Just a Book Lovin' Mama Who Loves to Read and Review Books
Trope – Slow Burn Romance
I can’t believe it took me this long to pick up the first book in Paige Tyler’s X-Ops series, Her Perfect Mate. After I finished reading it, I definitely need to read the rest of the books in this series, especially if each book is just as action-packed, full of mystery and drama, and includes kickbutt characters, such as the ones in this book. I should have known this book would be, though, since I’ve read other books from Paige Tyler.
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.
(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.
The Ember and The Emerald is the second installment in Gena Showalter’s No Monsters Like Hers Trilogy. If you haven’t read the first book, The Great And Terrible, you’ll need to before reading this one, since the second book picks up where the first left off. The second I knew Gena Showalter was writing a Wizard of Oz retelling, I knew I had to pick up the first book, and then I couldn’t wait to read this one. She’s one of my auto-buy authors, and I’ll read whatever she writes, so I’m glad she decided to venture into the Wizard of Oz. It was one of the movies I used to watch over and over again and drive my parents crazy. =)
Thanks to authors like Jeaniene Frost, my love for vampires endures because of books like this one. I was always the kid who wanted to be a vampire, not a princess, which my parents always found weird. They still find me weird, and so does my husband. =)
If you haven’t read Jeaniene Frost’s books and enjoyed shows like Buffy, Angel, or The Vampire Diaries, you’re missing out on fantastic stories with some memorable characters in the Night Huntress series and its spin-offs.
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.
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.
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.
If you enjoy Fantasy Romance with a human-turned-Fae navigating magic and politics, check out this trilogy. Fans of slow-burn romance with a morally grey MMC will also enjoy it.
