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Jenn

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Master of Salt & Bones

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 12-18-24

“There are darknesses in life and there are lights. You are one of the lights.”
Master of Salt & Bones is a hauntingly beautiful blend of gothic romance and dark modern fairy tale that will leave you entranced. Keri Lake spins a story as wild and untamed as the sea that crashes against Blackthorne Manor, where the enigmatic and scarred Lucian Blackthorne reigns.
The book follows Isadora, a young woman whose life has been shaped by her own cursed circumstances and a desperate need to escape. She finds herself drawn to Lucian—a reclusive, brooding figure feared by the local town for reasons shrouded in mystery. But the Lucian she discovers isn’t just the “devil” the villagers whisper about; he’s broken, burdened by guilt, and in need of salvation as much as Isabelle herself.
The atmosphere is pure gothic gold, with Blackthorne Manor practically dripping in shadows and secrets. The romance is sizzling yet forbidden, with tension building between Isadora and Lucian as they grapple with their tragic pasts and the electric pull between them. Lucian’s amber-eyed intensity will make you swoon one moment and shiver the next, and Isadora’s determination to save him makes her a heroine worth rooting for.
What kept this from being a full five stars was the pacing—it dragged a bit in the middle, and some of the darker elements felt slightly repetitive. Still, the prose is lush, the chemistry undeniable, and the story unforgettable. If you love dark romance with gothic vibes, tortured heroes, and resilient heroines, Master of Salt & Bones will cast its spell on you.
Lucian might claim there’s no happy ending, but this book will leave your heart full and aching in the best way.

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Gothikana

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-19-24

“If this is madness,” she whispered almost against his lips, “drown me in it.”

“If this is madness,” he told her, echoing her words against her lips, “I’ve already descended too far.”

Corvina Clemm, the quirky, loner heroine, finds herself whisked away to the eerie University of Verenmore—a crumbling castle on a mountain where secrets practically drip from the walls. Add in a string of unsolved disappearances and Corvina's growing obsession with Vad Deverell, the brooding professor with a voice that could charm the dead, and you’ve got a story that’s creepy, seductive, and oh-so-compelling.

Vad and Corvina's chemistry? Swoon central! Every stolen glance and forbidden touch crackles with tension as they try (and fail spectacularly) to stay away from each other. Meanwhile, Corvina’s unraveling a century-old mystery that makes you question everyone. Ghostly vibes, shadowy figures, and a plot twist that’ll leave you gasping—this book has it all.

It’s dark academia meets gothic romance with a splash of spine-chilling danger, perfect for fans of atmospheric reads. If you love secrets, steamy forbidden love, and a setting so vivid it’s practically alive, Gothikana will sweep you off your feet and into the shadows. 🌙🖤

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Quicksilver

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-13-24

✨ Quicksilver: The Fae & Alchemy is an enchanting blend of adventure, forbidden magic, and icy intrigue! Saeris Fane isn’t your typical heroine—she’s a skilled thief with hidden powers, sneaking water from the Undying Queen’s reserves in her desert homeland. But when she accidentally stumbles into the path of Death (yes, the actual Death), she’s thrown into the magical realm of Yvelia, where legends of the Fae come to life in the most dangerous ways.

Bound to the brooding Fae warrior Kingfisher, who’s as mysterious as he is infuriating, Saeris realizes she has a rare Alchemist magic that could change everything—if it doesn’t get her killed first! Their love-hate chemistry is sizzling, and every interaction crackles with tension as they face epic battles, sinister Fae politics, and secrets that threaten them both. With lush world-building and action-packed twists, Quicksilver is a magical adventure that fans of dark fantasy romance will devour. If you’re up for a tale that mixes myth and mayhem, this one’s a ride worth taking! ❄️🔥

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Phantasma

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-13-24

Paranormal New Orleans
Mind games, blood and terror
Necromancer
Ghosts👻
Ghost cat👻🐈
Own Voices representation for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Ophelia's world turns upside down in Phantasma, and wow, what a ride it is! When her mother is found deceased, and her sister signs up for a life-or-death competition, Ophelia doesn't get time to breathe—she's thrown right into the heart of danger. The stakes? Her sister's life and a cursed competition in a haunted manor where every floor is more twisted than the last.

The setting is absolutely fabulous—picture opulent ballrooms and eerie hallways, all while facing off against demons and temptations. Ophelia's death-driven magic adds a chilling twist, and honestly, I couldn’t put the book down every time she used her powers. And then there’s Blackwell—oh boy, Blackwell! He’s the charming, arrogant stranger who offers to protect Ophelia, and of course, she knows better than to trust him. But the chemistry? Let’s just say sparks fly in all the right ways!

One of the standout moments for me is when Ophelia faces one of the nine deadly challenges and comes face to face with her worst fears. It’s a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat moment, and I found myself rooting for her every step of the way.

While the romance between Ophelia and Blackwell builds tension and adds some dark attraction, the real star of this book is Ophelia’s determination and bravery. It’s a thrilling, heart-racing read with a dash of romance that kept me flipping pages late into the night. My only gripe? Some parts felt a little rushed, but overall, Phantasma delivers on excitement, mystery, and just enough heart to keep you hooked!

