Jasmine's bookshelf: read en-US Wed, 09 Jul 2025 21:00:08 -0700 60 Jasmine's bookshelf: read 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg The Boy You Always Wanted 62984075 Francine always has a plan. Ollie wants no part of it.

Francine loves her grandfather, but their time together is running out. He has one final wish: to see a male heir carry on the family traditions. Francine knows his ideas are outdated, but she would do anything for him. Her solution? Ask Ollie Tran, a family friend (and former crush, not that it matters), to pretend to be ceremonially adopted and act like the grandson A Gng never had.

Ollie generally avoids the odd, too blunt (and fine, sort of cute) Francine, whose intensity makes him uncomfortable. So when she asks him to help deceive her dying grandpa, Ollies not down. He doesnt get why anyone would go to such lengths, even for family. Especially with a backwards (and sexist, Ollie keeps stressing) scheme like this.

Francine, however, is determined to make it happen, and soon Ollie finds himself more invested in her planand in herthan he ever thought possible. But as the tangled lies and feelings pile up, Francine must discover what exactly she needs for herselfand from Ollie. Because sometimes the boy you always wanted isnt what you expected.]]> 336 Michelle Quach 0063038420 Jasmine 0 3.46 2023 The Boy You Always Wanted
author: Michelle Quach
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/09
shelves: arc, asianrep, young-adult, to-read
review:

]]> The Do-Over 61423065 From the author of Loathe at First Sight and So We Meet Again, a fun rom-com about a young Korean-American woman having to return to college after discovering shes a few credits shy of completing her degreeonly to find one of her TAs is her old college boyfriend.

Lily Lee is a bestselling author of the How to Be a Supernova At Work series, and her editor wants her to strike while the irons hot with a new book, How to Land the Perfect Job. But when Lily is offered a coveted position at a top firm, the employer background check reveals shes short a few college credits and never actually completed her degree. Unbelievably, her worst nightmare has come true.

Lily returns to her alma mater, reliving her senior year of college ten years later. She enrolls in classes, gets invited to frat parties, eats most of her meals with dining dollars, and to make things even more weird and chaotic, she discovers that her computer science TA is her old college boyfriend, Jake Cho.

As Lily and Jake reconnect, she sees that her ex has done well for himself: the handsome, charming grad student appears to have his life together while Lilys so close to losing her dream job opportunity and her book deal.

Things aren't so simple the second time around.

The Do-Over is a delightfully warm and hopeful story about second chances in love and life, and how the future we want may turn out far different than we imagined.]]> 368 Suzanne Park 0063216051 Jasmine 3
Lily Lee is forced to return to college when she finds out that she is a few credits short to get her degree after failing a background check for an upcoming job.

Let me just restate that this book is more on a focus of Lily finding herself with a romance subplot and I would categorize this as chick lit. I did enjoy the friendship she has with her best friend, Mia, who unfailingly supports her in this, and her roommate turned friend, Beth - the friendship. Their togetherness is so refreshing to see. Secondly, I love how the author explores the concept of impostor syndrome, the mental toll one takes with the crazy expectations Asian parents have for their children at times. It was lovely to see Lilys journey to finding herself and enjoying college while working her butt off to pivot into a different industry. The romance, a subplot, has the second-chance romance trope, given that Lily and Jake were together but broke up during college.

I did find this book relatable and enjoyable, especially with the narration, which was well done. (I did an audio of this book even though I received an arc through Netgalley)

My only note was the romance just felt short, I didnt feel any chemistry between Jake and Lily.It also felt that the book was doing a little bit of everything, which made everything so generic and flat. It was like checking off what this story should have: women empowerment (check), second chance romance (check), friendship (check check) etc. In short, it felt like topics of Lilys high anxiety could have been explored, or her emotions regarding going back to college, etc.

So, if you are looking for a cute, light, fluffy romance, this isnt it! But this is a solid read if you are looking for a story about a woman with strong friendships and finding herself.

Thank you, Harper Voyager, for this eARC via Netgalley. ]]> 3.20 2023 The Do-Over
author: Suzanne Park
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.20
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/07/09
date added: 2025/07/09
shelves: contemromance, romcom, romance, arc, asianrep
review:
3 stars

Lily Lee is forced to return to college when she finds out that she is a few credits short to get her degree after failing a background check for an upcoming job.

Let me just restate that this book is more on a focus of Lily finding herself with a romance subplot and I would categorize this as chick lit. I did enjoy the friendship she has with her best friend, Mia, who unfailingly supports her in this, and her roommate turned friend, Beth - the friendship. Their togetherness is so refreshing to see. Secondly, I love how the author explores the concept of impostor syndrome, the mental toll one takes with the crazy expectations Asian parents have for their children at times. It was lovely to see Lilys journey to finding herself and enjoying college while working her butt off to pivot into a different industry. The romance, a subplot, has the second-chance romance trope, given that Lily and Jake were together but broke up during college.

I did find this book relatable and enjoyable, especially with the narration, which was well done. (I did an audio of this book even though I received an arc through Netgalley)

My only note was the romance just felt short, I didnt feel any chemistry between Jake and Lily.It also felt that the book was doing a little bit of everything, which made everything so generic and flat. It was like checking off what this story should have: women empowerment (check), second chance romance (check), friendship (check check) etc. In short, it felt like topics of Lilys high anxiety could have been explored, or her emotions regarding going back to college, etc.

So, if you are looking for a cute, light, fluffy romance, this isnt it! But this is a solid read if you are looking for a story about a woman with strong friendships and finding herself.

Thank you, Harper Voyager, for this eARC via Netgalley.
]]> If Not for My Baby 221251774
Clementine Clark isnt looking for love. Growing up with a single mom who weeps over a new guy each week tends to have that effect on a girl. But Clementine doesnt mind being the rational oneshes even buried her musical dreams so deeply within herself that she hardly notices the hole its left in her life.

That is until her best friend calls her with a life-changing opportunity: to join Irish megastar Halloran on his first US tour as a backing vocalist. Clementine wants to reject the offer, but the pay is enough to change her and her moms life. Overnight, Clementine goes from serving enchiladas at the Happy Tortilla to belting high notes before a cheering crowd.

But the whiplash of trading small-town Texas for sold-out stadiums is nothing compared to the rush of performing with the enigmatic Thomas Patrick Halloran. Poet, introvert, and lyrical genius, Halloran quickly gets under Clementines skin. The two couldnt see the world more differently. And yet, over the course of the next eight weeks on tour, the romantic rockstar might just strike an unforgettable chord in Clementine. But will it be enough for an encore?]]> 448 Kate Golden 059395341X Jasmine 0 arc, to-read 3.91 2025 If Not for My Baby
author: Kate Golden
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/09
shelves: arc, to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[This Monster of Mine (This Monster of Mine, #1)]]> 219268963 She knows the taste of death. He'll stoke her hunger for it.

Eighteen-year-old Sarai doesn't know why someone tried to kill her four years ago, but she does know that her case was closed without justice. Hellbent on vengeance, she returns to the scene of the crime as a Petitor, a prosecutor who can magically detect lies, and is assigned to work with Tetrarch Kadra. Ice-cold and perennially sadistic, Kadra is the most vicious of the four judges who rule the land - and the prime suspect in a string of deaths identical to Sarai's attempted murder.

Certain of his guilt, Sarai begins a double life: solving cases with Kadra by day and plotting his ruin by night. But Kadra is charming and there's something alluring about the wrath he wields against the city's corruption. So when the evidence she finds embroils her in a deadly political battle, Sarai must also fight against her attraction to Kadra - because despite his growing hold on her heart, his voice matches the only memory she has of her assailant...

A dazzling Ancient Rome-inspired romantasy debut, This Monster of Mine is a bloodbath of manipulation, deception, and forbidden love.]]> 416 Shalini Abeysekara 145495809X Jasmine 0 currently-reading 4.17 2025 This Monster of Mine (This Monster of Mine, #1)
author: Shalini Abeysekara
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.17
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Ember Eternal (Sould Burn Brightest #1)]]> 213870134 A new romantasy, following a thief whose dramatic encounter with an assassin and a crown bodyguard (who happens to be a royal in disguise) launches her into a world of swirling palace intrigue, from New York Times bestselling author Chloe Neill.

Fox is a thief with moralsshe steals from those who can afford it and only a little at that. She has no choice. Fox and her three closest companions entered into indentured servitude to the Lady, a mysterious noble with widespread political power by questionable means, in order to pay off familial debts. While searching for an easy mark in town, Fox helps a royal bodyguard fend off a would-be assassins attack on a princes life.

But what started off as protecting the prince out of good conscience has now unwittingly embroiled this thief in a vast world of politics, high stakes, and romance. And though Fox longs to be free of her debts, she must decide if love is its own kind of cage.]]> 416 Chloe Neill 0593817966 Jasmine 0 to-read 0.0 Ember Eternal (Sould Burn Brightest #1)
author: Chloe Neill
name: Jasmine
average rating: 0.0
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Midnight on the Celestial 231003006
But when she fails her realms trial to keep her magic and is deemed too dangerous for society, she faces a harrowing choice: give up her gift or serve a punishment sentence aboard the Celestial, a luxurious magical cruise ship where staff members compete for guest votes to earn a coveted retrial.

As a concierge, Roe juggles the demands of affluent guests, cruel bosses, and the suspicion that an infuriatingly handsome silks performer, Ivander, is determined to keep her from a retrial.

But the true dangers surface after her shift ends when the Celestial transforms into halls of nightmares that kill staff members after dark. Faced with the reality of serving aboard, Roe begins to question the ship, trials, and the system that put her there. But the moment Roe sinks into the ship's dark history, she's wrongly framed for a guest's murder. Vowing to conjure her own second chance, Roe will use whatever power she has to uncover the secrets of the ship, her family, and their entwined bloody past... before she becomes the Celestials next victim.]]> 352 Julia Alexandra 1250380103 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.41 Midnight on the Celestial
author: Julia Alexandra
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.41
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> This Wretched Dawn 216526497 For fans of Chloe Gong comes a?slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy in which a young Shanghai woman must work with her ex, the London prince, to save their rival courtsif she doesn't kill him or fall back in love with him first.

Its been nine years since the accords were established and centuries of war between the Midnight and Dawn Courts?settled?into a cold peace. But when poison created?to eliminate the Dawn Court royal bloodline is stolen, all signs point to the Midnight Court and that tentative peace threatens to break. To prevent war, the Emperor tasks Anna Liang, daughter of the Midnight Court's deputy, with working with Paris, the youngest prince of the Dawn Court, to find out who was responsible and prove Shanghais innocence.

But underneath it, the real infiltrate the Dawn Courts school for espionage, win Pariss trust, gain intel, and then kill himParis, her first love and heartbreak.

Despite this complication, Anna is determined to complete her mission.?But as her bond with Paris deepens and the true culprit is revealed, Anna must decide what she's willing to sacrifice to?fulfill her duty,?and if she even wants to.?]]> 336 Melinda Gong Jasmine 4
This one was an okay read. Anna Liang, the daughter of the second to the emperor of Midnight Courts is sent to London to work with Paris, her ex-boyfriend and the prince of Dawn Court to seek the thief that stole the Dawns court biological weapon which has a potential of destroying the Dawn Court. At the same time, she is also meant to spy on the goings on Dawn Court and send information back to her court.

This story is fast paced from the start of Paris and Anna re-meeting again after three years when they ended their relationship. Like true enemies, they seek to kill each other at the start. The tension between both characters is great. I struggled a little with the romance because it felt a little off - there was just something lacking despite the tension and the push-pull moments. This story also had some strong friendship bonds and found family trope given Pariss bonds with 4 friends who helped out with the mission and Annas strong friendship with Josephine who helped her out with this mission.

The plot was somewhat predictable but the writing style makes it easy to read and a fast read. It makes you want to continue reading to find out what happens next. For a YA fiction, it had some good twists that added to the story! The Midnight Courts takes to Asian elements with an emperor in gold as the head and the celebration of the autumn festival. The Dawn Courts takes to Western Elements with the opulence of balls and sporting events like Polo.

The other reason I struggled with this book is the believability of certain elements. For example, Annas and Pariss relationship - this could have been explored more in terms of flashbacks of their past. The book is told in Annas POV which mostly focuses on her and her thoughts like what she felt for Paris was very surface level. Given her parents strong involvement with the court, she has no experience doing espionage yet she was their first choice to send? There were also some disjointed and unnecessary moments that didnt really add to the plot. Certain parts felt too rushed when they should be drawn out.The world building also lacks some substance given that there was so little history in the story about it e.g., what led to the rise of both courts and why are they enemies?

Overall, I did enjoy this read! And watching out for that crazy ending because this means there will be a Book 2! ]]> 3.83 This Wretched Dawn
author: Melinda Gong
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.83
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/07/07
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: arc, asianrep, diverse-settings, urbanfantasy, young-adult
review:
Review: 3.75 stars

This one was an okay read. Anna Liang, the daughter of the second to the emperor of Midnight Courts is sent to London to work with Paris, her ex-boyfriend and the prince of Dawn Court to seek the thief that stole the Dawns court biological weapon which has a potential of destroying the Dawn Court. At the same time, she is also meant to spy on the goings on Dawn Court and send information back to her court.

This story is fast paced from the start of Paris and Anna re-meeting again after three years when they ended their relationship. Like true enemies, they seek to kill each other at the start. The tension between both characters is great. I struggled a little with the romance because it felt a little off - there was just something lacking despite the tension and the push-pull moments. This story also had some strong friendship bonds and found family trope given Pariss bonds with 4 friends who helped out with the mission and Annas strong friendship with Josephine who helped her out with this mission.

The plot was somewhat predictable but the writing style makes it easy to read and a fast read. It makes you want to continue reading to find out what happens next. For a YA fiction, it had some good twists that added to the story! The Midnight Courts takes to Asian elements with an emperor in gold as the head and the celebration of the autumn festival. The Dawn Courts takes to Western Elements with the opulence of balls and sporting events like Polo.

The other reason I struggled with this book is the believability of certain elements. For example, Annas and Pariss relationship - this could have been explored more in terms of flashbacks of their past. The book is told in Annas POV which mostly focuses on her and her thoughts like what she felt for Paris was very surface level. Given her parents strong involvement with the court, she has no experience doing espionage yet she was their first choice to send? There were also some disjointed and unnecessary moments that didnt really add to the plot. Certain parts felt too rushed when they should be drawn out.The world building also lacks some substance given that there was so little history in the story about it e.g., what led to the rise of both courts and why are they enemies?

Overall, I did enjoy this read! And watching out for that crazy ending because this means there will be a Book 2!
]]> Love 4 a Walk, Vol. 1 228366065
This WEBTOON comic features two opposites brought together by their love of dogs, who fall for one another despite their differences . . . and maybe despite their better judgment.

Pams heart has been broken one too many times, and being dumped over her unruly dog Bob was the last straw. Now determined to care for Bob on her own, how long can this hopeless romantic resist falling for her mysterious yet compassionate neighbor Tylerespecially when hes so good with dogs?

Bubbly and optimistic Pam lives in an apartment with her Doberman, Bob, and works an office job with her best friend, Ann. Struggling to keep up with Bobs constant need for play, Pam often returns to a destroyed living room.

Bob is so out of control that Pams controlling ex-boyfriend asked her to give up her dog . . . or break up. Pam chose the dog.

She knows that she made the right choice, but Bobs behaviour is still a problem. However, things take a turn for the better when Pam meets her enigmatic neighbor, Tyler, who just so happens to be an excellent dog trainer.

Despite Tylers intimidating appearance, Pam hires him to take care of Bob during the day, as Tyler works night shifts at his uncles bar.

Pam and Tyler bond, and their attraction towards one another grows. But Pam will need to contend with Tylers pampered Shih Tzu, Tequila, who fiercely defends her owner from any woman who gets too close.

This volume collects episodes 1 to 14 of the pawsitively adorable WEBTOON comic Love 4 a Walk, which has 1.9 million subscribers.

Readers who love fun and flirty romance will love this opposites attract graphic novel with hidden depth and adorable dogs.]]> 288 Nuria Sanguino 1998341666 Jasmine 5
Love 4 A Walk features Pam, a corporate woman who is struggling to get her Doberman, Bob to listen to her. He is an energetic pup and acts out when she is away from home destroying it. As such, she has trouble getting him to behave and listen because she coodles him. She also recently went through a breakup where her ex forces her to choose between him and the dog. Enter, her neighbour, Tyler and his territorial tiny dog, Tequila who ends up helping her out by taking care of Bob during weekdays to help her out.

Their interactions are hilarious as they were not a fan of each other to start but slowly started understanding each other better. The dogs are so cute! We have Bob, the doberman, a clownish, loud and energetic Doberman and Tequila, a small, fluffy, cute and sass dog!

One thing I love about the story is the portrayal of the characters. Given her recent breakup, Pam swore off men and gets nervous, insecure and is an overthinker. Tyler seems to also hold some trauma of his own against females since Tequila is very overprotective of him and will react when females are close to him. Watching them slowly develop feelings for each other is so sweet - slow burn at its finest!

The art is very expressive, with many great details in terms of facial expressions for the humans and dogs, driving the story. The colors are cozy and fit the story vibe.

Highly recommend it if you are looking for a love story with a slow burn featuring two cute dogs! ]]> 4.49 Love 4 a Walk, Vol. 1
author: Nuria Sanguino
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/08
date added: 2025/07/08
shelves: arc, boy-meets-girl, contemromance, graphicnovel, romance, to-read, animals
review:
Review: 4.5 stars

Love 4 A Walk features Pam, a corporate woman who is struggling to get her Doberman, Bob to listen to her. He is an energetic pup and acts out when she is away from home destroying it. As such, she has trouble getting him to behave and listen because she coodles him. She also recently went through a breakup where her ex forces her to choose between him and the dog. Enter, her neighbour, Tyler and his territorial tiny dog, Tequila who ends up helping her out by taking care of Bob during weekdays to help her out.

Their interactions are hilarious as they were not a fan of each other to start but slowly started understanding each other better. The dogs are so cute! We have Bob, the doberman, a clownish, loud and energetic Doberman and Tequila, a small, fluffy, cute and sass dog!

One thing I love about the story is the portrayal of the characters. Given her recent breakup, Pam swore off men and gets nervous, insecure and is an overthinker. Tyler seems to also hold some trauma of his own against females since Tequila is very overprotective of him and will react when females are close to him. Watching them slowly develop feelings for each other is so sweet - slow burn at its finest!

The art is very expressive, with many great details in terms of facial expressions for the humans and dogs, driving the story. The colors are cozy and fit the story vibe.

Highly recommend it if you are looking for a love story with a slow burn featuring two cute dogs!
]]> 9 Little People 224003116 40 Regina Feldmann 0735845875 Jasmine 4 arc, childrenbook
The attention to detail is superb in the illustrations and the colors used bring about a soothing affect and can be easily read during bedtime.

I received a eARC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalle]]> 4.55 9 Little People
author: Regina Feldmann
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.55
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/07/07
date added: 2025/07/07
shelves: arc, childrenbook
review:
9 Little People by Regina Feldman is a colorful book full of rhythms and beautiful illustrations. The book is simple would probably be more targeted to younger kids to help build reading skills and the diversity of families.

The attention to detail is superb in the illustrations and the colors used bring about a soothing affect and can be easily read during bedtime.

I received a eARC from NorthSouth Books through NetGalle
]]> Den of Liars (The Devious, 1) 215149230 A young thief attempting a daring casino heist during a high-stakes tournament is torn between two warring brothers in Den of Liars, a thrilling YA fantasy romance by acclaimed author Jessica S. Olson.

Lola St. James is the worlds best kept secret. When her fathers loss in the Liars Dice TournamentCa high-stakes competition where players are forced to gamble with their deepest secretsCmade her a target, she was rescued by the Thief, the notorious leader of the Tentacles. But the Thiefs kindness came with a Lolas heart. In the years that followed, she and the Thief formed a bond like no other, able to feel each others emotions because of their shared heart.

Now, living under the pseudonym Astra, she is determined to prove herself and become a full-fledged Tentacle. But when a critical heist goes sideways, the only way forward is for Lola to compete in the Liars Dice Tournament herself. Lola is confident in her ability to pull off any heist, but the Thief's mysterious brother, the Liar, runs the game and he turns out to be more than she bargained for. As her attraction for him grows and illusions run wild, she will be forced to confront the secrets of her past, the truth of the brothers shared history, and the lies she tells herself.]]> 400 Jessica S. Olson 1250329728 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.14 2025 Den of Liars (The Devious, 1)
author: Jessica S. Olson
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I Tamed My Ex-husbands Mad Dog, Vol. 1]]> 216188002 256 Jagae Jasmine 3 graphicnovel
The heroine needed to take revenge on her ex-husband, and she was transmigrated 15 years back to get revenge. Amidst it, she stumbles upon her ex-husband's future war general, whom she takes in and trains to fulfill her need for revenge eventually...

Needless to say, this isn't my cup of tea with such a huge age gap and the toxicity and messiness...]]> 3.76 2024 I Tamed My Ex-husbands Mad Dog, Vol. 1
author: Jagae
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/07/06
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves: graphicnovel
review:
Review: 3 stars

The heroine needed to take revenge on her ex-husband, and she was transmigrated 15 years back to get revenge. Amidst it, she stumbles upon her ex-husband's future war general, whom she takes in and trains to fulfill her need for revenge eventually...

Needless to say, this isn't my cup of tea with such a huge age gap and the toxicity and messiness...
]]> <![CDATA[The Lies of the Ajungo (Forever Desert, #1)]]> 60784306 Moses Ose Utomi's debut novella, The Lies of the Ajungo, follows one boys epic quest to bring water back to his city and save his mothers life. Prepare to enter the Forever Desert.

A Library Journal Best Book of the Month!

They say there is no water in the City of Lies. They say there are no heroes in the City of Lies. They say there are no friends beyond the City of Lies. But would you believe what they say in the City of Lies?

In the City of Lies, they cut out your tongue when you turn thirteen, to appease the terrifying Ajungo Empire and make sure it continues sending water. Tutu will be thirteen in three days, but his parched mother wont last that long. So Tutu goes to his oba and makes a deal: she provides water for his mother, and in exchange he will travel out into the desert and bring back water for the city. Thus begins Tutus quest for the salvation of his mother, his city, and himself.

The Lies of the Ajungo opens the curtains on a tremendous world, and begins the epic fable of the Forever Desert. With every word, Moses Ose Utomi weaves magic.]]> 87 Moses Ose Utomi 1250849063 Jasmine 0 to-read, wishlist 4.20 2023 The Lies of the Ajungo (Forever Desert, #1)
author: Moses Ose Utomi
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.20
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves: to-read, wishlist
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Death and Other Occupational Hazards]]> 215073617 An original and darkly comedic murder mystery about a female personified Death whose sabbatical in modern-day London is rudely interrupted by a string of unplanned murders. Perfect for fans of Good Omens, The Good Place and Sophie Kinsella.

Her job is to die for. Literally.

Most people think that when they meet Death, itll be a skeleton in a black potato sack. Maybe with a scythe. Truth is, shes just a woman doing a job and shes very good at it.

But when Death takes a much-needed break to live on earth, things start to go terribly wrong. Someones killing people not on her list (well, not yet anyway) and it's down to her to find the culprit before its too late.

To make matters worse, her sanctimonious sister, Life C whom Death hasnt got on with in millennia C wont stop blaming her . . . And then theres the slight problem of the charming (sexy) parasitologist shes suspicious of.

But shell be fine, right?

After all, who better to investigate a murder than Death herself?

Quirky, fun and witty, this is Death like you've never seen her before. A lover of bright colours, a fierce protector of nature and a human falling in love for the first time. Death's sharp voice will linger in your mind long after you've read.]]> 384 Veronika Dapunt 1529936152 Jasmine 0 to-read, wishlist 3.89 2025 Death and Other Occupational Hazards
author: Veronika Dapunt
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/06
shelves: to-read, wishlist
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Spacewalking With You 1 (Spacewalking With You, #1)]]> 218155550 One's an apathetic loner, one has his head in the stars...and they have no idea how much they need each other. The coming-of-age buddy comedy manga that became a surprise hit in Japan.

Named top shonen series of the year in the Kono Manga Ga Sugoi Japanese industry poll!

