
Brutal by AJ Merlin
When I say I like dark romance, Brutal by AJ Merlin is what I mean. There’s great spice, an intense relationship, and folks with some messed up ideas of what is wrong/right/sexy. I honestly 100% recommend this read to anyone that is okay with the kinks featured. It was really well written and a joy to read all the way around.

The Ties That Bind by Piper Rhodes
I have been on such a dark romance kick, that I jumped at the chance to pick up The Ties That Bind by Piper Rhodes. This was a great, short read that packed enough plot to keep the novella moving forward and just enough spice to keep it tantalizing.

The Devil’s Bargain by Carin Hart
“The Devil’s Bargain” by Carin Hart stands out as a BookTok recommendation that truly delivers. With well-suited characters, a tried-and-true narrative, and a satisfying twist, this dark romance redeems the author after a lackluster experience with “No One Has To Know.” The chemistry between Linc and Ava, along with their clear boundaries, makes for a solid, spicy read.

A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai
With such a cute title and cover, I could not wait to dive into A Not So Bollywood Meet Cute by Miya Malai. The concept was super cute, and it was a breezy read on its own, however I think it could’ve been so much better if it was more focused on building up the characters and their relationship with one another, instead of multiple relationships and outside plots.

Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater
Half a Soul by Olivia Atwater is a very sweet and charming regency romance with just a bit of fantasy involved. The ending was satisfying, despite the small bumps it took to get there. I definitely think this would be a great read for young adult, and clean romance readers, especially those that love historical/regency period pieces.

The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel
Romance is romance, but this February, I wanted to specifically read Valentine themed romance. That’s how I ended up finding The Valentine Inn by Jennifer Peel. This was such a sweet romance and definitely out of the norm from what I usually read. This had me laughing, tearing up, and swooning all at the same time.

Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos
Reading Here and Only Here by Christelle Dabos was a struggle. Despite its short length, the abundance of different points-of-view made it challenging to engage until around 40%. The translated nature felt clunky. As the story darkened, it became more compelling, but the scattered perspectives hindered overall enjoyment. Recommended for mature middle graders or high schoolers with a knack for navigating disjointed narratives.





























