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House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis Series) by Naomi Valkyrie – Review by Netania Lim

House Valdis Origins: Xenobia (House Valdis, #0.5)House Valdis Origins: Xenobia by Naomi Valkyrie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A short story that packs a lot into just a few pages. The intensity and the dialogue kept up the whole time but there’s still a lot of emotional pull throughout. This is a great opening into the first book of the series and I can’t wait to read more in this series.

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Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls Series Book 3) by Rob Samborn – Review by Netania Lim

Master of the Abyss (Painted Souls, #3)Master of the Abyss by Rob Samborn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This historical / thriller / fantasy series (seriously, it’s all those genres put together) is back for its third and final installment and I’m a little sad to see it end. I love the fast pace, the suspense, the adventure of it all. There’s so much detail in the world and the characters are compelling, which makes the reader kind of fall into the story themselves. This book had me hooked, as did the rest of the series. Highly recommend!

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The Befallen (The Unsung and The Wolf Duology) by Cambria Williams – Review by Netania Lim

The BefallenThe Befallen by Cambria Williams
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this fantasy romance. It’s the perfect reluctant heroine meets brooding love interest, which makes for a truly wonderful pairing that I always enjoy and in this case there’s just some gorgeous chemistry between the two main characters. The setting and world-building were also fun to read, with just enough magic to make the entire novel feel beautiful and special. A really lovely read.

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Murky Murder (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book) by Hazel Smith – Review by Netania Lim

Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery (A Maid Ivy Cozy Mystery Book)Murky Murder: An Utterly Addictive Cozy Murder Mystery by Hazel Smith
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun quick cozy murder mystery. I didn’t realise this book is the fourth in a series but I enjoyed it anyway, so you don’t necessarily have to read the rest of the series first. I find the cozy murder genre to be a bit of a comfort read type but this was made better by the fact that the characters are quirky rather than smart. Every page leaves you hanging and you just can’t put the book down. I love an escapist read and this gives in spades.

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Orenda (The Latitude Series) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

Orenda (The Latitude Series Book 2)Orenda by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been following the Antipodes series and now the follow-up Latitude series, and this novel is the latest installment. The story is gripping, perfect for fans of dystopian romance, and the characters are strong and well-developed. I also think that the series is unique in the way the author tries to incorporate different belief systems from around the world to create an imagined one. There’s plenty of drama and tragedy, and the suspense doesn’t let up until the end. I would recommend reading both series in order as it gets pretty complex and characters reappear. Can’t wait for the next book!

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Netania Lim

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers #3)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

For fans of spicy historical romance with a twist—set in Spain/Portugal—but with all the crucial elements that make me love this genre. It’s got period details, romance tropes, and a plot that isn’t only about a love story. The characters are well-developed, although sometimes the writing took me out of the story a little. I haven’t read the other two books in this series but I’m sure I’ll be picking up a book by this author again in no time.

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The Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson – Review by Netania Lim

The Earl, Her Reluctant GuardianThe Earl, Her Reluctant Guardian by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A historical romance with a paranormal twist. Of course, I am a big fan of attention to historical detail to transport me to another time and place, which the author certainly delivers in spades. But I was also pleasantly surprised by the fast pace of the plot and the suspense of the novel overall. The drama and the mystery of the novel made this a page-turner for me. Whether or not you’re a fan of historical fiction, I’d definitely recommend this.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Netania Lim

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This little novella from one of my favourite series just put me in the right mood and now I’m so ready for Christmas season to arrive. It’s October, surely the festive season has already started?! Plus spooky season means it’s perfect timing for a little suspense and mystery and intrigue, which the author delivers in spades, per usual. It’s so nice to fall back into what has become a comfort series for me every few months, thanks to the historical aspect and the generally cosy vibes. Can be read standalone, but the whole series is not to be missed!

