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What Comes Next By Caitlin Forbes

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If you knew you had a 50/50 chance of inheriting a genetic disease, would you want to know? What Comes Next by Caitlin Forbes is an emotional roller coaster that makes you want to hug your sister, pet your dog, and wonder if it’s better to hide from the truth or not.

Cover of the novel 'What Comes Next' by Caitlin Forbes, featuring two silhouetted figures walking a dog on a beach during sunset.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: An empowering and heartfelt novel about the complexities of family, the power of sisterhood, and the bravery it takes to choose happiness when all seems lost.

Published on: October 14, 2025

Pages: 317

Genres: Women’s Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Drama, Coming-Of-Age 2.0

If you would like to read more about What Comes Next: https://amzn.to/4qJjRDj

What I Liked About What Comes Next:

A Weighted Decision:

If you have ever been faced with the decision of whether to have a genetics test performed, you will be able to relate to this story. Believe me, it isn’t an easy decision, and the outcome can change the rest of your life.

When Alex, in her twenties, finds out that her estranged mother died from Huntington’s disease, she and her sister, Meredith, must make the decision as to whether to be tested for it or not. Huntington’s disease causes the nerves in your brain cells to decay leading to severe disability and then fatality. Would you want to know if you inherited this disease? Alex and her sister make a pact to wait three months until they make this decision.

Sister’s Edition:

Since I have two sisters, I love reading about sibling relationships. I like how the characters of Alex and Meredith are polar opposites. Yet, they couldn’t be closer. Forbes does a wonderful job of showing how their relationship works through the trying times.

Romance and the Four-Legged Star:

I enjoyed the romance part of the story when Alex reconnects with an old flame named Nathan. With this story line, Nathan’s beautiful dog needs training. Guess who used to own a dog-training business? I loved reading about how Alex tries to train the dog to help the pup from being euthanized after biting another person. I actually learned a lot from her training techniques.

Although this book deals with some heavy issues, it is also a story of hope. Forbes shows that life can be messy in your twenties, but there is always light within that time. This would make a great book for your next book club.

My Favorite Quotes From What Comes Next:

“You let me be every version of myself, even the parts that I struggle to like. You show me that it’s okay to be every version. And I believe in us, even when you can’t.”

My Take: You know you have found your “person” when you can be every version of yourself. You need to find someone who believes in you, even when it is your messiest self.

“Being at risk never gets easy. It’s never okay. But one day, you wake up, and it’s just part of your life. You breathe in and out, and the risk is there, and that is simply (and not so simply) your life. And maybe you’ll live differently and maybe you won’t, and either way, that’s cool. That’s up to you. It’s your life. You get to choose. Just like anybody else.”

My Take: When you learn you are at risk of a genetic disease, you almost become a hypochondriac. Anything that happens to your body, you assume it’s your body telling you that “it’s time.” But then you need to tell yourself, it’s up to you how you are going to react. Forbes beautifully illustrates that while we can’t always choose our DNA, we can choose how we live with it.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

If you liked this book and also enjoy reading about sister bonds, then I would recommend:

Thank you to NetGalley, Lake Union Publishing, and Caitlin Forbes for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Caitlin Forbes: https://caitlinforbes.mykajabi.com/

Leave a Comment:

If you were in Alex and Meredith’s shoes, would you choose to take the genetic test right away, or would you prefer to live in the dark for a while? I’d love to hear your perspective in the comments!

Exploring Mitch Albom’s ‘Twice’: A Life Reimagined

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Think about the biggest mistake you’ve ever made. If you could go back and change that moment, would you? Mitch Albom has spent decades teaching us about life through hits like Tuesdays With Morrie and my personal favorite, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. In his newest novel, Twice, he shows us that a ‘perfect’ life might not be a life worth living at all. To be honest, this has officially taken the top spot as my favorite Albom book.

Cover of the novel 'Twice' by Mitch Albom, featuring a silhouette of a couple embracing against a blue water background, with reflective text.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

From the publisher: A GOOD MORNING AMERICA BOOK CLUB PICK • AN INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

What if you got to do everything in your life—twice? The heart of Mitch Albom’s newest novel is a stunning love story that dares to explore how our unchecked desires might mean losing what we’ve had all along.

