TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap

Book Review Blog

  • November Book Haul

    Well, a lot of books made it on my book haul list and are now on my TBR shelves. Hope all of you had a wonderful and grateful Thanksgiving. Happy Holiday to all. Remember to Like, Comment, Share, and Subscribe.

  • God of Malice — Rina Kent (Legacy of Gods #1)

    A Techie Scrapper Story & Scrap book review: dark romance, elite drama, and a world bigger than my TBR pile

    CAWPILE Rating: 3.6
    Spice: I’m calling it a 3/5 on my Sierra Simone, New Camelot Trilogy (American Queen/Prince/King) yardstick. Heat is present early and often, but it’s not the most incendiary trilogy-level inferno. If you’re here for angsty chemistry + dark edges, box checked.
    Premise: Mafia meets British Posh, enemies-to-lovers
    Pacing: 553 pages that were a steady-paced read.  The final act felt rushed, as if some connective scenes had been moved to companion books. It’s readable; it just leaves you suspecting the “missing pieces” live elsewhere in the universe.

    Reading Dates: Started 03 October 2025 / Completed 15 October 2025

    Libby Listening Time: 15 hours : 25 Minutes
    Heads-up: Check the trigger warnings (seriously). Knowing the parents’ books helps a lot.

    Synopsis: “God of Malice” is the first book in the Legacy of Gods series by Rina Kent. It toes the line between romance, suspense, and dark obsession. The premise revolves around Killian Carson, a brilliant, dangerous, emotionally detached medical student with mafia and sociopath tendencies.  There is Glyndon (Glyn) King, a quiet, talented artist, constantly measured against her famous family.  An artist whose life is unraveling. This is due to how she feels about her place in her family and a close male friend unaliving himself.  They shouldn’t mix; of course, they do. Expect obsession, secrecy, and territorial tension. The power imbalance is pronounced. If fragile-heroine/alpha-hero pairings aren’t your jam, tread carefully. If you enjoy morally gray energy and messy attractions, you’ll be fed.

    You get a feel of this when the story opens with them crossing paths on that cliff, it becomes a twisted dance of desire, power, and the suppression of darker impulses, leading to an awakening.

    The World (It’s…huge).  Rina Kent’s universe is expansive—think more than 34 interconnected titles spanning series like Royal Elite, Kingdom Duet, Lies & Truth, Throne/Thorn, and company.  The Legacy of Gods focuses on the kids of prominent couples from earlier books.

    God of Malice is marketed as a standalone within the arc, but let’s keep it real: going in cold is like opening the last book of Harry Potter and trying to bluff your way through the family tree. You can track the plot, but the emotional echoes (especially between parents) are richer if you’ve sampled the earlier pairings.  My point is that if you’re new to Kent, at least start with the books about the parents.  If you choose not to go this way, then for sure start with God of Malice, since it introduces all of the children.

    Characterization:

    Glendon grows from closed-off to more self-voiced. I wouldn’t label her a classic “strong heroine,” but she does claim space by the end. Killian (“Kill”)…well, Rina Kent warns us early: there’s no soft redemption arc. Whether you buy any late-book softening will depend on how much of the larger world you’ve read.  Kent clearly posts trigger warnings. Read them first. Some beats will not be for every reader, and that’s okay.

    Should You Read It?  Yes, if you enjoy:

    • Dark romance with mafia threads
    • Enemies-to-lovers tension
    • Interconnected families and legacy drama
    • High-heat scenes with ethical grayness

    Maybe skip/prepare if:

    • Power-imbalanced dynamics frustrate you
    • You prefer self-contained standalones with minimal outside lore
    • Triggering content is a concern (check warnings first)

    Reading Order Tip (for Newcomers). If you want maximum payoff:

    • Start with God of Malice (since you’re here).
    • Then sample the parents’ stories (e.g., the King line, the Knights, etc.).
    • Return to the rest of Legacy of Gods with that context in your pocket.

    You’ll recognize names, grudges, and alliances when they reappear, and the late-book cameos will click harder.

    What’s Next on My Nightstand

    I will be circling back to Zodiac Academy: The Awakening (Book 1). I don’t DNF books I’ve bought—old-school rule, modern budget. Pray for my time management.

    Final Word

    God of Malice is dark, dramatic, and unashamedly extra—a gateway into a sprawling world where legacy carries teeth. Go in eyes-open about the warnings, expect elite-vs-mafia friction, and decide how much backlist lore you want to bring to the party. If that sounds like your brand of chaos, you’ll have a good time.

  • October Barnes & Nobel Book Haul

    Blog created by Yvette, The TechieScrapper

  • Currently Reading in October

    God of Malice by Rina Kent

    God of Malice is the first book I am reading in October. It is also my first Rina Kent read. Defiantly be aware of the trigger warnings. Below is my YouTube video. Like…Comment…Share…Subscribe.

  • Campervans, Cooking, and Corpses: A humorous van life cozy murder mystery

    Blog written by Yvette, The TechieScrapper

    Author: Tyler Rhodes

    Series: Max’s Campervan Case Files –  Book 1 of 15

    Book released: 2023

    Started: 26 September 2025

    Completed: 28 September 2025

    Format: Libby, borrowed – do not own

    Listening time: 6 hours

    Total pages: 197 pages

    Star rating: 3.25

    Book synopsis/review:

    This read is very light-hearted about a chef who quit his job and went on the road with his dog, Anxious, making one-pot meals, no stress, and getting back to a simple life.  The life of a chef cost him his marriage and, at times, his sanity.

    Max (MMC) Effort (note the pun) was a chef at a Michelin 3-star restaurant, and he has a plan, and he thinks it’s a cunning one. Sick of preparing high-class food and despairing of anything served on a slate rather than a plate, he embarked on a tour of the backroads of Britain. 

    When he realized that he was not winning back his ex-wife, Min, he sold his house and bought a VW campervan.  He heads out on the road with his dog, Anxious (a Jack Russell terrier – having had one for a dog, the name completely fits this breed of dog. It’s the dog that played Eddie on the Frasier TV show).


    His goal is to create only one-pot meals and tour the back roads of the British countryside.  He and his dog, Anxious, arrive at the first campsite only to run headlong into a murderer who rolled up in a tent placed in the middle of the road.

    The local Constable is named BethAnn. She is enthusiastic, very young, and wants to solve the case. Bring in her grandfather, Dai, a grumpy farmer and campsite owner, with some nasty characters who wish to buy the farm to turn it into a holiday park, plus other family members, possibly up to no good, and there’s a complex set of stories going on. There is an awful lot of ‘living in a camper’, which is fun and true, and there is too much about Max’s hippy parents, ex-wife, and how he really wants to get back with her. The story also includes two detailed one-pot cast iron recipes.

    It was a fun palate cleanser to get back into reading.  This is a light and easy read. I really enjoyed it; the characters are good, and the story continued at a good pace, with some nice twists and turns.  I can see reading the next book in the series (“Slaughter At The Seaside”) if I get in another rut.  There are 15 books in this series (Max’s Campervan Case Files).

  • Book Review: The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo

    by Yvette, The TechieScrapper

    Hello everyone, I’m finally back.  As you may know, the last time I read a book was in June.  Life was Lif’in.  Starting school, moving my daughter off to college, and just being burnt out.  My reading aspiration for this year is to read 52 books—one book per week.  When I took stock of the books I had read since June, I realized that I had already read 40 books since January 7, 2025.    This realization canceled my mental spiral.  I had to remind myself that 40 books by June was a huge accomplishment, and I had to just sit in that for a moment.  After I came back to reality, I took a baby step.  I looked for a book that was a short/quick read.  A couple of the goals I set for this year, besides reading 52 books, were to read a book from an author not on my shelf, to read an author who is not from the US., to read a book that was translated into English, to read a book on a banned book list, to read a classic, to read a nonfiction book, to read a memoir, and finally to read a book from a genre not on my bookshelf.

    That leads me to borrowing the audiobook from my local library through Libby.  I chose “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coehlo.  This book helped me achieve three of my goals.  The author is not on my shelf, the book was translated from Portuguese into English, and it is on the banned list. Additionally, the author is not from the U.S. Sadly, I can only choose one slot for this to fit into.  I am choosing to categorize the book as one translated from another language into English.  This book is banned as well, but I have already read a banned book this year.  It was “The Bluest Eye” by Toni Morrison.  I searched the internet to find out why “The Alchemist” was banned.  According to the Google AI overview, I have copied the reason for the book being banned below.

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is not banned in the US. Still, it has faced book challenges and bans in individual schools and libraries for various reasons, including perceived “offensive language,” “sexually explicit content,” and being deemed “unsuited to any age group.” Some also found its philosophical and spiritual themes controversial or “juvenile”. However, these were typically local actions, not a nationwide ban, and the book remains widely available. 

    Reasons for Challenges and Bans:

    • “Offensive Language”: Some challenges cited offensive language as a reason for banning books in schools. 
    • “Sexual References”: Challenges have also noted sexually explicit content or references. 
    • “Too Controversial”: Some found the book’s social and political themes to be too controversial or deemed its themes too juvenile and simplistic. 
    • Spiritual Themes: For some, the book’s mystical or spiritual themes were deemed inappropriate or too different from their own beliefs. 
    • Unsuited to Age Group: Challenges have sometimes stated that the book was not appropriate for the intended age group. 

    Important Context:

    • Local vs. Nationwide: Book banning attempts for The Alchemist have been isolated incidents in specific schools or libraries rather than a widespread, official national ban. 
    • Banned Books Week: The American Library Association (ALA) has organized Banned Books Week to highlight censorship efforts, with books like The Alchemist sometimes facing these challenges. 
    • Not a Current Ban: The book remains popular and readily available in the United States. 

    Please click the video below to watch my book review of “The Alchemist”.  Also, Like, Comment, Subscribe, and Share.

  • September Book Haul

    Welcome back everyone to TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap! It’s been a while since I posted a book Haul. I purchased book from “By The Bookish Box” and from “Book’s a Million.

