Bookseller & Reviewer

Queer Bookseller at The Ripped Bodice! Masters in Criminology & Caffeine Lover . Insta/Goodreads: ashley_dang096 Rep: Asian (Vietnamese), she/her & LGBTQ /BIPOC Rep.

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 1/6

Book Blurb:

A woman is newly engaged to a man she adores when she receives a call from her first love with news that shatters her carefully ordered world, in this emotionally powerful novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Summer Pact.

Billie has built the perfect life. Her medical practice in New York City is thriving, and she’s finally found the right partner in Dean after years spent trying to move on from her high-school sweetheart, Mick. Their young love had been intense and true, but distance and ambition pulled them apart when she left Wisconsin for medical school.

Then one morning, just after she’s accepted Dean’s romantic marriage proposal, Billie’s phone rings. It’s Mick—calling for the first time in nearly a decade. His news is urgent and in a moment, everything changes.

As Billie boards a plane back to Wisconsin, her past comes rushing in—her hometown friendships, the love she and Mick shared, and the choices that shaped them all. What awaits her is a reckoning with what she’s lost, what she’s built, and what she still wants.

Gripping and deeply moving, Love You More is a story about the plot twists life throws at us—and how love, in all its forms, has the power to change everything.

Review:

Newly engaged to a man she adores, one woman gets her world turned upside down when her first love tells her that her best friend died.. and wants her and him to have joint custody of her daughter. Now she must come back and face the secrets and past feelings that she thought she left behind as well as face the new future she never saw for herself. Unfortunately for me, I never really cared for any of these characters, save for Dean, the fiancee who leaves. I actually couldn't stand any of these characters and the messy drama behind them all, seriously, I just wanted Dean to become the new dad for the little girl and for both of them to leave behind all this drama, but THATS JUST ME. The romance doesn't feel all there and the characters lack actual chemistry. This one was for anyone who enjoys very messy friendship romance dramas.

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Ballantine | Ballantine Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Escape to Willow Ridge with a deliciously addictive, grumpy cowboy, steamy romance!

Crossing off her bucket list was easy—until she fell for him.

Cherry Hensley is determined to make her last summer in Willow Ridge count. With a bucket list full of wild ideas Cherry is ready for anything…

Except Duke Bennett.

The town’s hottest bartender—and her brother’s best friend—is way too tempting to resist when he offers to be her partner-in-crime.

Enlisting Duke’s help was supposed to be harmless; she’s known him all her life. But every moment together makes Cherry feel more alive than anything on her bucket list.

Will they hold the line between lovers and friends?

Tropes:

Brother's best friend

Age gap

Off-limits

Review:

A age gap, grumpy cowboy x sunshine, brother's best friend romance comes together in this amazing romance. Cherry Hensley has been in love with Duke Bennett since she was young, too bad he's always been off limits because he's her brother's best friend. Cherry has a bucket list for her last summer in Willow Ridge and she wants Duke to help her complete all of it... but with the days counting down and Duke realizing that he might not see her again, maybe he's ready to finally risk it all and chase the one woman he's been secretly in love with all this time or risk losing her for good. The chemistry between Cherry and Duke was absolutely delicious and I just adored this book so much. It's a fantastic romance and it has all of my favorite tropes in it!

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

From the USA Today bestselling author of How to Survive a Horror Story comes a biting slasher perfect for fans of John Tucker Must Die and The Final Girl Support Group, following three women who lure their cheating boyfriend to a remote mountain cabin, only to realize that darkness lurks within the very walls, waiting to pick them off one by one.

One isolated cabin. One cheating boyfriend. One plan to get even.

When Nora, Ruby, and Cham discover that they've each been dating the same man, what starts as outrage quickly spirals into a plot for revenge. Together they hatch a plan to lure their boyfriend to a romantic getaway in a secluded cabin at the top of a snow-covered mountain.

Only what was meant to be harmless payback soon takes a chilling turn when their not-so-adoring boyfriend is found dead in the cabin. 

