Tag Archives: Julie B

Island Wolf / Island Bite/Island Moon by Rachel Armstrong-reviews

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Island Wolf / Island Bite/Island Moon by Rachel Armstrong-review tour

Island Wolf
(Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 1)
by Rachel Armstrong
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 1, 2025

“There is just one rule. Don’t eat the koalas.”

The Alpha of the Magnetic Island Pack has neglected his duties and escaped into the bush to live as a wolf after the death of his mate. With rogue wolves on the mainland threatening to destroy them, the pack make a desperate attempt to defend their territory. They call a Warrior of the Moon Goddess for help.

Finn Cassidy has lived a nomadic life saving wolf packs in the hope of finding a home. Since escaping his ruthless father, it has been his mission to honor the Goddess and fight those who don’t—rogue wolves. But to restore the Alpha on Magnetic Island, Finn must face his darkest rivals yet. And a greater challenge—meeting his mate.

Finn won’t let distractions deter him from his mission, but he can’t ignore Fate. Ava Hart has been hurt by the rogues and though she remains ignorant of the paranormal world, the best way to protect her is to forge their mating bond. As they work together at the koala hospital, desire ignites and Finn gains her trust. But can Ava embrace his world and accept him as her mate? Will proving the pack can protect their mates from the rogues be enough to lure the Alpha out of the bush? Or does Fate have other plans this coming full moon?

••••••

REVIEW: I picked up Island Wolf knowing almost nothing about Rachel Armstrong’s work beyond the fact that it was a fated mates shifter romance set on Magnetic Island, and I finished it wishing I’d discovered the series sooner.

The opening rule“Don’t eat the koalas” sets a tone that felt playful, and that toneplace really leaves the page.

Real bays, resorts, a shipwreck you can actually snorkel, and a genuine koala hospital all sit comfortably beside the pack politics and moon goddess mythology, which makes the paranormal elements feel less generic than they do in so many of these stories.

Finn arrives as a lone Warrior of the Moon Goddess, nomadic and scarred by a ruthless father, and almost immediately runs into Ava, a physiotherapist who has fled an abusive situation and is trying to rebuild herself while helping her friend at the koala rescue.

Their chemistry builds at a satisfying pace, Finn’s protectiveness is intense without tipping into pure caveman territory for most of the book, and Ava’s wariness felt real.

The dual perspective lets you sit inside both the slow burn and the practical. Watching as she learns to trust someone who is literally not entirely human.

The koala rehabilitation subplot could have been pure window dressing, yet it becomes one of the warmer, more human threads, giving the characters shared purpose beyond the inevitable mating bond.

What kept me turning pages was the larger conflict. The Magnetic Island pack is fractured after the Alpha lost his mate and retreated into the bush as a wolf, while rogue wolves on the mainland pose a real threat.

There is action, some genuine darkness, and a few moments of heat that didn’t overtake the plot. A couple of the classic tropes (the “I’m keeping secrets to protect you” refrain, the size difference, the touch her and die energy) are present and accounted for, so if those bother you this may not be your book. For me they mostly worked because the characters around Finn and Ava especially the pack members trying to hold everything together have enough personality to keep the story from feeling over crowded.

It ends with enough resolution to satisfy while clearly leaving threads for the next books, and I closed it already curious about who else on the island is about to get their own moon blessed complication.

If you like your shifter romance with a strong sense of place, a found family pack vibe, and a heroine who isn’t instantly swept off her feet by destiny, Island Wolf is a solid, entertaining start.

_________

Island Bite
(Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 2)
by Rachel Armstrong
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 10, 2025

“I can tell you one thing, wolfie. She tastes good.”

The Magnetic Island Pack have won a battle against the rogues, but the war is far from over. The Dark Alpha will retaliate quickly and hit the pack where it hurts most, by targeting their Fated mates. And he’s about to unleash his deadliest assassins yet. Vampires.

Rain Blackwood has resisted his Fated mate for years to protect her from his enemy. Since his brother abandoned the pack, Rain has made it his mission to restore Sly’s faith in the Moon Goddess and save him from turning feral. He needs to prove that the pack can protect their mates and form his own mating bond. That is, if it’s not already too late.

Eden Starr has loved Rain since she first laid eyes on him. But despite the unexplainable connection she feels to her mysterious friend, she can’t wait for him any longer. Determined to move on, Eden finds herself strangely infatuated with a charming, charismatic stranger interested in supporting her koala hospital. But Lucas isn’t who he seems, and Eden suddenly finds herself facing the horrors of the paranormal world. With her life on the line, Rain is the only man with the power to save her. But can Eden find the strength to overcome her fears and embrace her new fate? Can Rain defeat the devious bat-shifting vampires hiding in shadows? Or will saving Eden’s life cost Rain everything he believes in beneath the darkness of the new moon?

••••••••

REVIEW: After finishing Island Wolf I went straight into Island Bite, and it felt I’d never left.

This time the focus shifts to Rain Blackwood and Eden Starr, the pair whose slow burn tension had been simmering quietly in the background of the first book.

Rain has spent years keeping Eden at arm’s length, convinced that claiming his fated mate would only paint a target on her for the Dark Alpha and his growing army of threats.

