Pub Day: One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig, the first book in the Shepherd King series, was released in September 2022; the second book, Two Twisted Crown, was released in October 2023.

Genres: Fantasy Romance – Romantasy, Gothic Fiction, Fantasy Fiction

Trigger Warnings/Content Warnings: Scenes of terror, general violence/gore, a child in peril, blood, mentions of self-harm for magic, moderate sexual content, parental neglect, alcohol consumption, vomiting, violence against children, suicide ideation, grief/loss, and more.

My Thoughts:

Let’s talk about this beautifully crafted duology! You’ll either love it or dislike it—there’s really no in-between.

The writing is exquisite, the characters are unforgettable, and the plot is addictively captivating—everything you could want in a romantasy! If you can, I highly recommend the audiobooks. Lisa Cordileone’s narration? Pure magic. Trust me, it’ll elevate the experience. Plus, let’s show some love to the incredible narrators who bring these stories to life! 🎧

Book 1: One Dark Window

This gothic fantasy is going to live rent-free in my head FOREVER.

Elspeth & Ravyn? YES. YES. YES. I adored them both so much. And that monster living inside Elspeth’s head? Yeah, I kinda liked him too. His grumpiness? Hilarious. 🤔 Or was that just me who finds the monster entertaining? Okay, fine, maybe it’s just me!

The magic system is refreshingly unique, the atmosphere is perfectly eerie, and while the pacing starts a bit slow, trust me—it picks up fast. Stick with it. It’s totally worth it.

You can grab it on Amazon. <–

 

What You’ll Find in This Book:

♡ Royalty & Cursed Magic

♡ Found Family

♡ Dual POV

♡ Riddles & Mystery

♡ Open Door Romance (but not overly steamy)

♡ Slow Burn

♡ Cliffhanger Warning! (But don’t worry, the sequel totally delivers.)

Book 2: Two Twisted Crowns

Now THIS is how you write a sequel. Two Twisted Crowns is a masterclass in sequel writing.

It picks up exactly where One Dark Window left off—yes, that brutal cliffhanger—so naturally, I had to dive right in. And guess what? It did not disappoint.

Were there moments that felt a bit too slow and some that rushed by? Sure. But when you look at the big picture, it’s one incredible series.

I devoured this book. The characters, the action, the drama, the plot twists—mmm, chef’s kiss. 💀👑

And we get even more POVs, including The Nightmare’s POV (which I loved), with stakes that feel higher than ever. The epic ending and epilogue? Perfection.

If you’re craving a dark, atmospheric, and utterly gripping romantasy duology, The Shepherd King is exactly what you need. Now go read it. You’re welcome.

You can grab it on Amazon<–

 

What You’ll Find in This Book:

♡ Royalty & Cursed Magic

♡ Found Family

♡ Dual POV

♡ Riddles & Mystery

♡ Open Door Romance

♡ Epic Ending (with an epilogue!)

Some Great Songs for This Duology:

As you can probably guess, I’m not really into pop unless it’s exceptional. Here are some songs I think perfectly vibe with this duology:

“The Catalyst” – Linkin Park

“The Devil Within” – Digital Daggers

“Bury Me Alive” – We Are The Fallen

“Seven Devils” – Florence + The Machine

“No More Sorrow” – Linkin Park

Duology Description:

The Shepherd King Duology by Rachel Gillig—comprising One Dark Window and Two Twisted Crowns—follows Elspeth, a young woman cursed with a deadly monster spirit known as The Nightmare. As the Kingdom of Blunder battles dark magic that infects both people and land, Elspeth is thrust into a perilous quest to unravel the magic’s mysteries and cure her kingdom before it’s consumed by the mist.

Setting: The Kingdom of Blunder is a fog-enshrouded land where magic is feared, and the mist itself is a corrupting force.

Premise: The mist infects people with dangerous, often fatal magic, and the king’s soldiers relentlessly hunt down those tainted by it.

Elspeth’s Story: Infected as a child, Elspeth hides her powers from everyone, living in secret with her aunt while fearing the monster within her. The Nightmare—a malevolent, ancient spirit—is trapped inside her, a constant threat to both her sanity and survival.