Kobayashi just cant focus--not on studying, not on work--and the adults in his life think he's in danger of becoming a worthless dropout. Then, one day, a strange new presence arrives in his class: an energetic and naive kid named Uno. Kobayashi saves Uno from getting scammed, and that close encounter launches a new friendship. Uno's definitely a space cadet, but Kobayashi can't help admiring the way he floats through life, and before he knows it, he might start feeling his feet lift off the ground, too...

This hilarious and inspiring manga series from debut artist Inuhiko Doronoda was nominated for the 17th Manga Taisho Award and broke 600,000 readers in Japan!]]> 224 Inuhiko Doronoda Jasmine 5
This book is so precious! It follows a story of 2 high school boys who couldnt be more different, yet became friends and slowly helped each other get through life despite its hardships.

Sometimes people just need a little something extraso they can live like everyone else

As the story progresses, seeing their growth and influence on each other is wonderful. Its an excellent representation of neurodivergence, giving it some found family vibes and the importance of friendship in our lives. The illustrations are beautiful and very expressive.

100% would recommend it to anyone!

Thank you Kodansha, for the eARC on Netgalley]]> 4.54 2023 Spacewalking With You 1 (Spacewalking With You, #1)
author: Inuhiko Doronoda
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2023
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/05
date added: 2025/07/05
shelves: bl, graphicnovel, arc, young-adult
review:
Review: 5 stars

This book is so precious! It follows a story of 2 high school boys who couldnt be more different, yet became friends and slowly helped each other get through life despite its hardships.

Sometimes people just need a little something extraso they can live like everyone else

As the story progresses, seeing their growth and influence on each other is wonderful. Its an excellent representation of neurodivergence, giving it some found family vibes and the importance of friendship in our lives. The illustrations are beautiful and very expressive.

100% would recommend it to anyone!

Thank you Kodansha, for the eARC on Netgalley
]]> <![CDATA[The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)]]> 209753199 The first in a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers romantasy duology featuring a scholarly healer and a gentleman assassin, set in an exquisite fantasy world, perfect for fans of The Love Hypothesis and Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries.

Osric Mordaunt, member of the Fyren Order of assassins, is in dire need of healing. Naturally C such is the grim comedy of fate C the only healer who can help is Aurienne Fairhrim, preeminent scientist, bastion of moral good, and member of an enemy Order.

Aurienne is desperate for funding to heal the sick - so desperate that, when Osric bribes her to help him, she accepts, even if she detests him and everything he stands for.

A forced collaboration ensues: the brilliant Woman in STEM is coerced into working with the PhD in Murders, much to Aurienne's disgust. As Osric and Aurienne work together to heal his illness and investigate the mysterious reoccurrence of a deadly pox, they find themselves ardently denying their attraction, which only fuels the heat between them.

Romance tropes
Enemies to lovers
High interaction slow burn
Hypercompetent idiots
He falls first and harder
Evisceration as a love language]]> 416 Brigitte Knightley 0356524736 Jasmine 2 arc, romantasy
This story was originally a Draco/Hermione fanfic that got restructured into its own book completely with an original new world.

Osric is in desperate need of a healer to heal his incurable disease and is forced to seek the help of Aurienne where he bribes her to help himthey are meant to hate each other as their fractions/orders loathe each other with Aurienne being from the healer faction (Haelen) and Osric the assassin faction (Fyren). This starts out as true enemies to lovers given that both exceedingly hate each other.

I struggled with this bookand let me tell you why!

The writing style was choppy and dense to start with multiple flowery language used. It felt like reading a thesaurus at timesand it drove me nuts! The world building was nada with the exception of the glossary of terms we got in the intro..and the magic system - like it is present and all we know is Aurienne and Osric have them but thats about itt??

I have no love for either of the characters, they were so boring and flat! I just know Aurienne is a healer and reputed to be good and she is helping. Osric in the meantime is a killer and is in it for the money.the romance wasnt a romance until the last 10% of the book given the immense slow burn since it took some time for them to fall for each other. The banter was so off given the excessive flowery language and dick jokes

And the humor?!! Gahh, this one did not work for me - it was so crass and excessive with a lot of dick, farts, nipples, fluid, holes jokes thrown in. I wonder if the author was trying to make it more humorous and interesting but it did not work for me as it was not funny in any shape or form.

Overall, it definitely is not my vibe but it might be interesting to certain readers who enjoy a straightforward romance story with a simple fantasy plot.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and Acebooks for the eARC ]]> 4.03 2025 The Irresistible Urge to Fall For Your Enemy (Dearly Beloathed, #1)
author: Brigitte Knightley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.03
book published: 2025
rating: 2
read at: 2025/07/04
date added: 2025/07/05
shelves: arc, romantasy
review:
Review: 2 stars

This story was originally a Draco/Hermione fanfic that got restructured into its own book completely with an original new world.

Osric is in desperate need of a healer to heal his incurable disease and is forced to seek the help of Aurienne where he bribes her to help himthey are meant to hate each other as their fractions/orders loathe each other with Aurienne being from the healer faction (Haelen) and Osric the assassin faction (Fyren). This starts out as true enemies to lovers given that both exceedingly hate each other.

I struggled with this bookand let me tell you why!

The writing style was choppy and dense to start with multiple flowery language used. It felt like reading a thesaurus at timesand it drove me nuts! The world building was nada with the exception of the glossary of terms we got in the intro..and the magic system - like it is present and all we know is Aurienne and Osric have them but thats about itt??

I have no love for either of the characters, they were so boring and flat! I just know Aurienne is a healer and reputed to be good and she is helping. Osric in the meantime is a killer and is in it for the money.the romance wasnt a romance until the last 10% of the book given the immense slow burn since it took some time for them to fall for each other. The banter was so off given the excessive flowery language and dick jokes

And the humor?!! Gahh, this one did not work for me - it was so crass and excessive with a lot of dick, farts, nipples, fluid, holes jokes thrown in. I wonder if the author was trying to make it more humorous and interesting but it did not work for me as it was not funny in any shape or form.

Overall, it definitely is not my vibe but it might be interesting to certain readers who enjoy a straightforward romance story with a simple fantasy plot.

Thank you Berkley Publishing and Acebooks for the eARC
]]> <![CDATA[OMNISCIENT READER'S VIEWPOINT (light novel vol1)]]> 62810788 189 singNsong Jasmine 5
Thank you IzePress for the lovely physical arc! I was SO EXCITED to receive this.

This series was highly recommended to me by Holmes (@ holmes.reads) given that I love Solo Leveling and ORV is even better than Solo.

Consider me intrigued after reading the book! Things are so interesting. I find Dokja Kim to be an incredible resilient character. While yes, he does hold an advantage having been a reader to the book, TWSA where the scenarios take place, he isnt a passive character and strives to survive this new world. Given that this is a long series, the world building is still building up. The concept of the story mimics a video game concept humans are being treated as game pieces and entertainment as they go through scenarios to live and fight for their survival. This is broadcast and streamed to all over the world where celestial beings watch over it as entertainment. I love the mixture of eastern and western legendary figures they used such as Sun Wukong, my all time favourite character! It was amusing to see his name pop up as a Celestial and I am very interested to see where the author takes this story.

I find the translations straightforward and easy to follow.

I wish they made it a 300 page volume and include more chapters as opposed to only doing the first 25 chapters given that vol 1 in Korean has 36 chapters. This means that it will probably go past the 5 volumes that the Korean version has.

Overall, I am very tempted to just find the fan translation of this series and read to know what happens next or maybe wait for Vol.2!]]> 4.70 OMNISCIENT READER'S VIEWPOINT (light novel vol1)
author: singNsong
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.70
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/04
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: adventure, arc, cool-hero, gaming, urbanfantasy
review:
Review: 4.5 stars

Thank you IzePress for the lovely physical arc! I was SO EXCITED to receive this.

This series was highly recommended to me by Holmes (@ holmes.reads) given that I love Solo Leveling and ORV is even better than Solo.

Consider me intrigued after reading the book! Things are so interesting. I find Dokja Kim to be an incredible resilient character. While yes, he does hold an advantage having been a reader to the book, TWSA where the scenarios take place, he isnt a passive character and strives to survive this new world. Given that this is a long series, the world building is still building up. The concept of the story mimics a video game concept humans are being treated as game pieces and entertainment as they go through scenarios to live and fight for their survival. This is broadcast and streamed to all over the world where celestial beings watch over it as entertainment. I love the mixture of eastern and western legendary figures they used such as Sun Wukong, my all time favourite character! It was amusing to see his name pop up as a Celestial and I am very interested to see where the author takes this story.

I find the translations straightforward and easy to follow.

I wish they made it a 300 page volume and include more chapters as opposed to only doing the first 25 chapters given that vol 1 in Korean has 36 chapters. This means that it will probably go past the 5 volumes that the Korean version has.

Overall, I am very tempted to just find the fan translation of this series and read to know what happens next or maybe wait for Vol.2!
]]> <![CDATA[Alanna: A Graphic Novel Adaptation (Song of the Lioness Graphic Novels, #1)]]> 217111923 The first book in #1 New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce's award-winning Song of the Lioness quartet, adapted into a gorgeous, full-color graphic novel

In Song of the Lioness, Book 1: Alanna, the first of four volumes adapting #1 New York Times bestseller Tamora Pierce's Song of the Lioness quartet, we meet Alanna of Trebond, a young noblewoman from the kingdom of Tortall. However, Alanna isn't like other girls from noble familieswhat she really wants is to become a knight and earn her shield, something women definitely aren't allowed to do.

But Alanna will not be deterred, and she arrives in the capital disguised as a boy to begin training as a page, the first step toward becoming a knight. Despite the tough conditions and grueling work, Alanna's skills and stubbornness win her friends amongst the nobility and the denizens of the lower city. But not everyone wishes her well . . .

Filled with magic and mayhem, adventure and action, swords and spells, book one in the Song of the Lioness quartet is the ultimate introduction to Alanna and Tamora Pierce's legendary Tortall universe.]]> 256 Vita Ayala 1419765582 Jasmine 5
It is such a dream to see one of my favourite teen series being adapted as a graphic novel.

This is book 1 of a quartet depicted after Alanna: The First Adventure where Alanna disguises herself as a boy as she wants to become a knight and swap places with her twin. While this isnt my favourite series by Tamora, it will always be a classic for me.

I would say the graphic adaptation stayed true to the novel in terms of character depictions, story plot, settings and the dialogue. You can tell how much love went into the book and how the artist and writer is inspired to stay true to the original! They really capture the essence of the book in a graphic novel. I hope they will adapt the remaining 3 books into its own graphic novel to have a complete set!

To note, I still love it in my 30s and would always recommend this series!

Thank you so much, Manda Group (Stephanie) for the lovely finished copy. This will forever be a treasured edition in my shelves.]]> 4.42 Alanna: A Graphic Novel Adaptation (Song of the Lioness Graphic Novels, #1)
author: Vita Ayala
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.42
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/21
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: arc, young-adult, warrior, regency, favorites, adventure, graphicnovel
review:
Review: 5 stars

It is such a dream to see one of my favourite teen series being adapted as a graphic novel.

This is book 1 of a quartet depicted after Alanna: The First Adventure where Alanna disguises herself as a boy as she wants to become a knight and swap places with her twin. While this isnt my favourite series by Tamora, it will always be a classic for me.

I would say the graphic adaptation stayed true to the novel in terms of character depictions, story plot, settings and the dialogue. You can tell how much love went into the book and how the artist and writer is inspired to stay true to the original! They really capture the essence of the book in a graphic novel. I hope they will adapt the remaining 3 books into its own graphic novel to have a complete set!

To note, I still love it in my 30s and would always recommend this series!

Thank you so much, Manda Group (Stephanie) for the lovely finished copy. This will forever be a treasured edition in my shelves.
]]> The Two Lions 58262080 255 Nagisa Furuya 1648273831 Jasmine 5
Okkkk, I just love this one. Its nothing special and more like a slice of life of two university students who met in university even though they kinda indirectly know each other from going to the same school.

Junpei with his out and friendly personality making friends with the very unapproachable Leo. Their friendship is so fun to see where Junpei taught Leo the meaning of how friendship works but how he unexpectedly falls for Leo. Just when it is getting good, the story ends but I do love that it shows the beginning of their relationship.

Overall, I adore this one and it helps that the artwork is just lovely!]]> 4.06 2019 The Two Lions
author: Nagisa Furuya
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.06
book published: 2019
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/26
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: asianrep, bl, favorites, graphicnovel, young-adult
review:
Review: 4.5 stars

Okkkk, I just love this one. Its nothing special and more like a slice of life of two university students who met in university even though they kinda indirectly know each other from going to the same school.

Junpei with his out and friendly personality making friends with the very unapproachable Leo. Their friendship is so fun to see where Junpei taught Leo the meaning of how friendship works but how he unexpectedly falls for Leo. Just when it is getting good, the story ends but I do love that it shows the beginning of their relationship.

Overall, I adore this one and it helps that the artwork is just lovely!
]]> <![CDATA[Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #1)]]> 19090384
And now, something with wicked claws and deepwater teeth has begun to hunt at night....Feeling responsible for her neighbors, Dina decides to get involved. Before long, she has to juggle dealing with the annoyingly attractive, ex-military, new neighbor, Sean Evansan alpha-strain werewolfand the equally arresting cosmic vampire soldier, Arland, while trying to keep her inn and its guests safe. But the enemy shes facing is unlike anything shes ever encountered. Its smart, vicious, and lethal, and putting herself between this creature and her neighbors might just cost her everything.]]> 225 Ilona Andrews 1625173431 Jasmine 5
23rd April 2025

The Innkeeper Chronicles is on my re-read list for 2025, and I'm so glad I started! A friend recommended doing it through audio, and it was amazing! The audio is done in graphic audio mode, which means added background sound with multiple voice casts - it's like listening to a movie!

It made me remember why I adore this series. Given its unique plot and likeable characters, it will forever be one of my favourite urban fantasy series to date. Onwards to Book 2.
-------
1st Sept 2017
I have always been a fan of IA books, especially her Kate Daniels series. Considering this was a project by them where they would write parts of it online for free, I was a bit apprehensive and cautious about approaching their new series.

I just fell in love with this series. There is just something mystical, quaint and sweet about the main character, Dina. She is badass in that she sticks to her morals regardless of the consequences. As an Innkeeper in charge of housing intergalactic species, she must maintain neutrality, but this was tested when something lurked around her neighbourhood.
To top it off, we are also introduced to Sean, a werewolf who does not know his origins. Dina and Sean's bickering, chemistry and silliness can be downright funny and silly. I hope they end up together, as much as I love vampire Lord Arland, Sean is a much better fit for Dina.

Onwards to the next book!]]> 4.10 2013 Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #1)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/30
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: determine-heroine, fantasy, favorites, out-of-universe, paranormal, shifters, urbanfantasy, audiobook
review:
Review: 5 stars

23rd April 2025

The Innkeeper Chronicles is on my re-read list for 2025, and I'm so glad I started! A friend recommended doing it through audio, and it was amazing! The audio is done in graphic audio mode, which means added background sound with multiple voice casts - it's like listening to a movie!

It made me remember why I adore this series. Given its unique plot and likeable characters, it will forever be one of my favourite urban fantasy series to date. Onwards to Book 2.
-------
1st Sept 2017
I have always been a fan of IA books, especially her Kate Daniels series. Considering this was a project by them where they would write parts of it online for free, I was a bit apprehensive and cautious about approaching their new series.

I just fell in love with this series. There is just something mystical, quaint and sweet about the main character, Dina. She is badass in that she sticks to her morals regardless of the consequences. As an Innkeeper in charge of housing intergalactic species, she must maintain neutrality, but this was tested when something lurked around her neighbourhood.
To top it off, we are also introduced to Sean, a werewolf who does not know his origins. Dina and Sean's bickering, chemistry and silliness can be downright funny and silly. I hope they end up together, as much as I love vampire Lord Arland, Sean is a much better fit for Dina.

Onwards to the next book!
]]> <![CDATA[Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles, #2)]]> 19504964 237 Ilona Andrews 1943772320 Jasmine 5
Did this via graphic audio and the sound effects are perfection! This is one of my fav urban fantasy series everrrr and a reread through audio is perfectttt


/////
Rating: 5 stars

Werewolves : check
Vampires : check
Kick-ass heroine : check
Alternate dimensions: check
Intergalactic species: check
Romance: check
Action: check

After a brief break reading the first book due to the release of the In death series, I finally got to continue reading onto the series and this book did not disappoint me.

Let me say that this book has everything you might be looking for in a paranormal series
Dina is everything I would ever want her to be as a heroine and the idea that she holds a broom as a weapon is totally still kick-ass.
She gets drawn in to hosting a peace summit to close an ongoing war and got dragged into it emotionally and physically.
We are also introduce to more species and the world just builds from there.
I also like how she is never swayed and stands firm on her ground regardless of how overwhelm she is.

I don't want to give anything away but it's definitely a must read on my shelves!]]> 4.26 2015 Sweep in Peace (Innkeeper Chronicles, #2)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.26
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/08
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: badass-heroine, fantasy, favorites, out-of-universe, paranormal, romance, shifters, audiobook
review:
11th May 2025

Did this via graphic audio and the sound effects are perfection! This is one of my fav urban fantasy series everrrr and a reread through audio is perfectttt


/////
Rating: 5 stars

Werewolves : check
Vampires : check
Kick-ass heroine : check
Alternate dimensions: check
Intergalactic species: check
Romance: check
Action: check

After a brief break reading the first book due to the release of the In death series, I finally got to continue reading onto the series and this book did not disappoint me.

Let me say that this book has everything you might be looking for in a paranormal series
Dina is everything I would ever want her to be as a heroine and the idea that she holds a broom as a weapon is totally still kick-ass.
She gets drawn in to hosting a peace summit to close an ongoing war and got dragged into it emotionally and physically.
We are also introduce to more species and the world just builds from there.
I also like how she is never swayed and stands firm on her ground regardless of how overwhelm she is.

I don't want to give anything away but it's definitely a must read on my shelves!
]]> <![CDATA[Sweep with Me (Innkeeper Chronicles, #4.5)]]> 49353950 A charming, short novella in the Innkeeper Chronicles, from #1 New York Times bestselling author, Ilona Andrews.

Thank you for joining us at Gertrude Hunt, the nicest Bed and Breakfast in Red Deer, Texas, during the Treaty Stay. As you know, we are honor-bound to accept all guests during this oldest of innkeeper holidays and we are expecting a dangerous guest. Or several. But have no fear. Your safety and comfort is our first priority. The inn and your hosts, Dina Demille and Sean Evans, will defend you at all costs. [But we hope we dont have to.]

Every winter, Innkeepers look forward to celebrating their own special holiday, which commemorates the ancient treaty that united the very first Inns and established the rules that protect them, their intergalactic guests, and the very unaware/oblivious people of [planet] Earth. By tradition, the Innkeepers welcomed three guests: a warrior, a sage, and a pilgrim, but during the holiday, Innkeepers must open their doors to anyone who seeks lodging. Anyone.

All Dina hopes is that the guests and conduct themselves in a polite manner. But whats a holiday without at least one disaster?]]> 146 Ilona Andrews Jasmine 5
Note that I audiobook it and the graphic audio is top notch!]]> 4.38 2020 Sweep with Me (Innkeeper Chronicles, #4.5)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2020
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/13
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: adventure, audiobook, warrior, vampires, urbanfantasy, sci-fi, shifters
review:
I love this one so much since it features more of Sean and Dinas relationship and a-bit of everyones recovery period after Dinas incident

Note that I audiobook it and the graphic audio is top notch!
]]> <![CDATA[One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #3)]]> 28756485
But what passes for Dinas normal life is about to be thrown into chaos. First, she must rescue her long-distant older sister, Maud, whos been exiled with her family to a planet that functions as the most lawless penal colony since Botany Bay. Then she agrees to help a guest whose last chance at saving his civilization could bring death and disaster to all Dina holds dear. Now Gertrude Hunt is under siege by a clan of assassins. To keep her guests safe and to find her missing parents, Dina will risk everything, even if she has to pay the ultimate price. Though Sean may have something to say about that!!
]]> 257 Ilona Andrews Jasmine 5
Reread via graphic audio. Still an awesome series to date.



Rating: 5 stars

Seriously this series just gets better and better.
And Finally, Dina and Sean can get it together!!!
Also that ending, I seriously hope they continue this series.

This series has been an emotional and great read.
After the 2nd book, I just jump into the 3rd book and had to cancel my outings as I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

No doubt that is is a must-read for sure.
I admit that it's somewhat different from her Kate Daniels series but this series is just as good!]]> 4.38 2016 One Fell Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #3)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.38
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/13
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: badass-heroine, favorites, out-of-universe, paranormal, romance, audiobook
review:
13th May 2025

Reread via graphic audio. Still an awesome series to date.



Rating: 5 stars

Seriously this series just gets better and better.
And Finally, Dina and Sean can get it together!!!
Also that ending, I seriously hope they continue this series.

This series has been an emotional and great read.
After the 2nd book, I just jump into the 3rd book and had to cancel my outings as I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN.

No doubt that is is a must-read for sure.
I admit that it's somewhat different from her Kate Daniels series but this series is just as good!
]]> <![CDATA[Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles, #4)]]> 37712577
Once a wife to a powerful vampire knight, Maud and her daughter, Helen, had been exiled for the sins of her husband to the desolate planet of Karhari. Karhari killed her husband, and Maud had spent a year and a half avenging his debts. But now all the debts are paid. Rescued by her sister Dina, Maud had swore off all things vampire. Except she met Arland, the Marshal of House Krahr. One thing led to another and he asked for her hand in marriage. She declined.

Try as she might, she can't just walk away from Arland. It doesn't help that being human is a lot harder for Maud than being a vampire.

To sort it all out, she accepts his invitation to visit his home planet. House Krahr is a powerful vampire House, and Maud knows that a woman who turned down the proposal from its most beloved son wouldn't get a warm reception. But Maud Demille never shied from a fight and House Krahr may soon discover that there is more to this human woman than they ever thought possible.


Published as an online free serial before the book is compiled and self-published shortly after completion.]]> 256 Ilona Andrews Jasmine 4
I will read ANYTHING by Ilona Andrews.
The Innkeeper chronicles is forever my fav series by them.
This one is a spin-off featuring Dinas older sister, Maud who decided to follow Arland back to the home planet.
There, she fights for the right to be Arlands wife and made a name for herself and became the Marven of Kahr. It is a phenomenal book that develops her character further as she is very different from Dina and comes from a complicated past and history.

I love her story but I cant wait to get back to Dina and Sean. That abrupt ending, though - geezzz!]]> 4.40 2019 Sweep of the Blade (Innkeeper Chronicles, #4)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.40
book published: 2019
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/22
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: audiobook, badass-heroine, vampires, warrior, shifters, sci-fi, paranormal, urbanfantasy, out-of-universe
review:
I finally caught up to my re-read and this one is also done via audio.

I will read ANYTHING by Ilona Andrews.
The Innkeeper chronicles is forever my fav series by them.
This one is a spin-off featuring Dinas older sister, Maud who decided to follow Arland back to the home planet.
There, she fights for the right to be Arlands wife and made a name for herself and became the Marven of Kahr. It is a phenomenal book that develops her character further as she is very different from Dina and comes from a complicated past and history.

I love her story but I cant wait to get back to Dina and Sean. That abrupt ending, though - geezzz!
]]> <![CDATA[A Deal with the Elf King [Dramatized Adaption] (Married to Magic, #1)]]> 160926082
The elves come for two war and wives. In both cases, they come for death.

Three-thousand years ago, humans were hunted by powerful races with wild magic until the treaty was formed. Now, for centuries, the elves have taken a young woman from Luella's village to be their Human Queen.

To be chosen is seen as a mark of death by the townsfolk. A mark nineteen-year-old Luella is grateful to have escaped as a girl. Instead, she's dedicated her life to studying herbology and becoming the town's only healer.

That is, until the Elf King unexpectedly arrives... for her.

Everything Luella had thought she'd known about her life, and herself, was a lie. Taken to a land filled with wild magic, Luella is forced to be the new queen to a cold yet blisteringly handsome Elf King. Once there, she learns about a dying world that only she can save.

