Weekly Spotlight - Fake Marriage Trope

 

Terms and Conditions

Declan

I’m destined to become the next CEO of my family’s media empire.

The only problem? My grandfather’s inheritance clause.
Fulfilling his dying wish of getting married and having an heir seemed impossible until my assistant volunteers for the job.
Our marriage was supposed to be the perfect solution to my biggest problem.
But the more we act in love for the public, the more unsure I feel about our contract.
Caring about Iris was never part of the deal.
Especially not when breaking her heart is inevitable.

Iris
My plan to marry Declan was simple in theory.
Move in together. Throw a wedding. Have a baby.
We set rules to prevent any kind of issues.
Ones that were never meant to be broken, no matter how much Declan tempts me.
But what happens when our fake relationship bleeds into our real one?
Falling in love was never an option.
At least not for me.

Get it Here

 

Burn for You

The marriage is fake. But for a sassy chef and an arrogant billionaire, the sparks are real…

Jackson “The Beast” Boudreaux is rich, gorgeous, and unbelievably rude to the staff at Chef Bianca Hardwick’s New Orleans restaurant. Bianca would sooner douse herself in hot sauce than cook for Jackson again, but when he asks her to cater his fund-raiser, Bianca can’t refuse, knowing the cash will help pay her mother’s medical bills. Then Jackson makes another outrageous request: Marry me. The unconventional offer includes an enormous sum—money Bianca desperately needs, even if it does come with a contract — and a stunning ring.

The heir to a family bourbon dynasty, Jackson knows the rumors swirling around him. The truth is even darker. Still, he needs a wife to secure his inheritance, and free-spirited, sassy Bianca would play the part beautifully. Soon, though, their simple business deal evolves into an emotional intimacy he’s built walls to avoid.

As the passion heats up between them, Bianca and Jackson struggle to define which feelings are real and which are for show. Is falling for your fake fiancé the best happy ending… or a recipe for disaster?

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Promise Me Always

I should know better than to let Tessa McDaniels pretend to be my fiancée.

I’m a dark, dangerous disaster who leaves destruction in his wake.
But when she offers to pretend to marry me to help me get my kids back, I can’t refuse. They are the one thing I have left to fight for.

Milo Hendricks found me at my lowest.
Battered and broken by my ex with no place to call home. When he insists I stay at his cabin with him, he sparks the feelings I’ve tried to suppress.
He’s only supposed to be my friend, but every time he comes in the room, he makes my knees weak.
This gorgeous, tatted, mountain-of-a-man who’s riddled with secrets.

Tessa is everything I crave but can’t have.
I shouldn’t touch her.
Shouldn’t make it real.
But she’s a red-headed flame I can’t resist, and I can’t help but take her to my bed.

Now we’re falling into an abyss of passion and need.
Loving her is easy.
Only we’re tied in ways we don’t know.
I’ll do anything to protect her, but it’s my past that might destroy her in the end… 

Get it Here 

The Auction

 

The Auction
by Sadie Kincaid
 
Book: Wages of Sin #1
Publisher: MIRA
Pub Date: April 14, 2026
Genre: Adult, Dark, Romance, Mafia
Format: ARC
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon  Bookshop

I was trained to be a pawn, but I will rise as a queen.

My life has never been my own. After the death of my parents, I was saved by my grandfather, with the promise that he would turn me over to the Brotherhood on my twenty-first birthday.

I was kept away from the outside world so I could one day be sold to the highest bidder—pure and unsullied. Penance for my parents’ alleged crimes.

That’s how I come to be sold at an auction.

And who buys me but the reclusive billionaire, Lincoln Knight?

Some say that he’s a monster, more dangerous than any of the evil men from the Brotherhood. That he wears a mask to cover his scars. But I believe he’s hiding more than just his face behind his mask.

My fate is sealed when he takes me to his crumbling mansion deep in the woods. I’m trapped. Entirely at his mercy.

I have to escape.

But something here isn’t what it seems.

Lincoln isn’t what he seems. Maybe he’s not a monster at all. I’m drawn to him in a way that I can’t explain. Until I discover that his secrets go far beyond his mask.

