Books A-Brewin': February 2026

Friday, February 27, 2026

Review: What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

What Fury Brings by Tricia Levenseller

Series: Wrath and Fury #1

Publication date: September 23rd, 2025

Pages: 368

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times-bestselling author Tricia Levenseller makes her adult debut in What Fury Brings, a sexy, empowering romantasy featuring a warrior general who must kidnap and train a husband in order to take her rightful place as queen.

There's a shortage of men in the kingdom of Amarra. After a failed rebellion against the matriarchy, most noblemen in the country are dead. Now the women of Amarra must obtain their husbands (should they want one) by kidnapping them from other kingdoms.

Olerra, a warrior princess vying for the throne, is determined to prove her worth by kidnapping a husband. And not just any husband. To outmaneuver her treacherous cousin, she needs the best. Fortunately, the second-born prince of their greatest enemy is widely known for both his looks and his sweet, docile temperament. He's the perfect choice to secure her claim to the throne.

Sanos, heir to the Kingdom of Brutus, has nothing but contempt for the idea of a society run by women. Trained from birth to fight, lead, and follow in his father's overbearing footsteps, his path has always been set. Until he takes his younger brother's place in a drunken prank and finds himself kidnapped, carted off to the Amarran Palace, and informed that he is to become the husband of Queen Potential Olerra, Sanos needs to escape before anyone learns his real identity, but the more he gets to know his captor, the less sure he is of what he truly wants.

Available at:

Story: The premise of the story was immediately intriguing when first I read the synopsis. A society run by women that depicted them as the superior sex over men? Women who treated men the way so many men had treated them women in the medieval days? Sign me up. It was something unique that I have never read before which is rare these days. I jumped into the book worried that maybe it would push the feminists viewpoints a little to far and make the book a little intolerable, but the Tricia Levenseller managed to straddle that line really well. It was empowering without being overbearing. The setting and the feel of a fantasy world with sprigs of magic incorporated but that seemed to lack a lot of the technology of today's time.

Characters: I loved the characters of this book (save Glen). Olerra was meant to have the personification of a warrior and with that came a healthy dose of masculinity. But there were points where she would show how uncertain and easily swayed by emotion she was that is a distinctly feminine attitude. Normally I like women in my books to be a little more submissive and willing to bend to the will of the men (the curse of dark romance) but this was completely different from that. She was the dominant one and forced Sanos into the more subservient position. But he wasn't the type to fall into submission so easily. I loved that he pushed back and he was stoic and argumentative. The two's banter was equal parts comical and delightful to read. I loved watching them overcome both of their viewpoints in a bid for equality.

Writing: The one thing I love most in books is when the author chooses to have the characters form their own words for things. In this case, Levenseller decided to give sexualities different, more fantastical, names. I had to flip back a few times to see which Olerra was referring to at times but it was very interesting. It was something that set Amarra apart from the other countries and further intensified their distinction that they were a female ruled empire. I liked the distinction between each of the countries and how each of them may have different sets of beliefs and customs that would make future books even more interesting to read. I think the author set herself up perfectly for future writing projects. And, of course, the grammar and structure of the story was beautifully done. I have no complaints where the operations of the book are concerned.

Overall: I have a hard time finding anything in this book that I didn't like. It was an interesting use of acceptance and distinction between the gender roles of our society today and twisting it on its head. The author mentioned she wrote this book in fits and bursts whenever she felt like her gender was cause for her life's struggles and I love that she channeled all of her own female fury into this book. I think method writing is a skill that a lot of authors should implement. I think Tricia Levenseller is on her way to being a household name and I look forward to reading more books in this universe as I was saddened to have to leave it with the finish of the last page.

Release Blitz with Teaser: Snowed in with the Bikers by Nikki Landis @landisnikkiauth @EJBookPromos

Snowed in with the Bikers by Nikki Landis

Series: Feral Rebels MC #3

Publication date: February 27th, 2026

Synopsis:

Who would have thought one snowstorm could ignite such a heated, life-altering night?

I've always been a biker princess. Forbidden. Off-limits. Protected by a ruthless bunch of outlaws because I'm related to more than one of the members. My father died defending the freedom to ride and live on his own terms, but it's my stepbrother who ensures my safety.

Until a wild party where stolen kisses and drunken confessions suddenly expose long-hidden truths. There's a reason I'm guarded so closely, and it's more shocking than the three bikers willing to risk their president's wrath as they unravel dark promises from the past.

Diesel, a tower of strength with his menacing gaze and brute strength, but it's his talented tongue that makes me blush. He's loyal, sinfully irresistible, and teases me with wicked words and carnal promises.

Revenant, a Marine veteran who prides himself on remaining cool, controlled, and focused. His gray eyes hold me hostage, but his calloused fingers show gentleness and passion I never expected.

But it's my stepbrother Void who's heated looks and threats against anyone who tries to touch me prove his thoughts aren't innocent, and his intentions just might scorch us both. He's an expert hacker and the only one willing to dive deep enough to uncover my real identity.

Suddenly thrust into a dark world I didn't know existed, I don't know what to do. I avoid the clubhouse for weeks, refusing to answer Revenant, Void, and Diesel's calls.