Published on: October 7, 2025

Pages: 368

If you would like to read more about Twice: https://amzn.to/3YGpMgm

What I Liked About Twice:

I normally don’t like these kind of books. If I see anything related to reliving your life, I usually won’t read the book. The same goes for movies about changing events by going back in time. That being said, I loved this book. Alfie, the main character, has the ability to live any moment of his life twice. Sounds great, right? Except, he has to live with the results of his second attempt, no matter what. If he goes back in time to even a year ago, he has to relive that whole year over. Isn’t that an intriguing story idea? It was so creative. Does this work with his love life too? You have to read the book to find out!

Even though this book had some “magical” qualities to it, the character of Alfie is extremely relatable. You learn his hopes, flaws, yearnings, and aspirations. You can’t help but love his character.

I enjoyed how Albom presented the story also. We meet Alfie because he has been arrested for supposedly cheating at a casino. While he is being interviewed, we learn about his life and how he gained this gift of “Twice.” The book has some tear-jerker moments as Alfie explains his story. It helps to keep the reader engaged.

This was such a good book, and I highly recommend it.

My Favorite Quotes From Twice:

“There are years you think about for moments, and moments you think about for years.”

I hope to live my life from here on out living those moments that I will think about for years. When I’m trying to decide if I want to do something, I like to think about this quote now.

“It always felt strange to leave a building where someone had just died and suddenly be in sunshine, wind tickling your face. Did the world forget us so quickly? Or did it never take much notice in the first place.”

If you have ever experienced the loss of a loved one, you will understand this quote. It feels surreal that the world keeps revolving, while you feel like it is standing still. It almost makes you angry that everyone isn’t mourning with you.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper, and Mitch Albom for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Mitch Albom: https://www.mitchalbom.com/home/

Think about: If you were given the gift of ‘Twice,’ is there one specific moment in your life you’d be brave enough to relive, knowing you had to live with the second result no matter what?

Heart The Lover by Lily King

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This is easily one of my top favorite reads of 2025! I didn’t want Heart the Lover by Lily King to end. It’s a book where you feel all the feels: full of love, friendship, tragedy, and family. I will be recommending this book for a long time.

Book cover of '_Heart the Lover_' by Lily King featuring an orange background with stylized eyes and a flower design, showcasing the title and author's name.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

From the publisher: INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“Lily King has written another masterpiece. This book overflows with her brilliance and her heart. We are so lucky.” —Emma Straub, New York Times bestselling author of This Time Tomorrow

From the New York Times bestselling author of Writers & Lovers comes a magnificent and intimate new novel of desire, friendship, and the lasting impact of first love.

Published on: September 30, 2025

Pages: 256

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4q9qu1s

What I Liked About Heart the Lover:

I love stories about first love, and this one takes you right back. We follow ‘Jordan’ (as her friends call her) from her heady college days with Sam and Yash to her life as a mother 25 years later. King’s characterization is so masterful that I felt like I knew them personally. Now that it’s over, I feel a bit lost. Is it weird that I’m not ready to ‘meet’ new characters yet? Yes, I loved the book that much.

It’s a short book. If you are looking for an intense, edge-of-your-seat book, then this book isn’t for you. This is the kind of book where you cozy up with a blanket by the the fire. It was a nostalgic book for me, especially the first half.

I highly recommend this book. It was even recommended for a Goodreads Choice Award for 2025.

Favorite Quote:

“A great novel, a truly great one, not only captures a particular fictional experience, it alters and intensifies the way you experience your own life while you’re reading it. And it preserves it like a time capsule.”

When someone asks me what a book is about, I don’t always remember. But I can tell you how it made me feel. I can picture where I was when I was reading it. Sometimes, it helps to preserve the memories that were going on in my life at the moment. It’s why books are truly special.

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Grove Press, and Lily King for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Lily King: https://lilykingbooks.com/

What is a book that ‘altered or intensified’ the way you looked at your own life?

An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister

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What happens when the only way to get a job teaching at a college is to marry your archnemesis? An Academic Affair by Jodi McAlister is a fun, witty rom-com featuring an arranged marriage and relatable sibling love. It’s the perfect choice for anyone who loves academic rivals-to-lovers stories.