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Hexed

Overall
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-13-24

🌹 Hexed casts a darkly captivating spell of forbidden love and loyalty, swirling with all the gritty glamour of a mafia romance! Venesa is a complex, cunning heroine who’s never fit into anyone’s idea of “good.” Raised by her ruthless gangster uncle, she’s long abandoned her moral compass for survival. But when her rebellious cousin returns to town with Enzo “Loverboy” Marino—a dangerously handsome underboss with eyes that see right through her—Venesa feels the crackle of a connection she knows she shouldn’t want.
Enzo is a suave businessman by day and mafia prince by night, duty-bound to a family that doesn't leave room for messy things like passion or love. His fiancée is Venesa’s cousin, but he can’t ignore the spark between him and Venesa, even if he knows it’s forbidden territory. Every stolen glance, every whispered word, and every choice pulls them deeper into a world where duty and desire are on a collision course. Emily McIntire weaves the perfect blend of temptation, family loyalty, and high-stakes romance, giving readers a thrill ride through the underworld. If you’re ready for a dark, sultry love story with characters who refuse to play by the rules, Hexed is here to enchant you! 🌹🔥

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Soul of a Witch

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-13-24

“I love you,” I said. “I love you more than life itself, more than my own freedom. For you and you alone, I’ve stayed alive, Everly. For you, I would face everything I ever feared. I’ve lived a thousand lifetimes and I swear I’ve loved you in every one of them.”

🔥 Soul of a Witch is a beautifully twisted, seductive tale of power, vengeance, and freedom that doesn’t hold back! Everly has spent her life under the oppressive grip of a merciless god, trained to be meek and kept from discovering her own potent magic. But when a brutal murder uncovers a hidden world of spells and power, Everly’s destiny takes a dark turn. Enter Callum—a demon as ancient as he is alluring, who’s been searching for the witch of his dreams for two thousand years. Their chemistry? Explosive. He promises Everly she can be more than a pawn; she can destroy the god she once worshipped. But with the fate of Earth, Heaven, and Hell on the line, this mission comes with a heavy cost. The stakes are sky-high, the romance is intense, and every page crackles with tension as Everly wrestles with her newfound power—and Callum’s dark promises. Soul of a Witch is perfect for those who crave a spicy, magical thrill ride with heart-stopping romance and fierce character growth. This one’s a wickedly good read! 🖤🔥

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Her Soul for Revenge

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-05-24

Her Soul for Revenge is a spicy, dark thrill ride where romance collides with vengeance and the supernatural! Juniper has been through hell—literally and figuratively—and she's not about to let anyone get in her way of sweet, brutal revenge. Enter Zane, a demon with a penchant for chaos and a dangerously smoldering aura. He's all fangs, power, and dark charm, and for reasons that seem totally twisted, he’s totally intrigued by Juniper's fierce, vengeful spirit. The chemistry between them? Off-the-charts. Together, they’re an unstoppable force, diving headfirst into a shadowy world of ancient curses, blood-thirsty rivals, and betrayals. As Juniper and Zane navigate a violent path laced with desire and dark secrets, their bond becomes more than just demonic and dangerous—it’s absolutely to die for. This story is perfect for readers who love their romance spicy, their demons deadly, and their plots twisty and wickedly fun!

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Her Soul to Take

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 11-05-24

Her Soul to Take is a wild, dark romance where the ordinary rules of reality go flying out the window! Rae, a curious and ghost-hunting YouTuber, stumbles into the eeriest small town where ancient occult secrets are practically lurking around every corner. Enter Leon—a demon with a cocky grin and way too much charm for someone who's supposed to be terrifying. He's been summoned to take her soul, but Rae isn’t one to follow instructions, especially from a demon as alluring as Leon. Their banter, chemistry, and tension build into a deliciously dark romance that’ll keep you hooked until the very last page. Rae's fierce independence clashing with Leon's dangerous edge creates a whirlwind of thrills, chills, and steamy scenes that make this story an absolute page-turner. If you're into dark, forbidden love with a supernatural twist, this one is absolutely to die for!

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Drown Me with Dreams

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-27-24

Prepare to be swept away in this dark, alluring continuation of Saoirse’s journey! Drown Me with Dreams is a stunning follow-up that plunges you into a world where danger and desire intertwine with every turn of the page. Saoirse is wanted, hunted, and banished, yet she refuses to back down. As the most wanted fugitive in Keirdre, she’s framed for the old king’s death, with every fae in the kingdom out for her blood. But it’s not just her survival on the line—King Hayes, now crowned, asks her to cross the magical barrier to protect her, knowing that it might mean she can never return.
Gabi Burton masterfully weaves a tale of betrayal and loyalty, forcing Saoirse to confront the hardest question of all: Is Hayes the future Keirdre needs? Saoirse’s internal struggle, torn between her love for Hayes and her duty to the kingdom, is palpable, making every decision feel like a life-or-death gamble. The tension is relentless, especially as Saoirse uncovers dangerous plots that could bring the entire kingdom to its knees.
This book is a must-read for fans of dark YA fantasy with a side of seduction and moral complexity. Saoirse’s journey will leave you breathless, and the cliffhanger will have you counting the days until the final installment. An absolute 5-star read!

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Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton

Overall
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Story
5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed: 09-27-24

Sing Me to Sleep is a total ride from start to finish! Imagine diving into a world where sirens are real, secrets are deadly, and the tension is off the charts. The main character is so fierce, taking on a mission that’s as thrilling as it is dangerous. Gabi Burton does an amazing job mixing fantasy, romance, and action—you’ll be flipping pages like crazy. The twists kept me guessing, and the romance had me swooning. If you love a story that’s packed with adventure and leaves you craving more, you’ve got to pick this one up!

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