Ink & Ivy Library

Author: Ink & Ivy Library

  • Between the pages: Consider Me

    Between the pages: Consider Me

    Consider Me Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5

    👤Author: Becka Mack

    📚 Genre: Sports Romance

    📖Series: Playing for Keeps (#1)

    📱Format: Audiobook

    🎧Audiobook: The narrators did an incredible job bringing the humor, sarcasm, and emotions to life. I highly recommend listening to this one.

    🌍World Building: ⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes

    This is a sports romance with a rom-com feel that follows an NHL superstar who finally meets the one woman who isn’t impressed by his fame. Consider Me can be read as a standalone, but it’s the first book in an interconnected series.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    Consider Me follows NHL superstar Carter Beckett, who’s used to getting everything he wants-except Olivia Parker. What starts as persistent flirting turns into a heartfelt romance as the two slowly build trust, navigate their insecurities, and discover that love can be just as challenging as life in the spotlight.

    What It’s About

    Carter Beckett may be one of the biggest hockey stars in the league, but he’s never met anyone quite like Olivia. She’s independent, witty, and completely unimpressed by his fame.

    As Carter works to win her over, their relationship develops into more than playful banter. Beneath the humor and chemistry is a story about vulnerability, family, friendships, and learning to let someone truly know you.

    What I Loved

    • Carter’s golden retriever personality and relentless charm.
    • The hilarious banter between the main characters.
    • A hero who isn’t afraid to be emotional.
    • The strong friendships and found-family dynamic.
    • Great chemistry that balances humor, romance, and heartfelt moments.

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • This is a long book, but it doesn’t feel rushed.
    • Expect lots of flirting and playful dialogue.
    • The spice level is high, and the romance is front and center.
    • If you love hockey romances with lovable characters, this is a great choice.

    Final Thoughts

    I went into Consider Me expecting a fun hockey romance, but I ended up getting so much more. Carter Beckett quickly became one of my favorite book boyfriends because he’s confident without being arrogant and isn’t afraid to wear his heart on his sleeve.

    What really made this book stand out was the balance between laugh-out-oud moments, emotional depth, and undeniable chemistry. The romance develops naturally, making it easy to become invested in both Carter and Olivia.

    If you’re looking for a funny, spicy, sports romance with memorable characters and plenty of heart, Consider Me is definitely worth adding to your TBR.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Yes! It’s a cute rom-com sports romance, but don’t let that fool you. It has plenty of spice.

    Ready to Read It?

    Interested in picking up Consider Me?

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  • Between the pages: Where the Crawdads Sing

    Between the pages: Where the Crawdads Sing

    Where the Crawdads Sing Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

    👤Author: Delia Owens

    📚 Genre: Historical Fiction/Coming-of-age mystery

    📖Series: Standalone

    📱Format: Paperback

    🎧Audiobook: Not listened to

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Probably not, once was enough for me.

    Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, an abandoned young girl who grows up alone in the North Carolina marshes. Blending a coming-of-age story with a murder mystery, it’s an emotional, beautifully written novel about resilience, loneliness, and finding strength where no one expects it.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    Where the Crawdads Sing follows Kya Clark, a young girl abandoned by her family who grows up alone in the marshes outside Barkley Cove. While the townspeople know her as the “Marsh Girl,” Kya finds comfort in the beauty of nature rather than the people who have continually let her down.

    When the town’s golden boy, Chase Andrews, is found dead, suspicion quickly falls on Kya. The story seamlessly weaves together a coming-of-age take and a murder mystery, creating an emotional and unforgettable read.

    What It’s About

    Kya has spent most of her life surviving on her own after being abandoned as a child. Raised by the marsh that becomes both her home and her teacher, she learns resilience through the wildlife, tides, and changing seasons around her.

    As Kya grows older, she experiences friendship, first love, heartbreak, and betrayal while remaining an outsider in the eyes of the town. When she becomes the prime suspect in Chase Andrews’ death, the novel alternates between the investigation and Kya’s life story, slowly revealing how everything is connected.

    More than a mystery, this is a story about loneliness, survival, prejudice, and finding beauty in unexpected places.

    What I Loved

    • Kya is one of the strongest and most memorable female protagonists I’ve read.
    • The marsh feels like its own character and is beautifully described.
    • The mystery kept me guessing until the very end.
    • The coming-of-age storyline was just as compelling as the murder investigation.
    • The emotional growth of Kya made it impossible not to root for her.
    • The ending was satisfying and tied everything together perfectly.

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • The pacing is slower at the beginning as the story builds Kya’s world.
    • Nature plays a huge role throughout the novel.
    • Expect emotional themes involving abandonment, loneliness, and prejudice.
    • While there is romance, it isn’t the primary focus.
    • The mystery unfolds gradually rather than through constant action.

