An avid reader and collector of special edition books, this blog has a variety of book reviews, book box unboxings and sharing fun bookish merchandise. Most book reviews are young adult fantasy but also feature adult fantasy books. I love to read and I love to collect bookish merchandise such as character art prints. I share my goodreads book challenge progress each year and a book review roundup. Book box unboxings include illumicrate book box reviews and fairyloot book box reviews.
I was completely in the mood for a short and sweet YA contemporary romance and something a little more on the nerdy side was just my thing. Dungeons and Drama is a cute high school romance with fake dating to full on flirty swooning. I had some real laugh out loud moments throughout my read, I read it in two sittings because it was addictive and I really liked the characters.
Riley is loud, assertive and a musical theatre enthusiast trying to save the Spring musical with her best friend but she got in a whole lot of trouble resulting in being grounded for two months and having to work in her dads gaming store so that parents can keep an eye on her. There she meets Nathan, a co-worker and totally nerdy but incredibly flirty (who she knows from school but didn’t really associate with) games lover that takes part in a regular Dungeons & Dragons campaign with his friends at the store. A slip of the tongue from Riley ensues the two start fake dating but lines get crossed and feelings happen.
I have nothing negative to say. I haven’t read a book so fast in absolutely ages and I really loved this one. It was cute in all the right places, the flirting was tame but very swoon-worthy and the two main characters are really fun to get to know. Readers spend most of their time with Riley as the book is written from her perspective so you feel all the things she’s feeling as they happen and I like that. At 293 pages it is a great summer read, ideal for cosy days at home or throwing in the bag for the beach. It’s also a floppy paperback and we all know they’re the best kind.
Dungeons & Drama by Kirsty Boyce is ideal for any contemporary romance readers, is suitable for the YA audience with kissing and flirting only. Some trigger warnings to think of would be divorce, reckless driving (mentioned), hospitalisation, overbearing ex boyfriend and jealousy. There is a queer relationship with one of the male friends which is nice to see but the romance aspect of the book focuses on a male/female relationship.
Naturally, as expected, I am a day late already with this post however as an avid reader I couldn’t write up this post considering it’s bookish. Rather than just outright October Spoopy month books to read though I thought I would share some books I already have on my ever-growing to be read pile as ones I would actually love to get around to reading this month.
The Wolf and The Woodsman by Ava Reid I’m actually very close to finishing this book although it’s been a while since I’ve picked it up. Here’s a little snippet of the blurb
In her forest-veiled pagan village, Evike is the only woman without power, treated like an outcast due to her corrupted bloodline. So, when soldiers arrive from the Holy Order of Woodsmen to claim a girl for the king’s blood sacrifice, Evike is betrayed by her fellow villagers and surrendered.
When monsters attack the Woodsmen and their captive en route to the capital, they slaughter everyone but Evike and the cold, one-eyed captain. But she soon learns he’s no ordinary Woodsman…
The Wolf and The Woodsmans
Verity by Colleen Hoover Books by Colleen Hoover have been all over Bookstagram for some time but this is a new to me author. I’ve read the first few pages and very intrigued in how this will go. I get a lot of Rebecca by vibes from this.
Lowen Ashleigh is a struggling writer on the brink of financial ruin when she accepts the job offer of a lifetime. Jeremy Crawford, husband of bestselling author Verity Crawford, has hired Lowen to complete the remaining books in a successful series his injured wife is unable to finish.
Lowen arrives at the Crawford home, ready to sort through years of Verity’s notes and outlines, hoping to find enough material to get her started. What Lowen doesn’t expect to uncover in the chaotic office is an unfinished autobiography Verity never intended anyone to read. Page after page of bone-chilling admissions, including Verity’s recollection of the night her family was forever altered…
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone This book seems to incorporate a mix of magic, romance, mystery and fantasy with a darker spin and fairytale quality. I’ve had it for a while now and have to admit this seems like an ideal spooky read for the month.
When Violeta Graceling and her younger brother Arien arrive at the haunted Lakesedge estate, they both expect to find a monster. Leta knows the terrifying rumours about Rowan Sylvanan, who drowned his entire family when he was a boy. But neither the estte nor the monster are what they seem.
As Leta falls for Rowan, she discovers he is bound to the Lord Under, the sinister death god lurking in the black waters of the lake. A creature to whom Leta is inexplicably drawn…Now, to save Rowan – and herself – Leta must confront the darkness in her past, including unravelling the mystery of her connection to the Lord Under
Lakesedge by Lyndall Clipstone
The Devil Makes Three by Tori Bovalino Another one I’ve had for a while which sounds like my kind of read. I think this is a great time of year for these types of books. This one looks pretty small too. The tagline on the back is ‘The Devil seeks his due from two unsuspecting students…’ so I’m really intrigued by this one. I also have a very pretty special edition which has been nice to photograph.
Kingdom of the Cursed by Kerri Maniscalco
I have been waiting to read this one for ages now as it’s the second book in a series and I have been unable to find the time to get into it. The third book has recently come out too which is what is pushing me to read it so I can find out the rest of what happens in this story. It’s set in Sicily so has lots of amazing food references so it’s one of those books that just makes you hungry. It’s got witches, a brooding prince of hell…everything you need in a fantasy romance really.