Eden, meanwhile, has loved him for just as long and has finally decided she cannot keep waiting for a man who treats her like a precious secret rather than a partner. When she starts responding to the interest of a charming newcomer who claims to care about her koala hospital, the careful distance Rain has maintained begins to crack.

Their history gives every charged glance and almost confession real weight, and when the paranormal world finally crashes into Eden’s life complete with bat shifting vampires sent to destroy the pack through its mates, the stakes felt personal.

The same vivid Magnetic Island setting that grounded the first book is still doing excellent work here, the ongoing koala rescue work, and the everyday rhythms of island life sit comfortably beside the darker, bloodier conflict. That contrast keeps the story from tipping too far into pure darkness, there are still moments of warmth, banter, and genuine care for the animals that remind you why these characters fight so hard for their home.

Rain remains stubborn and protective to a fault, and the familiar “I’m hiding the truth to keep you safe” pattern does reappear, which can grow a little frustrating. Yet Eden’s strength and independence push back against it in ways that had me smiling, we all know how much Rain cares, it’s now time to claim his mate!

The new vampire threat raises the danger level nicely, and the pack’s secondary stories, especially those touching on grief and the fragile hope of bringing the former Alpha back from the edge, add depth without slowing the pace. There is spice, suspense, and a few genuine surprises that had me racing toward the end.

Like the first book, Island Bite closes with enough resolution to feel complete while clearly setting the stage for whatever comes next under the new moon.

I closed it already impatient for Sly’s story and for the pack’s war to reach its next turning point.

If you enjoy fated mates romance that mixes island atmosphere, found family loyalty, and a healthy dose of danger, this second installment delivers exactly what it promises and then some.

________

Island Moon
(Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island Book 3)
by Rachel Armstrong
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 1, 2026

“If I wasn’t so broken, I wouldn’t hesitate to take you as mine.”

The Magnetic Island Pack are gaining strength. They’ve defeated the rogue wolves, killed the vampires, and only one enemy remains. Tyrone Thorne. The Dark Alpha of the Pallarenda Pack. And with his malicious right-hand man, he is ready to seize the island.

Sly Blackwood has lived as a wolf since the death of his mate, broken and savage in his hunger for revenge. Embracing the wolf is the only way he knows how to survive and destroy the Pallarenda Pack as to kill an animal, one has to become an animal. Or better yet, a monster. With the final battle brewing, Sly is ready to end this war and live out his days as a lone wolf. Until Fate intervenes with an unwelcome mating bond.

Isla came to perform at the Full Moon Party, but the popstar is more than she seems. She is everything Sly never wanted, the second chance he feared, and the only person with the power to pull Sly out of his self-imposed darkness and into the light. In an unexpected twist no one’s ready for, Isla finds herself thrust into the paranormal world from her nightmares with a man too broken to resist. But can she face her demons to help Sly become the man he once was? Can Sly let go of his anger and open his heart again? Or will Sly’s determination to save his second chance at love be the pack’s ultimate undoing?

••••••••

REVIEW: I went into Island Moon knowing it was the final chapter of the Wolf Shifters of Magnetic Island series, and I still wasn’t quite prepared for how satisfying it would feel to finally sit inside Sly Blackwood’s head.

For two books he has been the quiet, aching presence on the edges of the story, the former Alpha who chose the wolf after his mate was murdered and stayed there, feral with grief and hunger for revenge.

Watching him slowly, reluctantly claw his way back toward being human again is the emotional core of this book.

Isla arrives to perform at the Full Moon Party, she’s a chart topping popstar and has her own private wounds and a connection to Ava and Eden that pulls her straight into the pack’s orbit.

She isn’t the quick fix for our broken hero, oh no, she has her own demons and her own reasons for resisting the destiny the Moon Goddess seems determined to force on both of them. 🤐

Their mating bond feels less like instant magic and more like two damaged people recognizing something familiar in each other and deciding, against every instinct, to risk it. The push/pull between Sly’s self imposed darkness and Isla’s stubborn refusal to let him stay there had me clinging to my kindle, I loved the quieter moments, especially those between Sly and his brother. 🥺

Around them the larger war finally reaches its climax. The Dark Alpha and his remaining forces make their move on the island, and the pack’s found family loyalty is tested to its limits! There is more spice here, more gore, and a handful of genuinely kick a$$ sequences that reward the long build up of the previous books.

By the time the final confrontation arrives and the epilogue closes the last door, I felt both satisfied and a little sad to leave these characters behind.

Island Moon does exactly what a series finale should…. delivers the villain confrontation that we had been promised, and ties up a few loose ends.

And still leaves room for the quiet hope that maybe, someday, we might return to this island again. 🤞🤞

If you have followed Finn, Ava, Rain, and Eden this far, Sly and Isla’s story is the one that makes the whole journey feel complete.

Copies supplied for review

🦋 Reviews by Julie

Meet Rachel Armstrong:

Rachel Armstrong is a writer of contemporary romantic fiction ranging from rural to suspense. She creates epic feel-good stories and has a weakness for an adventurous holiday escape.

