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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!

I always get excited around the end of April, because it feels like publishing tries to sneak some major releases in before the big summer season hits. This year is no different. April 29, 2025, is packed with some seriously good books across every genre. Whether you're after a gut-punch romance, a smart thriller, or a fantasy that'll swallow you whole, there's something coming out that's going to ruin your sleep schedule. Below, I've pulled together the books I think are worth knowing about, broken down by genre. I've included covers, real descriptions, and not just back-cover blurbs — we're talking about vibes, tropes, and who these books are for. Romance & Contemporary Fiction Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry If you've read Emily Henry before, you already know she doesn't write simple romances. She writes stories that cut into the messy parts of life and love. Great Big Beautiful Life  leans even harder into that — a romance wrapped around a literary mystery. Expect complicated characters, sharp dialogue, and the kind of emotional payoff that leaves you gutted (in the best way). Wildest Dreams by L.J. Shen L.J. Shen always brings the emotional chaos, and Wildest Dreams  promises even more. It's the second book in the Forbidden Love series, and it's packed with forbidden relationships, sharp banter, and emotional gut-punches. If you like your romance a little dark and a lot messy, this is your move. All Too Well (Ember Falls) by Corinne Michaels Corinne Michaels knows how to write a small town better than just about anyone. All Too Well  kicks off a new series called Ember Falls — think lifelong friendships, small-town drama, and swoony second chances. Plus, there's a deluxe edition with sprayed edges if you're a collector. Insert cover here King of Envy by Ana Huang Ana Huang's Kings of Sin series is known for its luxury, scandal, and unputdownable tension. King of Envy  brings a scarred billionaire and a supermodel into each other's orbits — and it does not play nice. Expect steam, sabotage, and plenty of twisted loyalties. Mystery & Thriller 25 Alive by James Patterson & Maxine Paetro At this point, the Women's Murder Club is basically a literary institution. In 25 Alive , Lindsay Boxer is pulled back into the most personal case of her career after a former partner is murdered. High body count, short chapters, pure adrenaline — Patterson fans already know what they're getting. How to Seal Your Own Fate by Kristen Perrin This one’s a cozy mystery with teeth. How to Seal Your Own Fate  bounces between 1967 and modern-day Castle Knoll, unraveling a cold case that’s anything but simple. For readers who like their mysteries a little quirky but still clever. The Murder Machine by Heather Graham Smart homes just got a lot less safe. The Murder Machine  brings techno-thriller energy to a classic serial killer plot. If you've ever side-eyed your Alexa, this one might make you unplug it permanently. Fantasy & Science Fiction House of Blight by Maxym M. Martineau This kicks off The Threadmender Chronicles, and it’s got "future obsession" written all over it. A world where magic stitches reality together, and one wrong move can literally unravel it. Atmospheric, rich, and perfect if you like your fantasy dark but hopeful . The Amalfi Curse by Sarah Penner Sarah Penner (The Lost Apothecary) is back, this time diving deep into sunken secrets off the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Curse  is a historical mystery wrapped in a supernatural thriller — if you want a summer read that’s gorgeous and a little eerie, add this. The Ghost Woods by C.J. Cooke Creepy old house lovers, come get your book. The Ghost Woods is gothic fiction done right: a crumbling manor, family secrets, whispers in the night. Perfect for readers who want something haunting but deeply human. Final Thoughts April 29th isn’t playing around when it comes to new releases. Whether you’re in the mood for a complicated love story, a thriller that’ll keep you up past midnight, a fantasy to get lost in, or a story rooted in real history, there’s something here you’re going to want to grab. If you end up picking any of these up, let me know which ones you’re most excited for — or if you found a hidden gem I missed. One Last Thing Before You Go... Before you click out and go adding books to your TBR (or cart), I’ve got one more reveal for you — and if you're into small towns, heartfelt romance, and just the right amount of healing-through-hard-things, this one's worth sticking around for. Kim Swizz is back with the next book in her Wilcox Grove series. You might remember Barefoot Lake , the one that introduced us to that quiet little lakeside town where second chances aren’t just possible — they’re necessary. Now, she's pulling us right back in with book two: In the Stars Rewritten And yes — the cover is finally here. Drum Roll Please Click here to preorder on kindle! Seven months ago, Scott Preston visited home and met the girl of his dreams. She’s fierce, loud, authentic, kind, and gorgeous in a way that altered his brain chemistry. But fate wasn’t having it, and they both went to their respective homes hundreds of miles apart. Now he’s back, and she’s standing in his house. He’s determined not to let her go again, but she’s hesitant to take that leap. Piper Price is used to being the life of the party, the one you call for a great time. She’s always said she’s good in small doses, but she’s rarely found anybody interested in sticking around. She wants stability and a partner, but she isn’t willing to lose herself to get that. Now she’s tangled up in the small town of Wilcox Grove, and is terrified one wrong step will tear everything apart. In the Stars Rewritten is a small-town, second chance, roommates, he falls first, golden retriever MMC adult romance. Start the series with Book One: → Barefoot Lake  on Amazon click here And if you're already ready for book two (trust me, same), here’s where you can keep tabs on it:→ In the Stars Rewritten  on Goodreads click here You’re not going to want to miss this one.

