Category Archives: Cori’s Reviews

Review: SWEET OBSESSION by Katee Robert

SWEET OBSESSION: Dark Olympus, Book 8 by Katee Robert

Publication Date: April 1, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ MM

Synopsis

He was mine to protect. Mine to adore. Mine to lose forever.

*A scorchingly hot modern retelling of Poseidon and Icarus.*

Icarus may not have flown particularly close to the sun, but he has fallen…right into the rough hands of Olympus’s own Poseidon. Being held captive by the gentle giant wouldn’t be so bad if Olympus wasn’t on the eve of destruction…or if Poseidon stopped looking at him with those irresistibly stormy eyes.

Poseidon doesn’t have time to babysit his increasingly bratty prisoner, but he has no choice: Olympus is officially at war, and someone has to keep their best bargaining chip out of harm’s way. The thing is, the longer Poseidon is with Icarus, the more he starts to care for his sworn enemy…and the more he realizes that Icarus isn’t the villain he’s been made out to be. There’s a warmth to him, a vulnerability, that Poseidon finds difficult to ignore or deny.

Now with Circe and the Aeaens at the gate and Olympus a hair’s breadth away from falling, Poseidon will have to make a difficult choice: about himself, about his allegiances, and about the man who woke his heart from its long slumber only to threaten to break it for good…

Dark Olympus:

Neon Gods: Hades & Persephone

Electric Idol: Eros & Psyche

Wicked Beauty: Helen & Achilles & Patroclus

Radiant Sin: Apollo & Cassandra

Cruel Seduction: Aphrodite & Hephaestus & Pandora & Adonis

Midnight Ruin: Charon & Orpheus & Eurydice

Dark Restraint: Ariadne & the Minotaur

Sweet Obsession: Icarus & Poseidon

~*~*~*~

SWEET OBSESSION is a captive MM romance that is actually kind of sweet. I loved Icarus and Poseidon together. They were completely opposite but so good together. This book had an amazing plot that kept me intrigued, lots of spice, great characters and an amazing love story. I haven’t read all the books in this series but I plan on going back to read them all now. I’m obsessed and highly recommend it!

*Review copy provided by Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

~*~*~*~

Katee Robert (she/they) is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of spicy romance. Entertainment Weekly calls their writing “unspeakably hot.” Their books have sold over two million copies. They live in the Pacific Northwest with their husband, children, a cat who thinks he’s a dog, and two Great Danes who think they’re lap dogs.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Review: MY DEMON HUNTER by Aurora Ascher

MY DEMON HUNTER (Hell Bent Book 2) by Aurora Ascher

Publication Date: March 25, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

image

For fans of Jenna Levine and K.F. Breene, the steamy, laugh-out-loud paranormal romance about learning how to love—including the darkest parts of ourselves—complete with HEA, clothes-ripping-hot love scenes, and a crew of devilish demon brothers who are supposed to be the bad guys . . .

From the instant New York Times bestselling author of SANCTUARY OF THE SHADOW!

The hunter shall become the hunted . . . And the timid shall become the fierce.

Enslaved to an evil demon queen for millennia, Mishetsumephtai has only ever served one purpose. He is the Hunter, the one who drags the guilty back to Hell.  But finally tasting freedom on Earth has changed him, and for the first time, Mist questions his duty. The human femalewho smiles at him with no idea what a monster he is, draws him in, and he’ll do anything to possess her.

Lily Donovan thought the most dangerous thing about running to the corner store at night would be the aisles of junk food. She didn’t bargain on encountering chaos in the form of a man with unusual tattoos and beguiling amber eyes, stalking her through the ice cream section. Since the death of her parents, Lily has tried to forget what she is. But denial is not an option when she’s confronted with everything she’s been running from.

Neither Mist nor Lily can ignore the burning magnetism between them. But Mist’s reprieve from Hell was always temporary, and the punishment for disobedience will be worse than death. Yet he can’t relinquish the woman whose scent calls to him like nothing he’s hunted before.

