Ill Will, by Elle Rivers

What happens when a marriage of convenience turns into something real? Ill Will by Elle Rivers takes this classic trope and delivers a touching, character-driven story about love, trust, and self-acceptance. With realistic protagonists and an emotionally satisfying romance, this book is perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn love stories with depth.

Blurb

Ever since she stole a house from her brother Calvin, things have been tough for Amy Willard. Her job at her parents’ company barely pays enough to live on, and her chronic condition keeps her buried in medical debt. She’s barely hanging on to her grandmother’s historic house, which she loves dearly.

When Calvin takes over the family company and fires her, Amy is sure he’s finally gotten the revenge he’s always wanted. Desperate to save herself and her home, she begins job hunting.

Her first interview? With Levi Hensen—the one man who hates her brother as much as she does… and the only man who has ever broken her heart. Despite her initial hostility, Levi offers her a job that will solve all her financial problems. The catch? She has to become his wife.

Amy knows the offer is only meant to spite Calvin. What better way to get back at your enemy than to marry his sister? She tells herself she’ll take the security and ignore Levi’s charming smile and quiet kindness. But as lines blur, Levi starts feeling more like a husband and less like a man seeking revenge. Amy begins to wonder: Does he really love her? Or is she just a pawn in his ill will toward her brother?

Favorite Quote

"There is a lot riding on this, so you have to lock it in. No being weird. You need to land this job. This is not the time to talk about dicks, romance books, or anything in between."

This line immediately set the tone for Amy’s character—funny, self-aware, and just a little bit chaotic in the best way.

My Thoughts

This was such a cute and heartfelt story! Ill Will perfectly blends second-chance romance, childhood friendship, and the marriage of convenience trope, all while maintaining a sense of realism that’s often missing in contemporary romance.

The book follows Amy and Levi as their arrangement slowly transforms into something deeper. While we only see Amy’s point of view, Levi’s actions speak louder than words. His steady support and quiet devotion make him an endearing love interest, even without direct access to his inner thoughts. I loved how their relationship was built on communication and mutual understanding rather than unnecessary drama.

Amy, in particular, is a standout character. Too often, contemporary romance heroines are reduced to a single defining trait, but Amy is refreshingly complex. She struggles with financial instability, but it doesn’t consume her personality. She has a chronic illness, but it doesn’t define her. She loves to read, garden, and form meaningful relationships, making her journey feel real and relatable. The contrast between how Amy’s family treats her and how Levi’s family embraces her was one of the most powerful aspects of the book. Watching her learn to accept love and support was incredibly rewarding.

One of the things I appreciated most about this story is that there’s no third-act breakup. When conflict arises, Amy and Levi take time to think, step back, and ultimately communicate in a constructive way that strengthens their relationship. It was so refreshing to see mature conflict resolution instead of the usual misunderstanding-driven drama.

Spice Level & Overall Rating

🔥 Spice Level: 1 chili pepper – The romance is primarily emotional, with some spice, but feelings take center stage.
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 – The only thing that would have made this book even better for me was Levi’s POV, but the lack of it didn’t take away from my enjoyment.

Final Thoughts & Recommendation

Who Will Love This Book?

✅ Marriage of convenience tropes with real emotional depth
✅ Strong, well-rounded heroines
✅ Slow-burn romance with mature conflict resolution
✅ A hero who shows love through actions rather than words

Ill Will is a beautifully written romance that explores love, resilience, and self-acceptance. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy slow-burn romances with well-developed characters and meaningful emotional depth.

Have you read Ill Will? What are your favorite second-chance romance books? Let’s chat in the comments!

If the stars align, by Nathalie Theodore

"If the Stars Align" by Nathalie Theodore is an emotional, beautifully written story about love, friendship, and the unpredictability of life. This novel takes readers on a ten-year journey through the lives of Sunny and Dex, childhood best friends whose bond is tested by time, circumstances, and personal growth. With a mix of heartache, resilience, and hope, the story explores what it truly means to love someone—sometimes from afar, sometimes at the wrong time, and sometimes when you least expect it. More than just a romance, this book delves into themes of mental health, self-discovery, and the courage it takes to move forward, even when the past still lingers.

This book took me on an amazing journey. We follow Sunny and Dex, best friends since kindergarten and secretly in love with each other, in a love story that spans ten years—from their last year of high school through their 30s. While most of the story is told from Sunny's POV, we also get glimpses of Dex's perspective, which helps us connect with both characters and understand how each of their actions shapes the other’s life.

