Emily

Flames of Promise by Jack Whitney (ARC) book 2 in The Honest Scrolls series
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5


Spoiler-free review:
Wow, where do I even begin?! I read Dead Moons Rising in March this year and it absolutely captivated me. I fell in love with the characters and the world that Jack Whitney created. I knew book 2 would be good based on Jack's aesthetic reels and little snippets that she shared on Instagram, but y'all Flames of Promise exceeded any and all expectations I had! I did not realize how attached I was to these characters and their stories until I was reading. Dorian and Nyssa are two of the best main characters I've ever read. Their stories are moving, compelling, and relatable. There are struggles, triumphs, heartache, adventure, and spicy romance- everything I want in an adult fantasy novel. I laughed, I cried, and I held my breath while reading. This book, like the whole series, is very inclusive of people from all walks of life and backgrounds. There is a page of trigger warnings at the front of the book which I appreciated. This is definitely Adult High Fantasy 18+ for sure. Thank you Jack Whitney for creating a character that I could relate to so much, Nyssa! Her journey was so special for me. This book was beautifully well written and I could not put it down! If you like spicy romance, adventure, fantasy, and a story you won't be able to stop reading, Read Dead Moons Rising and preorder Flames of Promise (October 2021).

Spoiler-Free Review:

I am absolutely reeling! I started this book Sunday night and finished this morning. I couldn't stop reading, and hated that I had to stop to like be a responsible adult. This is one of the best high fantasies that I've read and I'm going to be hungover from this book for a long time. The writing was phenomenal. The time setting was perfect and I never got pulled out of the story/world while reading. The book was so well-paced and the world building was weaved within the story beautifully. The imagery was colorful and descriptive! I could easily visualize the places and characters throughout the book. The female MC, Verena, was so incredibly relatable. She felt real and imperfect, and I loved everything about her. This is a very sex positive book as there are no defined sexualities which is really refreshing to read. Verena has two guardians that are some of my favorite characters in the book. They are so supportive of her and their relationship was fun to read. There were so many lines I highlighted that made me literally laugh out loud offering some comedic relief. There is a delicious male character that I find myself unable to get enough of, so incredibly tender! The sexual tension is perfection and the payoff... amazing. The spice was so well written, some of the best I've read in fantasy. The last chapter had me on the edge of my seat holding my breath and a plot twist I didn't see coming! I laughed, I cried, I raged... I felt all the things! I am starving for book 2 in this series and I can't wait to read it! Check out The Empress of Scarred Secrets when it comes out 2/1/22!
18+ adult themes, language and sexual content

Spoiler-Free Review:

I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of her book! This book was so sweet! I was skeptical because the cover is not something I'd usually reach for, but I really enjoyed this story. This is the first book in the San Francisco Strikers Series. The book follows Soccer player, Holden. He is a grumpy broody athlete trying to find his way after being benched. The FMC, Molly is a bright and happy librarian with a little baggage holding her back. Their romance is so sweet. There's so much tension, and the payoff is deliciously steamy. They have such fun banter, and I just loved them. I can't wait to read book 2 in this series. I'm intrigued by the characters that it's going to be about. This is a grumpy/sunshine romance, 18+ for language and sexual content. This book is available for preorder and releases 5/24/22.

Spoiler-Free Review: I'm going to try my best to not be spoilery but it's going to be hard!

I'd like to thank Jack for this ARC of The Gathering. I knew I missed these characters, but I didn't know how much I missed them until I read this book! It gave me all the feelings! The Gathering is a novella that should be read after Dead Moons Rising (book 1 in the Honest Scrolls series). It gives readers a deeper dive into the events that occurred during an important gathering of the people of Haerland. The banter and dialogue among all of the characters is chefs kiss. Getting to see the points of view of characters that we didn't get in Dead Moons Rising was such a treat! There were moments I laughed and moments I got emotional. The spice and sexual tension was impeccable! As with other books in the series, this book is very sex positive. These characters hold such a special place in my heart, and I loved being able to revisit them. I can't wait to see where Jack takes this series. Definitely check out The Gathering if you're a fan of the series and the characters. This is an adult high fantasy novella. 18+ for language and sexual content.