    And now back to the books. So, we are starting off with By The Book Box. This is a first for me. I just recently started subscribing to By The Bookish Box. I saw some of my favorite Booktubers recommend them. Darkly Book Lovers Box with some curated items that match the books or the book’s theme. This month I received a book written by Invi Wright called “The Female”. The book is part of a series titled “The Female”. There are five books in this series. A reverse-harem fantasy romance. The female decline was swift. Birth rates dropped at an alarming rate, and within years, men across all realms grew restless and aggressive. Their desperation led to women being collected at birth and sold at auction, and humans gradually became one of the most sought after. Parents began hiding their daughters, birthing and stowing their females underground in a desperate attempt to keep them safe. Charlotte is one of them. Hidden from the men who would tear her family apart to get to her, she’s accepted that she’ll live her entire life within the thick walls of her childhood home. When the human government permits a large-scale raid, Charlotte is one of the unlucky women caught. Forced out of hiding and thrown into the home of three powerful demons, Charlotte must learn how to stay alive in a world she’s only experienced through stories from her parents. I can’t wait to read this one.

    And now we’re moving on to the rest of the book I purchased this month, which are from Books a Million. The first set is another series written by J. Bree. The series is titled “The Bonds That Tie”. This is a six-book series. I purchased the first three to get started. This is a reverse harem series that received excellent reviews on Goodreads. The main female protagonist is Oleander Fallows. The main male characters are North, Nox, Gryphon, Atlas, and Gabe. After the death of my mother and her Bonded, Oleander was relieved to find her own Bonds. The fate of their people is in Oleander’s hands. But are the people better off with or without her. She leaves and returns 5 years later after being on the run. She is caught and dragged back to face the men she ran away from. She thought running away would be the right thing to do but was it? Will the men in her life forgive her because will never forgive herself.

    The last set of books I needed to purchase for my Business Mechanics of Communication class.  No AI allowed, therefore, Grammarly is out.  I need to go old school.  I am also looking for a current English grammar book as well.

  • TJR Continues to Have Me in My Feelings

    June Book Review of “Atmosphere” written by Taylor Jenkins Reid

    “Well, we are the stars”, Joan said. “And the stars are us. Every atom in our bodies was once part of the universe. Was once a part of them. To look at the night sky is to look at pars of who you once were, who you may one day be.” Quote by TJR

    Book Started: 13 June 25

    Book Completed: 20 June 25

    Total Pages Read: 337

    Total Libby Listening Time: 9 hours and 40 minutes.

    Overall Star Rating out of 5 stars: ★★★★½ (4.5/5)

    Goodreads Book Synopsis:

    TJR authors another epic new novel set against the backdrop of the 1980s Space Shuttle program about the extraordinary lengths we go to live and love beyond our limits. Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space.

    Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane.  As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changed in an instant. Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling an enthusiastic and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars.

    My Review:

    “Because the world had decided that to be soft was to be weak, even though in Joan’s experience being soft and flexible was always more durable than being hard and brittle. Admitting you were afraid always took more gut than pretending you weren’t. Being willing to make a mistake got you further than never trying. The world had decided that to be fallible was weak. But we are all fallible. The strong ones are the ones who accept it.” Quote by TJR

    As a young child, I was always fascinated by Space and NASA. When NASA decided to open its program to minorities, it was a momentous day for me as a Black female. I used to watch the launches at school because they were always such a huge deal and cool to watch. I say all of this because this is why I chose to read this newest book by TJR.

    The book begins in the present, with some of our primary and supporting characters on their first space mission. Then the book flashes back to the past. It’s the past flashbacks that allow you to get a better understanding of what is happening in the present. TJR draws you in and twists you all up in knots (in the best way possible). Her writing completely immerses you in the world. You ended up being so invested. Even her supporting characters are given enough teeth to have you in their world as well. TJR writing has you falling in love, and an unexpected twist leaves you heartbroken. I laughed and cried. I am still thinking about this story to the point that I watched the National Geographic documentary on Sally Ride called “Sally.”  This book was set during that same time. This book is also a work of historical fiction. The characters are fictional, but the story incorporates historical events. The book focused on females being selected into the NASA astronaut program.

    The character of Joan wasn’t the only carefully crafted character. Each character had such detail that their motivations and actions always felt true to who they were. TJR’s character development is also what made the love story so incredible. Without spoiling too much, let’s just say it wrecked me in the best way possible, and I would read a ten-part series just following their most mundane days. Heck, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” still live rent-free in my mind. These were the first books I read when I started reading again.

    Mainly, this story is about love…forbidden love between Joan and Vanessa. TJR reminds us that the courage it takes to ignore societal pressure is just as brave as literally risking your life to go into space. Especially in a world that forces LGBTQ+ relationships to hide to preserve their careers, and women must prove themselves repeatedly just to get the opportunities men are handed, those still ring true, even 40 years after the book is set. This book goes far beyond the NASA Space program or being an astronaut; I think it served as the perfect backdrop for this story, which mirrored some truths during that time. The way TJR manages to make something as vast as space feel so accessible and even relatable is unbelievable.

    Final Thoughts:

    “I hope, even more, that Joan Goodwin can convince you to go outside tonight, after the stars have come out, and look up. I hope, with all my heart, Joan can convince you to be open to wonder.” Quote by TJR.

    At the end of this story, I felt enlightened, sad, and hopeful. Love is Love. The right LOVE can heal and strengthen. I highly recommend this book; once again, Taylor Jenkins Reid books never disappoint. This book is still sitting with me. This book also includes Joan’s family. The dynamics between Joan and her baby sister Barbara. At times, you feel as if Joan is the mom and not the older sister. Then there is the relation between Joan and her niece Frances. If you did not know better, you would assume that Joan is Francis’s mom instead of Aunt. The way Joan cares for Francis and drops everything for Francis when she is either left or neglected by her mom, Barbara. Brought me to tears their relationship. She did all this while being an astronaut at NASA. Again, this book left me in my mood and I’m still there. Again, a MUST read.

  • Book Review: The Conditions of Will

    Book reviewed by Yvette

    The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings

     

    Author: Jessa Hastings
    Genre: Literary Fiction / Contemporary Fiction / Family Drama
    Themes: Grief, identity, family estrangement, addiction, legacy, love
    Rating: 4.75 out of 5

     

    The Setup

    Jessa Hastings trades the high-gloss world of Magnolia Parks for something quieter, more introspective, and deeply affecting in The Conditions of Will. The novel follows Georgia Carter, a 24-year-old lie-detection expert in London who called back to South Carolina after the death of her estranged father, Will Carter. The death is jarring, but what unravels from it is even more destabilizing—a surprise inheritance left to a stranger, a hidden side of her father, and the reopening of wounds the Carter family buried long ago.

     

    Character Deep Dive

    Georgia Carter is messy, smart, cynical, and emotionally layered. Her voice carries both biting wit and unflinching vulnerability as she tries to reckon with the version of herself that left the South—and the one who is forced to return.

    Oliver Carter, her brother, is battling addiction and haunted by their shared past, his storyline is both redemptive and tragic.

    Sam Penny, Oliver’s AA sponsor and Georgia’s complicated love interest, is not your typical romantic lead. He is soft, present, and understanding Aussie.  A man who listens, rather than saves. His presence is as healing as it is disruptive. 

    The rest of the Carter family especially the mother, Margaret, and siblings Maryanne and Tennyson are shades of resentment, denial, and slow-burning revelations.

     

    Plot & Pacing

    The story unfolds like a Southern summer—slow at first, then sticky with secrets. The pacing is measured, intentionally so. This is not a plot-heavy thriller, but a character study one that unearths buried truths at the precise moment the reader is ready for them.  The catalyst for much of the tension is Will Carter’s will, which bequeaths a lake house to a mysterious man named Alexis Beauchêne, a figure no one in the family has ever heard of. What follows is a slow-burning unraveling of Will’s hidden identity, Georgia’s past shame, and the real conditions—emotional, spiritual, personal—that define family.

     

    Themes & Emotion

    At its core, The Conditions of Will is about the legacy of silence.  What we do not say to the people we love, and the truths we withhold to survive our own stories. Hastings beautifully explores:

    • Grief and estrangement
    • The illusion of the “ideal” Southern family
    • Addiction and recovery
    • Queerness and generational shame
    • Feminine rage and forgiveness

    Hastings does not shy away from tough questions: What do we owe to family? Can love and harm exist in the same space? What happens when someone you loved turns out to have lived a life you never truly knew?

     

    If you love:

    • Multi-layered family drama
    • Emotionally intelligent romance
    • LGBTQ+ representation handled with care
    • Stories about women coming back home to reclaim their power
    • Southern Gothic settings without the ghosts, but all the haunting

    This book is for you.

    My Final Thoughts:

    The Conditions of Will is not a book you race through. It is one you linger in. I found myself stopping the audio several times to reflect and even to highlight or annotate in the book.  It is a literary meditation on the quiet violence of secrets and the soft redemption of being seen. Hastings proves herself not just as a romance writer, but as a true literary voice.  This story can be seen and reflected in many families.  Parents DO have favorites whether they admit it or not.  Worse is when parents actually voice or favor that child(ren) over the other.  What that does to the child impacts either positively or negatively for a lifetime.  To grow up in a world when not even your parents will help or love you or even ask how you are doing in the world.  The story made me sad as a inner child and as a parent.  Read with caution but READ the book.  It’s worth it.

  • NINTH HOUSE by Leigh Bardugo

    “But, when she’d finally looked? Let herself remember? Well, maybe there was something broken and shriveled in her, because she felt only a deep calm in knowing what she was capable of.“

    “The bite had left a visible curve that she knew would heal badly, if it healed at all. Her map had been changed. Her coastline altered.” 

  • “Atmosphere”

    By Taylor Jenkins Reid

    In all of her time spent watching others, she hadn’t picked up on this part of falling in love, that someone could look at you as if you were the very center of everything. And even though you knew better, you’d allow yourself a moment to believe you were worthy of being revolved around…

  • Quicksilver by Callie Hart

    Book two on my June TBR reading list is complete. Below is a short book review.

    Quicksilver by Callie Hart (Book series “Fae & Alchemy)

    “He’s everything I should fear. But I’ve never felt safer than when he’s near.”

