Category Archives: Reviews

Review: Loading… by Cager Klarxon (ARC)

Cager Klarxon’s Loading is a jarring, visceral debut that strips the glossy veneer off influencer culture and dissects it to the bone and sometimes quite literally. This novella dives headfirst into the world of Marshall, a sex worker who becomes an unwilling subject of what most influencers are chasing: virality—but in a deeply horrific form.

Marshall isn’t your typical horror protagonist. He’s already emotionally numb from the nature of his work, even before the real nightmare begins. Klarxon uses this detachment to powerful effect as Marshall’s body is overtaken by a foreign presence and broadcast live to millions. What’s wild is that it stops being about the horror shown on screen—and becomes more about what it says about us as a society.

The novella shines most when it leans into its body horror roots. Klarxon taps into our obsession with digital fame, online identity, and how we consume it until it seeps into our real lives.

The pacing feels rushed, especially near the end, but somehow it works. The story feels like it needed that momentum—though at the same time, you’re left wanting more. If you know, you know.

Loading isn’t for everyone. It’s chaotic, disturbing, and very experimental but I admire the boldness and imagination Klarxon brings in tackling these themes and asking uncomfortable questions about the world we’re living in now: a global culture of clout chasers. If you’re into speculative and weird horror stories, this is definitely one to check out—before it goes viral.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 14, 2025
Publisher: Surrender Point Press

Thanks to NetGalley and Surrender Point Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

Book Review: Perilous Journey to Freedom by Marion Kummerow (Escaping the Reich Book 3) (ARC)

I finally got to read the third book in the Escaping the Reich series by Marion Kummerow, which I had been really looking forward to after reading the first two books. Perilous Journey to Freedom is a gripping and evocative tale set during the harrowing days of WWII, capturing the immense desperation and unwavering courage of those fleeing Nazi persecution. Although this is Book 3 in the Escaping the Reich series, it can be read as a standalone, offering a powerful narrative of survival, trust, and countless sacrifices.

The story centers on Astrid, a young Jewish woman in Munich whose life takes a dangerous turn when she is accused of defying the Nazi regime’s laws. With the Gestapo closing in, her only chance of survival is to flee to Switzerland. There, she meets Bärbel, a medical student with ties to the White Rose resistance group, and Felix, a mysterious smuggler with deep knowledge of the Alpine trails, all of whom play pivotal roles in her perilous journey to freedom.

I love how Kummerow excels at writing vivid, immersive scenes that transport readers to the unforgiving terrain of the Alps. You can really feel the tension in the cold, and the constant fear for their lives.

The dynamic between the three characters—Astrid, Bärbel, and Felix—evolves throughout the novel. There’s always tension, even though they can only depend on each other.

This novel was better paced than the last one in the series, especially in the second half, which kept me on the edge of my seat, particularly during the Nazi patrol scenes.

I do feel, however, that some of the plot elements, especially the backstories of the characters, were a bit underdeveloped. A little more exploration of their pasts could have added more emotional depth to the story.

While this third book isn’t exactly groundbreaking compared to other WWII stories, it is a beautiful tribute to the courage and resilience of the survivors of the Nazi regime and those who helped them. Their bravery and selflessness offer a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, goodness can still be found.

For fans of historical fiction and those who have followed this series, Perilous Journey to Freedom is a great read that will leave a lasting impression. As I mentioned earlier, it works as a standalone, but reading the first two books will provide more context. I highly recommend this one!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 10, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and Book Whisperer for the ARC in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

About the Author
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.

Book Review: Shivers & Thrills by A.C. Harrah (ARC)

Shivers & Thrills is a gothic, whimsical read that blends spooky aesthetics and heartfelt storytelling in a wildly fun and original world. A.C. Harrah crafts a playful, offbeat romance filled with oddball creatures, macabre humor, and surprisingly tender moments. While it may not be for everyone, it’s certainly a story that marches to the beat of its own (undead) drum.

At the center of the story is the vampire Vittore, the self-proclaimed “Prince of Thrills,” whose fading ability to frighten humans sets him on a chaotic journey of reinvention. Trying to reclaim his scary edge unravels into something meaningful (and strangely adorable) when he marries an animated corpse with dry humor and a mysterious past.