The magical land of Midscape pulls on one corner of her heart, her home and people tug on another... but what will truly break her is a passion she never wanted.

A Deal with the Elf King is a complete, *stand-alone* dramatized audiobook, inspired by the tales of Hades and Persephone, as well as Beauty and the Beast, with a "happily ever after" ending. It's perfect for fantasy romance fans looking for just the right amount of steam and their next slow-burn and swoon-worthy couple.

Performed by Kelly Baskin, Rayner Gabriel, Elena Anderson, Robb Moreira, Gabriel Michael, Ryan Haugen, Debi Tinsley, Yasmin Tuazon, James Konicek, Matthew Bassett, Scott McCormick, Nanette Savard, Karen Novack, Samantha Cooper, Alysia Beltran, Holly Adams, Elias Khalil, Ken Jackson, David Zitney, Eric Messner, David Cui Cui, Drew Kopas, Lise Bruneau, Richard Rohan, Patrick Boylan, and Alejandro Ruiz.]]> 10 Elise Kova Jasmine 4
Deaa made me do it! She got me hooked on listening to fantasy audio graphic books that I love so much. I recently finished the Innkeeper Chronicles (Book 1-5) on this and was hunting for my next audio and this came recommended from her (obviously!).

The story is told from Luellas POV, a herbalist and healer in her village where every 100 years, the elf king in another realm would come to take a human queen to preserve the on-going treaty and the preservation of both races. Due to circumstances, Luella found out too late that she is meant to be the queen and is whisked away to the elfs realms.

The audio is delish as it captures the essence of the story which is the banter. The elf king, Eldas is broody, grumpy and curt at times. Luella is determined, headstrong as she courageously stands on her own. This makes the banter so delish! Im giggling away as they clashed at times and their miniscule reactions adds to this. I love Luellas growth in the story - she strives so hard to do her best to keep her essence of herself especially being thrown into a new world where people only expect one thing from her and she doesnt even get respected for it!

The worldbuilding is very minimal as we are told the Elven kingdom exists in Midscape, a realm between the living (the Natural world) and death (the Veil) and is home to all the magical species. And Im sure the remaining books will feature each species. The plot is cliche and at times predictable but the interactions between the characters are the drivers of the book.

This book has some elements of the classics of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast and Persephone and Hades making it no surprise how much I enjoy this read. Overall, I would say this is more a light fantasy book with a focus on romance making this a fun and leisure read!]]> 3.66 A Deal with the Elf King [Dramatized Adaption] (Married to Magic, #1)
author: Elise Kova
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.66
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/20
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: adventure, fairytale, fantasy, retelling, romantasy, audiobook
review:
Review: 3.75 star

Deaa made me do it! She got me hooked on listening to fantasy audio graphic books that I love so much. I recently finished the Innkeeper Chronicles (Book 1-5) on this and was hunting for my next audio and this came recommended from her (obviously!).

The story is told from Luellas POV, a herbalist and healer in her village where every 100 years, the elf king in another realm would come to take a human queen to preserve the on-going treaty and the preservation of both races. Due to circumstances, Luella found out too late that she is meant to be the queen and is whisked away to the elfs realms.

The audio is delish as it captures the essence of the story which is the banter. The elf king, Eldas is broody, grumpy and curt at times. Luella is determined, headstrong as she courageously stands on her own. This makes the banter so delish! Im giggling away as they clashed at times and their miniscule reactions adds to this. I love Luellas growth in the story - she strives so hard to do her best to keep her essence of herself especially being thrown into a new world where people only expect one thing from her and she doesnt even get respected for it!

The worldbuilding is very minimal as we are told the Elven kingdom exists in Midscape, a realm between the living (the Natural world) and death (the Veil) and is home to all the magical species. And Im sure the remaining books will feature each species. The plot is cliche and at times predictable but the interactions between the characters are the drivers of the book.

This book has some elements of the classics of the retellings of Beauty and the Beast and Persephone and Hades making it no surprise how much I enjoy this read. Overall, I would say this is more a light fantasy book with a focus on romance making this a fun and leisure read!
]]> Angelica and the Bear Prince 223854914 At her lowest point, a teen girl finds solace and a potential crush in her local theater's mascot's DMs, sparking a quest to uncover the true identity of this mysterious figure. From the bestselling author of The Magic Fish comes a new fairy tale romance with a twist.

What do you do when you're the girl who can do it all, and suddenly you can't?

After burning out last year, Angelica is ready to get her life back together. Thankfully she has amazing friends to support her...including Peri the Bear, the mascot of her town's local theater. At her lowest moments, Angelica found comfort in private messaging Peri's social media account, and well, she might have a bit of a crush. Now, Angelica is interning at the local theater in the hopes of finding the person beind the account and thanking them. Who was this mysterious stranger and why did they help her out? Was it just caring for a stranger...or did they feel the same connection that Angelica felt?]]> 224 Trung Le Nguyen 0593125479 Jasmine 5
5 stars

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada and Netgalley for the eARC.

This graphic novel is adorable with the use of fairytale retellings. I love how the author addressed how he was aiming for something light and simple with a nod to the retelling East of the Sun, West of the Moon but I feel like this was so well done and would not change for anything.

Angelica, our main character, has been all go-go-go for the longest time. She does a bit of everything, never says no, and loves the busy moments in her life. One day, it just all comes crashing down on her as she feels very overwhelmed and she needs a break. Unexpectedly, she received a scholarship in her local theatre and found herself unexpectedly corresponding with the person wearing the Per the Bear costume. Will she be able to overcome this and find herself again?

Things will always need doing. The dream is to find the thing you dont mind doing whenever is comes up

Angelica struggles with her current mindset of feeling overwhelmed as she went from being busy to managing one project. She tries to break down the issues by analyzing her feelings, and using logic to solve it. So much so that, it led to a huge argument between her and her best friend who just wanted her to lend a listening ear. She also struggles to reconnect with her mum as they both have similar mindsets when it comes to dealing with problems. It leads to the person behind Per the Bear to point out the why for her to realize this. I love how resilient her character is and how she strives to never give up!

I also love that the story also has great supporting characters with some of them holding their own personal side stories. We got to learn about Angelicas best friend and her struggles with her current relationship, her parents and her mums struggles to connect with Angelica, the grief they went through when they lost her grandma, the history of the local theater and its founder, the grief it left behind when the founder passed and the fairytale of Per the Bear.

The artwork is phenomenal! The way the author handles serious topics like burnout, grief, filial piety, standing up for oneself and the struggles of being a teen is so great to see. Its so great to see an assembly of diverse characters and how we are taken on this magical journey that is sweet, hopeful and adorable.

I would absolutely recommend it to everyone as its such a great read!]]> 4.48 2025 Angelica and the Bear Prince
author: Trung Le Nguyen
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/07/03
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: graphicnovel, diverse-settings, diversityrep, fairytale, retelling, romance, young-adult
review:
Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen

5 stars

Thank you Penguin Teen Canada and Netgalley for the eARC.

This graphic novel is adorable with the use of fairytale retellings. I love how the author addressed how he was aiming for something light and simple with a nod to the retelling East of the Sun, West of the Moon but I feel like this was so well done and would not change for anything.

Angelica, our main character, has been all go-go-go for the longest time. She does a bit of everything, never says no, and loves the busy moments in her life. One day, it just all comes crashing down on her as she feels very overwhelmed and she needs a break. Unexpectedly, she received a scholarship in her local theatre and found herself unexpectedly corresponding with the person wearing the Per the Bear costume. Will she be able to overcome this and find herself again?

Things will always need doing. The dream is to find the thing you dont mind doing whenever is comes up

Angelica struggles with her current mindset of feeling overwhelmed as she went from being busy to managing one project. She tries to break down the issues by analyzing her feelings, and using logic to solve it. So much so that, it led to a huge argument between her and her best friend who just wanted her to lend a listening ear. She also struggles to reconnect with her mum as they both have similar mindsets when it comes to dealing with problems. It leads to the person behind Per the Bear to point out the why for her to realize this. I love how resilient her character is and how she strives to never give up!

I also love that the story also has great supporting characters with some of them holding their own personal side stories. We got to learn about Angelicas best friend and her struggles with her current relationship, her parents and her mums struggles to connect with Angelica, the grief they went through when they lost her grandma, the history of the local theater and its founder, the grief it left behind when the founder passed and the fairytale of Per the Bear.

The artwork is phenomenal! The way the author handles serious topics like burnout, grief, filial piety, standing up for oneself and the struggles of being a teen is so great to see. Its so great to see an assembly of diverse characters and how we are taken on this magical journey that is sweet, hopeful and adorable.

I would absolutely recommend it to everyone as its such a great read!
]]> <![CDATA[You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)]]> 223707918 A new story, a new love, an impossible divide. The much-awaited companion to the New York Times bestselling Youve Reached Sam will break your heart open.

Ive missed you every day since you left. But Im sure you already knew that. Its time to let you go now. Ill miss you all the time, Sam.

Its been a year since his best friend, Sam, died. Even though Oliver knows he wont get a response, he cant stop texting Sams number, especially as the anniversary of his death approaches.

Then one day he accidentally hits the call button, and someone picks up.

The voice on the other end isnt SamSams number was reassigned and a stranger has been reading Olivers private and vulnerable messages for months. But Ben, an astronomy student in Seattle, wont remain a stranger for long.

When they finally meet in person, their spark is undeniable. Everything seems perfect until Oliver discovers something strange that could keep them from being together.]]> 288 Dustin Thao 0593858476 Jasmine 4
I read the prequel Youve Reached Sam and found that one to be an okay read. I decided to give this sequel a chance.

Oliver, Sams best friend is still mourning the loss of his best friend, Sam to a point that he would occasionally text his deceased best friend's phone number. One day, he accidentally calls the number and someone picks upBen and little by little, they slowly fall in love.

This book explores the themes of grief, friendship, finding love with a hint of magical realism thrown in. Oliver is lost without his best friend, Sam. Everyone, including Julie, Sams past girlfriend, is moving onwards while he is still stuck. His recent relationship ended in a sour note with a cheating boyfriend and he is struggling with his loneliness. Enter Ben, the other person on the other side who has been reading his texts. What follows is a sweet and slow romance. I do enjoy how their relationship unfolds - Ben is so sweet and caring towards Oliver and respects Olivers position in life. Their relationship is genuine and heartful with a hint of astronomy and music thrown in.

I find the time travel magical realism unexpected and it felt that it could do without but the direction didnt surprise me given that this is Dustin Thao. This made the ending somewhat open ended.

I find that the story flows well making it a quick and easy read. My only nitpick which I also find with the first book is the lack of emotional depth it has. I find this a miss since I find myself reading in passing glance with a lack of emotion invested in the characters. Hence, the review

Thank you, Penguin Teen Canada for the lovely arc. ]]> 4.32 2025 You've Found Oliver (You've Reached Sam, #2)
author: Dustin Thao
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.32
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/26
date added: 2025/07/04
shelves: arc, contemromance, bl, romance, sci-fi, young-adult
review:
Review: 3.75 stars

I read the prequel Youve Reached Sam and found that one to be an okay read. I decided to give this sequel a chance.

Oliver, Sams best friend is still mourning the loss of his best friend, Sam to a point that he would occasionally text his deceased best friend's phone number. One day, he accidentally calls the number and someone picks upBen and little by little, they slowly fall in love.

This book explores the themes of grief, friendship, finding love with a hint of magical realism thrown in. Oliver is lost without his best friend, Sam. Everyone, including Julie, Sams past girlfriend, is moving onwards while he is still stuck. His recent relationship ended in a sour note with a cheating boyfriend and he is struggling with his loneliness. Enter Ben, the other person on the other side who has been reading his texts. What follows is a sweet and slow romance. I do enjoy how their relationship unfolds - Ben is so sweet and caring towards Oliver and respects Olivers position in life. Their relationship is genuine and heartful with a hint of astronomy and music thrown in.

I find the time travel magical realism unexpected and it felt that it could do without but the direction didnt surprise me given that this is Dustin Thao. This made the ending somewhat open ended.

I find that the story flows well making it a quick and easy read. My only nitpick which I also find with the first book is the lack of emotional depth it has. I find this a miss since I find myself reading in passing glance with a lack of emotion invested in the characters. Hence, the review

Thank you, Penguin Teen Canada for the lovely arc.
]]> Unloved (The Undone, #2) 214152028 The highly anticipated follow-up to Peyton Corinnes unputdownable and unforgettable (Bal Khabra, author of Collide) TikTok sensation Unsteady follows hopeless romantic Ro and playeron and off the iceFreddy as their feelings for each other grow from strictly friendly to so much more.

Matt Freddy Fedderic is all smilesat least on the surface. On the ice, hes the star left winger for the Waterfell Wolves with a stellar reputation in bed and a potential future in the NHL. But in the classroom, hes barely scraping by on a 2.0 GPA, retaking dropped classes and struggling with a rough mix of dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. Freddy had plans to enter the NHL draft at eighteen, but then his estranged father added a graduation clause to his inheritance, and now, he needs help to pass Biology with a professor whos already betrayed him before.

Ro Shariff is a hopeless romantic with terrible luck in loveand now, Freddys new tutor. She keeps telling herself that shes very happy with her on again/off again boyfriend, but Ro is desperate for real affection. As her tutoring sessions with Freddy lead to friendship and late-night phone calls, an undeniable heat begins to simmer between them, which theyre both trying desperately to ignore.

Although they are too protective of their newfound friendship to cross that line, Ro cant stop thinking about how Freddy was her first kiss her freshman year at Waterfell, a spine-tingling moment seared into Ros memory that Freddy doesnt seem to remember, and Freddy is determined to protect Ro from his reputation at all costs. Meanwhile, Ro wants to prove to him that despite what others have led him to believe, hes worth more than his body. But maybe, just maybe, together they can learn how easily the right person can love every part of you, even your flaws.]]> 449 Peyton Corinne 1668068486 Jasmine 5 Review: 4.75 Stars

This book is all about the feels and dang, did it deliver!

Rosaline met Freddy during freshman year where he was her first kiss but unexpectedly disappeared from the party after. Fast forward to their last year of university where Rosaline was assigned to tutor Freddy so he can pass his classes to stay in the hockey team and keep his drafted positionand they slowly start falling for each other as time goes by and as they have mutual friends who are together.

Both the main characters, Freddy and Rosaline are very flawed people with insecurities in them and so broken in their own way.

]]> 4.07 2025 Unloved (The Undone, #2)
author: Peyton Corinne
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.07
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/30
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: angst, favorites, new-adult, romance, sportsromance
review:
Unloved by Peyton Corrine
Review: 4.75 Stars

This book is all about the feels and dang, did it deliver!

Rosaline met Freddy during freshman year where he was her first kiss but unexpectedly disappeared from the party after. Fast forward to their last year of university where Rosaline was assigned to tutor Freddy so he can pass his classes to stay in the hockey team and keep his drafted positionand they slowly start falling for each other as time goes by and as they have mutual friends who are together.

Both the main characters, Freddy and Rosaline are very flawed people with insecurities in them and so broken in their own way.


]]> <![CDATA[The Society of Unknowable Objects]]> 227848751
But three current members of a secret society have remained watchful, meeting every six months in the basement of a bookshop in London. They are pledged to protect their archive of magical items hidden away, safe from the outside world - and keep the world safe from them. But when Frank Simpson, the longest-standing member of the Society of Unknowable Objects, hears of a new artefact coming to light in Hong Kong, he sends the Society's newest member, author Magda Sparks, to investigate.

Within hours of arriving in Hong Kong, Magda is facing death and danger, confronted by a professional killer who seems to know all about unknowable objects, specifically one that was stolen from him a decade before. Magda is forced to flee, using an artefact that not even the rest of the Society knows about.

Returning to London, Magda learns hers is not the only secret being kept from the other two members. And that the most pernicious secret is about the nature of the Societys mission. Her discoveries will lead her on a perilous journey, across the Atlantic to the deep south of the United States - not in pursuit of an unknowable object, but an unknowable person: the killer she first faced in Hong Kong. In doing so, Magda begins to understand that there are even more in the world who are chasing these magical items, and that her own familys legacy is tied up in keeping all these secrets under wraps.

Magic has always been too powerful to reveal to the world. But Magda will learn there might be something even more powerful: the truth.]]> 352 Gareth Brown 1787637263 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.05 2025 The Society of Unknowable Objects
author: Gareth Brown
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire, #1)]]> 201129898 Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure?inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman?determined to choose her own destinyeven if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilins father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her fathers place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendshipand a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another??As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trustSky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knewabout her kingdom and about her own heart.]]> 432 K.X. Song 0593815726 Jasmine 3
I have a like/dislike for this book and it gives me such mixed feelings but Im leaning more on the dislike of this book. Let me start by mentioning that I audioed my way through this book and the narrator was great! The annunciations were on point!

This book should have worked for me as it has all the tropes I love, a retelling of Mulan, dragons, secret identities, a strong female leadyet it falls short.

I find Meilin to be a strong, and ambitious female lead who struggles with confining herself to the social norms expected of a female during that era - arranged to be married and bringing honor to her family. So strongly that she desires freedom that she runs away to join the army to get out of her arranged marriage. From there, her ambitions changed and grew where she wanted acknowledgment from her peers and to be an equal. She struggles against listening to orders and is selfish in her needs to pursue what needs to be done regardless of the consequences she faces. At the same time, she is also an oblivious character, having the typical personality of a subservient woman and not questioning things when needed and also not caring about the politics and consequences of her actions. I find her to be over the top and struggle to connect with her as a character.

I also do not care about the love triangle of the book with her love interests being Sky and Prince Lei. Sky, especially given that he has a push/pull relationship with her where he treats her well but at the same time pushes her away at times. I felt Meilins friendship was very superficial and unfortunately, was not surprised by the twist at the end. It also feels that the characters felt very flat and there is nothing that makes them stand out in the story.

The plot feels choppy at certain moments and there are quite a number of time lapses to push the story through. I find certain moments too dull and long and at moments, just cringey and generic. The magic system felt so generic with the use of the 4 gods of directions following the typical Chinese fantasy.

Lastly, the character names drove me crazy because the author uses both pinyin and English names - aka literal translated English names like Sky or Plum and then switching back to pinyin like Meilin or Ming Leiits so nonsensical and such a terrible nod to the chinese culture.

Overall, the premise sounds great but the execution leaves much to be desired.]]> 3.79 2024 The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire, #1)
author: K.X. Song
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.79
book published: 2024
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/30
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: asianrep, chinesedynasty, retelling, young-adult, warrior, audiobook
review:
Review: 2.75 stars

I have a like/dislike for this book and it gives me such mixed feelings but Im leaning more on the dislike of this book. Let me start by mentioning that I audioed my way through this book and the narrator was great! The annunciations were on point!

This book should have worked for me as it has all the tropes I love, a retelling of Mulan, dragons, secret identities, a strong female leadyet it falls short.

I find Meilin to be a strong, and ambitious female lead who struggles with confining herself to the social norms expected of a female during that era - arranged to be married and bringing honor to her family. So strongly that she desires freedom that she runs away to join the army to get out of her arranged marriage. From there, her ambitions changed and grew where she wanted acknowledgment from her peers and to be an equal. She struggles against listening to orders and is selfish in her needs to pursue what needs to be done regardless of the consequences she faces. At the same time, she is also an oblivious character, having the typical personality of a subservient woman and not questioning things when needed and also not caring about the politics and consequences of her actions. I find her to be over the top and struggle to connect with her as a character.

I also do not care about the love triangle of the book with her love interests being Sky and Prince Lei. Sky, especially given that he has a push/pull relationship with her where he treats her well but at the same time pushes her away at times. I felt Meilins friendship was very superficial and unfortunately, was not surprised by the twist at the end. It also feels that the characters felt very flat and there is nothing that makes them stand out in the story.

The plot feels choppy at certain moments and there are quite a number of time lapses to push the story through. I find certain moments too dull and long and at moments, just cringey and generic. The magic system felt so generic with the use of the 4 gods of directions following the typical Chinese fantasy.

Lastly, the character names drove me crazy because the author uses both pinyin and English names - aka literal translated English names like Sky or Plum and then switching back to pinyin like Meilin or Ming Leiits so nonsensical and such a terrible nod to the chinese culture.

Overall, the premise sounds great but the execution leaves much to be desired.
]]> <![CDATA[Unbound: A Novel (The Undone, #3)]]> 235992260 A new angsty, sexy, emotional (Farrah Rochon, New York Times bestselling author) lyrical romance by Peyton Corinne that follows a college couple through first love, heartbreak, and the struggle to come together again.

Paloma Blake is, at best, antagonistic. But beneath the hairspray, attitude, and promiscuity is a scared girl whose trauma runs deep. Still, the walls shes built are strong, ensuring everyone only sees Palomas sexy fa?ade. Everyone except for Bennett.

Bennett Reiner, the carefully controlled, neurodivergent goalie, has his routines and sticks to them, which helps him keep a hold on his OCD compulsions and the crippling anxiety that comes with them. The quiet and meticulous Bennett sees everything, especially the girl beneath Palomas ever-present masks. And he always has.

Unbeknownst to their friends, Bennett and Paloma were each others first real love, which ended in crippling heartbreak. Bennett still doesnt know what happened, and Paloma is determined to stay away from the comfort she used to find only in his arms. For years, Bennett has remained her protective shadow, coming to Palomas rescue whenever she asked, keeping her as close and safe as shell let him. But, like a tumultuous sea to a constant shore, Bennett and Paloma find each other once more.

Alternating between scenes from their past and present, Unbound contrasts the tentative tension and passionate beginnings of first love with the devastating loneliness and deep yearning of having that love ripped away from you without truly knowing why. As Bennett discovers the truth about Palomas past, the threads to his careful control start to come unbound, and both begin to realize that letting go of everything else might be worth it, if it means they both get the real love they once shared again.]]> 352 Peyton Corinne 1668219425 Jasmine 0 to-read 5.00 Unbound: A Novel (The Undone, #3)
author: Peyton Corinne
name: Jasmine
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Summer Palace and Other Stories (Captive Prince Short Stories, #1-4)]]> 42515118 152 C.S. Pacat Jasmine 4 bl, fantasy, regency
I am SO GLAD that we had some short stories that functioned as an epilogue to the whole trilogy.

Green but for a Season - 2.5 stars
This one features Jord, Laurents ex-captain of the Kings Guard and the start of his relationship with Almeric. I love how there are some flashbacks and it provides some history to how Jord joined the kings guard and why his loyalty to Laurent is so true. I so wish that the story did show a post-scene of Jord after the end of his relationship with Almeric as we do know the bitter ending of this oneI also enjoyed a hint of the beginnings of Laurent and Damens ease with each other through Jords eyes.

The Summer Palace - 4 stars
This one functions as a much needed epilogue from the abrupt ending of Book 3 where Damen once mentioned a Summer Palace and invited Laurent to join him after the war. I love how this one feeds us while giving us more to their loving relationship. I also love that this book did address some of the past traumas they went through in book 1 giving more balance to their relationship

The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant - 4 stars
I love this one! This one was told from the eyes of Charls where Laurent and Damen joined his trade route in disguise to uncover a trafficking plot to the smuggling of slaves. Its soo funny to see everyones outlook on Damens and Laurents relationship - lol! The ending for this one was too funny for words!

Pet - 3 stars
This one gives us a look at the inner workings to Ancel and his master who is loyal to Laurent. Its an interesting perspective.]]> 4.33 2018 The Summer Palace and Other Stories (Captive Prince Short Stories, #1-4)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2025/07/01
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: bl, fantasy, regency
review:
Review: 3.75 stars average

I am SO GLAD that we had some short stories that functioned as an epilogue to the whole trilogy.

Green but for a Season - 2.5 stars
This one features Jord, Laurents ex-captain of the Kings Guard and the start of his relationship with Almeric. I love how there are some flashbacks and it provides some history to how Jord joined the kings guard and why his loyalty to Laurent is so true. I so wish that the story did show a post-scene of Jord after the end of his relationship with Almeric as we do know the bitter ending of this oneI also enjoyed a hint of the beginnings of Laurent and Damens ease with each other through Jords eyes.

