lyloveslit's reviews
258 reviews

WOW. Let me start by saying that I wanted to hate this book. The hype was so overwhelming that I thought, There’s no way it can be that good. But I stand corrected. By the end, I was so invested that it took a lot of willpower not to open book two immediately.

What I Loved

I love a story that has something to say about humanity and that’s layered with political intrigue, and Fourth Wing delivers on both fronts. The dynamic between Xaden and Violet is fascinating—Xaden is branded as a traitor, but his people were simply on the opposite side of a political conflict from Violet’s. I loved how the book explores the idea that children of enemies can carve out their own paths and redefine their allegiances, even if it means starting a revolution.

And the dragons? I’m a millennial who grew up watching Dragon Tales, so sign me THE HELL UP for dragons with attitude. Their banter and quippy remarks made the story even more enjoyable and added layers of personality that I wasn’t expecting.

What Was Hard for Me

I typically love my FMCs powerful, strong, and confident from the start, so Violet was a tough sell in the beginning. She starts off fragile, uncertain, and struggling, which made it difficult for me to connect with her at first. In fact, the first time I picked up this book, I DNF’d it. But I’m so glad I gave it another shot because the payoff is absolutely worth it. Watching Violet grow into a total badass made the journey all the more satisfying.

If you’re skeptical about the hype, I get it—I was too. But trust me when I say that Fourth Wing earns every bit of it.

Kimberly Lemming delivers a perfect blend of fantasy, adventure, and swoon-worthy romance in "That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon". This book is a spicy, laugh-out-loud rom com through a vividly imagined world that pulls you in with its quirky characters, heartfelt moments, and unexpected twists.  

The story follows Cinnamon "Cin," a small-town spice maker whose ordinary life takes a wild turn when, after a drunken night, she accidentally saves Fallon—a tall, ridiculously handsome demon who has been freed from a terrible curse. Fallon reveals the truth about the sinister magic that has plagued Cin’s people for generations and gives her one terrifying choice: help him break the curse and free his kind, or risk the safety of her family. With no other option, Cin embarks on the adventure of a lifetime.  

As Cin travels with Fallon, she not only discovers her bravery and strength but also meets a delightful band of misfits—both human and demon—who feel like the perfect found family. The chemistry between Cin and Fallon is chef's kiss: equal parts steamy and sweet, with moments that make your heart flutter. Their romance develops naturally, layered with humor, trust, and genuine affection that makes you root for them every step of the way.  

Lemming's descriptive writing immerses you in this fantastical world, and her ability to weave lighthearted humor with deeper emotional stakes is unmatched. I loved how she gave life to side characters, making them just as compelling as the leads. It's rare to find a book where you’re just as invested in the supporting cast as you are in the main romance, but Lemming pulls it off effortlessly.  

If you're a fan of fantasy stories with spicy romance, hilarious banter, and a dash of heart-pounding adventure, this book is a must-read. I can't wait to see what Kimberly Lemming writes next—she’s officially an auto-buy author for me!

KC Mills delivers a captivating blend of romance, danger, and spice in You Could Do Damage, a story that pulls you into a world of power, passion, and peril.

The story follows Kincaid “Caid”, a cocky, mob-like boss who seemingly has it all money, power, and access. In the middle of sealing a high-stakes marriage alliance to strengthen his empire, his world shifts when he sets eyes on Nari. A young, beautiful loner struggling to make ends meet, Nari is working at a club just to survive. Caide’s instincts immediately push him to protect her, and their connection only intensifies as he realizes that his current path could weaken his power instead of solidifying it.

What follows is an arranged marriage that sparks with tension, intrigue, and a love that becomes dangerously consuming. Caid’s love is dark, possessive, and deeply addicting, and while Nari tries to navigate this unfamiliar and treacherous new world, their chemistry grows undeniably stronger. The spicy scenes? Giving exactly what they need to give sensual, intense, and brimming with energy.

The plot keeps you hooked, blending high-stakes drama with moments of vulnerability between the characters. The cliffhanger ending will leave you breathless, as Nari finds herself in the middle of a dangerous war, forced to make the ultimate choice: trust her husband or run.

KC Mills masterfully crafts a story that’s equal parts thrilling and seductive, with characters that you can’t help but root for, even when their world feels like it’s on the verge of collapse. If you love a dark, possessive hero, a fierce yet vulnerable heroine, and plenty of spice, You Could Do Damage is an absolute must-read.

