Bookseller & Reviewer

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

Indian Territory, 1870. A widowed healer is drawn into the dangerous orbit of two morally gray outlaw protectors—an established male/male couple with secrets, scars, and a fierce need to protect what becomes theirs.

This standalone MMF historical western romance delivers forced proximity, found family, wounded antiheroes, emotional tension, and explicit MM/MF/MMF intimacy against the rugged backdrop of the late-1800s American frontier.

Fated Outlaws is a series of dark, steamy historical western romances by Halle Oak, inspired by constellations and filled with dangerous men, resilient heroines, forbidden desire, and guaranteed happily ever afters.

Readers can expect:

Established male/male couple Widowed healer heroine Morally gray outlaw protectors Forced proximity romance Found family High-heat MM/MF/MMF intimacy Dark historical western romance Late-1800s frontier setting Guaranteed HEA for all three

Preorder now and be among the first to ride into this passionate, dangerous frontier romance when it releases. Temporary Book Description The full blurb is coming soon!

Review:

A widowed healer on an expedition runs into two outlaws and they all end up stranded together, and as romance sparks they must escape from danger and more all set to the backdrop of the late 1800s frontier! Romance, dark historical western, and morally grey outlaws! This was such a fun read and it is the second book in the series however it can be read as a standalone. The characters are all so well written and the romance is really well done. I've adored reading this series and the mix of historical and dark western romance is just perfection in this. It's a fantastic read!

Release Date: August 25, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A bold young adult thriller about a teen scammer who won't let boys, friends, or even murder get in her way. Features blood red sprayed edges! “Li’s first foray into thriller pulls out all the stops to great success. Ambitious, smart, and wickedly fun, this is the fast-paced story of a teenage girl willing to do whatever it takes to not just survive but thrive under pressure. Whatever it takes.”—Joelle Wellington, author of Their Vicious Games Amelia Wu is great at relationships. So great, in fact, that she’s in three of them. Why choose between the suave debate team captain, the charming indie filmmaker, and the tennis star when she can be with them all?

The catch? None of them know about each other. It works perfectly. They’re in love with her—or the versions of her that they get. Amy. Ellie. Mia. And she’s in love with the lavish dinners, fancy yacht trips, and expensive gifts. Times three.

But schemes always get complicated, don’t they? When Amelia's best friend ends up dead, her alleged murder shocks their placid beachside city. And soon, Amelia's carefully planned relationships start to dangerously unravel.

In a fit of desperation, Amelia teams up with her academic nemesis Jackie, the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper and a self-proclaimed true crime junkie, to get to the bottom of this.

After all, Amelia needs to keep her boyfriends close and her enemies closer if she wants to keep her scam—and herself—afloat.

Review:

Three boyfriends, two best friends, and one dead body. Amelia Wu is great at relationships, so great that she has three different boys that she's conning and none of the, know about each other. Amelia is doing this all for her best friend Ingrid... and because she loves the lavish gifts and affection they give her. Yet when she gets a call letting her know that Ingrid is missing... and then that she's dead, Amelia knows something is off and is determined to find out what really happened. What she doesn't expect is that she'll have have her academic nemesis, Jackie, also work to help her solve the case. Twisted friendships, messy relationships, and a murder mystery that will have you intrigued until the very end!!! Oh I had such a fun time reading this and Amelia was such a fun protagonist to read from. I really loved the constant twist and turns in the story and I definitely will be picking up whatever Christina writes next!

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

Perfect for fans of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches, this cozy and whimsical romance follows an accident-prone witch and a hot grumpy occult bookstore owner who doesn’t believe in magic as they travel across London to undo a spell gone awry. 

When rising Hollywood actress and secret witch Willow James accidentally turns her manager into a cat while trying to escape her contract, she’s sure she’s hit her magical low point. Determined to fix her mistake, she journeys to London in search of a rare spell hidden within the famed occult bookstore, Coven & Codex. The last thing she expects? The shop’s brooding, handsome owner, Oliver Hadley, who’d rather avoid magic altogether.