Cover of the novel 'An Academic Affair' by Jodi McAlister featuring two characters holding stacks of books against a blue background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

From the publisher: "From the “masterly” (The New York Times) Jodi McAlister, a charming new romance about two English professors who embark on a fake relationship…only to discover that it may be harder to pretend than they realized."

Published on: November 11, 2025

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4pr3fjG

What I Liked About An Academic Affair:

For me, a good rom-com not only has witty banter, but it has a strong story line that is relatable. The story is told through the point-of-view of the two main characters. This really helped to move the story along. Sadie Shaw and Jonah Fisher have been academic rivals ever since they were young. The only difference is that Jonah fell for Sadie right from the beginning. Watching Sadie and Jonah navigate their fake marriage while dealing with their long-standing rivalry made for a satisfying slow-burn romance.

I also enjoyed the relationship between Sadie and her sister, Chess. Chess is fiercely protective as the older sister, almost in ways that are overwhelming for Sadie. Jonah’s relationship with his family is complex, especially with his father, who is also a college professor. McAlister did a great job of showing these relationships in realistic terms.

Of course, I also enjoyed the academic setting. It showed how cutthroat it can be to have a job at the college level. It didn’t always show it in the best light, and I felt that was realistic as well.

One thing that I wish was changed about the book were the footnotes throughout the story. I was reading it on my Kindle, and it was difficult to access them. I thought the numbers were just a mistake in my download. Ha. I wish they were included in the story. Jonah’s thoughts were amusing. They would have added more to the story. Is it possible to add them at the bottom of a page on a Kindle?

Where To Buy This Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Atria Publishing, and Jodi McAlister for my free copy. This is my honest opinion.

To read more about Jodi McAlister: https://jodimcalister.com.au/

If you had to marry your archnemesis to get your dream job, would you do it? 🤔

The Proving Ground by Michael Connelly

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Michael Connelly is one of my favorite authors, and I’m always excited when a new Lincoln Lawyer book is published. The Proving Ground didn’t disappoint. It plunges Mickey Haller into a terrifying case where a mother is suing a tech company, alleging their AI companion essentially programmed a teenage boy to commit murder. If you are fascinated by the whole concept of AI and the negative impact it might have on the young people of today, then you will love this book!

Cover of 'The Proving Ground' by Michael Connelly, featuring a silhouette of a man walking through a modern corridor, with the title and author's name prominently displayed.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/47NAA0m

Published on: October 21, 2025

From the publisher: From #1 New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly, the Lincoln Lawyer is back with a case against an AI company whose product may have been responsible for the murder of a young girl.

What I Liked About The Proving Ground:

Mickey Haller returns once again to the courtroom, but this time he is in civil court. Michael Connelly definitely knows how to write an intense courtroom drama and relate it to today’s problems. Artificial Intelligence is such a timely topic, and as a teacher, I truly worry about how it is affecting the youth of today. Sure it is great for research, but as shown in this story, can kids differentiate between what is real and what is AI? I even struggle with it at times. Who is being held responsible for AI anyway?

In the story, a mother takes on a billion-dollar tech company that created an AI companion for a teenage boy. This boy murdered her daughter because the AI companion supposedly told him to. Intrigued yet? I always love how Mickey always finds a way to get to the bottom of what really happened in a court case. The other characters in the story add drama to the book, and that is why I love Connelly books. It’s fun to see Cisco, Lorna, and Maggie reappear and how they add to his character-driven books.

Quotes That Made Me Think From The Proving Ground:

** “Are you saying that an AI program like Wren will carry the biases of those who feed it data and train it? That is absolutely what I’m saying.”

It’s interesting to think that any biases that appear in AI are based on those that have inputted the data. It’s also scary to think about how ideas can be misconstrued but taken as the truth.

** “What is the Eliza effect? In short, it is people’s tendency to attribute human thoughts and emotions to machines.”

I mean, look at how many people have conversations with Alexa? Or Siri? I used to say thank you to Siri for answering my questions.