Rachel lives in Townsville, Queensland, with her border collie Jacob where she rehabilitates hearts as an exercise physiologist. In her spare time, she is either reading on the treadmill or plotting her next novel at yoga. Rachel’s a keen traveller and has enjoyed many holidays exploring historic London, flying through the Grand Canyon, and hiking volcanos in Bali.

Connect with Rachel Armstrong:

https://www.instagram.com/authorrachelarmstrong/ 

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Hush Anonymous (Longwood U 5) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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Hush Anonymous (Longwood U 5) by Crea Reitan-review tour

 

Universal Links: https://geni.us/hacrrelease

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date. July 16, 2026

He’s mine and I’ll kɪll anyone who touches him.

Kylen

I created Hush Anonymous last year for me. Hanging onto trauma I can’t escape and being ridiculously self-conscious and shy doesn’t exactly create a recipe for losing my virginity. In the darkness where no one can judge me seems like the best place. Yet somehow, I manage to find myself a stalker in the darkness. Which isn’t so bad since he knows exactly how to take care of me.

Arek

My weakness is blushing boys and Kylen is exactly my type. I’m a little late realizing but now that I’ve had a taste, I’ll never let this man go. Thankfully, my stalking game doesn’t last forever and he’s willingly mine. He doesn’t shy away when I tell him I’ll kill anyone who tries to touch him. I bet he didn’t realize that the threat is retroactive.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Hush Anonymous by Crea Reitan is a deliciously dark and surprisingly sweet MM romance that completely won me over with its unique blend of vulnerability and fierce possessiveness.

Kylen’s story starts from such a raw place, he’s haunted by past trauma, is cripplingly shy, and using the anonymity of Hush Anonymous as a safe way to explore his desires.

His journey from hiding in the darkness to slowly opening up felt so real and deeply emotional. I loved how the book handles his self consciousness and healing without shying away from the intensity of his experiences.

Arek, on the other hand, is the ultimate obsessive dream (or nightmare, depending on your taste). 😜 His instant fixation on Kylen and unapologetic “he’s mine” energy, complete with deadly threats, brings a thrilling edge that had me hooked.
What surprised me most was how tender their connection becomes once the stalking phase shifts into something real and consensual. The way Arek instinctively knows how to care for Kylen, respecting his boundaries while unleashing that protective, possessive side, creates some incredibly steamy and heartfelt moments. Their dynamic is equal parts sweet and dangerous, and I couldn’t get enough of it.

Set in the Longwood U world, the book captures that intense university atmosphere with just the right amount of campus life mixed into the romance. The author delivers a story that’s spicy, emotional, and full of that addictive dark romance tension without crossing into unnecessary angst.

If you enjoy MM romances with shy, traumatized heroes finding their match in a dangerously devoted partner, stalking to lovers vibes, and a healthy dose of possessiveness, Hush Anonymous is an absolute treat.

It’s addictive, comforting in its own twisted way, and left me smiling through the heat.

I love this author and their work, I’ll definitely be recommending this book.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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The Coming of Endless Darkness by Grant Pierce-review

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The Coming of Endless Darkness (The Faceless Chronicles 3) by Grant Pierce-review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 15, 2026

In a world ruled by Astaroth, hope is the deadliest rebellion.

Aeryth has endured a dozen years under the Demon Wars, and the world teeters on annihilation. Kingdoms lie shattered. Lawless warbands roam the wastes. And Astaroth plots to summon The One Below All Creation, an ancient god whose mere presence will extinguish all life on Aeryth.

Yet, a prophecy whispers of hope. In their most desperate hour, the Lightbringer will appear and drive the darkness back. However, Arkal Lightbringer has chosen to abandon Aeryth and return to Nymriel.

Without the Lightbringer, the surviving heroes face a reckoning no prophecy foretold. To stop the end of all things, the companions must reclaim the shattered world, defy Astaroth’s tightening grip, and stop Thezgoron’s treachery.

Ancient powers stir. The hour is desperate. The endless darkness is coming.

The world cries out for its Lightbringer.

••••••

REVIEW:The Coming of Endless Darkness, the third book in Grant Pierce’s The Faceless Chronicles, is a grim and gripping plunge into a world that feels like it’s already lost! 😮

After the events of the previous installments, Aeryth is a shattered place, scarred by years of Demon Wars and now teetering on the edge of total oblivion under Astaroth’s tyrannical rule.

What makes this volume stand out is how relentlessly it leans into despair without ever feeling hopeless. The prophecy that once offered salvation has been upended by Arkal Lightbringer’s decision to abandon the realm, forcing the remaining companions into an even more desperate fight against overwhelming odds.

It’s a bold choice that raises the stakes dramatically and gives the story a raw edge that I found interesting.

The author’s world building continues to impress, painting vivid pictures of ruined kingdoms, roving warbands, and the creeping influence of ancient, malevolent forces!

The atmosphere is thick with dread, and the political intrigue especially Thezgoron’s treachery adds layers of tension that kept me turning pages late into the night.

The battle worn heroes feel genuinely exhausted…. their doubts, fractured alliances, and moments of quiet defiance makes them relatable. There’s a real sense of weight to every decision they make, knowing that failure doesn’t just mean death but the literal extinction of all life!

What I appreciated most was the way the book balances large scale cosmic horror with intimate character moments.

