Book Review: Blood Lies

Title - Blood Lies 

Author - R.L. Caulder  

Series - Standalone but part of the Blood Oath Book 5 

Genre -  Vampire Fantasy Romance  

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: October 1st 2025

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Synopsis

With the blood of the Van Helsing slayers in my veins and the legacy of Dracula himself in my bones, I’m primed to be t
he most powerful vampire alive.

I want nothing to do with the crown placed upon my head or the throne carved into my future, yet the weight of my parent’s love and their expectations have paralyzed me. But that’s the trap, isn’t it? Living for them means dying for me.

One fateful night I’m pushed to the brink and escape to the human realm with nothing but my dreams of mundane days full of art and peace pushing me forward. I’m quickly confronted with the reality of why my parents strictly forbade going there.

Two human brothers disarm me with wit, charm, and a shared dream of the arts. I think I’ve found kindred spirits. What I find instead is the doorway into their family’s nightmare. I’m caged by supernatural hunters, tortured for the magic in my blood, and starved to the brink as I fight to mend their inflicted wounds night after night.

They try to break me, to shatter my spirit. Yet every cut of their blades ushers my soul closer to the darkness that’s always lived inside of me. A desire blooms to become the killer I was born to be. I am no one’s pawn, and not even the gods will be able to help the man who tries to take my freedom from me again.

Yet even monsters can find devotion and love in the most unexpected places, and it turns out I’m not the only one held by chains in this compound.

Three humans I once swore to kill vow to break me out and protect me. They’re meant only to be a means of escape—until they bleed for me, beg for me, and worship me. Somewhere along my path of vengeance, they become the very people my soul craves.

Before we can discover if there’s a world that allows us to choose each other, together we must face the demons we’re running from. Only then will we know if love can save us, or if it will demand we bleed for it.

***

Author note: Blood Lies is a standalone dark, why choose vampire and human romance for readers who crave vengeance, obsession, and love that cuts as deep as it heals.

Blood Lies is a 107k word full-length standalone that CAN be read without reading previous works in this universe.

My Review

I received Blood Lies in return for an honest review.

While Blood Lies is part of the series each book is a standalone in the same world so jumping right in was just fine. I loved Briar right from the start she may be a vampire but she's trying to get away from the life her parents planned for her getting a chance to embrace her art. However, a quick trip through the portal changes everything and now she's at the hands of the slayers who want to use her. 

I loved Briar right from the start I really felt like I could connect with her and cheered her on through the whole book. I wasn't sure about her love interests but they totally redeemed themselves and I think they are perfect for her. They all compliment each other and it really just works so well. I ended up devouring this one in just an afternoon and before I knew it I was at the last page. I was hooked from the start and loved every moment. 

I haven't read this series before this book but now I need to go back and read the prior books as I loved this one so much. It hit all my slow burn paranormal romance cravings. I really enjoyed the concept of her being a vampire but also more. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story with engaging characters. Highly recommend if you enjoy paranormal romance. I've enjoyed all the authors books but this might be my favorite. 

Happy Release Day + Review: Merry Me

Title - Merry Me 

Author - C.R. Jane     

Series - Standalone   

Genre -  Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: October 7th 2025

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Synopsis

She thought she buried her past...until it shows up in a Santa suit at her sister’s wedding.

Natalie Bennett has a plan: survive her big sister’s Christmas Eve wedding, avoid her estranged father, and absolutely do not fall apart in front of the ex she walked away from...even if he does look annoyingly good in red velvet.

Easton Maddox was supposed to be a high school memory—before Hollywood, before heartbreak, before she convinced herself walking away was the right thing. But when one broken down car, a meddling grandmother, and a very compromising duet throws them back together, old feelings resurface faster than you can say “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.”

Now stuck in a cozy mountain lodge with one very determined ex, Natalie’s forced to confront the truth: maybe love doesn’t follow logic. And maybe, just maybe…the boy she left behind is the man who never left her heart.

Merry Me is a funny, tender, and swoon-filled second-chance romance standalone about finding your way back to the one who never really let you go.

*A standalone set in the Wrong Player Series world.

My Review

I received Merry Me in return for an honest review.

I loved Natalie right from the start she was a girl after my own heart. I totally feel like I would have done the same had I been in her shoes. I'm so glad the Easton never gave up and when the chance came he was willing to never give up on the girl he loved. The characters are great I felt that I was really able to connect with Natalie and Easton. 

