The Novel Navigator

Helping readers plan their next adventure

recent posts

    • Best of 2025

      2025 has been a year filled with so many great books (and some of the worst ones yet). Not only have I had the chance to dive into beautiful worlds, I’ve also improved my own world by starting a smut club with an amazing group of lady friends that continues to grow, starting a book blog (heyyyyyy) and starting to foster puppies! While the puppies have nothing to do with reading, it’s still one of the best things of 2025 and a dream of mine. However, if we’re strictly talking books, I’ve read 82 (lower that years past but still very solid) which included some of my all time obsession level favorites – Dire Bound, Shield of Sparrows, Quicksilver and Brimstone. Speaking of favorites, I am crazy lucky to be ending the year on a high with a December filled with only 9s and 10s that happen to be of completely different sub-genres – contemporary, fantasy, sports, romantasy, monster(smut)! ALSO if we’re looking at stats, only 7 of my 82 have been not that great and that’s 8.5% which is honestly amazing if you think about it! I’m sure there will be one last book to add before the year comes to a close in a couple of days; if you’re curious, check out my Read With Me post and then pop back over here in the new year for a rating.

      I hope you have had a great year filled with love and beautiful fictional worlds. If you’ve read any of the books below, I hope we shared some favorites and if you’ve yet to read them, I hope you get a chance to and enjoy them as much as I did!

      I don’t have super high standards…. give me vibes, story, smut, whatever and I’m in and having a good time! If it makes me feel something, great! If its something happy, if I laugh out loud, if I’m cackling, if my heart strings are being pulled, if I CRY, if I’m on the edge of my seat… then it’s likely I’ll be rating it 9 or 10 out of 10. Here’s a list of the books I read this year from December down to January and the ratings I gave them!