~*~*~*~

Cori 4 Stars

This book was so much fun. It featured a reluctant witch and sweet demon. I couldn’t put it down. I loved all the characters and can’t wait for more books featuring more of the demons. THE DEMON HUNTER was fun, spicy, and a great story. I’d recommend it for paranormal lovers that like a little humor with their romance. This book kept me entertained from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book.

*Review  copy provided by Kensington in exchange for an honest review. 

~*~*~*~

IMG_3308

Kindle | Paperback

Amazon Series Link

~*~*~*~

image

Aurora Ascher is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling fantasy & paranormal romance author. She loves misunderstood monsters, redeemable anti-heroes, and epic happily-ever-afters. A woman of many creative pursuits, Aurora is also a professional musician and visual artist. She currently resides in Montreal with her trusty espresso machine and her endlessly patient husband, whom she sometimes doesn’t see for hours until she emerges from her writing cave like a bear in springtime.

Review: BLOOD BENEATH THE SNOW by Alexandra Kennington

BLOOD BENEATH THE SNOW (Blood and Souls Duology Book 1) by Alexandra Kennington

Publication Date: March 11, 2025

Genre: Romantasy 

A heart-pounding romantasy following a rebellious princess who must compete to the death against her siblings for the crown to ensure justice, while fighting her feelings for her country’s most powerful enemy by debut author Alexandra Kennington

Revna is no stranger to struggle. As the only member of the royal family without a magical ability, she is seen as an embarrassing mistake by her kingdom and a blight on her bloodline. Luckily, Revna has found family in other outcasts in her kingdom. But when her two closest friends’ lives are put in danger, she is determined to save them by any means necessary, no matter the cost. The Bloodshed Trials—a competition where the last sibling in the royal family standing takes the throne—might just be the ultimate price.

Revna turns down her arranged marriage and commits to competing for the throne only to be kidnapped by the mysterious and terrifyingly powerful Hellbringer, the general of her country’s greatest enemy. He has the ability to rend souls with the flick of his wrist and is every inch as intimidating as the war stories say he is. But Revna wonders if there may be some humanity left in him—especially when he reveals there are other parties who want her on the throne for their own secret reasons.

~*~*~*~

I enjoyed this story. It had really epic fantasy world building. There was a lot to this story and I really want to see what happens next in this duology. There were a few parts of the story that dragged but there is a lot going on in the book. Some intrigue, action and romance. I don’t want to give anything away. If you like fantasy and romance this book is for you. Get swept up in Alexandra Kensington’s new world. I’ll be picking up the next book.

*Review copy provided by Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle | Hardback

~*~*~*~

Alexandra Kennington has been writing fantasy stories since she was young. Now, she’s living her dream as an author of fantasy and science fiction novels. When she’s not knee-deep in a world of her own creation, you’ll find her reading a book with the enemies-to-lovers trope or obsessing over Star Wars. She lives in Utah with her spouse and child.

~*~*~*~

Review: FAN SERVICE by Rosie Danan


FAN SERVICE by Rosie Danan

Publication Date: March 11, 2025

Genre: Paranormal Romance

IMG_3306

The truth is stranger than fan fiction in the next sexy paranormal rom-com from the beloved author of The Roommate.

The only place small-town outcast Alex Lawson fits in is the online fan forum she built for The Arcane Files, a long-running werewolf detective show. Her dedication to archiving fictional supernatural lore made her Internet-famous, even if she harbors a secret disdain for the show’s star, Devin Ashwood. (Never meet your heroes—sometimes they turn out to be The Worst.)

Ever since his show went off the air, Devin and his career have spiraled, but waking up naked in the woods outside his LA home with no memory of the night before is a new low. It must have been a coincidence that the once-in-a-century Wolf Blood Moon crested last night. The claws, fangs, and howling are a little more difficult to explain away. Desperate for answers, Devin finds Alex—the closest thing to an expert that exists. If only he could convince her to stop hating his guts long enough to help….