Thank you, NetGalley and Black Odyssey Media, for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait to see how Nari and Caide’s story unfolds in the next book! 

"Somebody’s Husband" by Robbi Renee is my first 5-star read of the year, and it absolutely deserves every single star! This beautifully crafted story weaves together the lives of two families, exploring themes of grief, healing, and rediscovering love.  

Dr. Dresden Xavier is a widower who, after losing his wife a few years ago, is ready to rebuild his life. He moves back to Missouri to be closer to his family and take on a leadership role in a new hospital and clinical trial program. Harper Kingsley is a professor at a local HBCU and the caretaker for her ex-husband Terrance, who is battling advanced colon cancer. Harper, burned out and emotionally drained, applies to the clinical trial in the hope of helping Terrance and contributing to the search for a cure.  

From the moment Dresden and Harper meet, sparks fly, but this isn’t a whirlwind romance. It’s a beautifully slow burn as two seasoned adults, with their share of heartbreak and life experience, learn to navigate love again. Watching Dresden and Harper choose themselves—even amidst grief and complex family dynamics—was both refreshing and heartwarming. Their clear communication and intentionality in building their relationship made their journey even more compelling.  

I adored the representation of older, seasoned characters who have “been through some things” yet remain open to love and happiness. Robbi Renee’s writing is poignant and immersive, making it impossible to put this book down—I read it in one sitting!  

This is my first book by Robbi Renee, and I am utterly blown away. "Somebody’s Husband" is a masterclass in storytelling, and I can’t wait to explore more of her work. If you’re looking for a heartfelt romance that celebrates love, healing, and second chances, this is the book for you. Highly recommend!  

Kimberly Lemming delivers a hilarious, steamy, and utterly unique rom-com with I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com. Imagine if Jurassic Park had a lovechild with a why-choose romance and a BDSM novel—yes, it’s as wild and entertaining as it sounds!

The story follows Dorothy “Dory,” a PhD student specializing in wildlife conservation. On the cusp of completing her degree, a research excursion takes a tragic turn, and Dory thinks she’s met her end. Instead, she wakes up on a planet teeming with gorgeous aliens, talking animals, and a wild mix of species from various time periods. For Dory, a scientist to her core, disbelief turns into fascination as she grapples with a world that forces her to question everything she thought she knew.

Lemming’s ability to blend humor, heart, and heat is masterful. I found myself laughing out loud repeatedly, especially at the antics of Dory’s talking lion best friend, Toto (yes, named after The Wizard of Oz). Toto’s dry wit and unwavering support add an extra layer of charm to the story.

As Dory adjusts to her new reality, she discovers unexpected connections—not with one, but two drop-dead gorgeous aliens. The romance is spicy and emotional, as Dory begins to understand that her previous life was a series of “must-dos” and to-do lists. On this alien planet, she gets a second chance to truly live for herself, exploring emotional, spiritual, and sexual freedom in ways she never imagined.

Lemming also excels at world-building. The alien planet, with its strange flora, fauna, and food, comes alive through Dory’s eyes. Her scientist’s curiosity adds depth to the story, making her journey of rediscovery both intellectually stimulating and laugh-out-loud funny.

In short, I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I’m Trapped in a Rom-Com is an absolute joyride. It’s equal parts romantic comedy, sci-fi adventure, and self-discovery tale, with a touch of kink to spice things up. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, swoon, and cheer for a heroine who learns to embrace her wild side, this one’s for you.

Jessica N. Watkins delivers a gripping tale of loyalty, love, and survival in The Cartier Cartel. This urban fiction novel follows the dynamic duo of brothers Icon and Legend Cartier as they navigate the tumultuous world of running their family’s cartel while managing personal relationships and raising their younger siblings. The result is a story packed with tension, unexpected twists, and complex characters that keep you hooked from start to finish.

The brothers’ personalities couldn’t be more different, yet they balance each other in ways that make their bond both relatable and compelling. Icon is the epitome of calm and calculated, steering the cartel with precision. Legend, on the other hand, is a fiery hothead, acting on impulse and relying on raw emotion. Their opposing natures create friction, but also make their partnership one of the book’s strongest elements.