Marry Me is a emotional ride in the best way because it had all the feelings and I just kept falling more and more in love with the story. I've read a few books by the author and really enjoyed them but this one nailed it and stole my heart. The characters are real with real life situations which I loved. 

The author has done a beautiful job creating a complex and captivating second chance romance that I devoured. I ended up reading this one in just a more and completely lost all track of time till the very last page. I am head over heels for Easton he's perfect, swoon worthy and I just love him for our girl Natalie. I may have gotten a little teary at the end but it's hard not to when you just love the story so much. Hands down my just be my favorite holiday romance ever. Highly recommend!!!! Chefs Kiss of holiday romance. 

Book Review: Beautiful Torment

Title - Beautiful Torment 

Author - A Zavarelli 

Series - Empire of Kings  

Genre -  Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: October 2nd 2025

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Synopsis

They call him Il Diavolo

When the devil dressed in black crashes my wedding

I know he didn’t come to offer me his blessing

He came to collect what was always his

For months, he’s watched me from the shadows

Haunting me

Biding his time

Planning his revenge

Before he was King of the Cosa Nostra

I was fated to be his queen

I promised him forever

Now, he’s here to remind me what forever really means.

My Review

I received Beautiful Torment in return for an honest review from Candi Kane PR. 

I really enjoyed Abella & Angelo's story they have this undeniable chemistry that even a stint in prison can't break. I love that even while he's mad at Abella he's still very much touch her and die. I found Abella to be a character I could really connect with and loved that she had this supportive mafia wives friend group. I loved Angelo he's just perfect for Abella and I was so glad they have a second chance. 

I was super excited to dive right into Beautiful Torment as I've had it on my TBR list since I saw the cover reveal. I devoured this one in just an afternoon it was impossible to put down till the very last page. The story is a slow burn mafia romance that captured my attention right from the first page and hooked me till the last page. 

This isn't my first book by the author so I had some high expectations as I've loved all of her books. Beautiful Torment exceeded my expectations and I loved every moment. The story is a perfect balance of story to just the right amount of spice. Highly recommend if you enjoy mafia romance because it's a beautiful story with engaging characters. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one. 

Happy Release Day & Review

 Title - Begrudgingly Yours

Author - Layne Jones

Series - Fraternizing Omegas 

Genre -  Omega Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: October 2nd 2025

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Synopsis

I don’t date alphas.

Growing up with an abusive one was bad enough. Now, I plan to live the rest of my life without them, regardless of what my omega wants.

It’s my junior year and things are changing rapidly. I have a new roommate, my best friend is recently bonded, and I am determined to excel in my new theater class. The last thing I need is to be distracted by the alphas that are unexpectedly taking over my life.

Dax and Everett, best friends who gave me the best night of my life.

And Jett, my scene partner and the bane of my existence.

Acting is all I’ve ever wanted and now my skillset is being put to the test. Pretending to not care for these men is becoming harder than upholding the promise I made to myself.

But I soon find out that fate has plans for me… and going off script isn’t an option.

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FRATERNIZING OMEGAS is an interconnected standalone series of sweet Why Choose Omegaverse romances that include Frat Boy MMCs and Wallflower FMCs. No OW drama, no third act break-ups, and no bullying between love interests. There are sensitive topics discussed, so please check TWs before reading.

My Review

I received Begrudgingly Your in return for an honest review from the author. 

This is the second installment in the Fraternizing Omegas series and Rory's story. I love Rory she's such a sweetheart and I'm so glad we got her story as she was one of my favorite characters in the first book. Her pack are perfect complements for her each one brings something that she needs so it's hard to pick my favorite as they are all unique. 

I devoured this one in less than 12 hours and would have finished it in one morning if I didn't have to adult. I may be team Rory over Stacia but I loved them both. I felt that I was able to really connect with all the characters. All I can say is I need a Opal story next because I'm dying to know how her story is going to play out. 

Begrudgingly Yours is a captivating story that hooked me right form the start and didn't let go till the last page. The author is a very talented storyteller and has created a world that I can't get enough of. I love that they are sweet omega romance with just the right amount of spice. I loved every moment of Rory and her mens story it's beautiful and may be my favorite so far. I can't wait to get my hands on the next one as I love the world the author has created. Highly recommend if you enjoy why choose romance. 