Once he makes her an offer she can’t refuse, these reluctant allies lower their guards trying to wrangle his inner beast. Unfortunately, getting up close and personal quickly comes back to bite them.

 

~*~*~*~ 

Cori 4.5 Stars

FAN SERVICE was so much fun and just what I needed. I was in the mood for some laughs and this book delivered. I loved it. It had a fun storyline and the characters had good banter and chemistry. This is a standalone paranormal romance with humor, spice and a good storyline. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be adding Rosie Danan to my must read list. I loved her writing style. 

*Review copy provided by the Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review. 

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

 

~*~*~*~  

image 
Rosie Danan writes steamy, bighearted books about the trials and triumphs of modern love. When not writing, she enjoys jogging slowly to fast music, petting other people’s dogs, and competing against herself in rounds of Chopped using the miscellaneous ingredients occupying her fridge. As an American expat living in London, Rosie regularly finds herself borrowing slang that doesn’t belong to her.


Review: CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

CHARMING DEVIL (A Dark & Spicy Modern Dorian Grey) by Rebecca Kenney

Publication Date: February 11, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisHe’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen…and the most dangerous. Eternally young and full of a brilliant passion that may ultimately be the end of me: my perfect Dorian Gray.

The painting that’s kept Dorian Gray flawless for over a century is beginning to fall apart, rotted by his life of reckless decadence. Desperate, he seeks out the only person who might be able to save him: a talented young painter descended from Dorian’s first love.

Baz may have the same magical gift as her ancestor, but she’s vowed never to paint anyone’s likeness again. Haunted by the memory of the terrible price her talent can exact, she swears she will not be swayed—not even by the seductive words dripping like venom from the lips of the most beautiful man she’s ever met.

Yet as Dorian tries to persuade Baz by any means possible, they become aware of a darker, deadlier magic awakening around them. Dangerous forces, long dormant, have been stirred by Baz’s presence…and are determined to have her no matter the cost. As tensions rise and desire flares ever-hotter, Baz and Dorian become trapped in a complex web of conflicting motives, messy emotions, and a growing, desperate passion that may well consume them both.

An addictive and truly original spicy New Adult retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray with a magical twist.

~*~*~*~

Cori 5 StarsI couldn’t put this book down. I got wrapped up in the story and loved the characters. If you’ve read Dorian Grey this is a retelling with spice. It’s the second book in the Gilded Monsters series but you don’t have to read the first book before picking up this one. I haven’t read the first book but plan on picking it up next. I have it and the next release on my TBR. I also recommend the paperback copy of this one because it’s so pretty. It has sprayed edges.  I thoroughly enjoyed Rebecca Kenney’s writing style and she’s going on my must buy list. This book is one of my favorites this year.

*Review copy provided by the Sourcebooks in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~

Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

~*~*~*~

image

Rebecca F. Kenney writes spicy fantasy romance, paranormal romance, and retellings, including the Gilded Monsters series from Sourcebooks Casablanca. “Beautiful Villain” (Gilded Monsters #1) is a spicy Southern gothic retelling of The Great Gatsby with vampires, set near Asheville, NC. “Charming Devil” (Gilded Monsters #2) is a retelling of The Picture of Dorian Gray, set in Charleston, SC. Books 3 and 4 of the series are Southern gothic retellings of Wuthering Heights and The Phantom of the Opera.

Rebecca’s most popular indie books include the Wicked Darlings series (spicy Fae retellings of the Nutcracker, Wonderland, and Oz), the Merciless Dragons series (dragon shifters), the Dark Rulers series (standalone fantasy romance novels in a shared world), and the Beloved Villains series of genderbent fairytales. Other books include a post-apocalyptic vampire romance trilogy (The Vampires Will Save You), a demon romance duet, a dark mermaid fantasy duet, and other spicy retellings.