At first glance, the premise seems simple: he's the king of the high school, and she’s the nerdy best friend who always trails along. But as you dive deeper, you realize so much more is going on. From the first few chapters, I knew this story was going to make me cry, and it did not disappoint.

One of the things I truly appreciated about this book is how it breaks some of the core tropes of romance novels. While we could argue that Sunny and Dex are ‘fated mates,’ destined to be together, the story acknowledges that life doesn’t always align with destiny. Rather than waiting around for things to magically work out, both main characters take control of their own paths. They live their lives, understanding that sometimes, true happiness is fleeting—that you may have touched it once, but that moment is gone, and you have to keep moving forward.

A significant part of the novel revolves around mental health, and I think it does a great job depicting how anxiety can influence every relationship, especially the ones we care about the most. Dex’s journey with mental health isn’t always at the forefront of the narrative, but it’s subtly woven into his interactions, serving as a silent yet powerful undercurrent that drives much of the plot. I also appreciate how the book highlights that mental health struggles aren’t just a “female problem” and that seeking help is essential for everyone, regardless of gender.

The writing style is easy to read yet still deeply emotional. Sunny’s feelings are well represented both through her actions and introspections, making her an incredibly relatable protagonist. The same goes for Dex, even though we see much less of him. The pacing flows well, allowing the emotional beats to land effectively without feeling rushed or drawn out.

There are a few key side characters who help develop the story, particularly in how Sunny relates to them. Her best friend Mia plays an important role in making Sunny realize how closed off she is toward everyone, which ultimately affects her ability to have a healthy social life. Her mother is another catalyst for action, but in this case, it’s more on the side of rebellion. Sunny’s mom is doing her best to protect her, but her actions cause so much pain that in the end, Sunny is faced with a choice: rebel or submit. Initially, she submits, because it’s difficult to go against the only family you have. But as the story progresses, she realizes that in order to grow, she must make her own choices—even if they go against her mother’s wishes.

The true star of this book, however, is Sunny. She tells us her story of love—the highs and lows of loving your best friend—especially during the times when friendship is needed more than romance. Sometimes, the best way to love someone is to step back, to remove yourself from the equation when the situation demands it. What I loved most about Sunny is that she never gave up on love, but she was also realistic enough to move on when it became clear that things weren’t going to work out. She allowed herself the space to heal and rebuild before searching for a different kind of happiness. That takes an incredible amount of strength. Even more courage is required to re-evaluate your choices and admit that you made a mistake. Leaving behind a career you don’t love is never easy, especially when so many aspects of your life are tied to it.

This book delivers two powerful messages that should be shared far and wide, especially with young adults who are just stepping into life on their own: You don’t know what life will bring, so do the best you can with the knowledge you have at the moment. And don’t be afraid to admit when you’ve made a mistake. Strive to do better—don’t just push through for the sake of it.

Who would enjoy this book? Readers who appreciate real, messy emotions rather than picture-perfect romance. Almost up until the end, we don’t know if the two main characters will end up together, making this far from a typical romance novel. But it feels so raw and real that it’s well worth the read. Plus, there’s a bit of spice, though it’s not overly descriptive in a physical sense. The focus is more on the emotional connection that intimacy brings rather than the mechanics of sex itself.

If the Stars Align is an emotional, beautifully written story that stays with you long after you turn the last page. It’s about love, loss, personal growth, and the courage to make difficult choices—all wrapped up in a narrative that feels deeply real and profoundly moving.

My big fat fake marriage, by Charlotte Stein

"My Big Fat Fake Marriage" is a romance that delivers everything I love in a book: witty banter, emotional depth, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you turning the pages. It follows Hazel, a woman who has been burned one too many times by so-called ‘nice guys,’ and Beck, a man so genuinely honest that lying makes him physically ill. When they find themselves in a fake marriage, their chemistry is undeniable—but Hazel struggles to believe it’s real. What follows is a beautifully written journey of self-discovery, trust, and learning to accept love without changing who you are.

I absolutely loved this story and its characters. They felt so real to me. Connie—Hazel to those she truly cares about—has been burned by too many so-called "nice guys" to trust easily. Beck, on the other hand, is so genuine and honest that lying literally makes him nauseous. When these two finally connect, sparks fly in the most unexpected ways.