The Quest: Joined by a mysterious highwayman and later the head of the king’s elite soldiers, Elspeth embarks on a dangerous journey to find the last and most powerful Providence Card—The Twin Alders—which holds the key to breaking the curse and saving her kingdom.

The Providence Cards: In this world, magic is bound to Providence Cards, each granting a unique power. Elspeth’s card, The Nightmare, is one of the most dangerous, granting her immense power at a steep cost.

The Nightmare: The Nightmare is both a source of untold power and a dangerous, uncontrollable force within Elspeth. As the spirit grows restless, Elspeth struggles to maintain control over her body and mind, knowing that the spirit’s release could destroy them both.

Themes: This duology explores themes of magic, fate, deception, and the eternal battle for control over one’s destiny. With a unique magic system and a gothic, fairy-tale atmosphere, the series delves into the darkness that lies within, both in magic and the heart.

About the Author:

Rachel Gillig is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Shepherd King series. If she’s not ensconced in blankets, dreaming up her next novel, Rachel is out walking in beautiful coastal California with her husband, son, and their dignified poodle, Wally. Author’s Website   Author’s Instagram @rmgillig 

Rachel Gillig’s new book, The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom Book 1) coming out in May. You can pre-order here.

Wild Love, Wild Eyes & Wild Side

— Book 4 is coming later this year, so we are going to add Bash & Gwen’s story in September.

I’ve never reviewed an entire series in one post before, but there’s a first time for everything!

I absolutely loved this series and flew through the first two books in a week—actually, I devoured Wild Eyes (over 400 pages) in a single day. Madness, I know!

I think Wild Side was my favorite because the story was just that good. And the build-up until they finally got together? Oof! It was perfection.

The audiobooks were fantastic, with the narrators bringing the story to life in the best way. I highly recommend listening to all three. Plus, as of right now, they’re available on Kindle Unlimited!

When I think of romance with open-door scenes done right, this series immediately comes to mind. No frustrating miscommunications, no unnecessary drama, well, maybe a bit of drama, haha. This was just pure chemistry, heartfelt moments, and extra-spicy, no-sugar-coating romance. It also touches on some heavier topics with sincerity, adding depth to the story.

I don’t know what Elsie Silver put in this book, but it was MAGICAL. Now, buckle up, buttercup, because this one is going to be a long one. Let’s dive into each book!

Wild Love

Publication Date: April 9, 2024

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, sexual harassment, grief & loss, death of a father from ALS (mentioned)

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ single dad

✔️ small town

✔️ childhood frenemies to lovers

✔️ best friend’s little sister

✔️ billionaire MMC

✔️ music, producer

✔️ office romance/assistant-boss

✔️ Dual POV

My Thoughts:

I adored this book. It was such a fun read, packed with all the emotions. Cora, the side character, was so well-written that she almost felt like a lead. She was definitely 13 going on 30. I loved her so much!

And the chemistry between the main couple? Absolute perfection. Ford Grant is the only man who can tame the beautifully chaotic Rosie, and their dynamic is EVERYTHING.

Her older brother’s best friend. His best friend’s little sister. They’ve been each other’s longest-running crush, turning every bit of banter into pure fireworks.

I laughed, I swooned, and I loved every second of their romance. And let’s talk about those open-door scenes—O.M.G. Elsie Silver did not hold back.

This story had everything I wanted in a romance, and I’d recommend it 10/10!

Wild Eyes

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, bullying, emotional & financial parental abuse, dieting (mentioned), anxiety & panic attacks (on-page), alcohol consumption, death by overdose (off-page)

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ single (divorced) dad

✔️ small town

✔️ slow burn

✔️ celebrity/singer (and he’s a fan!)

✔️ “Who Hurt You?”

✔️ cinnamon roll MMC

✔️ horse trainer

✔️ friends to lovers

✔️ Dual POV

My Thoughts:

This book was a hot mess in the best way, and I devoured every second of it. Skylar Stone, a star since childhood, a celebrity, was completely clueless about real life, and while it was frustrating at times, it also made sense—many child stars who grow up in a bubble struggle with basic independence. But as the story progressed, I loved seeing her grow and adjust to reality.