Are you looking for some sexy, simmering romantic reads just in time for Valentines Day? This list will have you covered from sexual tension, relentless pining, mutual yearning that will fufill that ‘just kiss already’ feeling of your one true pairings
Romantic Reads I’ve Loved
Romantic reads might not be for everyone but I am absolutely in the mood for them. My favourite series is continuing with A Court of Silver Flames, one of my most anticipated reads of 2021. It is bound to be full of hate to love passion, just kiss already tension and is rumoured to be the sexiest book yet. A Court of Silver Flames has the potential to be one of the hottest books this year. I thought, with the help of some friends and bookstagrammers, I would put together a list of romance reads we recommend giving a try. These range from fantasy to contemporary so hopefully you will find some of the best romantic reads of 2021.
What Are The Best Romantic Reads to Read in 2021?
I am going to kick off with one of my favourite enemies to lovers romantic reads ever. In fact, A Court of Mist and Fury is one of my top five books. I am currently rereading this one via audio book so I am fully in the world of Prythia and ready for the Nessian story next month. If you gave up with the series after A Court of Thorns and Roses then I beg you to continue on with the trilogy as A Court of Mist and Fury is another level. For a middle book it really sets up the rest of the story. In fact, the real trilogy feels like the last two books and the novella as that is where we see the protagonist, Feyre, really come into her own and meet her soul mate. This book has the tropes enemies to lovers and on noes there’s only one bed. It is one of those ‘Just Kiss Already’ stories that I can not get enough of and you have a pretty lengthy wait but oh my is it worth it.
Next was a book recommended way back when from my friend Jenny and that is The Bargainer series by Laura Thalassa. This book series starts with Rhapsodic and continues as a trilogy and novella. Another fantasy read featuring a Fae king and a Siren, both are snarky characters. The series is set in a mix of modern day and high fantasy world. It’s super sexy when they finally come together, it’s funny and it’s a pretty good love story throughout.
For a contemporary read I am very much enjoying The Flatshare on audio. It was a really sweet, funny and happy read with lovely romance. There were some negative relationship aspects in the book but not from the two main characters and actually I felt like it challenged a lot of typical romance tropes.
Take a Hint, Dani Brown – I started with this but I think it’s the second book? I’m not sure. But this is basically book pornography. It’s deliciously smutty with simmering sexual tension and laugh out loud funny. It deals with generalised anxiety disorder in an amazing way and is fully contemporary with references to social media. It has everything with bisexual rep, bipoc characters and just it’s a wonderful read. This author is wholly addictive and I will certainly be reading more.
Another Fantasy read with a lot of sexual tension is From Blood and Ash. However, the sequel, that’s where all the sexiness is. From Blood and Ash is super sexy but very much a slow burn. However, diving into the sequeal and all those moments of ‘pretending’ between Poppy and Hawke are just delightful. I love Poppy’s rage and passion. I love the chemisty between the two and I can not wait for April when we will see the third book in the series.
The Flat Share is a contemporary romantic read by Beth O’Leary. I’ve recently listened to the audio of the book and wanted to share my thoughts in this book review.
I recently used one of my Audible credits on The Flatshare. Contemporary reads aren’t usually my go to but I do enjoy them from time to time. I’ve seen this one recommended on Bookstagram a few times and have been curious about. The audio is dual narrated by Carrie Hope Fletcher and Kwaku Fortune.
I rated The Flatshare 5 stars.
Basic Synopsis of The Flatshare
The Flatshare is a contemporary romance read in dual narrative; Leon and Tiffy. Leon needs money, Tiffy needs somewhere to live. She responds to an add to share a flat with someone for cheap rent and bills in London. It’s a slow burn read as the two have issues with ex relationships and it takes them around five months or so to actually meet and cross baths and when they do it’s hilarious!
Review of The Flatshare
There was so much I loved about this story and I now want to read more from this Author. I found myself nodding along to a lot of this and I really loved Tiffy and Leon. The concept of the book is really interesting too. Tiffy and Leon share a flat, a bed yet they’ve never met. One has the flat during the day and the other during the night and weekends. It had that sort of feeling of ships passing when you’re in a relationship, sharing a space but almost living seperate lives. It took me a while to get around to listening to this but I really enjoyed it. Tiffy works as a publisher for a small company that specialise in eccentric diy books and Leon is a palliative care nurse. The side characters really add a compelling plot which really brings them all together in the very last chapter. I loved it.
What I really loved about this romance was the fact that neither of the characters was trying to push the other into commiting to anything. I also loved that despite the abuse Tiffy faced with her ex she was healing in this book. It really dismantled a lot of tropes in that way. Tiffy isn’t a typical girl but she doesn’t become this perfect female, she isn’t the trope ‘not like other girls’ because she’s really relatable and interesting. She has lovely friends which was brilliant to read.