    Final Thoughts

    I honestly wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy Where the Crawdads Sing. I’d seen so much praise for it that I wondered if it could really live up to the hype. I’m happy to say that, for me, it absolutely did.

    It took me a few chapters to settle into the slower pace, but once I connected with Kya, I couldn’t put the book down. Watching her grow from an abandoned little girl into a resilient, independent woman was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

    The writing is beautiful without feeling overwhelming, and the marsh setting adds so much atmosphere to the story. I also loved how the murder mystery slowly unfolded alongside Kya’s life, keeping me invested until the final pages.

    This isn’t just a mystery or a coming-of-age novel-it’s a story about resilience, loneliness, love, and finding strength in yourself even when the world has underestimated you.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Yes, if you’re looking for a character-driven story with unforgettable writing, a compelling mystery, and one of the strongest female leads I’ve read, Where the Crawdads Sing is well worth picking up.

    Ready to Read It?

    Interested in picking up Where the Crawdads Sing?

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  • Between the pages: The Games Gods Play

    Between the pages: The Games Gods Play

    The Games Gods Play Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.75/5

    👤Author: Abigail Owen

    📚 Genre: Romantasy

    📖Series: The Crucible (#1)

    📱Format: Audiobook

    🎧Audiobook: Recommended

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes

    This is a slow burn romantasy where Greek mythology meets deadly games and trials. It delivers action, clever challenges, and just enough romance to keep you turning the pages.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    If you love Greek mythology, dangerous competitions, witty banter, and slow-burn romance, The Games Gods Play is a book you’ll probably fly through. It combines immortal gods, impossible challenges, and a heroine who is far more capable than she realizes.

    While it leans more fantasy than romance in the beginning, the relationships grow naturally throughout the story, making the emotional payoff worth the wait.

    What It’s About

    Without giving away major spoilers, the story follows a young woman whose life changes when she’s unexpectedly pulled into a deadly competition controlled by the Greek gods. Every challenge tests her strength, intelligence, and determination while powerful immortals watch-and sometimes interfere.

    As alliances shift and secrets unravel, surviving games becomes about much more than simply winning.

    What I Loved

    • Greek mythology woven into a fresh fantasy world
    • High-stakes competitions that kept me reading “just one more chapter”
    • A strong heroine who grows throughout the story
    • Great chemistry between the main characters
    • Twists that kept me guessing

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • This book starts a little slower as it introduces the world and characters
    • If you’re expecting nonstop romance from page one, it may take a little patience.
    • The fantasy plot takes center stage early, but the romantic tension builds steadily.

    Final Thoughts

    This was one of those books that completely pulled me into its world. The mythology, competition, and growing romance made it incredibly difficult to put down. I finished it already wanting the next installment.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.75/5

    Would I recommend it:

    This was one of those books that completely pulled me into its world. The mythology, competition, and growing romance made it incredibly difficult to put down. I finished it already wanting the next installment.

    Ready to Read It?

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  • Between the pages: The Winged Game

    Between the pages: The Winged Game

    The Winged Game Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    👤Author: Sophie Kim

    📚 Genre: Romantasy

    📖Series: Standalone

    📱Format: Audio

    🎧Audiobook: Recommended

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes, but probably not anytime soon.

    A fantasy with the excitement of magical competition, compelling characters, and just the right amount of romance. If Harry Potter’s tournament atmosphere was your favorite part, this might be for you.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    The Winged Game is a fast-paced fantasy that blends dangerous trials, political intrigue, and a slow-building romance into a story that kept me turning the pages. Sophie Kim creates a world where every choice has consequences, and just when you think you’ve figured out, another twist changes everything.

    What It’s About

    Without spoiling anything, the story follows a heroine who finds herself caught in a deadly game where survival requires intelligence, courage, and knowing who to trust. As alliances shift and secrets come to light, the stakes continue to rise, making it nearly impossible to predict what will happen next.

    What I Loved

    • The unique fantasy world
    • The chemistry between the characters
    • Plenty of twists that kept me guessing
    • Strong pacing that made it hard to put down
    • The balance between action, mystery, and romance

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • If you’re looking for a romance-first story, know that the fantasy plot takes center stage.
    • The romance develops naturally alongside the larger story rather than overwhelming it.
    • Some of the world-building can take a little time to absorb, but once everything clicks, it’s well worth it.

    Final Thoughts

    The Winged Game surprised me in the best way. Between the compelling characters, exciting plot, and satisfying twists, it was one of those books that kept me saying, “Just one more chapter.”

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.75/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Yes! The Winged Game surprised me in the best way. Between the compelling characters, exciting plot, and satisfying twists, it was one of those books that kept me saying, “Just one more chapter.”

    Ready to Read It?