Together—with a ragtag group of friends (both human and feline)—Willow and Oliver must scour every corner of the city, from museums to festivals to bustling street markets, to find the missing pieces of the spell. Along the way, Willow’s unpredictable magic and Oliver’s skeptical heart will face the one thing they can't escape… love.

Filled with enchanting adventures, sparkling romance, and a dash of mischief, A Witch in Notting Hill is a sweet and spirited tale of discovering magic where you least expect it.

Review:

A reimagining inspired by Notting Hill but with a magical twist. When a famous Hollywood actress (who is secretly a witch) accidentally turns her manager into a cat she has to find a way to undo it... and the only solution is find a spell inside the famous occult bookstore, Coven & Codex... which happens to be run by a handsome but brooder owner who doesn't believe in magic at all. I do think if you love the original movie you'd have fun with this one, but unfortunately for me this one just fell kind of flat. I think if you rely on the nostalgia fact you'd have a great time with this one but other than that it kinda feels a little bit boring.

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating:2/5

Book Blurb:

She doesn’t believe in magic. He is magic. But when they meet, a spark is lit, and neither will ever be the same—in this charming new stand-alone in the Witches of West Harbor series from New York Times bestselling author Meg Cabot.

Frankie

A trained therapist, Francesca Giovanni knows there’s a scientific explanation for everything. Unfortunately, she lives in West Harbor, CT, a town that’s recently exploded in popularity thanks to “witch tourism.” Suddenly, witches are everywhere, offering locals their psychic services. Frankie’s fine with this…until aspiring teenage witches begin to disappear, and strange things start happening in the lake house next door. Frankie suspects not all newcomers to West Harbor have the good of the community in mind—especially not her new neighbor, Ash Merit.

Ash

Ash Merit finds lost things—and people—for a living. All he wants is to help his clients, and maybe get to know the stunningly beautiful (and newly single) Dr. Frankie Giovanni a little better. But thanks to some troublesome young witches—not to mention his often faulty psychic “superpower”—everything goes wrong. If only Frankie wasn’t so distractingly attractive…and so unwilling to admit there might not be a logical reason for everything, including the flames that ignite whenever the two of them kiss. Ash hopes to change that, but first he and Frankie have to find the missing girls, as well as the truth about what’s happening in West Harbor…a truth that could change everything they thought they knew about themselves—and the magic of love.

Review:

The second book in the Witches of West Harbor series, though each book can be read as a standalone. She's a therapist who doesn't believe in magic, he's got real magic and a massive crush on her. Together they both have work together to find missing girls and what's really happening in West Harbor. This was a meh book for me, I didn't really see the chemistry between Frankie and Ash unfortunately. This is the second book in the series however I do think you'd have a better time reading it altogether.

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

The Descent meets The Ritual in a cult aquatic horror about a group of academics trapped in a sea cave who must reckon with eldritch horrors as they are forced to atone for their greatest sins.

ATONE OR DIE.

Grad student Caro has no idea what she wants to do with her life, but when an opportunity arises to act as a research assistant on an anthropological expedition for her professor and lover, Edward Beck, she doesn't hesitate.

Beck assembles a team of academics and professionals to study the ancient sea-based Cult of the Leviathan, and the expedition descends into the sea caves where the cult are said to have dwelt.

But when the cave entrance collapses, trapping them inside, the expedition will find they are not alone in the darkness. Surrounded by strange artefacts and scattered bones, an ancient trial has been set in motion. One by one, the members of the expedition will be tested and forced to atone for their greatest sin. . . or die.

Review:

The Descent meets the Ritual in this story about a group of academics who find out that they've all been brought to a sea cave for far more nefarious reasons than they could've imagined and that the only way out is to atone for their greatest sins. I really wanted to love this because the premise and blurb alone had me intrigued and so excited. I absolutely adore both movies and having a cult horror set in a sea cave and people having to face their own sins... it's a recipe for a fun time. It felt like a middle ground read for me. It could have definitely been shaved down a bit and made into a tighter more concise read. The overall setting was intriguing and I am all for female rage in horror settings but I just felt like it was missing something. It wasn't a bad read by any means, it definitely has an interesting story overall.

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

Delilah is dead. But her story is far from over. In this feminist supernatural suspense novel, she will find her peace—and give hell to the man who killed her.

