Noel's Cozy New Years Coffee Chat | A cozy bookish post

 Happy New Year lovelies!!

How has 2026 come faster than any other year?

 2025 was gone so quickly it feels like, maybe because I was chasing a toddler and was so busy stepping into my role as a first time stay at home mom that I just didn't notice? I feel like I blinked but I was trying to be so in the moment with my family that I don't know how the year is already over...

Is it like that for any other moms or parents?

All The Cozy Things

We have a cold front right now that is so wonderful, I love the cold weather & getting to do all the cozy warm things when it comes ☕️🕯️ 

My mother-in-law made me some homemade candles that I have lit at our little kitchen table, I've got one warm sweater pulled out (the rest are packed cause of the moving and remodeling), & I sit on the little couch in the evenings with my pug in my lap and either my computer or a book in hand. 

The little couch in our room is right next to Little Coffee Bean's crib, so I'm able to be next to her while reading or anything and I absolutely love it 💗 It's like my little corner amidst all the chaos, even if I only get it in the evenings most times!

Even better is when I can have one of the cozy ambience videos going in the background 😍 *sigh* I love those so much whether reading or writing!

If you like them too, which ones are your favorite??

For me it varies on what I'm doing! Even if I'm writing, it depends on which project I'm working on haha

Thankfully, my hubby got off work earlier today (New Year's Eve) and is playing with Little Coffee Bean so I can have some time and type this up!

All The Bookish Things

I unfortunately didn't finish my 2025 reading goal of 50 books 😔 I was only 5 books behind, but... everything this season has been so beyond hectic for us that I just couldn't force myself. Instead I chose to be kind to myself and celebrate the number I did read! All the 5 stars, all the new favorites, all the new authors I get to support and fangirl over, and all the series I can't wait to read more of in this new year!!

I'm learning the hard way to have grace towards myself, to not beat myself up about everything I didn't do right, couldn't do, or failed in. Especially because, as my mother has told me when I asked her for advice: these are goals that you set for yourself that are usually at a pace you can't do. And she's absolutely right, so I'm trying to listen to her advice more this new year.

Any plans or goals I make I'll set where I can be flexible if need be with life things, change them to fit instead of driving myself sick to meet unrealistic expectations that only I set for myself.

So for reading my goal for 2026 is to read 28 books! 

I would love to try and set it for higher, but my life's season of chaotic has not changed yet and our second baby will be coming in July... I'm not sure what recovery will look like or life with a toddler and newborn yet. I'll endlessly rejoice for it all though!!

I hope to support more of the authors I've discovered this past year, finish some of the series I started, and find more reads to absolutely love and share about.

From the holidays, family, & the best bookish friends ever I have several new reads I am so so excited to dive into and finish in January as soon as I can!!

Walking on Water by Madeleine L'engle is one of my top ones that I've already started in the mornings when I can after Bible study, it was gifted from my grandma and is an essay on reflections on Faith and Art so I'm very eager to read it for this new year!

I have several indie authors and series that I hope to read more of &/or finish as well:

From These Dark Depths & With These Last Breaths by Vanessa Rasanen are the last two books in her pirate romantasy trilogy that I have desperately been wanting to finish (she has several other books out as well, I highly suggest checking out) and she surprise gifted them to me from my book wishlist!!

Bound to the Fae King by Megan Van Dyke (book 2 in her standalone fae romantasy series) Love love love this woman's books!! I originally discovered her last year with her newest release at that time but I've been making my way through her previous books since then!!

There are so many more I hope to read in January, but these are the top 4 that I'm hopeful to finish!! 

                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Writing wise I'm praying and taking my time with. My family comes first, but I'm working towards re-publishing my YA sci-fi dystopian books (the first one is set to get re-published as it needed more edits and revisions and book 2 will get released at the same time for the first time Lord allowing).

I would love for this to happen in 2026 but we'll see where the Lord leads me, all good things come in His time after all.

                                            ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    What about you lovelies??

I'd love to hear about your New Years!! Plans, goals, reading or writing updates and hopes! 

Wishing you all a wonderful season & a happy new year!!

Lots of love!

NoelW

Weekend Reading Check-in | Trying to finish my 2025 Reading Goal in 3 days

  
Thursday, December 18th | Before the said weekend

Morning lovelies!! *coffee slurps*

It has been a very long time since I've done a post on the blog, but it's now my de-stress-fun-hobby once a week I'm making sure I get back to.     