He’s everything I’ve been taught to fear, but what if everything I’ve ever known has been a lie?

 

My Review: WOW. This book was so damn good. Seriously, it kept me up late into the night, I just couldn’t put it down.  

Imogen, Lincoln and Pierre are done so well. I just wanted to hug them all. Imogen for all that she has been through and having to learn to that life is over now and she really is safe. Pierre being a good friend to Lincoln and being a friend to Imogen especially when she’s never had one and it made such a difference for her. Lincoln for wanting to rid the world of those evil men and saving every woman he's come across when dealing with them and give those women a chance at a much better life.  

It starts with Imogen and other women lined up to be sold and Imogen being the star prize of it all. She can do this; she is strong and knows how to survive. She just hopes it’s not that Lincoln Knight guy with a bad reputation.... well uhhh it Kinda does end up being him.  

Once sold, Imogen is prepared for whatever he may demand if her. But he doesn’t. He gives her a safe place, free roam of the house (minus some areas), the most comfortable she’s had, clothing, food, etc. Whatever she wants, she need only ask. Imogen is free, but it takes her a while to notice it. She thinks he’s just waiting or buttering her up until he has use for her. Oh if she only knew the truth. 

Lincoln is fighting to shut down the brotherhood behind it all. To make it all finally end. While also fighting his feelings for Imogen. Spending time with her during a storm to listening about her favorite book and tracking it down for her. To the way he thinks about her in all the ways. Even if he is trying to be distant and tries to push her away at times. Deep down he is this good guy. 

Overall, it's one of the best books this year alone. Despite all the trigger warnings and darkness of it. It hits a lot things but also shows someone willing to fight to make things better. It’s truly worth the read. 

But do keep in mind the warnings with this book before diving in.  

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

If We Were Perfect

If We Were Perfect

by Ana Huang
 
Book: If Love #4
Publisher: Bloom Books
Pub Date: August 6, 2024
Genre: Adult, Romance, Second Chance
Format: eBook
Source: Publisher
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon  Bookshop

Two exes, one house. What could go wrong?

Olivia had a plan: MBA, Wall Street VP by thirty-two, marriage and two children (preferably twins because #efficiency).

Not in her plan? Losing half her belongings in an apartment flood and being forced to turn to her ex for help.

Definitely not in her plan? Moving into said ex’s house and watching him walk around shirtless, bake her cupcakes, and look at her with those smoldering—

Wait, what was she talking about again?

***

Between his bakery and meddling family, Sammy had enough on his plate without bringing the ex he’d never been able to forget into the mix.

But when Olivia asks for his help, he couldn’t say no. He could, however, make her regret breaking his heart—as long as he doesn’t do anything foolish, like sneak into her room and kiss her senseless…

As passion slowly replaces their dislike for each other, Sammy and Olivia discover their past isn’t what it seems and their future is anything but certain. Can they overcome their pride and give love a second chance, or is history doomed to repeat itself?

If We Were Perfect is a steamy second chance/roommate romance. It's book four of the If Love series but can be read as a complete standalone.

Recommended for 18+ due to explicit content and adult language. 

 

My Review: OMG I wanted to shake these two so bad. 

Olivia and Sammy drive me insane for the longest time, it wasn't until closer to the end that I was finally able to fully enjoy this story.

Oliva at times can be a lot. Her super extra over the top organizing, lists, etc. Having her life planed out to a T and everything in between. Sure, its a great thing and I loved it as much as the next person, but Oliva was on a level all her own. 

Her family though? HATE them, out with them all. I couldn't stand her mum in this at ALL. Maybe it's because I know what it's like to face a lot of the same things but woah did that bring so much anger for this lady and wanting to protect Oliva from her.

Then you have Sammy, who didn't drive me as bonkers, but there were still moments. Sammy is doing great in life right now. He has a home, his bakery is very successful, with the plans for another one on the way. All is just fine, minus his mum constantly trying to marry him off to have kids already and kinda can't let go of his grudge with Oliva. Especially when the truth behind that day comes out and didn't turn out to be what he really thought it was. 

So let's put them together as roommate shall we? That couldn't go wrong at all...and well despite some issues they actually finally cave into each other and give this thing between them another chance. 