The threat of The One Below All Creation looming in the background gives everything an apocalyptic urgency, yet the story never loses sight of the personal costs of this endless war.

It’s atmospheric and cinematic, especially during the action sequences and the eerie, dreamlike passages hinting at older powers stirring beneath the surface. (I could watch this on the big screen.)

If I had one minor critique, it’s that the pacing can feel relentless at times, giving me little room to breathe between crises, but that intensity ultimately serves the theme of a world running out of time.

Overall, The Coming of Endless Darkness is a powerful continuation that elevates the series into something darker and more ambitious.

It left me emotionally drained but deeply satisfied, already eager to see how the companions’ rebellion against the coming endless night will conclude.

If you’ve enjoyed the first two books or love high stakes epic fantasy with crumbling empires, this one delivers in spades.

Highly recommended for fans of grimdark adventures that still cling to the faintest threads of hope.

Definitely need to read in order.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

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HOT AND BOTHERED IN JULY by Tabetha Waite-review

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HOT AND BOTHERED IN JULY by Tabetha Waite-review

NEED LINKS—-Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE July 1, 2026

They say opposites attract, but for two people who come from different worlds, is the impossible-possible?

Reed Carrington is a ne’er-do-well, a former bluecoat who barely made it through school. He was a terror to his tutors and despised sitting inside a stuffy classroom. He would rather be outside wreaking havoc on London’s social elite.

Or so he’d thought. Determined to make a name for himself and leave the past behind, he is starting to embrace success, but one day he rescues a beautiful debutante in a pink dress from drowning, and he’s suddenly dubbed a hero by the Brazen Belle.

Miss Sariah Kent doesn’t appreciate all the strictures placed on women in the beau monde.

She would rather be independent than be forced to marry simply because it is expected of her to do so. She yearns for more, but she doesn’t know how to obtain that freedom until a blond Adonis breathes new life-and fire-into her blood. In July, when the temperatures are rising in central London, the passion simmering between this rebellious lady and her hot and bothered hero soon become a recipe for love.

•••••••••••

REVIEW: I picked up Hot and Bothered in July as I loved the authors writing. And it turned out to be the perfect escape.

Tabetha Waite writes delightful historical romance that captures the heat not just of a London July, but of two fiery personalities colliding in the most unexpected way.

From the very first pages, I was drawn into the world of Reed Carrington and Sariah Kent, a pair whose instant chemistry practically leaps off the page.

Reed is the kind of hero who refuses to fit neatly into any box. A former troublemaker with a bluecoat past, he’s rough around the edges and carries the weight of a less than privileged background. Yet there’s something magnetic about his determination to reinvent himself. Watching him shift from a man who once thrived on chaos to someone embracing success felt deeply satisfying.

His rescue of Sariah in that pink dress is the inciting moment that flips both their worlds upside down, and I loved how the author uses it to spark that attraction.

Sariah, on the other hand, is a breath of fresh air in the rigid beau monde. She chafes against the expectations placed on women of her station, marriage as duty, propriety above all else, and her yearning for independence had me wanting her to succeed. She’s spirited without being reckless, intelligent, and quietly rebellious.

The way her world expands after meeting Reed, how he awakens both her passions and her courage, made their relationship feel electric. Their banter crackles with tension, and the slowburn of their romance, set against the sweltering backdrop of a London summer, is really well done.

The author balances the heat between them with moments of tenderness and self discovery that give the story real emotional depth.

What I appreciated most was how the novel explores the theme of opposites attracting while never making it feel clichéd. Reed and Sariah come from vastly different worlds, and the obstacles they face had me keeping my fingers crossed 🤞.

The secondary characters, including the intriguing Brazen Belle society, add delightful layers and a touch of scandalous fun to the story.

The writing is smooth and immersive, painting vivid scenes of Regency era London without ever slowing the pace.

By the end, I closed the book with a happy sigh and a smile.

Hot and Bothered in July is a charming, passionate read. If you enjoy historical romances with strong willed heroines, reformed rogues, and plenty of sizzling chemistry, this one is absolutely worth diving into.

Tabetha Waite has delivered another winner that left me feeling warm in all the right ways.

Highly recommended for a steamy summer escape!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

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Hart & Souls (Wandering Point 1) by Amy J. Elliott-review tour

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Hart & Souls (Wandering Point 1) by Amy J. Elliott-review tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 1, 2026

Love never dies, and neither does he, in this second chance romance with a ghostly twist.

Ruby Hart used to believe in happily ever afters. It’s why she runs the Big Tippers and Bodice Rippers book club at the library where she works. But after calling off her engagement six months ago, romance feels more like fiction than fact.

So color Ruby surprised when she gets a call from her ex-fiancé’s phone, only to learn Oliver Blackwood has died in an accident. Or so she thinks, until she comes home to find Ollie’s ghost waiting for her.

Turns out Ruby is a Navigator, part of a long line of Hart women destined to guide souls to the beyond. But when she touches Ollie, he doesn’t move on. Because while he’s dead…he’s also sort of not.

Ollie did betray Ruby, but not the way she thinks. When he was alive, he hunted the undead, tracking a spreading infection that could become an epidemic. Now he is the undead, and he’s tethered to Ruby until they find his zombie body and the creature that bit him, laying them both to rest.

