Review: Throne of Secrets by Kerri Maniscalco

About the Book

Two rivals torn apart by a dark memory reunite on a deadly hunt—and in an irresistibly twisted fairy tale—in the next steamy standalone fantasy romance from New York Times bestselling sensation Kerri Maniscalco.

A wicked prince determined to save his kingdom.

Gabriel Axton—infamous as the Prince of Gluttony, the self-proclaimed rake of rakes—has always lived for indulgence: in delicious food, in tantalizing women, and most of all, in the thrill of the hunt, where his love of danger can take over. But when his favorite adventure takes a deadly turn, he realizes something is very wrong in his demon court. With the clock ticking, he must turn to the only one who might uncover the truth: a journalist he has spent a decade avoiding…

A reporter hell-bent on finding the truth.

Adriana Saint Lucent has been on the hunt for years—if she could just report something damning enough about that no-good scoundrel Gabriel Axton, she knows others would finally see the demon as she does. But she never expected to turn up a rumor too terrifying to be believed: could the ice dragons to the north be growing restless? Drawn into the secrets of the Underworld, Adriana’s investigation leads her into the place she dreads most…Axton’s infamous court. 

A dangerous rivalry—and deliciously twisted fairy tale.

To stop darkness from falling over their kingdom, Axton and Adriana will have to unite against an escalating danger. But with each holding tight to their own secrets, can they find the truth before it’s too late? And what will they do with an equally troubling rumor: that they might not actually hate one another, after all?

Review

I read the Kingdom of the Wicked series back in 2022, and those books got me through a dark period in my life. I have such fond memories of being sucked into that world and loving everything about Emilia and Wrath. Even now I still believe that is an amazing series and one day hope to revisit it. Because of how highly I regarded the King of the Wicked series, I was quite excited to read the spin-off series—Prince of Sin. I rushed to read the first book – Throne of the Fallen— when it first came out. I don’t have a strong connection to that book and can admit that it didn’t meet my expectations. I was well prepared to disregard Throne of Secrets. Obviously, I did not.

Throne of Secrets was incredible. I didn’t read the summary so as soon as I saw that Adriana was a reporter in the first chapter—my excitement soared. Ask me in a few months, but I think it might be my favorite book by Maniscalco. I was not prepared for the goodness that is Axton and Adriana. They completely blew me away. The two of them might have taken the crown away from Emilia and Wrath as my favorite characters within this world. I loved them both so much. I especially loved their entire rival dynamic going on. That was delicious. I am absolutely still thinking about them and their incredible moments days later.

A bonus about this book is that the twists are completely unexpected. This book kept me guessing until the very end. Side note, there were quite a few Cinderella similarities with Adriana and her backstory. I’m not sure if it was done on purpose, however, if so Maniscalco added her fun twists to the mythology that makes this one stand out.

Final Thoughts

Throne of Secrets has ramped up my interest and excitement for this series. Maniscalco stuck gold with Axton and Adriana. A reporter who is trying to undercover the truth, and a prince who is trying to hide the truth. Bonus points that they are rivals to lovers. There are dragons, excitement, twists, hidden identities. There’s so much good packed into this book.

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Review: The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

About the Book

Can you love the dark when you know what it hides?

Some things aren’t supposed to exist outside of our imagination.

Thirteen years ago, monsters emerged from the shadows and plunged Kierse’s world into a cataclysmic war of near-total destruction. The New York City she knew so well collapsed practically overnight.

In the wake of that carnage, the Monster Treaty was created. A truce...of sorts.

But tonight, Kierse―a gifted and fearless thief―will break that treaty. She’ll enter the Holly Library...not knowing it’s the home of a monster.

He’s charming. Quietly alluring. Terrifying. But he knows talent when he sees it; it’s just a matter of finding her price.

Now she’s locked into a dangerous bargain with a creature unlike any other. She’ll sacrifice her freedom. She’ll offer her skills. Together, they’ll put their own futures at risk.

But he’s been playing a game across centuries―and once she joins in, there will be no escape...

Review

I found The Wren in the Holly Library mysterious, fun, and thrilling. The world-building was unique. It’s a modern world where monsters and humans are forced to live together after war. There are laws to protect the treaty. Most of the humans are living in poverty with the rich thriving and mingling with the monsters. The author did a great job of explaining things well. It wasn’t overly confusing.

Kierse became a skilled thief to survive the dangerous new world. She was abandoned as a kid, and all she had were her best friends. She was written as a strong and capable woman who didn’t need anyone to rescue her.

I loved her and Graves’ first meeting. She was tasked with stealing a diamond from his home, unaware that he was a monster and that she was breaking a treaty. He caught her and wondered if maybe she was a monster. They have this very fun scene. Their relationship was good. There are some hints of a Beauty and the Beast inspiration. I do wish we would have gotten more of Graves’ depth and character development. One thing that I did love about Graves and Kierse was all the exciting missions that they went on.

Final Thoughts

The Wren in the Holly Library is an engaging and fun modern fantasy story. It has a skilled and interesting female lead with an interesting supporting character list. The romance doesn’t burn as bright in this one; however, I have hope for future books.