Delilah’s death was not swift or painless. A ghost at nineteen, business entirely unfinished, her last breath was angry. Someone killed her, but she doesn’t know who.

Undead creatures stalk Delilah’s spirit, eager to feed on her soul until nothing is left but a frightening poltergeist. She can’t pass on until the violence of her death is balanced with a life for her life.

Her killer must be killed.

If anyone can find her murderer and keep the darkness at bay, it’s Magda, the owner of the strip club where Delilah danced—and a powerful spirit medium. And when a young man comes to town seeking Magda’s supernatural services, he can see Delilah. He can hear her, touch her, and make her feel alive again.

The three come together to search for Delilah’s murderer. As the creatures close in, Delilah’s soul weakens but her power as a poltergeist grows, allowing her to affect the living.

Delilah may be dead, but she won’t waste this second chance—she’ll take those who’ve harmed her down with her.

Review:

A murder mystery, a ghost story, and the twisted love of men. Delilah's death was slow and painful... she's a ghost at nineteen... and her spirit is still there, lingering. If she doesn't resolve it the undead creatures will consume her soul... until she becomes a poltergeist, but what can a ghost do? The only way to help her move on is to kill her killer. The only people who can help her are Magda, the owner of the strip club where Delilah danced at who is also a powerful spirit medium and a mysterious young man who has come into town... who can surprisingly see and touch Delilah. The three must come together to figure out who did this to Delilah and get rid of them... but with a looming deadline and many suspects, this wont be easy. This was but heartwrenching and also so thrilling. I was intrigued by the mystery from the start and I loved the way that Isabelle crafted the storyline. But also hello? Sapphic Spirit medium, potentially gay sheriff, messy relationships, and a ghost x haunted guy who would kill for her romance thrown in there, this book had so much going on and I was hooked until the very end.

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

She isn’t supposed to care about a ranch. She definitely isn't supposed to fall for the foreman. And his six-year-old son is absolutely, definitely not supposed to capture her heart.

Lainey Brown is not ranch material. She's a city girl who landed on the legendary Wallace Ranch to give the place a fresh coat of branding—and get her career back on track. She's got no interest in cowboys, cattle, or the infuriatingly gorgeous foreman who clearly wants her gone.

Colton Wallace has spent every day since losing his wife building something worth leaving his son: a spotless reputation, a thriving operation, and a life with no room for complications. The last thing he needs is a firecracker from Austin with a sketchbook full of big ideas and a smile that makes him forget every reason he swore off wanting things he can't keep.

But somewhere between their very first fight and a Texas night sky that stretches on forever, something shifts. Lainey stops counting the days until she can leave. And Colt stops pretending he wants her to.

The ranch has always been the Wallace legacy. But Colt is starting to wonder if the best thing that's ever happened to it—and to him—just walked in wearing city shoes.

Review:

A cowboy romance that will absolutely capture your heart and rope you in! I am a huge fan of Jessica's cowboy romances and this new one was absolutely amazing. It's the first one in the new series and I am already so excited for the next books!! Colt is such a great love interest and Lainey, I just devoured their dynamic in this one. If you love a rivals romance, a cowboy and a city girl romance, absolutely pick this one up. It's a wonderful read that has you swooning throughout it. Jessica just knows how to write a fantastic cowboy romance!

*Thank you Valentine PR for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Release Date: August 18, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • An enchanting debut novel about a young woman whose growing obsession with her boyfriend’s cat opens new possibilities for her life—but not without threatening to unravel it.

“Abound in wit and restraint, Kitten explores the funny yet unsettling complexities of modern love. . . . A fearless debut!”—Weike Wang, author of Chemistry

“Yu’s novel is both a kind of Gen Z parable of existential nihilism and a psychologically deft portrait of mother-daughter trauma. . . . This spiky debut refuses to be boxed in.”—Kirkus Reviews

LONGLISTED FOR THE CENTER FOR FICTION’S FIRST NOVEL PRIZE • A BUSTLE AND MARIE CLAIRE BEST BOOK OF THE MONTH • A MOST ANTICIPATED BOOK OF THE YEAR: Harper’s Bazaar, Our Culture, Debutiful, Electric Lit, The Millions Katie is far from home, fresh out of college, and desperate to skirt the demands of adult life. It doesn’t help that she’s no longer speaking to her mother. Or that she owes her roommate and closest friend months of rent money. Luckily, her self-assured, generous boyfriend James seems happy to make decisions for them both. When James takes Katie on vacation to his family’s seaside house, he brings Silver, his childhood cat, and Katie discovers a sudden, strange, and giddy connection.

