Quick takes on some recent reads
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Dark Romance / Fantasy Romance
Absolutely hooked me with the mind vs. heart magic, even if the world-building didn't fully land for me. I loved the enemies to lovers tension at first..until I didn't. Started to feel dragged out towards the end. Overall the last few chapters sold me, bumped my rating up and I'm in for book 2!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️☆
Genre: Dark Romance / Mafia Romance
Mafia romance will always have a hold on me and Bad Bishop definitely scratched that itch. I paired this with the audiobook because anything Corvin King reads is a must! Not the strongest writing but I enjoyed the world; just note there is cheating (MC's are married) and the book opens up with a rape scene, so check your triggers.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Genre: Fantasy Romance
This felt more like a romance than fantasy. World building was definitely lacking (dragons aside). I'm sticking with this series though. Second books are often stronger in my opinion and maybe the author just needs to find her footing, I hope. That said, the spice delivered!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Dark Romance / Fantasy Romance
Dark, atmospheric and utterly consuming. Anathema is a slow-burn gothic romance that leans into obsession, secrets and emotional intensity. The world building is rich, the tension simmers beautifully and the romance is haunting in the best way. I was completely absorbed from start to finish.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆☆
Genre: Fantasy Romance
While I loved the first book in this series, Brimstone didn't quite hit the same for me. There are a lot of moving parts and overlapping plotlines, and I struggled to understand how many of them connect to the main story or why they matter. It feels busy and the emotional momentum gets lost along the way.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Fantasy Romance / Mythology - Inspired Fantasy
This is officially one of my favorite duologies. I loved everything about this book. The mythology is rich, the stakes are high, and the emotional payoff is incredibly satisfying.
Bjorn is down-bad, would-die-for-her, no-questions-asked in love with Freya and that kind of devotion absolutely wrecked me in the best way.