Stranded and snowed in, the women begin to look at each other with increasing suspicion. And as tensions rise, hidden motives come to light. To survive, each woman must confront her own demons as they fight to uncover if one of them is the killer, or if something else lurks in the freezing wilderness, waiting to pick them off one by one. 

Review:

Three women find out that they're all dating the same guy and he's stolen money from them... and they want revenge, yet what started off as a simple revenge plan ends up with him dead as an isolated cabin, a deadly cult, and corruption all surround them. This was John Tucker Must Die meets The Final Girl Support Group. I really wanted to like this one but found myself getting bored of it. I adored the premise and the potential that the story could have had but just felt like the overall storyline fell flat for me. The mystery and friendship between the three women also just didn't feel all that well done to me. The ending just had me sighing, I guess you could say if you like cheesy kind of storylines then yeah this would be a fun read for you. Maybe this would be more fun in a movie format but reading it just felt like a it of a meh experience.

Release Date: July 14, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest revew*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 2/5

Book Blurb:

Will she catch feelings ... or catch a killer? 

True crime podcaster Ella Takeda is a sucker for a good mystery. She has an uncanny knack for pinpointing killers ... until she gets it wrong. Turns out that identifying an innocent man as the Canceled Killer—a serial murderer who targets high-profile fraudsters—is cause for immediate backlash.

Now she’s returned to her small Midwest town, but the Canceled Killer may not be done with her yet. Ella has a terrible suspicion she’s his next target ... and worse, she might be dating him. Could it be Jude, the sexy, cheese-loving nerd her mom is convinced she’s going to marry? Or Aaron, the hot Chicago detective who’s the walking embodiment of every Swipe Right fantasy? And finally, there’s Mateo—a Hollywood stunt double who’s got allll the right moves.

Trusting guys is hard enough, especially when one wants her dead. Will she be able to unmask the killer before she becomes the next victim?

Review:

A crime podcaster finds herself the target of an infamous serial killer... and the suspects just happen to be the three guys she's hooked up with, a hot older detective, her cheese-loving nerdy childhood friend, or the Spiderman stunt double. This thriller mystery romance definitely read like a new adult book and had some slight cringey moments for me, I could figure out who the killer was within the first few chapters but then everything else just felt kind of meh at best for me unfortunately. I didn't exactly care for the romance or for the fact that the book ends in a way that would lead to a sequel. If you like thriller romances then maybe you'll enjoy this one.

Release Date: July 7, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) | Forever for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A desperate debutante meets a ragtag smuggler in this sexy Regency romp by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Vasti.

Eccentric heiress Lady Ruby Ballimore has had enough of the Marriage Mart. After offending yet another Very Important Marquess—and imperiling her father’s diplomatic career—Ruby flees London for the holiday house of a glamorous (and better yet, absent) princess. Armed with a forged invitation and accompanied by her like-minded friends, Ruby arrives at the Cornwall estate expecting a summer of blissful freedom.

Instead, she discovers a derelict mansion and the most suspiciously charming man she’s ever met.

Former privateer and current con artist Captain Malcolm Archer has dragged his ramshackle crew into a new life. Posing as staff at a princess’s abandoned estate provides the perfect cover for Archer’s smuggling scheme (not to mention free rent). Everything’s going according to plan—until an unorthodox London heiress crashes the party.

But when Archer and his crew attempt to frighten off their uninvited guests, Ruby’s unfazed by insect invasions and sham sea monsters. Harder to ignore? The scorching heat between the rakish pirate and the debutante who can see right through him. As sparks fly, deceptions run wild—because in this Great Cornish Fake Off, the only thing riskier than telling the truth is falling in love.

