Bookish Bliss: Diving into "Empire of Ache and Ruin" & Racing through "Off to the Races"

There's nothing quite like that magical mix of a new ARC in hand and an audiobook buzzing in your ears while you tackle life. This week's reading vibes? A perfect blend of soft chaos and full obsession.

I just got my hands on an advanced reader copy of Empire of Ache and Ruin by Diana A. Hicks(thank you to the author and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for the opportunity) and when I say this cover is beautiful-I mean it. I opened the package and couldn't wait to dive into this book. The cover is so simple but in such a stunning way-it's giving dark romance with a side of destruction.

Meanwhile, in my ears? Off to the Races by Elsie Silver is giving me all the small-town romance vibes I could want. It's our current read for The Tattered Pages Society (18+ book club I run through Fable) and I am LOVING it.

Empire of Ache & Ruin

Format: Physical ARC

Status: Just started—but fully hooked

Page Count: 592 pages

Vibe So Far: Dark romance with a twist of suspense and a dash of ballet elegance

I’m only a few chapters in, but Empire of Ache & Ruin is already flexing hard. Hicks wastes zero time immersing you in a dark, layered world with a tone that feels both sharp and aching. The title doesn’t lie—it’s already full of emotional weight and a sense of slow unraveling.

There’s a cinematic quality to Hicks’ prose that I’m loving—visual, vivid, and just a little brutal. The kind of story that pulls no punches and doesn’t offer quick answers. I’m predicting obsession, secrets, and probably a good cry by the time I close the back cover.

I’ll definitely be posting a full review once I finish, but first impressions? This book demands your full attention—and if you love tortured characters, unrelenting chemistry, and the kind of romance that leaves scars, this one’s for you.

Off to the Races

Current Progress: Chapter 14(about 40%)

Listening speed: 3.0x (ty ADHD)

Narrators: C.J. Bloom and Tim Paige

Vibe: Slow-burn with so much tension, COWBOYS

This isn't my first right with Elsie Silver-I've already devoured the first two books in her Chestnut Springs series, dipped a little into the third, so I knew OTTR was going to deliver. And WOW does she not miss.

The tension in this book is that delicious kind that practically sizzles in your ears. Elsie's got a knack for writing characters that feel so real and emotionally complex, and she always pairs that with chemistry that burns slow and hot-coming from someone who doesn't typically like the slow-burn books.

Final Thoughts

This week feels like a perfect reflection of why I love being able to read through multiple formats-an audiobook to carry me through chores & walks, and a physical book for when I can slow down, curl up, and lose time to another world. Both books are reminding me of how good romance can be when it balances intensity and intimacy.

Until next time, happy reading-and may your book hangovers be deep, dramatic, and worth EVERY page!