I’ve been seeing the snow glow challenge everywhere, so you know I had to try it! ❄️✨ This was way too fun and I definitely got a little carried away… cleaning up all the fake snow afterward? Not so magical 😂
Question of the day: Do you like snow globes?
I wasn’t sure what to think about this one at first. I kept seeing it everywhere and finally decided to give it a chance. And honestly? It was so much in the best way; like Fourth Wing meets Hunger Games meets dire wolves. Fast-paced, intense, and surprisingly emotional. It was so well written and genuinely fun, and I found myself rooting for her the entire time. Don’t go past this point unless you’ve read it! Spoilers ahead.
Lee?? I knew it would be something, but THIS?? I did not see coming. And Stark!! We really got the ultimate enemies-to-lovers moment where we realize just how wrong we’ve been—and somehow what actually happened was even better than anything I imagined.
“I made you mine.”
Diabolical. Perfect. I screamed.
The engagement bracelet won’t come off??? WHAT?!
“And now he won’t let me go.”
No more trials?? Of course. Naturally. I’m still recovering.
And that surprise he left her?? Oh. My. GOD.
This book was a wild, exhilarating ride—packed with so many of my favorite romantasy tropes, but still fresh, sharp, and completely addictive. And the dire wolves?? Absolutely obsessed.
Brimstone Review. FINALLY! ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ This book crawled for me at first, but switching to the audiobook at 45% was life-changing. Those narrators? Heroes. They single-handedly dragged the pacing from “meh” to “oh absolutely yes.”
Is there a ton of world-building? Yep. Is the word “mates” used a lot? Also yes. But SJM does it too and I eat those books like snacks, so here we are. Stop now because some small spoilers are coming.
And then suddenly the slow burn becomes no burn at all because everything starts happening at once.
That line—“I will still be the most frightening thing prowling around in the dark”—sent me feral.
The Onyx scene?? CRUEL. UNNECESSARY. I LOVED IT.
Carrion Swift remains my Roman Empire. Kingfisher is great, but Carrion’s sarcasm and menace own me. I expected answers with a side of mystery; instead I got mystery with a side of more mystery, plus dessert mystery. Still hooked.
December is always the busiest time of year for moms, and honestly…I’ve never made a reading plan. I usually just go with the flow and squeeze in pages where I can. But this month I’m trying something new!
I want to start focusing on my physical TBR (which is currently sitting at…over 100 books 😅📚). I’ve also been taking my sweet time with Brimstone — once I finish, I’ll have a whole year to wait for the next installment, so I’m savoring every detail.
We’ll see how this little experiment turns out. I’ll check back in once December ends! 💫
Here’s to cozy reads, quiet moments, and making a tiny dent in that TBR pile. Also are we not doing hashtags anymore???
🌹 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…
I 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!
#Bookstagram Vibes
#RoseInChains #RomantasyReads #FantasyRomance #DarkFantasyBooks #TovenTrash #SlowBurnSupremacy #TouchHerAndDie #BooksWithTriggerWarnings #ReadingUntil1AM #MorallyGrayLove #BookAddictLife #BookRec #SpicePlease #DragonTwist #FantasyBookReview #BookTokMadeMeDoIt #BrionyAndToven #BookstagramMadeMeReadIt
📚✨ 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 tension, lusting, 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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/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.
★★★★☆/ 5 stars
The Knight and the Mother by Rachel Gillig is a book I was SO excited for and it did not disappoint. The world-building came fast, the character arcs unfolded smoothly, and it delivered that enemies-to-lovers slow burn with a twisty reveal at the end. What more could you want??
There’s a touch of spice for those who might shy away from it, but it’s tastefully done. It doesn’t overshadow the plot— it serves it. It hit the perfect balance of tension and tenderness.
Spoilers from here on out!
Bartholomew stole the show for me. He’s hilarious, grounding, and his quiet wisdom hit me harder than I expected. Total heart-stealer.
