Review: Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh

Archangel’s Ascension by Nalini Singh
Series: Guild Hunter, Book 17
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Male/Male Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy 

ISBN: 9780593550038
Release Date: May 6, 2025
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible
Nalini Singh Reading Order

Aodhan and Illium. Adi and Blue. Sparkle and Bluebell. Friends become lovers, their future a wild unknown.

Finally reunited in New York, they must now learn to navigate the monumental shift in their relationship. But for these two members of Archangel Raphael’s legendary Seven, there is no time to rest. As they investigate a case for the Tower that echoes the darkness from Aodhan’s past, they will be forced to confront not only the scars that mark them both, but the promise of a vast power that flickers in Illium.

The threat of ascension has haunted and troubled Aodhan’s Blue for too long, the forces of change immutable and without mercy...and uncaring of Illium’s fierce wish to remain part of the Seven. Change is a constant in an immortal’s life, and this new horizon will bring with it both terrible heartbreak and a joy extraordinary enough to reverberate through time…

Archangel’s Ascension is a breathtakingly romantic story of friends who have become lovers who are now becoming something even more, something that will stand strong and true through millennia. Nalini Singh completes Aodhan and Illium’s love story in a romance that is tender and achingly beautiful.

Archangel’s Ascension picks up where Archange’s Light - the beginning of Adi and Blue’s romance – left off. Singh takes readers back and forth from the present into the far future as the two men’s lives change and grow together. That Bluebell and Sparkle were made for each other, are meant to be best friends and partners, is never in question. But Illium still has fears he needs to confront, buried wounds from abandonment both intentional and not from those he holds close. And Aodhan…artist, warrior, and survivor, still bears scars from his imprisonment and assault. A case he and Illium take on brings those memories to the forefront and helps Aodhan move his healing forward. What makes this story special to me is how tender and open Illium and Aodhan are with each other. There are so many layers to their love that it makes scenes with them captivating. There are countless romantic moments but also ones of brightness and fun, showing the lightness between the two that comes from their centuries of causing mischief together.

Adi and Blue are the heart of this story, but their hearts contain so many others beloved by fans of the Guild Hunter series. I loved seeing their relationships with their loved ones, from Raphael and the rest of the Seven to the vampires, angels, and mortals who have made this series so wonderful. There’s so much depth to the world and that’s in large part to the connections between all the characters. What the future brings I don’t want to spoil, though the title and everything leading up to this book do tell readers what they’re in for. But uncovering when and how things happen and what goes into it was such a joy that I’m going to avoid spoiling the experience. Suffice it to say that Singh makes the journey a rewarding one and I was enthralled every step of the way. And while this book would make the perfect end chapter the Guild Hunter series, never fear that we’re saying goodbye to the characters we love. Singh has written that the series will continue and I very much look forward to more of this world.

Archangel’s Ascension is a gorgeous story that filled my heart with joy. The completion of Aodhan and Illium’s romance was worth the wait and their love story is one I can’t wait to be swept away by again and again.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows

Give Me Butterflies by Jillian Meadows
Series: Oaks Sisters, Book 1
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

ISBN: 9780063416161
Source: Publisher
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Millie was never one to take the expected path. She's an entomologist who loves her job as a natural science curator, inspiring museum visitors every day. It's her dream to take a larger role in the planning of her department, so when a director position opens up, she is determined not to let anything distract her from her goals. Especially her grumpy coworker with his permanent scowl, electric blue eyes, and nerdy astronomy ties.

. . . Not that she’s spent much time noticing any of those things.

Finn doesn’t mean to glare at everyone, but he’s juggling his role at the museum, navigating the grief of losing his sister, attempting to make his nieces smile, and trying not to ruin dinner for the fifth night in a row. He can't afford to let anything slip, and certainly doesn't need anything more on his plate. Millie literally stumbling into him with her bright smile and sunny optimism, is the last thing he needs.

They want nothing to do with each other. But with Finn on the interview committee, avoidance is impossible. And Millie soon realizes it's one thing when a job is on the line. It's quite another when it's her heart.

Give Me Butterflies is an absolutely charming romance. Millie and Finn are sweet, smart, and absolutely made for other which makes it easy to root for their happily ever after.

Millie was once mentally battered down by an abusive boyfriend but now she’s standing strong and isn’t letting anyone mess with her sunny disposition. She’s a successful entomologist and is up for a director position at her museum – her dream job. But on the day of her first interview, she runs into the head of the astronomy department and things do not go well. Finn is grumpy, glowering, and her total opposite…or so she thinks. Finn may seem like a thundercloud at first, but actually he’s just a guy going through a really difficult time. He lost his sister and is now guardian to his nieces, who he loves with all his heart but is afraid of falling short as their new parent.