Review:

A sizzling historical romance that had me absolutely swooning. A pirate and a runaway heiress find themselves sharing a living space and both operating under different disguises... yet romance begins to bloom and when the truth of who they both are comes out, can they risk their hearts with the truth and pursue this romance? Oh this was absolutely fantastic!! I adore Alexandra's books and this had to be the best one she's written yet. It was so so good and the relationship arc between the two characters was delightful. I adored it so much!!!

Release Date: June 23, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | St. Martin's Griffin for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

New York Times bestselling author Olivie Blake and fan-favorite artist Little Chmura bring new meaning to the term “dark academia” in this deliciously dark tale of Faustian bargains and seduction.

A lot has changed since the summer the devil came to Clara’s hometown.

Now fully actualized, Clara is pursuing her literary dreams in grad school, while her steadfast boyfriend, Jonah, collects accolades on the stage. With everything falling into place, there’s no reason for her to fear the devil’s reappearance—until she begins to suspect his attention has strayed to a new victim.

Meanwhile, Gus, an aspiring playwright on campus, encounters a devil of his own: a mysterious barista who plies him with decadent treats and prying questions. Gus has sworn to hold fast to a rigid, monastic lifestyle in order to achieve his lofty ambitions, yet the temptation to indulge his sweet tooth grows ever stronger.

But he will not be led astray. Not even by the devil.

Step into the second installment of this “visually stunning, darkly sexy” (Ali Hazelwood) series that explores artistry and power through the temptation of the seven deadly sins.

Review:

A fantastic continuation in the gorgeous series from Olivie Blake that focuses on desire, ambitious... and faustian bargains. I loved that we get to see not only Clara but a new character, Gus, grapple with their perspective desires and interactions with their own devils. The artwork is absolutely stunning and I cannot wait to see where the next book goes and how the relationship between Clara and the Devil continues. Its just so stunning to look at and just so seductive in the way it draws you in.

Release Date: March 2, 2027

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and First Second Books | 23rd Street Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

He’s the Sheriff, and she’s the criminal. It will never work.

Shiloh Sullivan has always been on the wrong side of right. She thought that’s where she belonged.

But when she finds her boyfriend with her best friend — she’s done. She could feel change on the horizon. Now, she’s running to it with vengeance on her mind.

Ledger Hayes appreciates order and rules. Surrounded by his chaotic family, he thrives on the things he can keep together. As the sheriff of Paxton, his calling to keep his family safe includes the whole town.

So when he catches Shiloh making her situation worse, he doesn’t think twice about helping her, and the only way is … to marry her.

As their secret marriage turns into more than longing looks and brief touches, Shiloh is cautious about giving her heart to someone, especially her husband. Ledger is a decisive man, and despite all the reasons he shouldn’t want his wife, he can’t stop thinking about that sassy mouth and soft heart walled up behind her attitude.

But when he finds out the biggest case in Paxton history and her safety are connected. All bets are off. Control is like dust in the wind, and they have to decide if they’re worth holding onto, or let it rip them apart. What you can expect: - Cowboy Romance - Small Town Romance - Marriage of Convenience - Sheriff x Criminal - Opposites Attract - Will they won't they - "My wife" - He loves the rules but he'll break them for her - Secrets

Welcome to Hayes Ranch, where family is more than blood, and love is a little harder to wrangle.

Cautious Love is a standalone romance in the interconnected Hayes Ranch Series. Get your copy today!

Review:

The third book in the Hayes Ranch series and its another fantastic small town romance! I've adored this series so much and the cowboy romance in it is just top tier. The main couple, Ledger and Shiloh, have so much chemistry and the build up of their relationship was just so good. I adored the marriage of convenience trope in this and Shiloh was just a fantastic lead character. This was just a great read and one I'd absolutely recommend!

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Release Date: July 10, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Review:

A forbidden romance that is filled with ups and downs and has you completely intrigued from start to finish. It's a high heat romance with the age gap trope and the tension is just so good. Gene and Taylor have a lot of great chemistry and their relationship is so interesting. The push and pull of their relationship is so good and it really has you wanting to see where it goes. This was a fun read and i definitely think if you're into these vibes you could have so much fun with it!