My toddler has decided she's a toddleraserous-rex and with our next one on the way I'm enjoying all the reading time I can get right now when morning sickness isn't striking at least...

Holidays are upon us, Christmas and the winter season are my favorites usually, but this year... we've had to move again and we're remodeling at the same time this time... add in pregnancy sickness and it's... a tad stressful this season.

So this weekend I'm trying to finish my reading goal for this year! I'm at 42 books out of 50, so just 8 more books to read!!

There's no end to my 'TBR Mountain' so it's not hard to grab a book to read, but my mood reading is striking so my list to try and get through this weekend is all over the place genre and book-vibes wise haha!!

Some of my hopeful TBR reads for this weekend!!

A Bargain with the Fae King by Megan Van Dyke has been one of my top want-to-reads of this year-- I love all the books she has put out, and this is the first in her romantasy series of stand-a-lones set in the same world!!

My Favorite Holidate, All Snowed Gin, and It Happened One Christmas are the Christmas-season-reads I have on my kindle and hope to get to before Christmas!!

Binding 13 is one that was recommended to me a few months ago, I started, and was so excited for...but then I got in another reading slump and... still have not finished it...

Same with Fear the Flames by Olivia Rose Darling, except it was gifted to me by a dear bookstagram friend and I desperately need to finish it so I can chat with her about it!

That's six out of eight that I need to read, I haven't settled on what to read for the last two books... so I figured I'd see what I was in the mood to read as the final book of the year when it's time!

Friday evening, December 19th | First part of the said weekend plans 

I had a very successful reading day today, I managed to finish My Favorite Holidate by Lauren Blakely and have officially read my first holiday read of the season!! 

Fake-dating romcom with an office kink, billionaire boss, and a Christmas competition!

I'm curling up now to try and read as much as I can of A Bargain with the Fae King, toddler and hubby are asleep so now is my best chance haha!

Saturday evening, December 20th | Second part of the said weekend plans

I stayed up as late as I could Friday night to finish A Bargain with the Fae King, and I managed! 

I did finish it! My eyes were drooping so badly and I fell asleep several times, but eventually startled back awake and finished it before morning lol 😅

Definitely a favorite read of the year, I do love Megan's most recent books the most but highly recommend this one too!!

I'm currently curled up in bed with my pug half on my lap while little coffee bean is sleeping in her crib and hubby is playing a video game. I'm trying to read two books currently, bouncing between the two: Binding 13 and Fear the Flames! These were both ones I had started a bit ago and have been wanting to make sure I finish, so they're kinda higher on my list to finish this weekend!

So far, 2/8 books finished!! Currently at 44 books read out of my goal for 50!

Sunday evening, December 21st | Final part of the chaotic bookish weekend of a tired mother that's kinda regretting her decisions now...

Today was so busy and hectic, I finally at 10pm am sitting in bed and about to try and read as much as I can before I pass out. I'm really hopeful to finish what I can tonight. And even though I definitely won't finish as many reads as I had hoped this weekend, I'm very pleased with what I did get done!

I found a couple minutes earlier today to read the ebook for The House Saphir by Marissa Meyer for a little bit, and it's been keeping me very enthralled so I'm excited to try and finish it tonight. I hope to read more of my other two currents too but this one is really calling to me right now. 

It's the mood reader curse... I'll have two current reads I'm excited about but another one will stick out to me and it never fails that's the one I finish first! 

Monday morning | December 22nd

I stayed up until just after 1am and finished The House Saphir (absolutely loved it!!) and... then promptly passed out. And then my toddler woke up at 3am so sleep was short-lived!

So total for the weekend I read 3 books out of the 7 I had planned, and am currently sitting at 45 books read for 2025~ 

My reading goal is 50, so maybe I can squeeze in five more books before New Years??

It was definitely too ambitious to read eight books in a weekend for me nowadays, back in the day I easily could, but not now lol!

Well wrapping up and then to wrap up Christmas gifts for loved ones!

Questions for you lovelies:

Do you have a reading goal for the year, if so what is it? And how's your progress?

Do you think I should do another one of these attempts or just call it quits and take a long nap instead??