Living with your ex’s ghost 24/7 makes it hard to hold a grudge, and Ruby quickly realizes she might not be as over Ollie as she thought. But if they succeed, Ollie will finally cross over…and Ruby will lose him for good.

For a librarian who wants to believe in happily ever afters again, it may be the ultimate heartbreak.

••••

REVIEW: I absolutely loved Hart and Souls by Amy J. Elliott.

From the very first chapter, this book wrapped me in a perfect blend of heartfelt romance, supernatural intrigue, and quiet emotional depth that kept me turning pages late into the night.

Ruby Hart is such a lovable character, she’s a librarian who runs a book club called Big Tippers and Bodice Rippers, still nursing the wounds of a broken engagement while clinging to her belief in happy endings through the stories she loves.

She’s the kind of heroine you immediately want to root for.

When her ex-fiancé Oliver’s ghost shows up after what she thought was his death, the story takes off in the most delightful and poignant way.

The chemistry between Ruby and Ollie crackles with all the unresolved tension of a second chance romance, but the ghostly twist adds layers of tenderness, frustration, and humor that made me laugh and ache in equal measure.

Living with your ex 24/7 would test anyone, but watching Ruby grapple with forgiveness while discovering the truth about Ollie’s hidden life as a hunter of the undead felt fresh and compelling.

The Navigator lore woven through the Hart family history is fascinating without ever overwhelming the central love story.

What i liked was the bittersweet push/pull of loving someone you know you might have to let go.

The author writes the romance with genuine heart, balancing sweet moments, banter, and real stakes in a way that never feels contrived. The supernatural elements…. zombies, tethering, the race to lay Ollie’s soul to rest, elevate the second chance trope into something truly unique.

By the end, I was fully invested in whether these two could find their happily ever after, even knowing the cost.

If you enjoy ghostly romances with strong character development, a touch of mystery, and that perfect ache of “what if we only had this little time,” Hart and Souls is an absolute must read.

I’ll definitely be looking for more from this author.

Highly recommended! 👍🏻

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie 🦋

Follow: Facebook / Website  /  AJ Pine-Goodreads/ Amy Elliot-Goodreads/ Amy Elliott-Instagram

A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night,  Amy Elliot aka A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

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Kairo (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan-review tour

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🩷Kairo (Van Doren) by Crea Reitan-review tour🩷

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 25, 2026

Every heart hides something.

He walks into my office like he has a right to be here. Unfazed and unbothered by my sharp words and thorny exterior, Malcolm challenges everything I know. Somehow, he breaks down my walls and I’m laid bare before him.

There’s nothing more terrifying than exposing my vulnerability so when I force him out of my life to protect my heart, I realize there are some things that being a Van Doren alone can’t fix.

•••••

REVIEW:I picked up Kairo right after finishing Arath Van Doren’s book, and it felt like the series had been building toward this one.

If you’ve met Kairo in previous installments, you know him as the sharp tongued, standoffish, sometimes outright abrasive member of the family, the guy who keeps everyone at arm’s length with his thorny exterior. This book flips that on its head in the best way, (and after Lorne I think he might be my favourite Van Doren.)

The story follows exactly what the description teases at…. Malcolm walks into Kairo’s world (and office) completely unfazed by the walls and barbs. He sees through the armor almost immediately and starts gently (and sometimes not so gently) dismantling it. What unfolds is a slowburn MM romance heavy on emotional vulnerability, hurt/comfort, and the kind of deep trust that doesn’t come easily, especially for someone like Kairo, who’s carrying serious childhood wounds and a bone deep fear of never been chosen first.

I went in not particularly liking him based on earlier appearances. By the end, I was fully invested. The author did a great peeling back the layers to show why he is the way he is. The moments where his softer, protective side peeks through, especially with those that aren’t family by blood (both a chosen family) hit hard. It’s so satisfying watching him learn it’s okay to be cared for.

Malcolm (we met him in another Van Doren book) He’s the steady, patient force Kairo desperately needs. His own baggage from the “Creaverse” adds a little more to this story.

Now I love a little DDLG/GB and caretaker/Daddy kink dynamics feel real rather than forced. The way he challenges Kairo without pushing too hard, and the quiet persistence, made their connection so swoony.

The “I have to push you away to protect my heart” phase is painful in the best way, and the reconciliation/rebuilding was definitely not easy. It balances the spice, sweetness, and darker Van Doren style plot threads nicely.

This series does enjoy its crossovers and updates on the growing found family. It slots in well without requiring you to have read every prior book, (though context definitely helps.)

It’s classic Crea Reitan, steamy, emotionally intense, with some darker themes and content warnings you should check. The pacing is slower in the emotional buildup, which worked for me.

This one surprised me by making me genuinely love Kairo. If you enjoy MM romances with prickly characters who get the gentle (yet firm) handling they need, and stories about breaking down walls to find real connection, this delivers.

It’s a solid addition to the Van Doren world, it’s tender, spicy, and healing in places I didn’t expect.

Highly recommend for series fans or anyone who loves a good hurt/comfort redemption stories.