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Granting Katelyn (Sweet Valley Series) by S.E. Reichert – Review by Netania Lim

Granting KatelynGranting Katelyn by S.E. Reichert
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am a horse girlie at heart and just like that, I’m back in my horse girlie era. Throw in an enemies-to-lovers trope, with a no-nonsense girl with her head on straight who meets a hurt, frankly traumatised guy with daddy issues and I’m rooting for these fictional characters with all my heart. The tension simmers, you can’t help but become emotionally invested in these characters, and I never thought I’d say this, but steamy moments in unexpected places, wink wink? Say no more.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries Book 6) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Netania Lim

Parisian Intrigue (Notebook Mysteries #6)Parisian Intrigue by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love this series, combining my comfort genre (historical fiction) along with my childhood favourite (mystery). It also just keeps getting better, and this time we’re in Paris, a setting that is hard to go amiss! The pages fly by when I read this novel, both because of the details, the plot as well as the main character, whom we’ve seen grow as the books go on. I love the journey this series has taken us on and I can’t wait to read the next one soon.

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Ladies of the Links (Ladies of the Links Book 2) by Haley Rhoades – Review by Netania Lim

Ladies of the Links #2Ladies of the Links #2 by Haley Rhoades
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I haven’t read the first book in the series but this was a quick, easy romance read. I don’t usually read sports romance but I do like a second chance and this gave me what I wanted – angst, drama and secrets. And of course, you can’t go wrong when it’s a little bit steamy. I’ll be sure to check out the rest of this series!

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A Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris – Review by Netania Lim

A Curse of Ash and IronA Curse of Ash and Iron by Christine Norris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A relatively quick, easy read, as I would say this is more YA and I didn’t enjoy it as much. But I was pulled in by the idea of a Cinderella retelling with a steampunk twist, and since I don’t read much steampunk, I thought it added to the story and enjoyed this element. The magical elements are very much a part of the Cinderella fairytale already in my opinion, but I did appreciate this as well. The thing I loved most though was the historical details given the 19th Century Philadelphia setting. Generally, a fun read.

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Esprit de Corpse by Ef Deal – Review by Netania Lim

Esprit de CorpseEsprit de Corpse by Ef Deal
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a fun quick read, a paranormal steampunk that clearly draws on Dracula with strong female characters. The world-building is quite something in terms of its depth of research and lush descriptions. Although it has its unrealistic moments, it’s undoubtedly a page-turner that makes me want to forgive the author anyway. And I do love anything set in Paris, and in the Underground and with a period setting? Sign me up (hello, Les Mis). The characters too are compelling and completely inhabit the world. This novel was full of surprises that kept me going. Highly recommend.

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Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries Book 5) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Netania Lim

Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions (Notebook Mysteries book #5)Notebook Mysteries ~ Suspicions by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read several books in this series and always enjoyed the historical mystery aspect of it. I love the suspense and drama of the plot, of course. It’s fast-paced and intriguing, but I also think that Emma as the main character is always dynamic and interesting. She’s a strong, independent woman, but her relationship with Jeremy seemed deeper in this book, which I appreciated. Highly recommend this whole series.

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The 45th Parallel (Antipodes Series Book 6) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

The 45th Parallel (Antipodes, #6)The 45th Parallel by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have always enjoyed this series and I really loved getting to know these two sisters as characters. In some ways, their storylines seemed more interesting. While the novel is of course full of suspense and makes you want to turn the pages faster, I really enjoyed the character development. Highly recommend reading the whole series!

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Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery Book 3) by Winter Austin – Review by Netania Lim

Straight for the Kill (Benoit and Dayne Mystery, #3)Straight for the Kill by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I read this as a standalone—as with most series, it would probably be better to read the series in order, but I enjoyed the novel anyway. It’s full of suspense and thrilling moments, I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough, and it really kept me on my toes the whole way through. A fun read.

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Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2) by Halley Larkin – Review by Netania Lim

Spellbound Seduction (The Brightley Sisters Book 2)Spellbound Seduction by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Brightley Sisters series. I hadn’t read the first book going into this one, so I was a bit lost in the beginning, but the story picks up and I enjoyed it anyway. I might go back and read the first one, since I enjoyed the writing and I loved all the historical details. Plus it’s got intriguing turns that kept me going. I am definitely looking forward to Book 3!