Spoiler- Free Review:

The Escape had me feeling lots of different things. I will start with the positive points first. The imagery that the author uses to describe Ireland makes me want to jump on a plane and escape there much like our MC did. I could literally visualize the places she was describing with no difficulty. I also liked that the MCs were older. The male MC was 37 and the female 40. It was refreshing to get an older adult POV as opposed to early 20s. Now for the things I didn't like. This was a romantic story of a troubled woman with lots of skeletons in her closet who needs to make peace with them. Those skeletons created so many plot holes. There were events that happened in the story that never got addressed again or explained. Maybe they will since this is a trilogy, I'm not sure. It ended with one of my least favorite tropes of all time. So many questions unanswered. I felt like some “twists” weren't necessary for the plot. I started with a positive outlook on the book and I enjoyed it until the last like 100 pages. Will book 2 be better? Maybe. Will I read it? Also maybe if for no other reason than to see if I get answers to my hundreds of questions. This is an adult book not sure what genre it would fall in honestly... romance? 18+ for themes and sexual content, but it's not graphic or explicit.

Spoiler-Free Review:

Another fun read from Elle Kennedy! This is the second installment in the Out of Uniform Series, and the story follows Seth, who we met in Heart Breaker. Seth is a Navy SEAL with a bit of a tortured past who has been pining over Miranda, a bartender and dancer. Miranda is a mother puts her two children and their needs above all else, sometimes to the detriment of her own happiness. Seth is very forward in his pursuits, but she continues to decline him. An unfortunate incident leaves Miranda and her kids homeless for a few days and Seth offers them a place to stay. This is a forced proximity, friends with benefits to lovers romance, and it is deliciously spicy. I have been loving the spice level in this series so far. We do get a third POV, Dylan, who is Seth's roommate. There is a subplot involving Dylan which looks like its going to culminate in the next book, Ladies Men. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

I am having the best time making my way through the Out of Uniform series. I am loving the older main characters and the increase in spice level from Elle Kennedy's collegiate romance series that I've read. In this fourth installment, we get to finally get meet Texas, AKA Jackson. He is one of the guys from the SEAL friend group, but he's got a bit of a past that tortures him still. We also get to meet Mia, a young woman who is trying to balance too many things and leaving very little time for herself. Jackson convinces Mia to let him take her out, and things only take off from there. Jackson likes some very interesting things in the bedroom, and Mia is surprised to find that she enjoys them too. I really really liked this book! I loved Jackson and Mia's relationship so much, but the third act conflict resolved a little too quickly and easily for how heavy it was. I just wanted a little more closure and to see how things panned out, but overall I loved it. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content, language, and themes. Check triggers.

I'd like to thank Netgalley for sending me an ARC of this book. The cover and title captured my attentions right away. This book had lots of potential, but for me it fell a little flat. The storyline and plot are unique, which I appreciated. Also the fact that the main characters were in their 30s was also refreshing to read. There are many nods to classic literature throughout the story, and I really liked how that was incorporated into the book. This story follows Athena and Thorne and their journey back to each other. This is a forced proximity second-chance romance that is packed with sexual tension. If you're looking for spice, there wasn't much. Most of it was fade to black or closed door. For me the story had a lot of dialogue which, while fun and well-written, was a lot. I felt like things were talked about rather than explained in context. For those reasons, I gave it 3/5 stars. Overall, this book was okay- a light fun read. This is an adult romance, 18+ language and sexual content.

