“A man can’t make his Wyrd better, but it’s in his hands to make it worse.”

Ratings: 5⭐2🌶️

My thoughts: This is definitely some complex character work. It took a minute to start grasping what was going on but once I did, I was hooked. I’m excited to see what happens in this series because this will be my first LONG series (16 books so far) within the fantasy genre. The story has so much action, world building, romance, adventure, etc. that it kept me entertained from start to finish. It was like a movie unfolding before me.

Daggerspell Katharine Kerr Fantasy The Deverry Cycle: Act One, # 1

Note: I keep my traditional/full reviews on my blog: lamplightchapters.com

Fave Quote: “Well, if I’m going to die anyway, I’m going out with a good book in hand and drunk halfway to a stupor.”

Ratings: 5⭐ 3🌶️

My thoughts: This is very much what I would expect of a adult/dark version of Harry Potter mixed with tarot cards. Halfway through the book I felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation. The story kept me engaged the whole way through. And knowing that book 2 is going to release sometime next year... Like, what?? I need it now!

This book was a book club read for me > Tome’s Unofficial House of Reason > November 2025

Arcana Academy Elise Kova Fantasy Romance Arcana Academy, # 1

Note: I keep my traditional/full reviews on my blog: lamplightchapters.com

Themes: ♡ Magical tarot cards ♡ Dark academia ♡ Fate and destiny ♡ Slow burn ♡ Fake dating

I would like to thank Ashley R. O'Donovan for this ARC opportunity!

"Hey, just because you don't see anyone doesn't mean no one's watching."

Format: 📱 Ratings: 5 ⭐ 4🌶️

I continue to be impressed with Ashley's story for Katja. I was HOOKED on Avidian and was desperately waiting for this book. I paced myself through it because I didn't want to finish it. I wanted to continue living in this world forever. I was left completely flabbergasted at the end... I did not see it coming. This is one of my FAVORITE things about reading a good book. I love when the author can completely transport me and then catch me by surprise and keep me guessing. Ashley did just that.

"It feels like I'm free."

I really enjoyed the banter between Katja and all of her friends, not just Malachi. In the first book, we get a good glimpse at how their relationship dynamics work and this book did not disappoint when it came to the relationships that she has formed. I also loved that this book did not waste any time jumping in and running with the story that was left off in book one. The pacing of this book is great, the storyline kept me intrigued and guessing, and the end smacked me in the face like a glass door that I never saw coming.

My quote to Ashley on Instagram was "OMG!!!!! What??? How? Why? I can't even handle my emotions right now..." and I stand by that statement today. I was not prepared for how much I would love this duology. The dystopian elements in this book are so well written and the storyline from book one to book two is so smooth. If you love emotional damage books, then this will be right up your alley.

This book is coming out soon and 1. If you have not read Avidian yet then what are you doing with your life and 2. You need to read this book. If you like Fantasy/Sci-Fi and/or Romance in any fashion, pick this up and read it... but read Avidian first.

"Those eyes could start a war, and that smile would finish it."

Rating: 4⭐ 3🌶️

My Thoughts: Hannah has done it again. She has a way with keeping the rom-com feel while still addressing real life issues. This was such a cute read. I really enjoyed the shift in focus on the MMC’s mental health instead of the typical FMC in distress role. They way Sutton and Cooper’s relationship shifts throughout the book is chef’s kiss. Nicely written. I also love the details she puts into the other characters around the MCs.

Me About You Hannah Hamrick Genre: Contemporary Romance Series: Lakeland Bears, #1

Thank you to Hannah Hamrick and LoveNotesPR for the eARC opportunity.

Tropes: hockey romance, found family, second chance, rivals to lovers

Note: I keep my traditional/full reviews on my blog: lamplightchapters.com

“So, way I see it, you can either go skip-skip-skippin’ down this merry trail she’s blazed for you, or you can lay back in the tall grass for a while, see if maybe you can figure out what the fuck is going on.”

Ratings: 3.5⭐

My thoughts: I really wish I could give a simple explanation for you... but all I can say is this is the most unique, wild ride that I have been on in a long time. It was weird, dark, confusing, intriguing, and maniacal all at the same time. You would think I were on drugs if I tried to explain it to you. But it was definitely a fun read. I enjoyed it but I’m not sure if I could make more sense of it if I read it again. I teetered between a 3 or 4 star so settled on 3.5 stars.

This book was a BFF book club read for me > January 2026

The Library at Mount Char Scott Hawkins Fantasy / Horror

Note: I keep my traditional/full reviews on my blog: lamplightchapters.com

Themes: ♡ life and death ♡ fate and destiny