Rebecca is represented by Eva Scalzo of Speilburg Literary. She lives in upstate South Carolina with her handsome blue-eyed husband and two smart, energetic kids.

For updates and information about upcoming novels, follow on Instagram @rebeccafkenneybooks and on TikTok @rebeccafkenney

Review: HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM by Bryn Donovan

IMG_3185
HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM by Bryn Donovan

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance/ Romantic Comedy 

Synopsis

IMG_3166A centuries-long curse is no match for rom-com shenanigans when a medieval knight is brought to life in modern-day Chicago.

Forgotten by time and abandoned by hope, Sir Griffin de Beauford’s existence stretches out before him. Cursed by a ruthless enchanter to see, hear, and think, but never to move or speak, Griffin suffers the long, lonely centuries trapped in stone…until an unexpected kiss from a fair maiden breathes new life into his soul—and his body.

Emily Porter, a recently divorced conservator at the Art Institute of Chicago, is charged with the restoration of a statue of a medieval English knight. Breaking curses was not part of the job description. And yet, here he is, the man of her dreams come to life, resplendent in shining armor as he joyously barrels into priceless antiquities…and goes on to dismantle her defenses, wreak havoc on her senses, and tempt her to believe once more in happy-ever-afters.

But the modern age tries Griffin’s patience and pride, and Emily is a prime suspect in the investigation of the missing sculpture. In a complicated world, can they find their way to a fairy-tale ending

~*~*~*~

Cori 4 Stars

This was such a fun paranormal rom-com. I couldn’t stop grinning while reading this. It’s a feel good book you can curl up with. The characters and storyline were fun and HER KNIGHT AT THE MUSEUM will leave you smiling when you close the book. I recommend this if you’re looking for an escape you can read quickly with a swoony knight and a likable heroine. I hope there are more books to come in this series.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

IMG_3184
Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

About the Author

IMG_3165Bryn Donovan is an author and a former executive editor in publishing. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing at the University of Arizona, and she’s a freelance book editor at Lucky Author. She lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their rescue dogs, and she blogs about writing and positivity.

Website | Amazon | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

~*~*~*~

BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

IMG_3180BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING by Sylvia Mercedes

Publication Date: November 12, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

SynopsisIMG_3164The viral TikTok fantasy romance, now in a special print edition with exclusive bonus material!

An outcast princess makes a political marriage with a reluctant king to save both their kingdoms in this first book in the viral Bride of the Shadow King series.

Though she is the oldest daughter, Princess Faraine lives in the background, shunned from court and kept out of sight. She’s told her gods-gift makes her a liability to the crown, and has learned to give place to her beautiful, favored younger sister in all things.

When the handsome and enigmatic Shadow King comes seeking a bride, Faraine is not surprised that her sister is his choice.

King Vor is not eager to take a human bride, but he is willing to do what is necessary for the sake of his people. When he meets the lively Princess Ilsevel, he quickly agrees to a marriage arrangement.

So why can’t he get the haunting eyes of her older sister out of his head?

~*~*~*~

Cori 5 StarsThis book kept me up late. I couldn’t put it down. I got swept up in the world Sylvia Mercedes created. I really wanted to throw the book and reach in and shake the characters a few times but I love when the characters can create that much emotion in a story. The story is full of suspense, lots of drama, some spice and it ends with a powerful cliffhanger. The rest of the trilogy is available now though. It is being released in new paperback covers over the next few months. I recommend this book for fantasy romance lovers. I can’t wait to pick up the next book and to see what happens next.

*Review copy provided by the Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~

Buy Links

KINDLE | PAPERBACK

~*~*~*~

image

Sylvia Mercedes makes her home in the idyllic North Carolina countryside with her handsome husband, numerous small children, and a menagerie of rescue cats and dogs. When she’s not writing she’s . . . okay, let’s be honest. When she’s not writing, she’s running around after her littles, cleaning up glitter, trying to plan healthy-ish meals, and wondering where she left her phone. In between, she reads a steady diet of fantasy novels.

