Rose in Chains Review

🌹 Rose in Chains – 4.5/5 ⭐️

At the top, let me say: this book includes content warnings and trigger warnings, and for good reason. There are scenes involving non-consensual sex and sexual actions that were, at times, hard for me to stomach. I understand their place in the story and the world the author created, and I really appreciated the warning before diving in. But if that’s not something you’re okay reading, take that seriously going in. ⚠️

Now onto the rest…

loved this book! 😍 The flow of it was perfect—the pacing kept me hooked the entire time. The characters? So complex and layered. It has honestly been a LONG time since I’ve stayed up until 1 a.m. two nights in a row just to finish a book. I am a full-grown adult with responsibilities… and this book made me forget all of them. 😂

Toven was MOODY, dark, and “touch her and die” in the absolute best way. I loved him so much—his intensity, the quiet possessiveness, the inner turmoil—it all worked. New book boyfriend unlocked! 😩🖤

Briony, I found a tad annoying at times. She gave off some “pick me” girl energy in the beginning, and I was definitely rolling my eyes a bit. But I get it when it comes to Toven. I do think as the story progressed, she started shifting into someone stronger and more grounded. I’d love to see her become a full force to reckon with in the next book. There’s serious growth potential. 💪

Now… my only wish (and it’s a big one): some spice!!! 🌶️
The build-up was so there. The tension, the stolen glances, the aching want—it was all leading somewhere, and then when we finally got a taste? Just a dash, and then—BOOM, it ends?! 😭 I wanted more. The tease was too real and it ended hurt me physically.

✨ SPOILERS BELOW – Don’t read past this if you haven’t finished! ✨
Okay, let’s talk about the Rory twist

I wasn’t shocked that he was alive. The story laid some solid breadcrumbs leading up to that reveal, so I was kind of expecting it. But honestly? I didn’t mind that it wasn’t a total surprise. It made sense, and I actually appreciated how it was built up if you were paying close attention.

Now—Rory being saved by the dragon and the dragon having her own mind?! THAT was exciting. That added a whole other level of intrigue, and now I’m dying to see where that goes. Hate where it ended in the best way possible. I need the next one NOW!

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Silver Elite

Silver Elite 

This was a book I was really excited to dive into. The hype was everywhere and I had high hopes! But… I’ve gotta be honest… I struggled to get into it. 😬 The pacing in the beginning was sloooow and some of the writing felt a bit robotic and even nonsensical at times. I actually read a few passages aloud to my husband just to make sure it wasn’t just me. 

That said, there were definitely elements I did enjoy. It gave off strong Fourth Wing x Divergent x Hunger Games vibes 🔥 and I am always here for that kind of energy.

If I were someone who DNFed books… I probably would’ve, I can’t lie. But I stuck it out and I can say I am glad I did. The second half picked up a lot, and it finally hit a stride that kept me turning pages.

The ending?! JAW. ON. THE. FLOOR. 😲👏 I love books that make me wish they wouldn’t end, and this was one of them (eventually).

As for the characters:
🖤 Wren wasn’t my favorite FMC (not a deal breaker, though).
💥 Cross was fun to root for.
😈 Kaine = Ridoc energy = favorite.
Everyone else? I didn’t really care about anyone else

There is some spice 🌶️ — think Violet & Xaden, but toned down a notch. Not mad about it.

Ultimately, I think the hype kinda set me up for disappointment. If I’d gone in with lower expectations, I might have enjoyed it more. The storyline was easy to follow and had a lot of elements I typically love, so I’m still hopeful for book 2. 🤞

⭐️ 3.5 stars from me! It would’ve been lower if not for that wild ending. Here’s hoping the next one truly delivers. 

A Forgery of Fate Review

📚✨ A FORGERY OF FATE by Elizabeth Lim
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 stars

This is a GORGEOUS book! Let’s just take a moment to appreciate the cover—the art, the gold-foiled edges… chef’s kiss. This one is a display piece and a beautiful story.

If you’ve been following the promos, this is a Beauty and the Beast retelling with deep roots in Chinese folklore, and I absolutely devoured it. Elizabeth Lim takes a familiar tale and spins it into something rich, smart, and full of heart.

And now let’s talk spice… 🌶️
This book is spicy, but not in the steamy sense, unless, like me, you’re a fan of chili peppers. 😂 There’s definitely tensionlusting, and yearning that totally satisfies if you love a slow-burn romance, but no open-door scenes here. Perfect for readers who prefer clean romantasy with heat of a different kind.