    Book Started: 2 June 2025 / Book Completed: 9 June 2025

    Total pages read: 6089 / Total Listening Time: 20 hours:42 minutes

    Overall Star Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 / Format: Libby and I own the physical book

    Goodreads Book Synopsis: In the land of the unforgiving desert, there isn’t much a girl wouldn’t do for a glass of water.  Twenty-four-year-old Saeris Fane is good at keeping secrets. No one knows about her strange powers, or the fact that she has been picking pockets and stealing from the Undying Queen’s reservoirs for as long as she can remember.  But a secret is like a knot. Sooner or later, it is bound to come undone.  When Saeris comes face-to-face with Death himself, she inadvertently reopens a gateway between realms and is transported to a land of ice and snow. The Fae have always been the stuff of myth, legend, and nightmares… but it turns out they’re real, and Saeris has landed herself in the middle of a centuries-long conflict that might just get her killed.  The first of her kind to tread the frozen mountains of Yvelia in over a thousand years, Saeris mistakenly binds herself to Kingfisher, a handsome Fae warrior with secrets and nefarious agendas of his own. He will use her Alchemist’s magic to protect his people, no matter what it costs him . . . or her.  Death has a name. It is the Kingfisher of the Ajun Gate. His past is murky. His attitude stinks. And he’s the only way Saeris is going to make it home.

    If you are a dark romance lover and if you’ve been craving a story that wraps danger in desire, blends raw chemistry with revenge-fueled secrets, and serves up an antihero who will ruin your standards forever, Quicksilver by Callie Hart is a must-add to your TBR.  From page one, this slow-burn, morally gray SPICY romance sinks its claws in. Here’s my deep dive into the chaos, passion, and gritty brilliance that is Quicksilver.

    “Do not touch the sword. Do not turn the key. Do not open the gate.”

    Content Warning: The source material and this guide feature “madness” in a literary context, genocide, forced sterilization, discrimination against sex workers, fantasy violence, sexual violence, genocide, and suicide.

    Spoiler-Free Summary

    Saeris Fane is the reluctant heroine in this story.  She is the main female protagonist, a thief, later discovering that she is an alchemist.  She is fiercely independent, resourceful, and emotionally guarded.  Saeris begins as a survivalist thief in a brutal desert society, shaped by trauma and secrecy. Her journey is self-discovery as she learns about her true heritage and powers as an alchemist. She evolves from a lone wolf into a reluctant leader, learning to trust others and embrace her destiny.  She has many strengths.  She is quick-thinking, brave, and morally complex.  She is also flawed, distrustful, impulsive, and emotionally repressed.  Through this story, you get to read how Saeris goes through this transformation, both literal (alchemy) and emotional. Her control over Quicksilver mirrors her struggle to master her identity and emotions.

    Kingfisher is the fae warrior with secrets.  He is the main male character who will be Saeris’s love interest.  He is also a fae warrior and guardian of Yvelia.  He is extremely stoic, enigmatic, and fiercely loyal.  Kingfisher is initially cold and distant, bound by duty and haunted by past failures. His relationship with Saeris forces him to confront vulnerability and rediscover hope. He’s a classic “wounded protector” archetype with a slow-burn emotional thaw.  He has so many strengths, mainly his strategicness, power, and emotional intelligence.  Like Saeris, he is also flawed.  He is overly secretive, emotionally withdrawn, and burdened by guilt.  Kingfisher embodies the theme of death and rebirth—his icy realm and demeanor contrast with the warmth Saeris brings into his life.

    Tropes & Themes

    1. Enemies-to-Lovers: Saeris and Kingfisher begin with mutual distrust and hostility, but their relationship evolves into a slow-burn romance filled with tension and emotional depth.
    2. Hidden Identity / Chosen One: Saeris is unaware of her true heritage and powers at the start. As the story unfolds, she discovers she is an Alchemist with a rare and powerful connection to Quicksilver.
    3. Portal Fantasy: The protagonist is transported from one world (a desert realm) to another (a frozen Fae kingdom), introducing new rules, magic, and politics.
    4. Fae Romance: The love interest is a powerful, immortal Fae warrior. This trope often includes themes of ancient magic, long lifespans, and emotional restraint.
    5. Found Family: As Saeris navigates her new world, she begins to form bonds with unlikely allies, creating a surrogate family dynamic.
    6. Reluctant Heroine: Saeris doesn’t seek power or glory. Despite her reluctance, she’s pulled into a larger conflict and must rise to the occasion.
    7. Magical Training / Power Awakening: A classic trope where the protagonist must learn to control and understand her newfound abilities, often under pressure or threat.
    8. Dark Royalty / Brooding Male Lead: Kingfisher fits the archetype of the emotionally distant, decisive male lead with a tragic past and a hidden soft side.
    9. Political Intrigue: The story includes court politics, ancient rivalries, and power struggles between kingdoms and magical factions.

    Spice Level: 4/5

    The sexual tension is slow and loaded with restraint, but once it hits? FIREWORKS. The scenes are passionate, raw, and emotionally charged.

    Final Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars

    If you like your romance intense, complex, and edged in shadows, Quicksilver delivers everything and more. It’s a haunting, seductive story about grief, vengeance, healing, and trust — told through two broken souls finding salvation in each other.  I cannot wait for book two to come out this November (18 November 2025 – “Brimestone”)

  • June Book Review: The Ex Hex

    The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling – A Bewitching Rom-Com with a Magical Twist

    If you’re in the mood for a cozy, witchy romance with a dash of charm, The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling is the perfect escape. This witchy romantic comedy blends second-chance romance with magical mayhem.

    Goodreads Plot Overview

    Nine years ago, Vivienne Jones nursed her broken heart like any young witch would: vodka, weepy music, bubble baths…and a curse on the horrible boyfriend. Sure, Vivi knows she shouldn’t use her magic this way, but with only an “orchard hayride” scented candle on hand, she isn’t worried it will cause him anything more than a bad hair day or two.  That is, until Rhys Penhallow, descendant of the town’s ancestors, breaker of hearts, and annoyingly just as gorgeous as he always was, returns to Graves Glen, Georgia. What should be a quick trip to recharge the town’s ley lines and appear at the annual fall festival turns disastrously wrong. With one calamity after another striking Rhys, Vivi realizes her silly little Ex Hex may not have been so harmless.  Suddenly, Graves Glen is under attack from murderous wind-up toys, a pissed off ghost, and a talking cat with some interesting things to say. Vivi and Rhys have to ignore their off-the-charts chemistry to work together to save the town and find a way to break the break-up curse before it’s too late.

    Themes and Tone

    The Ex Hex is a story about:

    Second Chances: Vivi and Rhys must confront their past and decide if they will risk their hearts again.

    Unintended Consequences: The novel explores how seemingly small actions, like a “harmless” hex, can have far-reaching effects.

    Love and Friendship as Strength: Vivi’s relationships with her cousin Gwyn and Aunt Elaine provide emotional grounding and comic relief, emphasizing the importance of community and support 

    The tone is lighthearted and witty, with plenty of banter, magical mishaps, and romantic tension. Sterling’s writing is breezy and fun, making it a perfect weekend or vacation read.

    Characters to Love

    Vivienne Jones: A relatable, slightly chaotic witch trying to do the right thing—even if her spells sometimes go awry.

    Rhys Penhallow: The charming, sarcastic Welsh heartthrob who’s more than just a pretty face.  His return to Graves Glen forces him to reckon with his past and feelings for Vivi.

    Gwyn and Aunt Elaine: Vivi’s magical support system offers wisdom and comic relief.

    Why You Should Read It

    If you enjoyed the movie “Practical Magic” with Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, then you will enjoy this supernatural twist. The Ex Hex will feel like a warm, magical hug. It’s a story about love, redemption, and chaos when you mix heartbreak with hexes.  Whether you’re a fan of paranormal romance or just looking for a fun, feel-good short read with a Halloween vibe (any time of year), Erin Sterling’s The Ex Hex is a charming addition to your bookshelf.

    #theexhex #erinsterling #romcomreads #witchyreads #magicalromance #bookgram #booklover #bookrecommendation #currentlyreading #cozyreads

    http://www.techiescrappersstoryscrap.com/techiescrapper/

  • One Book Down

  • June TBR Reading Listing

    Come along with me to see where I end up on my June TBR reading list.

  • May TBR Final Reading Results

    Version 1.0.0

    In Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee

    Quote: “Worrying is expensive. It costs you the one thing you can’t get back. Time.”

    Goodreads synopsis: A dark urban fantasy romance set in New Orleans; Cate Holloway knows the unspoken rule of New Orleans: avoid the powerful Gage crime family at all costs. Of course, that was before her brother got caught in their chaos. Now Cate has no choice but to confront the dark prince of New Orleans himself and beg for her brother’s life.  But Lachlan Gage is as lethal as he is beautiful…and the only currency he’s interested in is her soul.  Lachlan is not merely a ruthless criminal. He’s fae. And he has his secret reasons for binding her to him.  Tricked and desperate, Cate is torn between the Realworld and the Otherworld. A place filled with shadows and secrets, with members of each fae court plotting against her, just as her captor’s motives for trapping her become more mysterious.  And if she can’t break this sinister bargain in the next thirty days, she’ll be bound to the inscrutable yet infuriatingly tempting fae prince and his deadly world…forever.

    My view: I have read the first three books of The Filthy Rich Vampire series and still need to read the final book. I enjoyed this palette cleanser. It was the month’s first book after completing “A Sky Beyond the Storm.”  There is an attraction between the two characters, but I am unsure if I am as invested in the vampire series. I will decide after I read book two officially.  Some areas seem rushed or forced.  I am not sure that I fully feel their passion or connection to one another.  Also, the story is set in New Orleans, and you get little to no New Orleans atmosphere.  I feel like this is missing.  New Orleans has that witchy…vampire…Fae vibe already as you stroll through the French Quarter.  I still recommend the read and gave it four stars because I did not hate the story, and was still invested in it.

    Book Started: 02 May 2025 / Book Completed: 12 May 2025

    Rating: 4.0 Stars / Total Listening Time: 14 Hours: 27 Minutes

    Total Pages Read: 353 pages / Format: Libby (own the physical book)

    Mile High by Liz Tomforde

    Quote: “Stevie,” Zanders says. “You following me?”