One of my favorite elements? The original songs are in the book. I even slowed down the audiobook speed just to soak in the lyrics. Absolutely beautiful!!!

And West’s kids? Adorable. Some might say they were “too wise” for their age, but honestly, if you’ve been around kids, you know how shockingly smart they can be. They reminded me so much of my own kids when they were little, constantly leaving me speechless with their cleverness.

Now, about those open-door scenes… Elsie Silver did not hold back in this one either… I see the pattern, haha. The spice level was off the charts.

Beyond that, I really appreciated the anxiety/panic attack representation—it was thoughtfully handled and felt very real. 

The ending tied everything together beautifully, and I loved seeing Skylar and Weston get the happiness they deserved. West is such a joker, but behind that exterior is a lonely cowboy, so Sky was his perfect match to fill that void.

Bonus: West is actually the older brother of Rosie, the main female character from Wild Love!

If you’re looking for small-town romance with swoon-worthy characters, real emotions, and next-level steam, The Rose Hill Series is a must-read.

Final Verdict: 10/10. Highly recommend!

Wild Side

Publication Date: March 4, 2025

Content & Triggers: Open-door romance, overdose (off-page), parental abandonment.

Vibes & Tropes:

✔️ marriage of convenience

✔️ sports romance/pro wrestling

✔️ slow burn romance

✔️ guardian/caretaker of a child

✔️ touch her and die vibes

✔️ She is a chef/restaurant owner 

✔️ Forced proximity

✔️ found family

✔️ small town

✔️ no third-act break up

My Thoughts:

I am obsessed with this book. It was EVERYTHING AND MORE.

Elsie Silver once again crafted unforgettable characters and weaved stories that linger in your heart long after the final page.

I absolutely LOVED watching Tabitha and Rhys’ relationship unfold. Both start off incredibly guarded—especially Rhys—filled with questions, doubts, and so much mistrust. But the way they slowly break down their walls, open up, and step into their true selves was beautifully done. Their journey felt raw, real, and completely captivating.

Oh, and MILO!!! The sweetest little boy who will 100% melt your heart. I wanted to reach through the pages just to give him the biggest bear hug. Silver even managed to make a kitty, Cleocatra, just as endearing!

One of my favorite parts of Wild Side was how the Rose Hill crew embraced Rhys as one of their own. The found family dynamic was absolute PERFECTION!

I have so many tabs in it, and that almost never happens. I honestly couldn’t put it down. This is, without a doubt, my favorite —even though I’ve loved them all.

She delves into a profound and emotionally resonant exploration of grief, presenting it with utmost care and authenticity. We all process grief differently and on our own terms, so this was well done. 

While this is a romance that evokes swoon-worthy moments and laugh-out-loud antics, it also touched my heart and made me shed tears.

At its core, Wild Side is about not letting the weight of your past define your future. That’s it. You’re going to love this one—with a sprinkle of five-pepper spice (especially after the halfway mark!).

If you enjoyed this series, please let me know in the comments.

Who was your favorite couple?

About the Author

Elsie Silver is a popular Canadian romance author who currently lives just outside of Vancouver, British Columbia, with her husband, son, and three dogs. Silver has an amazing collection of book series, such as the Chestnut Springs Series, Gold Rush Ranch, and of course, the Rose Hill

Author’s Website Instagram: @authorelsiesilver

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.

Pub Day: January 14, 2025

Genres: Sports Romance, General Fiction

Trigger Warnings: Toxic friendship/relationship, violence, bl00d, emotional abus€, b*llying, d€ath, injury/injury details, sexism, body shaming, gaslighting, etc.

My Thoughts:

The intensity! The drama! The ruthless world of competitive ice skating!

This book is a whirlwind of ambition, obsession, and scandal, and once I started, I could not stop. Layne Fargo crafts such a vivid story that it’s hard to believe it’s fiction. If you loved Daisy Jones & The Six, you’ll love the mix of first-person storytelling blended with documentary-style interviews—it makes everything feel real.

I listened to the audiobook, and let me tell you—it was phenomenal. The full-cast performance makes every rivalry, sacrifice, and gut-wrenching moment hit even harder. And yet… I hated every single character. Every. Single. One. But somehow, that made it even more addictive. I just had to know how it all unraveled.

