Review for Jeffe Kennedy's "LOVE, LIES, AND FEY LINES"

 

LOVE, LIES, AND LEY LINES
Fantasy

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
January 20, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679883

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Bandit, aka Cha, is a (mostly) human ley rider who makes a living from racing since her partner went legit. She and Goldilocks used to be celebrated as “the best of the best” when it came to smuggling. When she gets an offer too tempting to refuse, Cha persuades her friend to undertake one last run. Goldilocks reluctantly agrees, despite her doubts. Along the way, Bandit picks up an enigmatic yet handsome hitchhiker – who happens to be fleeing from his wedding. Hijinks ensue. Who is the mysterious man that Bandit picked up? And will she and Goldilocks pull off their task successfully?

It did take me some time to cozy up and like Cha, Goldilocks and Azul. I like Bandit and Goldilocks’ bond. They have been friends since school. So, they know about the other’s weaknesses and strengths. This allows them to synchronize. I dislike what Goldilocks and her wife did to Cha. In part, I understand why. Still, it feels wrong.

What I enjoy the most is Cha and Azul’s byplay. Azul does not know how to deal with Cha’s brand of chaos… but she grows on him. Their banter/flirtation entertained me.

LOVE, LIES, AND LEY LINES is the first book in Jeffe Kennedy’s new fantasy romance series, THE FAST AND THE FAE. The story starts out slowly. Which is normal because the author needs to introduce the world, its dynamics, and the characters. I admit it took me a while to get into the story and characters.

The momentum picks up once Bandit and Goldilocks start their journey. That is when the story takes on a gender-bend, fantasy-like Smokey and the Bandit (yeah shows my age!). Which totally works for me. That got me fully interested and invested in the plot and characters. I even told my husband about it; he is a huge fan of SatB.

I do have one small nitpick. It is very minor. Usually, such terms do not bother me. However, every time Bandit used it, it threw me off. I guess I had a rough time taking it seriously. Nothing that will keep me from reading the rest of the series…

I did notice the series’ name is another take on a car-themed movie. I wonder if the next two books will be inspired by such movies. If so, it will be fun to guess what movie. My curiosity is now piqued! I cannot wait for the next installment.

Review for Sara Bennett's SECOND CHANCE PRINCE

 

SECOND CHANCE PRINCE
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sara Bennett

RELEASE DATE:
May 19, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Forever

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781538723852

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sara-bennett.com/

 

 

Prince Nikolai (Niki) of Holtswig visits his aunt in London until the unrest in his country calms down. He has never forgotten his time with the Ashton family, especially one young woman. When someone tries to assassinate him, Niki allows the British government to protect him. He needs to pretend to be engaged to an Englishwoman. Niki will have none other than Roberta Ashton to pose as his fake fiancé. Will Niki learn the identity of the one behind the assassination attempts? And will his and Roberta’s sham engagement become real?

Roberta Ashton’s family is no stranger to scandal. She has learned to subdue her wild nature while amongst her peers. Roberta fondly remembers her infatuation with Nikolai during his last stay in England. When someone tries to kill him in her presence, she agrees to a fake engagement to protect him. Roberta knows she is the wrong woman for Niki, but she cannot help but to want to be his real fiancé. Will their ruse have the desired effect? Can Roberta let Niki go once he is free from the danger?

This book really changed my original opinions on Nikolai. His arrogant and pompous demeanor is all a front, one that has been hammered into him since childhood. It has also become a defense mechanism for him; one Niki uses to hide his awkwardness and shyness. What I like the most about Nikolai is how he secretly admired Roberta’s true nature. He hated seeing her dampen it down.

Roberta has really come a long way. I half expected her to continually thumb her nose at her peers and their expectations. Instead, Roberta learned to play their game while not forgoing her true nature. She just knows when to let it free and when to reign it in. What I adore the most about Roberta is how she truly saw Niki. She saw the socially awkward man beneath the cold, pompous demeanor. Roberta also picked up clues when Niki became nervous or agitated over something.

SECOND CHANCE PRINCE is the third book in Sara Bennett’s historical romance series, ROMANCING THE DUKES. It is better to start the series from the start. DREAMING OF A DUKE LIKE YOU, book one, introduces the Ashton family and the scandal that surrounds them. In book two, MY SECRET DUKE, shows how Roberta and Nikolai first met. I do remember secretly hoping they would end up together. Glad the author made it happen! Gabriel and Vivienne and Olivia and Ivo do make appearances throughout the story.

I did have one small nitpick. Freddie and his happily-ever-after. I remember, going into this book, wondering if the author intends to introduce his destined partner. Sara Bennett does. Unfortunately, it is a background romance like Justina and Charles and Annette and Harold. It felt like a major let down. And I am not wild about his choice. I still cannot pinpoint what about her that disagrees with me so.