Ready for the next one already!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B 🦋

 

Crea lives in upstate New York with her dog and husband. She has been writing since grade school, when her second grade teacher had her class keep writing journals. She has a habit of creating secondary, and often time tertiary, characters that take over her stories. All of her RH relationships end up being heavily polyamorous – meaning it’s not just all the men for one woman. There’s also some M/M action going on. When she can’t fall asleep at night, she thinks up new scenes for her characters to act out. This, of course, is how most of her meant-to-be-thrown-away characters tend to end up front and center – and utterly swoon-worthy! Don’t ask her how many book boyfriends she has…

When not writing, Crea is an avid reader. Her TBR pile is several hundred books high (don’t even look at her kindle wish list or the unread books on her tablet). Sometimes, she enjoys crafting; sometimes, exploring nature; sometimes, traveling. Mostly, she enjoys putting her characters on paper and breathing life into them. Oh, and sleeping. Crea loves to sleep!

Author Links:

Facebook Group / Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / Website /

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Darkened Truths / Darkened Desires by Cara Wade -reviews

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Darkened Truths / Darkened Desires (Kings of Pointebreak 1 & 2) by Cara Wade -review

Darkened Truths
(Kings of Pointebreak 1)
by Cara Wade
Genre: new adult, contemporary, reverse harem, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 5, 2025

Everything we’ve ever wanted. But this isn’t my dream. I didn’t have a choice. I never have a choice…

My plans involved Dartmouth, not Pointebreak—a school that thrives on secrets, and dark games. This is my jail for four years, but it’s not the classes that I fear will break me.

Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastian—my personal tormentors—aren’t just out to ruin me. They’re out to control me, to bend me to their will.

I’m expected to break, but I won’t. I can’t. I’ll prove I can endure everything thrown at me. Classes are easy compared to navigating the murky waters of lust and hate between the self-appointed kings of Pointebreak. They’re wrong if they think they can crush me. I might be their target, but I’m not the one who’ll end up losing control.

Julien, Zander, and Wesley…be careful I may just turn your world upside down.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a bully, why choose/reverse harem romance. As such, there may be some scenes that are triggering to readers.

•••••••••

REVIEW: This romance that dives headfirst into the treacherous world of Pointebreak Academy…. a place where secrets fester, power rules, and nothing is what it seems. 😮

From the very first pages, I was pulled into Riley’s reluctant journey. She had her life mapped out, Dartmouth was the dream, but her powerful father yanks her into this shadowy elite school instead.

What starts as a punishment quickly spirals into a battle for survival, identity, and unexpected desire. Riley is a strong, resilient FMC who refuses to be broken. I loved how she holds her ground against the overwhelming forces around her, even as her world turns upside down. She’s a little vulnerable yet defiant, with a backbone that made me root for her fiercely. ♥️

Enter the Kings of Pointebreak….Julien Azarian, Zander Fedorov, and Wesley Bastian. These three aren’t your typical brooding love interests, oh no, they’re intense, morally gray tormentors who thrive on control!

Their dynamic with Riley crackles with tension, hate, lust, and those delicious push/pull moments that define bully romance. The chemistry is electric, the spice is plentiful, and the “why choose” elements are handled with heat and the emotional moments are 🤌🏻.

Watching Riley navigate (and gradually flip) their power games was one of the highlights in this book, and I might have cheered 😝.

For me, what made this more than a standard dark academy fare is the atmosphere. Pointebreak isn’t just a backdrop, it pulses with hidden agendas, betrayals, and a sense of constant danger.

The plot balances steamy encounters with mystery and suspense, keeping the pages turning. Tragic pasts for the characters add depth without slowing the pace.

If you enjoy dark romance with bully vibes, reverse harem dynamics, touch her and die energy, and a school full of secrets, this one delivers.

It’s addictive, intense, and left me eager for the next book in the series (Darkened Desires).

Not for the faint of heart, expect darkness, obsession, and plenty of steam.

It’s a solid, page turning start to the Kings of Pointebreak world.

Highly recommend for fans of dark why choose romance.

🦋 Reviewed by Julie B

–––––––––––––

Darkened Desires
(Kings of Pointebreak series Book 2)
by Cara Wade
Genre: new adult, contemporary, reverse harem, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date: June 22, 2026

Someone thought they could make me disappear. Too bad for them, I got away. I’m demanding answers, and this time, the gloves are off.

Julien, Zander, and Wesley—the Kings of Pointebreak stand beside me now.

Dangerous. Untouchable. And all mine. One by one, the boys’ pasts are unraveling. The more they share, the closer we become.

I won’t stop until I uncover the truth. Whoever came for me will pay…in blood. I’m done hiding. Done being afraid. I’ll fight, claw, and destroy anyone who stands in my way.

The more I depend on the Kings, the more I feel we’re bound by something beyond our control. I may not know Julien’s endgame yet, but when I do, no hell on earth will be enough to save those who dared to cross us.

Secrets. Lies. Blood.

At Pointebreak, nothing stays hidden forever.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This is a bully, why choose/reverse harem romance. As such, there may be some scenes that are triggering to readers.

•••••••••

REVIEW: Darkened Desires is a gripping continuation that ramps up the tension, steam, and darkness from the first book.

I dove into this one right after finishing Darkened Truths, and it did not disappoint.