Silver doesn’t mind that Katie can’t seem to get a job, hold her own at dinner parties, or make amends with her mother. Silver, who gets to lie around all day, misbehave spectacularly, act cute, be gross, and still get fed, seems to have the life Katie increasingly longs for. Soon enough, they’re inseparable, and something inside Katie begins to crack open . . . or maybe just crack.

Because if Katie has learned anything from her mother, it’s that devotion comes at a price. As Katie's affection for Silver deepens, her other relationships begin to falter, until she’s forced to confront what she really desires from life—and what she might have to risk to get it.

Darkly playful, wryly observant, and unexpectedly heartfelt, this debut from an irresistible new voice in fiction is a timeless reckoning with the uncertainty of becoming a person in an age that is as disorienting and lonely as it is full of hope and promise.

Review:

A fresh out of college girl goes home with her boyfriend and meets his cat only to become obsessed with it as her own life unravels. Let me start this off by saying, there was real potential in this story, it had real moments of emotional beats, but it also lacked so much. Katie is an unlikeable character, she's apathetic as hell and kind of a free floater in her own life. She's 22 and barely got her life together, she has no job and no real want of getting a job. As things around her fall apart, like her living situation, her obsession with her boyfriend's cat and her lackluster relationship with him. Katie felt like a npc, or rather a shell of a person, happy to let things happen around them, not want to change anything or do anything, and just let things coast by. It's a hard read, especially with such a main character. I will say the arc of her relationship with her mother was the best part of the book, it's the heart of the story and I do feel like if we explored it more, it would have worked better.

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

For fans of Lights Out and You, this follow-up to Love Me Stalk Me is a dark rom-com about a woman matched with her fantasy boyfriend by an AI app—unaware he’s actually her ex-husband, back to win her over in disguise.

When Amanda Bennett signs up for the beta feature of the Obsess AI boyfriend app, she thinks it’s just another marketing gimmick. Go on a date with a real man who matches her digital fantasy? Spoiler: she’s skeptical.

Then the app delivers. Her match is hot, brooding, motorcycle included. Perfect—except he refuses to remove his helmet, won’t share his name, and somehow knows things about her no stranger should.

Because he’s not a stranger. He’s Kade Steele, her ex-husband. The one who disappeared. The one she’s spent years trying—and failing—to forget. Now he’s back and determined to win her heart. With a little romance, a little mystery, and a deeply questionable amount of stalking.

She thought she was moving on. Instead, she’s falling for the one man who broke her heart…and this time, he’s not letting go.

Review:

She's trying to get over the husband that disappeared on her eight years ago by falling for the AI boyfriend turned real live matched boyfriend... only this guy is secretly her husband who has been trying to kill off every threat to her that happened eight years ago and he's determined to win back his wife. Amanda is a fierce, hot pink loving, glock carrying woman who has tried her hardest to get over her ex-husband who abandoned her after an accident 8 years ago. She's delved deep into her AI boyfriend "Chad" and when the app offers to find her a real life "match" she takes it.. only the real life Chad is actually her ex husband Kade who is back and determined to win his wife back. Kade was a special op's guy who decided that after the accident that nearly killed her, he'd kill off anyone involved in the hit and make sure she'd never be in danger again... but he can't stay away and with only one name left on the list, it's time for him to come back. The only issue is, if she finds out it's still him... will she ever want him back or is it too late and the damage too great? This is the second book in the series and can be read as a standalone, I do think it's a light hearted stalking romance and is great for fans of Navessa Allen's books. It definitely leans heavier into the rom com aspect and the lighter tones of a dark romance, so definitely give it a go.

