ash-and-books

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

All's fair in love and lore.

Joonie is living in a fantasy—at least that’s what people tell her. Men in the real world have done nothing but disappoint her time and time again, so she keeps her heart reserved for Ryke, the fictional male lead of her favorite romance series, who just happens to be a merman. And so far, her book boyfriend is meeting her needs more than any other “real” man ever has.

But when she learns that Ryke's character is based on a friend of the author, Joonie is determined to track him down and take her shot at a happily ever after.

She’ll need to borrow her brother’s car for the road trip, with the one condition that his annoying (but also hot) best friend can catch a ride to New York with her. But as she makes her way to her male lead, she’ll learn that once you wish fantasy into reality, you have to take all the tropes that come with it—not just the fun ones.

As unhinged as it is brilliant, Female Fantasy is both a self-aware dive into the concept of genre and a wild, steamy romp. Most of all, though, it’s a heartfelt love letter to romance readers everywhere.

Review:

A copywriter who is tired of real men and finds herself absolutely in love with the fictional male lead of her favorite romance series so she decides to find the real life man that the author based the character off of and possibly date him... and along for the ride is her brother's annoying best friend who doesn't believe in romance. Can the fantasy be as good in reality or is the right man for her right beside her? This was definitely a bit unhinged and it is a fun read for anyone who enjoys a quirky rom com. While it just wasn't for me, I do think other romance readers will have fun with it.

Release Date: October 14, 2025

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

*Thanks Sourcebooks for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

NO KING CAN RULE THEM ALL.

From a major new voice in epic fantasy, Six Wild Crowns is a breathtaking epic fantasy of dragons, courtly intrigue, sapphic yearning, and the wives of Henry VIII as you've never seen them before. 

As tradition has it, the king of Elben must marry six queens and magically bind each of them to one of the island's palaces or the kingdom will fall.

Clever, ambitious Boleyn is determined to be her beloved Henry's favorite queen. She relishes the games at court and the political rivalries with his other wives. Seymour is the opposite - originally sent to Boleyn's court as a reluctant spy and assassin, she ends up catching Henry's eye and is forced into a loveless marriage with the king.

But when the two queens become the unlikeliest of things - friends and allies - the balance of power begins to shift. Together, they uncover a dark and deadly truth at the heart of the island's magic. Boleyn and Seymour's only hope of survival rests on uniting all six of the rival queens - but Henry will never let that happen.

Review:

A new take on the lives of Henry VIII's infamous wives with a magivacl twist and sapphic romance?? Why yes please. Following Anne Boleyn as she is newly married to Henry... her reign as queen is not what she thought it would be. Especially when Seymour arrives as a reluctant spy... but finds herself falling for the one woman she was never suppose to... yet Seymour ends up catching Henry's eye and being forced into a marriage with him when all she craves is Boleyn. Two queens, the magic they are forced to give the king, and the truth behind the island's magic and how their hope for survival might rely on the magic of all of Henry's wives and how they can free themselves from him. Sapphic romance, a new fantasy spin on historical events, and a unique story. I had so much fun reading this and as a huge fan of the tudor's period and the wives of Henry VIII, I love the sapphic romance twist and the fantasy element. It's a fun read that has you guessing what will happen next and it's definitely a great twist.

Release Date: June 10, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Orbit Books | Orbit for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

An "atmospheric and evocative" (Rachel Gillig) romantasy about a threatened Siren who forges a bond with a brooding, self-righteous king in order to flee the king who raised her. Perfect for fans of One Dark Window and For the Wolf.  

The monster is always slain… Imogen Nel is in hiding. Hiding from a cruel kingdom that believes Sirens are monstrous, blood-hungry creatures. Hiding from a king and his captain who viciously hunt her kind. Hiding from her own alluring abilities. By keeping herself from the sea, Imogen’s bloodlust is dulled, and her black wings remain concealed beneath her skin. When a neighboring king comes to visit, Imogen can no longer hide. He knows precisely what she is, and he believes she can save their kingdoms from an even greater monster. But Imogen’s power threatens to violently reveal itself, and the two form a blood bond that protects them both. They flee together, traversing waters teeming with the undead. As the lines between duty to their people and desire for each other begin to blur, Imogen worries her ancestral powers may not be enough to kill what hunts her—the only way to defeat a monster may be to become one herself.