*Thank you Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Review:

This psychological dark romance was AMAZING!! It had me obsessed!! This was a stunning debut from Eva Morozovaand I seriously had such a fun time reading this. It completely hooked me and I feel for the female main character, Victoria, so quickly. The love interest Azrael was perfection and together they had such great chemistry. This book is equal parts romantic and insane and it's just a thrill ride into obsession and I can't wait to read the next book by this author!! This is going to be such an amazing series and absolutely pick it up!

*Thank you Luna Literary for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

A terrifying and claustrophobic queer dark academia horror set in a demon-infested archive about trauma, grief and the lengths we will go to for love. Perfect for fans of T. Kingfisher and Tori Bovalino.

GUILT. GRIEF. OBSESSION.

Michael Stein arrives at the Schechter Institute for Judaic Studies battered and broken, blaming himself for the tragic accident that took his boyfriend’s life. He is haunted by his guilt and grief, but is determined to repent by completing his boyfriend’s research into demonic entities.

But instead of being welcomed by the archivist, Michael is met by Jacob Schechter—the archivist’s enigmatic, brooding grandson, who has inherited the Institute after his grandfather’s death. As Michael explores the archive, delving into cryptic texts and whispered histories, shadows from the past begin to seep into the present. Tormented by demons both real and imagined, Michael’s grief warps into something far darker—an intoxicating, yet increasingly toxic obsession with Jacob, whose own secrets threaten to destroy them both.

Now, Michael must confront the terrible truth behind his boyfriend’s death—and his obsession with Jacob—before the darkness they awaken in each other claims more than just their love, and consumes them entirely.

Review:

A man grieving the death of his boyfriend, which he feels responsible for, decides to take up his boyfriend's unfinished research only to find himself now living with a strange and handsome archivist who is hiding many more cryptic secrets than he could have ever imagined. Guilt, grief, and obsession all come together in this demonic romance about healing and moving on. I enjoyed it, it was a quick and easy read and while I could tell the twist from the beginning, I still had a fun time reading it.

Release Date: June 9, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Titan Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Sexy new adult romance meets swashbuckling adventure when ex childhood friends Paige and Seb reconnect to finally track down the treasure that has been a legend in their small Michigan beach town for decades. Perfect for fans of The Goonies and Netflix’s Outer Banks who are craving more romance!

Star pupil Paige Malone just finished her first year at Harvard. Dropout Seb Jansen spent that time pumping gas for wealthy yacht owners at a Lake Michigan marina. They haven’t seen each other since high school. A shame, considering that they were once inseparable childhood friends who combed their coastal hometown’s sun-kissed beaches along with a couple of other middle-school pals—hunting the Golden Venus, a legendary local treasure that’s distantly connected to Paige’s family.

A treasure rumored to be worth millions of dollars. If it even exists.

These days, however, the former BFFs have traded adventure for reality. Paige is home for the summer and is spiraling after losing her college financial aid. While across town, Seb fell in with a bad crowd and now regrets his life choices, big time. Both feel colossally stuck. And alone.

But when Paige stumbles upon a hidden secret in her grandmother’s beach cottage, she must get their old treasure-hunting gang back together to finally unravel the mystery that has eluded her family for generations. Who knows: the thrill of the hunt might help Paige and Seb find a path back to their lost friendship…or something more.

The Summer of Lost Things brings the summer heat with its combination of a high stakes treasure hunt and a swoony love story.

Tropes

Childhood friends to lovers  

Second-chance romance

Treasure hunt

Family secrets

Partners in crime

Summer love

Small beach town setting

Overachiever x bad boy

Loveable rogue

Review:

A adventurous and romantic summer read about two ex childhood friends who reunite to not only try and find hidden treasure but to reconnect and possibly find the love that was between them all along. This is the perfect summer romance read! It's got second chance romance, treasure hunting, small beach town, and just a charming romance at the heart of it. It seriously was such a cute read and I had a great time reading it!