    Quote: “You don’t have to love your body every single day. That’s unrealistic to expect, but I’ll be here loving it for the days you can’t.”

    Goodreads synopsis: EVAN ZANDERS: The Chicago Raptors hockey squad isn’t complete without me – everyone’s favorite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. I thoroughly enjoy spending most of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night.  I don’t like the latest flight attendant on our team’s private plane. She works for me, not the other way around. But I’ll be sure to remind her of that, and I can guarantee that by the end of the season, she’ll be begging to quit her job.  But every road trip blurs the lines, and I can’t quite figure out if I keep pushing that flight attendant call button to push her buttons, or if it’s more than that.

    STEVIE SHAY: I’ve been a flight attendant for years.  She has a twin brother named Ryan (he will be the MMC in book two).  Ryan is a professional basketball player in Chicago.  Stevie lives with her brother in his penthouse.   I thought I’d seen it all, but when my new job lands me onboard working for the most egotistical and self-righteous diva in the NHL, I start to second-guess everything. Including my promise never to hook up with an athlete again, no matter how annoyingly tempting he may be.  Evan Zanders is unfiltered, unapologetic, and too attractive for his good. He loves his image, but I hate everything about it.  Everything but him.

    My view: This is book one in a five-book series (Windy City).  I know some people have differing opinions on book one.  I love this book because Stevie (Vee) is like me.  Not tiny, small, and not all too confident.  Outwardly she exudes confidence but internally she is very self-conscious of her body due to an ex-boyfriend and her mom and her shitty so-called friends.  Stevie’s relationship with Zanders helps her to embrace her true self and to reclaim her voice. With Zanders, Stevie doesn’t feel insecure or unworthy, as Zanders values Stevie for her gentle heart and her fierce spirit. His belief in her and his investment in her life helped her to believe in herself again. Stevie also proves capable of change even when Zanders isn’t around. 

    Zander (Zee) to the outside world is the bad boy on the ice.  But his best friends (Eli and Logan Maddison) know better.  Their daughter, Ella, thinks Zanders walks on water, and she is 6 years old.  Eli and Zander co-founded “Active Minds of Chicago: but people only see that to Eli. While Stevie deals with her trauma, so does Zander.  His mom abandoned him, his Dad, and his sister to go off and marry a rich guy. This forced Zander’s dad to work a lot to pay for everything, including Zander’s hockey. This left Zander home alone a lot, which caused a rift between him and his Dad.  Zander’s relationship with Stevie gradually teaches him that he is worthy of love and capable of embracing his true self. Stevie sees, understands, and respects Zanders for the first time. Stevie isn’t interested in Zanders’s money or professional success; instead, she devotes herself to Zanders because she sees his heart.

    I was invested in their love story, and I felt the characters had instant chemistry. I love how they helped each other with their emotional and personal baggage, both knowingly and unknowingly. I am looking forward to completing the series.

     Book Started: 13 May 2025 / Book Completed: 21 May 2025

    Rating: 4.0 Stars / Total Listening Time: 13 Hours: 39 Minutes

    Total Pages Read: 473 pages / Format: Libby (own the physical book)

    The Deal by Elle Kennedy

    Quote: “Just out of curiosity,” she says, “after you wake up in the morning, do you admire yourself in the mirror for one hour or two?”

    “Two,” I reply cheerfully.

    “Do you high-five yourself?”

    “Of course not,” I smirk. “I kiss each of my biceps and then point to the ceiling and thank the big man upstairs for creating such a perfect male specimen.”

    Goodreads synopsis: (Trigger Warnings) She’s about to make a deal with the college bad boy… Hannah Wells has finally found someone who turns her on. But while she might be confident in every other area of her life, she’s carrying around a complete set of baggage when it comes to sex and seduction. If she wants to get her crush’s attention, she’ll have to step out of her comfort zone and make him take notice…even if it means tutoring the annoying, childish, cocky captain of the hockey team in exchange for a pretend date. …and it’s going to be oh so good!

    All Garrett Graham has ever wanted is to play professional hockey after graduation, but his plummeting GPA threatens everything he’s worked so hard for. If helping a sarcastic brunette make another guy jealous will help him secure his position on the team, he’s all for it. But when one unexpected kiss leads to the wildest sex of both their lives, it doesn’t take long for Garrett to realize that pretending isn’t going to cut it. Now he just must convince Hannah that the man she wants looks a lot like him.

    A college sports hockey romance where Hannah Wells tutors hockey player Garrett Graham in exchange for a fake date. Their relationship evolves into something real, with humor, emotional depth, and sizzling chemistry. The book is widely loved for its engaging characters and intense romance. A modern classic in college romance! Garrett Graham is the charismatic hockey player who needs tutoring, and Hannah Wells is the no-nonsense student helping him. Their fake dating trope quickly turns into real feelings, featuring humorous interactions and genuine emotional depth.

    My view: I was reading this book at the same time I was listening to “Onyx Storm”. I laughed quite a few times reading their story. I also loved how, even though they were both broken, they could help each other heal. This book reminded me a little of “Mile High.” There are several trigger warnings for this book, so look it up before reading. This is book one in a five-book series. The Off-Campus series by Elle Kennedy is a popular new adult romance series that follows the romantic and personal lives of a group of college students at Briar University. The series primarily focuses on male members of a fictional hockey team at the university as they develop romances with female love interests. Each installment alternates between the first-person perspectives of the male and female love interests. Known for its humor, emotional depth, and steamy romance, the series features four standalone stories with interconnected characters and a final novel with a plot that encompasses all four couples.  This book features some hockey but not much. It skips ahead at the end, so I felt rushed, especially since this series has five books. The last book, Legacy, covers all four couples. I own the entire series, so I will continue it. You must read the books in order since items from this book will appear in the other couple’s story.

    Book Started: 15 May 2025 / Book Completed: 31 May 2025

    Rating: 4.0 Stars / Total Listening Time: N/A

    Total Pages Read: 360 pages / Format: Read the physical book I own

    Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

    Quote: “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.”

    Goodreads synopsis: (Trigger Warnings) The third installment in The Empyrean series follows Violet Sorrengail as she navigates war, alliances, and secrets. This book expands the world significantly, offering adventure, political intrigue, and deep character development. Many readers consider it the best in the series so far.  After nearly eighteen months at Basgiath War College, Violet Sorrengail knows there’s no more time for lessons. No more time for uncertainty. Because the battle has truly begun, and with enemies closing in from outside their walls and within their ranks, it’s impossible to know who to trust.  Now, Violet must journey beyond the failing Aretian wards to seek allies from unfamiliar lands to stand with Navarre. The trip will test every bit of her wit, luck, and strength, but she will do anything to save what she loves—her dragons, her family, her home, and him.  It could destroy everything, even if it means keeping a secret so big. They need an army. They need power. They need magic. And they need the one thing only Violet can find—the truth. But a storm is coming…and not everyone can survive its wrath.

    My view: Damn…. I cried. I screamed…and now I am pissed.  That ending was INSANE and now I must wait…it’s SO unfair.  The best series so far.  It’s up there with The Ember in the Ashes series and ACOTAR.  As the third book in The Empyrean series, it takes readers deeper into war-torn alliances, political intrigue, and the evolving magic system. Violet Sorrengail faces new dangers, unexpected betrayals, and heartbreaking twists that thrillingly expand the world. Fans of epic fantasy and strong-willed heroes will find this installment riveting. The third installment in the Empyrean series continues Violet Sorrengail’s journey as she navigates alliances and battles against the venin threat.  It’s like Hunger Games meets Game of Thrones (plus sex but not too much sex),” highlighting its blend of fantasy and romance. Yes, there will be a book four and I am so pissed that I have to wait over a year for the conclusion to Xaden, Violet, Imogen, Aaric, Brennan, etc…  This book was emotional for me and the writing had me fully engaged.  Rebecca Yarros’ writing is intense.  Because of it, I had to start my June TBR with a romance palate cleanser.  After completing the story, I had to sit in it for a few hours before making my June TBR reading list.  This is a top series for me, and I highly recommend it.  This is why Onyx Storm was my best read of the month of May.

     Book Started: 21 May 2025 / Book Completed: 31 May 2025

    Rating: 5.0 Stars / Total Listening Time: 23 Hours: 52 Minutes

    Total Pages Read: 527 pages / Format: Libby (own the physical book)

  • May TBR Read “Mile High”

    By Liz Tomforde

    Title: Mile High

    Author: Liz Tomforde
    Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
    Series: Windy City (#1) – series must be read in order
    Publication Date: 2022
    Themes: Forbidden romance, hockey, class differences, trauma healing, emotional vulnerability, slow burn, found family.

    Book started: 13 May 25 / Book Completed: 21 May 25

    Total book pages: 473 / Listening time: 13 Hours: 39 minutes

    Format: Libby (listened and read along), own the book

    Liz Tomforde’s Mile High is a contemporary romance novel self-published in 2022 and is the first installment in the Windy City series. Occupying the sports romance subgenre, the novel traces the developing romance between the professional hockey “bad boy” Evan Zanders and the down-to-earth flight attendant Stevie Shay. The more time the unlikely pair is forced to spend with one another on the Chicago Raptors’ private jet, the more their complex dynamic unveils revelations about:

    • The Lingering Impact of Trauma
    • The Tension Between Public and Private Personas
    • The Transformative Power of Love

    Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide include descriptions of personal trauma and emotional abuse.

    Plot Summary

    The story unfolds as the Chicago Raptors, the premier hockey team in the city, begin their season. Teammates and best friends Evan Zanders and Eli Maddison (Maddison) board the team’s private jet for their first away games. Eli, who is married to Logan Maddison and is a devoted family man, struggles with being away from home. In contrast, Zanders is known in the hockey world as a troublemaker who relishes the freedom and glamour of away games, particularly because he enjoys engaging with a string of beautiful women during his travels.