Review:

A Siren in hiding under a ruthless king forced to marry a vicious captain, with no escape in sight until she meets the neighboring king who seems to know her secret... and he is the answer to her escape... but there is always a price... and their fates are entangled. Imogen Nel is the ward of a vicious king who uses her blood to appease a sea goddess... a king who has spent his life hunting and killing sirens... something that Imogen is. Immy has managed to keep her secret but when the king forces her to marry a captain she thought would be fine until her secret slips and he is determined to use her siren powers for himself she kills him... and the only person she can turn to is the neighboring King Theo... Theo who knew exactly what she was when he first saw her. But escaping will not be easy and the only way seems to be for Imogen and Theo to agree to be bonded together... but in Theo's kingdom that means Imogen has essentially made herself his wife. The bond creates a need to be protected... yet whatever feelings growing between them is something far more... yet Theo is determined to deny it and Imogen thinks he can't stand her... oh and the fact that he has a fiancee that they are visiting on their escape. Yet the more Imogen begins learning about Sirens and her own heritage, the more twisted her own family history becomes.. and the more she realizes that she might be far closer to the sea gods than she could have ever imagine. Things come to a head when Imogen gets her prophecy essentially telling her that she'll have to choose between her heart and her kingdom, and just what she needs to do to free herself completely. Forbidden romance, sirens, twisted family secrets, and so much more in this absolutely fantastic siren fantasy. This is the siren fantasy book of my dreams. I absolutely devoured this in one sitting and need the second one IMMEDIATELY. I adored this so so much and can't get enough of it!! It was so good!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

A Simple Love is the fourth, and final, novella in the A Simple Game series. The series MUST be read in order. This is NOT a standalone.

Saoirse One decision can change everything. Xavier has taken every precaution to keep us safe, and I threw it away for one reckless night. All I wanted was to reclaim a part of myself that I missed so desperately—but I didn’t expect my act of defiance to lead me into a trap. Now I’m being held captive by Gage, who’s hell-bent on destroying me… and the man I love. This all started with secrets. But now that everything is out in the open, I’m ready to fight for us—if we still have a chance.

Xavier She’s gone. Taken. And it’s my fault. I kept the truth from Saoirse, thinking I could protect her from the ugliest parts of my past. But all I did was push her away. Now my son has her. And if he hurts her, I’ll never forgive myself. I won’t lose her again. I’ll stop at nothing to bring her home. Even if it means sacrificing myself.

Review:

The finale in the A Simple Game Series! To save the love of his life, he'll have to face the son he never knew. Family secrets, betrayals, and a everything else in between finally comes to a head in this thrilling series as Xavier races to save Saorise before it's too late. I've had so much fun reading this series and seeing the twist and turn in the relationship between these two characters. It constantly keeps you guessing and hoping for more. It's a delightful read and one I'd absolutely recommend!

Release Date: July 18, 2025

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

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

Three women in one twisted family race for answers in this "stunning" mystery set in the Mexicali borderlands that "breathes new life into the myth of Persephone and Demeter" (Ana Reyes, author of The House in the Pines).  "Beautifully explores the dark complexities of mother-daughter relationships." —Erin E. Adams, author of Jackal “An irresistible world of secrets, grief, and horror.” —Tananarive Due, author of The Reformatory “Will absolutely mesmerize you.” —Cosmo At the edge of the Salton Sea, in the blistering borderlands, something is out hunting. . .

