My thoughts on Rebel Unicorn: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Rebel of the Otherworld Book 1) by Brogan Thomas

 Rebel Unicorn: An Urban Fantasy Novel (Rebel of the Otherworld Book 1) 

By Brogan Thomas

Set in the same world as the Creatures of the Otherworld series, Rebel Unicorn can be read on its own or as a continuation.

Her heart is broken, and her wrath is boiling over.

Will she atone for her violence or fall to darkness?

Tru Dennison is tired of being treated like a freak. Sick of monstrous villains wreaking havoc and mayhem on her city, the half-unicorn, half-vampire shifter channels her energy into an undercover role as a black-ops assassin.

But when her angel mentor—an infuriatingly attractive man she secretly adores—finds her standing over a pile of bodies, he assumes the worst. Branded a rogue killer and dragged before the Grand Creature Council, Tru must fight to prove her innocence… and survive their judgement.

As trust crumbles and enemies close in, Tru’s fury only grows.

They wanted obedience. Instead, they got rebellion.

Rebel Unicorn is the explosive first book in the Rebel of the Otherworld urban fantasy duology. If you love underestimated heroines, forbidden power, and edge-of-your-seat supernatural suspense, you’ll be gripped by Brogan Thomas’s thrilling adventure.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐

Rebel Unicorn introduces Tru Dennison, a half-unicorn, half-vampire shapeshifter who works as a black-ops assassin in a ruthless magical society. 

 Her heart is broken, and she’s furious — when she’s found standing over a pile of bodies, her angel mentor assumes she’s gone rogue. 

 Branded a “rogue killer,” Tru is dragged in front of the Grand Creature Council, where she must fight to prove her innocence and reclaim control. 

This is a strong choice for fans of urban fantasy who like morally grey characters, supernatural politics, and action. If you enjoy reading about outcasts fighting for justice, Rebel Unicorn delivers a powerful, emotionally charged start to a duology.

My thoughts on First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

 First Lie Wins

By Ashley Elston

Evie Porter has everything a nice Southern girl could want: a doting boyfriend, a house with a white picket fence, a tight group of friends. The only catch: Evie Porter doesn’t exist.

The identity comes first: Evie Porter. Once she’s given a name and location by her mysterious boss, Mr. Smith, she learns everything there is to know about the town and the people in it. Then the mark: Ryan Sumner. The last piece of the puzzle is the job.

Evie isn’t privy to Mr. Smith’s real identity, but she knows this job isn't like the others. Ryan has gotten under her skin, and she’s starting to envision a different sort of life for herself. But Evie can’t make any mistakes—especially after what happened last time.

Evie Porter must stay one step ahead of her past while making sure there's still a future in front of her. The stakes couldn't be higher—but then, Evie has always liked a challenge. . . .

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐

First Lie Wins is a sharp, twist-filled psychological thriller that follows Evie Porter, a woman living a life built entirely on lies. Her charming suburban world — the perfect boyfriend, the perfect routine, the perfect mask — is all part of a job assigned by her enigmatic handler, Mr. Smith. As Evie embeds herself deeper into her target’s life, the façade begins to crack, and she finds herself torn between the identity she has been given and the person she might want to be. Elston builds a tight, tense narrative that moves between Evie’s present assignment and glimpses of her past, revealing just enough at each turn to keep you questioning who can be trusted, what is real, and how far Evie is willing to go to survive.

What makes the novel especially gripping is Evie herself — she’s morally grey, vulnerable, and fiercely intelligent, a protagonist who feels both dangerous and deeply human. The web of deception she navigates is intricate and compelling, and Elston’s pacing keeps the story humming with constant unease. While the number of twists and shifting identities can feel dizzying at times, they ultimately add to the book’s addictive sense of unpredictability. The result is a stylish, suspenseful thriller that pulls you into its layers of lies and doesn’t let go until the final reveal.

 

My thoughts on Found by Erin Kinsley

 Found

By Erin Kinsley

When 11 year old Evan vanishes without trace, his parents are plunged into their worst nightmare.

Especially as the police, under massive pressure, have no answers. But months later Evan is unexpectedly found, frightened and refusing to speak. His loving family realise life will never be the same again.

DI Naylor knows that unless those who took Evan are caught, other children are in danger. And with Evan silent, she must race against time to find those responsible...

A gripping, heart-wrenching thriller with the emotional power of series like BROADCHURCH and THE MISSING, this is the perfect read for fans of Cara Hunter, Heidi Perks, Claire Douglas, Fiona Barton, Susan Lewis and Nuala Ellwood.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐

Found is a deeply emotional and haunting thriller about the disappearance and shocking return of 11-year-old Evan. When Evan vanishes without a trace, his parents, Claire and Matt, are thrown into agony and desperation — but the nightmare doesn’t end when he’s found. He comes home terrified, silent, and profoundly changed. 