Excuse me while I pick my jaw up off the floor! The last 25% of this book had me in a chokehold. Y'all, this was so good. Alexis Maness, I am ready for book 2, and I need more of these amazing character's journey! First of all, I'd like to thank the author for sending me an ARC of this book. The imagery used and the writing style are phenomenal. This story follows Rhiannon, who is nearly killed by her, at the time, boyfriend Silas, and her journey in seeking revenge. On the way she meets Tristain, Silas's brother who prefers to carry out justice the traditional way. A romance blooms between the two of them in the most delicious way... amazing banter and lots of spicy moments. This book is low fantasy, but it touches on multiple modern day issues that are extremely relevant. The amount of DMs I sent Alexis Maness about feeling seen or relating to aspects Rhiannon... She is such a diverse character, and I absolutely love her! Spicy, revenge plot, plus-size representation, relevant themes... go ahead and add to cart and preorder this book! This is an adult fantasy with a romance subplot, 18+ for sexual content and themes. Check out Alexis Maness's link in her bio for a full list of triggers.

I had the amazing opportunity and pleasure of reading this book in the early stages, and y'all it is so good! This is the thrilling conclusion to Rhiannon's story after the events of Vengeance Becomes Her. Rhiannon's journey to defeat her evils while not losing herself or hurting those she loves is beautifully told with modern day themes woven throughout. There's adventure, romance, spice, plus size rep, and so much more! Alexis does an amazing job of including a list is trigger warnings on her platforms and website. Check those out prior to starting. Vengeance Frees Her is an Adult Dark Fantasy, 18+ for there's, sexual content, and violence.

This was the most pleasant surprise to ever end up in my inbox! I'd like to start off by thanking the author for sending me an ARC of this book. The Forward Line was such a fun story, and it will make the perfect addition to your Valentine's TBR. This story follows FMC Tatum Kelly, a female hockey player with a strong will but a tender heart, and three male hockey players: Jace, Callum, and Shawn. After the female hockey team is disbanded at their school, Tatum is forced to look for a way to maintain her scholarship and continue school. Enter male hockey team! The players and coach were hesitant at first, but they soon began to see that Tatum was just as talented, if not more so, than their male counterparts. A connection builds between our three guys and Tatum, and the tension between these characters is chef's kiss. The break in tension y'all is

My heart! N.S. Perkins always has a way to hit me right in the feels, and this story was no different! Her books have become some of my summer reads and always deliver on such tender summer romances. This story follows Emma, child of piano prodigies who is struggling to imagine her future, and Jamie, talented musician who sometimes puts so much pressure on himself that he neglects other areas of his life. There a bit of a time travel piece to this story that I wasn't expecting (I went in completely blind) but I liked how it was written. They relive the previous summer and reconnect with each other and the roots of their relationship and themselves. I, of course, fell in love with so many side characters! I adored this second chance romance— it was tender and sweet, and I love the journey the characters took to rediscovering what was important to them. There was lots of tension and the burn was slow, but it really fit the story and the characters. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content

Merged review:

My heart! N.S. Perkins always has a way to hit me right in the feels, and this story was no different! Her books have become some of my summer reads and always deliver on such tender summer romances. This story follows Emma, child of piano prodigies who is struggling to imagine her future, and Jamie, talented musician who sometimes puts so much pressure on himself that he neglects other areas of his life. There a bit of a time travel piece to this story that I wasn't expecting (I went in completely blind) but I liked how it was written. They relive the previous summer and reconnect with each other and the roots of their relationship and themselves. I, of course, fell in love with so many side characters! I adored this second chance romance— it was tender and sweet, and I love the journey the characters took to rediscovering what was important to them. There was lots of tension and the burn was slow, but it really fit the story and the characters. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content

Y'all know I love Jack Whitney, and this book was no exception! How the woman continues to created such amazing worlds and characters is beyond me! I'm not normally a dark romance girlie but I really liked this one. Madness follows Andi, a photographer with a traumatic past, and Maddox, the bassist for Young Decay who keeps his identity a secret by wearing a mask. Maddox is best friends with Andi's brother, and when Andi is asked to photograph the band for their homecoming run, tensions build between them. Both are running from their pasts, but find security with each other. The tension, the banter, all the spice. It's all so good! It's dual pov so we get to see the story from both Andi and Maddox's side. There's an extensive trigger warning list at the front of the book so be sure to check that out. I'm so excited to see where Jack is taking this new series! Madness is an adult dark romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes

Such a light and fun holiday novella! Can't wait to see more from Hazel and Cole! Plus size representation was perfection!