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Review: The Desire Variable by Ana D’Arcy

Book Summary

From the moment Andy starts working for Lex, their lives spiral into a chaos of heated arguments and forbidden desires. Soon, they must decide if their budding relationship is worth risking their careers.

When Andrea "Andy" Walker lands her dream job at a tech company, her new colleagues welcome her with open arms. It would be nothing short of perfect if it weren't for her new boss. Obnoxious, curt, and aloof, he seems determined to make her life difficult. He's everything she shouldn't want, and yet Andy soon finds herself helplessly drawn to his striking looks and razor-sharp mind.

Alexander "Lex" Coleman likes having every aspect of his life meticulously planned and organized. That goes flying out the window the moment he meets Andrea, the feisty new programmer who challenges him at every turn. Not only is she far from the compliant employee he expected, she also triggers a plethora of confusing emotions with her sharp tongue, strong mind, and tempting curves.

Review

The Desire Variable took an unexpected turn that I’m still processing. First, it ends on a cliffhanger. I thought the second book was going to be about another couple; however, it feels like Lex and Andrea’s story will be continuing.

Secondly, I had expected this book to be a fun workplace romance. The story is that for the most part. Andy is a complete and totally lovable nerd. Sometimes her dialogue would feel a bit much, but it really added to her character, and I appreciated most of her friends. More on that later. The author abandons Andy’s creation in the latter half of the story, which is a bummer.

I enjoyed her romance with Lex. The romance started to shine when they finally got together. They had some great moments that I specifically loved.

Around the 90 percent mark, the book took an unexpected turn, and it felt like a completely different type of story. Throughout the book, Andy has developed a friendship with a co-worker named Oliver. From the beginning, it’s very clear that Oliver likes Andy more than him. I wish the author would have furthered that plot thread differently. The whole situation causes Lex to seem overly jealous which I didn’t care for. Especially, with what he does in the end.  Andy and Lex have a fight, and instead of him begging for her forgiveness, she comes back to his office and says that she might have “overreacted.” I found her reaction to be justified. Although the author attempted to allow Lex to internally justify his behavior, something felt off. The chapter felt like an information dump, instead of the emotional musings of a sad character.

Final Thoughts

The Desire Variable struggled in the final quarter. The story completely shifted from a fun, contemporary story to something a little greyer. My only hope is that for the second book, the author returns to focus back on Andy’s creation, and makes Lex gravel to earn Andy’s trust again.

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Review: For Better or Hearse by Ava Hunter

Book Summary

Ash Keller prefers to keep her heart colder than the morgue. Having sworn off love after a disastrous breakup, she’s learned to thrive in her new career as a death doula. When her millionaire client, Augustus Fox, asks her to accompany him on an all-expenses paid trip to mend family ties and fulfill last wishes, she agrees.

There’s just one nail in her coffin.

Nathaniel Whitford—her client’s absurdly gorgeous, grumpy doctor of a grandson—is along for the trip. A man who has hated her guts since she crashed his wedding years ago. It’ll be a miracle if she survives this vacation without being tossed into a volcano.

Still, Ash refuses to let Nathaniel’s smug smirk and rippling pectorals take her focus away from her death doula-ing duties. She can survive two weeks in paradise with his offensively handsome face. But when falling coconuts and family drama threaten to derail the vacation, Ash and Nathaniel strike a deal: Bury their animosity and make the vacation perfect for Augustus.

Soon, a tentative bond—and mutual attraction—forms between the unlikely pair. With every tropical misadventure and steamy late-night hookup, Ash realizes there’s more to Nathaniel than his barbed banter and uptight façade. Suddenly love seems more complicated than death. And as the trip comes to an end, Ash must decide whether she’ll keep her heart six feet under or risk it all…for better or hearse.

Review

Amongst Ava Hunter’s catalog, this may be her best. Correction, it is best to me. I have yet to read every book by her; however, I doubt it would top For Better or Hearse. This is a favorite of mine this year, and I would have been so disappointed if I had waited months to read this one finally.

Ash and Nathaniel start as enemies. Five years prior, she ruined his wedding day, and now they are forced to deal with each other for around two weeks. Neither is happy about it. They throw some great jabs at each other and have petty moments. Not only is this book hilarious, but it’s also very swoon-worthy and emotional.

Death is a major theme in this story. Ash is a death doula and is working for Nathaniel’s grandpa –Augustus— who has forced his family to spend time together before his death. His family is difficult and don’t get along. They spend a lot of time-fighting each other.

Augustus and Ash have such an amazing relationship and he truly adopts her as his own. While reading I had to mentally prepare myself for his death. I went back in forth on whether I thought the author would follow through with it or would a cure magically happen. Slight spoiler, there is no cure. His death isn't as emotionally brutal as I thought it would be. I’m grateful that both Ash and Nathaniel had beautiful moments with him before it happened. Augustus is highly crucial to both their arcs.