      Face Off, Chelsea Curto – 10/10

      Morning Glory Milking Farm, C.M. Nascosta – 9/10

      Obsidian, K.F. Breene – 10/10

      Wild Card, Elsie Silver – 9/10

      Dire Bound, Sable Sorensen – 10/10

      Bloody Black, Rhiannon Hargadon – 6/10

      Broken Ties, J Bree – 10/10

      The Proposal Play, Lauren Blakely – 8/10

      Brimstone, Callie Hart – 10/10

      Trick Shot, Kayla Grosse – 10/10

      The Reaper, Melissa K. Roehrich – 9/10

      Unrelenting Winds, Melissa K. Roehrich – 9/10

      Pretty Pink Poison, Shain Rose – 5/10

      Bonds of Hercules, Jasmine Mas – 10/10

      Breathe with Me, Becka Mack – 10/10

      Magic Fury, Meg Xuemei X – 2/10

      Magic Secret, Meg Xuemei X – 2/10

      Magic Trials, Meg Xuemei X – 2/10

      Secret Haven, Catherine Cowles – 10/10

      The Pucking Wrong Man, C.R. Jane – 8/10

      The Pucking Wrong Date, C.R. Jane – 8/10

      Rising Reign, Tessa Hale – 8/10

      Eclipsed Empire, Tessa Hale – 8/10

      Crescent Kingdom, Tessa Hale – 8/10

      Apprentice to the Villain, Hannah Nicole Maehrer – 10/10

      Tourist Season, Brynne Weaver – 10/10

      Magical Midlife Rescue, K.F. Breene – 10/10

      The Unseen, Ali Roberts – 7/10

      Lady of Starfire, Melissa K. Roehrich – 10/10

      Lady of Embers, Melissa K. Roehrich – 10/10

      Lady of Ashes, Melissa K. Roehrich – 10/10

      Lady of Shadows, Melissa K. Roehrich – 10/10

      Lady of Darkness, Melissa K. Roehrich – 10/10

      Love & Other Killers, Brynne Weaver – 9/10

      Gloves Off, Stephanie Archer – 10/10

      Chasing Shelter, Catherine Cowles – 10/10

      Knight of the Goddess, Briar Boleyn – 7/10

      Empress of the Fae, Briar Boleyn – 7/10

      Court of Claws, Briar Boleyn – 7/10

      Queen of Roses, Briar Boleyn – 7/10

      Bourbon & Proof, Victoria Wilder – 10/10

      Blood Wolf, Leigh Kelsey – 5/10

      Killer Crescent, Leigh Kelsey – 5/10

      Caught Up, Navessa Allen – 10/10

      Chasing the Wild, Elliot Rose – 4/10

      Shield of Sparrows, Denver Perry – 10/10

      The Romance Line, Lauren Blakely – 7/10

      The Boyfriend Goal, Lauren Blakely – 7/10

      Ruthless Demon King, Nikki St. Crowe – 6/10

      Vengeful Demon King, Nikki St. Crowe – 6/10

      Sinful Demon King, Nikki St. Crowe – 6/10

      Blackmailing Belle, Holly Roberds – 8/10

      Lights Out, Navessa Allen – 10/10

      Assistant to the Villain, Hannah Nicole Maehrer – 10/10

      Divine Fate, Morgan B Lee – 10/10

      Lady of the Lake, C.N. Crawford & Alex Rivers – 10/10

      Credence, Penelop Douglas – 1/10

      In Good Company, Kat Singleton – 7/10

      Wolf’s Pack, Auryn Hadley – 9/10

      Wolf’s Call, Auryn Hadley – 9/10

      Wolf’s Bane, Auryn Hadley – 9/10

      The Bond that Burns, Briar Boleyn – 4/10

      Beautiful Exile, Catherine Cowles – 10/10

      The Charlie Method, Elle Kennedy – 10/10

      On Wings of Blood, Briar Boleyn – 4/10

      Wild Side, Elsie Silver – 9/10

      Magic and Medicine, Olena Nikitin – 6/10

      Scythe & Sparrow, Brynne Weaver – 10/10

      Toxic, Nicole Blanchard – 0/10

      Promised in Blood, Sadie Kincaid – 3/10

      Forged in Blood, Sadie Kincaid – 3/10

      A False Start, Elsie Silver – 8/10

      Demon’s Bride, Leigh Miller – 4/10

      The Front Runner, Elsie Silver – 8/10

      Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros – 10/10

      The Pucking Wrong Guy, C.R. Jane – 8/10

      Quicksilver, Callie Hart – 10/10

      A Photo Finish, Elsie Silver – 8/10

      Off to the Races, Elsie Silver – 8/10

      Shards of Stasis, Mel Harding-Shaw – 5/10

      City of Souls, Mel Harding-Shaw – 5/10

    • Shelf Trophy

      Over the years, I’ve read quite a few amazing books. Enough really really good ones that I’d love to have physical copies of them. However, I’ve decided that if I buy a physical copy of a book, it needs to be a special edition. To be clear, I’m looking for versions that aren’t just single color sprayed edges, but designed sprayed edges, foiled covers, unique interior or any combination of those three. I own quite a few of the books I love as kindle versions and if I buy a trophy for my shelf, it needs to be pretty and unique! The collection has slowly started and now I need to keep a running list of the ones I’d like to add and ones that I already have to ensure I don’t accidentally buy multiple. It would also be smart if I wrote down what version of the special edition they are – Target Exclusive, B&N Exclusive, signed special edition, etc – in case I do want the same book in another version… but that’s a project for another day. Here’s to hoping I find the perfect special editions out in the wild and eventually someone who wants to buy me pretty books!

      This is all to say that below are my infinity star books that I’d recommend to anyone and everyone! (There are some missing… I’ve yet to figure out which but I know the list is too short….)

      Have:

      Quicksilver & Brimstone

      The Bonds that Tie (first 3)

      Villains of Lore series

      Scythe & Sparrow

      The Empyrean Series

      Lights Out

      Hope to have:

      Sparrow Falls series

      Caught Up

      The Bourbon Boys series

      Butcher & Blackbird

      Leather & Lark

      Playing for Keeps series

      Best Friends Book Club series

      Fey Spy Academy series

      Shield of Sparrows

      Cursed Legacies series

    • Kinda a book review….