Ever since I read Madness I have been eagerly awaiting Reed's novel, and Jack Whitney did not let me down! I love that man so much! And Wren! I fell in love with her and how much healing she does and how good Reed is for her. This story has so many good things: grumpy/sunshine (she's the grump

Spoiler-Free Review:

In Trouble Maker, I fell in love with Dylan, and I wanted so badly for him to find happiness and be confident in who he was. Well, in Ladies Men, he does that and more! Ladies Men is a book about a polyamorous relationship between Dylan, Aiden, and Claire. After being left at the altar, Claire is mortified and feels betrayed, and Dylan swoops in to save the day. He takes her back to his apartment, which he shared with Aiden, to have some time to herself, and from there things only get steamier. Dylan, Aiden, and Claire all have a lot of growth to do, and the outcome of the story is so sweet. I took off one star because I just felt like the resolution with Aiden's trauma and Claire's family needed to be a bit more. It felt like it happened a little too quickly. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes. Check trigger warnings

Adam Lockwood, y'all! Adam. Freaking. Lockwood. Unravel me is the third book in the Playing for Keeps series. The story follows Vancouver Vipers goalie Adam Lockwood and Rosie Wells, a single mom and vet student. While on a hike with his dog, Adam meets Rosie and their chemistry is instant. Both have secrets and insecurities that have hardened their hearts, but with each other they are able to let their walls down. Their romance is so incredibly sweet, but also very hot! Adam is so so incredibly tender it had me swooning! You also get to see so much of the characters' lives and the lives of their friends who I have come to know and love! The bunch of them feel so well developed because you get so much of them in every book! The found family element in this entire series is just so special. The friendship, the banter, the absolutely ‘laugh out loud' moments— it's all so so good! Unravel Me is an adult sports romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

I finished Iron Flame last night, and while I usually write my reviews right after I finish, I needed to sit with this for a bit. This book made me feel lots of things! Iron Flame picks up right where Fourth Wing left off, which I was so glad for (IYKYK)! This book is FULL of details and information— literally so much to remember and process— and lots of new characters. I feel like some of the details could have been better fleshed out, and I hope that comes later in the series. There's alliances and betrayals and secrets. I had a pit in my stomach most of the book because I didn't know where the story was going. We still get that great banter between the characters especially Xaden and Violet, which I loved. I also loved the found family within of their squad. The romance and spice were definitely there but not the highlight of this book, which felt to me more plot driven. Iron Flame is an adult fantasy, 18+ for sexual content

Cooper Callahan. Cooper. Freaking. Callahan

This series has been on my TBR for a long time! When I saw they were available via the library on audio, I decided it was time! I love the tropes in this book! Fake dating, athlete in need of a tutor, a MMC who will do anything for his girl— this had it all. First Down follows Bex, amateur photographer who knows exactly where her life is heading no matter how badly she wants to go in a different direction, and James, senior transfer athlete (loved the LSU mention) hoping to make a name for himself. This was a super fun and quick read on audio and I really liked the dual narration. The spice and romance were great, and I thought it fit the characters well. First Down is an adult sports romance, 18+ for themes and sexual content.

I have absolutely loved this Laura Pavlov binge I've been on the last few weeks! I capped it off with her newest release, Into the Tide. This book follows Hugh and Lila and is set in the small town of Cottonwood Cove. Hugh is a loyal man especially to his friends and family, and Lila is his best friend's little sister who's on a journey to find herself and prove her independence after she graduates college. After hiring Lila for a summer job before she starts her professional life in Chicago, Hugh is unable to deny his attraction to her. This is another amazing example of brother's best friend romance that is so sweet but also so sexy. We even get a glimpse of the girls from the Honey Mountain series and that made me so so happy! Laura Pavlov has become an auto buy author for me and I've already preordered the rest of this series! Into the Tide is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

