The Everlasting

The Everlasting by Alix E. Harrow
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a genre-blending historical fantasy that follows Owen, a quiet and deeply devoted historian whose life has long orbited around the legend of Sir Una Everlasting - a possibly mythical figure whose story is entwined with the very place he lives. As Owen digs deeper into Una’s past, the novel weaves together history, folklore, and time travel, creating an emotionally charged narrative that feels both intimate and epic. This story mixes romance, myth, and the strange elasticity of time in a way that feels classic and fresh all at once.

This was a book club pick for me, which is probably why it feels a little out of step with my usual reading habits. I typically lean hard toward contemporary stories, and this one is much heavier on the historical side than I normally go for. And yet - I was completely sucked in. This is, at its heart, a love story for the ages: tragic, tender, and maybe-sort-of fated. Una is a fascinating, almost legendary presence, and Owen’s quiet obsession with her makes perfect sense as the layers of her story unfold. There are evil queens, time travel shenanigans, and plenty of delightful timey‑wimey goodness, all wrapped in writing that feels both thoughtful and emotionally rich. It’s beautiful and heartbreaking in equal measure.

Overall, I loved this book and am genuinely so glad my book club chose it. The Everlasting is perfect for readers who enjoy historical fantasy with romantic depth, mythic echoes, and a bittersweet edge. Even if, like me, you don’t usually gravitate toward historical fiction, this one is absolutely worth the leap. Atmospheric, tragic, and quietly powerful - definitely a standout read and an easy recommendation.


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Books & Bewitchment

Books & Bewitchment by Isla Jewell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a cozy, witchy romance that kicks off what is hopefully the start of a charming small‑town paranormal series.

When Rhea, arguably the most responsible of three sisters, finds herself broke and suddenly inheriting her estranged grandmother’s “fortune,” she heads to Arcadia Falls to manage the estate, hoping for a much‑needed financial reset. What she finds instead is a town brimming with magic, a surprising inheritance that has nothing to do with money, and the kind of whimsical chaos that only a witchy small-town can deliver.

What really hooked me was how fun this book is. Arcadia Falls is instantly immersive, full of interesting side characters that feel primed for future books, and the romance between a newly awakened witch and a very charming, witchy handyman is sweet and easy to root for. There’s no massive cash windfall here - unless you count witchy powers, a possessed bird, and a video store - but that’s part of the charm. The story balances humor, heart, and romance beautifully, making it a light, comforting read that still feels purposeful. I also loved how Rhea’s reliability and grounded nature contrasted with the magical absurdity unfolding around her.

This book is cute, cozy, and romantic, with just enough magic and mystery to keep things interesting while clearly setting the stage for more to come. Perfect for readers who love small‑town witchy vibes, low‑stress romance, and series starters that leave you excited to revisit the world. Definitely worth the read - and I’ll absolutely be picking up the next book when it comes out.

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Bloodlust Flames

Bloodlust Flames: A totally gripping and heart-pounding urban fantasy adventure by Luanne Bennett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a fast‑paced paranormal urban fantasy that drops readers straight back into Charley’s chaotic world, where supernatural politics, personal loyalties, and escalating danger collide.

The story kicks off with the fallout from Dog’s decision to claim an escaped female from a brutal wolf shifter pack, an act that sparks a full‑blown war and pulls Charley into yet another life‑or‑death situation. With witches, vampires, and shifters all circling the conflict, this installment leans hard into tension, momentum, and expanding lore.

What really hooked me (again) was Charley herself. She continues to be the standout of the series: resourceful, grounded, and somehow still standing as the world keeps throwing one disaster after another at her. These books move at an insane pace, and it feels like only a few days ago she was juggling her dad’s situation, mysterious shifter arrivals, and vampire drama, and now suddenly the stakes have exploded into war. The supporting cast shines too, especially the team of witches who are (mostly) on Charley’s side, along with select vampires whose alliances add some fun and chaotic additional tension. And then there’s the bar, because during all the bloodshed and politics, the budding romance unfolding there adds a surprisingly warm, human-ish counterbalance to the chaos.

Overall, this was an easy 4‑star read for me: intense, immersive, and deeply addictive. The world‑building continues to expand in smart ways, with plenty of hints about what’s coming next without slowing the story down. If you enjoy urban fantasy that refuses to let you breathe, features a capable, compelling heroine, and blends supernatural warfare with emotional undercurrents then this one is for you!

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Bound by the Sleeper’s Harp

Bound by the Sleeper's Harp: A Spicy Urban Romantasy by Melissa Mitchell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a little dark, but manages to blend paranormal romance, real stakes danger, sizzling desire, and surprisingly cozy, magical elements.