Leon is the good guy that you want to win. He’s kind and thoughtful and introverted and he recognises the signs of an abusive ex but he doesn’t push Tiffy to do anything she isn’t ready to. He doesn’t advise her, he just listens, comforts, and asks what she wants. He is so respectful of Tiffy’s boundaries which is amazing. Both characters had a bit of fear getting into something new so the build up was full of tension and anxious but ultimately it was the respect of each other, the mutal fear and for once, in the end, talking to each other that made this romance work so well.
There were moments where I thought the plot would go in a completely different direction but didn’t and I loved that I was unexpected and didn’t end the book in tears. There was enough drama to keep me going but ultimately it was actually just a really lovely read. I have to give a special mention to Rachel who had some of the funniest moments in the book as well as some ball of rage moments. He castle dance and double thumbs up reminded me a lot of how I would react to certain conversations.
A list of eleven books arriving to bookstores and doorsteps in 2021 that I just can’t wait to read.
So many books, so little time. There are so many amazing books coming out this year that I can’t wait to read. They will no doubt make it onto my 2021 reading challenge of 80 books as many of them are preorders. I wanted to share 11 books I can’t wait to read in 2021. Will you be reading alongside me?
A Vow So Bold and Deadly
The final of the cursebreaker books. I am really excited to see how this trilogy will come to an end. I really can not call it but I know in A Heart so Fierce and Broken I was firmly on the side of Grey. I still like Harper and I can’t see her wanting to fight in this upcoming war so I’m really looking forward to seeing the end.
A series of books I love that is continuing: A Court of Silver Flames
I can not wait to get back into the world of A Court of Thorns and Roses which is one of my favourite series. I love these books and I’m so intrigued to get into Nesta’s head and see how she recovers from her trauma and kind of comes into her own. Some of the teasers I’ve seen have been so interesting so getting back into this world is just going to be amazing. I’ve ordered the Illumicrate mini box with the book, dust jackets and enamel pin. I probably own the most editions of this series as I have the audio books, the paperbacks with the new covers, the ebooks and the hardbacks with the new covers on order. I’ve also got a preorder of A Court of Silver Flames on order that’s been signed and includes a bonus Feysand chapter too.
The Crown of Gilded Bones
I loved From Blood and Ash and it’s sequel so knowing the next book is just around the corner is so exciting. Poppy and Hawke have quickly become one of my favourite literary couples in books. I love them together and I’m so interested to see what is in store next after THAT ending of A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire. I am currently saving up to buy the Illumicrate Collections box which I am super excited for as that will have From Blood and Ash merchandise as well as the Fairyloot special editions which will have the first three books and then a matching edition of the fourth at a later date.
Nameless
This one isn’t top of my list of reads but I am really interested in what will happen next after the events of Fable. The relationship aspect came so late into the story I kind of didn’t see it coming. Fable was one of those books that wasn’t quite what I was expecting and whilst it wasn’t one of my favourites, it’s a sequel I’m hoping will deliver. You can buy the first book in the series below.
Bone Criers Dawn – a fairyloot sequel special edition I’ve ordered
Bone Criers Moon was one of those underatted reads for 2020 for me that I really enjoyed but didn’t quite make it into my favourites. I feel like it ended far too soon and I can’t wait for the next part in the story. I’m so intrigued to find out what will happen next.
Witchshadow: The perfect blend between YA and NA can be found in the Witchlands books by Susan Dennard
This is my most anticipated read of 2021. I absolutely love The Witchlands books and I think I’ll do a full on review of them when I reread them before I hear Iseult’s story. It’s such a well thought out world with a diverse range of characters and I have loved every book so far. I still need to read the Sightwitch novella. It’s fundamentally a book about sisterhood against the odds with some enemies to lovers romance and such a well done intricate magic system. I need to write about this series.
Broken Web
This is the second book in the Shamonborn series following Forest of Souls. This was a twisty turny book that kept me guessing at every moment. I’m really interested to know what will happen next. This one has cool magic and dragons but also a lot of spiders.
Gods and Monsters: A Series of books I can’t wait to finish
The third and final book in the Serpent & Dove trilogy. After that ending with Blood & Honey I can not wait to see what happens next. I love Lou and Reid and I’m desperately hoping for a happy ending for them.
Once Upon a Broken Heart
The Caraval books are another of my favourite series. They’re just so perfectly magical. Once Upon a Broken Heart is set in the same world but focusing on Jacks, The Prince of Hearts and new character Evangeline (It is always strange seeing my daughter’s name in books!). I have my edition preordered already but if anyone does a special edition box I will be all over it.
Crescent City 2
After the first book House of Earth and Blood I am really intrigued to see what will happen next. Crescent City was such an interesting read bringing all kinds of magical creatures together and a murder mystery. I don’t know if we’re going to get another switcharoo relationship as is typical of Maas’ previous books. I would love to see a collectors box of this one come into play. I am hoping the book boxes allowed to do something with A Court of Silver Flames will allow this to happen if all goes well!
Kingdom of the Cursed
Kingfom of the Wicked was an absolutely excellent book. I loved every second of it even though it made me super hungry. The first book was one of my favourites of the year and I really want to know what is going to happen next.
Kingdom of the Wicked was one of my favourite books of 2020