Erin Kinsley doesn’t just focus on the mystery of who took Evan; she’s equally invested in how his absence and return shatter the lives of everyone around him. The novel explores grief, trauma, and the complicated road to recovery with sensitivity and realism. 

 DI Naylor, the detective on the case, is determined to catch the perpetrators — but Evan’s silence and the lack of clear leads make the investigation agonising and emotionally fraught. 

One of the book’s biggest strengths is its character work. Evan’s parents feel raw and genuine as they struggle to understand how to support him while dealing with their own guilt and pain. 

 Meanwhile, the police procedural elements are believable without overshadowing the human cost of Evan’s ordeal

If you like crime novels that balance mystery with deep emotional resonance, Found is a gripping, heartbreaking read that stays with you long after the last page.

My thoughts on Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1) by Jasmine Mas

 Blood of Hercules (Villains of Lore Book 1)

By Jasmine Mas

I’m just a girl. And it turns out, I’m Hercules.

I’m struggling to survive in a Titan infested world where Spartans, immortals from twelve royal families who have god-like powers and obscene wealth, rule over all. A shy-stammering foster child with nothing, I keep my head down, cover my scars, and focus on excelling in school. At least, I try to. Then it happens.

My blood test reveals I’m part of the powerful elite. I’m one of them. A Spartan.

Forced to attend the Spartan War Academy, I undergo the most harrowing test of all time to see if I have what it takes to be an immortal. There’s just a few problems. Achilles and Patro are my scary mentors. Kharon, the ferryman of death, and Augustus, the son of war, are my terrifying professors. Also, I’m pretty sure either someone’s stalking me everywhere I go, or my sanity’s slipping––I have a bad feeling both are true.

I’m surrounded by Villains and they’re smothering me with their hate, obsession, and dark possessiveness. Too bad for them, they have no clue just who they’re messing with.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Blood of Hercules, Jasmine Mas reimagines Hercules in a gritty, near-future world where Spartans — powerful, immortal elites — rule, and Titans still roam. The protagonist, Alexis Hert, is a foster child with a stutter and a lot of hidden pain. When a blood test reveals she’s actually part of the elite, she’s thrust into the brutal Spartan War Academy — a gladiatorial school where immortality has to be earned, and everyone around her is dangerous. 

Mas balances dark fantasy, romance, and gallows humour very cleverly. Alexis is sarcastic, real, and wounded — not your typical hero — and her character growth is compelling as she learns to navigate mentors like Achilles and Patro, as well as sinister professors like Kharon and 

 The world-building leans heavily into Greek mythology tropes (gods, Titans, immortals), but it’s twisted into something new and very brutal. 

If you enjoy dark romantasy with a Greek myth twist, morally grey characters, and a strong, imperfect heroine, this is a fun and addictive start to a series. But if you prefer tight world-building and deeply polished prose, this might feel a little rough around the edges

 

My thoughts on The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods

The Lost Bookshop

By Evie Woods

The Echo of Old Books meets The Lost Apothecary in this evocative and charming novel full of mystery and secrets.

‘The thing about books,’ she said ‘is that they help you to imagine a life bigger and better than you could ever dream of.’

On a quiet street in Dublin, a lost bookshop is waiting to be found…

For too long, Opaline, Martha and Henry have been the side characters in their own lives.

But when a vanishing bookshop casts its spell, these three unsuspecting strangers will discover that their own stories are every bit as extraordinary as the ones found in the pages of their beloved books. And by unlocking the secrets of the shelves, they find themselves transported to a world of wonder… where nothing is as it seems.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Evie Woods weaves a beautifully layered tale in The Lost Bookshop, blending magical realism, historical fiction, and romance across two timelines. 

 In the 1920s, Opaline flees a forced marriage and discovers her passion in a rare-book shop in Paris, eventually setting up a secret bookshop in Dublin. 

 In the present day, Martha, escaping an abusive marriage, and Henry, a scholar searching for a lost manuscript, both find themselves drawn to a mysterious, vanishing bookshop on Ha’penny Lane. 

What’s especially magical about the bookshop is that it seems to have a life of its own — it appears and disappears, and seems to “choose” who can see it. 

 Woods uses subtle, folktale-style magic: for example, Martha wakes up to tree branches growing into her basement room, with books sprouting on the branches. 

Beyond the whimsy, Woods doesn’t shy away from real, difficult themes: there’s domestic abuse, mental health struggles, and a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. 

 The characters feel deeply real — Opaline’s bravery and love for books, Martha’s quest for safety and a new beginning, and Henry’s scholarly obsession all intertwine beautifully.