One of the things I appreciated most about this book was the depth of Hazel’s characterization. So often, romance novels frame distrustful heroines as bitter or cold, making their love story about "fixing" them. But Hazel’s doubts and self-protective instincts are validated by her past experiences. She isn’t a woman who just needs to "open up" to find love—she’s complex, shaped by years of being told she’s too much, that she should shrink herself to make others comfortable. Even among her best friends, she feels like an outsider, always waiting for the moment they’ll decide she’s not worth it. Living with that weight takes a toll, and the book captures it beautifully.

Then Beck comes into her life—unapologetically himself, without hesitation or embarrassment. His attitude of this is who I am, take it or leave it shakes Hazel’s worldview. Could being her real self actually lead to something good? Could it even lead to happiness? But self-doubt is hard to silence, and no man has ever been this open with her. Why should Beck be different?

Hazel is witty, but in a way that leans more toward dirty thoughts rather than outright saying them. I really liked that balance—it made her internal dialogue fun without over-the-top crudeness. The pacing was also great; for me, it was a page-turner. I constantly wanted to know when Hazel and Beck would kiss next and how their big reveal of feelings would unfold. Would Beck fight for a chance to show Hazel his love, or would his respect for her opinion win over his heart?

What makes this romance so powerful is Beck’s consistency. He never wavers in his honesty or in his care for Hazel’s well-being. Every moment with him reinforces that he’s not just another person waiting to disappoint her.

A significant portion of the book focuses on the physical relationship between Hazel and Beck, and it’s handled with such care. At 37, Beck has never been in a relationship and has no experience with physical intimacy. As a book editor, he’s read about sex but never lived it. Seeing his first experiences unfold through Hazel’s perspective is beautiful. She worries about corrupting him, believing his first times should be filled with deep emotions. But Beck surprises her again—because, for him, the feelings are there. He might not be ready to say it, and Hazel might not be ready to hear it, but every interaction between them builds toward something real.

The book includes classic tropes like forced proximity and only-one-bed, but they never feel like gimmicks. Instead, the emotional and physical progression between Hazel and Beck is a natural, slow build—a dam bound to break. And when it does, it’s explosive. Watching this big, gentle man unravel, overwhelmed by desire, is so satisfying. Forget Xaden Riorson or Rhysand—Samuel Beckett is my new book boyfriend, the standard against which I’ll measure all others.

One of the most poignant moments in the book comes after they finally sleep together. Overwhelmed by fear and self-doubt, Hazel convinces herself she’s not enough for Beck and calls things off. And Beck? He accepts her decision without protest—not because he doesn’t care, but because he respects her too much to push. Yet, despite his outward confidence, he’s just as afraid as Hazel. Afraid that he’s not enough. That he’s not her type. And yet, he never pretends to be someone he’s not, because "Life is too short to live it based on someone else’s idea of cool." That is a mantra worth holding onto.

The book has a writing retreat for aspiring authors as a backdrop, and Hazel’s personal growth goes hand in hand with her journey as a writer. The more she writes about emotions, the more she understands her own. This adds another layer to the story, showing how creativity can serve as a means of self-discovery.

While I sometimes prefer dual POV in romance, keeping the narration entirely from Hazel’s perspective worked incredibly well here. Maybe it hit so hard because I saw myself in her. While I haven’t had to deal with fake "nice guys," I do understand what it’s like to hide parts of myself to make others more comfortable. To feel like being my true self is too much. To fight against the internalized belief that I need to be more—prettier, thinner, different—to be worthy of love.

I’ve been with my partner since high school—seventeen years together. He knows me better than anyone and has seen me at my worst, yet sometimes, I still feel like I’m not enough. That I should change, fit some imagined standard. And the worst part? He’s not the one making me feel that way—I do it to myself. And breaking that mindset takes an incredible amount of strength.

That’s what makes My Big Fat Fake Marriage so special. It doesn’t just show us a love story—it shows us how deep self-doubt runs, how hard it is to break free, and how love, when real, isn’t about fixing someone. It’s about seeing them—truly seeing them—and choosing them anyway.

And in the end? It’s Hazel who gathers the courage to talk to Beck, to make things right. While part of me wished Beck would fight for her, I think this ending was even more powerful. It completes her journey of self-discovery, proving that she is finally ready to be herself—and to be loved for it.