Jillian Meadows makes it easy to adore Millie, Finn, and the twins, Eloise and Avery. All of them are kind and loving people doing their best. The girls are absolutely sweet as can be and I loved how quickly Millie established a relationship with them separate from hers with Finn. For all that Give Me Butterflies deals with some heavy themes, Meadows makes the book feel light and airy. It’s a low-drama romance as Millie and Finn go from friends to lovers and sometimes you just need a solid love story without false drama in the third act. There’s tension, of course, but Meadows keeps things mostly organic as the story goes on.

Give Me Butterflies is the first book in the Oaks Sisters series and I cannot wait to see more of Millie’s family. I loved the Oaks and Millie’s friends, enjoyed how they welcomed Finn and the girls into their circle with open arms and hearts. All in all, Finn and Millie’s romance was a delight and I am very much looking forward to the next Oaks Sisters tale.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Fan Service by Rosie Danan

Fan Service by Rosie Danan
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Paranormal Romance 

ISBN: 9780593437162
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible

The only place small-town outcast Alex Lawson fits in is the online fan forum she built for The Arcane Files, a long-running werewolf detective show. Her dedication to archiving fictional supernatural lore made her Internet-famous, even if she harbors a secret disdain for the show’s star, Devin Ashwood. (Never meet your heroes—sometimes they turn out to be The Worst.)

Ever since his show went off the air, Devin and his career have spiraled, but waking up naked in the woods outside his LA home with no memory of the night before is a new low. It must have been a coincidence that the once-in-a-century Wolf Blood Moon crested last night. The claws, fangs, and howling are a little more difficult to explain away. Desperate for answers, Devin finds Alex—the closest thing to an expert that exists. If only he could convince her to stop hating his guts long enough to help....

Devin Ashwood was a former child star turned heartthrob on his long-running supernatural show. Now he’s forty-two, washed up, and desperate to try and get the show rebooted. His life isn’t going his way…then he finds out he may have been turned into a werewolf. What’s a wolfman to do? The only thing he can do in this wild situation: track down the moderator of the most extensive fan forum The Arcane Files had and seek their guidance. Alex Lawson had her childhood crush on Devin quashed when she met him as a teenager. The fact that he shows up in her hometown wanting her help is laughable. Until truth turns out to be stranger than fiction. Now they need to use her knowledge to help Devin learn to control his wolf. But Devin isn’t the only one with lessons to learn…

Fan Service is a love letter to fandoms wrapped up in a chaotic (in a good way) romance. I admit, I had mixed feelings about this book in the beginning but Rosie Danan pulled me in over the course of the story and I was loving it by the end.

Devin is kind of insufferable at first. He’s desperate to revive his career but he’s also just plain shallow. Alex is prickly and stand-offish which makes sense given how she’s still bullied in her town even as an adult. The first half of Fan Service was a bit slow for me because the characters and even their wacky situation didn’t really draw me in (unusual for me with Danan’s writing). That being said, the story seriously picked up at the halfway point and I fell in love with Alex and Devin. Yes, Devin is desperate and wants to be loved but as he starts becoming more human (ironic given his situation) he becomes an endearing hero who is messy and more complex than he seems at first. There are parts of his story that simply broke my heart. Alex pushes people away but Devin barrels through her walls and I loved seeing her come into her own. She’s strong, smart, and cares so much that it was delightful to see her find someone she could learn to lean on as well.

Devin’s journey into controlling his werewolf side was highly entertaining. I loved that Alex was able to use her vast knowledge of the Arcane Files fandom to help him. Equally engaging was the romance. Once things picked up between Devin and Alex, Danan turned up the heat in delicious ways. The result was a sensual, sweet, and fun romance. So while I struggled with Fan Service in the first half, I still enjoyed the second half so much that I recommend the book.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb

Bonded in Death by J.D. Robb
Series: In Death, Book 60
Publisher: St. Martin’s Press
Genre: Futuristic/Mystery/Suspense 

ISBN: 9781250370792
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Source: Publisher
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J.D. Robb Reading Order

His passport read Giovanni Rossi. But decades ago, during the Urban Wars, he was part of a small, secret organization called The Twelve. Responding to an urgent summons from an old compatriot, he landed in New York and eased into the waiting car. And died within minutes…

Lieutenant Eve Dallas finds the Rossi case frustrating. She’s got an elderly victim who’d just arrived from Rome; a widow who knows nothing about why he’d left; an as-yet unidentifiable weapon; and zero results on facial recognition. But when she finds a connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, she thinks Summerset—fiercely loyal, if somewhat grouchy, major-domo and the man who’d rescued her husband from the Dublin streets—may know something from his stint as a medic in Europe back then.