However, the best part was nearing the end when FINALLY they stuck for good, and settled down to make a life for themselves and the fun surprises that came along as well. NOW that was the romance I was waiting for and then I was glued until the end. 

I've read many other books by Ana and while I like this series a lot, its not really my favorite. Her Twisted and Kings of Sins series however, are so worth it.  

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪

Weekly Spotlight - ARCs So Far

 

Pretty Vicious 

Laurel just wanted to survive college, keep her father fed, and fly under the radar.

Delivering pizzas was supposed to be the safe kind of side hustle, until the night she witnesses a murder at Ashford House, the most elite and secretive fraternity on campus.

Now she’s a prisoner of The Order, a blood-bound society that controls everything from politics to police. They rule with ritual, obedience, and violence, and they’ve decided Laurel doesn’t get to leave.

At the center of it all is Carrson Ashford, heir to the powerful Ashford legacy.

Cold. Commanding. Infuriatingly magnetic.
Under the rules of The Order, he “bonds” her, marking Laurel as his.

Body. Mind. Soul.

But Laurel isn’t here to be claimed. Not without a fight.
To save her father and her future, Laurel must navigate a twisted realm of initiation rites, brutal secrets, and a bond that may destroy them both.

In this world, there’s one rule: obey or die.

But love doesn’t follow rules. And neither does Laurel.

My Review

On the Brink of Bliss
A sizzling single mom, fake marriage, heroine in danger romance from New York Times & USA Today Bestselling author, A.L. Jackson

The last thing I expected when I found the trespasser bathing in my river was for it to be her…

Daisy Adair has always been my dream girl. From when we were best friends in high school to finding her now.
A gorgeous mother who shows up on my property with three kids in tow.

But I became a recluse for a reason.
The life I chose is full of wickedness and peril. The last thing I need is the object of my every fantasy invading my space and risking her life because of me.

Only when she tells me she’s on the run from her ex, I promise to do anything to keep them safe, even marry her to protect her kids.
That single kiss at the altar rips through every barrier, our passion unleashed.
Now, living under the same roof blurs the lines I’ve drawn.
Each glance of her down the hall and I am splintering.
Each brush of her hand and I am brought to my knees.
Our future—bright, hopeful, and almost within reach—hovers on the edge of becoming real…

Until we discover the threat surrounding her is grimmer than either of us imagined.
Now I’m fighting to save her and her children before our second chance at forever is burned to the ground…

My Review

Even If We Last
I’m what people call a charmer. Maybe it’s the drawl, maybe it’s the dimples, or maybe it’s the entire ex-Special-Forces package. Either way, I’ve never met a woman I haven’t been able to sweep off their feet . . . until Mallory Monroe. The only female on our team, she’s all fierce words, brave actions, and impenetrable walls around her heart. She’s also the only girl I’ve ever loved.

After burying my feelings for over a decade, I’m not surprised I dream of waking up married to her. Except, it isn’t a dream; the certificate claiming we’re husband and wife is real, and neither of us remembers a thing. Dream come true or not, I never wanted this. Not when my new bride looks horrified, accuses me like our situation is my fault, and demands we “fix it.”

But while I’d do almost anything for her—including taking a bullet for her, again—leaving her, in any sense of the word, isn’t one of those things. And when Mallory makes no move to annul our secret marriage, even months later, I decide to test the waters by attempting to date my wife.

My Review

The Fox and the Devil
An obsession with a beautiful serial killer entangles a vampire hunter’s daughter in an immortal sapphic romance in this enthralling gothic fantasy from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Lucy Undying.

Anneke has a complicated relationship with her father, Abraham Van Helsing—doctor, scientist, and madman devoted to studying vampires—up until the night she comes home to find him murdered, with a surreally beautiful woman looming over his body. A woman who leaves no trace behind, other than the dreams and nightmares that plague Anneke every night.

Spurred by her desire for vengeance and armed with the latest in forensic and investigatory techniques, Anneke puts together a team of detectives to catch her mysterious serial killer. Because her father isn’t the only inexplicably dead body. There’s a trail of victims across Europe and Anneke is certain they’re all connected.