Love this world created by the author, which is a bit Tim Burton-ish, but the uniqueness is still there with its unpredictability and imagination. I loved that you can really imagine everything, even if what’s happening in the story can get a bit chaotic, lol.

That being said, while the book’s core romance is layered with personal growth and themes of identity, there are some interactions that feel a bit manipulative between the characters, which may be a bit off-putting to some. Another issue I have, despite the wonderful and creative world-building, is the lack of physical description for some of the characters.

Other than that, I think Shivers & Thrills is a positively giddy and awesome read! It is comedy with a heart, exploring love, jealousy, and the desire to be accepted and understood in their own world. If you like monster-filled romances and stories that are silly but sincere, then this one is definitely for you! It is also a good read this Halloween, so watch out for this one!

3.5 out of 5 stars
Publication Date: October 08, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and A.C. Harrah for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

About the Author
A.C. Harrah is the author of “Turning Curse,” a young adult novel about a prince cursed by his best friend into being an animal.

Due to her love of writing, A.C. tends to chain herself to her computer, but when she does sneak out it’s usually to frolic on the beach or see the latest super hero movie. Oh, and travel. She would happily live out of a backpack if it meant exploring the world.

One of her favorite authors is Lewis Carroll.

Book Review: Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani (ARC)

Norma and the Blue Hour by Chris Delyani is a compelling and tender exploration of family, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships. The novel follows Norma, a seasoned fashion designer, reflecting on her past and grappling with her strained relationship with her son, Kevin, after a life-altering car accident.

I think one of the book’s standout elements for me is its rich character development, particularly Norma, who is a no-nonsense protagonist that defies typical aging stereotypes. I adore the bond she has with her sister, which adds an enjoyable touch to the narrative, and their friendships in the story are definitely one of the best parts of the book. The portrayal of Norma and her sister Julie, as older characters, is a refreshing take compared to similar characters in other books.

I really enjoyed and applaud the author’s decision to use multiple points of view, as it adds more layers to the storytelling. It’s not my favorite narrative device when reading a book, but when done right, it really works. It provides us with broader perspectives and a deeper understanding of the complex characters, allowing us to see their motivations clearly. This approach, I think, is one of the strengths of the book, although it may confuse some at first. However, once you get further into the pages, everything starts to make sense.

The “Blue Hour,” which represents transition, reflection, and vulnerability, was beautifully woven throughout the book and added depth to its narrative.

That said, I do have to mention that pacing was my main issue, as it only picks up after several chapters. This is a character-driven story, and the slow build can be a bit frustrating at times. It’s like when you’re watching a telenovela and the producers are trying to throw in a lot of curveballs to stretch the story. The backstory between Norma and Kevin feels underdeveloped for me, leaving gaps in terms of emotional weight in their relationship. I wished the author had explored the aftermath of key events between them more fully.

Overall, I believe Norma and the Blue Hour will resonate with readers who enjoy thoughtful, character-driven stories because it certainly resonated with me. The themes of forgiveness, family, and remembering the beauty of life itself make it a wonderful read altogether. The book isn’t flawless, but it lingers with me after finishing it. It has heart, and the characters make it an enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Publisher: Solid Oaktown Books
Publication Date: November 13, 2025

Thanks to NetGalley and Solid Oaktown Books for the copy in exchange for an honest and impartial review.

About the Author
Chris Delyani was born in September 1968 and was raised in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In 1993 he moved to San Francisco to devote himself to writing fiction and has been at it ever since. He now lives in Oakland with his husband, Dan Moore. You Are Here is his second novel; his first is The Love Thing (2009).

His literary career began at the age of five (possibly earlier) when he started driving his family crazy by writing in the air with a milk straw. (He’s reasonably sure he would have driven them crazy even if he didn’t write in the air with a milk straw.) Approximately twenty years later, he copied out F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby in longhand just to know what it felt like. Both of these events are detailed in his essay, “The First Straw.”

Chris is a member of The Next Big Writer, a fiction-sharing website where he writes under the pen name “Cecil Roebuck,” a name he randomly pulled from The Great Gatsby.