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  • Between the pages: Quicksilver

    Between the pages: Quicksilver

    Quicksilver Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    👤Author: Callie Hart

    📚 Genre: Romantasy

    📖Series: Fae & Alchemy (#1)

    📱Format: Audiobook

    🎧Audiobook: Must Listen

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes

    A thrilling romantasy filled with fae, ancient magic, unforgettable characters, and a slow-burn romance that keeps you hooked until the very last page.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    If you’ve been looking for a romantasty that’s equal parts magical, mysterious, and impossible to put down, Quicksilver is one you shouldn’t skip. With a unique fantasy world, memorable characters, and plenty of tension from the very beginning, it’s easy to see why this book has become such a favorite among readers.

    The story blends rich world-building with high stakes, witty banter, and a slow-burn romance that develops naturally throughout the book. While it takes time to uncover the world’s secrets, every revelation makes the journey even more rewarding. By the time I finished, I couldn’t wait to dive into the next book.

    What I Loved

    • Rich, immersive world- building that kept me wanting to learn more.
    • A slow-burn romance with incredible chemistry.
    • Strong, witty characters that felt unique and memorable.
    • Plenty of mystery and twists that kept me guessing.
    • A perfect balance of action, magic, and romance.

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • The world-building can feel overwhelming at first, but everything comes together as the story unfolds.
    • This is a slower-burn romance, so don’t expect instant love.
    • Be prepared to want the next book immediately.
    • The story gets better the deeper you get into it.

    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for a romantasy with unforgettable characters, fascinating magic, and a romance that develops naturally, Quicksilver absolutely lives up to the hype. It hooked me from the beginning and only got better as the story unfolded. I finished the book already wanting to jump into the next one, and it’s easily become one of my favorite fantasy romances.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Absolutely! Quicksilver is one of those books that pulls you in from the very beginning and refuses to let go. With compelling characters, an immersive fantasy world, and a romance that keeps you invested until the very last page, it’s an easy recommendation for any romantasy lover.

    Ready to Read It?

    Interested in picking up Quicksilver?

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  • Between the pages: A Court of Thorns and Roses

    Between the pages: A Court of Thorns and Roses

    A Court of Thorns and Roses Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    👤Author: Sarah J. Maas

    📚 Genre: Romantasy

    📖Series: A Court of Thorns and Roses (#1)

    📱Format: Paperback and Audiobook

    🎧Audiobook: Must Listen

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes

    The perfect first book of world building and character introduction for a long series.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    If you’ve spent more than five minutes in the romantasy world, you’ve probably heard someone recommend A Court of Thorns and Roses. It’s one of the series that introduced thousands of readers-including me- to fantasy romance, and there’s a reason it’s still talked about years later.

    The first book starts out slower than many of today’s fast paced romantasy novels, but don’t let that scare you away. Sarah J. Maas takes her time building the world, introducing the characters, and laying the foundation for everything that comes later. By the time I finished the books, I completely understood why so many readers become obsessed with this series.

    The romance is a slow burn with plenty of tension, the magical world feels immersive without being overwhelming, and the story only gets better as the series continues.

    If you’re looking for nonstop action from page one, this may not be the perfect fit. But if you enjoy the rich world-building, memorable characters, and a romance that develops naturally, this is one of the best places to start.

    One thing I appreciated most was how easy the fantasy elements are to understand. Even if you’ve never read fantasy before, the world is introduced at a comfortable pace that never feels confusing.

    While this first book is excellent on its own, it’s also important to know that many readers-including me-think the second book is where the series truly shines. The first novel builds the foundation, and the payoff is absolutely worth it.

    What I Loved

    • Beautiful, immersive world- building
    • A romance that grows naturally instead of feeling rushed
    • Easy to follow, even for new fantasy readers
    • Characters that continue to develop throughout the series
    • A story that gets stronger with every book

    A Few Things to Know Before You Start

    • The pacing is slower than many current romantasy books.
    • Expect more world-building than action in the first half.
    • This is the beginning of a long series, so not every mystery is answered immediately.

    Final Thoughts

    A Court of Thorns and Roses remains one of my favorite romantasy series because it perfectly balances magic, romance, adventure, and unforgettable characters. While it starts slower than books like Fourth Wing, the emotional payoff and character development make it well worth the journey.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Absolutely! I loved this entire series. I’ve already reread it once, and I’ll definitely be doing another reread when the next book comes out!

    Ready to Read It?

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  • Between the pages: Fourth Wing

    Between the pages: Fourth Wing

    Fourth Wing Review

    Quick Rating

    ⭐ Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    👤Author: Rebecca Yarros

    📚 Genre: Romantasy

    📖Series: The Empyrean (#1)

    📱Format: Kindle/Audiobook

    🎧Audiobook: Recommended

    🌍 World Building: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    ❤️ Romance: ❤️❤️❤️❤️

    ⚔️ Action: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    🌶️Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️

    📖 Would I read again? Yes

    Perfect for readers who love dragons, military academies, and slow-burn romance.