Have you read any of these reads or have thoughts on them? I'd love to hear your thoughts or even if they're on your TBR!!

Merry Christmas lovelies!! <3

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday and a beautiful new year if I don't get to talk to any of you again before then!!

Lots of love, Noel

Under The Oak Tree by Suji Kim | BEST BOOK EVER

OKAY back story before I get into this review! (I'M SO SO EXCITED RIGHT NOW LOL) *all the happy squeals*

 So Under The Oak Tree by Suji Kim, started as a manwha (for those that don't know this is basically like a webtoon comic), and I found it and fell utterly and completely in love with it. I had so hoped that one day it would be translated and turned into a book series, and low and behold~ here it is!!

Clarification: the author did write a book series and the comic came after, but the series is not in english so finding a translation of it is rather hard.

😍😍😍

I'll share the book's details before getting into my review!!

Under The Oak Tree the novel Vol. 1 by Suji Kim

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Synopsis: Most fairytales end with a wedding and a happily-ever-after—but this is no fairytale. The updated and official translation of Under the Oak Tree, the #1 webnovel on MANTA.

Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged.

Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.

This volume collects chapters 1-76 of the original webnovel by Suji Kim.

        ~My Thoughts~

**Thank you to the author and Random House publishing group for the ARC and opportunity to read this novel, all thoughts & opinions are my own though.**

First thing you need to know about this, is there are trigger warnings. And some things were a lot more graphic in the novel than in the comic.

I personally found parts easy to skim over if that helps, but there is a lot of steamy scenes, the main character has been abused by her father for her whole childhood, and her husband takes her by force on the wedding night really. The main character was very sheltered and in the dark on 'marital duties' and so it was terrifying to her for a number of reasons.

This does not happen again, but it is something to know and not be blindsided about.

Next, this is such a gorgeous story, with amazing characters with struggles that are realistic and make you want to cry and hug or cheer them on. There's just so much to love: the romance, the world & magic, the characters and their journey, etc.

Maxi is a duke's daughter that was abused throughout her childhood, she stutters, and had an arranged marriage to the commander of the Remdragon knights.

Riftan is the commander, Maxi's forced husband, who has scares from a fierce battle and is preparing for more.

They both have flaws, struggles and scars. They both are loyal to each other and grow in a love that you can't help but cheer for and adore. There is a lot of struggles with miscommunication and misunderstanding because of their pasts but it just sucks you in all the more.

Healing, identity, learning to trust and love, these are all throughout this first book of the series and it's beautiful to read.

The world is fantasy with magic, monsters, and set with another threat of war as the backdrop. Need I say more?

I rambled about this to my husband and I told him, I think this series is actually my favorite book series ever. 

And you guys know how I love my lists of favorite books lol, but this one just from where the characters start to where they go and just everything-- I love it!!

Highly recommend if you're looking for the first in a fantasy romance series with major character growth, magic, & monsters!

All the love & happy reading,

~NoelW

Journal of a Tired Indie Writer~Pt. 2

 

 Welcome back journal of my embarrassing writing habits, hard-discovered tips, and writing progress.

I did not miss you.

 Anywhooo~ onto the entries!!

Saturday | All-day

     

    Welp, we tried journal.

    Around work, I was supposed to do massive writing today. I was to go to one of my favorite coffee shops and visit my wonderful baristas and friends and get some writing in. However.... I was so tired and I ended up sleeping in, and despite the fact that I still had time to go- my brain kept insisting that I'd missed my window and I should've gotten up earlier for it if I was going to go.

So then I cleaned.

And when I wasn't cleaning, I was staring at the computer screen (thinking about writing) before seeing something else to clean in the house.

Then it was time for work, and OF COURSE I was too freaking tired after my job to sit down and write even just for a few minutes that at this point I desperately need.

Journal, today we admit that I'm the worst with procrastinating and that if I'm not up early enough for things or ready by a certain time for something then it's just too late in my mind for it even if I actually still have the time.

So....in short, I suck  -_-

Sunday | 9:26 am

    Today was my day off from work, and after yesterday's failure to get ANY writing in, I made sure I was up early and ready to go straight to the coffee shop to write as much as I could!

(My regular coffee shop opens at 7am but I don't like to bug places right when they open so I usually wait about 30 minutes to 1 hour after they've opened before I go in and order and sit down.) So at 7:30 I went in and ordered my usual hot coffee and found a table to sit at.

