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.
Re-read May 2026 before watching the TV adaptation. I still love Garrett and Hannah’s story. My original review remains the same below. I will forever love Garrett and Hannah’s fake dating storyline, which will always be one of my favorite tropes, even if it’s predictable.
I was in the mood for a Baseball Romance as it’s baseball season, so I picked up Double Play, the first book in Jill Shalvis’s Pacific Heat series. Already familiar with Jill Shalvis’s writing, I knew I was going to enjoy this book because her stories are always heart-warming. Double Play immediately captured the spirit of baseball romance, putting me in the mood to attend a game this summer because it’s been a long time since I attended a baseball game. Who knows, maybe one of the baseball players will fall for a reporter, as Pace Martin did for Holly Hutchins in Double Play. =) You never know.
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.
Missing in Death is another novella in J.D. Robb’s In Death series, and it’s a quick read that packs just as much excitement as the full-length books. Even though it’s shorter, the story kept me interested from start to finish.
Nalini Singh has become one of my favorite authors after starting the Guild Hunter series. I love PNR books that have angels/archangels in the stories, and Nalini’s Guild Hunter series has become a favorite. I’m hoping to catch up on the series before she releases her next book later on. The fifth book in the series may only get four stars from me, but it had me in shock after finding out who was behind the murder of Neha’s consort. I also enjoyed the other mysteries that were uncovered in the book, too, with Jason and Mahiya. Nalini is an author who is a master of writing addicting PNR stories.
Despite the emotional toll this book put me through, it deserves five stars (ten stars really). When I was reading, it made it impossible to keep neutral expressions; my husband noticed my reactions, a sure sign of a fantastic read. I’m excited to read the rest of this series and the spin-off books.
(April 2026) Third Time reading Archangel’s Blade and I still love it. Dimitri & Honor’s story is an emotional one that needed to be told. If you didn’t like Dimitri in the first three books, you’ll understand him better in this book.
This book in the series will stay with me for years. It definitely earned five stars, even though it gave me nightmares. I’m glad I started the series in 2020 because I’m more than determined to catch up on this series. Each book gets better, and J.D. Robb has truly won me over as a dedicated fan.
My fourth time I’ve read this book, and it’s still a favorite. 😍
Archangel’s Consort by Nalini Singh is the third book in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series, and it’s just as addicting as the first two. If you haven’t started reading this series, I highly recommend you read them in order. If you don’t, you will miss out on reading Elena and Raphael’s relationship grow. I friggin’ love Elena and Raphael’s relationship, even though Raphael can be a tad overbearing at times with his protection.
