ARC Reviews December 2025

The Curse of the Called:

By E R Craw

The Curse of the Called is a slower, more emotional follow up to Book 1, but in the best possible way. This instalment dives deeper into Angie’s grief, guilt, and the complicated feelings she carries for someone who isn’t her Soulmate. Her journey to the Baradorg Islands; with its curses, sea monsters, and the search for a missing duchess, isn’t just an adventure, but a way of facing everything she’s been trying to outrun. Watching her rebuild herself, lean on her crew, and learn to follow her heart makes this book feel much more personal and heartfelt. Over in Iona, Eliza’s storyline adds a fresh layer of mystery and tension as a new stranger arrives, stirring distrust, revealing dark secrets, and complicating everything she thought she knew. Both storylines balance each other perfectly, keeping the world feeling big, magical, and full of danger.

This book is tender, romantic, and full of slow-burn emotions that stay with you long after you close it. It did take me a little longer to get through, mostly because my TBR pile is out of control, but once I settled into the slower pace, I really appreciated how much depth the author gave to the characters and their relationships. By the end, the stakes feel higher than ever, and it sets things up beautifully for what looks like an intense and powerful finale. A very solid 4 star read for anyone who enjoys queer romantasy, emotional character journeys, and stories about love in all its complicated forms. This isn't E R Craws first dip into the ocean of writing and it shows.

Eternity's End:

By Bryce Charette

Eternity's End is a fantastic debut that pulls you in from the very first page. The story follows Ayden as he’s forced to leave behind the only life he’s ever known, hunted by monsters and assassins from beyond the stars. As long hidden truths about his heritage come to light, Ayden struggles with who to trust and who he wants to be; and that emotional journey is one of the strongest parts of the book. He feels incredibly authentic, with his strengths and flaws laid bare, and his tight knit group of friends are all likeable with their own moments of growth. The world building is complex, intriguing, and full of the kind of details that make you want to explore every corner of it.

Bryce Charette’s writing style is charming, clear, and engaging, especially for a first novel. The prologue grabbed me immediately; gripping, emotional, and unexpectedly sad, and it set the tone perfectly for the rest of the story. Ayden’s reaction to the truth of his parentage is raw and vividly portrayed, and I felt his grief, confusion, and anger right alongside him. The pacing builds nicely as the chapters go on, picking up speed exactly when needed. Overall, this is a strong, impressive debut with heart, adventure, and excellent character work. A well deserved 5 stars, and I’m excited to see what the author writes next.

The Fae's Enemy

By Layla K Wood

The Fae's Enemy follows Caleb, a young man who's just discovered he's half Fae, as he begins training at the Hazel Grove compound. It's there he meets Holly, a breathtakingly beautiful Fae who happens to be his fated mate; but unlike him, she's not ready to open her heart again. Having loved and lost before. When strange things begin happening around the compound; including poisonous plants and a mysterious new student who's more than he seems; Caleb and Holly must work together before everything they know is destroyed.

I really enjoyed the concept and world building here. The Fae elements felt fresh, and the author did a lovely job bringing Hazel Grove and its dangers to life. Caleb's discovery of his heritage and his desire to prove himself gave the story heart, while Holly's reluctance added emotional depth. However, the pacing in the beginning was a little slow for my liking; it took a while before the main conflict truly kicked in, which is why I've given it 4 stars instead of 5.

Once the story found its rhythm, though, I was invested. The romance wasn't fiery or intense but rather a gentle, slow-burn connection that felt realistic for two characters with emotional scars. The action ramped up nicely toward the end, and the mystery surrounding the Unseelie added intrigue. While I wished for a bit more spark when Caleb and Holly finally came together, The Fae's Enemy was still an enjoyable and satisfying read; perfect for fans of soft, slow-burn romantasy with hints of danger.

Whisper of Waters

By Fleur Brooke

Whispers of Water delivers a compelling mix of heartache, hidden magic, and the spark of rebellion. The writing flows smoothly, creating a story that’s easy to sink into and tough to put down. I really enjoyed how the book balances emotional stakes with moments of warmth and community, especially in the early chapters.

Elara makes for a relatable main character, caught between a quiet life she loves and a future she never asked for. The magical discoveries, military tension, and hints of romance keep things exciting without revealing everything at once. There are a few semi spicy moments and a delicious thread of romantic tension that clearly has more to unravel in the next book.

This is a strong first installment that sets up a bigger story still to come. The ending leaves plenty of questions hanging in the best way, making you eager to follow Elara into the next chapter of her journey. If you enjoy fantasy with emotional depth and a touch of slow-burn romance, this is definitely one to add to your list.

A solid 4 star read that took a little while to get going, then swept me up into Elara's world.