Nightingale by E.D. Lee

 

A Story of War, Power, and Change

What happens when a generation bred for war begins to question its purpose? In Nightingale, E.D. Lee crafts a world where heirs are not just born to rule but are raised as weapons—trained to fight, to kill, and to outlive their own siblings in a brutal war of succession. But what if they don’t want to play the game? What if they seek something more?

We follow Vrea, princess of Niroula, who was raised to serve as her queen’s weapon. After a failed assassination attempt on the enemy heir, Rian, she spends three years in captivity before making a daring escape. But that escape comes at a cost, setting events into motion that neither she nor her enemies could have predicted.

A World Where Survival is Everything

The world-building in Nightingale is immersive and brutal. Unlike many fantasy novels, there is no magic, no dragons, no divine intervention—only war. Assassinations, betrayals, and political maneuvering shape every moment. No one is truly safe, and trust is a rare commodity. Both sides breed heirs as weapons, yet siblings are pitted against each other in a battle for dominance. Even within their own kingdoms, survival depends on eliminating rivals.

Some characters accept this as the natural order, but the three main characters—Vrea, Rian, and Castil—stand apart. They were born into this war, but that doesn’t mean they want it.

• Castil, known as the White Knight, has no interest in the throne but will kill his siblings if he believes they will be cruel rulers. He supports Rian, believing he will be a just king.
• Rian, the Golden Heir, has spent his life avoiding war and killing whenever possible. His plan to return Vrea to her homeland isn’t just an act of mercy—it’s a calculated move to secure an audience with the enemy queen and push for peace. He doesn’t want to rule, but he sees no way out.
• Vrea is more complicated. She wants the throne, and she wants the war to end, but she isn’t actively working toward stopping it. Her perspective begins to shift when she sees how the enemy treats prisoners, in stark contrast to her own people. But what will she choose when the time comes?

Characters Defined by Upbringing

One of the book’s strengths is how well-developed the characters are. We don’t just hear about their upbringing—we see it in every interaction. The lack of affection between siblings, the unspoken expectation that they must eliminate each other to secure power, and the constant vigilance for betrayal are deeply ingrained in them. Even among the main characters, trust is a struggle.

The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Vrea and Rian is a highlight. The story doesn’t gloss over their past—while we don’t see every moment of their captivity together, we understand the deep-seated hatred, the forced proximity, and the slow shift toward something neither of them can fully name. Their relationship remains tense and wary, even after intimacy is introduced. The romance is slow-burn, well-integrated into the story, and never feels forced.

Castil, on the other hand, remains in the background for much of the book, but his role is quietly significant. He was the one who fought to spare Vrea’s life, and for three years, he has paid a price for it—though we don’t yet know exactly how or why. He kills one of his own brothers for being involved in her capture, subtly defends her against his own family, and seems to care for her in ways he hasn’t admitted, even to himself. There’s a hint of a love triangle, but whether that will fully develop—or take another route—is yet to be seen.

An Immersive and Tense Atmosphere

The writing in Nightingale is richly atmospheric. The descriptions don’t just paint a picture of the world but evoke emotions—fear, distrust, longing. Every location feels tangible, and the tone of each scene shifts depending on the characters’ circumstances, making it an immersive reading experience.

The pacing is deliberate, unfolding over a couple of months. The slow build allows the political tensions, relationships, and world-building to develop naturally. However, this also means the story doesn’t rush toward major events. Even at the end, things are still progressing at a careful pace.

An Abrupt but Impactful Ending

The book ends on a cliffhanger—not in what happens, but in how suddenly it occurs. Given the measured pacing, I expected more build-up to the climax, but instead, it arrives abruptly. While this is somewhat jarring, it also feels true to the story’s nature: in war, things don’t always happen on a schedule.

More than anything, Nightingale is a book about characters caught in a war they didn’t start, trying to shape their own futures despite the expectations placed upon them. And with the foundation laid in this first installment, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.

Dragon Scale duology, by L.. Lam

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 stars for the duology ⭐

 A duology built on fate, prophecy, and the weight of the past, Dragonfall and Emberclaw weave a gripping story of betrayal, survival, and the complex relationships between dragons and humans. With a unique storytelling style, intricate world-building, and deeply flawed yet compelling characters, this series is a fascinating take on dragon fantasy.