I love to have a table to the side, right at a window, so I can people watch or get lost looking out at the view whenever I have to pause. I hate being at a table in the middle of the room *shudders*.

I started writing, and so far have had so much better progress than recently.

 There was no procrastination once I had my coffee and was sitting. The words started flowing, and though I'm a slow writer that doesn't get as much done as some other authors, I was so happy with my progress!!

I paused to jot this down, but I'm gonna jump back in journal! 

Wish me lots of luck!!

 

Sunday | 1:14 pm

 

 Alright journal, I'm stopping here for the day. I feel so happy with my work for the day, I was able to buckle down and just write and got so much done! I've just finished because now I can't ignore how hungry I am, so I'm going to head home and get some lunch!

I'm pretty sure I won't get any more writing done today, but I'm happy regardless with my progress so YAYY!!! 

Thursday | 6:11 pm

 

 JOURNAL guess what?!

My husband and older brother love to go to a card shop to play Magic: the Gathering on Thursday evenings, I used to play the game when I was younger but it's been so long now so I will go with them but I just watch and don't join in really.

Well anyways, so I noticed that in the plaza right by the card shop, was a bakery and I happened to be very hungry, so I excused myself to go check it out. It was a bakery cafe! They had amazing coffee and table to sit and write at, and wonderful food.

It just so happened I'd brought my notebook with me too ❤👀 So of course, I sat and sipped coffee and wrote for a bit before returning to the card shop. 

It was so lovely!! And it's my new writing spot on Thursday nights!

I find it very embarrassing at times, but fun to write these snippets of what my writing days and times actually look like.

I'm majorly bad with procrastinating, but hopefully one day I'll get better with it! (I very strongly doubt it this.)

 

 How about you lovelies?

How has your writing projects been going, or what does your writing days look like typically?? Do you procrastinate like I do or a little differently?

Please let me know, I'm super curious!

Lots of love,

NoelW

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn | AHHH!!!!

I've got another book review to share with you lovelies!!

And I'm super excited cause this one is a King Arthur retelling with fae & just was done so well!

Queen of Roses by Briar Boleyn

Synopsis: A doomed love, a dangerous mission, and a kingdom on the brink of war...

A cast-off princess…

Born into a life of duty and sacrifice, Morgan Pendragon’s destiny has never been her own. Rumored to carry the tainted blood of the fae in her veins, her birthright is stolen from her when she is a mere child. Growing up in the shadow of her brother the king, she has been promised to the goddesses when she comes of age. So, when her brother commands that she seek out a fae weapon of legendary power, Morgan seizes the chance to break free from the chains of her fate.

A dangerous temptation…

As she travels, Morgan finds herself drawn into a strange group of outcasts, led by a dark and enigmatic warrior whose sharp wit and fierce beauty set her heart ablaze. But while Morgan struggles to reconcile her desires with her duty, she and her new comrades discover dangers that await them beyond anything in their wildest nightmares.

A slumbering kingdom awoken by blood…

Believed to have vanished generations ago, a fae kingdom dreaded by mortals is ascending once more, bound to reclaim what was lost by violence and bloodshed. As the fae world, with its intricate web of lies and mysteries, is slowly revealed to Morgan, she is led to the terrible realization that the secrets she carries in her blood make her a greater threat than she could ever have imagined.

The first in an action-packed new series brimming with magic, danger, and spellbinding slow-burn romance, Queen of Roses is perfect for fans of Holly Black, Jennifer L. Armentrout, and Sarah J. Maas.

~My Thoughts~

*First, I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review, all thoughts & opinions are my own.*

This is the first in a fantasy romance series, and it felt so different from a lot of the fae reads I’ve read lately. It reminded me a lot of ACOTAR and From Blood and Ash, however I will say I enjoyed this one way more than the latter personally.

It felt very refreshing and wonderful to read!!

It was true hate-to- friends-to-lovers, slow burn, stabby heroine, & King Arthur retelling all rolled up into one.

And we all know how much I love a good retelling😍

I do recommend looking at the content warnings first, there was child abuse, child death, and alcohol abuse that I remember for sure off the top of my pregnant brain that forgets stuff lately 😅

So so good though if you can skim past those parts, and I can’t wait to snatch up book two!!