    On board, the Raptors meet their new flight attendant crew, including the feisty and unyielding Stevie Shay. From their very first encounter, Zanders’s flirtatious advances are met with Stevie’s firm disinterest—she is not interested in another cocky athlete. However, as their paths continue to cross, including unexpected meetings outside of work (such as in their Chicago neighborhoods and community engagements like the dog shelter where Stevie volunteers), both characters gradually reveal deeper layers of themselves.

    Stevie’s backstory is enriched by her personal connections: she lives with her twin brother, professional basketball player Ryan Shay, and carries the scars of a past relationship with his best friend, Brett, from which she vowed never to date men like him again. As circumstances bring her closer to Zanders, she sees glimpses of his true nature. Behind his bad-boy facade lies a man shaped by a traumatic past—growing up in Indiana, a mother who left for a wealthier life, a father absorbed in his work, and a lifelong struggle with self-acceptance and emotional vulnerability.

    After a charged night together, what was expected to be a physical release becomes the catalyst that deepens their connection. Their subsequent secret meetings, necessitated by concerns over job security and Zanders’s public persona, are fraught with complications. When paparazzi expose their relationship, Zanders, fearful of jeopardizing his reputation and Stevie’s career prospects, breaks things off. This heartbreak leads Stevie to quit her job and plan a move to Seattle. Meanwhile, Zanders’s inner circle rallies behind him, urging him to abandon his rigid professional image and fight to win Stevie back.  The narrative reaches its turning point. Sorry, no spoilers here.  Read the book.  It’s worth discovering how Zee and Vee’s story ends or begins.

    Main Characters:

    Evan Zanders:
    Introduced initially as the typical bad boy athlete, Zanders is far more complex than his public persona suggests. His internal struggles—stemming from a traumatic childhood, abandonment by his mother, and a life shadowed by the pressures of professional sports—make his character arc deeply compelling. His journey in therapy and his persistent battle with self-acceptance add layers of nuance, inviting readers to look beyond his façade.

    Stevie Shay:
    Stevie is authentic. She is a strong and fiercely independent woman, portrayed as witty and resilient. Her personal history, including the fallout from a previous relationship and her ongoing battle against societal expectations regarding body image, is handled with both honesty and respect. Despite her resistance, her gradual thawing towards Zanders exemplifies a transformative journey from guarded self-reliance to vulnerability and openness.

    Main Themes:

    The Lingering Impact of Trauma:
    Both protagonists are shown grappling with personal demons—Zanders with his tumultuous past and steep learning curve in self-love, and Stevie with the echoes of emotional abuse. Their traumas are central to their character development and the evolution of their relationship.

    The Tension Between Public and Private Personas:
    A recurring theme in Zander’s story is his struggle to balance his public image as a “bad boy” athlete with his authentic, softer self. His internal conflict represents the broader tension between celebrity culture and personal authenticity, a subject that resonates deeply in today’s image-conscious society.

    The Transformative Power of Love:
    The evolution of Zander and Stevie’s relationship—from friction and resistance to heartfelt connection—illustrates love’s capacity to heal, transform, and redeem. Their journey underscores the idea that facing one’s vulnerabilities can ultimately lead to personal growth and mutual understanding.

    Banter and Chemistry

    The interactions between Zanders and Stevie are characterized by sharp, witty banter. Their dialogues evolve from caustic retorts to heartfelt exchanges, mirroring the deepening of their relationship. This transition adds a layer of authenticity and emotional weight to their romance.  One of the hallmark features of Mile High is its slow-burn narrative. While some readers might find the pacing deliberate, allowing for a gradual build-up of tension and emotional insight, others will appreciate the detailed character exploration that unfolds throughout the novel.

    Found Family and Secondary Cast:
    Beyond the central romance, including well-crafted side characters, such as teammates and friends, helps construct a rich community that underscores themes of loyalty and belonging. With its vibrant sports culture and community settings like the dog shelter, Chicago’s backdrop enriches the narrative environment.

    Interconnected Lives:
    The narrative cleverly weaves characters’ lives (such as Stevie’s living arrangements with her brother Ryan and the proximity between neighbors) to create a sense of community where personal and professional lives intersect. This intersection adds realistic complexity and reinforces that a strong, caring community often supports personal healing.

    Steam Level and Emotional Intensity

    Mile High contains a high level of steam, characterized by an intense physical and emotional build-up. The intimacy between Zanders and Stevie is sensuous and integral to their character development, serving as titillation and a pivotal element in their journey toward healing and connection. The emphasis on mutual consent and emotional depth during intimate moments enhances their relationship’s believability and relatability.

    Final Thoughts and Rating

    Mile High is a multifaceted sports romance.  It’s a story of black love.  It’s a story of how men out there see past typical body images.  Stevie was not a size zero.  She was an everyday woman.  Whoever, like me, lives in a world that constantly reminds you that you will never fit in if you are not small and perky.  I love how Zander saw Stevie as a real woman.  Liz’s words were spoken through Zander about how he reveled in Stevie’s body and treasured it.  Stevie dealt with the same issues of being body shamed and not feeling comfortable in your skin.  His love opened her door of confidence and radiated through her persona.  I was invested in this story.  Longing for my bit of love.  Stevie also helped Zander by showing up and loving the real him.  The one who is mom abandoned her family for greener pastures by walking out on her family.  There is a line in a song by Kelly Clarkson, “Piece by Piece.”

    And all of your words fall flat
    I made something of myself, and now you wanna come back.
    But your love, it isn’t free, it has to be earned.
    Back then, I didn’t have anything you needed, so I was worthless

    But piece by piece, he collected me
    Up off the ground where you abandoned things
    Piece by piece, he filled the holes
    That you burned in me at six years old
    And you know, he never walks away
    He never asks for money
    He takes care of me
    ‘Cause he loves me

    Just because someone provided a sperm or egg does not make a parent.  It took Zander a long time to get up the courage to let his mom entirely “go”.  Sometime getting rid of that weighted pain allows sun and love to enter truly.  Looking at Stevie’s relationship with her mom and how generational hurt continues until you stand too close to that door.  Also, having strong men in your life who stand with you and support you.  When someone truly loves you, it gives you that strength and power to stand up for yourself and just accept anything but accept and accept what you truly deserve.  It’s knowing your worth and not the worth others see in you.  Please read this book.  There is some serious spiciness, but it does not overshadow the love story.

    Final Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 (4.5/5)

    Highly recommended for readers who seek:

    • A richly layered, slow-burning romance
    • In-depth character exploration and emotional vulnerability
    • Themes of trauma, healing, and transformation
    • Dynamic and authentic dialogue with a dash of wit
    • A fresh perspective within the sports romance subgenre

  • Filthy Rich Fae

    Version 1.0.0

    Title: Filthy Rich Fae, Book 1

    Author: Geneva Lee

    Book Started: 02 May 2025

    Book Completed: 12 May 2025

    Total Pages: 353 pages

    Total Time: 14 hours: 27 minutes

    Star rating: 4 stars

    Format: Libby (own the book)

    If you’re a romance lover with a taste for some serious spice, The Filthy Rich Fae by Geneva Lee is the escape you’ve been waiting for. Known for her steamy, emotionally intense love stories, Geneva Lee turns her signature brand of romantic tension and power play up to eleven in this fantasy-rich, fae-fueled world of scandal and seduction.  This book isn’t just romance with some serious Fae magic; it’s full of fantasy, love affairs, and passion that collides into danger, and secrets lurk behind every perfectly carved jawline.

    Premise and Worldbuilding

    The Filthy Rich Fae introduces readers to an underworld of power, seduction, and deadly secrets in a contemporary world where the Fae elite coexist alongside unsuspecting humans. The central conceit is as decadent as it sounds: immortal fae nobles with unimaginable wealth and influence, who play by their own rules and live far removed from the moral standards of humans.  Towards the end, I thought about the first book in the ACOTAR series.

    Lee does an admirable job of setting up a dual world that mirrors our own with recognizable glamor and wealth, but with a twist of ancient magic and courtly intrigue. The power structures among the fae are deeply hierarchical and politically charged, creating tension between characters and within the broader realm they inhabit. Fans of Sarah J. Maas and Holly Black will recognize some of the tropes—ruthless fae males, mortal-fae tension, dangerous bargains—but Lee infuses her signature style, focusing more on sensuality and emotional manipulation than epic battles or traditional fantasy heroism.

    Characters

    The MMC: Fantasy Meets Billionaire Romance

    Imagine an addictive drama of a billionaire romance—power imbalances, luxury, forbidden attraction—only now add fae magic, ancient court politics, and a love interest who could destroy kingdoms with a whisper.  The story centers on a strong, whip-smart human woman who gets pulled into Fae nobility’s exclusive and ruthless world. From the moment she meets the enigmatic male lead, sparks fly—and not the gentle kind. We’re talking full-on enemies-to-lovers tension that smolders and explodes with every line of dialogue and heated stares across a ballroom full of deadly supernatural beings.

    The MFC: A Fighter You Can Root For

    You will love the FMC because she’s not a pushover. She’s not wide-eyed or naïve—she knows when she’s being manipulated and pushes back. She is sharp, her walls are high for a good reason (please check the trigger warning for this book), and her vulnerability is earned, not given away for free.  She never loses her voice even when she’s clearly outmatched in a world filled with ancient beings and brutal fae rules. That determination to hold her own makes every romantic interaction even more satisfying, especially when it drives the love interest crazy.

    Themes and Tone

    This series is going to be a very dark romance. Themes of control, temptation, power imbalance, and obsession are explored unapologetically. Consent, while present, is often complicated by fae magic and intoxicating lust—a deliberate move by the author to blur the lines and heighten the stakes.  There’s a strong erotic undercurrent throughout the book, and sex scenes—when they come—are vividly described, emotionally fraught, and undeniably steamy.

    Tropes Romance Readers Will Love:

    • ✨ Enemies to lovers
    • ✨ Forced proximity
    • ✨ Powerful, emotionally unavailable hero
    • ✨ Forbidden romance
    • ✨ Touch her and die
    • ✨ Slow burn with explosive chemistry
    • ✨ “You’re mine” energy without instant forgiveness

    If you loved A Court of Thorns and Roses, King of Battle and Blood, or even the Twisted series but wanted more heat and less fluff, this book hits the sweet spot.

