This month, I found myself completely immersed in worlds filled with dragons, dark magic, dangerous romance, and twisted fairytales. I finished four books, including a dark Hansel and Gretel retelling and all three books currently available in Raven Storm’s Curse of the Dragons series. Apparently, my reading mood this month was simple: give me dragons, impossible choices, morally gray characters, and enough tension to keep me turning pages long past bedtime.
One of the biggest surprises was how quickly I became invested in Mari’s journey throughout the Curse of the Dragons series. What began as a fantasy romance centered around dragon shifters and royal intrigue evolved into a story about family, acceptance, and the lasting consequences of war. By the time I reached the third book, I was just as interested in the next generation of drakens as I was in the original characters.
I also ventured into darker territory with Of Candy & Betrayal by J. L. Jackola, a twisted Hansel and Gretel retelling that blended fantasy, romance, betrayal, and magic into a deliciously dark read. It was the perfect reminder that familiar fairytales can become something entirely new when viewed through a darker lens.
Overall, this was a strong reading month. While not every book was perfect, each one delivered exactly what I was looking for—escapism, adventure, romance, and characters facing impossible odds. If you’re a fan of dragon shifters, dark fantasy worlds, spicy romance, or fairytale retellings with sharp edges, this month’s reading list might have something for you.
Reading Stats
| Stat | Total |
|---|
| Books Read | 4 |
| Series Completed | 1 |
| Standalone Books | 1 |
| Fantasy Romance Reads | 3 |
| Fairytale Retellings | 1 |
| Dragon Shifter Books | 3 |
| Average Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.25/5) |
| New-to-Me Authors | 2 |
| Most Read Genre | Fantasy Romance |
| Reading Mood | Dragons, Dark Magic & Dangerous Romance |
Book Reviews
When I picked up Of Candy & Betrayal, I expected a dark fairytale retelling. What I found was a twisted, atmospheric reimagining of Hansel and Gretel layered with magic, betrayal, secrets, and plenty of spice.
The story follows estranged stepsiblings Hunter and Gemma as they are drawn back into the nightmare they thought they’d escaped years ago. Their search for cursed witch stones forces them to confront the witch’s sons—the very men connected to some of their darkest memories. The result is a story packed with tension, complicated relationships, and a constant sense of danger lurking beneath the surface.
What stood out most to me was the way J. L. Jackola transformed a familiar fairytale into something darker and far more mature. The world feels eerie and immersive, while the emotional conflicts and betrayals keep the pages turning. Readers who enjoy morally gray characters, dark fantasy romance, and fairytale retellings that aren’t afraid to explore the shadows will likely find a lot to love here.
If you’re looking for a sweet, whimsical fairytale, this isn’t it. But if you enjoy dark romance wrapped in magic, danger, and high emotional stakes, Of Candy & Betrayal is worth adding to your reading list.
Kingdom of Flames & Flowers is the kind of fantasy romance that immediately pulls you into its world and refuses to let go. From the very first chapter, the atmosphere feels vivid and immersive, with rich worldbuilding, dangerous political undertones, and a heroine whose voice feels both vulnerable and fiercely determined.
What stands out most to me is the balance between beauty and brutality. The writing paints stunning imagery while never losing the emotional tension underneath it. The kingdom feels alive—layered with fear, power, survival, and longing—and every scene carries a sense that something larger is unfolding beneath the surface.
The character dynamics are especially compelling. The emotional tension builds naturally, and the relationships feel charged without overshadowing the larger story. There’s a strong sense of mystery woven throughout the narrative, which keeps the pages turning long after “just one more chapter” should have turned into sleep.
Fans of dark fantasy romance will likely appreciate the blend of danger, court intrigue, emotional depth, and slow-burning intensity. The pacing keeps the story engaging, and the stakes continue to rise in a way that feels satisfying rather than rushed.
Overall, Kingdom of Flames & Flowers is an addictive, emotionally charged fantasy romance with immersive worldbuilding, strong atmosphere, and characters that linger in your mind after the final page. A fantastic read for anyone who enjoys fantasy with sharp edges, heart, and just the right amount of fire.
