Romance – Page 3 – Jill's Book Blog

Review: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1

Title: The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1
Author: SH00, Violet Matter, Rouusuu, Drawniels
Genre: Graphic Novel, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

For fans of romances with dashes of action and comedy, this hit WEBTOON comic with over 1.7 million subscribers follows Davina on her first assignment out of the Elite Nanny Academy: protect the young son of notorious mafia underboss, Gabriel Angelini.

Being an Elite Nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached.

This is easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin. What he wants from her, she can’t imagine, but Gabriel Angelini drags her back into the glittering world of organized crime she thought she’d left behind forever.

Davina might get answers about her past if she digs deep enough, but her challenges will be protecting Mikey from his father’s ambitions and keeping her heart from getting tangled up in their treacherous web.

This volume collects episodes 1–12 of the smash hit WEBTOON series The Mafia Nanny.

Review:

This graphic novel follows Davina, a nanny from the Elite Nanny Academy, on her first assignment to protect the son of a mafia boss. The young boy tried to outsmart her many times, so Davina had to keep on her toes. There were some hints to her backstory that led her to this kind of job, which I hope will be explored more in the next books.

The Mafia Nanny is a funny action graphic novel!

Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death of parent (off page) kidnapping, knife violence

Have you read The Mafia Nanny, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)

Title: Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)
Author: Katie Keridan
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Kyra Valorian and Sebastian Sayre have finally remembered their pasts as the former Felserpent Queen and King, and now it’s time for them to change the future―by reuniting the realms and bringing peace to Astrals and Daevals. But tensions between Aeles and Nocens have never been higher, and those of silver and gold blood are more divided than ever.

In addition to improving her recovrancy abilities and completing internship, Kyra is determined to uncover her father’s role in the evil Astral experimentation program, no matter the danger. As Sebastian learns to be in a relationship, he finds himself facing the traumas of two very different pasts, forcing him to make tough decisions about his chosen profession and who he wants to be. Meanwhile, Tallus, arch-enemy to the Felserpent monarchy, has also returned―and it will take help from Cyphers, as well as friends both old and new, to find and stop him.

As Kyra and Sebastian struggle to navigate the differences between their past and current relationship, one thing’s part of fulfilling their destiny means accepting their fate. The choices they make will reach all the way into Death in this thrilling found family sequel to Reign Returned .

Review:

This book is a thrilling sequel to Reign Returned! There was more action in this story since the characters and world were introduced in the first book. I loved how more of Kyra and Sebastian’s past lives together were slowly being revealed to them. They found more people who were also been reincarnated with them. I’m excited to read the final book in the trilogy!

Blood Divided is a great fantasy sequel!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, knife violence, child abuse, fire

Other books in the series:

Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)
Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)

Have you read Blood Divided? What did you think of it?

Review: No Good Deed

Title: No Good Deed
Author: C.D. Bennett
Genre: Thriller, Contemporary, Romance
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: June 26, 2024
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

No Good Deed…goes unpunished.

Kiya James’ relocation to idyllic Riverton Colorado is disrupted when she discovers a critically wounded man lying in a field near her home. Little did she know that her selfless act to save the man’s life would thrust her into a world of corruption, greed, and danger. As the only witness to the initial attack, and shaken by an attempt on her own life, Kiya is offered refuge with the victim’s family. Together, they struggle to uncover the circumstances that would trigger an unknown assailant to unleash a string of deadly attacks in an otherwise quiet rural ranching community.
Jake McCleary’s world could have been destroyed with a single bullet if it hadn’t been for the quick actions of a stranger. Now, in a desperate attempt to protect her, and his entire family, Jake must fight to defend his home, livelihood, and the woman who is rapidly capturing his heart, against the vicious actions of a criminal that will stop at absolutely nothing to get what he wants. But will they find the answers they need in time, or will they lose everything to the conceit of a madman? And will the bond between his wounded brother and the woman that saved him prove to be too big of an obstacle for Jake to overcome in the pursuit for Kiya’s love?

Review:

This book was suspenseful and exciting. I loved how close the McCleary siblings were. They all worked together to run their ranch, and to solve the mystery of who shot Dylan. There were quite a few heart pounding twists that kept me wondering what would happen next. The ending was sweet and heartwarming!

No Good Deed is an exciting thriller!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: gun violence, knife violence, hospital scenes, blood, kidnapping, car accident

Have you read No Good Deed? What did you think of it?

Review: Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1

Title: Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1
Author: Kenjirō Hata
Genre: Manga, Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Viz Media
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: September 8, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

From the day his parents named him, Nasa Yuzaki has felt connected to outer space…whether he likes it or not. His efforts to outperform the space program veer off course when an accident introduces him to Tsukasa, a mysterious girl with strange powers. Is she an alien, a moon goddess or something else? Since she insists on marrying him, Nasa will have plenty of chances to find out!

