Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig | Review

 

Staircase in the Woods by Chuck Wendig
Genre(s): Thriller, Horror
Release Date: April 29th, 2025
Publisher: Random House Worlds | Del Ray
Pages: 400
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Medium 🌶️🌶️ 

This book is wild —dark, chilling, and guaranteed to mess with your head. It kicks off with five high school friends Nick, Hamish, Lauren, Matty and Owen, heading into the woods for what should be a normal camping trip. Suddenly, their adventure turns into something far more sinister when they stumble upon a mysterious staircase standing alone in a clearing. And before anyone can think twice, Matty bolts up the stairs and vanishes into thin air, the staircase disappearing along with him. Their frantic search leads to nothing. No explanation and no trace of their friend.

Fast forward ten years. The friends have tried to move on, but that mystery still haunts them. Then, out of nowhere, the staircase returns. This time, they all step into the unknown, determined to find their missing friend but terrified of what they’ll face. What follows is an absolute nightmare. Every room in this twisted, shifting labyrinth forces them to confront their deepest fears and most painful memories. The house messes with their minds, warping reality and playing cruel tricks that turn their own thoughts against them. The friendships are pushed to the brink as they endure relentless psychological torment. They have to fight back—not just to escape, but to hold onto their sanity before it’s ripped away for good.

This story is a relentless spiral into a nightmare. If you’re into eerie, mind-warping psychological horror that sinks into your bones, this book delivers. It’ll have you questioning everything, right up until the last page.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Worlds | Del Ray for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries (Series) | Review

 

Hazardous to a Duke’s Heart by Sabrina Jeffries 

(Lords of Hazard #1)
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 29th, 2025
Publisher: Kensington
Pages: 288
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️

Set in the Regency era, this romance follows Jon, the son of a duke, who is sent abroad to mature from his reckless ways. However, his journey takes an unexpected turn when he and his companions are captured during the war. While imprisoned, Jon witnesses the death of his mentor, Dr. Morris, which leaves him feeling burdened with guilt. Eleven years later, Jon returns home to find himself unexpectedly inheriting the title of duke. Haunted by his past and driven by a sense of responsibility to honour Dr. Morris's dying wishes, Jon commits to helping his friend’s daughter find a husband. However, Jon is conflicted as he introduces Victoria—now a witty and captivating young woman—to society, struggling to suppress his own growing feelings for her.

Victoria, in particular, is a thoughtful and considerate character who not only captivates Jon but also demonstrates her kindness and selflessness as she looks out for others. The characters’ interactions feel genuine, and the story's twists add interest. Although some of the questions were left unanswered, I am hoping that they will be addressed in the next installment. Overall, I enjoyed the novel and I look forward to continuing the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli | Review

 

Such Quiet Girls by Noelle W. Ihli
Genre(s): Thriller
Release Date: April 29th, 2025
Publisher: Dynamite Books
Pages: 352
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: No Spice 🚫

This was an emotional story. My heart was thumping in my chest the entire time. The poor frightened children. It was heartbreaking. The children’s fear and uncertainty were portrayed in a way that made their experiences feel very real.

As a mother this novel terrified me but as someone who also enjoys reading thrillers, this story was captivating from the beginning until the end.

Twelve-year-old Sage was the true hero of this story. She had a defiant streak—she wasn’t willing to simply accept the situation she was in. That defiance became her strength, pushing her to stand her ground and fight for her freedom.

I was surprised to learn that this novel was inspired by real events. After looking into the actual story, I noticed many similarities between the novel and what really happened. The author did a great job staying true to the core details. Overall, this was a very interesting story, made even more so by the fact that it was inspired by a true story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Joyride by Ellen Meister | Review

 

Joyride by Ellen Meister
Genre(s): Women’s Fiction
Release Date: April 22nd, 2025
Publisher: Montlake
Pages: 319
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️ 

Joybird is an endearing main character with an infectious positivity. She is quirky, and a little bit self conscious but her unwavering optimism is both her charm and her strength. You can't help but root for her. When Joybird’s father, Sid—a former hotshot Hollywood writer—ends up penniless and jobless, Joybird lets him move in with her and tries to help him get back on his feet. 

The novel beautifully explores the personal journeys of both Joybird and her dad. As they navigate their relationships with themselves and others, I found myself cheering them. Their path to self-discovery revealed that having faith in their own abilities would show what they needed most had been right in front of them all along.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

How to Fix a Broken Heart by Nicola May | Review

 Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

How to Fix a Broken Heart by Nicola May
Genre(s): Romance
Release Date: April 16th, 2025
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Pages: 348
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️

This book tells a heartfelt story about loss, redemption, and finding forgiveness. Gracie’s journey is heart-wrenching yet inspiring as she navigates the pain of miscarrying her twin babies and the betrayal of her unfaithful boyfriend. With the support of her sister, she embarks on a path of healing and self-discovery, piecing her life back together.