Rory was such a fun MMC—broody, morally gray, and the perfect match for our FMC. He did and said all the right things. That “if you know, you know” kind of guy.
Plot-wise, I wasn’t blown away by twists, but I didn’t need to be. I saw the omens turning to stone coming, and guessed early that the gargoyles were the diviners. I also suspected Bartholomew was the boy from the tale, and that the boy king wasn’t as sweet as he seemed. The predictability didn’t take away from the magic. It was beautifully crafted and absolutely immersive.
Gillig’s writing has such a lyrical tone. Her prose feels almost like folklore—rich and rhythmic—and that really resonated with me.
Quotes I loved:
“If you value your friend when he fights your battles for you—when he is rogue and ruthless—you must value him when he is gentle too. Otherwise, you do not value him at all.”
“It is easier wearing ourselves to someone else’s cause than to sit with who we are without one.”
★★★★★ — Favorite Read of 2025
This book deserves the hype. Devney Perry absolutely slayed with Shield of Sparrows, and I’m officially joining the obsessed fan club. This has hands down been my favorite read of the year.
Enemies to lovers? It’s my favorite trope and wow, it delivered. The tension, the banter, the chemistry, it had me kicking my feet and screaming.
The world-building? Chef’s kiss. The characters? Chef’s kiss. The plot twists? Literal chef’s kiss. Every layer of this story was crafted to pull me in, and it worked. I devoured this book in record time. I lost sleep. I skipped chores. It takes a lot to make me stop pretending to be a functioning adult, but this book had me fully unhinged in the best way.
Spoilers ahead — stop reading if you haven’t picked it up yet!
I did not see it coming that her husband wasn’t who she thought he was, we were all relived right?! That twist had my jaw on the floor. And then the ending with the girl who had her same hair color used as a crux?? My brain short-circuited. Devney Perry has me in a chokehold until the next one drops.
It was emotionally intense, high-stakes book. It was haunting, romantic, wild, and full of those tiny details that linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page.
If you haven’t read it go now. If you have let’s scream together.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Spoilers Ahead
An Unpopular Opinion: Onyx Storm Fell Flat for Me
Look, I know I’m probably in the minority here, but “Onyx Storm” just didn’t resonate with me the way the previous “Empyrean” series books did. I’m a dedicated fan, and I’ll absolutely continue with the series, but this installment felt like a significant dip in quality.
My main issue? It felt like a rehash of “Iron Flame,” lacking the forward momentum I craved. It felt like a filler book, stretching out existing plot points without significantly advancing the overarching narrative. I couldn’t shake the feeling that “Iron Flame” and “Onyx Storm” could have been condensed into a tighter, more impactful single volume.
Perhaps diving in without a fresh reread of the first two books contributed to my disconnect, but it shouldn’t have been necessary. The pacing felt off, and the plot felt meandering. Many readers have expressed similar sentiments, noting a lack of substantial plot progression. The book felt too long for what the story was, with too many side plots that didn’t contribute to the main story.
I appreciate the continued world-building and the expansion of the “Empyrean” universe, but I was left wanting more regarding significant reveals and character development. The introduction of various side character deaths that I struggled to recall highlighted a potential character depth and engagement issue. Some of the new points of view felt underdeveloped and difficult to connect with, further contributing to the feeling of a scattered narrative.
While the ending certainly left us with a cliffhanger, it lacked the same level of excitement and anticipation I experienced with previous books. It felt more like a forced pause than a genuine cliffhanger that left me desperately needing the next installment. In some ways it really didn’t feel earned to me.
“Onyx Storm” felt, dare I say, a bit lazy compared to the previous books. It lacked the spark and urgency that made “Fourth Wing” and “Iron Flame” so compelling. I sincerely hope the next installment recaptures the magic and delivers the impactful storytelling I’ve come to expect from this series. While I remain a fan, this book was a definite disappointment.
View all my reviews
Author Adelaide Green 