Release Date: August 4, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

In the third installment of this witty Regency romcom series, a headstrong chaperone is torn between following her rigid principles or her heart

Despite his many responsibilities, there is nothing Leopold Sloane, the 11th Duke of Debden, takes more seriously than the safety of those he loves. When one of his sisters is injured at a protest rally, he drags his family to Bath for the summer to keep his reckless and rebellious siblings out of harm’s way. The only flaw in his plan is his overwhelming but inexplicable attraction to the new chaperone he has hired to watch out for them. An outspoken conundrum of a woman who soon causes him more trouble than both his sisters combined...but who calls to his soul regardless.

From the moment Portia Kendall read her first revolutionary pamphlet beneath her bedcovers at Miss Prentice’s School for Girls, she realized that her true calling was to make the world a fairer place for the masses downtrodden by the aristocracy. A calling that led her to Equitas, a radical newspaper that champions reform. But as Portia discovers, writing doesn’t pay the bills. To make a living, she must push aside her principles and serve the very people she criticizes weekly in her column. A temporary position as a chaperone in the home of a pompous duke seems like the perfect way to earn enough to follow her heart. Unfortunately, the duke who hires her seems to be more dashing and noble than pompous and soon begins to call to her heart too—as much as she tries to deny it. But dare she risk her principles for love or will her pride always come before a fall?

Review:

The third book in the Regency romcom series featuring a headstrong chaperone torn between following her passions as a reformer and a writer for a newspaper... and her heart as she begins falling for the very duke she vowed never to fall for... throw in a marriage of convenience, banter for days, and two people who are secretly yearning for each other and you have a fun historical romance. This is perfect for fans of Evie Dunmore and Manda Collins, it's a fun read and the romance was surprisingly very sweet. I love the inclusion of real historical issues and the setting felt authentic. The struggles that the characters dealt with felt true and their romance was just a really sweet addition to the story.

Release Date: July 28, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

Willa has no memory of anything before arriving at Dorsey House, and when she meets two sinister girls who seem to already know her, she slowly begins to lose her grip on what is real . . . and what is a lie. A haunting contemporary speculative thriller for fans of Kill Creatures and We Were Liars.

Willa Childs doesn't know why she's at Dorsey House. The tragic accident that banished her to the mysterious reformatory perched at the edge of the sea is lost in the recesses of her murky memory. The Dorseys themselves offer no answers, and the only other wards, Caroline and Ivy, seem intent on keeping Willa in the dark—and on the outside of their obsessive friendship.

Yet as the days pass, it begins to feel like the sinister twosome knows Willa better than she knows herself. And as her memories gradually return to focus, the girls become even stranger, doing their best to convince Willa that she’s been at Dorsey House before. Only, that’s impossible.

Or is it? If they’re telling the truth, Willa can no longer trust her own mind. The line between reality and nightmare begins to blur. Willa is certain Dorsey House is haunted, but by what? And if she can’t remember leaving, how will she ever escape?

Review:

Waking up in a strange place with no memories of how she got there and stranger girls surrounding her, Willa begins to piece together how she got there... and what really happened to her. This is a haunting contemporary speculative thriller and it had some unique twist and turns. I will say that the overall story itself was fine but I just it had something more to it, it just felt a bit bland for my own taste personally. It did have a happy-ish ending and overall if you like stories with similar vibes to We Were Liars, this could be perfect for you.

Release Date: August 11, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

When a former pop star enrolls in college, the last thing she expects is A-plus chemistry with her psychology professor in this sexy and tender romance from #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Lynn Solomon. An instant USA Today bestseller! “This is Rachel Lynn Solomon at her absolute best: a moving love story between two people learning to trust not only the good in each other, but in themselves.”—Ellen O’Clover, author of The Heartbreak Hotel Ramona Wilder has spent her whole life in the spotlight. After a hit kids’ TV show, she transitioned into music, singing in arenas around the world and becoming an icon for millions of teenage girls. Now at age twenty-six, exhausted by the inhumane lack of privacy, she’s done—with all of it. She wants a chance at normal, whatever that might mean for her. And she’s starting with college.