Malamar Veracruz has never left the dust-choked town of El Valle. Here, Mal has done her best to build a good life: She’s raised two children, worked hard, and tried to forget the painful, unexplained disappearance of her sister, Elena. When another local girl goes missing, Mal plunges into a fresh yet familiar nightmare. As a desperate Mal hunts for answers, her search becomes increasingly tangled with inscrutable visions of a horse-headed woman, a local legend who Mal feels compelled to follow. Mal’s perspective is joined by the voices of her two daughters, all three of whom must work to uncover the truth about the missing girls in their community before it's too late.

Combining elements of Latina and Indigenous culture, family drama, mystery, horror, and magical realism in a spellbinding mix, Salt Bones lays bare the realities of environmental catastrophe, family secrets, and the unrelenting bond between mothers and daughters. “Taut with a mother’s fierce love and the corrosive power of secrets . . . this is storytelling at its most urgent and haunting.” —Morgan Talty, author of Night of the Living Rez “A novel of visceral and celestial storytelling power, where the grieving land holds as many secrets as the characters.” —Kali Fajardo-Anstine, author of Sabrina & Corina

Review:

Three women, a twisted family secret, and the missing girls that heart of this story. The story follows Malamar Veracruz, a woman who's done her best with her life in the small town of El Valle, raising her children the best she can after the painful disappearance of her sister Elena... but when another local girl goes missing Mal finds herself plunged back into her sister's disappearance... but things only get worse when Mal becomes haunted by visions of a horse-headed woman, a local legend... and when Mal's own daughter goes missing... dark family secrets will unravel everything. This was such an interesting exploration on generational trauma, on the relationship between mother and daughter, and on how far our love can go, both for good and bad. I love the way the mystery is so layered and how all the women in this story are so distinct and unique. The mystery was intriguing and the whole paranormal/ghost visions was also fantastic. It's a great mystery read that has you hooked until the end.

Release Date: July 22, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Little, Brown and Company | Mulholland Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA, continues in this second volume. The gorgeous first edition hardcover of Under the Oak Tree: Volume 2 (The Novel) will feature designed sprayed page edges, full-color patterned endpapers, foil stamping on the cover, and a ribbon bookmark!

As her first winter in Anatol turns to spring, Lady Maximilian finds herself confronting an unfamiliar feeling: hope. Her voice and her magic strengthen every day; the only parts of Calypse Castle left to refurbish are its gardens, which she plans to fill with blooming flowers; and the way her husband, the recalcitrant war hero Sir Riftan, looks at her from across their bedroom makes her feel, for the first time in her life, that she might be worthy of love and affection.

However, Maxi's life is never that easy. Just as she begins to feel at home with Riftan, Maxi receives a surprise visit from Princess Agnes, the renowned sorceress who might have become Riftan's wife if he'd decided to divorce Maxi after the Dragon Campaign. Not at all what Maxi expected, the princess stirs up complicated emotions and politics that could lead to monumental changes in Maxi and Riftan's relationship.

This volume collects chapters 77-133 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

Review:

The heartwarming story of a lady who finds herself in the unlikeliest romance with a knight who has loved her all along continues in this beautiful sequel that explores healing, growth, and romance. Picking up where the first book off, Lady Maximilian is now spending her first winter in Anatol, the home of her husband, where she begins to find a place and role in the new environment. There she begins to strengthen and build herself up as she grows closer to everyone around her including her husband. I have adored this series since I first began reading the korean version and absolutely love to see it being translated into a published english edition. This story is just so heartwarming for me. It's a story of healing, of finding strength in yourself, and of opening your heart up to people who love you. I can't stress enough how much I adore this series and can't wait to read the next book!

Release Date: Nov 18, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Inklore for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4.5/5

Book Blurb:

The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder—now a hit Netflix series—returns with her first novel for adults: a twisty thriller about a young woman trying to solve her own murder. The stunning hardcover of Not Quite Dead features a custom-stamped case, beautiful endpapers, and a premium dust jacket! “This truly unique premise snowballs into a roller-coaster ride of page-turning suspense and knock-out twists!”—Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid In seven days Jet Mason will be dead.