When Summerset learns of the crime, his shock and grief are clear—because, as he eventually reveals, he himself was one of The Twelve. It’s not a part of his past he likes to revisit. But now he must—not only to assist Eve’s investigation, but because a cryptic message from the killer has boasted that others of The Twelve have also died. Summerset is one of those who remain—and the murderous mission is yet to be fully accomplished…

When an unassuming visitor from Rome is killed in New York shortly after arrival, Lieutenant Eve Dallas is baffled. Furthering her confusion is why her card was left with the body. She never met Giovanni Rossi, nor is his killer’s motive readily apparent. Looking into the victim and the mysterious group called “The Twelve” that has some connection to the Urban Wars of the 2020s, Eve discovers why the killer chose her. Summerset, Eve’s pain in the neck of a majordomo and member of her family (whether either wants to admit it or not), was once one of the Twelve…and he’s now a target.

Bonded in Death takes Eve, Roarke, and company through a journey of the past and I was totally here for it. The Urban Wars have been referenced throughout the series but the events are more central to this story than most others. Summerset was more than a medic in the Urbans and we get to learn of his past, and that of the other members of the Twelve. I loved learning more about Summerset’s past, enjoyed meeting the friends of his who were all a part in fighting for peace. I won’t say too much for fear of spoiling things, but I really liked meeting the remaining members of the Twelve and learning about them and their shared history. It was also nice to shine a light more on Summerset, a character who has been important but in the background for much of the series.

J.D. Robb has a way of drawing me in from the start and not letting go and the latest In Death adventure was no exception. I enjoyed watching Eve and her team work to put together a picture of the person they were hunting while having to protect a group of ex-spies who may be retired but whose skills are still sharp. Robb balanced mystery, suspense, and entertainment extremely well and I hated it whenever I had to put this book down. I recommend at least being familiar with the In Death series before diving into Bonded in Death, but if you know the main cast I think you can safely jump in here. Any time spent with Eve and Roarke is enjoyable and this latest outing should delight fans of the In Death books.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis

Better Than Friends by Jill Shalvis
Series: Sunrise Cove, Book 7
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Contemporary Romance 

ISBN: 9780063353381
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Source: Author
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Audible
Jill Shalvis Reading Order

When Olive Porter’s off-the-grid parents go missing, she reluctantly seeks out Noah Turner, her ex and the only person she both trusts implicitly and not at all.

As a special investigative agent for the National Park Service, Noah’s used to living under intense pressure. Or he was until he got injured on the job. Now unhappily recuperating at home while being smothered by his loving but nosy family, he’d love nothing more than a good distraction.

So when Olive shows up looking like a million bucks, he has to do a gut and heart check. Because nope, no matter what, he can’t fall for her again, the woman who once blew up his entire life and never looked back. How ironic then that his own personal hell (Olive) is also his ticket out of town. The question is, will the risk be worth the reward?

Ever since one fateful night over a decade ago, Olive and Noah have avoided each other. Now the two are back in Sunrise Cove to help Noah’s sister, who also happens to be Olive’s best friend. Neither wants to address the past or the spark between them that has never died. But the longer they’re around each other, the harder it is to deny that they’re simply meant to be.

Better Than Friends has all the hallmarks of a Jill Shalvis romance. There’s a smart, stunning heroine who gets into some awkward situations, a handsome, steady hero, a cast of nosy but caring supporting characters, and an adorable animal or two. The result? A cute and light read.

Olive has tried to turn herself into someone who has it all together, but when she comes home to Sunrise Cove to help her best friend after Katie’s husband is hurt on the job, old insecurities and wounds rise to the surface. Olive doesn’t like to rely on people and she needs to learn to lean on others. Noah’s life changed after the accident that ended his future in baseball, but it was Olive leaving town and the strained relationship with his father that really hurt him. Now Noah doesn’t want to put down roots, no matter how much his mother tries to set up him with different women.

Noah and Olive are a good match and they have an easy chemistry that’s typical of a Shalvis romance. Of course, everyone around them is working to push them together which was cute. That being said, for some reason Better Than Friends dragged for me. It took a while for things to get moving, which is unusual for Shalvis. The central conflict keeping Noah and Olive apart really wasn’t strong enough to justify an entire novel and I felt like it would have been better suited to a shorter format. The tension didn’t feel earned and it seemed like Olive and Noah kept going in circles for no particular reason other than to stretch a thinnish plot. That being said, I liked the characters and the story wrapped up in an ending that was sweet and satisfying.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Review: Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley

Puck and Prejudice by Lia Riley
Publisher: Avon
Genre: Time Travel Romance 

ISBN: 9780063412323
Source: Publisher
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It is a truth universally acknowledged that a modern single man in possession of a hockey jersey may be exactly what a Regency woman needs to avoid the shackles of marriage... Goalie for the Austin Regals, Tucker Taylor is benched due to health issues. So he decides to visit his sister in England. But an accidental plunge into an icy pond thrusts him back to 1812 where he comes face to face with a captivating blue-eyed woman who regards him as if he’s grown two heads.