The Summer Palace - 4 stars
This one functions as a much needed epilogue from the abrupt ending of Book 3 where Damen once mentioned a Summer Palace and invited Laurent to join him after the war. I love how this one feeds us while giving us more to their loving relationship. I also love that this book did address some of the past traumas they went through in book 1 giving more balance to their relationship

The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant - 4 stars
I love this one! This one was told from the eyes of Charls where Laurent and Damen joined his trade route in disguise to uncover a trafficking plot to the smuggling of slaves. Its soo funny to see everyones outlook on Damens and Laurents relationship - lol! The ending for this one was too funny for words!

Pet - 3 stars
This one gives us a look at the inner workings to Ancel and his master who is loyal to Laurent. Its an interesting perspective.
]]> Click (Next Level, #3) 123261587 Carson
When Mak hired me as her boudoir photographer, I bet she never thought Id also become her Primal Dom. The moment I saw her, my wild side wanted to play. Shes fun to chase and even more fun to catch. But I have carefully constructed rules in place for anyone who climbs into my bed, and Im breaking too many of them for her.

Thats dangerous, considering this is only a fling.

Now Im in over my head, and the more were together, the more we click, and I find myself willing to do whatever it takes to keep her.

Including breaking my last rule.

Mak
Give me a big, growly, man and watch me swoon. Carson delivers my fantasies, one after another, and exceeds all my expectations. The only problem? His walls are always up, and I have no clue how to crack his code.

Good thing I love a challenge.

Hell soon learn that I dont back down from getting what I want, and what I want most is him.

Let the chase begin

Click is a standalone contemporary romance with high spice and low angst and is in the same world as Glitch and Flip.]]> 309 Briana Michaels Jasmine 3 to-read, romance Okay, the spice is OFF the charts for this one!
I love how both characters struggled with body issues.
Introduction to primal play, which is the first I read about it - interestingggg kink.
I also love how they kept the found family concept!

]]> 4.19 2023 Click (Next Level, #3)
author: Briana Michaels
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.19
book published: 2023
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/28
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: to-read, romance
review:

Okay, the spice is OFF the charts for this one!
I love how both characters struggled with body issues.
Introduction to primal play, which is the first I read about it - interestingggg kink.
I also love how they kept the found family concept!


]]> <![CDATA[Kings Rising (Captive Prince, #3)]]> 17158532 Damianos of Akielos has returned.

His identity now revealed, Damen must face his master Prince Laurent as Damianos of Akielos, the man Laurent has sworn to kill.

On the brink of a momentous battle, the future of both their countries hangs in the balance. In the south, Kastor's forces are massing. In the north, the Regent's armies are mobilising for war. Damen's only hope of reclaiming his throne is to fight together with Laurent against their usurpers.

Forced into an uneasy alliance the two princes journey deep into Akielos, where they face their most dangerous opposition yet. But even if the fragile trust they have built survives the revelation of Damen's identity C can it stand against the Regents final, deadly play for the throne?

]]> 385 C.S. Pacat 174348495X Jasmine 5
What a climactic (and abrupt) ending to this series!

We start off where Book 2 left off and focus more on Damens alliance with Laurent and building an army to oppose Laurents uncle, the Reagent and Damens half-brother, Kastor and take back their kingdoms.

Urgh, the start was filled with tension given the change in Damens role, forcing both Laurent and Damen to rebuild what they had. The tension is delish and filled with some yearning as they grapple with their relationship's reality. The buildup was so worth it as they finally put their doubts against each other aside. The fact that they would go to protect each other is so precious. One of my favourite parts is when Laurent finally told Damen of his real plans and let him in. Im so in love with their relationship and them. The character growth they faced here and together was sheer perfection.

The politics is riddled with deception, and the underlying moments can get intense. I also love how the supporting characters add to the story. Their reactions to Damen and Laurent's relationship are so on pointlol! The book itself flows, and I was hooked throughout the story.

That abrupt ending thoughhhhhh!! Thank God for the short stories.

This series will probably live rent-free in my mind, and I will be back to re-read this series!]]> 4.42 2016 Kings Rising (Captive Prince, #3)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2016
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/29
date added: 2025/07/02
shelves: bl, fantasy, favorites, regency
review:
Review: 4.5 stars

What a climactic (and abrupt) ending to this series!

We start off where Book 2 left off and focus more on Damens alliance with Laurent and building an army to oppose Laurents uncle, the Reagent and Damens half-brother, Kastor and take back their kingdoms.

Urgh, the start was filled with tension given the change in Damens role, forcing both Laurent and Damen to rebuild what they had. The tension is delish and filled with some yearning as they grapple with their relationship's reality. The buildup was so worth it as they finally put their doubts against each other aside. The fact that they would go to protect each other is so precious. One of my favourite parts is when Laurent finally told Damen of his real plans and let him in. Im so in love with their relationship and them. The character growth they faced here and together was sheer perfection.

The politics is riddled with deception, and the underlying moments can get intense. I also love how the supporting characters add to the story. Their reactions to Damen and Laurent's relationship are so on pointlol! The book itself flows, and I was hooked throughout the story.

That abrupt ending thoughhhhhh!! Thank God for the short stories.

This series will probably live rent-free in my mind, and I will be back to re-read this series!
]]> <![CDATA[The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant (Captive Prince Short Stories, #3)]]> 34803468 The Adventures of Charls follows the dealings of a humble cloth merchant in the days before the royal Ascension.

Set after the events of Kings Rising and The Summer Palace.]]> 26 C.S. Pacat 0987622315 Jasmine 0 4.46 2017 The Adventures of Charls, the Veretian Cloth Merchant (Captive Prince Short Stories, #3)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.46
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2025/07/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Summer Palace (Captive Prince Short Stories, #2)]]> 33230173 "When all this is over, we could take horses and stay a week in the palace..."

Set after the events of the Captive Prince trilogy, The Summer Palace is a story about Damen and Laurent. It's an epilogue of sorts to the Captive Prince series.]]> 30 C.S. Pacat 0987622307 Jasmine 0 4.43 2017 The Summer Palace (Captive Prince Short Stories, #2)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2017
rating: 0
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2025/07/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Green but for a Season (Captive Prince Short Stories, #1)]]> 31814812 Green but for a Season is the first of a series of four Captive Prince short stories. It follows the relationship between Jord and Aimeric and is set during the events of Princes Gambit.]]> 24 C.S. Pacat 0987507346 Jasmine 0 3.74 2016 Green but for a Season (Captive Prince Short Stories, #1)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.74
book published: 2016
rating: 0
read at: 2024/07/01
date added: 2025/07/01
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster]]> 1898
Into Thin Air is the definitive account of the deadliest season in the history of Everest by the acclaimed journalist and author of the bestseller Into the Wild. On assignment for Outside Magazine to report on the growing commercialization of the mountain, Krakauer, an accomplished climber, went to the Himalayas as a client of Rob Hall, the most respected high-altitude guide in the world. A rangy, thirty-five-year-old New Zealander, Hall had summited Everest four times between 1990 and 1995 and had led thirty-nine climbers to the top. Ascending the mountain in close proximity to Hall's team was a guided expedition led by Scott Fischer, a forty-year-old American with legendary strength and drive who had climbed the peak without supplemental oxygen in 1994. But neither Hall nor Fischer survived the rogue storm that struck in May 1996.

Krakauer examines what it is about Everest that has compelled so many people -- including himself -- to throw caution to the wind, ignore the concerns of loved ones, and willingly subject themselves to such risk, hardship, and expense. Written with emotional clarity and supported by his unimpeachable reporting, Krakauer's eyewitness account of what happened on the roof of the world is a singular achievement.]]> 368 Jon Krakauer Jasmine 0 to-read 4.24 1997 Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mt. Everest Disaster
author: Jon Krakauer
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1997
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/07/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Deathly Fates 231147851 "Rich and wholeheartedly poignant. Deathly Fates sings with profound spirit, exploring the consequences of war and the scars cut by nobility during trying times. An entrancing world that will certainly linger." Chloe Gong, #1 New York Times bestselling author of These Violent Delights

A sweeping debut inspired by the Chinese folk practice of necromancy, Deathly Fates is perfect for fans of Descendant of the Crane, The Bone Shard Daughter, and A Magic Steeped in Poison.

As a corpse-driving priestess, a holy servant paid to guide the deceased home, Kang Siying has never feared death. But when her beloved father collapses due to his declining health, Siying realizes that even she is not free from the cruel grasp of mortality. Desperate to provide her father with the medical aid he needs, Siying accepts a dangerous job that promises a generous commission, and travels to a hostile state to retrieve the corpse of a missing prince.

But the moment Siying places her reanimation talisman on the dead prince's head, rather than make the corpse obedient to Siying's commands, the talisman brings the prince back to life. Worse, he won't stay alive for longDnot unless he absorbs enough qi, or life force, to keep his soul anchored to his body.

In return for a reward worth twice her original commission, Siying agrees to aid the frustratingly handsome prince in finding and purifying evil spirits for their qi. But as they journey across the countryside, encountering vengeful ghosts and enemy spies alike, they gradually uncover dark secrets about the prince's deathDsecrets that could endanger both Siying's father and their entire kingdom.]]> 368 Tesia Tsai 1250378923 Jasmine 0 to-read 5.00 2026 Deathly Fates
author: Tesia Tsai
name: Jasmine
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Double Hit (Chicago Cats #1) 232377908
Six months after their one night stand, Atticus has resigned himself to the friendzone. But when Kai suddenly needs a place to crash for a week, right before the start of the season, Atticus jumps at the opportunity to offer up his spare bedroom. Whats the worst that could happen? They are friends, after all.

But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes for Atticus to hide his feelings, especially when his teammates think Kai is just another fling-of-the-week. Even Kai struggles to ignore the physical attraction building between them, while fending off offers of friendship from his ex that threaten to keep him tethered to the painful past he wants to escape. All while, together, they take in a stray kitten who turns out to be an absolute menace.

Can Atticus break past the reputation hes built for himself and convince Kai that there is something more between them? Can Kai finally come to terms with the fact that his life irrevocably changed a year ago? And will they ever come to an agreement on a name for their new pet?]]> 343 Katie Steele Jasmine 0 to-read 4.63 Double Hit (Chicago Cats #1)
author: Katie Steele
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.63
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Lotus Shoes 213888887 THE CAPTIVATING, HEART-RENDING STORY OF TWO WOMEN IN 1800S CHINA

Love and loss. Sisterhood and betrayal. Little Flower and Linjing's fates are bound together.

As a child, Little Flower is sold to Linjing's wealthy family to become a muizai. In a fit of childish jealousy over her new handmaiden's ladylike bound feet and talent for embroidery, Linjing ensures Little Flower can never leave her to ascend in society.

Despite their starkly different places in the Fong household, over the years the two girls must work together to secure both their futures through Linjing's marriage. As the two grow up, they are by turns bitter rivals and tentative friends.

Until scandal strikes the family, and Linjing and Little Flower's lives are unexpectedly thrown into chaos. Linjing's fall from grace could be an opportunity for Little Flower - but will their intertwined fates lead to triumph, or tragedy for them both?]]> 400 Jane Yang Jasmine 0 to-read 4.22 2025 The Lotus Shoes
author: Jane Yang
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.22
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[God of Fury (Legacy of Gods, #5)]]> 213775782 From USA Today bestselling author Rina Kent comes an MM college romance.

Im not attracted to men.
Or so I thought before I slammed into Nikolai Sokolov.
A mafia heir, a notorious bastard, and a violent monster.
An ill-fated meeting puts me in his path.
And just like that, he has his sights set on me.
A quiet artist, a golden boy, and his enemys twin brother.
He doesnt seem to care that the odds are stacked against us.
In fact, he sets out to break my steel-like control and blur my limits.
I thought my biggest worry was being noticed by Nikolai.
Im learning the hard way that being wanted by this beautiful nightmare is much worse.

This book can be read on its own, but for a better understanding of the world, you might want to start with God of Malice.]]> 624 Rina Kent 1464237409 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.47 2023 God of Fury (Legacy of Gods, #5)
author: Rina Kent
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/28
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith, #1)]]> 218636205 The first in an all-new fantasy series from #1 New York Times bestselling author Scarlett St. Clair. In this biting, feminist retelling of Lilith's story, Lilith will rise from the ashes of her former life to destroy the ancient power that stole everything she loves.

She is the beginning and the end.

She is peace and chaos.

She is terror knocking at the gates.

Estranged from her powerful family, Lilith Leviathan finds refuge in Nineveh, a district in the city of Eden devoted to sin. There, she uses her magic to steal for a living, attracting the attention of the five governing families as well as the church, which expects women to remain pious and silent. When Lilith comes into possession of a beautiful blade, she thinks all her worries are overuntil her usual buyer dies while inspecting it.

Frantic, Lilith turns to the only man who can help Zahariev, head of the Zareth family and ruler of Nineveh. His currency is information, and his power is extortion, though he's always had a soft spot for Lilith. But when the dagger appears, he isn't sure he can protect her from what's to come.

Together, they embark on a mission to discover the true power running their world. As their lives intertwine, Lilith realizes Zahariev is more than just a friend, but their devotion to each other is a threatto the truth, to the church, and to those who want to tear it all down.]]> 495 Scarlett St. Clair 1464239673 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.31 2025 Terror at the Gates (Blood of Lilith, #1)
author: Scarlett St. Clair
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.31
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/27
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asias Mythical Creatures]]> 227786657
A turtle the size of an island. A cricket that can possess you if swallowed. A giant who turns enemies to stone. The legends of Southeast Asiaor the lands below the winds, as explorers used to call itare populated with a whole menagerie of colorful beasts that inspire awe and fear in equal measure. Yet, passed on as they are through story and song, so many of these stories remain rooted in some long-forgotten past and bound by the borders of the region, creatures of myth and memory and nothing more. Until now.

Welcome to The Beasts Beneath the Winds, a collection of Southeast Asias most elusive cryptids by a team of bestselling and award-winning authors. Within these gorgeously illustrated pages, readers will find the stories of seventeen regular kids who encounter these mythical creatures in the here and now, andfortunately or unfortunatelylive to tell the tale]]> 352 Hanna Alkaf 1419770098 Jasmine 5
This book comprises a collection of 17 short stories for middle grade readers with each story highlighting a mythical creature/cryptid that is known in South East Asia with each story written by a different author like June CL Tan, Jesse Q. Sutanto and many more including Hanna Alkaf who also edited this book.

Each story given that it is written by a different author is unique in its own way consisting of different themes and told in the POV of the child encountering the mythical creature for the first time. Themes like grief, change, adoption, bullying, fitting in, family and hope are strongly featured in these short stories. Every chapter includes a useful history of the mythical creature feature along with some illustrations of the mythical creature providing a more visual image to young readers to follow along.

I really appreciate stories like these as a nod to South East Asia culture. Being from Malaysia, its always lovely to see books like these to preserve the culture, legends and myths I grew up hearing. I find the use of the local dialect wonderful with a touch of food and religion peppered throughout hinting at the unique heritage to readers.

My only nitpick is that most of the stories take place in North America and speak to the culture there with only hints of the mythical beasts. Might be due to most of the authors being located in North America? I also hope the final edition may add a glossary of terms that may help a lot of non-local readers to grasp the unique terms we use in the book to provide a better understanding.

My favourite stories are:
The Girl in the Graveyard
The Curse of Sang Kelembai
Dance of the Unicorns
Kusu Island
The Mawas in the Airport
Melati And The Eternal Battle
Naga Fireball
Ellie Takes Flight

I enjoyed this collection as it brings me back to the roots of my heritage and the stories I grew up with and its definitely one not to be missed!]]> 4.27 2025 The Beasts Beneath the Winds: Tales of Southeast Asias Mythical Creatures
author: Hanna Alkaf
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/28
date added: 2025/06/27
shelves: malaysianbooks, middlegrade, fantasy, arc
review:
Review: 4.5 Stars

This book comprises a collection of 17 short stories for middle grade readers with each story highlighting a mythical creature/cryptid that is known in South East Asia with each story written by a different author like June CL Tan, Jesse Q. Sutanto and many more including Hanna Alkaf who also edited this book.

Each story given that it is written by a different author is unique in its own way consisting of different themes and told in the POV of the child encountering the mythical creature for the first time. Themes like grief, change, adoption, bullying, fitting in, family and hope are strongly featured in these short stories. Every chapter includes a useful history of the mythical creature feature along with some illustrations of the mythical creature providing a more visual image to young readers to follow along.

I really appreciate stories like these as a nod to South East Asia culture. Being from Malaysia, its always lovely to see books like these to preserve the culture, legends and myths I grew up hearing. I find the use of the local dialect wonderful with a touch of food and religion peppered throughout hinting at the unique heritage to readers.

My only nitpick is that most of the stories take place in North America and speak to the culture there with only hints of the mythical beasts. Might be due to most of the authors being located in North America? I also hope the final edition may add a glossary of terms that may help a lot of non-local readers to grasp the unique terms we use in the book to provide a better understanding.

My favourite stories are:
The Girl in the Graveyard
The Curse of Sang Kelembai
Dance of the Unicorns
Kusu Island
The Mawas in the Airport
Melati And The Eternal Battle
Naga Fireball
Ellie Takes Flight

I enjoyed this collection as it brings me back to the roots of my heritage and the stories I grew up with and its definitely one not to be missed!
]]> <![CDATA[Brighter Than Nine (Darker by Four, #2)]]> 199028160
Trapped in Hell, Zizi fights the takeover of his soul by Four's. As he begins to access Four's memories, he discovers a tragic love story that could be the key to keeping the mortal realm safe. Now, Zizi must defy his fate and escape Hell once more.

On the surface, Rui's life has changed as she is hailed a hero by the Exorcist Guild. But she soon discovers the spell Zizi was forced to create is transforming innocent humans into vicious Hybrid Revenants. With the help of the other cadets, she vows to stop them.

Now magicless, Yiran watches, hungrier than ever, until he begins a dangerous dalliance with Yuki, hoping the Hybrid will recover Yiran's magic. And when he discovers a dark family secret, he must decide what he stands for - before it's too late.]]> June C.L. Tan Jasmine 0 to-read 5.00 2026 Brighter Than Nine (Darker by Four, #2)
author: June C.L. Tan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 5.00
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/26
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Last Tiger 220999057 Inspired by true stories from the authors grandparents lives during one of the darkest periods in Korean history,The Last Tiger is a debut young adult fantasy novel about the power of love to give voice to a silenced people.

In a colonized land where tigers are being hunted to extinction and ancient magic stirs, two star-crossed teens from opposite worldsLee Seung, a servant yearning for freedom, and Choi Eunji, a noble girl defying traditionjoin forces to try and reshape their respective fates.

But their relationship evolves from begrudging accomplices to bitter adversaries as they soon find themselves on opposite sides of a battle over the last tiger, a symbol of their peoples lost freedom and key to the liberation of their country. As the ties between Seung and Eunji are complicated by their conflicting loyalties, tensions riseespecially when a charming princeling of the empire begins to rival for Eunji's affection.

In this friends-to-enemies-to-lovers story of forbidden romance, antagonists turned allies, oppression and liberation, neither Seung nor Eunji can abandon their missionor each other. And as they embark on separate quests to find the elusive creature, each must also find the power within themselves to make their own destiny.]]> 416 Julia Riew Jasmine 3
The Last Tiger is inspired by the real-life love story of the authors grandparents, who lived during the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII, with hints of fantasy elements thrown in. As much as I had high hopes for this historical romance, I struggled with the book's execution.

The plot premise was promising to start, but fell to being underdeveloped, given that the political world building and the magical elements added were so surface level. There was also quite a lot of use of modern language like buddy, pro and gonna, which doesnt make sense for a historical book - I cant ever imagine my grandparents talking like that! This book also uses the descriptions of sound effects a lot! Words like BANG! Bang! are present and capitalized - Ill probably be drinking at least a shot in every chapter at the rate of finding these words!

The story is told through the POVs of Seung and Eunji, the main leads of the story. I struggled with both their characters. I sometimes have to double-check whose POV I am reading, given that they do not have a distinct voice. I especially struggled with Eunjis POV given that her character tends to side with the oppressor, where her reasoning for doing what she is doing is hoping she could free her family and herself from them, even seeing examples of that NOT happening. At times, I want to shake her for her questionable decisions.

On the other hand, I find Seungs POV boring - his character development felt wishy washy at times - his lack of determination to free his country from the oppressors or fight for his rights is sadly missing. It feels like both characters are going through the motions at times, and their romance felt flat to me. Oh, do not get me started on the red herring of a love triangle between Eunji, Kenzo and Seung - I was so close to shipping Kenzo with Eunji since he was much more interesting! I also did not like that Eunji and Seung were not together for at least one-third of the book to reunite close to the ending.

Finally, lets talk about Jin, the rebel who is accompanying Seung on his quest. I felt the authors didnt do her character much justice, and her traumatic past was highly glossed overI also think that heavy topics were too glossed over with no real consequence or accountability, especially the ending of the book with the dealing of the oppressor.

The only saving grace about this story is that it is very easy to read and the flows make sense, making it a quick read overall. I did like that the author provided a blurb that hints at their grandparents real-life story, and wished that they stayed true to following that story to be more historical biography vs historical fantasy.

Thank you, Penguin Teen for the lovely physical copy and Netgalley for the eARC.]]> 3.92 2025 The Last Tiger
author: Julia Riew
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.92
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/24
date added: 2025/06/25
shelves: arc, asianrep, diversityrep, fantasy, romance, young-adult
review:
Review: 2.75 stars

The Last Tiger is inspired by the real-life love story of the authors grandparents, who lived during the Japanese occupation of Korea during WWII, with hints of fantasy elements thrown in. As much as I had high hopes for this historical romance, I struggled with the book's execution.

The plot premise was promising to start, but fell to being underdeveloped, given that the political world building and the magical elements added were so surface level. There was also quite a lot of use of modern language like buddy, pro and gonna, which doesnt make sense for a historical book - I cant ever imagine my grandparents talking like that! This book also uses the descriptions of sound effects a lot! Words like BANG! Bang! are present and capitalized - Ill probably be drinking at least a shot in every chapter at the rate of finding these words!

The story is told through the POVs of Seung and Eunji, the main leads of the story. I struggled with both their characters. I sometimes have to double-check whose POV I am reading, given that they do not have a distinct voice. I especially struggled with Eunjis POV given that her character tends to side with the oppressor, where her reasoning for doing what she is doing is hoping she could free her family and herself from them, even seeing examples of that NOT happening. At times, I want to shake her for her questionable decisions.

On the other hand, I find Seungs POV boring - his character development felt wishy washy at times - his lack of determination to free his country from the oppressors or fight for his rights is sadly missing. It feels like both characters are going through the motions at times, and their romance felt flat to me. Oh, do not get me started on the red herring of a love triangle between Eunji, Kenzo and Seung - I was so close to shipping Kenzo with Eunji since he was much more interesting! I also did not like that Eunji and Seung were not together for at least one-third of the book to reunite close to the ending.

Finally, lets talk about Jin, the rebel who is accompanying Seung on his quest. I felt the authors didnt do her character much justice, and her traumatic past was highly glossed overI also think that heavy topics were too glossed over with no real consequence or accountability, especially the ending of the book with the dealing of the oppressor.

The only saving grace about this story is that it is very easy to read and the flows make sense, making it a quick read overall. I did like that the author provided a blurb that hints at their grandparents real-life story, and wished that they stayed true to following that story to be more historical biography vs historical fantasy.

Thank you, Penguin Teen for the lovely physical copy and Netgalley for the eARC.
]]> <![CDATA[Prince's Gambit (Captive Prince, #2)]]> 23398894
Forced to hide his identity, Damen finds himself increasingly drawn to the dangerous, charismatic Laurent. But as the fledgling trust between the two men deepens, the truth of secrets from both their pasts is poised to deal them the crowning death blow . . .]]> 404 C.S. Pacat Jasmine 5
Listen, I finally get why this trilogy is so popular. Book 2 introduces us to a whole load of politics, intrigue, backstabbing, slow burn and some yearning thrown in that will make you want to not stop reading. I also suggest book 1 be read first just to understand the dynamics between Laurent and Damen and the slow shift of it as we progress into Book 2 to something more

The book focuses on the border war as Laurent takes means to continue playing against his uncle as he gains the respect of his troops with Damens help. Its also so fascinating to see Laurents mind at play on all these subtle alliances that he creates along the way that comes into play later. It was a lot of other factions coming into play, the training of their motley troops and my favourite parts: Laurent and Damens espionage adventures as Laurent moves to counter his uncles every move to keep his throne.