Release Date: May 26, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Avon a for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

Piranesi meets Swordspoint in an elegant relay race through fantasy Venice from Hugo award-winning author Jo Walton

The Serenissima is built from mist and belief, a mythical shadow sister to Venice and crossroads of the nine worlds.

When a laborer called Tiry has a dream that Serenissima will have a doge, and that they will marry the sea, he tells it to a fortune teller named Khadsha. She tells her apprentice, a gondolier called Taddeo, who tells a cop named Gom, who's heard it from five people this morning already. And by that point, it's already settled into the bones of the Serenissima, more than half-fated.

Everybody's Perfect is a gentle, shifting, structurally inventive narrative of startling beauty that will make you rethink everything you think you know about fantasy.

Review:

A Venetian adventure told through shifting POVS as we see the journal of various characters that become interconnected. A very unique read and a fun one too because you get so many different perspectives. It's a fun read for fans who like a shifting journey kind of story.

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Tor Publishing Group | Tor Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

Hit the Road, Cowboy is a standalone age gap cowboy romance.

Coen Taylor is in the worst identity crisis and depression of his country music career. In a last-ditch attempt to right the ship, his agent sends him home to rural Wyoming to recover for the summer on Maxwell Ranch.

What he’s not expecting is to find an entire ranching operation resting precariously on twenty-five year old Sabrina Maxwell’s shoulders. While he can’t deny their instant attraction, they both have too much on their plates to consider romance, particularly after her father’s unexpected retirement and the financial stress that comes with it.

In the hopes of curing his severe burnout, Coen decides to pitch in at the ranch while he traces his steps back to his roots as a folk writer and musician.

As the summer progresses, he begins the long road of unpacking the damage of the last fifteen years, rediscovering who he was before fame and commercial success.

Despite knowing she shouldn’t get tangled up in Coen, Sabrina is lonely, tired of carrying so much responsibility and navigating a difficult family situation. Now, there’s finally someone who seems to understand, and she can’t seem to stay away, no matter how hard she tries.

Hit the Road, Cowboy contains explorations of mental health, depression, burnout, divorce, and discussions of cheating. There is no cheating between the MCs.

Review:

A tired country music star and a new man ranch manager who has too much on her plate find themselves crossing paths and sparking an undeniable romance! The chemistry between the two characters was so so good, and I fell in love with them immediately. I am also a huge fan of the tropes in this book and the way the author writes the romance between the two characters just felt so authentic and wonderful. This was a softer cowboy romance compared to Raya's other books but it was just perfection and I loved it so much. I am so excited for the next book and can't wait to see the next couple's romance!

Release Date: July 3,2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks The Smuthood for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 1/5

Book Blurb:

She’s planning their life together. He’s planning to end hers. A serendipitous meet-cute between a bubbly travel influencer and a reclusive billionaire gets twisted in this immensely sexy, darkly funny romance.

One misdirection, and effervescent vacation-home reviewer Sage Featherstone comes bounding up to the door of the wrong cabin. Lucky her.

The owner is Travis Blacksburg, a broody, out-of-this-world-sexy tech billionaire. A quick look at that GQ body, and Sage’s fantasies are running wild. So are Travis’s. With Sage’s spirited personality, mop of pink hair, and lack of boundaries, Travis can’t wait to kill her. Because that’s what he does. Thirty-eight victims so far. And his latest target just walked into his life, looking absolutely irresistible.

But for a man who usually takes great care with his kills, it’s getting complicated. He’s falling for her. And when Sage catches on to Travis’s secret life, she doesn’t run screaming. Maybe she can fix him. Her life could depend on it, and he’s too hot to abandon. They’re taking ride-or-die romance to the next level, but his moral vices aren’t the only unexpected threat to their happily ever after…

Review:

When a bubbly travel influencer ends up at the wrong cabin the last thing she expects is to fall for the serial killer living in it. This book was as if you took the two worst people and made them a serial killing couple. The characteristics of both characters were on both extreme ends and honestly, this was a rough read for me. It's like if you wanted to write a wattpad story but missed the mark and ended up with this weird exaggeration of a dark rom com.