      Alright, I’m gonna be honest here…. not every book I read is good. And I’m someone with low standards who just enjoys a good time so if I’m saying not to read a book or that it’s actually not good, you know it’s probably not worth your time. For example, I started the Half-Blood Academy series by Meg Xuemei X a couple days ago. While I didn’t finish the series and have zero plans or interest to, I did get through 3 of the 5 books. Now that may seem like a lot but each book was under 300 pages and I finished them within a day and a half. Like many good romantasies (is that how you spell that word??), you’re dropped into the action right away which often means you’re confused but hooked and looking to unravel the story. Unlike many good romantasys (maybe that’s how you spell it??), there were so many plot holes and a whole lotta cringe. And while I sometimes enjoy a bit of cringe and don’t need the most amazing plots, there was too much I couldn’t ignore and too many inconsistencies.

      Our girl Marigold has 4 mates who on their own are pretty funny, wholly obsessed with her and of course big ol studs that are the most powerful- duh! But they’re also overbearing assholes who never listen to what Mari has to say… alpha-holes to the max. While sure that irks me, what really grinds my gears is that as the FMC acknowledges this, tries over and over to tell them or advocate for something, and then just accepts they’ll continue to do what they think is best and not listen to or give the attention deserved. I think why this gets me so much is that she talks about herself and acts towards others like this bad bitch but then lets herself get railroaded over and over. Additionally, there’s no conversations or back stories or sharing of experiences or plans for taking on the bad guy. Generally, I think the lack of basic story telling just isn’t for me.

      ALSO tell me why the author says on multiple occasions when describing a make-out scene the male’s tongue “sweeping over my hard palate” and how it blasts pleasure through the FMC?? How is that sexy and pleasure-inducing and why does she mention it so often??? Ugh idk y’all but based off of the hard palate thing alone, I’d say with certainty you can skip this series all together.

    • BR: The Unseen

      Are you a fan of Navessa Allen’s Lights Out and Caught Up? Then you’ll more than likely enjoy The Unseen by Ali Roberts. While it’s not as kinky as either books, it’s really similar in a lot of other ways… like how the male main character is a mix of Josh and Junior! Austin is a good balance of Josh’s unserious (often silly) energy and banter while working on himself through therapy and Junior’s traumatic background but trying to get out of that world and be a better person and do better things, all while secretly taking care of his girl. The banter is great, the way Austin cares for Olivia is very sweet (he absolutely falls first and very hard) and the ending had a great twist that I didn’t see coming! Did I mention that SHE kidnaps HIM?! Loved the uno reverse here, how fast paced this book was and how well the author hooks you from the start and doesn’t let you go until the end.

      “She was one bad day away from a felony. Today was that day.” <– Tagline from the cover of the book that had me instantly adding it to my TBR before ever reading the synopsis.

      For her debut novel, Ali Roberts crushed it and I can’t wait to read more from her!

    • BR: Lady of Darkness Series

      As I start this book review, I am about 25% through the 5th and final book of this series and can tell you that it’s been refreshing and intriguing every step of the way. When reading fantasy and romantasy as often as I do, sometimes you you start to notice similarities in story lines and can get lost in the same tropes time and time again… Must share a horse? Only one bed at the inn? The MMC and FMC have to go on some sort of quest to realize they’re meant for each other and that love and conquers all and that’s their true power? Bleh. I don’t hate it but sometimes I yearn for a deeper and more unique plot. While it’s quite a bit lighter on the smut than I normally roll, the plot is PLOTTING. I was hooked and kept on the hook throughout the entire series. Author Melissa K. Roehrich knows how to weave a tale of fantasy and adventure with twists and turns and amazing character development. While book one is through the FMC, Scarlett’s POV, as you continue in the series and Melissa introduces you to other truly amazing characters along the journey, for which she provides their POVs as well! Its quite possibly my favorite thing because instead of a normal single/dual POV story, you’re not only getting the thoughts, feelings, and back stories of these “side” characters, you’re also getting insight and details into the journey that you don’t typically get. It’s like seeing behind the curtain… instead of “my friend got abducted by the bad guy” or “I got abducted by the bad guy”, you’re getting the abducted friend’s experience being held and most likely tortured by the bad guy or the friends’ experience planning and executing your rescue. Also hopefully that makes sense- it was a much better metaphor than I previously thought of! In the case of Lady of Darkness, that insight provides a unique spin on an already magical world.