Professor Nick Navarro is recently divorced but determinedly optimistic, allowing himself a very reasonable ten minutes per day to wallow. When his department calls a meeting about a celebrity enrollment, he plans to treat whoever it is like any other student. Except when Ramona blazes into class and causes an uproar, the typically easygoing professor is rattled, maybe for the first time in his career.

Ramona loves the way she flusters him, taking every opportunity to push Nick’s buttons, though what she really wants is to unbutton them completely. When a crisis brings them closer outside of class, they begin a tentative friendship amid an undeniable attraction. But Ramona can’t be so easily finished with her old life, and they’ll both have to confront their pasts if they want a chance at something real.

Review:

She's a former actress and mega singer... and now she's ending that all and trading it for going to college... and she just happens to be falling for her very off limits, 10 years older, psychology professor. Ramona is tired of the spotlight, she's tired of people wanting things from her and having to put on a mask for everything. She wants normal, she wants to go to school... so she goes announces her final show and enrolls in college to find herself, find out what she wants outside of the fame. But what she doesn't expect is to be facing off against her very cute but completely off limits psychology professor. Nick is a recently divorced professor, still reeling from being cheated on. He just wants to focus on the good and try his best to get tenure... but he's immediately drawn in by Ramona. They're both pushing each other's buttons and getting under each other's skin... yet one phone call changes everything and the closer they become the more their differences are shown... and if it gets out will Nick lose his possible tenure? Forbidden romance, professor x student, age gap, celebrity x normal person, healing, and so much more come together in this absolutely sweet and stunning romance. I fell completely in love with this book and adored the relationship between these two so much. It was both heart wrenching at parts and so heart warming at others. I can't stop thinking about this book!

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

"My name is not Kim, it's Kiamling. It means Sword Spirit. I was forged to cut down the undead. Demons and monsters aren't just in your storybooks, they walk among us."

The Au family serve the people of Hong Kong: blessing shrines, honouring the dead and dealing with dangerous monster incursions. The expectations on eldest daughter Kiamling are high, which is not something her strict grandmother will let her forget.

When the British disrupt the Hungry Ghosts festival and her grandmother is seized by a strange new monster, Kiamling must step up and lead the search. She is aided by unexpected allies: Archie, an earnest civil servant, Hoi gor, childhood sweetheart turned merchant-pirate and Jingling, her younger sister keeping secrets of her own. Kiamling must figure out who is behind the incursion and more importantly, how to defeat them.

With British fables mingling with local Chinese monsters, can Kiamling prove herself, when the old rules no longer seem to apply?

Babel meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer—a family of demon hunters find their hands full when unfamiliar monsters start stalking the streets of Opium War-era Hong Kong, in this historical fantasy adventure from No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller Eliza Chan.

Review:

A demon hunting family's story set in Opium War-era Hong kong under the British colonization. The premise of this story had so much potential but unfortunately it just fell flat for me overall. I couldn't ever really get hooked into the story, despite how badly I wanted to be. The book is the first in a series but I don't see myself continuing on with it. It also definitely read as younger YA so I do think younger YA readers can read this and have a good time. While this one was a miss for me, I do think if you enjoy historical fantasy books with a cast of characters, you could have fun with this one.

Release Date: July 28, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

"Paisley Hope is a masterful storyteller, with plenty of heat and so much heart-wrenching romance," — Kristen Proby, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author

Dark, sexy enemies to lovers MC romance. She's set on revenge, and the rival club president is her enemy no.1...

Mia Tyler is looking for revenge on the only man left with answers about her sister's death: the President of The Disciples of Sin Motorcycle Club—Aiden Foxx. There's only one problem: Mia's older brother Mason is a high ranking member of rival club The Hounds of Hell; if anyone finds out who she is or what she's doing her whole plan, and maybe her life, will be in jeopardy. She's determined to hate him, determined to get her truth and her revenge. But something about him draws her in and makes her feel things she's never felt before. When Aiden steps in to protect Mia from a psychopath, Mia gets a better look at Aiden's secrets, and the line between love and hate begins to blur.