🖤 SPOILER SECTION BELOW 🖤

Let’s get into the juicy bits.

Tru was such a standout. Funny, smart, brave, and intensely loyal, even when her family didn’t deserve her. She gave this story so much heart, and I loved how her wit balanced out the darker, heavier parts of the plot. She’s the kind of heroine you root for instantly and keep rooting for until the last page.

And can we discuss the tie-ins to the Six Crimson Cranes duology? The references to Kiata, to Seryu, pure joy! I loved how those details felt like little gifts for longtime readers, while still making complete sense in this new context. It’s intricately woven and completely satisfying.

Then there’s Elang… ugh, I loved him. Half-dragon face or not, that grumpy demeanor melted away perfectly. Watching Tru fall for him (and us right along with her) was so rewarding. That slow burn was just the right kind of painful, and his arc unfolded in such a soft, satisfying way. The banter. The tension. The longing. All of it.

As for the ending… yes. That twist? It surprised me in the best way. It gave the whole story a final punch of emotion and just the right amount of unpredictability. The last third of the book was impossible to put down.

Elizabeth Lim proves again that she’s a queen of yearning, slow burn, and fate-driven romance wrapped in magical, high-stakes fantasy. I closed the book feeling full but also already hoping for more in this world.

The Twisted Throne Review

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 (Spoilers ahead!)

This book took me a little while to finish; not because it wasn’t good, but because, well, life. And honestly? I regret not giving it my full attention from the start. I went in thinking, “Oh no, not another ‘wrong brother’ trope.” (Looking directly at you, Powerless.) But The Twisted Throne took that setup and flipped it on its head in a way that totally surprised me and I loved that.

Ahnna is the standout for me. She’s fierce, funny, strategic, and doesn’t wait around to be saved. She doesn’t compromise her strength for romance, and I live for that energy in a female lead. Watching her push back, take control, and still be vulnerable made her feel real.

James… whew. He had me from the beginning. He’s thoughtful, noble, and genuinely respects Ahnna for who she is. The slow-burn tension between them worked for me and let’s be honest, he’s got that quiet strength + emotional depth combo thats easy to fall hard for.

Spoilers ahead:

The ending was a rollercoaster. For a moment, I thought we were headed for a tidy little happily-ever-after. NOPE. That twist? I gasped. But here’s the thing James doubting her? James. James. WHY would you not believe her?? After everything they went through, all that growth, all that love and he doubts her?? Sir, your stepmother has been shady AF from day one and you know it. You love this woman. You fought for her. USE THAT BEAUTIFUL HEAD OF YOURS.

Danielle Jensen, you’ve done it again. I’m hooked, I’m mad, I’m swooning, and I need the next book yesterday. This is epic fantasy romance at its finest; layered characters, gut-punch twists, and a heroine who owns every inch of her story.

Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Lost Tales Book Review

Where do I even begin? Emily Wilde’s Compendium of Tales has cemented its place as a beloved series by me. It’s a cozy adventure that it’s easy to jump into. As a young girl, I was utterly obsessed with fairies, their magic, and the mystical world they inhabited. Reading about Emily Wilde felt like stepping into a dream – she embodies the adventurous, scholarly spirit I always longed for. She has my “dream job” of researching faeries.

Heather Fawcett has masterfully crafted a world that feels both familiar and utterly unique, and this third installment continues to deliver that magic. The portrayal of faeries is spot-on, capturing their inherent trickery, their connection to stories, and the way they weave themselves into the very fabric of existence. It’s a breath of fresh air to see a fantasy world that feels so grounded in folklore and authentic to the myths we know.

The journey with Emily and Wendell, which has developed wonderfully over the course of the series, was a delightful rollercoaster. Their dynamic, from prickly academic rivals to something much deeper, was beautifully developed. I found myself completely invested in their relationship, cheering for them every step of the way. And let’s not forget Shadow and Orga! Those characters added so much depth and charm to the story. Shadow’s ending, in particular, brought tears to my eyes – a testament to how deeply Fawcett made me care for even the animal side kicks.

This series isn’t about spice; it’s about heart. It’s about the tender moments, the quiet discoveries, and the profound connections that form between people and the magical world around them. Fawcett’s writing is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the Otherlands and its inhabitants. 

Heather Fawcett has created something truly special with the Compendium of Tales series. These characters will stay with me long after I’ve turned the final page. I’ll miss Emily, Wendell, Shadow, Orga, and the enchanting world they inhabit. If you’re looking for a beautifully written, heartfelt fantasy that will transport you to another realm, look no further. This series, and this third book, are an absolute gem.