The story picks up with Riley pushing harder for answers after her traumatic experiences.

She’s no longer just surviving, she’s demanding justice, and that shift in her character is incredibly satisfying to watch.

The blurb perfectly captures her growth, “I won’t stop until I uncover the truth. Whoever came for me will pay…in blood.” (Shivers 😜)

The Kings…. Julien, Zander, and Wesley, remain magnetic and dangerously protective. (For me, Zander is probably my favourite) Their pasts start unraveling in this instalment.

I loved seeing their bonds with Riley strengthen through shared secrets and vulnerability, even as the danger escalates. The “bully” elements from book 1 have largely transformed into fierce loyalty and possession, which fits the reverse harem vibe perfectly. The spice is intense 🥵 and well balanced into the plot rather than thrown in here, there and everywhere.

I loved the atmosphere at Pointebreak. The secrets, lies, and underlying threats create a constant sense of unease that keeps the pages turning.

The cliffhangerish tension and hints about Julien’s endgame left me eager for the next book. 🤫

If you enjoy dark romance with bully roots, strong FMC growth, morally gray (or outright black) men, and a why choose dynamic packed with blood, power plays, and scorching chemistry, this series is a solid pick.

It’s not for the faint of heart, you can expect violence, explicit content, and emotional intensity, but i devoured it.

Highly recommended if you’re already invested in Riley and her Kings. I’m ready for book 3 please 😝

Copies supplied for review

🦋 Reviews by Julie B

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AHELNO (Lietvia Galaxy 1) by MK Stephenson-review & interview

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AHELNO (Lietvia Galaxy 1) by MK Stephenson-review & interview

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk / Amazon.au /

Don’t own a Kindle? Download the FREE Amazon Kindle App for your mobile device or pc

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 27, 2026

Claimed by an alien prince. Bound by a mistake neither can undo. Can love bloom, even in their darkest hour?

Andie
One moment, I was a college student with Broadway dreams. The next, I was kidnapped from Earth, sold to alien traffickers, and stranded on a planet light-years from home.

When a giant, winged alien found me in the wreckage of my captor’s ship, I screamed and ran. Now the entire Ptexari kingdom believes I initiated a mating ritual with Crown Prince Dakleth—a four-armed warrior who chased me down and claimed me.

Dakleth may regret what happened between us, but remorse doesn’t erase trauma. I may never go home again. I may never see another human being. But I will never accept this alien as my mate.

Dakleth
The moment I saw the tiny human emerge from the crashed vessel, I knew she was mine. I believed she had chosen me, according to the traditions of my people, and instinct overtook reason.

By the time I understood the truth, the damage was already done. I will accept any punishment demanded of me, because no sentence could equal the harm I caused my mate.

Andie may never forgive me. She may hate me until my dying breath. Still, I will spend the rest of my life protecting her, earning her trust, and proving that I would sooner destroy myself than ever hurt her again.

Because she is my mate… even if I no longer deserve to be hers.

•••••

REVIEW:I went into this one because the “accidental mating claim” trope is one of my favorites, and the setup grabbed me immediately.

Andie, a college student with Broadway dreams, is suddenly ripped from Earth, kidnapped, and then stranded after a crash….

When the massive four armed, winged alien prince Dakleth finds her and believes she’s initiated a traditional mating ritual by running and being chased, everything spirals into a cultural collision neither of them saw coming.

The story unfolds in dual POV, which works really well here because you get to feel both sides of the pain and confusion.

What I liked most was how seriously the book treats the emotional fallout. Andie’s trauma and sense of total isolation are portrayed with real weight, she didn’t choose this, and she’s not about to just accept an alien prince as her mate no matter how protective or remorseful he is. Dakleth, on the other hand, is consumed by guilt once he realizes the truth. His determination to atone, protect her, and slowly earn her trust makes for a very satisfying slowburn redemption story. The romance feels earned rather than rushed, and the cultural differences add depth without overwhelming the character focused story.

The spice is nicely done too,creative use of those extra alien features without tipping into pure novelty. 😜

If you’re looking for nonstop space battles or galaxy hopping adventures, this one stays more intimate and relationship driven, which I personally enjoyed. It left me wanting to see more of the Lietvia Galaxy in future books.

It’s a comforting yet pretty intense read that’s perfect for fans of alien romances that balance heat with genuine healing and consent exploration.

If you like stories where the hero has to work hard to deserve his mate after a serious mistake, this one hits the spot.

Looking forward to the rest of the series! 🌌

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie🦋

TRC:  Hi MK and welcome to The Reading Café. Congratulations on the release of ALHENO

M.K: Thank you, I appreciate the opportunity to connect with you and your readers.

TRC:  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Social media: Website / Goodreads/ Instagram/ Facebook/

M.K: I grew up in a small town in the southeastern U.S. Like many sci fi writers, I’ve been a sci-fi/fantasy nerd most of my life–books, movies, games, etc. Writing is still a side gig for me, but I’d love to do it full time some day. When I’m not writing, I spend my free time reading, cooking, and traveling. I love learning about new places and meeting new people.

TRC:  Who or what influenced your career in writing?

M.K: I had an amazing English teacher in high school, and I credit her for holding her students to a high standard when it came to the mechanics of writing. I won’t name her here, since I write anonymously under a pen name, but I appreciate her for so many reasons.