      Update: I finished the final book last night and boy oh boy was I crying my eyes out at like 2am. I couldn’t put it down and go to sleep and when that happens, it’s immediately put into my 6-star series group. Before you dive in, prepare yourself for a shit ton of world building, details, character development and backstory, cause that’s what good fantasy is about- getting lost in this alternate world and going on a journey with the characters. And yes, I would consider this fantasy with a side of romance, so don’t go into this series thinking it’s a romantasy and expecting tons of romance or smut. In my opinion, romantasy is heavily centered around the couple and there’s a side of fantasy/quest. While you do get multiple relationships throughout the books, great romance elements, and deep connections, that’s not only what the series is about. It’s about uniting a world that was torn apart, restoring strength to the people, bridging the gaps between communities and finding love and family amidst the struggles and darkness. Happy reading friends ❤

      A few of my favorite things from the books are:

      • female assassin(s)
      • shadow mommy
      • badass stabby FMC
      • the idea of not only a twin flame romantic relationship but that you also can have a soulmate which is a non-romantic relationship and they’re of equal value/importance
      • found family
      • sometimes its not about reaching for the light, but sitting in the dark and finding your peace there
      • cool powers and dragons

      A few things to note:

      • I’ve heard this series referenced as enemies to lovers but its really not so please don’t go into if thinking that’s what’s happening
      • this is fantasy with a side of romance – not romantasy!
      • please remember the upbringing of the FMC as you go…
      • third person POV writing style, so may be tougher for some to get into
      • some people say it give Throne of Glass vibes (which I haven’t read despite the peer pressure from my girlies)

    • For Dylan

      My friend Dylan asked for a book rec- something low/no spice but could have romance, funny, action and fantasy. While most of what I read is mid-high spice, I thought this was a good challenge for me and may help me reframe what I’ve already read in a new light. For example, the first book that came to mind was Shield of Sparrows. This book is a 11/10 for me, and while at first I would say it’s mid-spice, it’s really a slow burn with a little spice towards the end. It has great fantasy, tons of adventure and is just such a breath of fresh air. Off the bat, I recommended this one to Dylan with the caveat that it didn’t hit the humor part he was looking for. So now I’m reaching into the vault, doing a deep dive for something that may hit the spot. Here’s what I’ve come up with-

      Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer 

      • I read this book and loved it! The FMC is a ray of sunshine, always helping others and sparking joy at every turn. She meets the Villain and after a series of events, is offered a job as his assistant! Little does he know, it’s a perfect match- she runs the show, keeping his whole operation running smoothly (singlehandedly may I add) and all of his employees love her. Over time, you find out that he doesn’t expressly know that but deep down he does and he slowly comes to realize it. It was truly laugh out loud funny and such a fun ride, ending on a great cliffhanger! However, only book 1 is on KU and 2 + 3 are not so I’ve yet to continue the series. BUT I WILL DON’T YOU WORRY

      Blood of Hercules by Jasmine Mas

      • OKKKKKK so just listen…. this is book one, and it is definitely slowww burn and like minimum spice(ish). I know the next book(s) will get spicier and spicier just like Jasmine’s other series so be warned! And just like that other series, the characters are unhinged and their inner monologue is even more unhinged and absolutely hilarious. I CACKLE every other page while reading Jasmine’s series and everything she writes is an infinity/10 for me. I thoroughly enjoy the worlds she builds, the nut case characters she brings to life and the adventures you go on between the pages. Also YES, the spice when it gets spicy is very spicy… her 2 series are why-choose and the FMC has multiple partners so keep reading at your own discretion. However, in this first book of the series, Alexis the FMC does not have any partners (until the verrrryyyy end) cause they do be crazy men and she’s literally just a girl trying to survive a life or death spartan war academy and knows next to nothing because she always thought she was human (spoiler alert: she’s not!). She thinks she’s going to die around every corner (rightfully so) and her existential dread is off the rockers. Hope you get a chance to read anything and everything Jasmine Mas and love ’em just as much as I do! ❤