Watkins doesn’t just stop with the brothers. The younger siblings, Tempo and Saint, add another layer to the story as they struggle to prove their worth in the cartel, diving headfirst into challenges they may not be ready for. Their journey introduces tension and high-stakes moments that deepen the family’s struggles and highlight the cost of the lifestyle they’ve inherited.

Romance also takes center stage in The Cartier Cartel, with Icon and Legend both finding unexpected love. Icon’s relationship with Livia, a confident woman unlike anyone he’s encountered, is a refreshing take on opposites attracting. Their chemistry feels natural, but their romance is fraught with challenges, especially when Livia discovers the truth about his dangerous lifestyle. Meanwhile, Legend’s budding relationship with Aria, an art analyst from a family that would never approve of him, is equally compelling. The added layer of Aria’s own secret brings an extra dose of drama and intrigue.

What sets this book apart is Watkins’ ability to weave intricate storylines that balance street-life drama with heartfelt moments. The stakes are raised when one of the Cartier Cartel’s last loyal soldiers is found dead, sparking a war that threatens everything they’ve worked to protect. Watkins expertly uses this catalyst to propel the story forward, introducing twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end.

Overall, The Cartier Cartel is an engrossing read that combines action, drama, and romance in a way that only Jessica N. Watkins can. The characters are richly developed, the dialogue feels authentic, and the plot is filled with enough surprises to keep you on the edge of your seat. If you’re looking for a story that offers grit, heart, and unexpected moments, this is a book you won’t want to miss.

The story centers on Tatum, a cartel princess whose family has promised her to the ruthless Veneto family. The problem? She doesn’t love her betrothed—and he’s downright terrible to her. Desperate to escape, she runs straight into the arms of Naeem Bulgari, the eldest son of the rival Bulgari cartel. This betrayal ignites a full-scale war between the families, dragging every ally and enemy into the fray.

The romance between Tatum and Naeem was intense, filled with passion, conflict, and plenty of heat. Their dynamic gave me serious Beauty and the Beast vibes, especially in the ways Naeem uses punishment as both a form of protection and discipline within their dom/sub relationship. It was dark, spicy, and completely engrossing.

I also loved that the story didn’t just focus on Tatum and Naeem. We’re introduced to Naeem’s younger brother, Khalil Bulgari, and his budding romance with Felicity Veneto. The forbidden fruit element added even more tension to an already action-packed plot, and I’m excited to see where Khalil and Felicity’s story leads in future installments.

Mesha Mesh nails the hallmarks of a great cartel romance: drama, power struggles, arranged marriage conflicts, and high-stakes decisions. The Bulgari Cartel was a wild ride from start to finish, and it’s the perfect kickoff to the Monsters Inc. series. I can’t wait to dive into the rest of the series to see how this tangled web of love, loyalty, and betrayal plays out!

Kristina Forest delivers a heartfelt conclusion to the Greene Sisters trilogy with The Love Lyric,  earning a solid 4.5 stars. This final installment focuses on Iris Greene, the eldest sister, whose journey through grief and rediscovery of love is both tender and empowering.

Iris, a widow and the mother of the wonderfully spunky Callah, has always been described by her sisters, Lily and Violet, as the most accomplished and put-together of the three. Yet, beneath the polished exterior lies a vulnerability rooted in the loss of her husband, a grief she has been too busy to truly confront. 

Enter Angel, a charming and sensitive singer who has quietly admired Iris from afar for three years. While her sisters caution him against pursuing her, fate intervenes when he becomes the brand ambassador for Iris’s company. A one-week domestic tour places the two in close proximity, igniting sparks that neither can ignore. 

Watching Angel fall first was an absolute joy. His childhood trauma and strained relationship with narcissistic parents have made him wary of love, but Iris fiercely defends him and helps him find confidence and self-worth. The way their relationship blossoms, despite all the reasons it shouldn’t work, feels authentic and deeply rewarding. 

The slow-burn romance is beautifully paced, making every moment worth the wait. Witnessing Iris’s journey to love again after loss was especially moving, and the emotional depth of the story pulled at my heartstrings in the best way. 

Kristina Forest has crafted a poignant and memorable story that celebrates healing, self-love, and the power of opening your heart again. The Love Lyric is a must-read for fans of the series and anyone who loves a romance that’s as emotional as it is swoon-worthy.