The Lost Bookshop is a heartfelt love letter to readers, books, and the magical possibilities hidden in everyday life. If you enjoy stories about second chances, literary lore, and a touch of gentle magic, this is a really lovely one to pick up

 

My thoughts on Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King (Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy Book 1) By Jen L. Grey

Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King (Of Fae and Wolf Trilogy Book 1)

By Jen L. Grey

Stolen from Earth, Fated to be His Ruin.

Taken from Earth and thrust into a ruthless bridal competition in a fae realm, I’m forced to fight for a crown I don’t want in order to survive.

Vad, the dark, sexy, powerful heir of the Shadow Fae Kingdom, is doing the one thing he never wanted—searching for a bride.

But I don't fit in here, and the top contestants want me dead as soon as I arrive.

Bound by Fated magic and trapped in a deadly game, Vad’s every cold glance and harsh words remind me that he doesn’t want me, and I sure as hell don’t want him.

Yet there’s no denying the sparks between us, and the way his touch ignites something in me I can’t control.

As the contest grows more dangerous, all I can focus on is survival which becomes harder and seems to be slipping through my grasp.

But I won't go out without a fight... even if it kills me sooner.

Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King is a royal fae romantasy that includes betrayal, morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers, a magical pulsing tattoo, a bridal competition, political intrigue, who did this to you, and touch her and unalive. One-click this story today. 

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In Bonded to the Fallen Shadow King, Jen L. Grey introduces us to Briar, a wolf shifter from Earth who is suddenly pulled into a dangerous fae realm and forced into a brutal bridal competition. 

 The tension is immediate: Briar doesn’t want the crown, and the powerful Shadow Fae heir, Vad, doesn’t want her — but their fated bond might have other ideas. 

Grey builds a fast-paced, high-stakes world full of political intrigue, magical fated-mate bonds, and deadly trials. The “bridal competition” trope is handled with real danger and grit: this isn’t just a pageant — the contestants will do anything to survive. 

 Briar is smart, strong, and resourceful, and her fight for survival feels both personal and epic. On the other side, Vad is brooding and morally grey: he’s not just a prize-giver, but a complicated ruler with his own burden.

If you love romantasy with fated mates, fae politics, and shifter action, this is a really strong start to a trilogy. It’s ideal for readers who enjoy dark and dangerous fairy realms, strong heroines, and high emotional and magical stakes.

Things We Never Got Over by Lucy Score

 Things We Never Got Over 

By Lucy Score

Bearded, bad-boy barber Knox prefers to live his life the way he takes his coffee: Alone. Unless you count his basset hound, Waylon.

Knox doesn’t tolerate drama, even when it comes in the form of a stranded runaway bride.

Naomi wasn’t just running away from her wedding. She was riding to the rescue of her estranged twin to Knockemout, Virginia, a rough-around-the-edges town where disputes are settled the old-fashioned way…with fists and beer. Usually in that order.

Too bad for Naomi her evil twin hasn’t changed at all. After helping herself to Naomi’s car and cash, Tina leaves her with something unexpected. The niece Naomi didn’t know she had. Now she’s stuck in town with no car, no job, no plan, and no home with an 11-year-old going on thirty to take care of.

There’s a reason Knox doesn’t do complications or high-maintenance women, especially not the romantic ones. But since Naomi’s life imploded right in front of him, the least he can do is help her out of her jam. And just as soon as she stops getting into new trouble he can leave her alone and get back to his peaceful, solitary life.

At least, that’s the plan until the trouble turns to real danger.

Amazon

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cover Art: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Things We Never Got Over follows Naomi Witt, who runs from a disastrous wedding and ends up in the sleepy (but messy) town of Knockemout. Her estranged twin sister, Tina, has abandoned an 11-year-old daughter, Waylay, on Naomi — leaving her penniless, carless, and wholly unprepared for her new responsibility. 

Enter Knox Morgan, a gruff, tattooed bar owner with a bruised heart and a protective streak. Despite his grumpy exterior, he’s forced to help Naomi and Waylay — and in doing so, he begins to break down his emotional walls. 

 Their chemistry is sharp, playful, and complicated by both their pasts and the heavy weight of family obligations. 

One of the novel’s greatest strengths is its emotional depth. Lucy Score doesn’t shy away from the messy parts of life: betrayal, guilt, and the struggle to forgive are explored with both sensitivity and sincerity. 

 The small-town setting is beautifully drawn, full of quirky characters who bring warmth, humor, and heartbreak in equal measure.

This is a heartfelt, steamy small-town romance that leans into the power of found family, second chances, and healing. If you like emotionally rich love stories with flawed characters and real stakes, Things We Never Got Over is definitely worth a read