I wonder if Antonia will be the next Ashton to receive a book. The other two Ashton sisters are too young. I have a suspicion… And I hope Niki’s younger brother gets a book, but I suspect HIS story will be a background romance too.

Review of Jeffe Kennedy's "Magic Reborn"

 

MAGIC REBORN
(Dark) Fantasy Romance

 

 

AUTHOR:
Jeffe Kennedy

RELEASE DATE:
December 30, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Brightlynx Publishing, Inc

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781958679807

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.jeffekennedy.com/home

 

 

Alise Elal manages to escape her egocentric father with her beloved, Cillian Harahel’s help. They race to reunite with their friends and family at the academy, so they can unlock the secrets buried within a concealed archive. There are enemies who wish for those secrets to remain locked away and hidden… And allies who want the information exposed. Will Cillian’s library magic help find the key to unlock the cypher on the archives? Will Alise be strong enough to confront her father for good? And will the secrets within the archives change the wizard and familiar dynamic forever?

Alise and Cillian have come into their own. They each have their own strengths, weaknesses, and gifts. Both came into the other’s life when they needed them the most. I like how Cillian knows when to be firm and patient with Alise. He does not let her wallow in self-pity, self-doubt, or guilt. And Alise knows she can depend on Cillian.

MAGIC REBORN is the final book in Jeffe Kennedy’s dark fantasy romance trilogy, WARRIORS OF MAGIC – a continuation of her two series, BONDS OF MAGIC and RENEGADES OF MAGIC. It also completes the entire saga. I strongly recommend reading the prior trilogies before this one. The couples from those books play important roles in this story. There were some parts at the end that felt a tad rushed. Overall, I am happy with the way things have ended. And I’m a little sad to see this series finished.

I am happy that Jadren and Seliah play pivotal parts in this book (Nic and Gabriel do too). Jadren has always been my favorite since his introduction in BONDS OF MAGIC. I love his twisted, snarky, and sardonic personality. And I also like how well Jadren and Cillian get along. They seem the unlikeliest of friends. I will miss Jadren the most.

Review for Sofie Darling's "Lord Archer Catches a Contessa"

 

LORD ARCHER CATCHES A CONTESSA
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Sofie Darling

RELEASE DATE:
January 06, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Oliver Heber Books

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
B0G15DWZ4D

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://sofiedarling.com/

 

 

Lord Daniel Windermere, Archie to those close to him, is known for his affable and jovial personality. He is a music connoisseur, who is talented in both piano and music composition. Archie visits a lesser reputed music hall in search of inspiration to help him through a creative block. And he finds it in the form of an untrained mezzosoprano. When he foils Valentina’s plans, Archie agrees to help her formulate a new one. Will Archie realize that Valentina is more to him than just a muse?

Miss Valentina Hart is the only daughter of an apothecary. When her family falls victim to a swindler, she forms a strategy to recover their fortune. Valentina’s attempt fails thanks to a certain golden-haired noble – who introduces an elaborate plan to swindle the swindler. She learns that her co-inspirator has two sides to him. Can Valentina convince Archie to share his musical genius with the world?

I admit that I did not care for Archie in his sister’s book. His personality and his attitude towards certain things annoyed me. However, that changed with this story. I like how that is just a persona Archie adopted to present to his peers to keep his true self hidden.

Valentina proves that she was perfect for Archie. She is the only person who truly saw him. And Valentina preferred his rarely seen persona to the smiling jovial gentleman the world normally saw. I like how she encouraged him to share his music with the world, along with embracing both sides of himself.

LORD ARCHER CATCHES A CONTESSA is the third installment in Sofie Darling’s historical romance series, WINDERMERES IN LOVE. Each book in this series feels novella length. They make quick reads. I read this story in one setting. The characters and the plot easily drew me in, where I did not want to put the book down. Amelia and Tristan – the couple from LADY AMELIA TAKES A LOVER – make an appearance close to the end. Even Oliver Quincy, the annoying buffoon from MR. SINCLAIR BEGUILES A BLUESTOCKING, has a brief cameo.

Juliet and Rory are next.

Review for Sophie Jordan's "SPELLCAST"

 

SPELLCAST
Romance - Fantasy

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Sophie Jordan

RELEASE DATE:
July 28, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Avon and Harper Voyager

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9780063462199

RATING:
4.5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://www.sophiejordan.net/

 

 

Arden is the daughter of a blacksmith. She spends ten miserable years invisible due to a curse, unable to interact with her family and fellow town’s folk. Tragedy strikes her village, leaving Arden the lone survivor. She ends up kidnapped by a pride of dragons, ones who can transform into humans. Arden knows she does not belong with them, but she cannot ignore her desire for their alpha. Can Arden find a way to break her curse? Or will a secret forever alienate her from Tage?