But during the years spent relentlessly hunting the killer, Anneke keeps some crucial evidence to infuriatingly coy letters, addressed only to Anneke, occasionally soaked in blood, and always signed Diavola. Devil. The obsession is mutual, and all the more dangerous for it.

The closer Anneke gets to her devil, though, the less sense the world makes. Maybe her father wasn’t a madman, after all. Diavola might be something much worse than a serial killer . . . and much harder to destroy. Because as Anneke unearths more of Diavola’s tragic past, she suspects there’s still a heart somewhere in that undead body.

A heart that beats for Anneke alone.

My Review

Cupid Is A Liar
I thought the worst thing that could happen on Valentine’s Day was getting stood up.

I was wrong.

When my date ghosts me and I decide to confront him, I don’t expect the night to spiral. I don’t expect danger and I definitely don’t expect the quiet, intense man from down the hall to step in and change everything.

Damian Salvanti is calm under pressure.

Terrifyingly observant.
And far too willing to put himself between me and the world.

The more time I spend with him, the more unsettling the truth becomes.

He knows me.
My routines.
My fears.
The things I want but never say out loud.
Because Damian hasn’t just been watching out for me.

He’s been watching me…

Cupid Is a Liar is a dark, fast-paced Valentine’s romance featuring an obsessive, morally gray hero who falls first, a heroine who chooses danger over safety, and a love story that blurs the line between devotion and obsession.

My Review

The Astral Library

From New York Times bestselling author Kate Quinn comes a gorgeously written fantastical adventure which poses the question: Have you ever wished you could live inside a book? Welcome to the Astral Library, where books are not just objects, but doors to new worlds, new lives, and new futures.

Alexandria “Alix” Watson has learned one lesson from her barren childhood in the foster-care system: unlike people, books will never let you down. Working three dead-end jobs to make ends meet and knowing college is a pipe dream, Alix takes nightly refuge in the high-vaulted reading room at the Boston Public Library, escaping into her favorite fantasy novels and dreaming of far-off lands. Until the day she stumbles through a hidden door and meets the Librarian: the ageless, acerbic guardian of a hidden library where the desperate and the lost escape to new lives...inside their favorite books.

The Librarian takes a dazzled Alix under her wing, but before she can escape into the pages of her new life, a shadowy enemy emerges to threaten everyone the Astral Library has ever helped protect. Aided by a dashing costume-shop owner, Alix and the Librarian flee through the Regency drawing rooms of Jane Austen to the back alleys of Sherlock Holmes and the champagne-soaked parties of The Great Gatsby as danger draws inexorably closer. But who does their enemy really wish to destroy—Alix, the Librarian, or the Library itself?

My Review

Enchantra

 

Enchantra
by Kaylie Smith
 
Book: Wicked Games #2
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: April 8, 2025
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Gothic
Format: Print
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon  Bookshop

Ready or Not meets Throne of the Fallen in a spicy, enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance, where an Italian getaway turns deadly after a young woman is trapped in her host family's cursed game.

Ready or not, the game has begun.

Genevieve Grimm has felt adrift ever since her sister became the head of the family. So when a mysterious friend of their mother's invites her to Italy, she accepts. She arrives at his grand palace, expecting passion and magic, decadence and luxury... perhaps even a midnight ball.

She doesn't expect the owner's ruthlessly handsome son to slam the door in her face. Rowin Silver is tall, dark, and exceptionally rude, and invitation or not, he demands Genevieve leave and never come back. But Genevieve follows nobody's orders, especially those of arrogant rich boys. She slips inside—and immediately discovers her mistake.

Rowin and his family are caught in an insidious game of hide and seek, where only one can win. The rest will be trapped in Hell... until the competition begins again.

Genevieve must either join the hunt or forfeit any hope of escaping. But to her dismay, her best chance of survival lies with Rowin. Since lovers may play as a pair, Rowin and Genevieve agree to form an alliance under the guise of a fake courtship. However, as they race through the game's elaborate labyrinth, trapped among gleaming gold and shining marble, their loathing gives way to irresistible attraction. Only Rowin is keeping secrets, especially when it comes to his ruthless family, and Genevieve can't help but wonder if she's trapped in two treacherous games: Enchantra and the one Rowin is playing with her heart.