But mostly she’s writing.

Sylvia is the author of more than 20 popular Fantasy Romance novels, including the internationally bestselling BRIDE OF THE SHADOW KING trilogy. She is represented by Amanda Jain at BookEnds Literary Agency.

Website | Amazon

 

Review: A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan


A FIRE IN THE SKY: A Novel by Sophie Jordan

Publication Date: September 24, 2024

Genre: Romantasy

Synopsis

IMG_2688New York Times bestselling author Sophie Jordan returns to the high-stakes, sweeping world of dragons, romance, and drama first evoked in her bestselling young adult Firelight series, in a brand-new epic adult romantasy series.

Dragons are extinct. Witches are outcast. Magic is dying.

But human lust for power is immortal.

Dragon fire no longer blisters the skies over Penterra, but inside the lavish palace, life is still perilous…especially for Tamsyn. Raised in the glittering court alongside the princesses, it’s her duty to be punished for their misdeeds. Treated as part of the royal family but also as the lowliest servant, Tamsyn fits nowhere. Her only friend is Stig, Captain of the Guard…though sometimes she thinks he wants more than friendship.

When Fell, the Beast of the Borderlands, descends on her home, Tamsyn’s world becomes even more dangerous. To save the pampered princesses from a fate worse than death, she is commanded to don a veil and marry the brutal warrior. She agrees to the deception even though it means leaving Stig, and the only life she’s ever known, behind.

The wedding night begins with unexpected passion—and ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. Rather than start a war, Fell accepts Tamsyn as his bride…but can he accept the dark secrets she harbors—secrets buried so deep even she doesn’t know they exist? For Tamsyn is more than a royal whipping girl, more than the false wife of a man who now sees her as his enemy. And when those secrets emerge, they will ignite a flame bright enough to burn the entire kingdom to the bone.

Magic is not dead…it is only sleeping. And it will take one ordinary girl with an extraordinary destiny to awaken it.

~*~*~*~

86D55207-A2FF-4259-863E-5D22419851AE

I’m obsessed! I got so wrapped up in this story and the characters I didn’t get any sleep. I picked A FIRE IN THE SKY up because it has dragons and I like Sophie Jordan’s historical romance books. I wasn’t disappointed. The book had great world building I got swept up in and I’m going to be anxiously waiting for the next book. If you collect hardbacks this one is really pretty in person as well. I highly recommend this book for readers looking for a great Romantasy book. It’s one of my favorites this year. 

*Review copy provided by HaperCollins in exchange for an honest review.  

~*~*~*~

Buy Links

Kindle | Hardback

~*~*~*~

About the author

Sophie Jordan grew up in the Texas hill country where she wove fantasies of dragons, warriors, and princesses. A former high school English teacher, she’s the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of more than twenty novels. She now lives in Houston with her family. When she’s not writing, she spends her time overloading on caffeine (lattes preferred), talking plotlines with anyone who will listen (including her kids), and cramming her DVR with anything that has a happily ever after.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Review: A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE by Sarah Hawley 

IMG_2092
A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE (Glimmer Falls Series Book 3) by Sarah Hawley

Publication Date: August 13, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance 

Synopsis

IMG_2064Ben Rosewood never meant to be bound to a vampire succubus, especially one as sexy-yet-terrifying as Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux, but he has to admit there are some fang-tastic perks….

Werewolf Ben Rosewood is happy with his life. One hundred percent. Everything is fine. His business, Ben’s Plant Emporium, is thriving, and he’s even expanding the shop. His anxiety disorder is…well, it’s been better, but that comes with the territory of running a business and having beastly urges every full moon, right? As for romance—who has the time? Though his family is desperate to see him settled, Ben is fine approaching forty as a single werewolf. But after drunkenly bidding on and winning a supposedly-possessed crystal on eBay one night, he finds himself face-to-face with a beautiful yet angry vampire.