Jet is the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock, Vermont. Twenty-seven years old, she’s still waiting for her life to begin. I’ll do it later, she always says. She has time.

Until Halloween night, when Jet is violently attacked by an unseen intruder.

She suffers a catastrophic head injury. The doctor is certain that within a week, the injury will trigger a deadly aneurysm.

Jet has never thought of herself as having enemies. But now she looks at everyone in a new light: her family, her former best friend turned sister-in-law, her ex-boyfriend.

She has at most seven days, and as her condition deteriorates she has only her childhood friend Billy for help. But nevertheless, she’s absolutely determined to finally finish something:

Jet is going to solve her own murder.

Review:

When the daughter of one of the wealthiest families in town is attacked she discovers she has only 7 days left to live and she's going to spend her last days trying to figure out who her murderer is. Jet is the twenty-seven year old daughter of one of the wealthiest families in Woodstock. She doesn't know what she wants to do in her life and is just waiting for it to start... but on Halloween night she is violent attacked by an unseen intruder. She wakes up to find that she was left with a horrible head injury that within a week, the injury will cause a deadly aneurysm... and with the clock ticking Jet needs to figure out who did this to her, from her family, her former best friend, her ex... and possibly anyone else in town and the only person she can turn to for help is her childhood best friend Billy, who is still in love with her. Can she figure it out before her clock runs out? Holly Jackson is one of my favorite thriller/mystery authors and this was just a fun read. I was hooked from the first chapter and every twist and turn just kept me on the edge of my seat until the last one. It's a fun read that really has you wanting to find out what happens next after every chapter. I definitely think this would make a fantastic mini series/movie!

Release Date: July 22, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Bantam for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

DELUXE EDITION—a gorgeous hardcover edition featuring cobalt blue sprayed edges! A deeply dark academia novel from USA Today bestselling author Cassandra Khaw, perfect for fans of A Deadly Education and An Education in Malice who are hungry for something more diabolical.

The Hellebore Technical Institute for the Gifted is the premier academy for the dangerously powerful: the Anti-Christs and Ragnaroks, the world-eaters and apocalypse-makers.

Hellebore promises redemption, acceptance, and a normal life after graduation. At least, that’s what Alessa Li is told after she’s kidnapped and forcibly enrolled.

But the Institute is more than just a haven for monsters. On graduation day, the faculty embark on a ravenous rampage, feasting on their students. Trapped in the school’s cavernous library, Alessa and her surviving classmates must do something they were never taught: work together.

If they don't, this school will eat them alive...

Review:

Dark academia meets horror in this story about a exclusive institute that houses gifted dangerous beings... beings on par with the Anti-Christs, Ragnaroks, world-eaters, and apocalypse makers. Whether or not you actually apply to the school is up to you but you might find yourself kidnapped and awake there regardless, and thats exactly what happens to Alessi Li. Students at Hellebore are promised acceptance and a normal life after graduation.. that is if they can make it out alive with the other dangerous students against them and the fact that the faculty are determined to eat them all.... talk about a tough school year. This book was part body horror part monster romance, and it was just a thrilling read! I had so much fun with this one and it's definitely one I would recommend for your spooky season tbr!

Release Date: July 22, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Nightfire for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A whimsical and heartwarming novel about a witch who has a second chance to get her magical powers—and her life—back on track, from the national bestselling author of The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches.

Sera Swan used to be one of the most powerful witches in Britain. Then she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine from the (very recently) dead, lost most of her magic, befriended a semi-villainous talking fox, and was exiled from her Guild. Now she (slightly reluctantly and just a bit grumpily) helps Jasmine run an enchanted inn in Lancashire, where she deals with her quirky guests' shenanigans, tries to keep said talking fox in check, and longs for the future that seems lost to her. But then she finds out about an old spell that could hold the key to restoring her power…

Enter Luke Larsen, handsome and icy magical historian, who arrives on a dark winter evening and just might know how to unlock the spell’s secrets. Luke has absolutely no interest in getting involved in the madcap goings-on of the inn and is definitely not about to let a certain bewitching innkeeper past his walls, so no one is more surprised than he is when he agrees to help Sera with her spell. Worse, he might actually be thawing.