Content warning: Violence expected with the life of an outlaw motorcycle club include but are not limited to torture, gun violence, murder, mild alcohol and drug use. Sexual triggers are not fully listed to conceal plot points and pivotal moments but are of a darker nature. Please check the author's note at the front for a brief list.

Review:

On a undercover mission to get revenge against the only man who has answers about her sisters death, Mia will have to go work at a rival club... and the one person she's gunning for? The president of that club, the notorious Aiden Foxx. Mia is determined to get answers and is determined to hate him... yet there is an undeniable draw between the both of them. Aiden can't resist the fiery new hire... the way he knows she's just as insane as he is, that she's hiding secrets but he wants to uncover everything about them. Forbidden romance, freak for freak energy, and honestly so much hotness, Paisley has done it once again. I WAS SO INTO THIS BOOK. I devoured this in one sitting and couldn't put it down. Truly put me in the middle of these two because they were both THAT hot. Their chemistry was insane and I loved every second of it. I can't wait for the next book!!!

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

"[Lemon] is a poet with knives for teeth." —Roshani Chokshi

"Reads like a grimoire for overcoming." —Hannah Whitten

"A gorgeously gothic fairy tale." —Ava Reid

Inspired by the tale of Bluebeard, A Dark and Wild Wood is the lush and atmospheric story of a maiden with dark magic who becomes the apprentice to Lord Death—for a price.

Ever since she was a child, Salomé has been plagued by visions of spirits and dangerous powers she can’t control. After watching her foster mother burn as a witch, she and her beloved sister Rochelle are raised together in a convent, a grim and dreary existence. Until one day, Rochelle vanishes.

Determined to find a way to save her, Salomé runs: first to a brothel, and then, after a terrible accident, away from the village and into the woods. Deep amongst the trees of the wild Black Forest, she comes face-to-face with Lord Death.

Rather than taking her life, he brings her to his home at the heart of the woods, a strange manor full of locked rooms and mysterious corridors, crumbling one moment, magnificent the next. He promises to make her his apprentice and teach her how to harness her mind and magic. His words are as seductive as his presence—but should one trust Death?

A swirling mirage of gothic fairy tale and historical fantasy, A Dark and Wild Wood is a novel best devoured all at once. But proceed with caution, as everything is not what it seems...

Review:

A gothic Bluebeard retelling featuring a maiden with dark magic who finds herself the new apprentice to Lord Death... only things are not as they seem and if she wants to embrace her own power she'll have to seize it herself. This is NOT a romance, there is light romance aspects but this is a true gothic story. The story follows Salomé, a girl with magic who finds herself on the run and face to face with Lord Death. When he takes her under his wing she finds herself questioning whether or not she can surrender... and if she can trust him. Trapped between her love for a pure girl who stole her heart and the need to want to be equal in power as Lord Death's consort... Salomé finds herself torn in two as she navigates who she can trust. I definitely found this to be a unique retelling of Bluebeard and I do appreciate the author stressing that this is NOT a romance book. I found the story to be interesting and the final plot twist was fun.

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

This deluxe limited edition paperback features stenciled edges and jacket effects.

From the bestselling author of He Sees You When You’re Sleeping comes a dark romance about a murder-sober retired serial killer and his murder-curious protégé. Perfect for fans of Brynne Weaver, this twisted romance inspired by the Bluebeard folktale is filled with dark humor, sizzling chemistry, and spice.

Murder is their love language…

Five years ago, Saylor Mitchell’s father was brutally murdered in front of her, shattering her world. Now his killers have tracked her down to finish the job. She is unexpectedly saved by her father’s closest friend, the enigmatic Blue. Saylor's savior—and captor— is a reformed, murder-sober assassin struggling to escape the clutches of his own violent history.

Blue’s gothic mansion, perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking a stormy sea in the town of Grimlock, is a labyrinth of secrets. And so is Grimlock, a small town whose residents all seem to have a penchant for murder that they’ve managed—mostly— to overcome.

Saylor soon realizes that Blue holds the key to avenging her father’s murder at the hands of the Crow, a gang of amoral contract killers. Only problem? Saylor has never killed before. Good thing those who can’t kill…teach.