I started & finished it in the course of one night, because I couldn't put it down lol! I just had to stay up late to finish it!

Moran, the main character was so easy to start rooting for and I wanted so desperately to know where things would end up for her, I knew there were more books in the series so I had gotten rather nervous for her when nearing the end.

 I really liked the relationship between her and mr. dark and broody, I ended up loving him more and more as the story continued and he bantered and fought with Moragn.

I hated several side characters that were meant to be hated as they were terrible people, but there was one in particular introduced towards the end that I really did not like. I had already guessed the ending for this character and his 'reveal' so I wasn't surprised when he turned out to have been evil the whole time. I don't want to spoil who it was, I try to be very careful with spoilers in my reviews, but let me just say... it was very predictable.

Not predictable because of the writing or anything, it's just... Morgan had been through so much from people, like this chick does not freaking trust easy for a reason okay! And then all of a sudden, doesn't need to know more, is totally willing to trust this random new dude they just met... yeah, no someone drugged her or something. 

So when dude-the-readers-definitely-knew-not-to-trust betrays her, yeah no, not surprised.

Now on the topic of characters that I didn't like and we weren't supposed to, I will say that Morgan's brother Arthur, I really just empathized with her so much when dealing with. Because even though he'd become a monster, he was still her little brother, she couldn't look at him and not see that part of him.

And oh crap, that hit home. 

The backstory, the side characters that all felt like people coming off a page and not one of them the same, gahh it was so good!!

Next book please!!

What about you lovelies? Have you read this series or any works by the author??

Thoughts on King Arthur retellings?? I've read a handful of them, but I hope to read more.

Lots of love,

~NoelW

Noel's 24 Indie Reads for 2024

 

I love to read Indie books & to support Indie authors, I'm an Indie author myself, so I had an idea to make a fun reading goal for myself for this year. 

For the year 2024, I want to read 24 Indie books total. 

If I read more than that, great! If not, I'll try again :)

I usually read Indie books throughout the year, but I've never actually tracked how many I've read and it feels like there's so many more out now or recently released in the last two years that I need to catch up on! 

Is it like that for you too or just me being crazy and behind on everything aside from the new Taylor Swift albums?

   Without further ado here's my list of Indie books for 2024 and a bit about them! If I've already read some of them so far (seeing as it's already May) then I'll share a snippet of my thoughts on them too. Some of these will be new releases coming out this year that I can't wait to get my hands on!

Anyways...to the list!!!

A Bond of Briars by Erin Phillips

This standalone is a YA dark fantasy Ruth retelling.

The author wrote a standalone dark fantasy Esther retelling in 2022 that I adored, so when she released this one in October last year I immediately added it to my tbr!!!

Goodreads | Amazon

Until The Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen

This fantasy romance, is the first in a series of interconnected standalones and was released earlier this year!

It's a fantasy romance, with cozy-ish fairytale vibes, fated mates, fae, and fake engagement.

I've heard really good stuff on bookstagram about this read and the author's other series (which is also on my tbr)!

Goodreads | Amazon

Serpents of Sky and Flame by Rebecca F. Kenney

OKAY SO-- it's Beauty and the Beast, but he's a dragon meets Fourth Wing but she falls for the dragon, with true enemies to lovers!!

That's all I needed to know to add it to my TBR mountain, okay? LOL

I've loved a lot of books by this author, so I have no doubt that I'll thoroughly enjoy this read when I get to it!

Heads up-- there's a lot of spice 😉

Dance with the Fae Prince by Elise Kova

I'm newer to Elise Kova's books, I started with Deal with the Elf King, and loved it so I'm hoping to continue with her next book.

This is another Married to Magic novel, which is a world of interconnected standalones so you can read them in any order.

I highly recommend giving them a try if you don't mind some spice.

Songbird of the Sorrows by Braidee Otto

This is an upcoming release, that I can. not. wait. for!!

''When denied-princess-turned-spy, Aella, is tasked with her first mission, hidden truths and dangerous secrets begin to unravel. As old sparks reignite and the harsh realities of the realm reveal themselves, she must decide whether to follow orders or defy them.''

I'm beyond excited for this spicy romantic fantasy, I actually learned about it several months before the cover reveal through a bookstagram friend on Instagram and then I started following the author's updates it sounded so good!!