    Pacing and Plot

    The pacing is quick and addictive. It ends with a serious cliffhanger, which I will have to wait till 25 May 2025 for book 2.  While some fantasy purists may wish for more in-depth worldbuilding, fans of dark romance and paranormal intrigue will be more than satisfied with the balance struck.  It gives a dark DC comic world.  The romantic tension and court politics primarily drive the plot itself. There’s enough mystery to keep readers guessing, especially regarding the hero’s past and the heroine’s true origins, but the narrative focus is always rooted in emotional stakes.

    My Final Thoughts

    The Filthy Rich Fae is a guilty pleasure, just like The Filthy Rich Vampire series. It’s sexy, addictive, and wonderfully over-the-top. Geneva Lee doesn’t pretend this is a subtle book—she leans into every trope and dares her characters fall hard, hurt often, and love dangerously.  I recommend this series.  It’s not high fantasy and not trying to be—it’s glam-fantasy romance at its finest, meant to entertain, enthrall, and enflame.  I already have book 2 in the “HOLD” pool of Libby for when it is released.  Of course, there is a wait…ugh!!!

    Rating: 4.0/5
    Steamy, sharp, and unapologetically indulgent—The Filthy Rich Fae is a fantasy romance you won’t want to put down.

  • April TBR Reading Rap-Up

    This was a huge reading month for me. Below are the books I read that challenged and inspired me.

    1. A Sky Beyond the Storm by Sabaa Tahir

      In A Sky Beyond the Storm, Sabaa Tahir brings her An Ember in the Ashes series to an emotional and gut-wrenching conclusion. Picking up just months after A Reaper at the Gates, the fourth and final installment throws Laia, Elias, and Helene into a storm of escalating violence, supernatural threats, and soul-shattering choices.  The long-imprisoned Jinn, led by the Nightbringer, wreaks havoc across the empire, and as Commandant Keris Veturia crowns herself Empress, the stakes for the Blood Shrike (Helene) and her family reach deadly heights. Laia, still grieving personal losses, becomes a fierce force against the Nightbringer, awakening ancient powers and risking everything. Meanwhile, Elias, now the Soul Catcher, wrestles with his fading humanity as he’s drawn back into a battle he swore to leave behind.

      Tahir’s world-building remains dark, and the emotional stakes soar as the characters face betrayal and a lot of sacrifice. Laia’s resilience, Helene’s unyielding loyalty, and Elias’s heartbreaking journey toward (and away from) love make for deeply compelling arcs. The way Tahir writes her action sequences is intense, the twists are brutal, and the moments of tenderness are few but devastatingly impactful.  As I listened to the book, the voice actors put all their emotions into their voices.  I was hooked throughout the whole story…heck, through the entire series.  Tahir’s prose captures the brutal cost of war and the fragile hope that keeps people fighting.

      Final Verdict:
      A Sky Beyond the Storm is a bittersweet, action-packed finale that delivers both heartbreak and catharsis. I was truly sad when this series came to an end.  I went through all the different emotions, and when the last word was spoken, I was sad.  This quote was loudest for me: “The world had ended, but it hadn’t ended for me.”  That is how I feel about this entire series.

      Started: 25 April 2025

      Completed: 30 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 516

      Total Listening Time: 17 Hours:09 Minutes

      Format: Libby (own the series)

      Rating: 5 stars

      2. The Spy in 3B by Nana Malone – Book 1

      In The Spy in 3B, Nana Malone combines sexy romance and espionage in a story that’s as full of tension as it is of heat.  Lyra, an undercover operative pretending to be a marketing consultant, is on the hunt for a dangerous double agent. But she’s not the only one — Marcus, a spy posing as a videogame designer, is also closing in on the same target. Neither knows the other’s true identity, but when their paths collide, the sparks fly. What begins as a game of cat and mouse soon turns into a tangled web of chemistry, secrets, and high-stakes deception.  The attraction between Lyra and Marcus is undeniable, but Lyra’s deep-rooted trust issues and Marcus’s internal struggle between duty and desire are evident. Both characters are strong, flawed, and human, raising the stakes as the mission heats up and their walls crack.  Each falling for each other, but hiding who they are from one another, they did not realize it till later.  While it can technically stand alone, readers will get the most out of it if they’ve followed the series from the start, as there are character dynamics and plot threads that build on previous installments.

      Final Verdict:
      This book contains espionage, sharp banter, sizzling chemistry, and pulse-pounding twists. The Spy in 3B is a fun, sexy, high-stakes romance perfect for readers who love their love stories with a side of danger. Malone continues to deliver romantic suspense with characters you can’t help but root for.  This and book two were a palate cleanser for me.  Many of the books I read this month were pretty heavy and long.  I wanted to add some mindless, easy, ready, no world-building books. 

      Started: 01 April 2025

      Completed: 13 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 200

      Total Listening Time:

      Format: Kobo (own the eBook series) Rating: 3.5 stars

      3. The Assassin in 5F by Nana Malone – Book 2

      The Assassin in 5F picks up where The Spy in 3B leaves off.  Lyra has never been known for her impulse control, but shooting her boyfriend is an all-time low. Marcus isn’t the type of agent to disobey orders, but he can’t seem to keep his eyes–or hands off Lyra.  Lyra learns that there is more to her life and her parents, which throws her for a loop, including the possibility of a double agent within her Firm.  Danger is closing in from all sides, forcing them to team up to solve their mutual problem… but the enemy is already closer than either of them knows.

      Malone’s signature style is in full force: fast pacing, sharp dialogue, and a romance that simmers with tension and vulnerability. What makes this book shine is the emotional depth layered beneath the action.  For readers familiar with Malone’s Spies series, The Assassin in 5F offers satisfying connections and expansions, but it’s also an engaging entry point for newcomers. The mix of romantic suspense, steamy encounters, and high stakes plotting makes this a page-turner from start to finish.

      Final Verdict:
      The Assassin in 5F blends romance and espionage, with a heroine you’ll cheer for and a brooding spy hero you won’t resist. Malone knows how to keep the heat and tension rising, making this a must-read for fans of romantic suspense.  I will say that I did enjoy reading this book.  The only issue I had was how quickly it abruptly ended or wrapped up.  I sorta felt cheated.  I do feel like some of these palette cleansers are meant to be wrapped up in under 300 pages.

      Started: 20 April 2025

      Completed: 30 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 208

      Total Listening Time: N/A

      Format: Kobo (own the eBook series)

      Rating: 3.5 stars

      4. Love Surfaced by Michelle Lynn – Book 1

      Piper Ashby + Brad Ashby = Twin Siblings
      Brad Ashby + Tanner McCain = Best Friends
      Piper Ashby + Tanner McCain = Off limits

      Love Surfaced is a three-book series.  Book 1 dives into the emotional depths of love, friendship, betrayal, and second chances, all set against the backdrop of competitive swimming. Piper Ashby and Tanner McCain have known each other since childhood.  They are bound by their connection to Piper’s twin brother, Brad, and by an unspoken rule that kept their attraction off-limits. But once that invisible boundary was crossed, everything changed.  Piper and Tanner abided by their brother Brad’s rules well until college.  There was an incident that happened at the end of Tanner’s senior college year that pushed him and Piper apart.

      It had been two years since Piper and Tanner had seen each other.  Brad’s wedding brings them face-to-face, bringing immediate tension, undeniable chemistry, and emotional wounds. Lynn portrays the layered feelings of betrayal, regret, and longing that make Piper and Tanner’s reunion so compelling.

      The competitive swimming element adds authenticity and stakes to their world, capturing both elite athletes’ physical intensity and emotional pressures. However, some readers may feel that the pacing occasionally wavers, lingering too long on specific internal conflicts while leaving some secondary characters underdeveloped. Still, Piper and Tanner’s push-pull dynamic keeps the story moving, and their journey toward forgiveness and healing feels genuine.

      Final Verdict:
      In Love Surfaced, Piper and Tanner’s emotional journey is about overcoming past hurts and believing in love again. Fans of emotional, character-driven stories with an athletic twist will find plenty to enjoy here.  Love Surfaced offers a blend of heartfelt romance, redemption, and the painful yet necessary healing of old wounds. Their arcs are a testament to the importance of second chances and the complexity of love in the face of betrayal. This book will resonate with sports romance fans looking for something more intimate and personal.

      Started: 20 April 2025

      Completed: 27 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 292

      Total Listening Time: N/A

      Format: Apple Books (own the eBook) Rating: 3.5 stars

      5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts – Book 1

      Content Warning: The source text and this guide refer to physical and psychological abuse, graphic violence, murder, genocide, discrimination, and panic attacks.

      Powerless by Lauren Roberts is a dystopian world where power is everything, and the helpless are nothing. Set in the kingdom of Ilya, the story centers around Paedyn Gray, an “Ordinary” forced to blend in with the “Elites,” a class of individuals gifted with powers bestowed upon them by a deadly plague. Paedyn, however, is just like the millions of other ordinary citizens with no abilities — a crime in a society that prizes exceptionalism above all.

      The plot begins with a twist of fate as Paedyn saves one of Ilya’s princes (Malakai “Kai” Azer, the Enforcer), and, as a result, is thrown into the dangerous Purging Trials — a brutal competition designed to showcase the powers of the Elites. Here, Paedyn’s survival depends on keeping her secret: she’s powerless in a world where power means everything. Kai, one of the princes of a kingdom where people without supernatural powers are hunted and killed, and Paedyn, a young woman without powers who hides her secret by pretending to be psychic. Despite their opposite upbringings, the two protagonists develop a relationship that challenges their worldviews.

      The political landscape of Ilya is well-developed, highlighting the stark divide between the Elites and the Ordinaries, a divide that fuels both personal and societal conflict. Paedyn is a gritty, resourceful protagonist, and her struggle to survive in a world stacked against her will resonate with fans of dystopian fiction. Her courage, wit, and vulnerability make her a complex, relatable character as she navigates the deadly Trials and her growing feelings for the prince, all while facing the constant threat of exposure.