But when a snowstorm hits, and I'm stranded, the three bikers brave the ice and freezing temperatures to rescue me. They notice right away that someone tampered with my car, and danger has found me despite the tight circle of protection. Now I have to figure out how I'm surviving and if it's Diesel, Void, and Revenant who wants me... or if it's all three of them.

SNOWED IN WITH THE BIKERS is a motorcycle club romance where the girl gets all the bad boys and doesn't have to choose between them to get her happy ever after. It's book 3 in the FERAL REBELS MC that consists of standalone romances with ongoing plotlines and interconnecting characters. There's violence, biker slang, forced proximity, and a small town romance with one wicked stepbrother, and possessive, protective alpha men who fall first.

Available at:

NIKKI LANDIS is a romance enthusiast, tea addict, and book hoarder. She's the USA Today Bestselling Author of over fifty novels, including her widely popular Tonopah, NV RBMC series. She writes wickedly fierce, spicy romances featuring dirty talkin' bikers, deadly, possessive reapers, wild bad boys, and the feisty, independent women they love. She's a mom to six sons, two of them Marines. Books are her favorite escape. Nikki also writes steamy alien and monster romance under the pen name Synna Star.

Hosted by:

Friday, February 20, 2026

Review: Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli

Ask for Andrea by Noelle W. Ihli

Series: Ask for Andrea #1

Publication date: April 15th, 2022

Pages: 295

Spice: N/A

Synopsis:

"Hands down, one of my favorite reads of the year!" -- Freida McFadden, author of The Housemaid

Meghan, Brecia, and Skye have just one thing in common.

They were all murdered by the same man.

He hunted them online, masquerading as an eligible bachelor. Then he played the perfect gentleman, a thick layer of charm and a thousand-watt smile hiding the fact that his first dates end in shallow graves.

He's gotten away with murder three times now.

The only thing that might keep him from keeping again? The women he murdered.

Meghan, Brecia, and Skye might be dead, but they're not gone. They've found each other. And they won't rest until they find a way to stop him.

The haunt is on.

"A propulsive story that haunts and mesmerizes." -- Karin Slaughter, Sunday Times bestselling author of This is Why We Lied

"As pulse-pounding as it is poignant. Do yourself a favor--clear your schedule and crack open this novel!" -- Lisa Gardner, Sunday Times bestselling author of Before She Disappeared

"A true classic in the genre." -- Lisa Jewell, Sunday Times bestselling author of None Of This Is True

"Noelle has mastered the art of keeping readers on the edge of their seats." -- John Marrs, bestselling author of The One

"Utterly gripping ... I couldn't put it down." -- Nicola Sanders, author of Don't Let Her Stay

"What could be better than a thriller AND a ghost story? Left me equal parts terrified and haunted." -- Ellery Kane, author of The Good Wife

Available at:

Story: Noelle W. Ihli was first introduced to me with her Run on Red book. This was a book with a story that was completely different. Whereas before my experience with her books was the usual gripping thriller that had a few moments where you may need to turn away if a little squeamish. Ask for Andrea has paranormal aspects to it that I didn't see coming. How does a thriller author turn her thriller book into a ghost story? Quite easily it seems. I felt for the characters and how lost they felt after they were killed. Did they follow their killer? Check in with their families? Wait for their bodies to be discovered while watching it slowly desecrated by the wildlife? Each of them took a different stance on this decision but they all ended up making their way to each other as the noose slowly encircled their killer's neck. You read stories about killers after they are caught but you don't realize that they usually have families of their own that are completely unsuspecting. This story took three deaths over the spans of two years and merged them slowly over the course of their un-lives. It had me on the edge of my seat and desperately screaming at the book to catch the good for nothing killer that stole three lives from Ihli's carefully crafted world.

Characters: I liked every one of the girls in this story but I had a special place in my heart for Brecia. She didn't take her death lying down. She went after her killer and stayed with him the entire time. She tried to save the girls he came in contact but with her limited abilities she didn't always succeed. You can feel how strong Brecia is and how much guilt she feels for not always being able to save the women her killer chases. But she remains. She continues to try to fight for justice for her and any other girls that he hurts. That is what I would be doing if I were in her shoes. Out of the three girls I found Meghan to be the most depressing and unlikeable. She was not sure of herself and was ruled by fear even in death where she could no longer be hurt. Ihli did help her grow a little over the course of the book, but she was still one of the more indifferent characters I came in contact with while reading this book. However, I feel they all had their roles to fill and the author did well making them vastly different.

Writing: I was surprised to admit that I enjoyed the way Ihli had the three girls' stories separate but progressive until they came together throughout the course of their stories. It did take me a bit of flipping back and forth at times to remember which girl was doing what so I could keep them straight in my head. Brecia was with the killer, Skye was with her family, and Meghan remained where she was killed. As they started to move away from where they originally were situated I had to make sure I had them lined up in my mind the right way to appreciate the story and not become confused. But it was a really unique way of writing the story and I always appreciate new methods I come in contact with.