    • Book Boyfriends

      • Josh, Lights Out
      • Carter, Consider Me
      • Rune, Stalked by Seduction and Shadows
      • Gryphon, Broken Bonds

      I was watching a booktok creator talk about her favorite book boyfriends and it made me think about which ones would be on my list. Would it be the brooding, alpha(holes), possessive, tall dark and handsome types that are very common in the books I read? Or more of the charming, thoughtful, funny types?

      It turns out that my list is a solid mix of the two! Rune and Gryphon are leaders of the broody, protective, morally grey category, while Carter is of the witty, flirtatious, lighthearted category. Josh on the other hand could be considered a crossover between categories. While he’s not a brooding alphahole, he is mysterious, protective and does some pretty questionable things. He is also very funny and thoughtful and quite honestly, I’m hoping to find more Josh’s in the books I read!

      I know there are more to add and I should’ve started this list years ago cause my memory is trash, so check back in over time as I add to it!

      **Also, I googled “types of MMCs in romance books” and it spat out the 7 below. Is it just me or do 1, 3 and 6 go hand in hand?

      1. Brooding & Mysterious
      2. Charming & Witty
      3. Morally Grey/Dark
      4. Competent & Skilled
      5. Funny & Humorous
      6. Possessive & Jealous
      7. Unique & Unexpected

      Anywhooooo…. if you’re able to, drop a comment with your favorite type of MMC and if you have a favorite book boyfriend- I’d love to read their story! ❤

    • BR: Blood of Fae Series

      OK! I’m not even done with this series yet, I’m about half way through the 2nd book (there are 4 total) but I need to get this off my chest. A couple of months ago I read the first 2 books (3rd one not yet released) of a series that absolutely popped off on Bookstagram/Booktok- On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn. If you’ve read my first book review post, BR: Into the Darkness Series, then you know that I’m hesitant to read what’s super popular on the inter webs. And this book was a prime example of why!! So many people raved about this book and there were so many things I just reallllyyyy didn’t like. If you liked it, then I love that for you. Truly, it makes me so happy to hear cause I would never put someone down for liking a book I didn’t like. But damn, one of the biggest things I latched on to and have remembered to this day was that the MMC is actually just an asshole, he has no redeeming qualities and in general the book fell flat for me. But that cliff hanger ending really did what it was meant to and I came back for the second book. Again, the MMC just plain sucked but there was a second potential love interest that was waaayyy better in my opinion. I will be reading the third book when it releases later this year to see if it becomes a why choose (fingers crossed) and to see what becomes of the FMC and I really hope for my sake it has some good twists or something.

      But here’s the kicker. I decided to read Queen of Roses (Blood of Fae book 1) and right after I started it, I found out that this series is the prequel series to On Wing of Blood. I am now a book and half in and completely absorbed into the world. Like I’m so into it, so far so freaking good! And it’s absolutely killing me cause of how much I dislike OWOB. Besides the FMC being referenced in the new series, I’m not drawing any connections between the two. And I guess if I really think about it and spoil the first chapter of OWOB for you, it would make sense that there are no connections between the two cause the FMC does get dropped into a completely different world than her own. BUT DANG, maybe it’s also just that the vibes are polar opposite, but I’d rather just think of these two series as fully different worlds (which they are, I knowwww) and not connected to each other at all. I’ll update y’all when I’ve completed the series and if there are any other connections I find!

      ALSO, can someone please read them both and tell me I’m not crazy? Or tell me I am and then why, cause I’d love to know. ❤

      UPDATE: I finished book 3 and my verdict stands- this series is fabulous. Such great lore and a twist on Arthurian legend. Book 4 here I come! The FMC from OWOB was fully introduced and now I’m understanding more of her back story and the world she comes from. TBD on if that helps me like OWOB.