Katarina and Heath’s relationship is a collision of love and ambition—childhood friends turned ice-dancing partners turned… something far more complicated. So complicated—for no reason!

Kat’s obsession with Olympic gold consumes her, while Heath, with his past and relentless drive, is right there beside her. Their journey, spanning decades, is filled with heartbreak, passion, betrayal, and redemption. I had to shake my head more than a few times.

I really wish we got Heath’s perspective—it would’ve added so much depth. By the end, I felt like I didn’t really know him. And speaking of the ending… it felt like a slap in the face. I had so many questions, which is why this wasn’t a 5-star read for me. I didn’t hate it, but I didn’t love it either—even though I couldn’t stop listening.

It was like watching a slow-motion car crash. Miscommunication was a dealbreaker for me! I also couldn’t connect with the side characters—or Bella, for that matter. And Heath and Bella’s relationship? It made zero sense to me. But hey, life is messy and often irrational, which is probably why it all felt so real. And let’s be honest—this sport is brutal.

If you’re craving ice-skating drama, skip the fiction and watch “I, Tonya” instead—the biographical film about Tonya Harding starring Margot Robbie. Now if you love all the drama and ice skating, that’s a story worth watching.

Read if you’re into:

🏆 The Olympics & ice skating

⛸️ Friends-to-lovers

💕 Second chances

🎤 Documentary-style storytelling

🔥 All the drama & angst

🎧 Full-cast audiobooks

❤️‍🔥 Toxic relationships

📖 Retellings (Wuthering Heights)

😍 Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes

Layne Fargo absolutely nailed the tension and drama—if that’s your thing, add this to your list!

Songs:

— For the intense, obsessive, and dramatic vibe of The Favorites, here are rock and metal songs that capture its energy with some pop-ish exception:

• “Going Under” – Evanescence
• “The Beautiful People” – Marilyn Manson
• “My Curse” – Killswitch Engage
• “Love Bites (So Do I)” – Halestorm
• “Black Honey” – Thrice
• “Hurricane” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” – The Offspring
• “Bury a Friend” – Billie Eilish
• “The Kill” – 30 Seconds to Mars
• “Take Me to Church” – Hozier (but the extreme rock cover by Starset)

Description: 

To the world, they were a scandal. To each other, an obsession.

An epic love story set in the sparkling, savage sphere of elite figure skating, starring a woman determined to carve her own path on and off the ice

“Part Wuthering Heights and part Daisy Jones & The Six, this novel is as brilliantly choreographed as a gold medal performance and will keep you guessing until its last page.”—Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Wish You Were Here

She might not have a famous name, funding, or her family’s support, but Katarina Shaw has always known that she was destined to become an Olympic skater. When she meets Heath Rocha, a lonely kid stuck in the foster care system, their instant connection makes them a formidable duo on the ice. Clinging to skating—and each other—to escape their turbulent lives, Kat and Heath go from childhood sweethearts to champion ice dancers, captivating the world with their scorching chemistry, rebellious style, and roller-coaster relationship.

Until a shocking incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to a sudden end.

As the ten-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public obsession with Shaw and Rocha, claiming to uncover the “real story” through interviews with their closest friends and fiercest rivals. Kat wants nothing to do with the documentary, but she can’t stand the thought of someone else defining her legacy. So, after a decade of silence, she’s telling her story: from the childhood tragedies that created her all-consuming bond with Heath to the clash of desires that tore them apart. Sensational rumors have haunted their every step for years, but the truth may be even more shocking than the headlines.

About the Author:

Layne Fargo has a background in theater, women’s studies, and library science, so it’s only fitting that she now writes deliciously dramatic, unapologetically feminist stories for a living. She’s the author of the novels The Favorites, They Never Learn, and Temper, as well as co-author of the bestselling Young Rich Widows series, and her work has been translated into over a dozen languages. Layne lives in Chicago with her partner, their pets, and an ever-expanding collection of books Author’s Website Instagram: @LayneFargo

Happy Reading!

S A N N A

P.S.

I’ve taken individual images from Pinterest that were used to create a “poster” image in this post. If you’re the owner of any of them, please let me know so I can credit you. These were used solely for creative purposes.