What Makes a Romance Book Unforgettable? Let’s Chat About It! Romance books have been stealing hearts for generations — weaving together love, longing, laughter, and a whole lot of personal growth. Every story has its own special spark, but there are a few key ingredients that really make a romance stick with you long after you close the book. Whether you’ve been a romance reader forever or you’re just starting to fall for the genre (welcome, by the way!), knowing what makes a love story truly unforgettable makes the experience even sweeter. So, let’s dive into the magic, shall we? 1. Characters You Can’t Help But Root For At the heart of every great romance are the characters. We want heroes and heroines who feel real  — people we can see ourselves in, flaws and all. They need clear dreams, messy pasts, and a few stumbles along the way. Take Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice , for example. She’s brilliant and sassy, but her prejudices make her just as human as the rest of us. Watching her grow (and fall for Mr. Darcy) is what makes their love story feel so earned. When characters are layered — with hopes, fears, mistakes, and quiet little victories — it’s impossible not to get invested. We don’t just want them to find love — we need  them t o. 2. A Connection You Can Feel The emotional bond between characters? It’s everything. It should feel electric — those tiny looks, the stolen moments, the conversations that leave you smiling like a fool. Think about Hazel and Gus from The Fault in Our Stars.  Their raw, funny, honest conversations pull you right into their world. You’re not just reading the love story — you’re living  it right alongside them. When authors weave in little touches — like inner dialogue, longing glances, secret smiles — it pulls you even closer to the heartbeat of the story. It’s about feeling every skip, every ache, every soaring moment right along with them. 3. Tension That Keeps You Turning the Pages A little angst never hurt anyone (okay, maybe our hearts, but it’s so  worth it). Misunderstandings, outside pressures, messy timing — these obstacles make the payoff so much sweeter. The Notebook  shows us this perfectly. Noah and Allie’s love fights against class divides, parental expectations, and bad timing. Every bit of tension makes you crave the moment they finally get it right. Good tension doesn’t feel forced — it’s messy and raw, just like real love often is. And it keeps you up way past your bedtime flipping pages because you have  to know how it ends. 4. Humor That Makes You Fall Even Harder Some of my favorite romances are the ones that know when to make me laugh. Banter? Witty comebacks? Characters who make each other (and us) crack up? Chef’s kiss. The Hating Game  absolutely nails this. Lucy and Josh’s hilarious, competitive, ridiculous back-and-forth makes their chemistry spark  even more. Humor breaks up the tension, makes emotional moments hit even harder, and just makes you love spending time with the characters. Bonus points if you find yourself laughing out loud while reading — that’s how you know it’s good. 5. A Setting You Want to Step Right Into The best romances don’t just have great characters — they have a whole vibe.  A dreamy small town, a cozy bookshop, a castle on a misty hill — setting can be a character  all its own. Outlander  does this so  well. The Scottish Highlands aren’t just a backdrop — they set the entire mood for Jamie and Claire’s epic love story. You can almost smell the rain, feel the chill, hear the crunch of footsteps on stone paths. A vivid setting doesn’t just paint a picture — it wraps you up in it. It makes the world feel real and the love story even more magical. 6. Moments That Make You Feel  Everything When characters let down their walls and show us their rawest, realest selves — that’s  when the magic happens. In Me Before You , watching Louisa and Will open up about their dreams and fears is devastating and beautiful all at once. Vulnerability is what makes a love story stick. It’s not just about the kisses and grand gestures — it’s about the quiet confessions, the whispered fears, the ways characters hold each other together when everything feels like it’s falling apart. 7. An Ending That Feels Right I’m not saying it has to be a "happily ever after" every time (even though I do  love one!) — but the ending needs to feel earned.  It should honor the journey we just took with these characters. Eleanor & Park  is a great example. The ending is bittersweet and leaves a little ache in your chest — but it’s real, and it respects everything those characters went through. A satisfying ending doesn’t have to tie everything in a neat little bow. It just has to feel honest — like, "Yes, this  is how their story was meant to end." 8. Secondary Characters Who Steal Your Heart The best supporting characters aren’t just background noise — they bring the whole story to life. Think about Bridgerton  — Penelope Featherington, Eloise, Lady Danbury — they all add so much.  Secondary characters can show us different sides of the protagonists, offer comic relief, or even deliver some tough love. When they’re done right, side characters make the main romance feel even bigger  — like you’re stepping into a full, vibrant world where love is just one (glorious) part of life. 9. Fresh, Thought-Provoking Themes Some themes will always be timeless — love, loyalty, forgiveness — but when an author tackles something different,  it really makes a story pop. The Kiss Quotient  is a great example. Stella’s story isn’t just a cute romance; it’s an honest, heartwarming look at dating, love, and self-acceptance through the lens of someone living with autism. Romances that aren’t afraid to be a little bold, a little messy, a little real — those are the ones that change you just a little bit after you finish them. 10. Real, Honest Emotions Last but definitely not least: authenticity. Readers know  when a love story feels fake, and nothing kills the magic faster. The Rosie Project  nails authenticity. Don isn’t the smoothest guy in the room, and honestly, that’s what makes him so lovable. His awkwardness, his honesty, his heart — they’re all real. When a romance feels genuine — when the characters talk, think, and love like real people — it becomes unforgettable. The Final Word At the end of the day, a great romance is a journey — full of swoons, laughs, tears, and moments that make you pause and feel. It ’s the characters, the connections, the tension, the humor, the setting, the realness  — all stitched together into a story you can’t (and don’t want to) put down. So, the next time you curl up with a romance novel (preferably with a cozy blanket, a good snack, and absolutely no shame if you ugly cry at least once), pay attention to those little details that make it magic. And above all? Just enjoy every beautiful, messy, heart-stopping moment of it. Happy reading, my fellow book lovers! Click the picture to download the FREE Fable app & join the club!