Its admirable to see how their relationship started off as intense hate to dislike to grudging respect and eventually attraction with intense yearning and slow burn thrown in. Told in Damens POV, its interesting to see the push and pull between both characters. While I also see that there are some plot holes and how cliche some parts are..I just cannot stop reading as I was so invested in them! You cannot help but root for them and be so emotionally invested that you want them together especially given their warring countries history together.

AND THAT ENDING - WTHHHHHH, Im rushing to read book 3 after writing this review! ]]> 4.39 2013 Prince's Gambit (Captive Prince, #2)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.39
book published: 2013
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/23
date added: 2025/06/24
shelves: angst, bl, regency, romantasy, warrior
review:
Review: 4.75 stars

Listen, I finally get why this trilogy is so popular. Book 2 introduces us to a whole load of politics, intrigue, backstabbing, slow burn and some yearning thrown in that will make you want to not stop reading. I also suggest book 1 be read first just to understand the dynamics between Laurent and Damen and the slow shift of it as we progress into Book 2 to something more

The book focuses on the border war as Laurent takes means to continue playing against his uncle as he gains the respect of his troops with Damens help. Its also so fascinating to see Laurents mind at play on all these subtle alliances that he creates along the way that comes into play later. It was a lot of other factions coming into play, the training of their motley troops and my favourite parts: Laurent and Damens espionage adventures as Laurent moves to counter his uncles every move to keep his throne.

Its admirable to see how their relationship started off as intense hate to dislike to grudging respect and eventually attraction with intense yearning and slow burn thrown in. Told in Damens POV, its interesting to see the push and pull between both characters. While I also see that there are some plot holes and how cliche some parts are..I just cannot stop reading as I was so invested in them! You cannot help but root for them and be so emotionally invested that you want them together especially given their warring countries history together.

AND THAT ENDING - WTHHHHHH, Im rushing to read book 3 after writing this review!
]]> <![CDATA[A Dance With The Fae Prince [Dramatized Adaptation] (Married to Magic, #2)]]> 199231609
She knew her hand in marriage would be sold. She had no idea a fae prince was the buyer.

Katria swore she'd never fall in love. She's seen what "love" means through the cruelty of her family. So when she's married off to the mysterious Lord Fenwood for a handsome price, all Katria wants is a better life than the one she's leaving. Feelings are off the table.

But her new husband makes not falling in love difficult.

As their attraction begins to grow, so too do the oddities within her new life: strange rules, screams in the night, and attacks by fae that Katria never thought were real. When she witnesses a ritual not meant for human eyes, Katria finds herself spirited away to the land of Midscape.

Surviving the fae wilds as a human is hard enough. Katria must survive as a human who accidently pilfered the magic of ancient kings - magic a bloodthirsty king is ready to kill her for in order to keep his stolen throne - and her new husband is the rightful heir in hiding.

The power to save the fae is in her hands. But who will save her from a love she vowed never to feel?

A Dance with the Fae Prince is a complete, *stand-alone dramatized audiobook*, inspired by the tales of Psyche and Eros, as well as Cinderella, with a "happily ever after" ending. It's perfect for romantic fantasy readers who enjoyed of A Court of Silver Flames and An Enchantment of Ravens. A Dance with the Fae Prince features a slow-burn romance, swoon-worthy couple, and steaminess that ranges from simmering to sizzling.]]> 10 Elise Kova Jasmine 0 to-read 3.73 A Dance With The Fae Prince [Dramatized Adaptation] (Married to Magic, #2)
author: Elise Kova
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.73
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles, #5)]]> 59971567 Nous vous invitons vous dtendre et profiter pleinement de votre sjour. Mais noubliez pas la rgle dor : les humains ne doivent jamais dcouvrir la vrit.

La vie ne manque pas de rebondissements pour lAubergiste Dina Demille et son compagnon Sean Evans. Et leur quotidien sapprte devenir encore plus chaotique, car le mentor loup-garou de Sean est enlev. Pour le retrouver, ils doivent organiser une recherche de conjoint intergalactique pour lun des dirigeants les plus influents de la Galaxie.

Dina nest pas du genre reculer devant un dfi. Pour relever celui-ci, cependant, elle va devoir jongler avec les caprices de son chef cuisinier, les consquences du pass sombre de son ex-tyran galactique favori, les intrications politiques dune nation interstellaire... et tout ?a en vitant que les prtendants de douze espces extraterrestres ne sentre-tuent.

On dit que lamour est un champ de bataille, mais Dina et Sean sont bien dtermins limiter les victimes !

#UrbanFantasy #Magie #Humour #MondesParallles]]> 456 Ilona Andrews Jasmine 5
The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews will probably always be one of my favourite sci-fi, urban fantasy series.

Book 5 finds Dina and Sean hosting an intergalactic bachelor-like competition for the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion, Kosandian in exchange for a portal to a very excluded planet to rescue Wilmos, Seans mentor who has been kidnapped.

I audioed this one as a graphic audio and it did not disappoint!

The world building is phenomenal is this one as we are privy to them playing host to at least twelve different candidates and their respective galactic cultures. The author did a great job in keeping us on track and I did not feel lost in the process of remembering who was who thanks to the miniscule references thrown in. For those reading, there is also a glossary at the back of the book to help and a slight summary at the start of every chapter.

The competition was riffed with political nods and some assassination attempts thrown in, making it very interesting and funWe also got a little background to Caldenias past, Dinas permanent guest adding some complexity to the storysome past characters featured in previous books like Nuan Couki, Dagorkun, Karat who were observers.

I just want MORE to Sean and Dinas relationship - they are so supportive of each other and their personalities just balance each other out. I love how Sean has no qualms saying he misses Dina in the presence of anyone listening and their relationship stays true to who they are!

We did finally get some answers to the disappearance of Dinas parents which is the overarching plot to this whole series but it does open up more questions. Trust the author to always hype it up and I cannot wait for the next one. ]]> 4.41 2022 Sweep of the Heart (Innkeeper Chronicles, #5)
author: Ilona Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/16
date added: 2025/06/17
shelves: audiobook, badass-heroine, cool-hero, favorites, fantasy, out-of-universe, paranormal, sci-fi, shifters, vampires, urbanfantasy
review:
Review: 5 stars

The Innkeeper Chronicles by Ilona Andrews will probably always be one of my favourite sci-fi, urban fantasy series.

Book 5 finds Dina and Sean hosting an intergalactic bachelor-like competition for the Sovereign of the Seven Star Dominion, Kosandian in exchange for a portal to a very excluded planet to rescue Wilmos, Seans mentor who has been kidnapped.

I audioed this one as a graphic audio and it did not disappoint!

The world building is phenomenal is this one as we are privy to them playing host to at least twelve different candidates and their respective galactic cultures. The author did a great job in keeping us on track and I did not feel lost in the process of remembering who was who thanks to the miniscule references thrown in. For those reading, there is also a glossary at the back of the book to help and a slight summary at the start of every chapter.

The competition was riffed with political nods and some assassination attempts thrown in, making it very interesting and funWe also got a little background to Caldenias past, Dinas permanent guest adding some complexity to the storysome past characters featured in previous books like Nuan Couki, Dagorkun, Karat who were observers.

I just want MORE to Sean and Dinas relationship - they are so supportive of each other and their personalities just balance each other out. I love how Sean has no qualms saying he misses Dina in the presence of anyone listening and their relationship stays true to who they are!

We did finally get some answers to the disappearance of Dinas parents which is the overarching plot to this whole series but it does open up more questions. Trust the author to always hype it up and I cannot wait for the next one.
]]> <![CDATA[Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)]]> 9305362 From global phenomenon C. S. Pacat comes the first in her critically acclaimed trilogywith a bonus story.

Damen is a warrior hero to his people, and the rightful heir to the throne of Akielos. But when his half brother seizes power, Damen is captured, stripped of his identity, and sent to serve the prince of an enemy nation as a pleasure slave.

Beautiful, manipulative, and deadly, his new master, Prince Laurent, epitomizes the worst of the court at Vere. But in the lethal political web of the Veretian court, nothing is as it seems, and when Damen finds himself caught up in a play for the throne, he must work together with Laurent to survive and save his country.

For Damen, there is just one rule: never, ever reveal his true identity. Because the one man Damen needs is the one man who has more reason to hate him than anyone else

Includes an exclusive extra story!]]> 240 C.S. Pacat Jasmine 3 warrior, bl
This trilogy has been on my radar for years and I finally deign to pick it up.

Damen, the heir of Akielos survived a coup by his half bastard brother, Kastor who desires the throne and was forced to become a slave and sent to enemy territory, Vere. He was then presented to Prince Laurent, the heir of Vere as his personal slave.

Yall, this is a true enemies hate hate here given that their fraction were on war with each other for years and Damen also killed Auguste, Laurents older brother and previous heir to the throneDamen given that no one recognizes him opts to hide his true identity and does his best to play pretend until he can escape. However, Laurent does love to test him and pushes his buttons just for the knack of it. It is of no surprise that they clash given their differ personalities in dealing with things. Towards the end of Book 1, there is a tentative tiny truce between them as circumstances played out in the book leading to Damen saving Laurents life.

This book is a solid start to the series as it gives you the world-building you need to understand the story which mostly starts in Vere as Damen was shipped there. Veres culture and opulence reminds me of the old English style of dressing and culture. They also keep slaves in the form of pets who service their masters, the ladies and lords of the kingdom. The entire court is full of hidden agendas and meanings where there are two fractions in play, one for Laurent and one of the reagent who is Laurents uncle and the current head who took over with the passing of Laurents older brother and father when Laurent was too young to rule. The plot is overall solid and the progression of the story happens where you want to continue reading.

Definitely please check triggers as for a fantasy world, it has a lot of explicit and triggering content, eg: rape, pedophilia, abuse, slavery etc

The first book is a solid progression to start and I look forward to the next book]]> 3.83 2013 Captive Prince (Captive Prince, #1)
author: C.S. Pacat
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2013
rating: 3
read at: 2025/06/13
date added: 2025/06/17
shelves: warrior, bl
review:
Review: 3.5 stars

This trilogy has been on my radar for years and I finally deign to pick it up.

Damen, the heir of Akielos survived a coup by his half bastard brother, Kastor who desires the throne and was forced to become a slave and sent to enemy territory, Vere. He was then presented to Prince Laurent, the heir of Vere as his personal slave.

Yall, this is a true enemies hate hate here given that their fraction were on war with each other for years and Damen also killed Auguste, Laurents older brother and previous heir to the throneDamen given that no one recognizes him opts to hide his true identity and does his best to play pretend until he can escape. However, Laurent does love to test him and pushes his buttons just for the knack of it. It is of no surprise that they clash given their differ personalities in dealing with things. Towards the end of Book 1, there is a tentative tiny truce between them as circumstances played out in the book leading to Damen saving Laurents life.

This book is a solid start to the series as it gives you the world-building you need to understand the story which mostly starts in Vere as Damen was shipped there. Veres culture and opulence reminds me of the old English style of dressing and culture. They also keep slaves in the form of pets who service their masters, the ladies and lords of the kingdom. The entire court is full of hidden agendas and meanings where there are two fractions in play, one for Laurent and one of the reagent who is Laurents uncle and the current head who took over with the passing of Laurents older brother and father when Laurent was too young to rule. The plot is overall solid and the progression of the story happens where you want to continue reading.

Definitely please check triggers as for a fantasy world, it has a lot of explicit and triggering content, eg: rape, pedophilia, abuse, slavery etc

The first book is a solid progression to start and I look forward to the next book
]]> <![CDATA[Loving Ladybug, Part Two (HockeyVerse, #4)]]> 221950284 My ex doesnt know when to quit.

Its not enough that he has a hockey contract and an omega. No, he and his family have decided to go after me because I had the poor judgment to date him.

At least Ive got Clark and TenzinCand things are heating up between all three of us. Yeah, I might just keep those two forever. Also, the New York Knights are my family and have my back.

My past is about to catch up to me, but my ex is the one who should be wary. Theres a good reason why I dont talk to my family much.

Ive decided that despite my past, despite being just a beta, I deserve good thingsCfriends, a hockey career, and two cute alphas included. And Im not going to let anyone stop me.

Loving Ladybug, Part Two, is a why choose omegaverse friends to lovers hockey romance and is the second half of a duet. See what happens next with Gwen, Clark, and Tenzin in the conclusion of this m/m/f romance. ]]> 644 Jane Handler Jasmine 0 to-read 4.49 Loving Ladybug, Part Two (HockeyVerse, #4)
author: Jane Handler
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.49
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/17
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Wolf.e: A Dark MC Romance Special Edition]]> 219282557 Always ride faster than your angel can fly.
-Gabriel Wolfe

As president of the Hounds of Hell motorcycle club, my life has been infused with darkness and trauma since the day I was born. Chaos is my birthright. I crave it to feel stable. Secure. Whole.
The only people I care about are the ones who don my cut.
Women are just a tool.
Never to covet, only to use, each face blending into the next.
The formula I live by is simple.
Death is always at my door.
I am a soldier of bedlam.

Until a little hummingbird flies into my crosshairs, and Im forced to feel something I havent felt for as long as I can rememberalive.

Let the hunt begin.]]> 414 Paisley Hope Jasmine 0 to-read 3.90 2024 Wolf.e: A Dark MC Romance Special Edition
author: Paisley Hope
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Annihilation (Southern Reach, #1)]]> 17934530 Annihilation, the first volume of Jeff VanderMeer's Southern Reach Trilogy, we join the twelfth expedition.

The group is made up of four women: an anthropologist; a surveyor; a psychologist, the de facto leader; and our narrator, a biologist. Their mission is to map the terrain, record all observations of their surroundings and of one another, and, above all, avoid being contaminated by Area X itself.

They arrive expecting the unexpected, and Area X deliversbut its the surprises that came across the border with them and the secrets the expedition members are keeping from one another that change everything.]]> 195 Jeff VanderMeer 0374104093 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.80 2014 Annihilation (Southern Reach, #1)
author: Jeff VanderMeer
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2014
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/12
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[With a Cherry on Top (Love & Other Recipes)]]> 231226678
- - -

She's forbidden fruit. He'll risk it all for a taste.

Aaron Coleman is guilty of a betrayal he cant take back. Now on a redemption path, he's navigating a messy divorce, single fatherhood, and a bruised reputation. The last thing he needs is a distraction; especially not one like Charlotte, whos fourteen years younger, completely off-limits, and dangerously hard to ignore.

He works for her mother. She sells pleasure online. Neither of them is supposed to fall. But Charlotte isnt just temptation. Shes fire. Shes freedom. Shes everything hes been starving for but is too afraid to taste.

He knows better than to look at her the way he does. Better than to watch her late at night, when shes live on camera, turning fantasies into reality.

But some lines are meant to be crossed, some cravings are just too sweet to resist, and some secrets dont stay buried for long.]]> 440 Letizia Lorini Jasmine 4
Aaron is a personal chef who received his first assignment and unexpectedly found the girl he met on TOP, an only fans type website, who is the daughter of his first client. This brings about complications as he is undeniably attracted to her and wants to avoid disappointing his family and bosses due to issues with his past history.

I also find this an interesting read since it is told in Aaron's POV. For a male character, Aaron is a very guilt-driven character, and his life is a little bit of a mess due to his ex-wife being in rehab and him juggling being a parent to his little daughter. The only upside is that he finally earns his first personal client as a chef, only to realize his client is rigid and demanding. Enter Charlotte, the daughter of his client and the girl from TOPtheir attraction is undeniable from the get-go. Its funny how he pretends he doesnt know her, and she follows his lead only to call him out later. Given that there is a forbidden element to it, there were loads of sneaking around which eventually blew up in their faces (coughs), but eventually ended well. Oh, and this book's spice levels are off the charts!

Themes like emotional abuse, absentee parents, eating disorders, anxiety, and guilt were addressed. I also love that there were heavy cameos from characters of her previous books, even though this can be read as a standalone.

My issue with this book is that certain themes, like eating disorders, could have been handled a little better instead of being given a passing glance solution. I felt the characters addressed certain issues inappropriately, and it made me pause and reflect at some moments.

Tropes:
- Single dad
- Age gap
- Found family
- Secret identity
- Forbidden romance
- He cooks!

Thank you, Letizia Lorini, for the eARC! I had a blast reading it. This one is not to be missed for fans who have been reading Letizia from the get-go! ]]> 3.99 With a Cherry on Top (Love & Other Recipes)
author: Letizia Lorini
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.99
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/11
date added: 2025/06/12
shelves: arc, contemromance, romance, smut
review:
Review: 3.75 stars

Aaron is a personal chef who received his first assignment and unexpectedly found the girl he met on TOP, an only fans type website, who is the daughter of his first client. This brings about complications as he is undeniably attracted to her and wants to avoid disappointing his family and bosses due to issues with his past history.

I also find this an interesting read since it is told in Aaron's POV. For a male character, Aaron is a very guilt-driven character, and his life is a little bit of a mess due to his ex-wife being in rehab and him juggling being a parent to his little daughter. The only upside is that he finally earns his first personal client as a chef, only to realize his client is rigid and demanding. Enter Charlotte, the daughter of his client and the girl from TOPtheir attraction is undeniable from the get-go. Its funny how he pretends he doesnt know her, and she follows his lead only to call him out later. Given that there is a forbidden element to it, there were loads of sneaking around which eventually blew up in their faces (coughs), but eventually ended well. Oh, and this book's spice levels are off the charts!

Themes like emotional abuse, absentee parents, eating disorders, anxiety, and guilt were addressed. I also love that there were heavy cameos from characters of her previous books, even though this can be read as a standalone.

My issue with this book is that certain themes, like eating disorders, could have been handled a little better instead of being given a passing glance solution. I felt the characters addressed certain issues inappropriately, and it made me pause and reflect at some moments.

Tropes:
- Single dad
- Age gap
- Found family
- Secret identity
- Forbidden romance
- He cooks!

Thank you, Letizia Lorini, for the eARC! I had a blast reading it. This one is not to be missed for fans who have been reading Letizia from the get-go!
]]> When the Cranes Fly South 221251872 INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER ? WINNER OF THE SWEDISH BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD ? A profoundly moving debut novel that follows an elderly mans struggle to maintain autonomy over his own life: an emotional story of love, friendship, fatherhood, dogs, and atonement that is already an international sensation.

One of those youll laugh, youll cry, youll want to buy twenty copies and give them to everyone you love books. Fredrik Backman, bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, in The New Yorker

A powerful, sneakily emotional meditation on life and death, and the foundational relationships in our lives. This is a book that will echo in your soul. Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain


Bo is running out of time. Yet time is one of the few things hes got left. These days, his quiet existence is broken up only by daily visits from his home care team. Fortunately, he still has his beloved elkhound Sixten to keep him company though now his son, with whom Bo has had a rocky relationship, insists upon taking the dog away, claiming that Bo has grown too old to properly care for him. The threat of losing Sixten stirs up a whirlwind of emotion, leading Bo to take stock of his life, his relationships, and the imperfect way hes expressed his love over the years.]]> 320 Lisa Ridzn Jasmine 0 to-read 4.43 2024 When the Cranes Fly South
author: Lisa Ridzn
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.43
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Tress of the Emerald Sea 60531406 #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson expands his Cosmere universe shared by The Stormlight Archive and Mistborn with a new standalone novel for everyone who loved The Princess Bride.

The only life Tress has known on her island home in an emerald-green ocean has been a simple one, with the simple pleasures of collecting cups brought by sailors from faraway lands and listening to stories told by her friend Charlie. But when his father takes him on a voyage to find a bride and disaster strikes, Tress must stow away on a ship and seek the Sorceress of the deadly Midnight Sea. Amid the spore oceans where pirates abound, can Tress leave her simple life behind and make her own place sailing a sea where a single drop of water can mean instant death?]]> 443 Brandon Sanderson Jasmine 0 to-read 4.34 2023 Tress of the Emerald Sea
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.34
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)]]> 68428 What if the whole world were a dead, blasted wasteland?

Mistborn
For a thousand years the ash fell and no flowers bloomed. For a thousand years the Skaa slaved in misery and lived in fear. For a thousand years the Lord Ruler, the "Sliver of Infinity," reigned with absolute power and ultimate terror, divinely invincible. Then, when hope was so long lost that not even its memory remained, a terribly scarred, heart-broken half-Skaa rediscovered it in the depths of the Lord Ruler's most hellish prison. Kelsier "snapped" and found in himself the powers of a Mistborn. A brilliant thief and natural leader, he turned his talents to the ultimate caper, with the Lord Ruler himself as the mark.

Kelsier recruited the underworld's elite, the smartest and most trustworthy allomancers, each of whom shares one of his many powers, and all of whom relish a high-stakes challenge. Then Kelsier reveals his ultimate dream, not just the greatest heist in history, but the downfall of the divine despot.

But even with the best criminal crew ever assembled, Kel's plan looks more like the ultimate long shot, until luck brings a ragged girl named Vin into his life. Like him, she's a half-Skaa orphan, but she's lived a much harsher life. Vin has learned to expect betrayal from everyone she meets. She will have to learn trust if Kel is to help her master powers of which she never dreamed.

Brandon Sanderson, fantasy's newest master tale-spinner and author of the acclaimed debut Elantris, dares to turn a genre on its head by asking a simple question: What if the prophesied hero failed to defeat the Dark Lord? The answer will be found in the Mistborn Trilogy, a saga of surprises that begins with the book in your hands. Fantasy will never be the same again.]]> 541 Brandon Sanderson Jasmine 0 to-read 4.48 2006 Mistborn: The Final Empire (Mistborn, #1)
author: Brandon Sanderson
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.48
book published: 2006
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/09
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[This Dog Will Change Your Life]]> 217245578 From The Dogist the New York Times-bestselling author and content creator also known as Elias Weiss Friedman comes a uniquely insightful, uplifting, emotional, and informative book that shows us how dogs make our lives better by making us better people.

Elias Weiss Friedman first became known as The Dogist when he took thousands of photos of dogs and posted them online along with their unique dog stories. Even before he was The Dogist, though, he was a dogista fervent dog lover and somewhat of an evangelist when it comes to the relationship between dogs and humans and the joy they bring us in the modern world.

Over his decades of studying dogs and their people, Elias has arrived at a deceptively simple Dogs make peoples lives better by making people better. Dogs improve us. They save us. They give our lives greater meaning and make our lives feel more fulfilled. By bringing them into our lives, they teach us to become the best versions of ourselves. They help us better understand our identity. They teach us patience and to foster deeper relationships with others. They remind us of the concept of purpose and commitment. We constantly seek those things in our human life, but so many of the answers are already right in front of us, in our dogs.?

This book weaves together stories of the many dogs throughout Eliass own lifethe dogs he grew up with, the dogs of people he knows, and the tens of thousands of dogs he has encountered on the street while doing his Dogist work. Told in a light tone that does not shy away from more serious issues (Elias is not above the occasional sentimental moment or dog pun), the book charmingly explores the ways that dogs are not just our family and our friends, but also irreplaceable beings capable of generating boundless love and restoring balance to our lives.?

In an increasingly alienating and divisive world, there is one clear the one with four legs that rolls over for belly rubs. Dogs can change our lives, and this book might just change yours.]]> 304 Elias Weiss Friedman 059387207X Jasmine 0 to-read 4.18 This Dog Will Change Your Life
author: Elias Weiss Friedman
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.18
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/07
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Woman Left Behind (Misted Pines, #4)]]> 228157926 There are two dead bodies in Idaho, and the gun used to kill them has been traced back to a sixteen-year-old robbery in Misted Pines.

Sheriff Harry Moran has a broken heart and a stack of case files on his desk that the corrupt sheriff who came before him might have bungled.

Or he may have framed innocent people.

The first case Harry dives into, the woman left behind lives just a block away from his office.

When Lillian Rainier opens the door to the sheriff, Harry, whos been a dead man walking since his wife died, comes back to life.

As for Lillian, shes had a crush on Harry for forever, Harry showing at her door, and how he is when he does only makes her fall deeper.