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Divided Lives by K.R. Mullins – Review by Netania Lim

Divided LivesDivided Lives by K.R. Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Having read some of the books in the author’s Notebook Mystery series, I was very excited to read this. I loved the crime/mystery plot elements with the historical details of life in New York in 1912. Really though, the interesting part of the novel is how Emma lives two separate lives and the fallout that happens when they collide, as this makes up most of the character development in the novel. The novel kept me turning the pages the whole way through. Highly recommend this one!

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After She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson – Review By Netania Lim

After She Became a LadyAfter She Became a Lady by Wareeze Woodson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoy historical romance and I do prefer stories that follow after a couple has fallen in love. I particularly liked the Rebecca-style mystery, although the reveal fell kind of flat. Also, the ending wasn’t as punchy and climatic as I would have liked and there were more than a few loose threads and missing scenes. I also felt like the characters could have had more depth and while there was attention to detail, some did become a little repetitive. I enjoyed the storytelling and Laurel as a character

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Sessrúmnir (Antipodes Series Book 5) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

Sessrumnir (Antipodes #5)Sessrumnir by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve really enjoyed the Antipodes series and the author has maintained the high standards of the entire series in this concluding finale. As with the other books, there’s plenty of sci-fi/dystopian, environmental and mythological themes, which I really enjoyed. But most of all, I was so keen to see where the characters would end up and the ending was satisfying. I’ve really enjoyed going on this journey with these characters and I will miss them. Highly recommend this whole series.

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The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls Book 1) by Rob Samborn – Review by Netania Lim

The Prisoner of Paradise (Painted Souls, #1)The Prisoner of Paradise by Rob Samborn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I enjoy fiction with dual timelines set in contemporary times and the historical past, and I’m so happy to add this novel to my list. Set in present-day and 16th century Venice, the storyline was evenly paced and I just fell in love with the world of Venetian art. There are so many details and the novel is clearly well-researched but it’s woven into the story so it doesn’t feel like info dumping. There’s enough mystery to hook you in and then the characters take care of the rest. A great read!

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Ouroboros (Antipodes Book 3) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

Ouroboros (Antipodes #3)Ouroboros by T.S. Simons
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Although I’ve read the first book in this series, I hadn’t read #2. I still really enjoyed this book and being able to read more about characters old and new and for the most part, it still made sense. I felt like the two main characters Cam and Freya really grow up and while their relationship deepens, they also feel like two very settled adults who’ve been through a lot but are also there for each other. I was a bit uncomfortable with how Amara was described as a Thai woman but other than that, I also enjoyed the many other characters in this world. So overall I felt like this novel is a bit more slow-paced than the first but it was still very much an enjoyable read.

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The Liminal Space (Antipodes Book 2) by T.S. Simons – Review by Netania Lim

The Liminal Space (Antipodes #2)The Liminal Space by T.S. Simons
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second in the Antipodes series and I would suggest reading the first book prior to reading the second. This is my favourite of the series (although I’ve read it out of order), and this one made me more emotional than the others. Once again, the story follows Cam and what happens after the events of the first book. Cam is now living on the Island of Lewis, until he learns that someone he loves may still be alive. It was interesting to see how Cam grows throughout the course of the book as he now has a family to look after and all the dilemmas of a community that has to survive on very little because a pandemic has destroyed most of the earth. This one seemed slower than the others in the series but I enjoyed the emotional arcs more. An atmospheric read.

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Love in the Roses (Love Through the Ages Book 1) by TL Clark – Review by Netania Lim

Love in the RosesLove in the Roses by T.L. Clark
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this historical romance set during the War of the Roses in England. The characters themselves were well-developed. But I particularly liked the world-building and the attention to detail in terms of the setting, the dialogue style, and all of this brings the book to life. The drama and the intrigue kept the story moving even as some of the details flew over my head a little. Overall, an enjoyable read.

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Pilot Who Knows the Water (The Lord Hani Mysteries Book 6) by N.L. Holmes – Review by Netania Lim

Pilot Who Knows the Waters (Lord Hani, #6)Pilot Who Knows the Waters by N.L. Holmes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I would read this series in order to get the most out of it. I’ve enjoyed reading this series, and as with the previous books, this one is filled with mystery and intrigue. The characters and the narrative are well-fleshed out and the attention to historical detail makes it so easy to be transported to another time and place. The pace is definitely gripping and I didn’t want to put the book down. A great ending to a great series.