I found it quite interesting that Nathaniel’s profession contrasts with Ash’s. He’s an ER doctor and has distanced himself away from his family for personal reasons. I would even say that his distance causes him to go to dangerous places.

As for Ash, she’s someone who has been considered “different” her entire life; considered “too much”. She has tough skin, but words hurt, especially words from her ex-fiancé. I loved reading about her embracing herself and getting what she deserved at the end. I loved seeing Nathaniel and Ash put down their barriers and show their softer sides to each other.

Final Thoughts

For Better or Hearse gets a big A plus from me. I adored this story and the characters. The only issue is had was Nathaniel’s father. I felt like his personality shift felt a little underdeveloped. However, I can look past that. Ash and Nathaniel were outstanding, and I loved their personalities and how well the two of them came together and really took care of each other.

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Review: All Our Tomorrows by Catherine Bybee

In All Our Tomorrows, Catherine Bybee gives us a captivating story of family, power, and unexpected romance. The book centers on Chase Stone, a self-made man who suddenly inherits his estranged father's multibillion-dollar business, along with some dark family secrets. Paired with Piper Maddox, his father’s assistant, Chase faces not only the challenge of navigating his father’s business but also his growing feelings for Piper.

Chase, having put some distance between himself and his father, is thrown into a corporate world he never wanted to enter. The twist of finding a half-brother adds another layer of complexity, pushing Chase and his sister Alex into a time crunch before anyone with poor intentions makes them known. 

Piper, smart, fierce and independent, brings a captivating charm to the story. Her tough exterior and reluctance to be involved with another Stone family member, create interesting tension with Chase. The way their relationship develops in the book just has you hooked. As we get to know them, between their witty banter, letting their guards down and the many secrets that keep unraveling, they become more engaging to not want to keep reading.

The mystery of the third sibling, Max, creates a curiosity within its own storyline. I will say that leading up to his introduction, I feel a little robbed because the anticipation leading up to that moment had me on the edge needing to find out but I’m patient and will wait to see what’s to come in the next book. 

This book had me hooked and I didn’t want to stop reading. As a huge fan of Catheine Bybee, this was something different that I hadn’t experienced before and I love it. Her other books have a subtle, sweep you away feeling but this series has you engaged in a way that you want to keep reading and don’t stop. I feel like the characters in this book are bolder, fierce and grab your attention in a way that is different from the others. The plot twists and unravels will keep you invested until the end turning those pages. 

I’m excited to see where this series goes. The next book, The Forgotten One should ease on into our curiosity about Max. Look out for that book in November. I will say this was longer than I expected but definitely worth the read. If you haven’t read yet, add this to your list. If you are new to Catherine Bybee, make sure you check this out as well as her other books. 

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Review: Bloom by EJ Blaise

Book Summary

Caroline Brennan just wants to be good.

A good daughter, a good friend, a good person.

It shouldn't be that hard, right?

Hunter Whitlock doesn't care about being good.

He just wants to be left alone.

Turns out, that's not so easy.

Turns out, when it comes to the pretty girl in the flowery dresses, that's not what he wants at all.

Bloom is a single POV, small town romance following a shy florist and her grumpy cowboy love interest. The Serenity Ranch Series is a spin-off series of The Sun Valley Series. It is not required to read Sun Valley, but it is recommended.

Review

Through the years, I’ve seen readers championing for Blaise to release Bloom, and I am so grateful that she finally did. All in all, I can’t recommend Bloomenough. This is my favorite book by the author.

The story centers on Caroline, a shy florist in a small town, whose life hasn’t been kind to them. She lost her mother at a young age and is constantly being emotionally degraded by her alcoholic father. And not to mention, the place that seems welcoming to her is run by her ex-boyfriend and his family and some of them aren’t exactly welcoming. She meets Hunter, who works at the ranch, and he doesn’t hide his annoyance with her.

I thought maybe the title was referring to the floral shop that Caroline works at; however, looking back, it’s clear that it is a reference to Caroline and her development throughout this story. In the beginning, she’s a pushover and a people pleaser; however, she refuses to stay that way. And watching her become who she is at the end, made me emotional. I really loved her story.

As did I love her relationship with Hunter. It was so sweet and swoony-worthy. Yes, it is a slow burn, though, I didn’t mind because I felt that it works for their dynamic, especially when we learn more about Hunter’s past. It’s safe to say that I have no criticisms of Hunter. Like with Caroline, I loved him. He’s one of the best types of male love interest. The grumpy cowboy who becomes obsessed with his girl.

I just want to quickly shout out her friendship with Lux. I adored their friendship and everything about it. Despite Caroline being her brother’s ex, Lux welcomed Caroline into her life. She was a true friend and supported her, and of course, had a few story beats herself. I’m going to need Lux’s book next. I am going to completely devour that book when it eventually comes out. I’ve only read one book within The Sun Valley Series; however, I don’t quite remember Lux. Now, I’m willing to check the rest out for a glimpse of Lux and Blaise’s other characters.

Final Thoughts

Bloom had so many layers and depth that really made this story shine and made it feel special.

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