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

A spicy retelling of Beauty and the Beast x Phantom of the Opera 

I actually received an ARC from the author for this read & have my review here!! (It was a 5 star read for me!)

It just released earlier this month!! 🎊

Long Live by V. B. Lacey

This is book one in a romantasy series I've heard A LOT about, so many bookish friends on bookstagram have suggested it to me!

Isla Belthare lives an ordinary life in her small village of Lockhurt. Since losing both her mother and the man she loved two years ago, all she wants is stability and peace. But her world is forever changed when her family is attacked on a journey away from home and she must travel to the Aataran mountain range to find them.
Across the realm, four ancient beings who control the elements of nature are awakening. After a civil war that tore the humans apart, the elementals entered a thousand year slumber. Now, they are being summoned to prevent a dark force that is greedy for power and threatening to overturn the balance of nature.
When Isla’s path crosses with one of these elementals, she finds her fate is more entangled with theirs than she had ever imagined. As she risks it all to follow the elementals on their journey to defeat the unknown foe, she discovers that not everything may be as it seems. Isla is torn between protecting her loved ones or following her heart down a dangerous path of power and magic, of truth and lies.
What will they sacrifice to stop the coming storm?

Skyblue by M. P. Halliday

A gothic fairy tale retelling (we know how much Noel loves those!!)

A dark spellbinding retelling of the Bluebeard fairytale filled with swoony romance and wicked magic. Perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Adalyn Grace, and Erin A. Craig.

By Blood and Blade by Anna Augustine

I've been told this adult romantic fantasy reminds readers of Arabian Nights and Redeeming Love, and is the first in a series.

It's been on my tbr for a bit now, and I desperately need to actually read it!

Beyond the Filigree Wall by Melissa Wright

This one has popped up on my radar repeatedly, it sounds fantastic and I just love the cover!! 

A dark curse. A deadly secret. The ill-fated girl at the heart of both.
Antonetta Ostwind is about to get everything she’s ever wanted. If all goes to plan, she’ll end the fae, steal back what was stolen, and win the post she’s dreamed of since she was a girl.
There’s just one problem. His name is Gideon Alexander.
Gideon holds the key to her coveted post. He’s fantastic with a sword, looks amazing in uniform, and commands even the adoration of his great, beastly dog. He’s living the life Etta needs.
Gideon doesn’t believe Etta should have any of it. In fact, he’s planning to make sure she never does. And that’s a real problem, because if Etta can’t take her post as marshal, how can she have her vengeance and save the kingdom from the prince of the fae?
Slip into clean, slow-burn romance with a properly stabby heroine and the low commitment of a standalone series in this light regency fantasy romp for fans of Enchantment of Ravens and Little Thieves.

The Herbwitch's Apprentice by Ireen Chau

This is marketed heavily for those that grew up on the original Barbie movies and love the feel of those movies with fantasy and cozy mystery vibes! 

Heck yes, please!

I know there's two books so far, and the author has illustrations she made of the story and characters throughout as well! 💖 *happy squeal*

On Wings of Ash and Dust by Brittany Wang

This one all I needed was the synopsis and I was hooked, my TBR mountain did not thank me, but I digress.

A rebel pixie princess. A deadly competition between five faerie clans. Will she win the crown or die trying?

Pixie pirate Quinn may be an outlaw, wanted by all five faerie clans, but she prefers it that way. All she wants is to finally become a captain and bury her true identity beneath the rolling waves. But when the sudden death of her twin brother causes her to plot a vengeful heist, a shocking betrayal unmasks her for who she really is—her people’s last living heir.

Her only hope of escaping certain death for her crimes is taking her brother’s place in the Ethodine: a dangerous competition for the faerie crown.

In a series of death-defying trials, Quinn faces off with the heirs of four rival clans:

A mute beast tamer.
A flirtatious merman.
A half-blind artist.
And a pompous princess.

But as dark secrets unravel and an ancient prophecy entwines their fates, rivals must become allies before there’s no world left to rule.

On Wings of Ash and Dust is the action-packed first book in this YA epic fantasy. If you're looking for a fresh take on fae magic, deadly trials, and royal intrigue with a dash of enemies-to-lovers, then you’ll adore Brittany Wang’s whimsical and dangerous tale.