“Since I don’t want my birthday celebrated, that’s less work for you. That’ll give you more time to do—whatever it is you do around here.” – Andrew, Office Sourpuss, The Love Thing

Book Review: Dark Shadows Looming Ahead by Marion Kummerow (Escaping the Reich Book 2)

I just wrapped up Dark Shadows Looming Ahead by Marion Kummerow, and I’ve got a lot of mixed feelings about it. As the second book in the Escaping the Reich series, it really dives into the dangers of Nazi Germany and the internal resistance against the regime, which I thought was an interesting perspective, most WWII novels focus on resistance in places like France, so it was refreshing to see Germany itself as the battleground.

The plot centers on Koloss, Judith, and a few others, each trying to escape the Gestapo’s grip in their own way. Koloss stands out to me—he’s a big guy who dodges the Nazi draft, knowing it could get him killed. There’s something so raw and brave about his decision, and I found myself rooting for him the whole time. Judith, along with other characters, does whatever she can to help Jews escape, and the tension of watching them dodge the Gestapo made for a gripping read. I liked how Kummerow brought in the role of Sweden, showing how they helped in ways other neutral countries didn’t. I didn’t know much about that before, so it was definitely a new angle.

The pacing of the book was great and there was always something happening, and I felt like the stakes were sky-high the entire time. But here’s where I start to feel torn: the ending just… wasn’t satisfying. There’s a real sense of “What happens next?” and it left me wondering if Kummerow will address the characters’ fates in the next book. The loose ends left me feeling frustrated. I don’t mind a little suspense, but this was more of a hanging feeling, and it made me question whether I want to dive into the next installment if it doesn’t pick up with these same characters.

On top of that, while the book’s still super well-written, it didn’t feel as enlightening as the first book in the series. In Escaping the Reich, I learned a lot about things like Operation Swedish Furniture which is a piece of history that completely blew my mind. Here, the Swedish resistance angle was cool, but I didn’t feel like I learned as much new information. I guess I was expecting that same sense of discovery that made the first book so impactful.

That said, Kummerow’s writing still drew me in. She’s really good at creating tension and making you care about characters without relying on unnecessary romance, which I appreciate. This is a story of survival and real-world consequences, not about some love affair amid the chaos.

In the end, I’m giving this one a solid 4 stars. It’s an engaging read, but the unresolved ending and lack of new historical depth left me wanting a little more. If you’ve enjoyed the first book, you’ll likely enjoy this one too, but be prepared to feel a bit let down by the open-ended conclusion.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.

Book Review: Three Children in Danger by Marion Kummerow (Escaping the Reich Book 1)

Three Children in Danger is a deeply moving and suspenseful historical novel that offers a fresh, emotionally rich perspective on World War II through the eyes of its most vulnerable victims—children. Marion Kummerow masterfully tells the story of twelve-year-old Holger and his younger siblings, Hans and Hertha, as they navigate a terrifying and uncertain world after their Jewish parents are taken by the Gestapo.

Left alone in Nazi-controlled Berlin, the children must rely on the kindness of strangers—and the quiet bravery of members of the resistance—to survive. Their journey is filled with danger, heartbreak, and unexpected moments of hope, particularly when they find refuge through the unlikely protection of a Swedish church and the courageous Countess Sophie, who risks everything to help them escape.

Kummerow’s storytelling shines through her vivid settings and her ability to weave real historical details into the narrative, creating a story that is not only compelling but also profoundly human. The characters are beautifully drawn: Holger’s transformation from scared child to fierce protector is especially poignant, and the resistance figures are inspiring without being romanticized.

Told from multiple perspectives—including a Jewish child, a communist, and an aristocratic German woman—the book highlights how people from vastly different walks of life came together to resist evil. It’s this intersection of ordinary and extraordinary lives that gives the novel its emotional depth.

This is not just another WWII novel—it’s a story of resilience, quiet heroism, and the belief that even in the darkest times, individuals can make a world of difference. It will resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction with heart, especially those who admire the courage of real people during one of history’s most harrowing eras.