Running an inn, reclaiming lost magic, and staying one step ahead of the watchful Guild is a lot for anyone, but Sera Swan is about to discover that she doesn’t have to do it alone...and that the weird, wonderful family she’s made might be the best magic of all.

Review:

A warm cup of tea with a dash of magic, found family, and healing in this sweet and charming story about a witch trying to regain her magic, save her friends, and possibly falling for the grumpy magical historian who has moved into her inn with his younger sister. Sera Swan was one of the most gifted witches and held so much potential but it all came crashing down when she used a spell to resurrect her great-aunt who had very recently died... and in turn lost all her magic, was exiled from her Guild, and now she helps run an inn with her great aunt while looking after her everyone in it. Sera is determined to find a way to get her magic back and when a icy magical historian appears at her door having been sent there with his younger sister, he might be the answer. Luke Larsen is as handsome as he is cold, he's spent most of his time with his head in books and avoiding everyone save for his younger sister who his parents abandoned. Luke's younger sister has autism and also hasn't learned how to control his magic and he doesn't know how to help her yet when he is given Sera's address he begins to realize that this one night stay might be a more prolonged stay as he begins to find his heart thawing and that Sera and her family might just be the perfect family for him and his sister. This was such a sweet and charming read with so much heart. I absolutely adore Sangu's writing so much and this second book she's written is just as charming and cozy as the first one. I can't wait to read whatever she writes next and I just adored this one!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

In this steamy polyamorous cowboy romance novella, Beau Adams finds that the best things always happen in threes…

Living in the heart of Oklahoma, I’m just a cowboy with boots rooted firmly in running Rainbow Ranch. As eldest brother and professional worrier, I spend my days working hard with my family and yearning for someone I can never have.

Priscilla. She’s called Rainbow Ranch home for years and without her, my world would fall apart. Pris is gorgeous and smart and deserves everything good in her life. While I’ve always had eyes for her, I’ve never been brave enough to cross the fence between friends and lovers.

When a charming storm chaser named Sky arrives at our ranch, the three of us decide to give our wild hearts a chance. Sky is charismatic and sweeter than a cinnamon bun, and they just might be the missing piece we’ve needed.

But with pains from the past and worries about the future, Pris isn’t sure she can risk being hurt again, Sky isn’t sure Rainbow Ranch can be their home, and I’m not sure I can be the cowboy Pris and Sky deserve.

Can fate lasso the three of us into giving love a chance? Or will this whirlwind romance be our first and last rodeo?

Review:

A absolutely beautiful western romance that is perfect from start to finish. The story is about acceptance, found family, and finding love. This was a wonderful story that just captures your attention from the beginning. Clio always manages to write such fantastic stories and this one is no different. Featuring a Ranch Boss, a Lead Agriculturalist, and a Storm Chaser, three people come together and discover that they have the perfect chemistry and romance. This was just a delightful read!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Cleo Evan's Arc Team for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Blade. Butcher. Thief. Worldbreaker.

Emiko Soong has been called many things. But Worldbreaker is the worst.

She unmasked the General and returned to San Francisco where her power is greatest. But the city, once her sanctuary from Jiaren intrigues, turns into her living nightmare. Clan wars erupt and Emiko’s life becomes a treacherous quicksand of friend and foe. Unsure of who to trust, Emiko finds herself more alone than ever.

When an ancient power rips through the Realm to land in her city, the General will stop at nothing to take it for his own. Emiko must face her past, present, and future, as she races to stop the General.

Is Emiko’s fate written to be the destroyer of worlds, or can she chart a new course to save her family?

