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Genre: Fantasy Romance

  • Book ReviewsFantasyRomantasy

    Sophie Kim: The Winged Game Review

    by Jefferz October 11, 2026
    October 11, 2026

    The Winged Game by Sophie Kim Genres: Adult, British Literature, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Low Fantasy, Magic, Romantasy, Urban Fantasy, Scottish Literature, Sports Romance Published by Penguin Michael Joseph on June 30, 2026 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 528 Source: FairyLoot Carriwitchet, the violent, rugby-esque game played atop winged beasts, was once Taissa Cho’s whole life, and she was once the United Kingdom’s most promising player. Until her nemesis, rival player Kion Locke, destroyed her career in a single moment. Expelled from the sport in disgrace, Taissa has spent the last two years dreaming of nothing but revenge and relishing watching Kion’s team plummet to the bottom of the league.  So when Taissa is offered the chance to redeem herself and her career, she can’t refuse―even if the offer is coming from the very man who ruined everything in the first place. It’s close to a dream come true… except for that pesky clause in her contract that demands she and Kion enter a fake relationship in order to garner some much-needed positive PR for the team. This could not be a worse match. Taissa and Kion only have two things in common: their love of the game, and their undying …

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  • Book ReviewsFantasyRomantasy

    Emily Krempholtz: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore Review

    by Jefferz September 23, 2026
    September 23, 2026

    Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore by Emily Krempholtz Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Cozy Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Magic, Romantasy Published by Ace Books on November 17, 2025 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 356 Source: Owlcrate A powerful plant witch and a grumpy alchemist must work together to save their quiet town from a magical plague in this debut cozy fantasy romance about starting over, redemption, and what it really means to be a good person. Guy Shadowfade is dead, and after a lifetime as the dark sorcerer’s right-hand, Violet Thistlewaite is determined to start over-not as the fearsome Thornwitch, but as someone kind. Someone better. Someone good. The quaint town of Dragon’s Rest, Violet decides, will be her second chance-she’ll set down roots, open a flower shop, keep her sentient (mildly homicidal) houseplant in check, and prune dark magic from the twisted boughs of her life. Violet’s vibrant bouquets and cheerful enchantments soon charm the welcoming townsfolk, though nothing seems to impress the prickly yet dashingly handsome Nathaniel Marsh, an alchemist sharing her greenhouse. With a struggling business and his own second chance seemingly out of reach, Nathaniel has no time for flowers or frippery—and certainly none for the intriguing …

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  • Book ReviewsFantasyHistorical FictionYA

    Isabel Ibañez: Where the Library Hides Review

    by Jefferz August 7, 2026
    August 7, 2026

    Where the Library Hides by Isabel Ibañez Series: Secrets of the Nile #2 Genres: Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Romantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult Published by Hodderscape on November 4, 2024 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 388 Source: Goldsboro Books Where the Library Hides is Isabel Ibañez’s stunning conclusion to the story that started in What the River Knows. A lush immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, and a rivals-to-lovers romance like no other! Inez Olivera traveled across the world to Egypt, seeking answers into her parents’ recent and mysterious deaths. But all her searching led her down a perilous road, filled with heartache, betrayal, and a dangerous magic that pulled her deep into the past. When Tío Ricardo issues an ultimatum about her inheritance, she’s left with only one option to consider. Marriage to Whitford Hayes. Former British soldier, her uncle’s aide de camp, and one time nemesis, Whit has his own mysterious reasons for staying in Egypt. With her heart on the line, Inez might have to bind her fate to the one person whose secret plans could ruin her. The answer arc and part two of Ibañez’s Secrets of the Nile duology, …

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  • Book ReviewsFantasyHistorical FictionYA

    Isabel Ibañez: What the River Knows Review

    by Jefferz August 7, 2026
    August 7, 2026

    What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez Series: Secrets of the Nile #1 Genres: Adventure, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, Historical Fantasy, Low Fantasy, Historical Fiction Published by Hodderscape on October 31, 2023 Format: Hardcover, Special Edition Pages: 416 Source: Goldsboro Books Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents-who frequently leave her behind. When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and a golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe. With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient …

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  • Book ReviewsARCFantasyRomantasy

    Taylor J. LaRue: Steelborn Review

    by Jefferz July 13, 2026
    July 13, 2026

    Steelborn by Taylor J. LaRue Series: The Steelborn Saga #1 Genres: Adult, Adventure, Fantasy, Fantasy Romance, High Fantasy, Magic, Romantasy Published by Requited on August 3, 2026 Format: ARC, eBook Pages: 496 Source: Booktrovert Enter a world ruled by tyrants and thieves, where magic is outlawed, revolution brews, desire is dangerous, and an impossible cure may prove deadlier than the curse. Never run. Never bow. Never die. Reya Connery became the Crimson Dagger, the most notorious thief in Rhiterra, by following a strict set of rules. One: There is no honor among thieves. Two: A good blade is key to any negotiation. Three: Only the dead keep secrets. And Reya has a secret that must be kept at all costs. But when a heist goes wrong on the eve of paying off her debt to a ruthless crime lord, Reya may need a new set of rules. And lots of coin. Fast. Enter Caelan Halcyon, an immortal warrior whose magic makes him a valuable target—if the curse inching closer to his heart doesn’t kill him first. There’s just one person who might be desperate enough to try and get their hands on the fabled cure in time to save his …

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About Me

Reader & Coffee Connoisseur

I am a reading enthusiast and book reviewer who enjoys reading with a warm latte in-hand, breaking down what I read in detail. Although my favorite genres are sci-fi, high/epic fantasy, mystery noir, and a sprinkle of contemporary romance, I consider myself a variety reader.


With a coffee (or favorite beverage) of choice, join me on The Book Grind as we read and sip our way through some great novels.

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Freya Marske: Bodies of Magic ReviewLinden A. Lewis: Halfheart Review

Recent Review

  • Sophie Kim: The Winged Game Review

    October 11, 2026
  • Mallory Marlowe: Entities to Lovers Review

    September 30, 2026
  • Nicholas Binge: Ascension Review

    September 26, 2026
  • Emily Krempholtz: Violet Thistlewaite Is Not A Villain Anymore Review

    September 23, 2026
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  • Nicholas Eames: Bloody Rose Review

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  • Isabel Ibañez: Where the Library Hides Review

    August 7, 2026
  • Isabel Ibañez: What the River Knows Review

    August 7, 2026
  • Kate Golden: Half City Review

    July 29, 2026
  • Jonathan Sims: The Burn Line Review

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  • Fonda Lee: The Last Contract of Isako Review

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The Book Grind
  • Home
  • Book Reviews
    • By Title
    • By Author
    • By Year Read
    • By Series
    • Advanced Reader Copy Reviews
    • Indie Book Reviews
    • Archive (sortable)
  • Blog
  • Book Store
  • Contact Me
    • Review Policy