The way the different narratives are woven together works nicely, and I loved how the characters are all connected in meaningful ways. There are definitely some sweet and tender moments, and a few steamy scenes that bring an extra spark. Overall, I enjoyed the book. It’s a good read with a satisfying ending. It didn’t completely blow me away, but I’m glad I picked it up.

Coram House by Bailey Seyboldt | Review

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Coram House by Bailey Seyboldt
Genre(s): Thriller, Mystery
Release Date: April 15th, 2025
Publisher: Atria Books
Pages: 320
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: No Spice 🚫

The novel is about a crime writer who is recruited to write a story about the allegations of abuse at an orphanage, called the Coram House. As a writer, Alex Kelley, wants to uncover the truth. She reviews old, tattered documents and interviews survivors. Along the way, people connected to the case have been found murdered. Alex races to uncover the truth and be the voice for the children before it’s too late. 

Inspired by the true events experienced by children at the St. Joseph’s orphanage in Vermont. The detailing of each child’s experiences are disturbing and incredibly moving. Bailey Seybolt’s novel sheds light on the importance of uncovering and bringing action against the abuse suffered by children in orphanages and residential schools. This novel really struck a chord with me and will be one of my most memorable reads of the past year.

Corrupt Saint by Cora Kent | Review

 Thank you to Booksprout and author Cora Kent for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Corrupt Saint by Cora Kent (0.5 - The Terlizzi’s)
Genre(s): Dark Romance
Release Date: April 6th, 2025
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 30
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: No Spice 🚫

This is an intriguing prequel to the novel the Ruthless Sinner. I read the full novel first and really enjoyed it. This prequel gives insight into the inner workings of Italian mafia families and the cruel beginnings of Dante and Adelina’s childhoods. It’s hard to believe that children could be treated so cruelly and that they are brought up in a world that is heartless and cold. It sets the tone and creates an aura of suspense and danger - which translate perfectly into the spicy dark romance novel.

Check out my book reviews on other books in this series by Cora Kent:

Terlizzi Family Series

0.5 - Corrupt Sinner

1 - Ruthless Sinner (Terlizzi’s #1)

2.5 - Dishonorable Hero (Terlizzi’s 2.5)

Twisted Sisters Series

0.5 - Twisted Truths (Twisted Sisters Prequel)

1 - Beautiful Mistakes (Twisted Sisters #1)

Blackmore University Series 

2.5 - Sweet Temptations

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell | Review

 Thank you to NetGalley and Hyperion Avenue for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Breaking the Dark by Lisa Jewell (Marvel Crime #1)
Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller
Release Date: March 25th, 2025
Publisher: Hyperion Avenue
Pages: 384
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Mild 🌶️ 

This sci-fi thriller is packed with hidden agendas and unbelievable secrets. The main character, Jessica Jones, is a woman with extraordinary powers, who has dedicated her life to helping others as part of the Avengers. When a concerned mother named Amber seeks her help, Jessica finds herself drawn into a chilling mystery. Amber’s teenage twins have returned from visiting their father’s new home, but something about the kids feels off. They look and act differently, yet they refuse to reveal what happened.

I enjoyed this story because it was unlike anything I had ever read before. The story showcases how the use of advanced technology, placed in the wrong hands, can be used manipulate the world. It’s a frightening scenario. 

Violets are Blue by Miranda Rijks | Review

 Thank you to NetGalley and Inkubator Books for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Violets are Blue by Miranda Rijks 
Genre(s): Psychological Thriller
Release Date: April 6th, 2025
Publisher: Inkubator Books
Pages: 270
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️

Laila has endured heartbreak, betrayal, and uncertainty—only to find herself caught in a web of even darker secrets. After discovering her husband cheating with his assistant, she was left reeling from an unexpected divorce. With no job and nowhere to live, she spent the past three years relying on the kindness of her best friend Jazmin while she struggled to rebuild her life.

Laila finally finds stability in a charming new community, and forms an instant steamy connection with her neighbour Max. Suddenly, Jackie—another neighbor—vanishes without a trace, the peaceful neighborhood descends into chaos. Old wounds resurface, and buried secrets come to light, leaving Laila questioning everything and everyone around her.

This steamy thriller is fast-paced and packed with murder, deception, and suspenseful twists that keep readers guessing until the very end. It was an exciting, easy read!

