wrong — I’ve yet to read a book of hers I didn’t love.Mate is the sequel to Bride (which I rated five stars and have reread multiple times), and while it had a high bar to meet, it delivered in all the ways that count.This installment follows Serena — Misery’s “sister” slash roommate — a hybrid human/were navigating an impossible bond with her fated mate, Koen.Their romance is messy, complicated, and absolutely gripping. The emotional hurdles they face had me in tears more than once.Serena is a standout. She’s hilariously self-deprecating, much like Misery, and her dry wit shines in every interaction.The banter that made Bride so addictive is alive and thriving here — whether it’s Serena sparring with Koen, joking with Misery, or just internally roasting herself, the dialogue is gold. I laughed out loud more than once.And let’s talk about the slow burn — it’s painfully good. Ali Hazelwood makes you earn every romantic moment, and honestly, I was here for it. The tension, the buildup, the stakes…chef’s kiss.Also, Serena and Misery’s friendship continues to be a highlight. Their bond is so refreshing and real — strong female friendships like this are rare in paranormal romance and I adored it.While Mate was a fantastic sequel and a solid standalone in its own right, Bride still holds the crown for me.But if you loved Bride, you need to read this.

✅ For Fans of:- grumpy x sunshine- slow burn romance- paranormal romance- werewolf romance- standalone or series read⭐️ 5 True Rating✏️ Spoiler-Free ReviewI really enjoyed Bride, book 1 of the series, but I’m not usually a paranormal romance girlie so I couldn’t guarantee that I’d like Mate. Still, this series calls to the middle-school Twilight lover in me and made the grown up version of her (me) obsessed with this book.So, yeah, I liked Bride, but I LOVED Mate. The plot itself felt so intense and suspenseful that it kept me reading and I finished the book in like 36 hours, max. The romance is a slow-build-slow-burn but you get so much about the customs, the lore, the world building in a natural way that you’re immediately sucked into the world, the emotions, and the NEED. It’s a spicy one but it felt right in the context.Ali Hazelwood can be a hit or miss for me but this one was so incredible that I can’t shut up about it and I’ll probably keep telling people to read this series until I die.

*****SPOILERS*******Okay so I loved this book. I know a lot of people are saying that they are upset it wasn’t “why choose,” but to me and I think there’s others who might have the same opinion but I don’t think that Achilles and Patro were meant to be with her. I know in the first book there were hints that maybe it could happen, but Achilles and Patro were always just about each other. I thought it was perfect how to stayed just the two of them. And in the book I like how it leaned towards them having more of a friendship with Alexis. I really think that she really ended up with who she was meant to be with. Especially since I think Kharon and Augustus made their intentions really clear in the first book that they wanted her to be theirs. But with Achilles and Patro it wasn’t as clear so I think choosing to make this book not a “why choose” was fine. And it didn’t take a way from how good the book was. The love and the devotion to Alexis was still there and the love between Patro and Achilles also was so beautiful as well. The love and loyalty between Achilles and Patro really made my “aw” at a lot of parts so I definitely wasn’t upset that they didn’t end up with Alexis.

???? Bonds of Hercules by Jasmine MasRating: 4.5/5Let me just say, nothing satisfies quite like a book that promises closure and actually delivers it without making you want to hurl it across the room first. Mas has crafted that rare dark romantasy unicorn where character development isn’t just a buzzword but an actual achievement.This sequel scratched every itch the first book created, serving up violence, darkness, and political intrigue with the finesse of a five-star restaurant delivering your favorite comfort food. The worldbuilding is imaginative without being pretentious, and the plot is more addictive than whatever snack you’ll inevitably devour while reading it.The true standout? Characters so morally gray they’re practically charcoal. Each one carries their trauma like designer baggage, making you root for people who, in any other context, you’d probably run screaming from. They’re broken, masked, and occasionally homicidal—yet somehow, you’ll find yourself deeply invested in their happiness. That’s talent, folks.And can we please give a standing ovation to Nyx? Who knew a snake could be the comedic relief this dark story needed? As Nyx so eloquently put: “I like the muzzled one best. And the raccoon mother second best. I prefer men who don’t speak. Men should be seen—slaughtering and protecting—not heard. I’ve always said this.” Honestly, snake has a point.What makes this book truly exceptional is how Alexis transforms perceived weaknesses into strategic advantages. She doesn’t overpower her enemies; she outsmarts them. In a genre saturated with brute-force solutions, watching her intellectual triumph is as satisfying as finding money in your pocket you forgot about.The forced marriage trope evolves from toxic to devoted in a way that feels earned rather than convenient. These relationships transform through genuine sacrifice and vulnerability, not because the plot demanded it. That’s the difference between good dark romance and great dark romance.???? What to Expect✨ Epic Fantasy???? Slow Burn Romance???? Enemies to Lovers???? Complex Politics & Power Struggles???? Deep Emotional Growth???? Magical Companions⚔️ A Lead Who Fights With Brains Over Brawn???? Book TagsKeywords: Dark Fantasy, Magic, Romance, Political Intrigue, Found Family, Survival, RevengeTropes: Enemies to Lovers, Morally Gray Characters, Protective MMCs???? Final ThoughtsIf you enjoy books where the characters are walking red flags that somehow become relationship goals through excellent writing, this one’s for you. Just don’t blame me when you’re sleep-deprived and emotionally compromised after finishing it in one sitting.

I have been looking forward to this books since the second I finished Blood. When I went to grab it I was a little disappointed it wasn’t on KU, but whatever. Then I saw the rating wasn’t that good and was startled by that. I usually don’t pay any attention to reviews until I’ve read a book for myself, but I was curious this time. People were all, it moved to quickly, I thought this was a why choose, it just wasn’t as good, is there going to be another book? I have no idea what book they read. I did a re read of Blood before starting this, the pacing is entirely the same. It is why choose for f sakes, she MARRIED TWO MEN at the end of Blood. The story was just as gripping as the first. I get the feeling a lot of people haven’t read Jasmine’s first series. This is her style. It’s pretty obvious there’s going to be another book, and who the FMC and MMC x2 will be. I seriously wonder about people sometimes.

Started: 10/29/2025Finished: 10/29/2025Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Spice: ????️????️????️Book 2 is as amazing as book 1!!!!Alexis was lied to but now she discovered secrets and has a family now… and husbands… yes you read that right plural as in 2 husbands that will do anything to keep her safe.We discover even more secrets in book 2 and Alexis finally makes a choice; not that there was much of one to begin with!Started this book on the 5.5 drive to Austin, Tx to meet Jasmine for the release of this book and OMG me and my bestie absolutely loved it, we couldn’t stop laughing and swooning.Finished the book on the 5.5 drive back home from Austin and binging this book was the best thing we did because it kept us awake and on our toes.Cannot wait for what awaits next on this series.

I am obsessed with this female Hercules and her sidekick Nyx in the Villians of Lore series by Jasmine MasSo I read blood of Hercules multiple times and I just finished Bonds of Hercules for the first time last night.I love that this story has Greek mythology and Greek gods in it but in a modern time. It was such a fun spin on the Hercules retelling.Not to mention we have this ongoing Professors vs Mentors and I am here for it!!I can’t wait for the next book to come out!Read this if you like♡Hilarious sidekick♡Banter and funny internal monolog♡Fighting to the death♡Marriage trickery♡Lots of snark!♡Bada$$ female who doesn’t give up.I loved this book so much and I can’t wait for the next one to be out!Overall ☆☆☆☆/5Spice ★★.5/5Audio ☆☆☆☆☆/5