Eleonore Bettencourt-Devereux is a rare breed—a vampire succubus born from two elite European bloodlines during medieval times. Thanks to an evil witch, she’s been stuck in a crystal since she was thirty, forced to obey orders from the possessor of the rock. Eleonore’s been dreaming of breaking the spell and severing the witch’s head for centuries. But did this witch really sell her to someone new, and for only ninety-nine cents?

Eleonore would claw this werewolf’s heart out and eat it, if only the binding spell would allow her to. But Eleonore and Ben soon realize they can help each other with both vengeful and less hostile needs. And why not have a little fun along the way?

~*~*~*~

Cori 4 Stars

This was such a fun read. Golden retriever hero meets feisty heroine. I loved the storyline and their chemistry. A WEREWOLF’S GUIDE TO SEDUCING A VAMPIRE is part of Sarah Hawley’s Glimmer Falls Series but you don’t have to read the books in order. I’m going to go back and read the other books in the series though because I enjoyed this one. I recommend this book for paranormal lovers looking for some spice, humor and a good storyline. I’m adding Sarah Hawley to my TBR list. 

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

IMG_2093

Buy Links

Kindle | Amazon PBK

~*~*~*~

About the Author

Sarah Hawley lives in the Pacific Northwest, where her hobbies include rambling through the woods and appreciating fictional villains. She has an MA in archaeology and has excavated at an Inca site in Chile, a Bronze Age palace in Turkey, and a medieval abbey in England. When not dreaming up whimsical love stories, she can be found reading, dancing, or cuddling her two cats.

Website | Amazon | Instagram

~*~*~*~

Review: THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN by Kresley Cole

IMG_1961
THE WITCH QUEEN OF HALLOWEEN (Immortals After Dark) by Kresley Cole

Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

IMG_1955Take a spooky Halloween tour of the mysterious Lore in this stand-alone installment of the Immortals After Dark series by #1 New York Times best-seller Kresley Cole.

A demon soldier of fortune . . .
Rök Kours dives into a dangerous mission, only to cross swords with the one woman who bewitched him.

A cursed Wiccan mercenary . . .
Poppy Dyer has never let her uncontrollable magic interfere with her work, but she can barely withstand one demon’s charms.

Trapped in a terrifying lair.
If the two rivals can defeat Halloween’s worst nightmares to escape a haunted castle, can they overcome their pasts to claim a spellbinding future together?

~*~*~*~

Cori 5 Stars

I was so excited to get my hands on a new Kresley Cole book! I love the Immortals After Dark series. This novella did not disappoint and I loved it. It was fun, action packed and had all the steamy romance Kresley Cole always delivers. This one is Poppy, a witch and Rök, a demon’s story. I think I’ve said it in another review but if I could be any fictional character it would be one of Kresley Cole’s witches or valkyries. They’re so much fun!  I highly recommend this series for paranormal lovers if you haven’t read it yet. It has it all. You don’t have to read it in order but there is a series plot so I recommend starting at the beginning. Some of them are on Kindle Unlimited. They’re addicting!

*Review copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Buy Links

Kindle | Paperback

~*~*~*~

image
imageKresley Cole is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of the electrifying Immortals After Dark paranormal series, the young adult Arcana Chronicles series, the erotic Gamemakers series, and five award-winning historical romances.

A master’s grad and former athlete, she has traveled over much of the world and draws from those experiences to create her memorable characters and settings. 

Her IAD books have been translated into twenty foreign languages, garnered three RITA awards, a Hall of Fame induction, and consistently appear on the bestseller lists, in the U.S. and abroad.

Cole lives in Florida with her family and “far too many animals.”

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKSHELF | YOUTUBE