Happy Pub Day & Review: Crash Course Omega

Title - Crash Course Omega

Author - Daisy Ray 

Series - Driververse 

Genre -  Omega Romance 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: September 27th 2025 

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Synopsis

Harmony Grace was the youngest omega to ever be offered a place on the F1 circuit, but she gave it up for a career on the big screen.

And now she's back - taking a crash course with her family's racing team as they progress through the season championship, all for a role in her next big movie, an F1 blockbuster.

But there's two problems. Not only is the racer training her her former mentor, he's also her ex, her scent match, and her brother's best friend. On top of that, she just has to go and scent match with his team mate, as well as the pit stop boss.

Being chased by paparazzi and nagged by her brother is one thing, but what about three alphas who are determined to make her their omega?

She has to win a charity race at the end of the F1 season against the best drivers in the world, but with only a month to train as they travel around the world, and running into her alphas at every corner, will Harmony come out on top in the end?

Maddock, the grumpy champion that could never let her go.

Jaxx, the cowboy racer who wants nothing more than his omega to succeed.

And Everest, the silent giant who loves cars more than anything, until he meets her.

Crash Course Omega is a sweet high heat low angst FMMM romance with no third act break up, featuring three male alphas and one confident female omega all racing towards love.

My Review

I received Crash Course Omega in return for an honest review from the author. 

Harmony is returning back to the life she left behind to be an actress. It's been years since she's seen her ex and he's the one who's helping her get back into the groove of F1 racing. Add in she just ran into her scent match things are definitely heating up. Will Harmony and her scent matches make it work? 

I love Harmony and her men they are all unique and complement each other in the best of ways. I think Everest may be my favorite but that's because he's sweet and so innocent compared to playboy Jaxx and broody Maddox. I really liked Jaxx the way he understood and helped bring them together. They all have this sweet chemistry that just works and it's just the right balance of spice in the story. 

This is my first book by the author and I'm hooked. This is a why choose omega story but the pack isn't brought together till Harmony scent matches with them all. Which I thought was unique and refreshing since most packs exist when the story starts. This is my first book by the author and I enjoyed it, I ended up reading it in just one day because I had to know how it would end. The author has done a beautiful job creating a captivating story that I loved every moment of. 

Happy Pub Day + Review: Traitor Wolf

Title - Traitor Wolf 

Author - Leia Stone 

Series - 1st in the Bonded by Fate Duet

Genre -  Romantasy Shifters 

Format - Kindle Review Copy 

Publication date: September 19th 2025 

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Synopsis

The weapon that hasn’t chosen anyone in a thousand years has chosen me, a Dreg-born girl with no magic.

Forged by the Creator and feared across the realm, the King Killer was never meant for someone like me. But the moment I touch it, the wolves come running, snarling, fighting, and bleeding to claim me.

Only one survives.

A wolf with a traitor’s mark burned into his skin.

And now we’re bonded.

Last night, I was digging through trash in the Elite district when a dying highborn collapsed at my feet. With his final breath, he pressed his trial mark into my chest and gave me his place in a deadly competition I was never meant to enter.

If I win, my entire bloodline, all forty of us, gets magic. The Dregs will rise overnight and the Elites will never forgive it.

My bonded wolf says he doesn’t care about me, that he only wants my blade. But he guards me like I matter, trains me like I have a chance and when they try to kill me, he tears them down like I belong to him.

I didn’t ask for this, but I’m not backing down. Not even for the wolf who could break my heart.

For fans of Red Queen and The Serpent and The Wings of Night.

My Review

I received Traitor Wolf in return for an honest review from the author. 

Brynn is a Dreg a member of society that grows up in the worst part of town her family struggles to just survive. When a chance encounter changes her life forever when she's thrust into the Arcane Trials. Should she win she will become an elite and have magic for all her family. However, death also looms as she is picked by the sword who hasn't chosen anyone in a long time. 

I love Brynn and Kaelaric they both have a reason to win the Arcane trial and need each other in order to do just that. They have this undeniable chemistry that just works so perfectly, and the more time they spend together the more they get attached. I also liked Cassian who sponsored to get Brynn in and helped with training. I found the characters easy to connect with and just loved them. 

I knew the moment I saw the cover this was a must. The author has created a captivating story to match such a stunning cover. I was hooked on this one right from the start losing all track of time and devouring it in just one afternoon. I loved every moment of Brynn and Kaelaric's story and can't wait to see what happens in the next duet. I loved Traitor Wolf it's a beautiful story that captured my heart and left me book hung over. Highly recommend recommend checking out all her books because I love them.