Phoenix Hoard #1 Ebony Gate #2 Blood Jade #3 Pearl City

Review:

The finale in the epic urban fantasy series! Emiko has just found out that she has powers that she can barely control, powers that all other clans hate.... she can steal other's gifts. On top of being outcast by her family and the other clans... she's torn a rift in the world and now a dangerous Dragon has come in and threatens to devour everyone and destroy her city. Emiko has her work cut out for her if she wants to save her city and find a way to control her gifts. Not knowing who is an ally or an enemy... Emiko must find a way to navigate the treacherous city and stop the evil before her fate as a destroyer of worlds comes true. I absolutely adored this finale in the series, It was a action packed ride from the start to the end. And can we take a moment to talk about Kamon, my most beloved tiger shifter... like YES YES YESSSSSS. The romance definitely ramped up in this and everything wrapped up beautifully. I adored this series from the start to the end and would absolutely recommend this for fans of urban fantasy stories!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

Elsie Jennings thought she had it all figured out.

A ballet career. A husband who adored her. A future that felt certain. But after a devastating injury ends her time on stage—and a miscarriage shatters something even deeper—Elsie pushes everyone away, including Beau, the man she’s loved since she was sixteen. Believing she needs space to heal, she asks him to leave.

Months later, back in her small Montana hometown, Elsie is trying to rebuild. She’s traded performances for teaching at the local studio, and solitude for something like stability. But one night with Beau changes everything—again. When she discovers she’s pregnant, she’s forced to confront everything she’s been avoiding.

Beau Jennings never stopped loving Elsie.

He gave her the space she asked for, but he never gave up. Now that he knows about the baby, he’s ready to step back in—with patience, loyalty, and the kind of steady love that never wavered.

As the two navigate old wounds and uncertain futures, they’ll have to learn how to move forward—not by returning to who they once were, but by becoming something new together. Because love like theirs isn’t easy—but they both know this isn’t their first rodeo.

Review:

A couple who separated after a miscarriage and a career lost find a way back to one another when they discover they're pregnant once again and that the love between them is still there. Elsie Jennings thought she had it all figured out with a blooming ballet career, a husband who adored her and being pregnant... only an injury destroys her career and then she has a miscarriage that breaks something deeper in her. Elsie pushes everyone away including her husband saying she needs space and for him to leave while she figures herself out. Beau Jennings has never stopped loving Elsie, he's still in love with her and despite her asking for space he'll wait as long as she needs for her. Yet when they have a one night stand and it ends in Elsie getting pregnant again, Beau is determined to stay around and help her and make her see that he's not going anywhere... can Elsie heal after everything or is it too soon? So this was definitely a story about healing and about grief. Beau was the perfect partner for Elsie, he was so patient and loving with her while she figured out her own grief. This is a great book for anyone who wants a story about healing.

Release Date: July 11, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and ARC provided by Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

Three women in three different eras encounter danger and witchcraft in this eerie multigenerational horror saga from the New York Times bestselling author of Mexican Gothic.

“In Silvia Moreno-Garcia’s sure hands, every uncovered secret is fraught with intrigue and creeping horror.”—Tananarive Due, Bram Stoker Award–winning author of The Reformatory

“Back then, when I was a young woman, there were still witches”: That was how Nana Alba always began the stories she told her great-granddaughter Minerva—stories that have stayed with Minerva all her life. Perhaps that’s why Minerva has become a graduate student focused on the history of horror literature and is researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author of macabre tales.

In the course of assembling her thesis, Minerva uncovers information that reveals that Tremblay’s most famous novel, The Vanishing, was inspired by a true story: Decades earlier, during the Great Depression, Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying and became obsessed with her beautiful and otherworldly roommate, who then disappeared under mysterious circumstances.

As Minerva descends ever deeper into Tremblay’s manuscript, she begins to sense that the malign force that stalked Tremblay and the missing girl might still walk the halls of the campus. These disturbing events also echo the stories Nana Alba told about her girlhood in 1900s Mexico, where she had a terrifying encounter with a witch.