This book is a strong start to the Escaping the Reich series, and promises more gripping stories to come. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy emotionally powerful historical fiction with well-researched, character-driven narratives.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.

After dipping her toes with non-fiction books, she finally tackled the project dear to her heart. UNRELENTING is the story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime. It’s a book about resilience, love and the courage to stand up and do the right thing.

Book Review: The Past That Made Us by Kelly Marks

Kelly Marks’ debut novel, The Past That Made Us, is an emotionally rich and beautifully written exploration of grief, healing, and second chances. The story follows Millie Carpenter, a woman whose life is upended by a cancer diagnosis, forcing her to confront the past she’s spent years trying to forget. This novel is a heartfelt journey through raw emotions, tangled relationships, and the sometimes painful but necessary act of confronting our history in order to move forward.

Millie is a driven, career-focused accountant who has built her life around the walls she’s put up to protect herself from childhood trauma and a fractured relationship with her parents. But when she’s diagnosed with cancer, she finds herself faced with the very people she’s avoided for years—her estranged mother and the man she once loved. As Millie’s strength dwindles from chemotherapy, memories she’s buried for years resurface, forcing her to reevaluate the choices that led her to isolate herself from those she cares about.

Returning to St. Bell, Maine, the seaside town where her troubled past began, Millie must face the unresolved pain and grief tied to her family and the community she’s spent so much time running from. Complicating matters further is the return of her first love, a golden boy turned lobsterman who disappeared when she needed him most. As Millie reluctantly opens her heart to the support she’s been avoiding, she begins to uncover the possibility for healing, forgiveness, and maybe even a second chance at love. But can she truly let go of the past and embrace what lies ahead?

Marks has crafted a compelling story that pulls you in from the very first page. The writing is descriptive and emotionally charged, bringing the characters to life in a way that makes their struggles and growth feel incredibly real. Millie’s inner turmoil is both heartbreaking and inspiring, and watching her navigate this chapter of her life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The book beautifully explores the complexity of second-chance romance, showing that sometimes it’s not just about reigniting old flames but also about understanding, forgiveness, and healing.

The emotional depth of Millie’s journey will keep readers hooked, as you’ll find yourself empathizing with her pain, rooting for her happiness, and feeling the weight of the tough decisions she must make. With fully developed characters and a story that feels both raw and relatable, The Past That Made Us is a book you won’t easily forget. Whether you’re drawn to emotional stories, second-chance romances, or tales of personal growth, this novel offers all of that and more.

In the end, Kelly Marks has delivered a stunning debut that will resonate with anyone who’s had to come to terms with their past and find the courage to heal, love, and move forward. This is a book you won’t want to miss, and it will stay with you long after you’ve turned the last page.

Highly recommended for fans of emotionally driven, character-centric novels and second-chance romances.

4 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Kelly Marks worked as a nurse for ten years before settling into the somehow more demanding job of raising her kids. Born in Canada, but primarily raised in Texas, she calls herself a “Texas-Canadian.” She dreams of one day living on the ocean where she pictures writing novels to the background sounds of crashing waves. For now, she lives with her wonderful family in Houston, TX. The Past That Made Us is her debut novel.
To learn more about Kelly or become great reader friends, check out http://www.kellymarksbooks.com.

Book Review: Pinhole (Down #1) by Glenn Cooper

Glenn Cooper’s Pinhole kicks off the Down trilogy with a strange mix of science fiction, historical intrigue, and a thrilling adventure in a bizarre alternate reality. It’s a wild ride, but not without its bumps along the way. Here’s a closer look at what works, and what doesn’t, in this captivating yet imperfect first entry in the series.

The story begins with Emily Loughty, a brilliant research director at the world’s largest super-collider, which spans beneath London. During a high-stakes experiment to test the collider’s capabilities, something goes wrong. A fellow researcher overrides the safety protocols, and when the collider reaches its maximum capacity, the fabric between universes is torn. Emily disappears, replaced by a man who died centuries before. As it turns out, they’ve swapped places, and the man’s appearance in the lab wreaks havoc.