Lizzy Wooddash dreams of a life surrounded by books, engaging conversation, the presence of literary icons like Jane Austen, and... nary a husband in sight. But in Regency England, only widows like her cousin Georgie enjoy freedom and solitary pursuits, unencumbered by expectations. The only way to quickly become a widow is by marrying a dying man or killing a perfectly healthy one, neither of which Lizzy desires.

A visitor from the future might just be the husband of her dreams. Once married, they can figure out how to return Tucker to his proper time, and his absence—aka death—will make Lizzy the widow she always dreamed of becoming. Yet as sparks ignite, they soon realize that matters of the heart rarely adhere to carefully laid plans. Can their love stand the test of time, or will Lizzy get exactly what she wanted...as well as a broken heart?

It is a truth acknowledged within my own circle that if you put a Jane Austen reference in a book title or summary that I am likely to pick said book up. I’m also a fan of hockey, so between Puck and Prejudice featuring a time-traveling hockey player and Lia Riley creating a heroine who is pals with Jane Austen, there was little doubt that this would land itself in my reading pile.

Lizzy Wooddash dreams of freedom, of writing, and of not being bound by her family’s desires for her. Which is why when a confused man in strange garb shows up, lost, confused, and in need of help, the perfect solution to all of Lizzy’s problems lies with him. After battling cancer, Tucker Taylor has been benched from the Austin Regals until his doctor clears him to play. While visiting his sister in England, Tucker gets in a car accident and finds himself in 1812. What’s a man who couldn’t tell Austin from Brontë to do? Accept the help of a trio of women who not only believe him, but are determined to assist him to find a way back. In return, Tucker is all-too-happy to marry Lizzy so that she can be “widowed” to gain freedom when he finds his way home. It’s the perfect plan, except neither Lizzy nor Tucker expect to fall for each other.

Puck and Prejudice starts off slow but finds its footing as Lizzy and Tucker begin to fall in love. The story is cute and while you may have to suspend more disbelief than usual for this book, it’s entertaining enough. I liked the characters and the romance was sweet, with Lizzy and Tucker fitting each other well. That being said, the time travel bits were not as well thought-out as they could have been. I finished the book with more questions than I would have liked and there were some plot holes that left me a bit annoyed. And while I liked it when things started moving for the romance, it did feel a bit shallow.

If you’re a Janeite, there are plenty of references to Austen’s work that don’t really play a role but are cute nonetheless. If you’re not familiar with Austen’s work, missing out on those elements won’t detract from the story as it’s all very shallow and fleeting (including Jane’s presence). Overall, this was an OK story. It was entertaining enough to pass the time with and there was nothing wrong with it, but it didn’t grab my attention the way I would have liked.



FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

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Best Books of 2024

2025 is here and I'm so excited by all the possibilities this new year will bring. But before I dive into a year of wonderful new reads and re-reads, it's time to look back at my 2024 year in books. In 2024 I read 75 books, including a few re-reads that I fell in love with all over again. I tried 19 debut or new-to-me authors and discovered some wonderful authors whose backlists I cannot wait to dive into. And finally, I participated in my fifteenth A to Z Reading Challenge, a fun challenge that usually leads me to at least a couple of books I might not have moved to the top of my TBR pile otherwise.

I'm doing things a bit differently this year and am splitting my top reads of 2024 into two categories: Best Books of 2024 (Published in 2024) and Best Books of 2024 (Published in years prior). All of the books on this list were first-time reads because otherwise Jane Austen would just have a permanent spot on my year-end list. The books are alphabetized by author, otherwise I'd be here until 2026 trying to determine the order to put them in.

Best Books of 2024 (Published in 2024)

1. Last Call at the Local (Love, Lists & Fancy Ships, Book 3) by Sarah Grunder Ruiz
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Review
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2. Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Review
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Best Books of 2024 (Published in years prior)

1. The Secret Casebook of Simon Feximal by KJ Charles
Genre: Historical Paranormal Mystery/Romance
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2. Delilah Green Doesn't Care (Bright Falls, Book 1) by Ashley Herring Blake
Genre: Contemporary Romance
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