Minerva suspects that the same shadow that darkened the lives of her great-grandmother and Beatrice Tremblay is now threatening her own in 1990s Massachusetts. An academic career can be a punishing pursuit, but it might turn outright deadly when witchcraft is involved.

Review:

Three women, one mystery, and the witches that connect them. When a graduate student with a love of horror literature decides to write her thesis on a specific author's most famous novel that was inspired by true events, she finds herself spiraling down a rabbit hole that she was never prepared for. Minerva has grown up listening to stories about witches from her great grandmother Nana Alba and she specifically finds herself drawn to the horror literature and researching the life of Beatrice Tremblay, an obscure author who's most famous novel was based of a true story that happened while Tremblay attended the same university where Minerva is now studying. Tremblay's best friend disappeared and Minerva is determined to uncover what happened... yet the story itself is divided between the three women: Minerva in the present, Beatrice in the past, and Nana Alba's past as well... and how there is a darkness that has connected all three women and the mystery of the disappearance of a girl. This was definitely a unique mystery that unfolded throughout different times. I loved how distinct each character was and how each of their lives and the mystery in it was so clear. It's a slow burn mystery that draws you in and definitely makes a fantastic autumnal read!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

NEW BOOK TO ADD TO YOUR TBR!!!!

Blurb:

What happens when two best friends decide to date each other as an experiment? BAD AT LOVE is a STANDALONE friends-to-lovers romance from the NYT bestselling author of The Pact. She's bad at love, but he's even worse... Marina is hot, blonde, and wickedly smart, but when it comes to men? She's hopeless. Between her quirks and her lack of filter, there isn't a man in Los Angeles that will stick around after the third date. Her handsome, charming friend Lazarus has the opposite problem. Everyone wants to be the sexy Brit's girlfriend, but he gets bored and moves on quickly. There's only one way to figure out why neither of them has cracked this love thing-- they'll date each other. On paper, it's the perfect experiment. But in reality, things between Marina and Laz get complicated quickly. They might be bad at love, but they are even worse at being friends. Note: This full-length romance is a complete standalone with no relation to any other books and was inspired by the Halsey song "Bad at Love." It does contain ample amounts of profanity, filthy language and graphic sex scenes. Sensitive readers should be advised.

Here are the tropes:

- friends to lovers

- fake dating

- standalone

- sweet and spicy rom com

- spice coach

- neurodivergent rep

- he's tattooed and pierced 

- rockstar romance

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

A fling with a mysterious stranger leads to a rollicking adventure in the wilds of South Dakota in this madcap and romantic follow-up to Amanda Sellet’s Hate to Fake it to You. The last thing reluctant resort employee Jean Harrington expected to find on a middle-of-the-night towel run was a bashful scientist in desperate need of company . . . and clothes. Charmed by his awkwardness and endearing tangents about reptiles, she returns the next day to give the handsome mystery guest she knows only as “Charlie” lessons in poker.

He’s reserved and she’s chaotic, but together, the two of them just click. It’s like a honeymoon without the hassle of a wedding, until Jean discovers there’s a lot more to Charlie’s story than shyness and snakes—and she isn’t the only person with a pressing interest in his whereabouts, not to mention his secretly scandalous dating history.

When Charlie has the audacity to abandon her without a word, Jean has a score to settle. She’ll do whatever it takes to get him back—no, get back at him—even if it means chasing him across an ocean to brave the wild west of his remote hometown, and the famous family business he neglected to mention. With flames from their pasts raising the stakes, Jean is gambling she can get the upper hand before Charlie calls her bluff.

The real trick will be remembering what they’re playing for, when the biggest risk is putting all their cards on the table.