      The final update we’ve all been waiting for. I finished the Blood of Fae series. Had me full blown crying at the end which means I can’t recommend the series enough (not many books have made me cry). The world was magical, the characters moved through their time together with such love and loyalty, the twists were twisty, the struggles were real and I felt every moment of it. This series, while yes had a lot to do with the romance between the main characters, was really about their world and the journey they were on and the friendship and love it takes to get through the tough times and come out better on the other side. It was about how with love on your side, you can change the gold and accomplish so much good in spite of the bad.

      With all that being said, as of right now I still prefer this series to OWOB, but at least I have a better understanding of Medra, the OWOB FMC. If you can, I definitely recommend reading this series before starting Medra’s series.

    • BR: The Bourbon Boys Series

      The Bourbon Boys…. the Foxx Brothers…. the apples of my eye. This series is one of my faves! If you like badass women, Kentucky men, whiskey, a bit of suspense in your romance and a story that pulls at your heartstrings, then I’m sure you’ll love this series just like I do. The third book just released and my gawdddd it was absolute perfection. Each of these couples and their stories were so unique, but all had a deep undying love for their loved ones and were sexy as hell to boot. This family was one of my favorites, with loyalty and support for their people and community, and a beautiful journey of finding love in themselves and others.

      However, Hadley and Ace really took the cake here as a boss babe and her morally grey man. Their story had some really great twists that I ate the fuck up and I’m not just talking suspense twists (even though there were a couple of those too). One such twist occurred when they took a trip! GASP! A TRIP?! One thing that I’ve noticed in most small town romances, is that they never get out of their town. But these two got out of their everyday and it was as much of a breath of fresh air for me as I’m sure it was for them.

      While I’m sad my time with Laney & Grant, Faye & Lincoln, and Hadley & Ace has come to an end, I’m so excited for Victoria’s next series- the Whiskey Women- and hope we get to see these 3 couples again!

      Check out the series here

    • BR: Into the Darkness Series

      I’ve never done a book review before so stick with me through this first attempt…..

      I put off reading the first book of the Into the Darkness series by Navessa Allen for months. Lights Out was all over Booktok and Bookstagram and I knew it would be good but it was everywhere and for some reason that turns me off from picking up a book. I’m not sure if it’s nerves that it’s overhyped and won’t live up to my expectations or if I’m just a rebel and like doing things differently, but here we are. Back in May, our Smut Club read Lights Out and it was 100/10. We all LOVED it; the witty banter had us all laughing out loud (literally), pop culture references (mention Gilmore Girls and you have my heart), SPICE, the pace… everything about that damn book was perfect. We loved Josh (the MMC) and the line he toes but also the work he puts into bettering himself, his hilarious inner monologue and thoughtfulness for Aly (and Fred), and the deep love he has for his people are chefs fuckin kiss. He is top tier book boyfriend material.

      With such a high bar set, we were excited for Caught Up which released earlier this month and is June’s book of the month. However, I always feel a bit of trepidation when the first book in a series is SO good and it sets the bar crazy high. I get it though, the second can’t be a copy/paste situation with the exact same type of characters, balance of funny-spicy-dark, and plot… but damn do I always wish for that. While Caught Up and Lights Out are very different, it still has similar elements that I thoroughly enjoyed. The spice is actually next level and I can say for certain that it has 3 of my top 10 favorite spicy scenes I’ve ever read. Our side characters played a bigger role in book 2, we were introduced to Lauren’s grandma (Nonna) and her roomies/besties Taylor and Ryan. While Lauren is an absolute queen and possibly one of my favorite characters ever, her Nonna and Walter (dog) are top tier supporting characters, bringing the lighthearted funny moments that Josh gave us so effortlessly in book 1. Overall, I’d say that book 2 lived up to my hopes and expectations and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Go read ’em and come back to commiserate on how long we’ll have to wait until book 3 with me!

      Check out the series here