 

My Review: I'm so excited to get back into this series!

I will have to say though, it did take me longer to get into and enjoy story where with he first book I loved it right from the start. 

The start was a little bit slower for me. It was also kind of boring at points where I nearly considered putting the book down and maybe coming back to it at a later time. But, stick with it because we eventually got there and I was once again hooked into this world.

This time its focused on Genevieve. She's exploring Italy and Ophelia even made her a list for while she was there. It was supposed to be her escape and to find someone else who may be like her. Thus, her plan to visit an old friend of her mums even though its kinda under false pretenses in a way. 

When Genevieve makes her way to the home that she was invited to, its not the warm and friendly welcome she was thinking of. In fact, more than once she was told to go and couldn't come in. So uh...she lets herself inside in her own way. 

Welp. Now she goes from wanting in so badly, to now not being able to leave even if she was able to, having to explain to head of the home that he was talking to her and not her mum and so on. So now she has gotten herself into quite the pickle. 

What's even worse? She is now forced to play into a deadly game, suddenly isn't single, ends up finding more than she could ever want and then it's all gone.

The ending of the book was definitely, my favorite part. Watching Genevieve and Rowin was amazing, especially when they finally cave into their feelings. Then watching them start all over again and seeing just what Rowin was willing to sacrifice for her. 

I really hope there is more, this series is a new favorite of mine. 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Phantasma

 

Phantasma
by Kaylie Smith

 

Book: Wicked Games #1
Publisher: Forever
Pub Date: September 3, 2024
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Gothic
Format: Print
Source: Bought
Book Links: Goodreads  Amazon  Bookshop

When Ophelia’s sister disappears, there is only one way to save her. Ophelia must enter Phantasma, a deadly contest inside a haunted mansion, and claim its prize—a single wish.

Phantasma is a maze of twisting corridors and lavish ballrooms, of demons and temptations. Ophelia will face nine challenges, each more dangerous than the last. There can only be one winner, and the other contestants will stop at nothing to eliminate their rivals.

Every day the house creates new monsters. But just as Ophelia’s fears threaten to overwhelm her, a mysterious stranger offers her a bargain.

Charming, arrogant and infuriatingly attractive, Blackwell claims he can guide her through the lethal trials ahead. All he asks in return is ten years of her life.

Ophelia knows she shouldn’t trust him. Blackwell doesn’t seem dangerous, but appearances can be deceptive. Worse still, she feels a dark and irresistible attraction drawing them closer and closer.

Her life is on the line. But in Phantasma, the only thing deadlier than losing the game is losing your heart . . .

 

My Review: OMG I LOVED this book. 

The entire book was fantastic. From the characters, world building, romance and everything in between, I was so here for it.

Ophelia and Genevieve start the book a pretty bad note. Their mum was just found dead. Ophelia takes her necklace and quickly performance the spell to become the next necromancer in the family. Then they visit her at the funeral home and THEN they find out their home is at stake. 

There is A LOT going on. Things get more tense when Ophelia finds out that Genevieve kinda secretly knew about more than she let on and didn't tell Ophelia about it. That among other things, ends up causing a fight between them.

When on the look for her sister, Ophelia comes to find out that she must have entered Phantasma. So the logical thing to do was enter as well clearly. 

Then comes Blackwell. I loved his character. The banter between him and Ophelia. They are great together and Blackwell ended up being a much bigger role than you'd think which was fantastic. 

I don't have much about this book that I didn't like. There were moments that it was a little all over the place but really if there was anything it was minor. I loved how the author brought in a character with OCD and really brought a new light to it. The variations of it and was really well brought out and one of the best representations of it. 

Overall, I loved this entire book. I couldn't put it down and then didn't want to even when it ended. I'm so excited for more books in this series. 

 

My Rating:

✪✪✪✪✪

Weekly Spotlight - May Reads

 

Storm Breaker
From the publisher who brought you Fourth Wing comes your next romantasy obsession...

