Review: The Forgotten Lore by Diana Peterfreund

The Forgotten Lore by Diana Peterfreund
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even though I was an english major in college, I'm not sure I ever read anything by Edgard Allen Poe. So to read a YA book about the Poe family and about EAP's life was different, but not bad overall. I liked that I had the same feelings about poetry and english class as Ellen, where we just didn't care.

Ellen is a great character. She's determined, dedicated, and focused when she wants answers. And she definitely wanted answers that were coming up about her ghost friend Eddy (aka Edgar Allen Poe). I really felt for her when the full story came out about her dad and why she was staying with her Aunt.

Gus was a bit strange for me and definitely a mystery. I'm with Ellen in wondering why he never got in trouble about breaking the school dress code...

I liked the history parts and her and Gus exploring places they are not meant to explore. And seeing Eddy become distraught when he codes were cracked within seconds using a computer was quite humorous.

I'm pretty intrigued on this story line and may dive into book 2 later when my reading schedule opens up to see what other adventures await Ellen and Gus.

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Review: Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros

Threshing Day by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this compilation of stories! We learn so much about the characters and their dragons that I'm not sure we'd ever get through Violet's point of view. I love all the guest appearances that shouldn't have happened. I loved all of the emotions that were heightened and true thoughts that were revealed.

We learn dragon things and marked one plans and feelings that are brewing between riders. I'm sure I missed so many moments through my quick read that I will definitely be revisiting this soon.

I laughed HYSTERICALLY thrush Ridoc's story, such I'm not surprised about. Though he had a few deep moments that I loved. I teared up through Imogen, Liam and Sloane's stories. Dain surprised me a bit, not gonna lie. He's still on my ban list after his life altering mistakes though. Aaric's was badass.

Seriously, this was phenomenal. I didn't know i needed this until I read it and I'm so glad Rebecca Yarros gifted us with this gem of a book!

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Review: Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West

Stranger Things Have Happened by Kasie West
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I finally read this! I've been wanting to for forever and I'm glad I got it completed.

I connected a lot with Sutton because I also am a bit of a control freak and micromanages a lot. Plus having her own routine and set things - that's definitely me. So seeing her start to loosen up and relax was great to see.

Elijah is fun and yet serious at the same time. I love how calm and cool he is when Sutton gets a bit intense. They even each other out and are good for each other.

Sutton's mom is just plain horrible. I really disliked her. I also really disliked Michael too. Tara was okay but I feel like she was a bit judgy toward Sutton.

I definitely liked this more than Kasie West's other adult novel. I liked the slow burn and the getting to know each other moments. Looking forward to more from Kasie West!

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Review: Once Written in Gilded Blood by K.M. Moronova

Once Written in Gilded Blood by K.M. Moronova
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Meh. I really enjoyed book one and was excited to read the final installment but it to me forever to get through and now that I'm done, I'm not really impressed with it. I feel like this book was a bit bipolar with how much it jerked us around from one scene to another. 

First Alira essentially became a trapped housewife. The Alira twin book one would never allow that to happen. She's too strong willed and proactive for a life like that. 

The secrets Kalel was keeping were basically brushed aside and not dealt with as much as they should have been. Those were serious secrets and needed a lot more unpacking than the reader got. 

The whole sacrifice and death part? One it's a bit fuzzy because it's how rushed it is but two, it just doesn't make sense one bit. Was the author rushed to finish this book? Because that's the feeling I get. 

I'm a bit disappointed i read this series just to end up feeling this way. I'm glad I finally read it so I know but overall Im definitely underwhelmed with how this got wrapped up. 

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Review: Once Upon a Demon's Heart by K.M. Moronova

Once Upon a Demon's Heart by K.M. Moronova
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I decided to reread this since I have book 2 to dive into and I'm glad I did because I forgot a lot of details. I do really enjoy this story and these characters and I hope the communication gets better in book 2, though I doubt it with their history so far. 

Original review from March 1, 2026:

This book has a pretty slow pace but enough to keep me intrigued and find out what happens on the next page. I loved the revealed secrets at the end even though I guessed most of them. Alira has been through a lot in her life so far and the amount of guilt she has is a insane. I don't think her life will get any better, especially since it seems like her husband and everyone she lives with in her new home hates her. Kalel is full of secrets and mixed feelings about everything it seems. I'll be curious to see how these two pan out after his devious secrets are revealed. 

I definitely enjoyed this book and I'm glad I decided to read it!

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Review: Fated to the Frozen Prince by Ciara Hartford

Fated to the Frozen Prince by Ciara Hartford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another new to me author and an entertaining story that I enjoyed! I liked Wrenora and wish we could have gotten more of her backstory because she had been through a lot of insane situations! And Callan is the typical broody, misunderstood prince that I love so much. 

I also connect well with Wrenora that being cold is the worst torture ever and living in a frozen palace made of ice? Yeah that would be my nightmare and I would rather live anywhere else. 

I liked seeing both of them learn more about each other and grow their feelings, and also liked the twists and mystery in the novel. Glad i got the chance to read it! 

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Review: Fated to the Cursed Captain by Dawn Darling

Fated to the Cursed Captain by Dawn Darling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A pirate themed Beauty and the Beast? I had to investigate further because I love both of those things! I adored Corynne's determination and pure love for her work with the stars. She got denied so many times to study her passion but she NEVER let that stop her from trying over and over again. And good for her for running away from August who would have trapped her in a future that would have tortured her. 

She also fought tooth and nail against Silas when he caged her on his boat. Corynne isn't a girl to mess with because she is a fighter! 

Silas is such a broody, ruthless pirate and I loved every second of it. He was no match against my girl Corynne but it was entertaining to see him try to resist the temptation. 

Loved the reveal of the curse and how it started. I would have enjoyed seeing more about what their lives looked like after but I'll let my imagination run wild with ideas on my own. Glad I took a chance to read this new to me author! 

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