Enter John Camp, Emily’s boyfriend, who is determined to find and rescue her, despite their last interaction being on bad terms. His search takes him into the Down, a hellish alternate world where historical figures and twisted fates await.

The book’s pacing is a standout. While the beginning feels a little slow, especially with some of the dense scientific explanations, once the action picks up, the suspense is relentless. The Down is a fascinating creation, full of bleak, medieval imagery that ties into the book’s Dante-esque inspirations. The world-building is effective, even if it leans a bit too heavily on the historical elements.

Cooper’s choice to populate the Down with figures from history that are both notorious and lesser-known—is an intriguing idea, and it keeps the reader engaged. The fact that some of these figures are trapped in this grim parallel universe and offer explanations for their presence provides a unique historical twist to the narrative. However, these sections sometimes feel excessive, bogging down the pace with lengthy backstories and discussions that may be a bit too heavy-handed for some readers. It’s as though the author assumes readers are unfamiliar with these historical figures, which detracts from the overall flow.

The characters themselves, especially Emily and John, are relatable and endearing. Emily’s sudden disappearance and the mystery surrounding her fate create a strong emotional pull. John’s determination to rescue her, despite their fractured relationship, gives the story depth. Cooper’s portrayal of their evolving dynamics adds layers to the plot, and the tension between them keeps things engaging, even as the action sometimes feels secondary to their emotional journey.

The imaginative nature of the Down is a major highlight. It’s a world that feels both familiar and utterly strange, with a gothic, medieval atmosphere that sets it apart from other parallel universe settings. The cliffhanger ending is effective in leaving readers eager to dive into the next book in the series.

That said, there are a few drawbacks. The novel occasionally struggles with pacing, particularly in sections where too much time is spent on explanations about the historical figures in the Down. While this concept is intriguing, some readers might find it a bit overdone. Furthermore, the book’s balance between action and introspection feels off at times, as the narrative sometimes lingers too long in one place or idea before moving forward.

Pinhole is an ambitious beginning to a trilogy that mixes science fiction with historical fantasy in a unique and entertaining way. The tension, character development, and imaginative world-building make it a compelling read, though it’s not without its flaws. The slow start, heavy historical exposition, and occasional pacing issues can detract from the overall enjoyment. That said, the cliffhanger is enough to ensure that I’ll be picking up Down: Portal to see where the story goes next.

If you enjoy mind-bending science fiction with historical twists and an intriguing, if imperfect, alternate universe, Pinhole might be just what you’re looking for. It won’t be for everyone, but it has enough going for it to be worth the ride.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Disclaimer: I received this ebook at no charge via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Review provided by Book Whisperer.

Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a Must-See for Every Fan

By Toho Aniplex – Natalie.mu

From the opening scene to the final battle cries, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is a jaw-dropping spectacle that delivers exactly what fans have been waiting for. With Ufotable once again proving why they’re at the top of the anime game, this movie kicks off the series’ final arc with explosive battles, heart-wrenching character moments, and visual storytelling that’s nothing short of legendary.

Let’s be honest: when you hear “Ufotable,” you already expect top-tier animation, and they deliver hard. The Infinity Castle itself is a living, breathing labyrinth that folds and twists with a kind of chaotic beauty. Every fight scene is framed like a masterpiece, with seamless blends of 2D and 3D, color palettes straight out of ukiyo-e art, and cinematography that somehow makes every battle feel even more intense than the last. Whether you’re watching in regular format or IMAX (which is absolutely worth it, by the way), the visuals grab you by the collar and don’t let go.

What really makes this movie shine isn’t just the animation – it’s the way it balances pulse-pounding action with raw, emotional storytelling. Shinobu’s battle with Doma is elegant and strategic, fueled by quiet vengeance and sisterly love. Zenitsu, usually the comic relief, gets his big moment of growth as he takes on his former mentor Kaigaku, showing us that there’s way more to him than just lightning-fast reflexes and panicked screams.

But it’s Tanjiro and Giyu’s showdown with Akaza that really steals the show. The choreography is relentless, the emotions are high, and seeing Akaza slowly recognize Tanjiro’s strength gives the whole encounter an extra emotional punch. Add in Akaza’s tragic backstory, and you’ve got one of the most memorable confrontations in the franchise so far.