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Quick Summary

    Fourth Wing is an action-packed romantasy featuring dragon riders, unforgettable characters, and a slow-burn romance that kept me turning pages late into the night. If you enjoy fantasy with high stakes, compelling friendships, and plenty of emotional moments, this book is absolutely worth picking up.

    What I Loved

    • Incredible dragon-rider world
    • Fast-paced story
    • Characters that feel real
    • Romance that develops naturally
    • A cliffhanger ending that made me immediately want the next book

    My Favorite Part

    The relationships between the riders and their dragons made the story unforgettable. The dragons have personalities of their own and quickly become some of my favorite characters.

    Final Rating

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5

    Would I recommend it:

    Yes! It’s a must read for most romantasy readers!

    Ready to read it? 🌿

    Ready to enter the world of Basgiath?

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  • Top 5 Romantasy Series I’m Currently Reading

    Top 5 Romantasy Series I’m Currently Reading

    Below you’ll find my top 5 romantasy series I’m currently reading. This is a list of ongoing series (one or two books still to come!), and each one has me fully obsessed for different reasons.

    The Games Gods Play

    Every 100 years, the Greek gods choose mortal champions to compete in the crucible – a brutal series of divine trials that determines who will claim the throne of Olympus. Our FMC, Lyra, is a human cursed by Zeus as a newborn, a curse that has left her unlovable and painfully alone. In a twist no one expects, she’s chosen as Hades’s champion – the first time he has ever entered the Crucible.

    The Games Gods Play is a slow-burn romantasy filled with tension, yearning, and a deliciously dark edge. There’s still plenty of action, suspense, and mystery woven throughout. I devoured this book, then immediately reread it before starting The Things Gods Break – and I picked up so many details I missed the first time. If you love Greek mythology, morally grey gods, and deadly magical trials, this series will hook you instantly.

    Buy on Amazon: The Games Gods Play

    The Kindred’s Curse Saga

    In a world where ancient bloodlines determine magical power, the Kindred’s Curse Saga follows characters bound by prophecy, fate, and the dangerous legacy of the ancestors. At the center is a slow-burn romance woven through secrets, political tension, and a magic system tied to the old oaths and forbidden history.

    What I love most about this series is the atmosphere – it feels rich, moody, and immersive, with cozy pockets of softness between all the intensity. The romance builds slowly and beautifully, and the world-building is the kind you sink into without realizing how many pages have passed. If you enjoy destiny tropes, magical bloodlines, and stories that balance romance with deeper lore, this series is a must-read.

    Buy on Amazon: Spark of the Everflame

    The Empyrean

    Set in a war college where survival is earned through grit, determination, and the bond between dragon and rider, the Empyrean series blends high-stakes fantasy with addictive romance. Our FMC steps into a world designed to break her – physically, emotionally, and magically – but she refuses to yield.

    The pacing in this series is electric, the world-building cinematic, and the romantic tension absolutely delicious if you love morally gray love interests and enemies-to-lovers edges. It’s the kind of series you stay up too late reading and instantly want to discuss with someone. If you love dragons, intrigue, found family, and a romance that burns slow but hits hard, this series deserves a place on your shelf.

    Buy on Amazon: Fourth Wing

    Fae & Alchemy

    Quicksilver follows a human alchemist who survives the unforgiving desert by relying on secrets, cleverness, and thievery. When single mistake entangles her with Fae Courts, her life is pulled into a world of shimmering magic, dangerous bargains, and a fae love interest who is equal parts charm and shadow.

    What makes this series stand out is its lush setting – desert sands, hidden markets, ancient alchemical magic – balanced beautifully with a fae intrigue and slow-burn tension. It’s atmospheric, addictive, and full of richly woven world-building. If you love morally gray characters, enemies-to-lovers energy, and stories about finding softness in harsh places, this series is for you.

    Buy on Amazon: Quicksilver

    A Court of Thorns and Roses

    This modern romantasy classic begins with a human girl forced into the fae realm after a lethal mistake in the woods. What follows is a story of curses, ancient magic, court intrigue, and romance layered with healing, self-discovery, and the power of choice.

    ACOTAR is beloved for a good reason – the atmosphere is lush, the world building rich, and the emotional beats hit deep. The series grows in scope and intensity with each book, shifting from Beauty-and-the-Beast inspired beginnings to sweeping fantasy romance with unforgettable characters. If you’re new to romantasy, this is one of the best places to start; if you already love the genre, it’s a comfort reread.

    Buy on Amazon: A Court of Thorns and Roses

    These are the romantasy series currently living rent-free in my mind, and I’m so excited to see where each story goes as new books release. If you’ve read any of these (or have a favorite romantasy series you think I should pick up), feel free to send me a message or leave a comment.

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