Overall: I feel that the book was really good. There were points where it lulled and it made it harder for me to read it. But the main reason it took me so long to finish it was due to illness not the story overall. Would I recommend this book to others? I have already but it isn't one I gushed over. It was good. It wasn't great by my standards. But I still am not regretting my decision to read it. I think that if there was a little more backstory to the killer explaining why he was doing what he was doing then I would have liked the book a lot more. I like understanding the 'why' of murder even if it only makes sense to the killer themselves. I also wanted a little more background on the killer. There were snippets thrown in that he had a troubled childhood but what exactly happened to him to make him willing to kill so many beautiful young girls? I wanted a bit more. That is all.

Book Blitz with Excerpt + Teasers + Giveaway: Flight by L Theodoora @XpressoTours

Flight by L. Theodoora

Publication date: November 14th, 2013

Synopsis:

Piper Madden used to be an Ace Harpy Hunter, but after the death of her brother, she'll do anything to leave that life behind. She flees to the fringe underground zone called the Rift to live out her exile on her own terms.

But the authoritarian Elder Corporation isn't about to let one of their best assets slip through the cracks. Piper is drawn back into the fray on a contract basis to combat a rising Harpy insurgence. As she struggles through her grief, she's caught between her old life in Central and her new, confusing existence in the Rift.

With the president of Elder Corp asking Piper to spy on his sister, navigating the surprisingly passive strategies of the Rift, and a strange friendship with the mysterious Asher, Piper's days are filled with more questions than answers.

Then, a chance encounter leaves Piper privy to a dangerous resistance plot, and as she and Asher team up in an effort to unravel the truth, the secrets they uncover beneath the ancient walls of the dead city will spark their world into a grand-scale war.

Available at:

It burns.

Wisps of smoke fill my mouth as I struggle to inhale, grasping the edges of my lungs until I let out a violent cough. I grope around the charred floor, unable to see, until my fingers brush his warm skin. Asher.

I force my eyes open, the thick smoke clouding them with hot tears. Asher lies beside me, sprawled across the crackling wooden floor. His eyes are dark, as though they're filled with liquid black ink. He pulses, his jaw clenching as ebony wings slowly, painfully, rupture from his back, tearing through his skin. I reach my hand to grip his arm, avoiding the scattered debris.

"Ash?"

The flames lick up the walls around us to quell their hunger. Asher flinches when he sees me, slowly backing away as though I'm a stranger. Shit. The drugs have started working, which means I'm going to forget him, too. I wipe thick sweat from my face, crawling toward him and clutching his shirt tightly. If he moves, I'll move with him. It's dangerous, but I can't let him go. Not yet.

"Asher! It's me!" I shout. "It's Piper. Please. You know me." I ignore the threat of his razor-sharp talons and wrap my arms around his wiry body. His scent, a mix of crisp cedar and musk, lets me cling to previous moments of us: his hands on my body, his lips caressing mine, staring at the stars and talking about the universe, our bodies flying high above ground. Moments I can't forget.

"Please," I whisper fiercely, "please remember me." His body trembles, but he fights through it, stopping himself from tossing me aside. Just for a moment, his eyes fade back to their natural light blue, and he grabs my shirt forcefully. He buries his face into my neck like he's breathing me in for the last time, and we cling to each other as the beams of he building crackle and come apart, sending showers of sparks raining around us.

"Piper," he whispers. He pushes me back to arm's length, grunting as he struggles to stay with me. Something stronger, something darker is trying to pull him under, and there's only so long until he falls into its depth. it won't be long now.

"Yes?" I reply, gripping his arms so tight I might leave bruises. I can't lose him here. I won't accept that this is the end. I look into his eyes, searching for a sign that he's still my Asher. That he's not just some monster.

"I'll find you again when this is all over," he says, tracing his fingers over my temples.

"But how? You won't recognize me, and I won't recognize you. We'll be strangers," I murmur.

His eyes flash with an angry determination. "I would know you, Piper Madden, anywhere, any time of my life. They can try to force you away from me, but I'm not done fighting back. For the first time in my life, I'm actually fighting for something. I will find you," he says.

We're rocked backward as the wall explodes from pressure. He holds me tightly to keep me balanced, using his wings for leverage. Gunshots ring out in the distance, and I know it's only a matter of time before they infiltrate and retrieve us. People I should have been able to trust. It hurts now knowing I never could.

Finally, I can feel the siren's song of the drug pulling me into its shallow haze. Warmth floods my body as my memories are dragged just out of reach. I try to cling to them, but they drift away like petals in the wind. Asher grunts and rolls away from me, grasping his head with his hands, and his wings begin to tremble.

I look around, my head on a swivel as I struggle to stay present. How did we get here? The moments leading up to this one drop like they're falling down a staircase one by one.

"Asher!" I shout again, trying to bring him back to me for a little while longer. He pants heavily, willing himself to stand and remain conscious. I want to keep fighting, but I can feel my strength fading. The futility of it all wraps itself around my bones, leeching all hope. This is it.

"Promise me you'll find me," I whisper into Asher's chest. Even though he's in agony, he strokes my hair, rubs his thumb along my cheek, presses his lips against my neck.

"I promise," he whispers, over and over, like a mantra. "I promise, I promise, I promise."