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Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series (A Dark Sparrow Novel) by India Kells – Review by Netania Lim

Dark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book SeriesDark Sparrow Box Set: The Complete 6-Book Series by India Kells
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read plenty of India Kells’ books over the years and this series is one of my favourites. Each book in this set is about one of six bastard sons.

#1
I enjoyed the Chicago setting. This is a great romance thriller with plenty of angst and suspense. I loved the writing style and I loved all the characters. Highly recommend!

#2
This is the second book in the Dark Sparrow series and I loved it as much as the first. There was lots of action and suspense, and it kept me turning the page the whole way through. I love the way the author writes her characters with a lot of depth and complexity, as it makes for compelling stories. Highly recommend.

#3
I love any book by India Kells, including this one. There’s plenty of tension and intrigue, as usual, but I also liked how the characters felt less “alpha” in this one. This one had a great storyline that kept me turning the pages. This is a great romantic thriller to read.

#4
This was a great book! There was plenty of action, chemistry between the characters, and lots of suspense. I really loved the danger and intrigue of this book. This was definitely a page-turner.

#5
I’ve read several of India Kells’ books and I love their romantic suspense, especially in this Dark Sparrow series. In this novel, Sam and Ellie are drawn to each other by a connection where sparks fly immediately, but they both have dark pasts that they have to overcome to be with each other. I felt like I wanted more depth, as this was quite a short read and the resolution seemed too easy. Overall, a quick romance read.

#6
Knowing this was the last book of the series, this was just a fun read and I liked how it wrapped up the series. It’s still full of tension, suspense, mystery, and of course romantic chemistry as with all the previous books in the series.

Every book in this series is full of action and great characters, highly recommend!

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The Curse of a Faeblood by MK Lorber – Review by Netania Lim

The Curse of a FaebloodThe Curse of a Faeblood by M.K. Lorber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love fantasy and I really enjoyed this book. It’s the first in a series, and I really enjoyed the mix of romance, politics, and magic all contained within this story. It’s full world-building that feels very integrated into the plotlines and revealed gradually throughout the book. But there is also a lot to Ember’s character development which I really enjoyed, as well as her falling in love with Gavyn, and all of the characters are well-drawn and complex. I will definitely be reading the next in this series.

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A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending Book 1) by Nicole Bailey – Review by Netania Lim

A Veil of Gods and Kings (Apollo Ascending, #1)A Veil of Gods and Kings by Nicole Bailey
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’ve read some Greek mythology retellings, but I’ve never read one about Apollo and Hyacinth, and I really enjoyed this one. It’s more YA in writing style but I also liked the fact that the mythology was modernised and it was more a story of imagination and fantasy rather than a straight retelling of the original myth. It was really the depth of character that pulled me into the story and the romance/tension is off the charts. I will definitely be keeping my eye out for the next book!

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Weep, Woman, Weep: A Gothic Fairytale about Ancestral Hauntings by Maria DeBlassie – Review by Netania Lim

Weep, Woman, WeepWeep, Woman, Weep by Maria DeBlassie
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I generally enjoy feminist gothic horror and this book is no different. It’s more or less a novella given its short length. I really just wanted more pages so that there would be more depth to the story, as some parts of the story felt a bit rushed. Still, the writing was beautiful, and I enjoyed the magical realism as well as the themes of intergenerational trauma and grief. A haunting but moving story.

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Midnight Masquerade (The Brightly Sisters Book 1) by Halley Larkin – Review by Netania Lim

Midnight Masquerade (The Brightley Sisters #1)Midnight Masquerade by Halley Larkin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It’s been a minute since I read a historical romance but I really enjoyed this one. And I liked that while it’s a Regency romance, it also brings in Russian aristocracy. You feel for the characters, especially Charmaine, who seems to be caught between her desires and her social responsibilities as well as her responsibilities to her sisters’ wellbeing. There’s plenty of intrigue and pining, but Charmaine and her sisters are also pretty unconventional, which was really enjoyable to read. If you like Bridgerton, this is the book for you!

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