      While Paedyn is a strong heroine, the romance between her and the prince, while steamy and emotionally charged, does fall into some familiar tropes. The forbidden love angle, with the prince unaware of Paedyn’s true identity, is a compelling aspect of the plot, but might feel a bit predictable to those familiar with similar dystopian romances like The Hunger Games.

      The Trials are well-executed, full of tension and high-risk action, but the plot can sometimes lean too heavily into genre clichés. The divide between the oppressed “Ordinaries” and the privileged “Elites” is familiar, as is the idea of a young woman rising to challenge an unjust system.  While reading this book, I often thought of Hunger Games and the Divergent series.  Besides all of that, I still enjoyed listening to the book.  The voice actor who voices Kai was incredible and intense, and had me in every moment.

      Final Verdict:
      Powerless delivers a gritty, action-packed dystopian adventure with a morally complex romance and a strong-willed heroine. While the plot borrows elements from other dystopian favorites, it’s an engaging and emotional ride, especially for readers who enjoy forbidden love and political intrigue.

      Started: 19 April 2025

      Completed: 25 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 497

      Total Listening Time: 17 Hours:56 minutes

      Format: Libby (own the series) Rating: 4.0 stars

      6. Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez – Book 2

      Yours Truly is a heartwarming romance that best blends humor, vulnerability, and emotional healing. Abby Jimenez crafts a slow-burn love story between two flawed but lovable doctors — Briana Ortiz and Jacob Maddox — who start as workplace rivals and evolve into something much deeper through a series of funny, tender, and quietly powerful moments.

      Briana’s life is in crisis: her marriage is ending, her brother desperately needs a kidney donor, and her shot at a long-awaited promotion seems threatened by the arrival of the awkward, seemingly standoffish Jacob. But just when she’s ready to write him off, Jacob surprises her with a heartfelt letter that sparks an unexpected connection. What follows is a charming exchange of notes, stolen lunch breaks in the hospital “sob closet,” and quirky conversations that include tiny horses.

      How Jacob handled the portrayal he suffered and how he overcame his anxiety and fear to let Briana in fully, but also to be there fully for Briana, she walked her emotional journey.

      Many quotes in this book had me in my feelings, head, and heart…

      “Sometimes the best things in life come when you stop expecting them and start letting them in.”

      “When I’m with you, the world quiets down — like you’re the one place I can finally breathe.”

      “We’re all a little broken, Briana. We are a mosaic. We’re made up of all those we’ve met and all the things we’ve been through. There are parts of us that are colorful and dark and jagged and beautiful. And I love every piece of you. Even the ones you wish didn’t exist.”

      “Love me. Just love me instead. I’d take care of you. I’d protect you and shield you and be anything you needed. I’d be harmless to you…”

      “I agree to be harmless to you.”

      Final Thoughts:

      I really enjoyed (and cried) listening to Yours Truly.  This book leaned more toward emotional and introspective.  Both deliver Jimenez’s signature blend of heart, humor, and romance, making them standout reads in contemporary romance.  Yours Truly is a funny, touching, and beautifully crafted romance about second chances, kindness, and finding love when you least expect it. Jimenez’s writing shines with wit and heart, and her characters feel so real you’ll root for them every step of the way. This is a must-read for fans of contemporary romance that mixes humor with emotional depth.

      Started: 16 April 2025

      Completed: 17 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 387

      Total Listening Time: 11 Hours:23 minutes

      Format: Libby (own the series) Rating: 4.5 stars

      7. The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

      The Woman in Me is a raw, courageous, and profoundly emotional memoir that lays bare the highs and devastating lows of Britney Spears’s life in the spotlight. From her meteoric rise as a teen pop sensation to her painful legal battles and eventual fight for freedom, Spears delivers her story with striking honesty and vulnerability.

      The memoir traces Spears’s early years, shaped by ambition and talent, but also by family pressures and an entertainment industry quick to exploit. As she becomes a global superstar, Spears faces intense public scrutiny, particularly around her image, relationships, and motherhood, all while privately struggling with mental health and the suffocating control of her now-infamous conservatorship.

      Spears’s writing voice is unfiltered and sometimes uneven, but that’s part of what gives the memoir its power: it feels like she is speaking directly, and finally, for herself. Her recounting of the conservatorship, which she describes as a loss of personal freedom and dignity, is both heartbreaking and enraging. Yet, alongside the pain, Spears’s resilience shines through. There are moments of humor, love, and fierce determination, particularly when she reflects on motherhood, music, and her hard-won journey back to personal agency.

      Final Verdict:
      The Woman in Me is more than a celebrity memoir: a reclamation of voice and identity. Spears’s account of fame, family betrayal, survival, and healing offers readers a searing look behind the pop-culture headlines and into the heart of a woman who has endured extraordinary challenges. Fans will find it essential, but even those only casually familiar with her story will be moved by its emotional honesty and cultural significance.

      Started: 12 April 2025

      Completed: 15 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 288

      Total Listening Time: 5 Hours:32 Minutes

      Format: Libby (do not own the book – borrowed) Rating: 5 stars

      8. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Book 1

      Shadow and Bone marks the atmospheric beginning of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse, pulling readers into a darkly enchanting world of magic, war, and dangerous ambition. Set in the divided land of Ravka, where the monstrous Shadow Fold cuts the nation in two, the novel follows Alina Starkov, a seemingly unremarkable mapmaker who discovers an extraordinary hidden power — one that might be the key to saving her homeland.

      When Alina’s latent magic emerges during a deadly attack, she’s swept into the glittering and treacherous world of the Grisha, the kingdom’s magical elite led by the powerful and enigmatic Darkling. Suddenly, Alina goes from a nameless orphan to the most crucial figure in Ravka’s political and military struggles — but power comes with a price, and nothing in the Grisha’s world is as simple as it seems.

      Bardugo’s strength lies in her lush world-building. Ravka feels fully realized, shaped by Eastern European influences, layered with political tension, war-torn borders, and a sharp divide between the magical and non-magical classes. The Shadow Fold is a haunting and original creation, a landscape of creeping darkness and nightmare creatures.

      Alina is a classic reluctant heroine, grappling with self-doubt, loneliness, and the burden of sudden responsibility. Her journey of self-discovery is compelling, though some readers may find the romantic dynamics, particularly the love triangle involving Alina, her childhood friend Mal, and the magnetic Darkling, underdeveloped in this first installment. The Darkling is one of the book’s standout characters: a charismatic, morally complex villain who adds tension and intrigue to every scene.

      Final Verdict:
      Shadow and Bone is a strong, engaging start to the Grishaverse series, offering atmospheric fantasy, political intrigue, and a coming-of-age journey centered on power and identity. While the pacing and romance may feel uneven at times, Bardugo’s immersive world and memorable characters make it easy to see why this series has become a fan favorite. Readers looking for a fantasy adventure with dark twists and rich magic will find plenty to enjoy here — and the later books only deepen and expand the stakes.

      Started: 01 April 2025

      Completed: 14 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 358

      Total Listening Time: 9 Hours: 21 Minutes

      Format: Kobo (own the eBook series) Rating: 3.5 stars

      9. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy

      Jennette McCurdy’s I’m Glad My Mom Died is not your typical celebrity memoir — it’s a raw, sharp, and emotionally charged account of a former child star’s journey through trauma, fame, and ultimately, self-liberation.

      McCurdy takes readers behind the scenes of her early life, beginning with her mother’s obsession with making Jennette a star. From as young as six, Jennette was pushed into acting, enduring invasive “makeovers,” extreme calorie restrictions, and suffocating control, including being showered by her mother into her teens. Her prose doesn’t shy away from the grim details, capturing her intense pressure and isolation, even as she rose to fame on Nickelodeon’s iCarly and later Sam & Cat.

      McCurdy’s striking balance of heartbreak and biting humor makes this memoir so powerful. She recounts moments of deep pain — eating disorders, addiction, anxiety, and toxic relationships — with a wry, darkly funny voice that pulls no punches. The memoir doesn’t glorify or sugarcoat; instead, it exposes the harsh realities of child stardom and the devastating impact of an overbearing, controlling parent.

      Perhaps most moving is the story’s second act, when Jennette’s mother dies of cancer. Rather than bringing peace, the loss forces Jennette to confront years of emotional damage and face the hard work of recovery. Through therapy and ultimately walking away from acting, she reclaims her identity, not as the girl her mother molded, but as the woman she chooses to become.

      Key Themes

      ✅ Mother-Daughter Trauma
      At the heart of the memoir is Jennette’s complicated, often toxic relationship with her mother. Her mom’s obsessive control over Jennette’s appearance, diet, career, and even personal thoughts leaves deep emotional scars. The memoir explores how love and abuse can tragically coexist — how Jennette, as a child, both craved her mother’s approval and felt crushed by her demands.

      ✅ The Cost of Child Stardom
      Jennette pulls back the curtain on what it’s like to grow up on camera. Beneath the glitter of iCarly and Sam & Cat lies a world of exhaustion, exploitation, and the constant fear of disappointing producers, fans, or her mother. The industry’s pressures magnify her personal struggles, showing the hidden cost of fame, especially for children.

      ✅ Eating Disorders and Addiction
      McCurdy writes candidly about the eating disorders she developed under her mother’s influence and how they spiraled into self-destruction after her mother’s death. These raw sections stand out for their honesty, tracing how pain and self-loathing often translate into harmful behaviors — and how recovery is neither easy nor linear.

      ✅ Humor as a Survival Mechanism
      Despite the heavy subject matter, Jennette’s voice is laced with dark humor. She uses wit and sharp observations to survive and retell her story, making even the bleakest moments readable. It’s a testament to resilience — that humor can be both a defense mechanism and a path toward healing.

      ✅ Identity and Autonomy
      The memoir ultimately becomes a story of reclaiming identity. Jennette’s journey away from acting and toward self-discovery is about learning to live for herself, not for others. Her title — provocative and blunt — is a powerful symbol of breaking free from years of control.

      💬 Powerful Quotes

      “I’m glad my mom died. It was a relief.”
      This stark opening sets the tone. It’s not said lightly — it’s the raw truth of someone who spent years trapped and finally feels free, though the freedom comes with guilt and grief.

