If you’re looking for a Sweet YA Romance that blends magic realism, fated love, and family-oriented storytelling, Flirting with Fate by J.C. Cervantes may be something you enjoy.
Overall, this is such an emotional and tense book that was hard to put down, and I give it five stars. I wish I could give it way more, but sadly these review sites won’t let me. Jeaniene Frost is definitely one author whose books I will always autobuy because of her action-packed, tense storylines and unforgettable and lovable characters.
Soulgazer is the first book in Maggie Rapier’s The Magpie and the Wolf’s Duology and her debut novel. I’ve had this book on my shelf since its release, and I finally made time to read it. The second I started it, I knew it would consume me until I finished it, especially since it has Celtic-inspired mythology and pirates, both of which I always enjoy reading about.
I still can’t believe it took me this long to read the first book in the Play by Play series by Jaci Burton. No, this wasn’t my first book from her, either, but now I’m going to read the rest of this series, especially if each book has such amazing storylines and spiciness to it. I’m just glad I have all the OG covers for this series because each cover is HOT, and yes, I’m a reader who prefers the model covers over some of the illustrated covers today being published. (There are some illustrated covers that do fit the contents, though, just not this one.)
The Singles Table is the final installment in Sara Desai’s Marriage Game Series, and I really enjoyed it. It was delightful, light-hearted, and funny, and I loved both characters. Zara and Jay are complete opposites, and that is clear from their first meeting while paintballing. Zara has a fun, quirky personality and works at a law firm that fits her perfectly, while Jay is grumpy, reserved, and a workaholic at his security company, which he’s trying to grow internationally. They keep ending up near each other at their friends’ weddings, and Zara makes it a point to matchmake Jay so she can prove she can do it better than the Aunties. However, both characters eventually fall for one another, though it takes one of them a while to realize the other is attracted to them. I rooted for them the whole time because they were an adorable couple, even if they initially didn’t like one another.
I really enjoyed the storyline, even though it was all over the place and had several POVs beyond Adrienne and Hawk’s, which I didn’t mind. The issue was that certain scenes would cut off or change, and then another POV would take over, which had me all over the place, if that makes sense. I found it annoying at times. Other than that, what I enjoyed most was the magic aspect and how the Fae played a role, especially in the time travel portion, which is why I kept reading this story even if I had issues with the writing style.
(Reread June 2026) This book is still a 5-star read for me. I loved Naasir and Andromeda’s love story and finding out what Naasir was exactly and how he came to be(finally). I love how he stood up to an Ancient in this book and looked out for his mate. I loved how Naasir respected Andromeda and was willing to find the grimoire book before he claimed her as his mate. I loved that Andromeda is both a scholar and a warrior. She truly was the perfect mate for Naasir.
I found this story cute, and I enjoyed getting to know the FMC, Eileen. She’s a romance reader and loves her happily ever afters, so she was relatable. I also loved the idea of the book being about her being in one of her favorite book series and finding love there. Heck, doesn’t every book reader want to go into the pages of one of their favorite books or series and live there? I know I would, depending on the book or series. (There are some books I would not want to come to life that I’ve read.)
The Games Gods Play is the first installment in Abigail Owen’s The Crucible Trilogy. I should have picked this book up sooner, especially since it features Greek Mythology in a fantasy world with a romantic subplot. Something I always enjoy reading because I love it when authors put their spin on Greek Mythology, and Abigail Owen has the Greek Gods choosing mortals to compete in deadly trials to determine which will be the next ruler of Olympus. If you are like me, you’ll despise the Gods for making mortals do the deadly trials for them.
Delicate Escape is the second book in Catherine Cowles’s Sparrow Falls series. I’m officially a fan of Catherine Cowles after only two books, this one and the first book, because both immediately pulled me in. Her emotionally driven storylines and irresistible characters make her writing and stories riveting.
I re-read this book (April 2026) and still loved it as much as the first time. Ash and Janvier’s love story is one of my favorites. It’s an emotional one, so have tissues. I love how Janvier never gave up on Ash and was there for her when she told him the truth of why she was afraid to give him forever. Her backstory is a tearjerker. Their love story is epic, though, and is definitely a must-read.
Okay, I finally understand the Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros hype. After finishing this book, I struggled to return to reality, especially after its intense ending. I’ve had this book on my shelf since its release, beckoning me each time I walked past, and I finally made time thanks to the Romanceopoly Challenge hosted by Under the Covers Book Blog. Now, it’s my goal to catch up with the series.
This was my second time reading this book (April 2026), and I loved it as much as before. Rereading showed me why Bluebell & Sparkle belong together, making their moments even more special. It also reminded me how much I couldn’t stand Lijuan. No one threatens Raphael & Elena.