A lot of people dream of becoming writers, but I was never one of them. Recently, though, I’ve had a few stories circulating in my head that I had to put to paper. My characters demanded their stories to be told. They pushed me to become a writer.

TRC:  Is ALHENO your first official published novel? How much difficulty did you encounter getting the novel published?

M.K: Yes, it’s my first published novel. I published it three weeks after I finished the final draft– or what I thought was the final draft. KDP makes it very easy to self-publish. I knew that I didn’t want to go the traditional publishing route.

First, because it could take years for a publisher to show interest in my novel, and then it would be another eighteen months for the release. Second, because I knew my book would be difficult to market. It features some disturbing scenes, which a lot of publishers don’t want to touch, especially when the author is unknown.

So I took the self-publishing route, and I’m glad I did. I’ve gotten a great response from readers who appreciate the emotional depth and the crossover elements between sci fi and romance.

TRC:  Would you please tell us something about the premise of ALHENO ?

M.K: Ahelno explores the healing journey of Andie, a human who is kidnapped from Earth and is sexually assaulted by an alien who believes she has initiated his people’s mating ritual. It is a devastating experience for both of them—for her, because of the trauma of the incident itself, and for him when he realizes that she never consented.

The book is, as many readers have described, an emotional rollercoaster. Yet despite the weighty backstory, a very sweet and emotionally satisfying romance blooms. Ahelno is a very slow burn, but hopefully worth it for readers who are in it for the long haul.

TRC:  How many books do you have planned for the series? And will each book focus on a different couple?

M.K: There are currently three books planned in the series, although there could be more in the future. Each book can be read as a standalone that follows a different set of characters in a connected universe.

TRC:  What do you hope readers will take away from ALHENO?

M.K: I hope readers develop an emotional connection to both of the main characters. That’s hard to do when one of the characters hurts the other, but I hope the healing arc for both characters feels authentic enough to allow readers to still root for them in the end.

TRC:  What types of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning the series?

M.K: The first book in the series was ruminating in my head for about a month before I started writing. I replayed scenarios between the two main characters over and over. I just couldn’t let them go. When I finally sat down to write, the story flowed consistently. Within three months, I had a complete first draft of over 100,000 words.

TRC:  What would you say to romance readers who struggle with the science fiction tags and premise?

M.K: I think Ahelno would be a great intro for romance readers who aren’t sure about reading science fiction. There’s not a heavy emphasis on technology or machinery, like you find in a lot of hard science fiction. At its core, Ahelno is a romance about two people from two different worlds trying to see if they belong together. And anyone who’s ever moved to a new city or a new country can relate to Andie’s feelings of homesickness and having to find her way in a new world without a support system.

TRC:  Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

M.K: Absolutely. A good cover tells you what a story is about; a great cover evokes emotion. If you like the cover, you’re more likely to pick up a book and turn it over to read the back (or click to read the blurb if its an ebook). I don’t think people choose to read a book solely based on the cover, but it’s the first step in the book buying process.

TRC:  When writing a storyline, do the characters direct the writing or do you direct the characters?

M.K: Generally, I decide certain plot points to hit, but the characters direct their own dialog and interactions with each other along the way.

TRC:  The mark of a good writer is to pull the reader into the storyline so that they experience the emotions along with the characters. What do you believe a writer must do to make this happen? Where do you believe writer’s fail in this endeavor?

M.K: A character needs to feel three-dimensional for readers to connect to them. They should display a range of emotions, including their fears and vulnerabilities. For me, a character falls flat when they display only one emotion consistently throughout the book. Or if I don’t understand their decision-making process when faced with conflict.

TRC:  Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

M.K: No, I find music too distracting to listen to while writing. But I love music. I took piano lessons for years, and I was in marching band in high school and college. I never had Broadway dreams like Andie in Ahelno, but you’ll see lots of music references in the book.

TRC:  What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

M.K: I don’t think most people understand how much work goes into publishing a book. I certainly didn’t prior to publishing Ahelno. Writing the book itself is easy, and that’s what most authors enjoy. The rest of the work–building a website, reader magnets, ARC campaigns, email lists, marketing strategy, social media presence, branding, cover art–is incredibly time-consuming, and is outside the expertise of people who just want to create and tell stories. Writing is art. Publishing is a business.

TRC:  What is something that few, if anyone, know about you?

M.K: I play a mean game of ping pong.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

M.K:  A.I. Human, the second book in the Lietvia Galaxy series, due for publication in September 2026.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

M.K:  No, but thank you for asking.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Shrimp & grits

Favorite Dessert – Anything chocolate

Favorite TV Show – Star Trek (original & TNG)

Last Movie You Saw – Devil Wears Prada 2

Dark or Milk Chocolate – Both

Secret Celebrity Crush – Henry Cavill (Superman & The Witcher)

Last Vacation Destination – Puerto Rico

Do you have any pets? Two adorable dogs

Last book you read – Reasons Found in Promises by Artiranth Fields. Very good dark fantasy. Go read it!

TRC:  Thank you MK for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck with your career in writing.

M.K: Thank you so much! I appreciate you taking the time.

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