Filipino fans, in particular, have shown massive love for the film—and rightly so. It smashed local box office records, raking in PHP 238 million in its opening weekend alone and becoming the biggest anime film debut in the country this year. Early screenings sold out in just 30 minutes, and social media is packed with fans celebrating their favorite moments and encouraging everyone to see it on the big screen.

And honestly? They’re right. Watching it in a theater, surrounded by fellow fans gasping, cheering, and tearing up, makes the entire experience unforgettable.

If there’s one critique, it’s the pacing. It felt that the emotional flashbacks sometimes slowed down the momentum of the fights. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but in a movie this action-packed, it’s something fans might notice.

Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle is more than just a movie—it’s a celebration of everything fans love about the series. It’s packed with jaw-dropping visuals, emotionally rich storytelling, and character moments that will stick with you long after the credits roll. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just catching up, this movie is best experienced in cinemas, with a crowd of fellow fans who love the series just as much as you do.

If you’re thinking about skipping this and waiting for the episodes to drop on streaming… don’t. Trust me. This one’s meant to be seen on the big screen—with your heart in your throat and your hands gripping the armrests.

Rating: 4/5

Book Review: Wolf Girl by Leia Stone

Wolf Girl follows nineteen-year-old Demi Calloway, a wolf shifter who has never shifted due to her family’s exile from Wolf City before she was born. Forced to repress her inner wolf and live as a human, Demi’s world changes drastically when Sawyer Hudson—the Alpha’s son—pulls strings to get her into Wolf City. However, this comes with a catch: it’s Sawyer’s mate selection year, and all unmated females aged 18-22 must attend what Demi cheekily dubs the “Werewolf Bachelor.” As the story unfolds, Demi discovers that her wolf side is very different from others—when she shifts, her wolf separates from her and can move independently, a rare and dangerous trait tied to past trauma.

Demi is a standout protagonist—snarky and sarcastic on the surface but genuinely kind, loyal, and a survivor beneath it all. Leia Stone strikes a nice balance by making Demi relatable and multi-dimensional: she can be humorous and deflective, yet vulnerable and serious when the story demands it. I appreciated this nuanced portrayal and look forward to watching her character grow in the sequels.

The romance between Demi and Sawyer was an unexpected highlight for me. While Sawyer himself didn’t fully win me over as a hero, their dynamic worked well. Demi’s aloof, sarcastic personality needed a steady, decent partner rather than a brooding or “bad boy” type, and Sawyer fit that bill. The romance felt authentic and charming, even if I didn’t love Sawyer personally.

That said, the book wasn’t without flaws. Some world-building choices were confusing—particularly the mechanics of the werewolf lore and Sawyer’s sudden involvement with Demi’s isolated school, which didn’t quite mesh with the rules established in the story. At times, character behavior felt inconsistent for their age and setting, leaning more toward teenage drama than adult college life. There was also a “too convenient” moment that nearly pulled me out of the story.

Stylistically, a tighter edit might have improved flow and clarity, but the engaging plot, emotional depth, and intriguing paranormal twist kept me hooked. The cliffhanger ending was frustrating and felt like it could have worked better as a standalone book rather than part one of a duology.

The romance scenes were sweet and fitting for the characters’ age, though I felt the sexual chemistry could have been stronger given their connection. The story also includes some heavy themes, such as trauma and exile, handled with sensitivity—though some readers should be aware of mature content implied in the background.

Overall, Wolf Girl is a fun, fresh paranormal romance with a unique spin on werewolf mythology, a likable heroine, and an engaging modern “Bachelor”-style plot. While not perfect, it was an enjoyable read that left me curious to see what’s next for Demi, Sawyer, and the world Leia Stone has built.

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

About the Author
Leia Stone is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple bestselling series including Matefinder and Wolf Girl. She’s sold over two million books and her Fallen Academy series has been optioned for film. Her novels have been translated into five languages and she even dabbles in script writing. Leia writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance with sassy kick-butt heroines and irresistible love interests. She lives in Spokane, WA with her husband and two children.