Release Date: June 30, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Montlake for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 4/5

Book Blurb:

For fans of MM romances like Heated Rivalry and The Entanglement of Rival Wizards, a sexy Hades-inspired gay rom-com, in which the former god of the Underworld turned grumpy funeral director must find a loophole in the Immortal Retirement Act that banished him to Earth, until the florist next door begins to unravel all his carefully laid plans.

Hope is a dangerous thing for gods. Even former ones.

Hayden Harlow, once the mighty Hades, has spent centuries quietly resenting his fall from immortality. Stripped of his godhood by the allegedly irreversible Immortal Retirement Act, he now runs Harlow and Sons Funeral Home—a front for his eternal sentencing among mortals, and a bleak reminder of the purpose he's lost. Still, he's determined to claw his way back...if only the Fates at City Hall would stop toying with him. 

Enter Levi Wilder: a florist with an artist's heart, an infectious smile, and a gift for finding beauty in life's messiest moments. When Hayden storms into Levi's shop to complain about a bouquet of sunflowers—an offensive choice for a funeral, in his opinion—their worlds collide. Hayden is all restraint and shadows; Levi is all sunshine and charm. But beneath the clash lies an undeniable spark neither can ignore. 

As their connection blossoms, Hayden finds himself caught between the life he once knew and the bright future Levi dares him to imagine. But trusting Levi means risking the walls he's kept in place all these years—and it's not just his heart on the line. Because in the threads of fate, one choice can change everything.

Review:

A charming new queer spin on Hades x Persephone but featuring former god of the underworld as immortal funeral home director who finds himself falling for the charming florist who sends him the wrong flowers for a funeral. Hayden Harlow was formerly Hades, but after the Immortal Retirement Act, he's now banished to Earth and has to find a loophole to get his way back... so for now he runs a funeral home. Hades wants a way back but is forced to live a mortal life (eternally it seems) and he's lost purpose... until he is sent the wrong flowers for a funeral and takes it up with said florist, Levi Wilder. Levi is sunshine personified, with the heart of an artist and someone who enjoys life, yet he finds himself falling for the grumpy and mysteriously dark funeral home director. Levi and Hayden find themselves falling for one another yet Hayden begins to question whether or not he wants his former life or risk accepting mortality and his place on earth with someone who could be his soul mate... but the threads of fate sure can get tangled up. This was a fresh and fun new queer retelling of Hades x Persephone and I had fun with it! I liked the kind of cozy romance vibes with it and the grumpy funeral home x sunshine florist is always a win for me.

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Putnam | G.P. Putnam's Sons for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 5/5

Book Blurb:

A magical florist journeys from the kingdom’s capital to its wild woods to fulfill an unusual request, and stumbles upon friendship, conspiracy, and the buds of new love in this debut cozy fantasy.

The book contains hand-drawn floral sketches inside! Cursed from birth to always tell the truth, magical florist Felicity “Fliss” Farrow chooses her words carefully to avoid trouble. But when she receives an anonymous request for a mysterious flower, her search leads her directly into trouble’s path: to Willoh Vane. Fliss knows the outcast—yet teasingly handsome—sorcerer is rumored to have used dark magic to corrupt the northern forest five years ago. She’s witnessed the resulting feud with Prince Bastion, whom her best friend, Card, is soon to marry. Despite her divided loyalty, Fliss reluctantly accepts Will’s help with gathering rare flowers and finds herself increasingly drawn to him. As the royal wedding approaches, Fliss fears the flowers she’s delivered are intended for a sinister purpose. But when her warnings are ignored, can she and Will save the kingdom from disaster, and ultimately discover what Fliss has sought for so long—the truth.