A World of Gods, Betrayal, and Stolen Magic

The story takes place in a world where dragons were betrayed by humans, stripped of their magic, and are now venerated as gods by the very people who stole their power. Everen, the last male dragon, is the one hope his kind has of salvation. Meanwhile, Arcady—a thief with a sharp mind and a hidden past—is trying to reinvent themselves and clear their grandsire’s name.

Arcady’s grandsire was accused and executed for unleashing a plague that devastated the world, killing many and leaving others without magic. With their reputation in ruins and no clear path forward, Arcady is searching for the truth. But when fate intertwines their path with Everen’s, both of them must decide what they are willing to risk—and who they are willing to trust.

Storytelling & Writing Style

One of the most striking elements of Dragonfall is its narrative structure. The story is framed as a chronicle of past events, largely told by Everen, but also interspersed with perspectives from other key characters. While some may find the writing style dense and prosaic, I thought it was an effective way to differentiate voices and give the world a sense of history.

It did take me a while to settle into the pacing, though. The book feels slow at first, especially as we are introduced to the characters, their backstories, and the intricacies of the magic system. However, the world-building is excellent—there are no heavy info dumps, and we learn about this society gradually, through Everen’s own discovery of it.

I also appreciated how Dragonfall and Emberclaw challenge common fantasy tropes, particularly in how Arcady is written. Instead of the usual fragile heroine or unshakable warrior hero, Arcady is refreshingly complex: neither damsel in distress nor emotionless protector. Their nonbinary identity is seamlessly woven into the story, reinforcing themes of self-discovery and defying expectations.

Slow-Burn Romance & Sacrifices

Though Dragonfall has a romantic element, it never takes center stage. Everen and Arcady develop a connection, but the story prioritizes survival, identity, and fate over romance. I found this refreshing, especially in a genre that often over-prioritizes romance at the expense of the plot. Sometimes, love has to wait.

The ending of the first book embodies this concept beautifully—sometimes, love has to be sacrificed, no matter how painful it is, because bigger things are at stake. This made the transition into Emberclaw all the more compelling because it left me desperate to see how their story would continue. Would they meet again? Would they reconcile? Would their love survive the choices they made?

The Weight of Choices & Consequences

If Dragonfall is about fate pulling people together, Emberclaw is about dealing with the consequences of those fated events. When the second book begins, Everen is imprisoned for treason, and Arcady has finally achieved their goal of getting into university to clear their grandsire’s name. But their losses have changed them.

Arcady has been shaped by grief and survival, and the impact of losing Everen is evident, even if they try to suppress it. I loved their first reunion, even though it was only in a dream—it immediately brought back all their doubts and unresolved emotions. The way the author captures the fear of being enough, the hesitation in love, and the vulnerability in relationships felt incredibly real.

However, I did wish the first part of Emberclaw moved faster. Since we already know the characters and setting, I was eager for the action to start sooner. I also hoped that Arcady and Everen’s real reunion would happen earlier so we could see more of their relationship develop before the story’s climax.

A Powerful but Rushed Ending

One of the most fascinating aspects of Emberclaw is how the past and present collide in its final act. The duology is built on prophecies, and we finally see how they came to be—what generated them, how they shaped history, and what became of them. This revelation was handled beautifully and gave a real sense of weight to everything that had come before.

That said, while I initially found the reunion between Arcady and Everen satisfying, looking back, it felt a bit shallow. The same goes for the ending—it was overall anticlimactic. The book sweeps us away in its fast-moving final stretch, but I would have liked more introspection in the quieter moments. Since the story is told from both Everen and Arcady’s perspectives, it would have been fitting to see more reflection from them, even in retrospect.

Once the immediate danger was over, so was the story. We get glimpses of their romance and what the future holds, but only in broad strokes. I would have liked more time to sit with the aftermath, to fully absorb the emotional and thematic weight of everything that had happened.

Final Thoughts: A Duology Worth Reading?

Despite some pacing and resolution issues, I really enjoyed this duology. It’s a unique take on dragon fantasy, offering a refreshing departure from typical tropes while maintaining a strong emotional core. If you’re looking for:

✔️ Intricate world-building
✔️ Complex, morally gray characters
✔️ A romance that doesn’t overshadow the plot
✔️ A slower, more introspective storytelling style
✔️ A unique narrative structure that feels historical

Then Dragonfall and Emberclaw are absolutely worth reading. While I wanted more from the ending, the journey was compelling, and the themes of fate, choice, and consequence were explored in a way that kept me engaged until the very last page.