Review:

When a heir of a beer company goes in hiding after his breakup with pop star girlfriend he finds himself falling for the chaotic resort employee who is determined to get revenge on him after he ghosts her... only he's absolutely in love with her. This book took quirky and ramped it up to a 10, this is the kind of book that only works as a very very bad rom com movie. I saw someone else say that this was a retelling of the 1941 movie The Lady Eve with the same character names and plot... and I'm just like: yeah. I found the book to be all over the place, zero chemistry between the characters, and I just did not vibe with the overall story or romance. I guess this really just isn't for me but for anyone who enjoys extremely quirky stories then yeah, give it a go.

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

Two fledgling tabletop gamers find themselves falling for each other—both in and out of their weekly D&D sessions—in this charming, fantasy-tinged romance. “Sweet, charming, and wonderful!”—Sarah Beth Durst, author of The Spellshop

When Sadie Brooks unexpectedly loses her marketing job, she flees New York City to spend the summer with her best friend in small-town Texas, where joining his Dungeons & Dragons campaign is the perfect distraction while she plans her next steps.

In the game, she becomes Jaylie, a powerful human cleric blessed by the Goddess of Luck. But in real life, Sadie believes her luck has run out—until she meets Noah Walker, the outgoing bartender roped into joining their party as Loren, an adventurous and charismatic lute-strumming elf. Just as Jaylie finds herself succumbing to the bard’s charms over the course of their party’s travels, Sadie also begins to fall under Noah’s spell.

As their relationship progresses in both worlds, Sadie wonders if what they have might last beyond the game. But like his traveling bard character, Noah never stays in one place for long. When a new opportunity arises in New York, Sadie must face the truth about why she lost her job in the first place—and whether she and Noah have found something in Texas worth staying for. Torn between her career dreams in the city and the exciting uncertainty of a new adventure, she will have no choice but to roll the dice.

Review:

When two people meet over a weekly session of Dungeons and Dragons... the last thing they expect is to truly fall in love because while they craft a romance between their game characters... real feelings begin to grow as well. After losing her job, Sadie decides to summer with her best friend in his small town and join his D& D campaign in hopes of being distracted until she can figure out what she wants to do with her life next. Sadie finds herself immersed in her new character and the game as well as the very cute bartender who also is part of the campaign named Noah. Sadie and Noah's characters have a very cute romance they've crafted yet they both begin falling for each other in real life as well... but Noah never stays in one place too long and Sadie is only here for the summer before she comes back to NY to figure out her job situation.... can they actually take this romance and make it real? This book was definitely a harder read for me because the format was just kind of not working for me. I love the idea and premise of the story because it makes it interesting, however it just didn't really execute all that well for myself. I didn't feel like the characters have a lot of romance and chemistry and I was hoping for a bit more. I do think that if you love D&D this would be the perfect read for you though!

Release Date: July 15, 2025

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

*Thanks Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Dell for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Tension quickly turns to temptation in Bluebell, Montana, between a single dad and his nanny in this steamy age-gap, brother's best friend, small town cowboy romance by Ann Einerson.

One minute I’m living a peaceful life at Silver Saddle Ranch and the next, Jensen, my brother’s best friend, returns to town for the summer with his five-year-old son and moves into my guest rooms. Not only are we sharing space, but I’ve agreed to be Caleb’s nanny.

The problem? Jensen’s little boy quickly wins my heart, and his dad isn’t far behind with his big-city charm.

Between a steamy Ferris wheel ride and romantic late-night chats on the porch swing overlooking the Montana skyline, my heart quickly becomes his.

I want to be the place where Jensen lays his hat, but I’m not sure he’s looking to trade his custom Italian suit for dirty cowboy boots.

What happens when the summer’s over, and our time is up…

Review:

Best friend's younger sister, single father, small town cowboy romance! This was such a cute and fantastic read. The romance was so well done and the tension and buildup between the character's relationship was great. I adored just how loving and supportive the characters were and their relationship had so much chemistry. The story just pulls you in immediately and you never want it to end. I can't wait to read more in this series and see more romances from the other side characters in this small town. This is a great story about healing, family, and falling for someone you never expected!!

Release Date: July 11, 2025

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

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*