Review:

This manga was so cute. It was sarcastic and funny at times. It had the “love at first sight” trope, which isn’t usually my favourite, but it was done in an exaggerated and funny way so it was entertaining. It was often cinematic in the way the story was told. I’m looking forward to continuing the series!

Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1 is an entertaining manga!

Thank you Viz Media and Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: car accident, hospital scene, blood

Have you read Fly Me to the Moon, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)

Title: Reign Returned (The Felserpent Chronicles #1)
Author: Katie Keridan
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: SparkPress
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 1, 2022
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

Kyra Valorian is the most gifted Astral healer the golden-blooded realm of Aeles has seen in ages. When tragedy strikes, Kyra discovers she possesses a life-changing she’s a Recovrancer, able to enter the realm of the dead and recover those who’ve died before their time. Unfortunately, recovrancy is outlawed in her realm. Desperate for answers, Kyra will do anything to get them . . . even partner with a dangerous enemy.

Sebastian Sayre is the most sought-after Daeval assassin in all of Nocens. A silver-blooded Pyromancer, he wields fire and dreams of finding Rhannu, a legendary sword that makes its holder invincible. Since the sword was long ago stolen from Nocens and hidden where no Daeval can retrieve it, however, such a dream seems impossible … until he encounters the one Astral who might be both able and willing to help him.

As Kyra and Sebastian work together to uncover the secrets of their realms, they also uncover secrets within their own pasts—pasts that are far more intertwined than they ever imagined. Ultimately, in this tale of discovery, destiny, and a love strong enough to outlast time, remembering the past just may prove to be the only way to change the future.

Review:

This book is an exciting story about a couple from opposing regions who have been reincarnated from a past King and Queen. There was a complex magic world, which included animal companions for each of the characters. I loved the main characters Kyra and Sebastian. They had well developed backstories, and they had some secrets in their past too. I’m so excited to continue reading this trilogy!

Reign Returned is a great beginning to this series!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com for providing a copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death of parent, child abuse (off page), murder (off page)

Other books in the series:

Blood Divided (The Felserpent Chronicles #2)
Realm United (The Felserpent Chronicles #3)

Have you read Reign Returned? What did you think of it?

Review: True Beauty, Vol. 1

Title: True Beauty, Vol.1
Author: Yaongyi
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Webtoon Unscrolled
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Release Date: November 8, 2022
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

After binge-watching beauty videos online, a shy, comic book fan masters the art of make-up, then sees her social standing skyrocket as she becomes her school’s prettiest pretty girl literally overnight. But will her elite status be short lived? How long can she keep her “real self” a secret? And what about that cute boy she likes? Could you imagine if he found out the truth?

Review:

In this book, a teenage girl transforms her looks and her life by wearing makeup. However, when she goes out without wearing makeup, no one recognizes her. It’s funny, but it’s true that some people can be unrecognizable without their regular makeup. Makeup can also transform the way you look and the way people treat you, but the only time that Jugyeong was her true self was when she wasn’t wearing makeup.

True Beauty, Vol. 1 is a great start to this graphic novel series!

Other books in the series:

True Beauty, Vol. 2
True Beauty, Vol. 3
True Beauty, Vol. 4
True Beauty, Vol. 5

Have you read True Beauty, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?

Review: The Elf Witch (Plot of the Six Saints #1)

Title: The Elf Witch (Plot of the Six Saints #1)
Author: Jacquelyn Gilmore
Genre: Fantasy, Romance
Publisher: Independent
Source: Bookinfluencers.com
Format: Paperback
Release Date: March 11, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

For fans of One Dark Window and From Blood and Ash comes a haunting, slow-burn fantasy romance about villains. It follows a formerly magicless elf as she suddenly comes into powers that her kingdom has never seen and the duplicitous prince she must bargain with to save them at whatever cost—even her soul.

After her grandmother’s execution, a formerly magicless elf is suddenly the most powerful witch in her village. Magic is disappearing, though, and Imani is thrust into the treacherous court of her kingdom, forced into trials against the most lethal witches in the world.

As she unravels the perilous plan her grandmother plotted before her death to save magic, Imani unwittingly dives deeper into a web of magical and political intrigue that puts her on a collision course with dangers beyond anything she imagined.

But Imani is harboring illicit knowledge of her own—a forbidden dark magic that’s getting more difficult to hide by the day. Now, she must decide whether to make herself a threat and an enemy to her country or risk becoming a pawn and the realm losing magic forever.

Stuck in this predicament, Imani sees only one path forward: a dangerous deal with the duplicitous prince—one she might be falling for.

Readers Beware: This book is for adult readers and contains mature and explicit content (see the author’s website for a complete list of trigger warnings). It’s a villain romance with morally black antihero characters that ends on a cliffhanger.