This, my friends, is why this is such a timely topic and book. Although fiction, it truly makes you think about AI in today’s world.

Where To Buy The Proving Ground and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown, & CO, and Michael Connelly for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What are your thoughts about AI in today’s world?

The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

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As a teacher, each school year brings about hope. There is nothing like meeting your students for the first time. What you don’t picture is a mixture of Mean Girls and Gossip Girl all rolled into one. The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham, takes a fun look at not only working at a boarding school, but the chaos that can happen as a student.

Book cover of 'The Academy' by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham, featuring a young woman sitting on a lawn in front of a boarding school during autumn.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

Published on: September 16, 2025

From the publisher: From #1 bestselling author of The Perfect Couple Elin Hilderbrand, and her daughter, Shelby Cunningham: the irresistible, deliciously scandalous story of one drama-filled year at a New England boarding school.

To read more about the book: https://amzn.to/4h8KDBm

What I Liked About The Academy:

The mixture of a mother/daughter writer is genius. I felt that both authors could do a great job of bringing their own expertise into this novel based on where they are in life: one offering the authentic teen perspective, the other, the mature, adult faculty perspective.

As a teacher, I could just feel those feelings of a new school year. Simone is a new, young teacher who wants to take on the world and relate to her students. Audre is the head of the school and you could feel the pressure that she was under throughout the book. “Audre thinks of each new school year as a blank composition book, a fresh box of sharpened pencils – but this reveals her age. To these kids, it’s…what? An empty Google doc, the cursor blinking at the top of a laptop screen?”

Charley, a student, reminded me of so many of my past students that loved to read and was every teacher’s dream. Andrew “East” Eastmen reminded me of John Bender in The Breakfast Club, who defied authority, but had a soft side as well. Davi is the “queen bee” on campus, but there is more to her than just her beauty. All of the characters seemed true to life, and this is why I enjoyed the book so much.

It made my heart happy, as an English teacher, that great vocabulary words were introduced, but then there were explanations to go along with them. Just think of the vocabulary that young adults could learn if this was included in all of their books.

I also had to laugh about all of the food that is mentioned in this book. It constantly made me hungry, and it made me wish I could go back to college and eat whatever, whenever I wanted.

Themes Dealt With In The Book:

There are issues introduced in this book that you might want to be aware of ahead of time: bulimia, teacher/student sex, bullying, suicide, and romance. Of course, these issues makes me hope that there is a sequel; I would definitely sign up for next semester!

Final Thoughts on The Academy:

This is an easy read, and the book keeps your attention throughout the story. I found the newly developed app in the story called, “Zip Zap” downright frightening. It exposes the dark secrets of the staff and students on campus. Can you imagine learning THAT lesson? My favorite part was the setting and characters. I think boarding schools are intriguing, and I would love to visit one someday. I’m a big fan of Elin Hildebrand and this book did not disappoint!

Where To Buy The Academy and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Co, Elin Hildebrand, and Shelby Cunningham for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Would you or have you ever attended a boarding school? What was your experience?

Kristin Wollett’s Debut: As a Last Resort

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If you are looking for a slow-flow romance, that isn’t cutesy, then you will enjoy Kristin Wollett’s debut novel, As a Last Resort. The story follows a career-driven woman whose perfect future boyfriend might not be who she expects in a partner, all set against the backdrop of a charming Florida coastal town. It’s the very town that Samantha wanted to run away from.

Book cover for Kristin Wollett's novel 'As a Last Resort'. The illustration features a woman walking along a beach with palm trees, chairs, and a sunset in the background.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

You can read more about the book at: https://amzn.to/4pjaTwK

Published on: September 2, 2025

From the publisher: “Opposites attract when a real estate developer’s quest for a promotion returns her to the coastal hometown she loathes—where she’s reunited with her teenage crush turned town golden boy.“

What I Liked About As a Last Resort:

Every good rom-com book has entertaining banter between the main characters, and I appreciated this part of the story between Samantha and Austin. It made the story more realistic as two people, who knew each other growing up, would use teasing (and yes, flirting) to get the other person’s attention.

An interesting part of the book deals with the relationship between Samantha and her mother, who is an alcoholic. Samantha didn’t have an easy childhood because of it, but I was still cheering on that relationship as well.