      “Mom didn’t get better. She just got worse.”
      Jennette doesn’t romanticize her mother’s decline; instead, she shows how the abusive patterns only intensified, even under the shadow of illness.

      “I want my own life.”
      A pivotal realization: she no longer wants to perform — not on stage, not for TV, not for her family.

      “My entire identity — all I knew, all I was — revolved around Mom.”
      This underscores the heart of the memoir: losing her mother forces Jennette to confront how much she’s lost herself.

      Final Verdict:
      I’m Glad My Mom Died is a fearless and unflinchingly honest exploration of trauma, grief, and survival. It’s funny, heartbreaking, and deeply human. Whether or not you’re familiar with McCurdy’s work on screen, her memoir stands out as one of the most candid and compelling celebrity accounts in recent years — a story of breaking free and learning to live for oneself.

      Started: 10 April 2025

      Completed: 12 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 320

      Total Listening Time: 6 Hours: 26 Minutes

      Format: Audible (own the eBook) Rating: 5 stars

      10. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Book 1

      A Maiden…
      Poppy has been chosen from birth to fulfill a sacred, restrictive role as the Maiden — set apart from the world, unseen, untouched, and expected to uphold the kingdom’s future. But Poppy’s spirit is anything but submissive. Behind the veil of duty, she yearns for freedom, for experience, and a life of her choosing. Her longing to fight the evil that tore apart her family makes her question everything the gods and her people expect of her.

      A Duty…
      As Poppy approaches her Ascension, the weight of her kingdom’s hopes grows heavier. She struggles with the role forced upon her, torn between obligation and her desires. Enter Hawke, a golden-eyed guard whose presence ignites her fury and longing. He challenges her beliefs, tempts her to cross forbidden lines, and awakens desires she’s never allowed herself to feel. Their chemistry crackles on the page, making every interaction a deliciously slow-burning temptation.

      A Kingdom…
      Meanwhile, a fallen kingdom rises in the shadows, hungry to reclaim what it believes has been stolen. Poppy’s carefully controlled world starts to crumble as violence and vengeance sweep closer. Her heart, duty, and life hang in the balance as she faces betrayals, unravels dangerous truths, and discovers her own buried strength.

      Jennifer L. Armentrout crafts a steamy fantasy romance full of political intrigue, action, and sharp banter. The story leans into familiar genre elements — the fierce heroine, the forbidden love, the looming war — but Armentrout’s addictive writing makes the pages fly. While some readers might find the pacing uneven in spots, the plot twists and betrayals keep the tension high. Poppy is a heroine you root for, and Hawke’s magnetic presence ensures their romance is unforgettable.

      Final Verdict:
      If you’re a fan of slow-burn fantasy romance with sizzling chemistry, court intrigue, and a heroine pushing against the chains of her fate, From Blood and Ash will pull you in and keep you hooked.

      Started: 5 April 2025

      Completed: 9 April 2025

      Total Pages Read: 622

      Total Listening Time: 15 Hours: 28 Minutes

      Format: Libby (own the series)

      Rating: 4 stars

      The Chosen Book of May…..

      It was such a good but and I was so sad to end this series. I think that is why I took so long to read the last book.

    1. Book Review: The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

      Red Queen Book Cover.

      I just completed The Red Queen, written by Victoria Aveyard.  I listened to this book on Libby, and I own the book as well.  The listening time was 10 hours and 56 minutes.  I read along with the book, and there are 388 pages. It took me a while to complete the book because I mostly listened to it at work.  I started the book on 10 March 2025 and completed it on 16 March 2025.  This is the first book in the Red Queen series.   The debut book plunges you into a richly imagined world of power, profound betrayal, and revolution. The book combines dystopian intrigue with fantasy elements, creating a fast-paced and emotionally gripping story.

      The protagonist, Mare Barrow, is a relatable and determined heroine whose journey is from a humble “Red” commoner (this is a two-caste system) to a key player in a dangerous royal (Silver) court. The plot is brimming with unexpected twists, political machinations, and a touch of romance, which keeps the pages turning.

      What truly sets The Red Queen apart is its unique world-building. The dichotomy between the “Reds,” ordinary people, and the “Silvers,” elite beings with extraordinary abilities, is vividly depicted. The writing is engaging; however, the pacing can sometimes feel slightly uneven, and some characters lack development. Listening to the story on Libby was sometimes a struggle because I thought it moved too slowly.  I know that in a series of books set in a dystopian world, the first book lays the foundation for others.  So, I continued knowing that this is sometimes an ordinary circumstance.

      Overall, The Red Queen is a thrilling start to a series that promises even more intrigue and excitement. It is a must-read for fans of dystopian and fantasy fiction!

      What can I compare this book to?

      The Red Queen compares to a few notable works:

      1. Similarities to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Both books explore class struggles, oppression, and rebellion, with a strong and resourceful female protagonist at the center. Like Katniss, Mare is thrust into a role she never asked for and must navigate a world of betrayal and political manipulation.
      2. Resonance with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (this is my next read for March.  Starting with Assassins Blade): Fans of Sarah J. Maas may enjoy court politics and power plays in The Red Queen. The focus on a heroine with hidden strength is also a shared theme, though Aveyard’s approach leans more toward societal commentary.
      3. Parallels to Red Queen‘s dystopian-fantasy blend: It mirrors books like Divergent by Veronica Roth and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which also blend genres and introduce protagonists discovering their unique abilities in tumultuous worlds.
      4. Unique Aspects: Aveyard’s world-building is a strong point—it creates a clear division between Reds and Silvers, an intriguing and visually striking societal structure. While some YA fantasies focus heavily on romantic subplots, The Red Queen balances romance with a sharper emphasis on political intrigue and social dynamics.

      The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard explores several compelling themes that resonate throughout the story:

      Survival and Sacrifice: Characters frequently face life-threatening situations and must weigh their survival against the greater good. This theme adds tension and emotional weight to their choices.

      Class Struggle and Inequality: A central theme is the stark division between the “Reds” and “Silvers.” This societal divide, based on blood color and power, reflects themes of oppression, privilege, and the fight for equality.

      Power and Corruption: The novel examines how power can corrupt individuals and systems. The Silvers’ dominance over the Reds and their internal scheming for control underscores how unchecked power can lead to exploitation and moral decay.

      Identity and Self-Discovery: Mare’s journey of self-discovery—coming to terms with her powers and her place in a world where she doesn’t fully belong—is a key narrative arc. It touches on themes of personal growth and finding one’s voice.

      Betrayal and Loyalty: Trust is a fragile thread in the book, with betrayal lurking at every turn. The constant questioning of allegiances adds emotional depth and highlights the complexity of human relationships.

      Rebellion and Resistance: The spark of rebellion ignited by the Reds reflects broader themes of standing up against injustice and the desire for freedom. It also explores the sacrifices and moral ambiguities involved in revolutionary movements.

      The protagonist of the story, Mare Barrow, is a relatable and determined heroine whose journey is from a humble “Red” commoner (this is a two-caste system) to a key player in a dangerous royal (Silver) court. The plot is brimming with unexpected twists, political machinations, and a touch of romance, which keeps the pages turning.

      What truly sets The Red Queen apart is its unique world-building. The dichotomy between the “Reds,” ordinary people, and the “Silvers,” elite beings with extraordinary abilities, is vividly depicted. The writing is engaging; however, at times, the pacing can feel slightly uneven, and some characters lack development. Even listening to the story on Libby was sometimes a struggle because I felt like it moved too slowly.  I know that in a series of books that are set in a dystopian world, the first book ends up laying the foundation for others.  So, I continued knowing that this is sometimes a common circumstance.

      Overall, The Red Queen is a thrilling start to a series that promises even more intrigue and excitement. A must-read for fans of dystopian and fantasy fiction!

      What can I compare this book to?

      The Red Queen compares to a few notable works:

      1. Similarities to The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins: Both books explore class struggles, oppression, and rebellion, with a strong and resourceful female protagonist at the center. Like Katniss, Mare is thrust into a role she never asked for and must navigate a world of betrayal and political manipulation.
      2. Resonance with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (this is my next read for March.  Starting with Assassins Blade): Fans of Sarah J. Maas may enjoy court politics and power plays in The Red Queen. The focus on a heroine with hidden strength is also a shared theme, though Aveyard’s approach leans more toward societal commentary.
      3. Parallels to Red Queen‘s dystopian-fantasy blend: It mirrors books like Divergent by Veronica Roth and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo, which also blend genres and introduce protagonists discovering their unique abilities in tumultuous worlds.
      4. Unique Aspects: Aveyard’s world-building is a strong point—it creates a clear division between Reds and Silvers, a societal structure that’s both intriguing and visually striking. While some YA fantasies focus heavily on romantic subplots, The Red Queen balances romance with a sharper emphasis on political intrigue and social dynamics.

      The Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard explores several compelling themes that resonate throughout the story:

      1. Class Struggle and Inequality: A central theme is the stark division between the “Reds” and “Silvers.” This societal divide, based on blood color and power, reflects themes of oppression, privilege, and the fight for equality.
      2. Power and Corruption: The novel examines how power can corrupt individuals and systems. The Silvers’ dominance over the Reds, coupled with their internal scheming for control, underscores how unchecked power can lead to exploitation and moral decay.
      3. Identity and Self-Discovery: Mare’s journey of self-discovery—coming to terms with her powers and her place in a world where she doesn’t fully belong—is a key narrative arc. It touches on themes of personal growth and finding one’s voice.
      4. Betrayal and Loyalty: Trust is a fragile thread in the book, with betrayal lurking at every turn. The constant questioning of allegiances adds emotional depth and highlights the complexity of human relationships.
      5. Rebellion and Resistance: The spark of rebellion ignited by the Reds reflects broader themes of standing up against injustice and the desire for freedom. It also explores the sacrifices and moral ambiguities involved in revolutionary movements.
      6. Survival and Sacrifice: Characters frequently face life-threatening situations and must weigh their survival against the greater good. This theme adds tension and emotional weight to their choices.

    TechieScrapper’s Story & Scrap

    Where Stories are Read, Reviewed & Crafted

    Skip to content ↓