The story follows Rose, a human heroine trying to move forward after an abusive past, who finds herself “caught” by Bastian, a powerful goblin in a world where magic, artifacts, and paranormals collide. What hooked me right away was how quickly the book leans into romance and sizzle, sidestepping the heaviness I was bracing for and opting instead for momentum and chemistry.
This story mixes fast attraction with a paranormal world that feels both familiar with a unique enough spin to keep it interesting.

I appreciated that while Rose makes some questionable choices along the way (and yes, I definitely wanted to shake her once or twice), she ultimately steps up and plays a key role in saving the day. The paranormal cast and lore were fun, the cat absolutely stole scenes whenever it appeared, and the overall tone stayed more romantic than dark. My one lingering wish was for more time spent on artifact crafting - the concept was fascinating, and I would’ve loved to see that side of the magic explored in greater depth. Hopefully future books will dive into it more.

Overall, I’d give the book a solid 3.5 stars. It’s an enjoyable, romantic paranormal read with strong chemistry, an interesting magical setup, and just enough danger to keep things moving. Perfect for readers who want goblins, spice, and a magical world without sinking into full-on darkness. Definitely worth the read if you’re in the mood for a fun, romantic escape - and I’m curious to see where the series goes next.


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Psycho Fae

Psycho Fae by Jasmine Mas
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Poor Sadie has been through an awful lot in a short amount of time, and now she’s been betrayed by someone she trusted (along with the rest of her alpha-squad). They are forced to participate in something like the hunger games but for alphas, fae, and all manner of other being. Oh, and even queen’s guard and Sadie’s BFF get to stay main characters in this one!

First, I have to acknowledge that if you don’t want to read about bloody fights, failing at running, descriptions of… everything that is part of anyone’s anatomy, and so much more weird stuff - step away now. There’s nudity, which involves lots of description, there’s sexual frustration, which also involves lots of description, and so many combinations of alphas that… well, you get the hint. For the “larger story” we do make A LOT of progress, especially at the end of this book. We get answers to a lot of the open questions and I’m sure there is even more in the next book, based on how this book teased it. I’m not sure I want Sadie’s reverse harem to grow any more, but I would love to see how this all pans out.



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The Children of the Isle: Bloodlines

The Children of the Isle: Bloodlines by L.H. Davies
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying that this is clearly book one of what seems like many books. The ending happened very abruptly (for me) so warning those who are incredibly allergic to cliffhangers or unresolved issues.

Connie is a teenager who is set a bit adrift after the loss of her mother and her father remarrying. While her father is off on holiday, he has arranged for Connie to stay with her aunt and family, who just so happen to be witches. It turns out that Connie has some abilities they can work to further grow, made specially easy because her aunt is the leader of the local witches. Her cousin takes her out on her first night in town and Connie somehow attracts the attention of the town recluse/mysterious hottie. Said hottie is called Rhys and hails from a powerful Druid group who can shapeshift. Sounds like too much, right? Folks in this book seem to get annoyed with her reactions/temper-tantrums but I think she is holding it together nicely with all this change.

Connie and Rhys have almost no romance - going from strangers to in love in the blink of an eye because they are destined to be and/or are reincarnated souls of lovers from centuries ago. Either way, I did struggle with this a bit, especially with their age differences. To help this along, they do end up spending a lot of time reliving their shared past and learning about one another that way. Just when we were getting to some dramatic historical events, the book ends, leaving me wishing I got to see the outcome, how Connie and Rhys begin life together, Connie’s shapeshifting maturing - any number of other things, but I guess that’s where future installments will play.

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Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts

Garters, Ghosts and Wedding Toasts by Angie Fox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely adore this world, the characters, and all the hijinks they get up to. Of course, Verity’s life is not simple or easy, so why should her sister’s wedding be any different?

So, for good or bad, Verity’s sister is in love with someone who used to be Verity’s arch-nemesis. While he may still be skeptical of her ghost business, I believe he’s finally bent enough to fit into Verity’s life. On what seems like a normal day for Verity, her sister surprises her by agreeing to get married in a few days out of town and at a historic location. Historic obviously means haunted, but this crew is used to managing mayhem.

As usual, Verity brings her ghost, her detective skills, her supportive boyfriend, and hopes to give her sister the perfect day. When they arrive, things are not looking so hot. There’s angry ghosts, murder, missing jewels, lots of gangsters, and way too many suspects. I definitely did not guess any of the mysteries, so bravo there! This book somehow manages to blend this genuine feeling of family, romance, and a really engaging murder mystery. After the rollercoaster ride of a wedding, we also get a super fun ending with all the feelings. This book was such a treat to read, and I can’t wait to see more from Verity and crew!

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