Review:

This fantasy was suspenseful and fast-paced. It was thrilling right from the start, with a mystery about Imani’s powers. She had to enter a competition that put her magic against other witches, while spinning a web in the royal politics. There were twists and betrayals at the end that left me wondering what will happen next!

The Elf Witch is a thrilling fantasy!

Thank you Bookinfluencers.com and Jacquelyn Gilmore for sending me copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: violence, death of grandparent, death by burning, blood, sexual assault

Have you read The Elf Witch? What did you think of it?

Review: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)

Title: Stone of Hope (Stones of Iona #4)
Author: Margaret Izard
Genre: Romance, Fantasy
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Source: Publisher
Format: Ebook
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In a twist of fate, Dominic DeVolt is shown archeologist Moira Joanna White’s beauty through the Eye of Ra. Trying to save his niece and nephew from evil Fae powers, he’s sucked into the past and dumped in the middle of her Egyptian archaeology dig.

Moira fears the attractive man who appears at her dig is partnering with her archnemesis. That is until the bold fighter distracts her with a kiss. His duty as uncle tugs her heart, but is he only after her precious artifacts?

He’d fight mystic forces to be with her. She sees her future in his love.

Review:

This book was a fun adventure story with some spice. Even though there were some teenagers in this story who were some of the main characters, it is meant for an adult audience. It was fun to see the characters travel back in time to an Egyptian archaeological dig. This book is the fourth in the series Stones of Iona. It took a couple of chapters to figure out all the characters, because I haven’t read the first three books, but this one can be read as a stand-alone.

The Stone of Hope is a great romance and adventure story!

Thank you The Wild Rose Press for providing a digital copy of this book as part of a paid campaign!

Content warnings: death, murder, kidnapping

Other books in the series:

Stone of Love (Stones of Iona #1)
Stone of Fear (Stones of Iona #2)
Stone of Lust (Stones of Iona #3)
Stone of Doubt (Stones of Iona #5)

Have you read Stone of Hope? What did you think of it?

Review: The Trouble with Anna

Title: The Trouble with Anna
Author: Rachel Griffiths
Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance
Publisher: Gallery Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback arc
Release Date: March 4, 2025
Rating: ★★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

“Sizzling and stylish. I’ve never blushed or laughed so hard!” —Kass Morgan, author of The 100 series

A tart young woman and an arrogant lord collide in this flirty, sexy, and remarkably modern historical romance, perfect for fans of Bridgerton.

Anna didn’t intend to ride in a high-stakes horse race or start up a betting ring. She certainly didn’t mean to find herself in so many darkened corners with Lord Julian Ramsay, quarreling and kissing. But when her grandfather’s strange will stipulates that Anna must marry or she’ll be left broke, there’s nothing she won’t do to win her fight for independence. Even go head-to-head with Lord Ramsay, with her own heart as the prize.

Fans of the slow burn will devour this frenemies-to-lovers story perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and Evie Dunmore.

Review:

This historical romance was so fun! Anna wanted her freedom and independence, but her grandfather forced her to marry in the terms of his will. Despite that, she still tried her best to earn her independence. I loved the banter between Anna and Julian. There were a couple of instances of miscommunication that were frustrating, but they made a cute couple.

The Trouble with Anna is a fun regency romance!

Thank you Simon and Schuster for sending me a copy of this book!

Content warnings: death, parental death (off page)

Have you read The Trouble with Anna? What did you think of it?

Review: The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1

Title: The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1
Author: Ingrid Ochoa
Genre: Graphic Novel, Young Adult, Romance
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Source: Publisher
Format: Paperback
Release Date: February 25, 2025
Rating: ★★★★

Goodreads Synopsis:

In this adorable coming-of-age comic for fans of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, Sara Lin has decided now is the time: she’s going to make her first kiss, something special and magical, happen.

It’s senior year and Sara Lin just turned eighteen. She’s got great friends, a cool dad (or so he thinks), and a whole lot ahead of her. The last thing she needs is to worry about having her first kiss.

But that’s all about to change because her good pal Patrick just challenged her to a bet that will either lead to love, heartbreak, or embarrassment…or maybe all three.

Sara Lin understands that her first kiss is a rite of passage, one that she takes very seriously, even if everyone around her doesn’t. She wants it to be special–true love’s kiss–and wants to fall for someone she really cares about, not just get it over with.

Along the way, as Sara explores her relationship options with three different boys…she discovers that life isn’t a fairytale and romance is inherently complex. It’s messy and complicated, but boy, it sure can be fun.

Review:

This graphic novel is so cute. I liked that all the characters had distinct appearances so I could tell them apart. This story had a kind of love square, instead of love triangle, between the boys who liked Sara and who she liked. The dynamics between the characters had some tension by the end of the story, so I’m excited to see what happens next!

The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1 is a great YA graphic novel!

Thank you Wattpad Books for sending me a copy of this book!

Have you read The Kiss Bet, Vol. 1? What did you think of it?