I enjoy books that are relatable and funny but also contain deeper life issues. This book has all three. Although it is somewhat predictable (what rom-com book isn’t?), I enjoyed the storyline. It helped me to forget about life for a while, and that is exactly what I was hoping for while reading.

Favorite Quotes:

  1. “Sometimes life tips the bucket list over and dumps it all on your head, leaving you standing there soaked in all the things that didn’t go as planned.”

This first quote perfectly captures my own philosophy on life, and it made me laugh. One of the things you learn in life is that your plan should be to have no plan. Life has a way of taking your plans and messing with them. Cynical, I know, but that comes from experience. I have never created a bucket list for this reason. Sure, there are things I would still like to do during my lifetime, and I will be just as surprised when they happen.

2. “Family ain’t who you choose…They’re who God gave you to love. There’s a big difference.”

I am close to my family. I really like the thought that they are the people that God chose for me to love.

Where To Buy As A Last Resort and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Kristin Wollett for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: If you moved away from your hometown, would you ever want to move back?

Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis

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This is such a good read for middle schoolers and up. So many students say they don’t need to study in school because they are going to become an athlete or an influencer. Is being an influencer all that it is cracked up to be? Influenced by Sara Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis, although fiction, takes a hard look at this lifestyle and how it can change a person’s life.

Book cover of 'Influenced' by Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis, featuring a girl with a smartphone, surrounded by colorful bokeh lights, highlighting the theme of friendship and influence.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read the synopsis: https://amzn.to/3UsBGsm

Published on: August 19, 2025

From the publisher: What happens when friendship goes too far?

What I Liked About Influenced:

I’m intrigued by influencers. I’m a sucker for a good reality show. What I don’t usually think about is how the person became an influencer in the first place or how it has changed their life. This story is centered around two high school girls in the 10th grade. Elizabeth, known as “Bliss” online, has cerebral palsy and became an instant Tik Tok sensation by accident. Lainey, like many other people, starts to respond to Bliss and believes that Bliss is now her best friend.

My heart went out to Bliss. She always wanted to be an influencer, until she didn’t. She realizes that it isn’t as easy as it looks, and it can start controlling her life. It also starts controlling her relationships with people. Lainey is dealing with divorced parents, and a twin brother who moves across the country to live with their dad and his new family.

Littman and Otis portrayed the high school characters in a very true way. Between friendships, bullies, family problems and the romances that start to blossom, high school is hard. I’m just so thankful that I didn’t have social media around to throw that into the mix. The characters are realistic, and I believe that young adults will enjoy this book. I also believe that I will never be too old to enjoy a good YA book myself. This would be a great book for discussion in any secondary classroom.

Influenced is an easy read. It is told from two different viewpoints, and in different timelines. I like how the authors threw in some surprises by setting up the book this way.

Two teenage girls sitting outside, engaged with their smartphones. One girl, in a wheelchair, is wearing a gray hoodie and the other has blonde hair in a denim jacket. This is from the book Influenced.

My Favorite Quote From Influenced:

“True friends can spread their roots and grow in different directions. But we’re still part of the same tree, no matter how far our roots spread.”

So many of my past students are heading off to college this month. I kept thinking about them as I read this quote. You can be miles away from your friends. Your life can change drastically, even as an adult, from that of your friends. But if you are true friends, none of that will matter.

Where To Buy Influenced and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Scholastic, Sarah Darer Littman and Cindy L. Otis for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Who is your favorite influencer and why? I’d love to hear the stories.

Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley: A Rom-Com Review

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Did you ever “crush” on the sibling of one of your friends? Fantasies about your best friend’s brother usually don’t turn out well, but what if they did? Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley is a witty rom-com that explores just that, making it the perfect read for a cozy summer day. Take an up-and-coming fashion stylist in Oklahoma and mix it with a broody, reclusive doctor, and you have the perfect mix.

Cover of the book 'Falling Into Place' by Allison Ashley, featuring a blue background with pink text, illustration of a male doctor and a female character, along with playful cats and flowers.