As Harry and his team dive into these suspicious cases, Harry and Lillian have to figure out what to do with all they feel for each other, how hard it hits them, and how deep it goes.

But as a voice from the past becomes a witness in the present, and Harry and his crew dig deeper, they sense something sinister happened years ago.

As they weave together the threads of a cold case, they realize how messy it is.

Worse, the man behind the mess is desperately cleaning it up

And no one in Misted Pines is safe.]]> 418 Kristen Ashley Jasmine 4 alphahero, romance
This was way less thriller-ish than the first three books and more of her standard KA books.
I wasn't too much fan of the insta-love after Harry acted like nothing could change his mind in the previous books and suddenly fell for someone!

Overall, this one is a solid read, with her classic KA hero, Harry, who is protective, and a strong heroine like Lillian. It speaks to getting a second chance at love as the characters are older and strong family concepts, where their friends and neighbours rally around them, and how KA speaks to the goodness of that. I'm glad Harry got his HEA.

[spoilers removed]

]]> 4.42 2025 The Woman Left Behind (Misted Pines, #4)
author: Kristen Ashley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.42
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/03
date added: 2025/06/06
shelves: alphahero, romance
review:
Review: 4 stars

This was way less thriller-ish than the first three books and more of her standard KA books.
I wasn't too much fan of the insta-love after Harry acted like nothing could change his mind in the previous books and suddenly fell for someone!

Overall, this one is a solid read, with her classic KA hero, Harry, who is protective, and a strong heroine like Lillian. It speaks to getting a second chance at love as the characters are older and strong family concepts, where their friends and neighbours rally around them, and how KA speaks to the goodness of that. I'm glad Harry got his HEA.

[spoilers removed]


]]> <![CDATA[The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines, #3)]]> 204920712
The minute she arrives, she knows its perfect.

The very night of her arrival, however, someoneor somethingis scratching at her window.

The next morning, she meets her one and only neighbor, Doc Riggs. Hes a rough, good-time guy who rubs Nadia wrong immediately. They clash, and neither of them are happy to be sharing their lake.

But soon, Nadia learns the lore around her cabin, and how the townsfolk are certain its haunted by the ghost of the man who was murdered there fifteen years before.

Riggs and Nadia are suddenly thrown into a tangled web of history, betrayal, grief, secrets, with only one thing certain.

Someoneor somethingwants them off that lake.]]> 490 Kristen Ashley Jasmine 4
I have not read Book 1 and Book 2 and this book can definitely be read as a standalone. However, characters from Book 1 and Book 2 did cameo.

I wasnt a fan of Nadia at first seeing that she acted so pretentiously towards Riggs but once we understood the why, it makes sense. Not to excuse her behaviour from here but she did reach back out when Riggs thrown her a bone. Their relationship started off as casual-ness but as we know KAs classic men tend to fall hard for their women and Riggs was no different.

I did enjoy the murder mystery aspect to this which makes it a fun read but I feel it did take away from the romance aspect and if it is meant to be that way, then its fine..

Being a KA classic, I still do recommend that this was a comfort read. While it is not my favourite book she has ever written, it will brings me comfort reading them.

Thank you Kristen Ashley and team for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[spoilers removed]]]> 4.24 2024 The Woman by the Lake (Misted Pines, #3)
author: Kristen Ashley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/06
date added: 2025/06/06
shelves: alphahero, arc, badass-heroine, contemromance, romance
review:
I am an avid fan of KA but I wasnt sure what to expect when I heard she was venturing into thrillerI need not be concerned as this is still a classic KA book filled with delish banter, funny and sweet moments and the found family love.

I have not read Book 1 and Book 2 and this book can definitely be read as a standalone. However, characters from Book 1 and Book 2 did cameo.

I wasnt a fan of Nadia at first seeing that she acted so pretentiously towards Riggs but once we understood the why, it makes sense. Not to excuse her behaviour from here but she did reach back out when Riggs thrown her a bone. Their relationship started off as casual-ness but as we know KAs classic men tend to fall hard for their women and Riggs was no different.

I did enjoy the murder mystery aspect to this which makes it a fun read but I feel it did take away from the romance aspect and if it is meant to be that way, then its fine..

Being a KA classic, I still do recommend that this was a comfort read. While it is not my favourite book she has ever written, it will brings me comfort reading them.

Thank you Kristen Ashley and team for the ARC in exchange for a honest review.

[spoilers removed]
]]> <![CDATA[The High Lord (The Black Magician Trilogy #3)]]> 28251
Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting in some unspeakably dark scheme?]]> 644 Trudi Canavan 1841493155 Jasmine 0 4.14 2002 The High Lord (The Black Magician Trilogy #3)
author: Trudi Canavan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Novice (The Black Magician Trilogy #2)]]> 28250 577 Trudi Canavan 1841493147 Jasmine 0 4.08 2002 The Novice (The Black Magician Trilogy #2)
author: Trudi Canavan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2002
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Magicians' Guild (The Black Magician Trilogy #1)]]> 28249
This year, like every other, the magicians of Imardin gather to purge the city of undesirables. Cloaked in the protection of their sorcery, they move with no fear of the vagrants and miscreants who despise them and their work-until one enraged girl, barely more than a child, hurls a stone at the hated invaders...and effortlessly penetrates their magical shield.

What the Magicians' Guild has long dreaded has finally come to pass. There is someone outside their ranks who possesses a raw power beyond imagining, an untrained mage who must be found and schooled before she destroys herself and her city with a force she cannot yet control.]]> 467 Trudi Canavan 1841493139 Jasmine 0 3.98 2001 The Magicians' Guild (The Black Magician Trilogy #1)
author: Trudi Canavan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/05
shelves:
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Girl in the Woods (Misted Pines, #2)]]> 62318761
The Crystal Killers latest casualty was discovered in a sleepy town in the Pacific Northwest, Misted Pines.

His years in the FBI, and tracking the Crystal Killer, have taken their toll on Rus. He lost his marriage to the job. And the burdens he carries for the victims was crushing him.

Misted Pines has recently survived a killers rampage and a town scandal that made global news. The media was primed to devour a new story. So Rus already has his work cut out for him.

But its more.

Something is just not right with this latest victim.

As Rus works with the local sheriff to unravel the mystery, the victims employer, Lucinda Bonner, decides shes going to do everything she can to help.

To help Rus find the killer. To help Rus survive the hunt. To help Rus navigate the intricate, and sometimes sordid, history of the town of Misted Pines.

And to help Rus let go of his burdens.]]> 386 Kristen Ashley Jasmine 4
I did enjoy this book, but the romance took a backseat while the focus was very much on the murder mystery. Because of this, I recommend this for the sheer mystery and seeing the characters we love and their progression.

It's still a solid read, but I prefer Book 1.

[spoilers removed]]]> 4.24 2023 The Girl in the Woods (Misted Pines, #2)
author: Kristen Ashley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2023
rating: 4
read at: 2025/06/05
date added: 2025/06/05
shelves: alphahero, badass-heroine, classyheroine
review:
Review: 4 stars

I did enjoy this book, but the romance took a backseat while the focus was very much on the murder mystery. Because of this, I recommend this for the sheer mystery and seeing the characters we love and their progression.

It's still a solid read, but I prefer Book 1.

[spoilers removed]
]]> The Swan's Daughter 228393488 In this lush and romantic novel from New York Times bestselling author Roshani Chokshi, a prince is only as good as his beating heart and a maiden is only as good as her honest word. But when love and the truth become impossibly tangled, the two must figure out how to survive together, or fall completely apart.

To find love is a curse ...

Prince Arris knows that marriage means murder. Thanks to a poorly worded wish to a sea witch, all one needs to rule the Isle of Malys is the heart and hand of the kingdoms heir. Historically, this has been construed quite literally.

Thus, Arris expects that the day after his marriage and murder he will wake up as a sentient tree alongside the rest of his predecessors. His only chance at a long life is finding true and lasting love. When Arris's parents announce a tournament of brides to compete for his hand and heart, a slew of eligible, lovely and (possibly murderous) bachelorettes make their way to Rathe Castle. Amidst glittering balls in ozorald caves, strolls through menageries of daydream trees and pearl crocodiles, tea time on glass boats and kisses that leave his head spinning, Arris cannot tell who is here out of love for himor lust for power.

Until he meets Demelza.

As a veritas swan, Demelzas song wrings out the truth. Forced into hiding, Demelza strikes a deal. Arris will provide her with safekeeping in exchange for her truth-telling song to sort through his potential brides.

While Arris is used to dodging death threats and Demelza is accustomed to fighting for her voice to be heard, to survive the tournament of brides requires a different kind of bravery. And perhaps the bravest thing one can do is not merely protect ones life, but find the courage to chase a life worth living.]]> 400 Roshani Chokshi 125087310X Jasmine 0 to-read 4.27 2026 The Swan's Daughter
author: Roshani Chokshi
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2026
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Girl in the Mist (Misted Pines, #1)]]> 59851352
A crazed fan has gone over the deep end, and she's not safe. Her security team has suggested a house by a lake. Secluded. Private. Far away. In a beautiful area of the Northwest close to the sleepy town of Misted Pines. It's perfect. So perfect, Delphine has just moved in, and she's thinking she'll stay there forever.

Until she sees the girl in the mist.

After that, everything changes.

Delphine quickly learns that Misted Pines isn't so sleepy. A little girl has gone missing, and the town is in the grips of terror and tragedy. The local sheriff isn't up for the job. The citizens are up in arms. And as the case unfolds, the seedy underbelly of a quiet community is exposed, layer by layer.

But most importantly, girls are dying.

There seems to be only one man they trust to find out what's happening.

The mysterious Cade Bohannan.]]> 512 Kristen Ashley Jasmine 5
Okkkayyy, I have to backtrack since I read book 3 before book 1 and had mixed feelings about Book 3However, I shouldnt have worried since this is a KA classic.

Thriller was definitely front and center in this novel and the murder mystery was a great element. However, the romance went hand in hand with it. I also love that this has some found family moments and the banter!!! Some of the things that KA wrote definitely made me teary.

I do felt that there were some draggy and filler moments making the book longer than it should be and some parts could definitely be cut.

All in all I do so enjoy reading and cannot recommend this books enough

Plot: Delphine, a famous tv star/author decided to move herself to Misted Pines to get away from it all but truthfully she is under protection detail as she has a extreme stalker who is hunting for her. Enter Cade Bohannan, a retired FBI profiler who turns out to be her next-door neighbour and her local protection detail. Their meeting was interesting as the girl in the mist refers to his youngest daughter, Celeste who unexpectedly made her way to Delphines home to help her unpack and unexpectedly bonded with Delphine and bringing her into the Bohannans fold which also includes her twin older brothers who follow in their dads footsteps. This speaks to late romance as the main characters are in their 50s. The thriller element speaks to a little girl disappearing and found murdered in a gruesome way where Bohannan is contracted to hunt for the killer.

The banter is bantering here and the found family concept and small town vibes are amazing. ]]> 4.02 2022 The Girl in the Mist (Misted Pines, #1)
author: Kristen Ashley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2022
rating: 5
read at: 2025/06/04
date added: 2025/06/03
shelves:
review:
Review: 4.5 ??

Okkkayyy, I have to backtrack since I read book 3 before book 1 and had mixed feelings about Book 3However, I shouldnt have worried since this is a KA classic.

Thriller was definitely front and center in this novel and the murder mystery was a great element. However, the romance went hand in hand with it. I also love that this has some found family moments and the banter!!! Some of the things that KA wrote definitely made me teary.

I do felt that there were some draggy and filler moments making the book longer than it should be and some parts could definitely be cut.

All in all I do so enjoy reading and cannot recommend this books enough

Plot: Delphine, a famous tv star/author decided to move herself to Misted Pines to get away from it all but truthfully she is under protection detail as she has a extreme stalker who is hunting for her. Enter Cade Bohannan, a retired FBI profiler who turns out to be her next-door neighbour and her local protection detail. Their meeting was interesting as the girl in the mist refers to his youngest daughter, Celeste who unexpectedly made her way to Delphines home to help her unpack and unexpectedly bonded with Delphine and bringing her into the Bohannans fold which also includes her twin older brothers who follow in their dads footsteps. This speaks to late romance as the main characters are in their 50s. The thriller element speaks to a little girl disappearing and found murdered in a gruesome way where Bohannan is contracted to hunt for the killer.

The banter is bantering here and the found family concept and small town vibes are amazing.
]]> <![CDATA[A Song of Legends Lost (Invoker Trilogy, #1)]]> 202251782 A SONG OF REBELLION. A SONG OF WAR. A SONG OF LEGENDS LOST.

In the Nine Lands, only those of noble blood can summon the spirits of their ancestors to fight in battle. But when Temi, a commoner from the slums, accidentally invokes a powerful spirit, she finds it could hold the key to ending a centuries-long war.

But not everything that can be invoked is an ancestor. And some of the spirits that can be drawn from the ancestral realm are more dangerous than anyone can imagine.

A relentlessly gripping tale of revenge and rebellion, A Song of Legends Lost is an unmissable debut from a major new voice in epic fantasy, perfect for fans of John Gwynne, Anthony Ryan and Evan Winter]]> 592 M.H. Ayinde 0356525309 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.04 2025 A Song of Legends Lost (Invoker Trilogy, #1)
author: M.H. Ayinde
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.04
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/06/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Reign of the Talon (Talons, #3)]]> 203578951
The Prophecy has arrivedand with her, war.

A prisoner caged within the walls of her own mind, the once-fierce assassin known as Shin Lina can do nothing but watch as a tide of blood and chaos sweeps across the Three Kingdoms. After all, Lina is the one who unleashed the malevolent Prophecy upon her world.

So many secrets. So many lies. And its all her fault.

Yet Haneul Ruithe immortal Dokkaebi Emperor who stole her heartrefuses to surrender. He alone leads the armies against the dangerous, serpentine Imugi. He alone wields his scorching fire atop blood-soaked battlefields, and he alone rallies his soldiers against a terrifying future of death and destruction.

Now the red thread of fate ties them all together in love and hatredRui, Lina, and the merciless Prophecy herself. And the more Lina fights against her destiny, the tighter the thread becomes.

For they are bound in both life and death; to wound one is to wound them all. To kill the Child of Venom is to kill them all.

And soon, not even the wrathful gods themselves can stop their inevitable ruin.]]> 480 Sophie Kim 1649374283 Jasmine 5
I was dreading and looking forward to this book after the dreadness of Book 2. The book started with a lot of woe is me and introspective moments from the characters with some minimal action thrown in for about 25% of the book and I struggled a little with it. The book takes a multi-pov which makes things interesting when everything slowly comes together in the book.

This book was pure angst and heartbroken moments with everything coming through fruition due to the instigation of fate and prophecies where Lina never really had a choice in anything in the first place. Its so lovely and heartbreaking to say how much Rui loves her and tries so hard to find her despite everything and how he refuses to give up. I love the part about Lina finding herself again and those parts bought tears into my eyes - her character has grown so much. The trilogy all did came together and everything did make sense...

Im not doing a summary as it will give everything away and would recommend this series especially for the brilliantness in Book 3.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the e-arc! ]]> 4.31 Reign of the Talon (Talons, #3)
author: Sophie Kim
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.31
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/31
date added: 2025/05/31
shelves: arc, asianrep, badass-heroine, korean, new-adult
review:
Review: 4.5 Stars

I was dreading and looking forward to this book after the dreadness of Book 2. The book started with a lot of woe is me and introspective moments from the characters with some minimal action thrown in for about 25% of the book and I struggled a little with it. The book takes a multi-pov which makes things interesting when everything slowly comes together in the book.

This book was pure angst and heartbroken moments with everything coming through fruition due to the instigation of fate and prophecies where Lina never really had a choice in anything in the first place. Its so lovely and heartbreaking to say how much Rui loves her and tries so hard to find her despite everything and how he refuses to give up. I love the part about Lina finding herself again and those parts bought tears into my eyes - her character has grown so much. The trilogy all did came together and everything did make sense...

Im not doing a summary as it will give everything away and would recommend this series especially for the brilliantness in Book 3.

Thank you Entangled Publishing for the e-arc!
]]> <![CDATA[Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)]]> 220307687 But she needs a joband refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.

If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasnt in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isnt worth the potential fallout.

Austins a gruff, no-nonsense rancher whos seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as hes concerned, Cecily wont be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than shes worth.

When Cecilys past catches up with her, Austin discovers that shes already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.

CW/TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), DEATH OF PARENT AND GRANDPARENT (DISCUSSED), TROUBLED PARENT-ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIP (DISCUSSED), ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (ON PAGE), RANCHING ACTIVITIES (BRANDING, CASTRATION, VACCINATION, ROPING - ON PAGE), EXPLICIT SEX SCENES]]> 320 Bailey Hannah 0593983998 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.05 Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch, #1)
author: Bailey Hannah
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.05
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[You're Not My King! (Extra! Extraterrestrial #1)]]> 203681458 Reuben Carter

Throwing myself in front of my estranged sister didnt win me any brownie points. It did, however, grant me one alien abduction and a cozy cell on an actual-freaking-spaceship, where Im being poked and prepped for relocation to some backwater trading planet, then sold to the highest bidderhows that for a heros reward?

My escape plans hit a snag when Voak, the hot and arrogant lizard king, buys me the second I land. Theres no denying our serious chemistry, but I gotta get back to the familiarity of Earth, where free will kinda exists and Im no one's pet. However, chasing the comfort of old memories starts feeling like an unnecessary fixation, and I must decide what home really means before making any more stupid mistakes.

Vo'ak

As Great Leader of U'suhk, I am bound by duty to protect my kind and territory. The traitorous Northern Clana thorn in my sideforces me closer to war each day, but now, with the honor of a mate-bond stirring in my soul, there is an unexpected shift in my attention that cannot be resisted.

My tiny, fragile Roo-bin is a delight and, though lamenting a woeful past, must be claimed. However, his aversion to obedience and ignorance of our customs means protecting him proves a near-impossible task. If I cannot make the sweet, stubborn creature understand the dangers we face, even my plentiful strength and skill may not be enough to keep him safe.

YOU'RE NOT MY KING! is an MM alien romance with language barriers, banter, and barbarian aliens. It features a hot lizard king from the planet U'suhk, and a traumatized little human, who is abducted by accident and forced to become an alien's mate. Its part of the EXTRA! EXTRATERRESTRIAL shared world with Fae Quin, where each book focuses on its own pair and their HEA. While these stories can act as standalones, it is best to read each authors books in the order of their publication due to world-building.

If you want to know more about what to expect with this story, visit my website for a full, in-depth content list.]]> 370 Eryn Hawk Jasmine 4 Reuben struggles through his past of abuse and abandonment while being mated to the lizard king.
Of course, through time and effort, he did get over it.
I did find his character a tad annoying at moments.

Still a fun read overall]]> 3.91 2024 You're Not My King! (Extra! Extraterrestrial #1)
author: Eryn Hawk
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/26
date added: 2025/05/26
shelves:
review:
I find this one abit more tedious than the other read
Reuben struggles through his past of abuse and abandonment while being mated to the lizard king.
Of course, through time and effort, he did get over it.
I did find his character a tad annoying at moments.

Still a fun read overall
]]> A Forbidden Alchemy 213660564 This stunning slow-burn romantasy follows a fated pair who uncover a world-changing secret and are thrust into a violent class war, navigating love, loss, and devastating betrayals.

Nina Harrow and Patrick Colson are twelve years old when they are whisked away from the shadows of their disenfranchised mining towns to dazzling Belavere City to discover their magical potential. Those who pass Belaveres test will become Artisans, wielders of powerful elemental magic destined to fulfill the citys grand ambitions. For Nina, the Artisan School symbolizes a dream and an escape from her harsh reality, while Patrick yearns to return to his Craftsman family, whose extraordinary physical strength serves the idium mines keeping the city alive.

And then they uncover a devastating truth: Artisans arent born, theyre chosen. They part ways on very different paths, leaving them to carry the burden of this secret alone.

In the years that follow, a Craftsman revolution ignites, thrusting Nina and Patrick into opposing factions of a brewing war. Now an elite Artisan with the very rare talent for charming earth, Nina has turned her back on the fight, haunted by the loss of her found family. But fate intervenes when she is captured by Patricks rebel group. Despite the years and conflict that separates them, Patrick hasnt forgotten Nina. He desperately seeks her help for a mission that could shift the tides against Belavere City. Reluctantly, she agrees, battling the sparks flying between them. But when Ninas first love reappears, asking her to betray Patrick for the sake of the Artisans, Nina faces an impossible choice that could alter the fate of their world.]]> 480 Stacey McEwan 1668076187 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.54 2025 A Forbidden Alchemy
author: Stacey McEwan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.54
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/25
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[I'm Not Your Pet (Extra! Extraterrestrial, #2)]]> 203691321
Find out more in I'M NOT YOUR PET! which is part of the EXTRA! EXTRATERRESTRIAL shared world series with Eryn Hawk, where each book focuses on its own pair and their HEA. While these stories can act as standalones, it is best to read each authors' books in the order of their publication due to world-building.]]> 400 Fae Quin Jasmine 4 Very smut worthy
Pink shark who is an over protective beast rescue a human to give him a better life.
Neither understands each other at first because they do not speak the same language but over time, the shark learns and their romance is so cute and adorable but not with its huddles.

A fun and cute read overall]]> 4.23 2024 I'm Not Your Pet (Extra! Extraterrestrial, #2)
author: Fae Quin
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2024
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/16
date added: 2025/05/25
shelves:
review:
This book is such a cute monster romance.
Very smut worthy
Pink shark who is an over protective beast rescue a human to give him a better life.
Neither understands each other at first because they do not speak the same language but over time, the shark learns and their romance is so cute and adorable but not with its huddles.

A fun and cute read overall
]]> Chords of the Reckless Heart 233546062
Sofea would always be known for her boldness. As the brazen daughter to wealthy parents, her priorities involve running her aunts art gallery and hiding herself between pages of books.

Their worlds collide when Sofeas brother, Jamal, is convicted for a misfortune hed caused, one Alif, Syamils enigmatic older brother, had partially been responsible for.

With the unwanted spotlight on his family, Syamil takes a break from the media, putting his focus on his studies, all while escaping Sofeas wrath, as shes determined Jamal has been wrongfully accused, initiating a whirlwind of madness.

But with a sudden turn of events, everything changes, forcing Syamil and Sofea into a life of street racing, injustice, and chaos, leading them to see past differences while learning to forgive, not just others, but also themselves.]]> Marisa Fendi 9673699488 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.27 2025 Chords of the Reckless Heart
author: Marisa Fendi
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.27
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/24
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Charmer (Biotech Billionaires, #3)]]> 217432744 When a charming billionaire and a reclusive lawyer tie the knot to outsmart an inheritance scheme, sparks fly and unexpected love blossoms in this sizzling romance from Ava Rani, author of?The Spare?and?The Heir.

Sometimes love outsmarts the best laid plans.

Penelope Chen-Astor ran away from the stifling expectations of her wealthy family in Singapore for an independent life as a high-powered Manhattan lawyer. But familial duty comes crashing back when her grandfathers will demands she be married for a year to claim her inheritance. Shed walk away from it all, but her mothers assets are at stake too, and this is the only way Penelope can see to protect her.

Enter Xander Sutton, the billionaire co-founder of investment group Dawn Capital. With his effortless charm and easy smiles, hes used to winning hearts, but Penelopes always proven immune to him. When shes backed into a corner and asks Xander to masquerade as her husband for a year, he sees a golden opportunity to finally win over the only person whos kept him at arms lengthbut the closer they get, the harder it becomes to play pretend.

What begins as a strictly business arrangement quickly spirals into steamy encounters and genuine emotions. When meddling relatives, corporate espionage, and high-stakes legal battles come into play, Xander and Penelope will have to decide if the inheritance is all they stand to lose when the year is done...

From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the serene beaches of the Hamptons and the skyscrapers of Singapore,?The Charmer?is?the third and final novel in the Biotech Billionaires universe.]]> 352 Ava Rani 0063413671 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.91 The Charmer (Biotech Billionaires, #3)
author: Ava Rani
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.91
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)]]> 218126170
But just as she and her sister Diviners near the end of their service, a mysterious knight arrives at the cathedral, and Sybil dreams of a moththe death Omen. Then, one by one, the Diviners begin to vanish.