These Hollow Shores by A. P. Walston

This is book two in a pirate romantasy series, I read book one a bit back and absolutely loved it! 

It's got action, a hunky love interest that was my #1 favorite character, steamy scenes, and mystery.

My #1 pirate romance recommendation.

A Cascading Hope by Yakira Goldsberry

A new adult retelling of The Little Mermaid, is a standalone novella, complete with tropes like friends to lovers, extrovert/introvert, and magical creatures. It is part of the “Hope Ever After” series, a collection of twenty hopeful and uplifting fairy tale retellings. Each book is written by a different author so it can be enjoyed in any order. The proceeds from this series are donated to the O.U.R. (Operation Underground Railroad) to rescue children from exploitation and trafficking.

I'm currently reading this one, and can't wait to share my thoughts!!

On These Black Sands (The Aisling Sea, Book 1) by Vanessa Rasanen

I'm a bit late to the party on this pirate and fae romantasy, ironically enough I pre-ordered this book when it first came out and since then the trilogy has been completed and the author released the first book in another series, but... my reading slump issues had happened and so this book ended up not being read when I had initially planned to.

Healer to the Ash King by Rebecca F. Kenney

I read this earlier in the year, and wooh *fans face* there's uh, there's some steam in this one alright 

Rebecca F. Kenney is another author I have enjoyed every book that I've tried so far, and she has plenty to choose from. Heads up they do all have spice so if that makes you uncomfortable, heads up.

This one is a dark fae romantasy, and each book in her series can be read as standalones as far as I'm aware. 

Midnight Claim (Wolves of Midnight, Book 2) by Becky Moynihan

This is book two in a werewolf romance trilogy, my favorite one by far! I read this book earlier this year, and I just have the last one left!

MIDNIGHT CLAIM is book two in the steamy Wolves of Midnight series, a paranormal werewolf romance. For fans of enemies-to-lovers, arranged marriage, fated mates, feisty heroines and morally gray men.

Wolves of Midnight is part of the A Touch of Vampire world, but it’s not necessary to read the A Touch of Vampire series first.

Midnight Queen (Wolves of Midnight, Book 3) by Becky Moynihan

AND 

*DRUMROLL*

Book three!!

I can't wait to read this one, it just released too!!

A Cursed Kiss by Jenny Hickman

Oh. my. goodness.

I have heard about this book, this series, and this author-- EVERYWHERE

I have to give this a try.

Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn’t a fairy tale... it’s a nightmare.
After Keelynn witnesses her sister's murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn't do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.
But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.
Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.
That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.
Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.
Perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.

Giant Country (The Realms series, Book 4) by Emory R. Frie

Confession time, I've loved this book series for YEARS. This was the first Indie author I ever read, but I have only read the first three books🙈🙈

There's two more books y'all! 

I love this series to pieces but I still haven't finished it, and uh...yeah...

So it's a mashup of 5 fairytale characters in the series and they have to travel and save their worlds/realms: Alice from Wonderland, Wendy from Neverland, Jack from Giant Country, little red riding hood, and Kai from Snow Queen.

I can not recommend this book series enough, even though I've only read the first three books😅

Empire on a String by R. A Wynters

Cue another sci-fi book I....desperately need to read.

Isayo, a Robot Fighter from the dregs of the galaxy and Zuthyra, a young but passionate governess, cross unlikely paths when the prospects of a dangerous invention, known as the Plexus, threatens to control the hearts and minds of greedy rulers. But, the closer they get to this device, the more they unveil the dark secrets surrounding it.

Determined to find answers, the battle scarred young commoner and the spirted heiress embark on a space adventure, fleeing pirates and powerful Elite leaders who are equally hungry for the power of the Plexus. It is suspected that keeper of this fabled device is an android named Koyeko. What began as a simple quest turns into a treacherous mission, as Zuthyra and Isayo race to find Koyeko before anyone else. The deeper they get involved, the more they realize how their lives are suspended by nothing more than a single thread. What happens when that thread is cut?

Fate Born: Secrets of Sratta by Michelle L. Robison

I read this one last month or the month before (excuse my pregnancy brain please), as an ARC when the author released it, it's so good if you love a sci-fi and dystopian setting!!