4/5 stars ★★★★☆

To read more about the story line: https://amzn.to/3HpDcbG

Published on: August 19, 2025

From the publisher: “Finding a date for a reclusive bachelor is her job. It’s also a risk when she becomes the perfect match in an emotional and hopeful romance by the author of If Tomorrow Never Comes.“

What I Liked About Falling Into Place:

This is a feel-good book, but it was more than that for me. I enjoyed the relationship between the two main characters, Carly and Brooks. Ashley created two characters that were relatable in today’s world. Carly, an accoutant who does personal styling on the side, fantasized about her best friend’s brother, Brooks, while in high school. Brooks was popular in high school, however, he has changed his ways while becoming a doctor. Now, he would rather tend to his garden and play with his cat in his spare time. When Carly starts styling Brooks in order to get a date, things change for both of them. The idea of getting Brooks ready for his dates on a “Bachelor” adventure around Oklahoma was fun to read.

The most compelling part, though, was the relationship between Brooks and his coach from high school. After Brooks’ mom passed away while he was in school, Coach kept pushing him to toughen up and purse his dreams. I think it’s sweet how Coach was always there for him. I also resonated with the relationship that Brooks has with his two older sisters. It was these relationships that made me want to keep reading.

“But with love, it’s not as much about what you win if you hedge your bets just right. It’s about what you stand to lose if you don’t.”

While the ending may be predictable, the journey to get there, filled with heartwarming subplots and authentic character relationships, is what makes Falling Into Place a truly rewarding read. This is why I gave it four stars.

A smiling male doctor in a white coat and scrubs stands next to a stylish woman in a pink blouse and black suit, discussing documents in a bright, modern office setting. These are the characters from Falling Into Place by Allison Ashley.

Where To Buy The Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Montlake, and Allison Ashley for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: Did you ever have a crush on the sibling of one of your friends?

In The Veins Of The Drowning By Kalie Cassidy: A New Romantasy

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A 5-Star Review of Kalie Cassidy’s Unforgettable Siren Story

Are you a big fan of romantasy books (romance + fantasy)? I don’t read a lot of this genre. However, after reading In the Veins of the Drowning by Kalie Cassidy, she has turned me into a fan. The storyline of a Siren becoming bonded with a king hooked me right from the beginning.

Book cover of 'In the Veins of the Drowning' by Kalie Cassidy featuring a Siren in water surrounded by ornate golden designs.

5/5 stars ★★★★★

Published on: July 15, 2025

You can read more about the storyline at: https://amzn.to/3H7V2zW

From the publisher: An “atmospheric and evocative” (Rachel Gillig) romantasy about a threatened Siren who forges a bond with a brooding, self-righteous king in order to flee the king who raised her. Perfect for fans of One Dark Window and For the Wolf. 

What I Liked About In the Veins of the Drowning:

As I said, I am not usually a fan of this genre, so it’s shocking even to me that I gave it five stars.

Imogene’s Character Arc: A difficult past under an oppressive king makes her journey to freedom and self-discovery incredibly compelling.

The Chemistry: The bond between Imogene and Theo is a classic slow-burn romance that had me cheering for them from their first meeting.

Genre: Cassidy masterfully blends a rich fantasy world with the emotional depth of a romance novel. Who knew I would want to learn more about Sirens now?

Even though the storylines don’t align, this book also reminded me a lot of The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. It had adventure, romance, evil monsters, war, but in a way, it still seemed realistic.

What I Would Change:

This is part of a series. The second book is currently being written. There is a sneak peek of the first chapter in the back of this book. I wish it had less of a cliffhanger, and was a more independent book. (This might be because I didn’t want it to end!) That is just my own taste, though, because I tend to forget to read more books in a series when they come out. I wish it had more of a definitive ending that would still make me want to read the next book.

Final Thoughts:

I highly recommend this book. It has adventure, romance, war, some sexual content, violence, and of course, fantasy. This book will stay with me for a while. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. It’s truly hard to believe that this is Cassidy’s debut novel.

Where To Buy The Book and More:

Thank you to NetGalley, Little, Brown & Co, and Kalie Cassidy for my free copy of this book. This is my honest review.

Now, I’d love to hear from you: What is your favorite romantasy book? I think I want to read more. Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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