To find them, Sybil enlists the knights help. But the world outside the cathedrals cloister is wrought with peril. The seven Omens are not merely figures that visit her wakeless mindthey are real. Ancient, sorcerous, and cunning, Sybil must face each of them to recover the lost Diviners. And the knight, with whom she has become inextricably entangled, may be one of them.]]> 400 Rachel Gillig 0316582700 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.47 2025 The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)
author: Rachel Gillig
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.47
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/22
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Summers Between Us 222175364 368 Noreen Nanja 1039013007 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.74 The Summers Between Us
author: Noreen Nanja
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.74
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Summers Between Us 216420350
Lia Juma thought shed buried the dreams of her heart long ago. But when shes forced to return to her familys summer cottage on Pike Bay, the life shes carefully crafted begins to unravel. The perfect immigrant daughter, Lia has carved a successful career as a corporate lawyer and has just started dating a man who fulfills all her mothers criteria for the ideal son-in-law. But underneath her polished life lies a secret shes never spoken ofone she fears could have destroyed her family a decade ago.

Back at the bay, Lia stumbles upon memories she thought long forgotten and, at the center of it all, is Wesley Forestthe boy she left behind, the boy who knew her dreams better than anyone. Their friendship and young love once burned bright, woven through long sun-drenched days and whispered promises of a future together. But when family pressures and heartbreak pulled the two lovers apart, they were forced to follow separate paths.

Now, Wes is back in her life, and with him, old wounds and feelings surface. As the two confront the choices and secrets that divided them as teenagers, Lia must decide if she can heal from the past and finally embrace the life and love shes always craved. Could a second chance with Wes be worth risking everything for?

Told over the course of five years in the past and one summer in the present, Lia will discover that sometimes, the only way forward is through the hearts deepest scars.]]> Noreen Nanja Jasmine 0 to-read 4.11 The Summers Between Us
author: Noreen Nanja
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.11
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/15
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Crash Test 219838792 Formula 1 meets Red, White, & Royal Blue in this contemporary romance in which an F1 phenom battling for the championship is sent spinning after his secret love is involved in a massive crash.

Twenty-four-year-old Formula 1 driver Travis Keeping is halfway through an incredible racing season, with the championship well within his sights. But when a massive crash in Formula 2 leaves driver Jacob Nichols in critical condition, Traviss world is flipped upside down. No one knows, but he and Jacob have been dating for almost a year.

Now the only boy hes ever loved is clinging to life, his F1 team cant understand why his performance is faltering, and hes locked in a cold war with Jacobs parents, who want him as far away from their son as humanly possible. Travis is sure everything will get better when Jacob wakes up, but he soon realizes hes underestimated Jacobs parents influence on their son.

As the F1 season barrels on, Travis and Jacob find themselves alone and miserable on opposite sides of the globe. But with some new friends by their sides, both drivers will be pushed outside of their comfort zones and onto a journey of self-discoveryone that just might lead them back to each other in the end.]]> 352 Amy James 0063399059 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.02 2025 Crash Test
author: Amy James
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/14
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Ill Pretend Youre Mine 218587798
Upon running into writers block, Summer grows eager to take any opportunity to shake things upeven if it means agreeing to a PR stunt with child-actor-turned-playboy, Jules Moradi, famous for his tabloid escapades.

At first, Jules keeps his distance, maintaining professional boundaries. But as time passes, his walls come down, and Summer uncovers who he is beyond his reputation, and its someone more like her than she ever realized. As the lines blur between fake and real, Summer begins questioning who she is and what she wantsand if her dreams are worth sacrificing her heart.]]> 352 Tashie Bhuiyan 133501392X Jasmine 5
I was conned into reading this by Farah, a friend who wanted to read it. I binged this book in one sitting and do not regret it.

Summer Ali is in a dilemma; she managed to pull herself away from her controlling parents and set herself up with a new manager thanks to the help of her friend, Barbie, who is also couch surfing. While visiting her manager, she unexpectedly ran into Playboy actor Jules, and the media shipped them together. Because of this, they agreed to a PR stunt to fake-date to help Juless audition for an upcoming movie, which may be the next Oscar-winning hit.

Oh gosh, this book is adorable! This is my first Tashie Bhuiyan book, and it does not disappoint. The setting speaks to the celebrity world, and we get peeks of it through Fashion Week, a singing tour, movie set visits, and award shows.

Summers character development is phenomenal. At the start of the book, she has just broken away from her emotionally abusive, controlling parents and is slowly taking pains to figure out her life while letting go of her toxic parents. She struggles with putting boundaries against her parents. She suffers from anxiety and would get overwhelmed at crowded events with hints of impostor syndrome. Jules, on the other hand, is portrayed as a playboy actor who is not serious about his career and needs a clean image to win the audition for an upcoming movie that may break his career. He also suffers from misplaced loyalty towards his ex-best friend and his racial identity.

Their relationship naturally progresses from strangers to tentative friends to being in love. I love how they balance each other out and slowly seek each other out for companionship. Urgh, the forehead kisses, hugs, and wonderful talks they have as they slowly get to know each other peppered throughout the book were so cute!

The book also touches on strong friendship. Summer has a strong bond with her friends, Barbie and Zach, and I love how she can call or unexpectedly drop in for a visit as she struggles with her anxiety, and they will always be there to help her through it! Its just amazing to see true friendship like this.

This is a lovely read as it speaks to anxiety, friendship, love, the celebrity world, impostor syndrome, identity themes and learning to put yourself first.

Thank you, HarperCollins and FrenzyBooks, for the lovely e-ARC. ]]> 4.14 2025 Ill Pretend Youre Mine
author: Tashie Bhuiyan
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.14
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/05/11
date added: 2025/05/12
shelves: arc, asianrep, boy-meets-girl, contemromance, diversityrep, romcom
review:
Review: 4.5 stars

I was conned into reading this by Farah, a friend who wanted to read it. I binged this book in one sitting and do not regret it.

Summer Ali is in a dilemma; she managed to pull herself away from her controlling parents and set herself up with a new manager thanks to the help of her friend, Barbie, who is also couch surfing. While visiting her manager, she unexpectedly ran into Playboy actor Jules, and the media shipped them together. Because of this, they agreed to a PR stunt to fake-date to help Juless audition for an upcoming movie, which may be the next Oscar-winning hit.

Oh gosh, this book is adorable! This is my first Tashie Bhuiyan book, and it does not disappoint. The setting speaks to the celebrity world, and we get peeks of it through Fashion Week, a singing tour, movie set visits, and award shows.

Summers character development is phenomenal. At the start of the book, she has just broken away from her emotionally abusive, controlling parents and is slowly taking pains to figure out her life while letting go of her toxic parents. She struggles with putting boundaries against her parents. She suffers from anxiety and would get overwhelmed at crowded events with hints of impostor syndrome. Jules, on the other hand, is portrayed as a playboy actor who is not serious about his career and needs a clean image to win the audition for an upcoming movie that may break his career. He also suffers from misplaced loyalty towards his ex-best friend and his racial identity.

Their relationship naturally progresses from strangers to tentative friends to being in love. I love how they balance each other out and slowly seek each other out for companionship. Urgh, the forehead kisses, hugs, and wonderful talks they have as they slowly get to know each other peppered throughout the book were so cute!

The book also touches on strong friendship. Summer has a strong bond with her friends, Barbie and Zach, and I love how she can call or unexpectedly drop in for a visit as she struggles with her anxiety, and they will always be there to help her through it! Its just amazing to see true friendship like this.

This is a lovely read as it speaks to anxiety, friendship, love, the celebrity world, impostor syndrome, identity themes and learning to put yourself first.

Thank you, HarperCollins and FrenzyBooks, for the lovely e-ARC.
]]> The Sun Blessed Prince 214379870 On a hotly-contested battlefield, a prince whose touch creates life meets a soldier chosen by death. But can they forge a future together, from opposite sides of a great war?

A lyrical and character-driven queer fantasy for those who loved She Who Became the Sun, The Song of Achilles and Sistersong.

Prince Elician is a Giver C a closely-guarded secret. He can heal any wound and bring the dead back to life. He also cant be killed, so is cursed to watch his country wage an endless war. Reapers can kill with a single touch. And when one attacks Prince Elician near a hotly contested battlefield, the Reaper expects a terrible punishment. Instead, Elician offers him a new life on enemy territory.

Cat, as Elician calls him, hadnt realized he could ever find someone who would make life worth living. Yet Elicians enemies plan to turn his kindness against him. As the pieces of a deadly plot come together, tensions escalate at court and on the battlefield. The fires of conflict burst into new flame C but can those who wield the powers of life and death find peace?

A powerful and richly-imagined tale from a bold new voice in fantasy fiction, Lindsey Byrd's The Sun Blessed Prince is a sweeping, enemies-to-lovers, found-family adventure.]]> 432 Lindsey Byrd 1035046903 Jasmine 4
I was at RHs fantasy event when they spoke about the book. I was instantly intrigued by its premise, especially when I heard that its an MM romance full of yearning!

We are introduced to Elician, the crowned prince of Soleb, who is also secretly a Giver - a person with powers to heal himself and others, including reviving the dead. It is also a hidden secret, as no giver can take the throne. During a recent battle, he came across a traumatic man, Cat, a reaper who can kill in a single touch, sent to kill him from the kingdom they are warring with. They end up taking him to a sanctuary for Givers and ReapersEn route back, Elician was unexpectedly kidnapped by the opposing kingdomWill he be able to escape, and will he be able to get the peace he dreams of?

The world-building is wonderfully done with the magic system of givers and reapers, a book's unique premise. This also has historical fantasy elements with political intrigue, kidnappings, assassinations, political war, and royal families thrown in. This story is told in 3 different POVS, Cat, Elician and Elicians adopted little sister, Fen, a giver herself.

Like every fantasy book, this tends to be a slower read for me since the world-building and character setup take time. There were a lot of introspective moments as we spent time with the characters of Elician and Cat to understand them. Both have agendas, and the character growth they experience during the novel is excellent. I also love Lio, Elicians best friend, who is loyal to Elician in every way. Fen and Cats bonding also adds to the story.
I also enjoyed the biology and medicinal elements, which helped me further understand how the magical system works. The storyline itself was very easy to follow, and the twists in the last 20 percent of the book were phenomenal.

Unfortunately, the romance portion of the book didn't work for me. Elician and Cat spent several weeks together up until 40% of the book, and were separated for 2 years, only to be reunited at the end of the book. Given that this is heavily marketed as an MM romance, this can be misleading, as the romance seems to be a minor book subplot. I wish for more scenes together with them, and instead we got Fens POV for most of the book during her time spent with Cat, and as she wonders about Elician.

While I enjoyed the read and will most likely pick up the next book in this duology, I feel like this should be noted as an epic fantasy historical with a hint of romance, given that the political intrigue took the forefront in this book, and it might change in the next book.

Thank you, PRH Canada, for the amazing PR package featuring the physical ARC, a lovely note, stickers, and bookmarks of Elician and Catthe artwork is stunning and true to the novel! ]]> 3.98 2025 The Sun Blessed Prince
author: Lindsey Byrd
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.98
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/11
date added: 2025/05/12
shelves:
review:
Review: 3.75 stars

I was at RHs fantasy event when they spoke about the book. I was instantly intrigued by its premise, especially when I heard that its an MM romance full of yearning!

We are introduced to Elician, the crowned prince of Soleb, who is also secretly a Giver - a person with powers to heal himself and others, including reviving the dead. It is also a hidden secret, as no giver can take the throne. During a recent battle, he came across a traumatic man, Cat, a reaper who can kill in a single touch, sent to kill him from the kingdom they are warring with. They end up taking him to a sanctuary for Givers and ReapersEn route back, Elician was unexpectedly kidnapped by the opposing kingdomWill he be able to escape, and will he be able to get the peace he dreams of?

The world-building is wonderfully done with the magic system of givers and reapers, a book's unique premise. This also has historical fantasy elements with political intrigue, kidnappings, assassinations, political war, and royal families thrown in. This story is told in 3 different POVS, Cat, Elician and Elicians adopted little sister, Fen, a giver herself.

Like every fantasy book, this tends to be a slower read for me since the world-building and character setup take time. There were a lot of introspective moments as we spent time with the characters of Elician and Cat to understand them. Both have agendas, and the character growth they experience during the novel is excellent. I also love Lio, Elicians best friend, who is loyal to Elician in every way. Fen and Cats bonding also adds to the story.
I also enjoyed the biology and medicinal elements, which helped me further understand how the magical system works. The storyline itself was very easy to follow, and the twists in the last 20 percent of the book were phenomenal.

Unfortunately, the romance portion of the book didn't work for me. Elician and Cat spent several weeks together up until 40% of the book, and were separated for 2 years, only to be reunited at the end of the book. Given that this is heavily marketed as an MM romance, this can be misleading, as the romance seems to be a minor book subplot. I wish for more scenes together with them, and instead we got Fens POV for most of the book during her time spent with Cat, and as she wonders about Elician.

While I enjoyed the read and will most likely pick up the next book in this duology, I feel like this should be noted as an epic fantasy historical with a hint of romance, given that the political intrigue took the forefront in this book, and it might change in the next book.

Thank you, PRH Canada, for the amazing PR package featuring the physical ARC, a lovely note, stickers, and bookmarks of Elician and Catthe artwork is stunning and true to the novel!
]]> <![CDATA[Imprisoned in Eternal Night (ҹ)]]> 220583109
At the age of 7, the Wen family adopted Wen Ran from orphanage as a substitute for their deceased son.]]> 1070 Mai Xiang Ji Ne Jasmine 4
What did I just read?!! I'm buddy reading this with May and Ope, who went through these ups and downs of emotions and the feels.

When the author said to prepare dogblood (something unbelievably cliche/ embarrassing/maladroit/exaggerating that needs to be neutralized with dog blood), they werent jokinggg!!!

The MC, WR, a beta turned omega, is so used to his adoptive family and to the ML, GYC, an alpha who was very cold towards him and would disregard him, but is forced to be together due to their matching pheromones. (This is an omegaverse story) I wanted to scream at the ML at times, and then we discovered whyand we did a 180 towards the ML and understood whyThe relationship is somewhat imbalanced as the MC is a weaker character due to the treatment he suffers while the ML is this perfect, rich dude. The author warns us that ML has a tsundere personality (indifferent and cold on the outside but kind and caring on the inside), which is true in the last half of the book. Even though it was a painful parting due to circumstances, it led to great growth in the MC, where he was able to stand by himself, and the relationship felt better balanced and also the ML does fall in love with the MC to show his love through his actions (the quiet love). He will go to great lengths to protect the MC and ensure he doesnt suffer anymore.

Plot-wise, I swear the author mistreated the poor MC so much that by the end of reading this story, I needed something fluffy and sweet just to balance it. While the plot had some holes that did lead us to question things, we ended up muttering that it is a dog-blood story and to just move on to the next part to get through the book. Ohh, this book also has some delicious smut scenes and the author did an amazing job writing it!

Againits so hard to rate a story like this since it brings the feels buttttt I had moments where I wanted to chug the book against the wall and question why - lol! ]]> 4.24 Imprisoned in Eternal Night (ҹ)
author: Mai Xiang Ji Ne
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.24
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/09
date added: 2025/05/11
shelves: alphahero, alphasub, angst, asianrep, contemromance, danmei, cool-hero
review:
Review: 4 stars

What did I just read?!! I'm buddy reading this with May and Ope, who went through these ups and downs of emotions and the feels.

When the author said to prepare dogblood (something unbelievably cliche/ embarrassing/maladroit/exaggerating that needs to be neutralized with dog blood), they werent jokinggg!!!

The MC, WR, a beta turned omega, is so used to his adoptive family and to the ML, GYC, an alpha who was very cold towards him and would disregard him, but is forced to be together due to their matching pheromones. (This is an omegaverse story) I wanted to scream at the ML at times, and then we discovered whyand we did a 180 towards the ML and understood whyThe relationship is somewhat imbalanced as the MC is a weaker character due to the treatment he suffers while the ML is this perfect, rich dude. The author warns us that ML has a tsundere personality (indifferent and cold on the outside but kind and caring on the inside), which is true in the last half of the book. Even though it was a painful parting due to circumstances, it led to great growth in the MC, where he was able to stand by himself, and the relationship felt better balanced and also the ML does fall in love with the MC to show his love through his actions (the quiet love). He will go to great lengths to protect the MC and ensure he doesnt suffer anymore.

Plot-wise, I swear the author mistreated the poor MC so much that by the end of reading this story, I needed something fluffy and sweet just to balance it. While the plot had some holes that did lead us to question things, we ended up muttering that it is a dog-blood story and to just move on to the next part to get through the book. Ohh, this book also has some delicious smut scenes and the author did an amazing job writing it!

Againits so hard to rate a story like this since it brings the feels buttttt I had moments where I wanted to chug the book against the wall and question why - lol!
]]> All the Tomorrows After 220161170 A captivating, heartrending novel about a Korean American teen navigating grief and first love who agrees to accept money from her estranged father in exchange for letting him get to know herfor fans of Nina LaCour, Kathleen Glasgow, and All My Rage.

Each night, Winter Moon counts her earnings dreaming of escape. Once shes saved enough, she and her grandmother can finally take flight and disappear. But when her spiteful mother steals her money and blows through it all in one day, Winter is forced to turn to her estranged father, who recently reappeared in her life after being absent for more than a decade. They agree upon a simple contract: she spends time with him in exchange for payment.

Its not easy reconciling the past and the present, though, and when shes struck with a sudden loss, Winter flounders in grief and rage. The only person offering a hand is Joon, the new boy at school who sees Winter when no one else does.

When Winter discovers a secret her father has been keeping from her, things get even more complicated. As she navigates grief, first love, and forgiveness, Winter begins to forge connections, new and old, that make her question her future, her conviction to disappear, and what it really means to be family. Winter knows that broken things can never be fixed, but can they come back together in a different way?]]> 400 Joanne Yi 1665972556 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.25 2025 All the Tomorrows After
author: Joanne Yi
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.25
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/11
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40]]> 220523329 248 Mamita Jasmine 0 to-read 4.29 2023 10 Things I Want to Do Before I Turn 40
author: Mamita
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/10
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Lure of Their Graves (The Cursed Crown, #2)]]> 217474136
Dimitri Abramovich may have won back the throne of Novo-Svitsevo, but even after defeating his former husband, the usurper Alexey Balakin, he seems no closer to securing lasting peace for his people. Enemies are closing in on all sides, and pressure is mounting for Dimitri to play the one card he has left in a bid for stabilityoffering his hand in marriage for a second time.

But Dimitri is still healing from the tragedies of the war, his return to the throne, and Alexey's years of torment. Vasily Sokolov is the only person with whom he feels safe, and giving up the comfort of their budding relationship feels unfathomable, even if it's the only way to sever the alliances being formed among the countries surrounding Novo-Svitsevo. So as Dimitri and Vasily reckon with political treachery, the lasting consequences of Dimitri's resurrection, and the sinister legacy of Alexeys use of the Holy 카지노싸이트, they must also work to understand what it means to love each other even as they prepare to let each other gowhich might prove the most difficult of all.]]> 448 Laura R. Samotin 1039007619 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.29 The Lure of Their Graves (The Cursed Crown, #2)
author: Laura R. Samotin
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.29
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[The Sins on Their Bones (The Cursed Crown #1)]]> 123284957
But stopping Alexey is not so easy as plotting to kill an ordinary man. Through a perversion of the Ludayzim religion that he terms the Holy 카지노싸이트, Alexey has died and resurrected himself in an immortal, indestructible bodyand now claims he is guided by the voice of God Himself. Able to summon forth creatures from the realm of demons, he seeks to build an army, turning Novo-Svitsevo into the greatest empire that history has ever seen.

Dimitri is determined not to let Alexey corrupt his country, but saving Novo-Svitsevo and its people will mean forfeiting the soul of the husband he cant bring himself to forsakeor the spymaster hes come to love.]]> 448 Laura R. Samotin 1039007562 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.80 2024 The Sins on Their Bones (The Cursed Crown #1)
author: Laura R. Samotin
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/08
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> The Beat of the Dragon Boat 217938317 32 Christina Matula 1534113207 Jasmine 4 arc, asianrep, middlegrade
What a beautiful book showcasing the Dragon Boat Festival and the tale of Qu Yuan, a famous poet. I very much enjoy the storytelling aspect of how the DragonBoat Festival came out and the loving grandparents and grandchild relationship. I also love that it features a recipe for Zongzi, the sticky rice dumplings which are always present during the festival.

Christinas storytelling with depictions of texts such as Boom Boom creates an excitable feeling of reading. The illustrations are beautiful and Nicole did an amazing job bringing the scenes and the people to life. The soft colorful depictions of the boats and the dragons feature are eye-catching and fun to see!

Such a beautiful book worth treasuring and using as a learning tool to depict an important Asian festival.

Thank you, FireFlies Distribution of the lovely finished copy! ]]> 3.69 The Beat of the Dragon Boat
author: Christina Matula
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.69
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2025/05/01
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves: arc, asianrep, middlegrade
review:
Review: 4 stars

What a beautiful book showcasing the Dragon Boat Festival and the tale of Qu Yuan, a famous poet. I very much enjoy the storytelling aspect of how the DragonBoat Festival came out and the loving grandparents and grandchild relationship. I also love that it features a recipe for Zongzi, the sticky rice dumplings which are always present during the festival.

Christinas storytelling with depictions of texts such as Boom Boom creates an excitable feeling of reading. The illustrations are beautiful and Nicole did an amazing job bringing the scenes and the people to life. The soft colorful depictions of the boats and the dragons feature are eye-catching and fun to see!

Such a beautiful book worth treasuring and using as a learning tool to depict an important Asian festival.

Thank you, FireFlies Distribution of the lovely finished copy!
]]> <![CDATA[Hamartia (Famous Young Things, #1)]]> 91122393
We met once two years ago - a few awful moments Id rather forget - but hes lived in my head ever since. Lee Jaehyun. K-pop idol and star of every filthy fantasy I have these days.

I should be thinking about the fact we just won our first Grammy, I should be focussing on our next album. I should be planning my wedding. But Im not; Im thinking about him. About what his mouth might taste like and what that body might look like under those carefully curated clothes. About how he might feel in my arms and what my name might sound like from his mouth when hes turned on.

Im not sure what this is; the near obsession I have with this guy, but its burrowed itself deep and refuses to give an inch. Ill go insane if I cant have him just once. Once to scratch the itch, douse the flames.

Except it turns out once isnt enough, and its not dousing the flames its striking a match and Im about to blow my entire life up.



Jaehyun

Raphael Scott is going to break my heart.

Hes an American rockstar, engaged to be married, and straight. Hell get tired of whatever this is soon enough.

Then hell go back to his beautiful actress girlfriend and Ill be alone again. Im fine with that.

But it doesnt mean I wont take what hes offering me right now. His shining American smile, his beautiful open heart, the desperate kisses he presses into my skin.

No, Raphael Scott wont break me, nothing can. Ive fortified myself against this sort of thing. My body, my art, all of it is armour. This soft American boy has no hope on earth of breaking it.]]> Scarlett Drake Jasmine 0 to-read 4.19 Hamartia (Famous Young Things, #1)
author: Scarlett Drake
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.19
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/06
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Never Till Now (The Siblings of Heir, #1)]]> 61861465
Adam

The Wheaton family name is famous for their luxury hotels, so that must make me the playboy heir, right?

Well, turns out thats the easiest role for me to play.

After all, most women only want my name for their bank accountso these days casual is my middle name.

Problem is, these feelings are getting out of hand.

Its not just that Lauren plays hard to getits that she knows how to handle herself. Shes independent to a fault.

And its driving me crazy, because I dont need a girl like that, but I think I might want her...

Lauren

I learned long ago that feelings hurt, so I found a way to turn them off.
Its not a bad thing, particularly when Im about to start work in the busiest ER in San Francisco.

Problem is, six foot three of rippling muscle and a sinful smirk is threatening to flip a switch I thought Id destroyed.

Obligation is not what I need right now, though Adam promises me hes only got one O word on his mind...