The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian | Review

  

The River Knows Your Name by Kelly Mustian
Genre(s): Historical Fiction
Release Date: April 1sr, 2025
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Pages: 432
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: Mild 🌶️ 

This novel unfolds through dual perspectives, offering an interwoven generational narrative that spans decades. Becca’s story, set in the 1930s, follows her harrowing journey as a young housewife whose husband vanishes without warning. Suddenly widowed, she struggles to provide for her daughter, facing daunting obstacles in her fight for survival and independence. Becca is resilient as she navigates the perilous realities of the time, finding a job, caring for her daughter and her rights as a mother and a woman.

Decades later, Nell and her sister Ivie stumble upon a birth certificate that suggests Ivie’s mother was someone else entirely. As an adult, Nell becomes determined to untangle the mystery of their family’s past, revealing long-held secrets that have shaped their lives.

Set in the American South, the novel is rich with vivid descriptions of rundown towns and the Mississippi River. I enjoyed the scenic descriptions but I found myself wishing for a faster pace—less scene-setting and more immediate engagement with the core plot. The story truly gains momentum about two-thirds of the way in, when the connections between characters become clearer. While I initially struggled to keep track of the names across timelines, the merging narratives made it easier to distinguish each character’s role in the story.

I really enjoyed the last half of the novel as the tension built and the secrets started to be revealed and people’s intentions and motives became clear. I sympathized with Becca’s drive to provide for her child and the feeling helpless when she couldn’t. I didn’t expect to feel as much as I did for Hazel until the reasons behind her guarded nature became clear. Hazel was dealt unexpected situation and she did her best.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.

Sweet Temptation by Cora Kent | Review

 

Sweet Temptation by Cora Kent (2.5 Blackmore University Series)
Genre(s): Dark Romance, Fiction
Release Date: January 25th, 2024
Publisher: Independent
Pages: 31
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: No Spice 🚫

Sweet Temptations is a prequel that sets the stage for the full length novel Sweet Revenge. 

Jackson Reid discovers that his father is Malcom McCade, a prominent businessman with a complicated past who abandoned his mother. Now, Jackson’s hatred burns brighter than ever. Driven by vengeance, Jackson won’t rest until he dismantle his father’s life piece by piece, using every tool at his disposal to exact his ruthless revenge.

Author, Cora Kent brings fire and intensity to all of her novels. She delivers this prequel filled with tension, rage and animosity, setting the stage for the full-length novel Sweet Revenge to bring the same consuming intensity and fury.

Thank you to Booksprout and author Cora Kent for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion and review.  

Check out my book reviews on other books in this series by Cora Kent:

Ruthless Sinner (Terlizzi’s #1)

Dishonorable Hero (Terlizzi’s 2.5)

Other Book Series by Cora Kent: Twisted Sisters Series

Twisted Truths (Twisted Sisters Prequel)

Beautiful Mistakes (Twisted Sisters #1)

Always You and Me by Dani Atkins | Review

Always You and Me by Dani Atkins
Genre(s): Romance, Fiction
Release Date: April 1st, 2025
Publisher: Lake Union Publishing
Pages: 394
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 
Spice: Steamy 🌶️🌶️ 

 This was my March First Reads book through Amazon and I absolutely loved it!! This story is deeply emotional. I got teary-eyed from the first chapter! It follows Lily and Josh, two people bound by years of shared history and unspoken feelings. Growing up together, as neighbours in houses side by side, their connection was undeniable, yet their inability to communicate their true emotions left a deep void.

Lily and Josh danced around their feelings throughout their relationship. Josh was a foster child and struggled to be vulnerable with his friend, but Lily just never spoke up, because she didn’t feel secure about how Josh felt about her. Years later, when Lily fell in love with a man named Adam, Josh’s world crumbled as he realized he had lost the one person who truly mattered to him. An explosive argument drove them apart, and for more than seven years, they lived separate lives, haunted by what could have been.

Tragedy struck when Lily’s husband, Adam, fell ill. In his final moments, he told Lily to go find Josh. What follows is an emotionally charged journey of pain, healing, and rediscovery. The weight of their shared grief—grief for Adam, for the years they lost, and for the love they never expressed—brings the story to life with an intensity that lingers long after the last page.

The storytelling was exceptional with every detail so vivid that Lily and Josh felt like real people, their struggles and triumphs leaping off the page. I felt their anguish and the deep love that endured despite everything they have been through. This is definitely one of my top reads for 2025. I can see why the author is an award winner and I plan to check out more of her books.

 I received this book as part of Amazon First Reads program. This was my March 2025 pick.