Blue finds Saylor an apt pupil and the attraction between them morphs into a dangerous obsession. Can their love conquer Blue’s final, darkest secret?

Tropes:

Morally grey leads

Touch her and die

Dad’s best friend

Possessiveness

Gothic mansion

Murder mystery

Forbidden love

Age gap

Forced proximity

Anti-hero

Dark romance

Gothic romance

Fairytale retelling

Review:

She's a pole dancer on the run from assassins with a thirst for vengeance on the people who murdered her father, he's her father's best friend who vowed to protect her but finds himself falling for her while helping her kill off the people on her list. Age gap, morally grey, murder mystery in this modern day retelling of Blue Beard. Saylor and Blue meet and immediately hit it off... but when they both find out who they really are and how they're connected, things get complicated. Saylor wants Blue to teach her to kill people so she can murder the people who killed her father, Blue just wants to protect her and keep her locked up in his house... and the cherry on top is that they can't resist each other. This was definitely a unique retelling of Blue Beard and I do feel like it could have leaned into the darker romance aspect but it was fine for me overall.

Release Date: June 30,2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A Formula 1 romance set in the Slipstream universe following Cat Cromwell, a fashion influencer on a secret mission to ruin a driver’s reputation, but she may fall for his rival instead.

"This is the steamy rom-com every F1 girlie has been waiting for." —Sarah Adams • "Deliciously addictive!" —Ellie K. Wilde • "The Paddock Club is one of my top reads of the year." —Tarah DeWitt • "Madge Maril is a delightful voice in romance!” —Chelsea Curto • "Cat and Faust are a masterpiece in on-page chemistry." —Peyton Corinne

As a professional heartbreaker, Cat Cromwell knows she’ll never fall in love—but she’ll pretend to, for a price. A former fashion model in New York City with a side hustle charming and then dumping the World’s Worst Men, Cat is offered the chance to pull off her biggest con yet: date and dump F1 driver Bernard Baudelaire…who recently left his very angry ex at the altar.

Raised on Formula 1 by a single father herself, Cat is excited to infiltrate the ivory tower that is the Paddock Club through fashion, and also to get back at another powerful, spoiled man who feels entitled to treat women like playthings, something she has undertaken for women and girls since her early modeling days and her family’s financial struggles. But Cat’s perfect plan hits the brakes when Bernard leaves the racing team—and she’s assigned to work with Faust Ferreira Sanchez instead, a moody F1 driver recovering after an apocalyptically embarrassing year in his career.

Faust is nothing like the men Cat is paid to date and loves to hate. He’s quiet. Honest. And absurdly hot in an all-black suit. Worse, Faust is convinced that Cat isn’t who she claims to be. And he’s particularly interested in why she's flirting with his ex-teammate and biggest racing rival.

As flying between fashion shows and racing circuits wears Cat’s carefully crafted mask thin, she finds herself drawn further into Faust’s steamy game of cat and mouse, and the dangerously real passion they ignite in each other. But with shadows from Cat’s checkered past looming in the pit lane, can she find a way to break her target’s heart without losing the first honest man she’s ever known? Or will staying in the Paddock Club be the first scam she can’t pull off?

Review:

She's a con artist who breaks men's hearts for a living and he's the stoic Formula 1 driver... who she had a childhood crush on but is now the one person who can throw her latest con out the door... yet he's keeping her secret... and trying to win her heart. Cat doesn't do relationships, she doesn't believe in love, after a lifetime of seeing men prove time and time again how bad they are... she's made a living now avenging women and breaking men's hearts for them. When her latest job has her pretending to be a designer (her former dream) for an F1 driver... she then runs into the on person she actually has some feelings for, her childhood Formula 1 crush, Faust. The only problem? Faust saw her before... and he knows her secret... and he just happens to be willing to keep her secret. Faust turns everything Cat believes upside down, he's everything she's scared of... because he just might be the one person who can truly see her beneath all the facades and can climb the walls of her heart. Oh my swoonnnnn, this was absolutely adorable. Faust stole my heart, talk about a MAN. I love a man who supports you through everything, who is patient, who is sweet, who knows YOU. He literally is so good. I love Madge's book and this second one was just so swoony and romantic.

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)