Secrets of Sratta is the first installment of The Fate Born Tetralogy, a sci-fi coming-of-age adventure about family, friendship, first love, and finding yourself as you rise to the challenge in extraordinary circumstances.

Petram by TM Ghent

This is book two to Lume, and the final book in the duology.

If you like sci-fi fantasy, westerns, and anti-heros, give this a try big time.

And those are all 24 of Noel's Indie Reads list for 2024~~

Of which, I have read 4 of so far!!

See any that you've seen before, enjoyed, or have on your TBR mountain as well??

Happy reading lovelies, 

~NoelW

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke | Book Review

 

The Musician and the Monster by Megan Van Dyke

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookbub

Synopsis: Every night, Ceridwen Kinsley plays music on her rooftop for the spirit of her dead mother. A peaceful if odd ritual, until she witnesses a murder by something not quite human. The monstrous encounter earns her notoriety within the city and a visit from the reclusive Lord Protector Drystan Winterbourne.

Charged with protecting the backwater city of Teneboure by the king, Drystan is failing at his task, and he can’t afford another slip up. But when fate and the very monster he means to conquer bring Ceridwen to his notice, he seizes the opportunity and presents her with an offer: play music for him at his manor in exchange for the money her impoverished family desperately needs. Music eases the strain of his magic, and who better to hire than the woman whose tunes he secretly listens to at night?

At first, Ceridwen is put off by Drystan’s unkempt appearance and harsh demeanor, not to mention the odd ailment that plagues him. But as he embraces her passion for music and she draws the recluse out of his lonely tower, the two develop an unlikely attachment. Class lines begin to blur as fearful indifference shifts to unexpected desire, and Ceridwen yearns to help Drystan subdue the monster as well as provide for her family. However, the monster prowling the night isn’t their only enemy, and as terrible secrets come to light, protecting those they love may risk their lives and their hearts.


This retelling of Beauty and the Beast incorporates themes and motifs from Phantom of the Opera, and is set in a gaslamp fantasy world with strong gothic vibes. It should appeal to fans of romantic and atmospheric retellings and fairy tales by authors such as Hannah Whitten, Tessonja Odette, and Stephanie Garber.

While this is book 4 in the Reimagined Fairy Tales series, it can be read as a standalone.

** I received an ARC from the author for an honest review, all thoughts and opinions are my own.**

For those that don't know what a gaslamp fantasy is, it's basically a fantasy or magic story set in regency or Victorian era. (Which how could I not love that?? Seriously, I love regency, fantasy, and retellings...there's no way this isn't up my alley!)

It is a new Indie release, it just came out on May 7th, and I've been eagerly awaiting this book 

*rubs hands evilly with a cackle that ends up doubling me over with a cough*

I have not read a book by Megan Van Dyke that I didn't absolutely love, and I'm so ecstatic to add this read to that list. From what I've read so far, her books do have spice, but you can skip over them if that makes you uncomfortable.

This book hit so many high notes for me: the gothic vibes, the gaslamp fantasy subgenre, the retellings of Beauty and the Beast x Phantom of the Opera, the romance was slow-burn like I love and where he falls first 😍😍 

I may or may not have squealed at a few parts but no one can prove anything (except my husband, but he knows better than to rat me out lol).

First, I LOVED the characters!

I really liked the side characters, but I loved the main characters we got for this story. I'm tired of the ''strong badass female'' stereotype, I see it enough okay! Our main character was strong in her own way, but was more timid and reserved and quiet. And oh my goodness, did it make me love her to pieces. I'm a lot like her in that respect so it actually let me connect with her a lot better from early on in the story.

And then we have Drystan, the wonderful love interest that's too good to spoil. 

Plot wise, I really enjoyed the story. I particularly loved getting to connect the parts that were which retelling, etc. The flow and OH GOD THE SLOW BURN-- I loved the slow burn romance!!

It was all so fantastically done, and easily a new favorite read.

I've got to say, it was the first book in a long time I've stayed up LATE to read and finish. It's been soo long since I could say I honestly couldn't put a book down, but I can 100% say that for this book there was no way I was putting it down lol!

Have you read any of Megan Van Dyke's books? If so, any favorites?

And what's your thoughts on gaslamp fantasy?? I feel like I don't see it a lot, but I love it every time I do!

Happy reading lovelies!!

~NoelW