This book took me a little while to get through I started it maybe a little over a week ago, but I think that was more just life getting in the way than the actual book because I did enjoy it. I do feel like it was a little more lengthy than the romances I've read previously, but overall it was still a really good read. Fans of Disney World will enjoy this setting as it is extremely similar. The story follows Rowan Kane, one of the owners of Dreamland who is given a task by his late grandfather. In order to help him with this task, he asks employees to submit ideas on ways to improve the park. Enter Zahra: an employee who works at the salon with big ideas and an even bigger heart. After working out some kinks and revealing his true identity, the two begin seeing each other. The burn is slow in my opinion but the tension is definitely there, and once the fire sparks it is hot! This book made me so emotional toward the end, and it just really tugged on my heart strings. I enjoyed the grumpy/sunshine trope in this book and how it was written. I loved how she wrote Zahra chipping away at Rowan's tough exterior. The pacing felt a little slow for me which is why I took off 1 star. This is an adult romance, 18+ for sexual content

I finished this book last night via audio and I cannot stop thinking about it. Adrienne Young creates these amazing immersive worlds that are truly captivating! This story and the characters and the magic were all so unique. The narrators southern accent was perfect and didn't feel forced, and it was great for the setting of the story. This book follows June Farrow as she copes with the death of her grandmother who had many secrets. When she begins digging into her past, she walks through a door that changes her life. There is a second chance romantic subplot, and I loved the way it was written. My biggest take-away was the story of a mother's love and how moms will do anything for their children and to keep them safe. It absolutely hit me in the feels! There's also a bit of mystery and some suspense. It was just so incredible, and Adrienne Young continues to be an auto-buy author for me. The Unmaking of June Farrow is adult magical realism, 16+

Possible Spoilers for the Magnolia Parks Universe:

I'm not sure when I will recover from this book. This series in general! I feel like I've grown so attached to these characters and their stories, and now I am in pain that I have to wait for another book to be released. Magnolia Parks: The Long Way Home gave us Magnolia and BJ's POVs for most of the events in this book, but seeing it from Daisy, Julian, and Christian's POV added so much more depth to the plot and character development. Jessa Hastings does a phenomenal job at making sure we know the story from multiple sides. One second I love one character for someone and the next I'm rooting for another because of the details their POVs add. I can't deny that this series is an emotional roller coaster, but seriously in the best way! I've developed such a soft spot for Julian and Christian, and I honestly don't know when I will get over the emotional ride that was the last 20% of this book. Each book in this series gets better and better, and I don't know if I can pick of favorite at this moment. I cannot recommend this series enough for lovers of found family, scandal, Gossip Girl type of vibes but better and more toxic (in a good way). I cannot thank Teresa enough for peer pressuring me into starting this series and always being available in DMs for support. And also Ashley for dealing with my Tuesday afternoon emotional turmoil as I was finishing this book today. This book and series is New Adult, 18+ for sexual content and themes.

Another absolute win from Charissa Weaks! I absolutely devoured this book from start to finish, and loved everything about it! This is a Witch Walker novella, and it picks up where we left off in City of Ruin. However, it follows Neri and Nephele instead of our usual POVs. Neri is a wolf god who's made a bargain with Nephele, Raina's sister, to bring him back to his full being, and Nephele is desperate for answers about Raina after the events of City of Ruin. There is a ton of delicious tension with some incredible payoff toward the end. The author continues to deliver such good romance and spice, and the banter between Neri and Nephele is so so fun. We continue to see our amazing cast of characters including Alexus and Colden, and I really love how their friendship with Nephele was written. Their love for her was truly palpable. The imagery and descriptive writing style continue to be some of my favorite in romantasy right now, and I really can't wait for Kingdom of the Forgotten this fall! Even though this novella is packed with tension and spice and romantic bits, we still get so much information and details on the plot of the series. This is an adult fantasy novella, 18+ for sexual content