But as soon as hes on my skin hes under itand as the feeling floods back into my body, so does the past Ive tried so hard to outrun.

I dont want Adam Wheaton. But I might just need him.

Never Till Now is book one in the Siblings of Heir series by Jenna Lockwood. Filled with spice and angst, this dual POV delivers a sizzling HEA.]]> 348 Jenna Lockwood 1738652203 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.28 Never Till Now (The Siblings of Heir, #1)
author: Jenna Lockwood
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.28
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/04
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Kick at the Darkness 203806877 When the world ends, their story begins.

Parker Osborne is having the worst day ever. He has no friends at college, cant pick up a guy to save his life, and his annoyingly hot jerk of a TA just gave him a crappy grade.

But Parkers bad day suddenly becomes a deadly night.

In a blink, hes surrounded by screaming and chaos and so much blood. People are transforming into zombie-like killers. Parkers fighting for his lifeand without Adam, that muscle-bound jerk who gave him a C-minus, hed be dead meat.

But Adam has a secret

Kick at the Darkness is a steamy gay romance from Keira Andrews featuring enemies to lovers, forced proximity, werewolves, the zombie apocalypse, and of course a happy ending (eventually).]]> Keira Andrews Jasmine 0 to-read 3.97 2015 Kick at the Darkness
author: Keira Andrews
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.97
book published: 2015
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Full Color (ORCA #3) 217733137
Dimitri Crysanthos is no stranger to mistakes. All he wanted to do was make life easier for his sister. Instead, he ended up making everything harder for both of them. With his life and his sisters hanging in the balance, he has no choice but to do whatever one of the most ruthless men in Amsterdam tells him to do. All Dimitri wants is to stay aliveuntil a stranger changes everything. Now Dimitri craves something terrifying, something that will put him and his sister in even more dangerhis freedom.

The stakes of the heist have changed, and Quin refuses to quit until Dimitri is safe for good. Can the ORCA team get the art and Quins fated mate out of Amsterdam, or are the odds too stacked against them?

Full Color is book three in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series, featuring an orca shifter art forger who isnt keen on field work, a chameleon shifter with a lucrative secret talent, and a heist where the target is far more valuable than a stolen painting!]]> 222 Vinni George Jasmine 0 to-read 4.45 Full Color (ORCA #3)
author: Vinni George
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.45
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Black & White (ORCA #1) 195030901
Felix White is unlucky. When his life is threatened and hes hauled into police custody for safekeeping, the last thing he expects is to meet his fated mate. Especially when his mate is a giant killer whale shifter, who is also his new bodyguard.

But there is more to the plot against Felix than meets the eye, and Nero and his brothers have to work together to figure out who is after Felix before its too late...before Nero loses the mate he just found.

Black & White is book one in the Organization for the Return of Criminals and Assets (ORCA) series featuring an orca shifter art thief turned bounty hunter, a sea otter shifter hacker who might have pissed off the wrong people, and a group of orca brothers who will do anythingeven if its not quite legalto save the newest member of their family.]]> 244 Vinni George Jasmine 0 to-read 4.20 Black & White (ORCA #1)
author: Vinni George
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.20
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Celestial Banquet 123186126 Iron Chef meets The Hunger Games in Roselle Lims dazzling YA fantasy debut, following a young noodle chef who competes in a cutthroat cooking competition for the gods.

Once every generation, the Major Gods hold a Celestial Banquet, inviting chefs from all over the Continent to prepare mouthwatering fantastical feasts. The winner is awarded the fabled Peaches of Immortality, along with a lifetime of fame and fortune. The losers perish per the whims of the fickle gods.

Hot-headed noodle chef Cai enters the competition with dreams of owning her own restaurant and supporting her impoverished Peninsula town. Along with the drunken Minor God Kama, her childhood crush-turned-friend Bo, and dreamy noble Seon, Cai must now compete against the Continents finest culinary masters in trials that range from hunting and serving up mystical sea serpents to preparing a magical omurice from the eggs of the legendary Jian bird.

Battling impossible odds and inconvenient feelings for both Bo and Seon, Cai is determined to prepare a feast fit for the godseven if she loses her life. Set in a spectacular world inspired by Chinese and Southeast Asian folklore, Celestial Banquet is an ode to food, home, and family, wrapped in an epic and thrilling adventure.]]> 321 Roselle Lim Jasmine 3
Celestial Banquet depicts the story of Cai, a inspiring cook who dreams of participating and winning the Celestial Banquet cooking competition to win the magical peach of immortality. To do so, she must convince Kama, her minor god, to participate in the competition and journey to Xianling to cook for the major gods. However, things take an interesting turn in this deadly competition as each contestant goes through deadly tasks for every round of the competition to reach the final round. Will Cai succeed?

Ok, I have very mixed feelings about this book. Hence, the mid-star rating. Also note that I was buddy reading this with two others who are still reading the book ]]> 3.87 2025 Celestial Banquet
author: Roselle Lim
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.87
book published: 2025
rating: 3
read at: 2025/05/02
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: arc, asianrep, chinesedynasty, diversityrep, young-adult
review:
Review: 3 stars

Celestial Banquet depicts the story of Cai, a inspiring cook who dreams of participating and winning the Celestial Banquet cooking competition to win the magical peach of immortality. To do so, she must convince Kama, her minor god, to participate in the competition and journey to Xianling to cook for the major gods. However, things take an interesting turn in this deadly competition as each contestant goes through deadly tasks for every round of the competition to reach the final round. Will Cai succeed?

Ok, I have very mixed feelings about this book. Hence, the mid-star rating. Also note that I was buddy reading this with two others who are still reading the book
]]> <![CDATA[How to Marry a Marble Marquis (The Monsters Ball)]]> 62312793
Eleanor Eastwick is out of tricks. This alleged wallflower is hiding a secret, beyond the fact that her family is skint broke. If she wants to ensure the survival of her aged grandmother and younger siblings, shell need to leverage the only thing they have left their good name and land herself a rich husband. Theres only one problem she can see with her plan: she has no bloody idea what shes doing.

Enlisting the help of the wickedy rakish Marquis of Basingstone, Eleanor embarks on a crash course in how to attract the monstrous Gentry, high society courtship, and lessons in lovemaking . . . academically, of course. It never occurs to her that her tutor may, in fact, be a perfect match. By the time her heart begins to make her aware of its preference for the sharp-tongued, winged Marquis, the Monsters Ball is upon her and she needs to put her plan into action.

~

Lord Silas Stride, the Marquis of Basingstone, has no intention of giving away his heart. It would be cruel to chain another to the fate of a half-life such as his only coming awake at twilight, living as a silent spectator to the daytime world. Hed not punish a wife in such a fashion; could not bear to allow his progeny to exist in a world where he resided only part of the time . . . far easier to embrace the life of a confirmed bachelor, and keep his heart as stony as the rest of him.

But Silas did not count on one Eleanor Eastwick. He recognized her the moment he saw her, seeking his disreputable counsel. She had shone like a star when he knew her years earlier, and she did once again in his study, leaving him unable to deny his assistance. He could not possibly risk his heart on a delicate flower of the daytime, but a lady who was used to a life after dark . . . Silas Stride had no intention of taking a wife, but once Eleanor has left for the Monsters Ball, he cannot help but claim his own invitation, and his bride.

How To Marry A Marble Marquis is a standalone Regency Monster Romance featuring a Gargoyle/Human pairing that takes place in the shared universe of The Monsters Ball.]]> 216 C.M. Nascosta Jasmine 0 to-read 3.84 2023 How to Marry a Marble Marquis (The Monsters Ball)
author: C.M. Nascosta
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.84
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> What Fury Brings 220908944 #1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra. Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.]]> 368 Tricia Levenseller 1250379377 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.72 2025 What Fury Brings
author: Tricia Levenseller
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Business or Pleasure 62710608
Unfortunately, thats easier said than done. Her next project is ghostwriting a memoir for Finn Walsh, a C-list actor best known for playing a lovable nerd on a cult classic werewolf show who now makes a living appearing at fan conventions across the country. But Chandler knows him better from their one-night stand of hilarious mishaps.

Chandlers determined to keep their partnership as professional as possible, but when she admits to Finn their night together wasnt as mind-blowing as he thought it was, hes distraught. He intrigues her enough that they strike a deal: when theyre not working on his book, Chandler will school Finn in the art of satisfaction. As they grow closer both in and out of the bedroom, they must figure out which is more important, business or pleasureor if there's a way for them to have both.]]> 352 Rachel Lynn Solomon 0593548531 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.72 2023 Business or Pleasure
author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.72
book published: 2023
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/03
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> When the Tides Held the Moon 213075628 In Coney Island, true love rises to the surface. With lush illustrations and buoyant prose, Venessa Vida Kelley forges an unforgettable New York fairytale.

Benigno Benny Caldera knows an orphaned Boricua blacksmith in 1910s New York City cant call himself an artist. But the ironwork tank he creates for famed Coney Island playground, Luna Park, astounds the eccentric sideshow proprietor who commissioned it. He invites Benny to join the shows eclectic cast and share in their shocking secret: the tank will cage their newest exhibit, a live merman stolen from the salty banks of the East River.

More than a mythic marvel, Benny soon comes to know the merman Ro as a kindred spirit, wise and more compassionate than any human hes ever met. Despite their different worlds, what begins as a friendship of necessity deepens to love, leading Bennys heart into uncharted waters where he can no longer ignore the agonizing truth of Ros captivityand his own.

Releasing Ro could mean losing his found family, his new home, and his soulmate forever. Yet Bennys courageous choice may just reveal a love strong enough to free them both.]]> 464 Venessa Vida Kelley 1645661539 Jasmine 4
When I saw (arecordofki), Kis review on this, I immediately added it to my TBR pile and wasnt expecting to read it so soonuntil (Hambright PR) reached out inviting me to review it. It was an instant yes from me!

Oh gosh, I wasnt expecting to fall in love with this book, but I did! It was such a beautifully written book.

1910s, New York - Benny, a Puerto Rican blacksmith, is stuck in his life. He came to New York in the dying wish of his Tit Luz, hoping to get a better life, but ended up working in a dingy Brooklyn foundry. He ends up being tasked to build a huge glass tank and is indirectly roped into a scheme to capture a merman. The scheme succeeds, and the merman is meant to be the latest attraction of Luna Parks Menagerie of Oddities exhibition. During the capture process, Benny feels beholden to save the merman and ends up joining the motley crew at Luna Park.

Benny is such a sweet character, I want to wrap him in wool and give him a hug for everything that he went through. The bond he slowly develops with Ro is beautiful, and it is no surprise that they bonded, given that they are trapped in their ways. The comfort they provide to each other is so sweet, and the connection that builds together is raw and real! The spice level in this book is very minimal (kissing/touches) given that the author chooses to focus more on the relationship and emotions. The yearning in this book is heartfelt, and such aching moments leave you wanting more.

|Can you imagine it? A liquid universe, infinite in its mysteries, and still it holds you as though you are its most precious star. A place where, no matter which sea realm surrounds you, you are always home|

This book also touches on the found family trope with Bennys relationship with the rest of the Menagerie members. The differences each of them brings yet the code they follow and the means they will go through for the family are so sweet and full of heart. I also love the diversity in their uniqueness and additional languages (Hindi) featured in this book.

|Aint no being free on the outside unless youre free on the inside|

This book also hits themes like racism, power and corruption, and freedom for a debut! I also love the added illustrations the author created for the book; they were so beautiful and would capture the scenes of the book, bringing the feelsssss!

|Your emotions are not madness. Nor are you broken. Everyone else - the cowards who taught you that keeping your heart safe meant caging it - they are broken.|

My only critique is that I wish there were a bit more of an epilogue to tie up some loose ends [spoilers removed]...and if the language translations can be on footnotes on the end of every chapter or the same page as opposed to it being in the back like a glossary because I didn't even know it existed!

Thank you Hambright PR for the invite to review this ARC. All thoughts are my own.]]> 4.29 2025 When the Tides Held the Moon
author: Venessa Vida Kelley
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.29
book published: 2025
rating: 4
read at: 2025/04/18
date added: 2025/05/02
shelves: arc, bl, diversityrep, romance, shifters
review:
Review: 4.25 stars

When I saw (arecordofki), Kis review on this, I immediately added it to my TBR pile and wasnt expecting to read it so soonuntil (Hambright PR) reached out inviting me to review it. It was an instant yes from me!

Oh gosh, I wasnt expecting to fall in love with this book, but I did! It was such a beautifully written book.

1910s, New York - Benny, a Puerto Rican blacksmith, is stuck in his life. He came to New York in the dying wish of his Tit Luz, hoping to get a better life, but ended up working in a dingy Brooklyn foundry. He ends up being tasked to build a huge glass tank and is indirectly roped into a scheme to capture a merman. The scheme succeeds, and the merman is meant to be the latest attraction of Luna Parks Menagerie of Oddities exhibition. During the capture process, Benny feels beholden to save the merman and ends up joining the motley crew at Luna Park.

Benny is such a sweet character, I want to wrap him in wool and give him a hug for everything that he went through. The bond he slowly develops with Ro is beautiful, and it is no surprise that they bonded, given that they are trapped in their ways. The comfort they provide to each other is so sweet, and the connection that builds together is raw and real! The spice level in this book is very minimal (kissing/touches) given that the author chooses to focus more on the relationship and emotions. The yearning in this book is heartfelt, and such aching moments leave you wanting more.

|Can you imagine it? A liquid universe, infinite in its mysteries, and still it holds you as though you are its most precious star. A place where, no matter which sea realm surrounds you, you are always home|

This book also touches on the found family trope with Bennys relationship with the rest of the Menagerie members. The differences each of them brings yet the code they follow and the means they will go through for the family are so sweet and full of heart. I also love the diversity in their uniqueness and additional languages (Hindi) featured in this book.

|Aint no being free on the outside unless youre free on the inside|

This book also hits themes like racism, power and corruption, and freedom for a debut! I also love the added illustrations the author created for the book; they were so beautiful and would capture the scenes of the book, bringing the feelsssss!

|Your emotions are not madness. Nor are you broken. Everyone else - the cowards who taught you that keeping your heart safe meant caging it - they are broken.|

My only critique is that I wish there were a bit more of an epilogue to tie up some loose ends [spoilers removed]...and if the language translations can be on footnotes on the end of every chapter or the same page as opposed to it being in the back like a glossary because I didn't even know it existed!

Thank you Hambright PR for the invite to review this ARC. All thoughts are my own.
]]> <![CDATA[The Crack at the Heart of Everything (The Cursed Mage)]]> 209486684 He accidentally cursed himself...

When the consequences get him exiled to the land he helped terrorize, can this evil wizard find redemption... and love?

Orpheus can't believe it's come to this. After helping his childhood friend conquer the realm by raising an army of hell-beasts, the befuddled dark sorcerer finds himself banished when the price of his magic endangers the palace. Isolated and betrayed, the feared spellcaster isn't exactly thrilled when his irritating and handsome rival keeps stepping between him and certain doom.

Ill at ease in the barren wasteland his powers created, Orpheus slowly warms to the charismatic ex-general's relentless overtures. But as his feelings grow more intense, the former villain struggles with an inconvenient calling towards heroism.

Will dabbling in good deeds get him killed or open the doors to happily ever after?

The Crack at the Heart of Everything is the charmingly swoon-worthy first book in an epic LGBTQ+ fantasy series. If you like character-driven stories, snarky humor, and well-earned redemption arcs, then you'll adore Fiona Fenn's unexpected hero's journey.]]> 336 Fiona Fenn 1946501719 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.90 2024 The Crack at the Heart of Everything (The Cursed Mage)
author: Fiona Fenn
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2024
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/02
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> Wildblood 137965660 The Witcher meets October Daye with a splash of John Wick in this dark, gritty, and sexy urban fantasy-noir.

Kai Donovan has always had sharp teeth.

Earning his keep as an underground fighter in South Boston, he revels in well-earned notoriety. Wild. Irreverent. Vicious. His secret: hes the monster from a fable.

But when Kai loses a match against a mysterious opponent whose ferocity rivals his own, he finds himself beholden to the underworld. What he owes isnt money, but the recovery of an elusive prize coveted by the citys most dangerous criminals.

His partner Miyaburdened with the ability to traverse dreamsspends her days investigating supernatural phenomena. When she receives a shadowy proposal to find a missing teenager, shes confronted with the possibility that another like her exists.

As Kai and Miya chase ghosts, the threads of their pursuits weave into a menacing tapestry. Kais dark past returns to haunt him, threatening the bonds he believed to be ironclad. Unhealed wounds fester as hes faced with a ruinous choice: unravel his blood-soaked history or lose himself and the life hes scavenged together.

Bare your teeth. The nightmares are at your door.

--------

Wildblood is a companion novel to The Chaos Cycle Duology. It can be enjoyed as a standalone, though familiarity with the duology may enrich reader experience.]]> 494 A.J. Vrana 1956136770 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.27 Wildblood
author: A.J. Vrana
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/05/01
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[All That We See or Seem (Julia Z, #1)]]> 224004657 Award? winning author Ken Liu returns with his first sci-fi thriller in a brand-new series following former orphan hacker Julia Z as she is thrust into a high-stakes adventure where she must use her cybersecurity and hacking skills to unravel a virtual reality mystery, rescue a kidnapped dream artist, and confront the blurred lines between technology, identity, and the power of shared dreams.

Julia Z, a young woman who gained notoriety at fourteen as the orphan hacker, is trying to live a life of digital obscurity in a Boston suburb.

But when a lawyer named Pierswhose famous artist wife, Elli, has been kidnapped by dangerous criminalsbarges into her life, Julia decides to put the solitary life she has painstakingly created at risk as she cant walk away from helping Piers and Elli, nor step away from the challenge of this digital puzzle. Elli is an onierofex, a dream artist, who can weave the dreams of an audience together through a shared virtual landscape, live, in a concert-like experience by tapping into each attendees waking dream and providing an emotionally resonant and narrative experience. While attendees dreams are anonymous, Julia discovers that Elli was also providing a one-on-one dream experience for the head of an international criminal enterprise, and hes demanding his dreams in return for Elli.

Unraveling the real and unreal leads Julia on an adventure that takes her across the country and deep into the shadows of her psyche.]]> 416 Ken Liu 1668083175 Jasmine 0 to-read 3.90 2025 All That We See or Seem (Julia Z, #1)
author: Ken Liu
name: Jasmine
average rating: 3.90
book published: 2025
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/30
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch #1)]]> 228482062 But she needs a joband refuge from her abusive soon-to-be-ex-husband.

If only her new boss, Austin Wells, would make it clear whether he hates her or wants her. His gaze makes her feel things she hasnt in years. Though getting over her ex by getting under her grumpy boss isnt worth the potential fallout.

Austins a gruff, no-nonsense rancher whos seriously regretting letting his head cook hire her own help. As far as hes concerned, Cecily wont be sticking around for long. Nobody ever stays. And the wedding ring indent still on her finger makes her more trouble than shes worth.

When Cecilys past catches up with her, Austin discovers that shes already placed a branding iron on his heart. He wants her to stay. First, he needs to keep her safe.

CW/TW: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), PHYSICAL VIOLENCE (ON PAGE), DEATH OF PARENT AND GRANDPARENT (DISCUSSED), TROUBLED PARENT-ADULT CHILD RELATIONSHIP (DISCUSSED), ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION (ON PAGE), RANCHING ACTIVITIES (BRANDING, CASTRATION, VACCINATION, ROPING - ON PAGE), EXPLICIT SEX SCENES]]> 320 Bailey Hannah 0385701640 Jasmine 0 to-read 4.00 Alive and Wells (Wells Ranch #1)
author: Bailey Hannah
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2025/04/29
shelves: to-read
review:

]]> <![CDATA[Framed in Death (In Death, #61)]]> 222376526 Death imitates art in the brand-new crime thriller starring homicide cop Eve Dallas from the #1 New York Times-bestselling author J.D. Robb.

Manhattan is filled with galleries and deep-pocketed collectors who can make an artist's career with a wave of a hand. But one man toils in obscurity, his brilliance unrecognized while lesser talents bask in the glory he believes should be his. Come tomorrow, he vows, the city will be buzzing about his work.

Indeed, before dawn, Lt. Eve Dallas is speeding toward the home of the two gallery owners whose doorway has been turned into a horrifying crime scene overnight. A lifeless young woman has been elaborately costumed and precisely posed to resemble the model of a long-ago Dutch master, and Dallas plunges into her investigation.]]> 368 J.D. Robb 1250370825 Jasmine 5
Review
Framed in Death by JD Robb
4.5 stars

Framed in Death brings forth a pretentious killer who kills for the name sparking passion in their art. In this book, we get POVs from the killer's end where the readers know who the killer is. This also makes it an interesting read because the killer would prop his victims up to represent famous classic paintings such as The Lady with the Pearl Earring and it is a race against time with the killer going for one victim every night before Eve and her team caught him.

| With rank, comes bullshit Even to Jenkinson, her second in command on the bs of paperwork |

As always, the book prioritizes the interpersonal relationships that Eve has such as one with her partner where their house of dreams is completed and Eve and Roarke were invited for dinner. Its great to finally see a project over the course of several books completed. The relationships that Eve has with her crew of cops is great to see especially how they leaned to her case due to time constraints.

|I do enjoy your bullpen, Lieutenant. I enjoyed it very much. Its never dull Roarke to Eve during his visit to her work place|

My favourite moments are always Eves interactions with Roake. The understanding and love they have for each other just grows - such as the marriage rules note with Eve always giving a heads up to Roarke if she is late, the money lending where Eve will always pay Roarke back to the formidable outfits Roarke always picks out for her. And their moments with Galahad, their cat where he sneaks up during breakfast time to get himself some and to a point that Roarke would banish him out of the bedroom and bring the used dishes to the closet to lock them in.

It is always fascinating to see Eves mind works and in this case, there were a lot of chipping aways and circumstantial moments before finally apprehending the killer. We also get to see how sometimes the law can make things more lenient when money can buy anything and how Eve and her team outsmarts the killer here.

It was a fun and riveting read for me. I would always recommend this series, as it features a strong female lead, police investigative elements thrown in, touchpoints of love, friendships, found family, and murder mystery elements. ]]> 4.41 2025 Framed in Death (In Death, #61)
author: J.D. Robb
name: Jasmine
average rating: 4.41
book published: 2025
rating: 5
read at: 2025/04/26
date added: 2025/04/28
shelves: arc, badass-heroine, indeathseries, murdermystery
review:
To everyone who knows me, I follow the In Death series by J.D. Robb religiously.This is book 61!

Review
Framed in Death by JD Robb
4.5 stars

Framed in Death brings forth a pretentious killer who kills for the name sparking passion in their art. In this book, we get POVs from the killer's end where the readers know who the killer is. This also makes it an interesting read because the killer would prop his victims up to represent famous classic paintings such as The Lady with the Pearl Earring and it is a race against time with the killer going for one victim every night before Eve and her team caught him.

| With rank, comes bullshit Even to Jenkinson, her second in command on the bs of paperwork |

As always, the book prioritizes the interpersonal relationships that Eve has such as one with her partner where their house of dreams is completed and Eve and Roarke were invited for dinner. Its great to finally see a project over the course of several books completed. The relationships that Eve has with her crew of cops is great to see especially how they leaned to her case due to time constraints.

|I do enjoy your bullpen, Lieutenant. I enjoyed it very much. Its never dull Roarke to Eve during his visit to her work place|

My favourite moments are always Eves interactions with Roake. The understanding and love they have for each other just grows - such as the marriage rules note with Eve always giving a heads up to Roarke if she is late, the money lending where Eve will always pay Roarke back to the formidable outfits Roarke always picks out for her. And their moments with Galahad, their cat where he sneaks up during breakfast time to get himself some and to a point that Roarke would banish him out of the bedroom and bring the used dishes to the closet to lock them in.

It is always fascinating to see Eves mind works and in this case, there were a lot of chipping aways and circumstantial moments before finally apprehending the killer. We also get to see how sometimes the law can make things more lenient when money can buy anything and how Eve and her team outsmarts the killer here.

It was a fun and riveting read for me. I would always recommend this series, as it features a strong female lead, police investigative elements thrown in, touchpoints of love, friendships, found family, and murder mystery elements.
]]>