Katherine

This was a great installment to the Demonica Birthright series! So glad we got Stryke’s story, and who doesn’t love a closed off grumpy billionaire with avoidant issues being put in their place by a spunky intelligent woman who is not afraid of going toe to toe with him??

The chemistry and balance between Stryke and Cyan was electric and I loved it. Going from fallen hero and angry former fan to coworkers to lovers was so angsty and wonderful. I am so glad we got to see Stryke open up and begin to heal with Cyan’s help.

There was chaos, chemistry, joy, seduction, anger, sadness, and lots of healing and I am here for it all.

I have loved this series so far and cannot wait for book 3!

Pop my tire and make me stranded in Crimson Ridge because I need Lucas Rhodes to be my knight in shining armor.

This novella is everything I want in a spicy forbidden Christmas love story.

• Horses? ✅
• Hot older man? ✅
• Spunky pink haired, tattooed FMC? ✅
• Snowed in? ✅
• "Let me take care of you" but it's not just about s3x? ✅
• Forbidden love? AKA best friend's dad ✅

Did this story make me want to dye my hair pink? Yes. Did it make me want to start my other tattoo sleeve before my first one is done? Also yes.

Genuinely loved Skye and Lucas' story, I will definitely be re-reading it closer to Christmas!

Book 2 picks up right where we left off and keeps steamrolling into chaos.

Bindings of Fate is very different from book one, delving deep into trauma - newly given as well as past - and history - Orah's, Comas/ the first queen, etc.

Orah is really struggling this book, and the trauma she has to endure under the hands of Aaemon is so horrible - I really felt for her. She is so resilient, able to handle what he throws back at her while also continuing to fight. Her mental health struggles, dealing with the trauma, and also her grief carrying over from book one make this a book you should definitely read the content warnings for. Be prepared, this is not sunshine and rainbows. BUT if you like heavier books with trauma, mental health, etc., then you should pick this one up!

Orah has been through so much, as has everyone else. I wish she would not be so combative and lash out over everything - this is a side effect of so much trauma I know, and Courtney (author) does a great job writing this because I kept getting pissed at Orah! I really feel for her, but it was frustrating to see her deal with things through either miscommunication or a general combativeness and unwillingness to listen to others. Now, I would be PISSED if some of this stuff happened to me also, and would want to be mad for a bit, but would listen.

Overall I really enjoyed this story - and can't wait for the next iteration of the series!

52 Weeks a Party of One is a wonderful character study of dealing with grief and betrayal, and healing (or lack of). It is heavy, thoughtful, and powerful, and will have you reeling as you see yourself and your own healing journey in the main character along the way.

Aisha our FMC is a headstrong, independent woman in her 30's with commitment issues and abandonment trauma. She seems to do everything she can to heal, while simultaneously doing everything she can to avoid healing. Seems a bit like a catch 22 no? It is, and that appears to be one of the points. Healing is never a straight line, and you can't move forward until you are truly ready to move forward.

I loved this book, it was so powerful and such a wonderful exploration of abandonment, trust, commitment, self healing and exploration, and friendship. It dives into her independent journey of healing and how sometimes even when the worst things happen, things will eventually be ok if you put the work into making them ok. If you don't, things won't get better.

Bianca Pensy Aba once again succeeded in drawing me into the story as if I was a piece of the main character, and brought me along for the healing and self discovery.

One thing I loved was that she did not make up with her best friend or former partner. I don't think that is something that should happen, and I am glad she was able to healthily end the relationship. I am glad she was able to have honest conversations with her mom and brother, and repair those relationships.

I definitely recommend giving this one a read!