For nineteen-year-old Poet Graves, New Manhattan has always promised safety―if she obeys. Raised within the ruling Houses and betrothed to a powerful heir, she enters Amery Academy knowing her future has already been decided.

But Amery is nothing like she imagined. Its trials are brutal, its loyalties conditional, and its rules designed to expose weakness. As Poet struggles to survive, she must hide the truth that could get her executed: the storms don’t fear her―they answer back.

When a dangerous outsider from beyond the city walls enters the academy, Poet is drawn to him despite everything she’s been taught to believe. He threatens the life she’s been promised. And choosing him could cost her not just her future, but her freedom.

A gripping dystopian romance filled with forbidden power, ruthless challenges, and a heroine who refuses to burn quietly―perfect for fans of Divergent and The Hunger Games.

Includes two bonus scenes from the Hero’s POV

Get it Here

 
 

The Ballad of Falling Dragons
Raeve’s thirst for vengeance continues to burn, as does her love for Kaan Vaegor – a staunch beacon from a past she’s yet to face. With Rekk’s blood still fresh on her hands, she learns the world will face its most devastating moonfall yet, forcing her to pick a path:

Chase death.
Or life.

Desperate to save his kingdom from ruin, Kaan’s crown has never felt so heavy. His many larks to scattered friends and family remain unanswered, and time is running out.

As allies merge and enemies surge with bloodlusting agendas of their own, secrets brew hot enough to burn, but none so mighty as the truth nesting within the icy depths of Raeve’s long forgotten past.
Something … Other.

Something with the knowledge to change it all.

Get it Here

 

An Ordinary Sort of Evil
New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong returns to Victorian Scotland in the latest in the genre-blending Rip Through Time series.

Modern-day homicide detective Mallory Mitchell has grown accustomed to life in Victorian Scotland after travelling 150 years into the past into the body of a housemaid. She’s built a new life for herself. Even though she works as an assistant to forensic-science pioneer Dr. Duncan Gray and Detective Hugh McCreadie, she considers them true friends. And with Gray in particular, perhaps, someday, something more.

Late one night, Gray and Mallory are summoned urgently to the home of Lady Adler, a patron of Gray’s undertaking business, and they assume there's been a death in the household. But instead, they arrive in the midst of a seance with a ghost demanding Gray's presence. The ghost is Lady Adler's former maid, who had gone missing but now requests that Gray investigate her murder. Although Gray and Mallory are skeptical, they agree to look into the matter, whether she's dead or alive. But unsure if there's been a murder or not, unable to call out the medium as a fraud, and concerned for the fate of the young maid, Gray and Mallory are once again drawn into a mystery much more puzzling--and more dangerous--than it first seems

Get it Here

 

Death's Daughter
Perfect for fans of Ninth House, Nightshade, and Neon Gods, Death's Daughter is a dark, spicy and deliciously autumnal contemporary romantic fantasy in a dark academia setting, in which the only daughter of Death is named his successor, making her both a powerful ally and a massive target, all while she tries to make it through her final year at college . . .

Time for her to join the family business
Jocasta's carved out a normal life at Beecher University―well, as normal as possible with a name like Jocasta and being the only child of Death.
She has good friends and a messy situationship with her former TA. But her friends, her crush, and her classmates don't know the truth about who - or what - she is. They would be horrified to discover Jo must feed to survive - and she feeds on them. But she refuses to take lives, feasting instead on their disappointments, failures, and rejections. It's not a perfect system, but it works.

Until a sexy stranger - and descendant of Lust - shows up on campus because Death just named Jo as his successor, making her a powerful ally and a massive target.

Jo's safe little bubble is about to burst, but she will do anything to protect the people she loves. Even if it means becoming what she hates...

Get it Here

May Reading Challenge

 

Let's get reading! May Reading challenge is here!  

Here is a list of books to help you get started:

School Setting:

Girls with Sharp Sticks by Suzanne Young

One of Us is Lying by Karen McManus

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

 

Blue Cover:
The Hawthorn Legacy by Jennifer Barnes

The Selection by Kiera Cass

A Curse so Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer

We welcome you to comment with your suggestions and tell us which bingo spot you’re most excited about this month!