Tage is the leader of a small group of shape-changing dragons. They investigate a skelm attack – dragons who prey on humans – only to find one survivor. Tage decides to bring the human woman back with them when they fail at altering her memories. Arden proves to be an anomaly among her kind; one he cannot ignore. Tage does not dare trust her with the secret of their existence. Will Arden’s presence destroy everything that Tage built within his pride?

SPELLCAST is the third book in Sophie Jordan’s fantasy romance series, A FIRE IN THE SKY.I did not know the author wrote books/series in this genre – fantasy and fantasy romances are my top favs. So, I have not read the first two books in the series. This did not hinder my ability to follow the plot or enjoy the story and characters. SPELLCAST takes place in the same world yet an all-new cast of characters.

The author breaks the story into three parts. The first focuses solely on Arden. How the curse starts and the ramifications it has on her. It allowed me to really empathize with Arden. My heart went out to the girl for everything she experienced while invisible. I am amazed that Arden managed to maintain her sanity.

The second part introduces Tage and his pride. I like the creative spin the author took with her dragon shapeshifters. How their kind evolved with the ability to morph into human shape. I also like how the dragons are still learning the full scope of their abilities, strengths, and weaknesses.

Review for Takiba's "YOU'RE ALL MINE TONIGHT"

 

YOU’RE All MINE TONIGHT
BL/Yaoi, Slice of Life

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
Takiba

RELEASE DATE:
December 23, 2025

PUBLISHER:
Kodansha Comics

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798888775202

RATING:
4.5

 

Kanzaki, a middle-aged salaryman, returns from working abroad for five years. He never forgot the man he had a fling with before his transfer. Kanzaki is shocked to discover one of his new subordinates resembles his former lover. Sadly, Futagami wants nothing to do with him or their past. Can Kanzaki convince Futagami to give him another chance?

Futagami wants to forget all about his former life as a male sex worker. He grows dismayed when he learns that his new boss turns out to be a past client. Futagami tries desperately to avoid Kanzaki at the office only to fail. Things between them turn awkward. Will Futagami come to terms with his tumultuous feelings, enough to let Kanzaki in?

YOU’RE ALL MINE TONIGHT is a one-shot BL manga. This is the first time I read anything from this mangaka. The story quickly immersed me. I wish that we got a little more of Futagami’s POV.  Perhaps the past that caused him to become a sex worker… Okay, so I saw the potential this manga had of becoming serial.

 

I will definitely be adding this one to my collection when it is released.

Review for J. Soori's SEMANTIC ERROR, novel, VOL 1

 

SEMANTIC ERROR (novel)
BL

 

 

 

AUTHOR:
J. Soori

RELEASE DATE:
January 20, 2026

PUBLISHER:
Yen Press / Ize Press

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9798400903168

RATING:
4.5

 

 

Sangwoo Choo is a computer science major at Hanguk University. When his groupmates fail to help with a group presentation, he purposely deletes their name off the project. Sangwoo is unperturbed about the consequences of his actions. He needs to find a replacement graphic designer to replace the one who bailed on him. Unfortunately, Sangwoo finds out the designer he wants is one of the groupmates he wronged. The senior is intent on harassing him as payback and destroying his orderly, routine-oriented world.

Jaeyoung Jang is a charismatic and talented design major – who intends to study abroad in America once he graduates. His plans get dashed when a certain underclassman deletes Jaeyoung’s name off a necessary project. When he tries to confront the student, the young man refuses to answer his texts and messages. An opportunity arrives for Jaeyoung when Sangwoo tries to hire him to work on his video game. He decides to mess with Sangwoo. However, things start to change between the two men.

Sangwoo reminds me so much of Sheldon Cooper from the television show, BIG BANG THEORY. They have the same demeanors, need for routines (and behavior when that gets disrupted), and their interactions with others. I can understand why many of his fellow classmates and professors did not get along with him. His personality is one many would have trouble with.

Jaeyoung is fun! And he is Sangwoo’s complete (aka polar) opposite. People gravitate towards his carefree, friendly personality. However, he tends to be on the lazy side and procrastinate. That, in no way, affects his artistic talent. I love his interactions with Sangwoo. Yes, at the beginning, he disrupts the younger man’s orderly life. Yet, Jaeyoung starts to pick up things that people either overlook or have no interest in bothering to notice.

I have heard of the manhwa for some time. It is a highly recommended read in the BL fandom. I just never got around to reading it (because I could not find it in paperback format. My preference). I watched (and enjoyed) the live action. So, when I saw the novel form offered in Netgalley, I decided to give it a try. And man, how it ended made me want the next volume immediately.

I only had one problem. It has nothing to do with the story, plot or characters. Mainly it is the file sent to me from Netgalley. It would have been nice if the format was either epub or pdf, so I could have read it on my Kindle Fire. Instead, I received an LCPL file, which required me to download a specific program to access it. I had to read it on my computer – which was uncomfortable at times. I would have finished the novel way sooner if I could have read it on my Kindle.