Review:

A cozy and enchanting story about an outcast florist, who is cursed to only tell the truth, who finds herself falling for the handsome outcasted sorcerer who is rumored to have dark magic, yet somehow he has shown her more kindness than anyone else in her life. Forbidden romance, a curse to break, and a kingdom at the brink of war all come together in this enchanting queer story! Felicity "Fliss" was cursed at birth to only speak the truth so now she spends her days carefully considering every single word she says... and working as a florist who has flower magic. But when she receives an anonymous request to find a mysterious flower the last person she expects to cross her path is Willow Vane. Willow is a handsome and teasing sorcerer who has been outcast by the kingdom for being rumored to have used dark magic to corrupt the forest... and he also happens to have an ongoing feud with the crown prince Bastion, who also happens to be Fliss's best friend Card's fiance. Fliss is torn between her loyalty and her need to find mysterious flowers... and the fact that Willow somehow always wants to help her. Willow who treats her as more than just an outcast, who sees past her curse and charms her... but can she follow her heart and go against everything she's known for the sorcerer who has bewitched her? This book was absolutely ADORABLE! The romance was so sweet and charming, I devoured it. It's the perfect cozy spring fantasy read and I loved it so much. The queer rep including Willow being a trans character who underwent surgery and the softness and kindness that went into describing the romance between Willow and and Fliss was just chef's kiss.

Release Date: June 16, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Del Rey, Random House Worlds, Inklore | Del Rey for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

[ash-and-books]

Rating: 3/5

Book Blurb:

Thrilling crossover YA Horror perfect for fans of Krystal Sutherland and Tiffany Jackson, where the captain of a high school cheer team is caught in a bitter rivalry and turns to an ancient, supernatural creature for help, not knowing she’s just  made a deal with a devil and could lose everything that matters, including her life.

Maris Larsen is the captain of the West Eaton High cheer team. She’s Coach’s favorite and the team worships her. Being on the team makes her feel special—powerful. When she’s leading the girls on the mat, Maris doesn’t have to think about her dead-end life in a dead-end town. She can forget about her depressed mother and absent father and the fact that her girlfriend doesn’t really love her. But when newcomer and Coach’s new golden girl, Genevieve Ray, joins the team, the only thing going right in Maris’s life is suddenly in jeopardy. A bitter rivalry develops between the two, but Maris is determined to take Genevieve down. The knife she needs to wield comes to Maris in her dreams.

While sleepwalking, Maris is visited by a monstrous, decaying beast in the shape of an enormous deer. Doe is an ancient, tired creature who has been wandering, trapped in her current form for decades. She cannot die, but she cannot go on living as she has. Only a girl related by blood to those who bound her in this form can free her, but those girls she loved died years ago—murdered in a fire.

But Maris is somehow linked to Doe’s beloved girls—linked by blood—and so she has the power to free Doe, to unleash her immense power. In Maris’s dreams, she and Doe form a bond, but Maris doesn’t know the creature from her dreams is real. Maris doesn’t understand the danger she’s in. She only knows Doe has promised her a way to win her battle with Genevieve. But for Maris to win, someone has to die, and the only real winner in the end will be Doe.

Review:

Ancient creatures, high school cheer, and a deal with a devil! Maris is the captain of the cheer team and she'll do anything to keep her and her time together... but when a new girl is placed onto the team she wants her out. While sleepwalking she is visited by a decaying beast in the shape of an enormous deer... a beast that is an ancient creature who cannot die and makes a deal with Maris...how far will Maris go to keep her team and her spot? This was a YA horror with a touch of sapphic romance in it but it definitely is more of a small town horror story with a paranormal creature and toxic team mentality. It's definitely a case of : be careful what you wish for and how you get what you want. It was also told and written in a really interesting way too.

Release Date: June 23, 2026

Publication/Blog: Ash and Books (ash-and-books.tumblr.com)

*Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group | Nancy Paulsen Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*