As a Writer: One thing I appreciated was how quickly the story established its central hook. Within the opening chapters, readers know exactly what kind of adventure they’re in for, which is a great reminder of the importance of delivering on genre promises early.
After enjoying Kingdom of Flames & Flowers, I was eager to see where Raven Storm would take Marigold’s story next. Kingdom of Ash & Bones raises the stakes considerably, delivering more action, more danger, and even deeper exploration of the dragon-shifter world introduced in the first book.
Marigold is no longer simply trying to survive—she’s fighting to save her people from a devastating curse while confronting a manipulative queen, dangerous princes, and the darkness growing within herself. As secrets unravel and alliances are tested, the story expands beyond romance into a tale of rebellion, sacrifice, and power.
One of the things I enjoyed most about this installment was the increased sense of urgency. The pacing rarely slows, and there always seems to be another challenge waiting around the corner. The dragon shifters remain a highlight of the series, and the “why choose” romance continues to evolve alongside the larger fantasy plot.
The world-building also feels more developed here, with new locations, magical dangers, and political conflicts adding depth to the story. While the romance remains a major focus, I appreciated seeing Marigold grow into a stronger and more determined heroine as she embraces both her strengths and her flaws.
Readers who loved the dragons, spice, and adventure of the first book will likely find even more to enjoy in Kingdom of Ash & Bones. The ending left me curious to see where the series heads next and eager to continue following Marigold’s journey.
One of my favorite things about continuing a series is watching how the story evolves beyond its original premise. While the first two books in the Curse of the Dragons series focused on curses, rebellion, and survival, Kingdom of Foes & Fears shifts its attention to something equally compelling: what happens after the battle is won.
Years after breaking the curse, Mari has built a fragile new life and family. But peace proves to be just as complicated as war when a new generation of draken comes of age. These aren’t powerful princes struggling with their identities—they’re teenagers with wings, tempers, fears, and the ability to change the future of the world around them.
The emotional heart of this book lies with Nuri, the first true draken. Her anger, uncertainty, and desire to belong create some of the strongest conflict in the series. As fear spreads across neighboring kingdoms and drakens are labeled monsters, the story tackles themes of prejudice, acceptance, family, and the difficult choices that come with leadership.
What I appreciated most was the shift in perspective. Rather than simply fighting an external villain, the characters must confront the consequences of old wounds, generational trauma, and a world that fears what it doesn’t understand. The stakes feel deeply personal while still carrying the weight of potential war.
The dragon-shifter romance elements remain present, but this installment feels more focused on family bonds, legacy, and the future. It adds emotional depth to the series while continuing to deliver the action, tension, and fantasy elements that drew me in from the beginning.
If you’ve enjoyed following Mari’s journey from the mud quarter to dragon ally and leader, Kingdom of Foes & Fears offers a satisfying next chapter that expands the world while exploring what it truly means to build a future after surviving the past.
Monthly Awards
👑 Favorite Read: Kingdom of Foes & Fears by Raven Storm
🐉 Best Series Binge: Curse of the Dragons Series
🔥 Spiciest Read: Kingdom of Flames & Flowers by Raven Storm
🖤 Darkest Read: Of Candy & Betrayal by J. L. Jackola
⚔️ Most Action-Packed Read: Kingdom of Ash & Bones by Raven Storm
💜 Most Emotional Read: Kingdom of Foes & Fears by Raven Storm
✨ Best World-Building: Curse of the Dragons Series
📖 Biggest Surprise: How much the Curse of the Dragons series evolved from a spicy dragon-shifter romance into a story about family, legacy, and acceptance.
What I’m Reading Next
If May was the month of dragons, dark magic, and twisted fairytales, June is shaping up to be the month of morally gray men, obsession, revenge, and beautifully chaotic romance.
My reading list is taking a decidedly darker turn as I dive deeper into some of the most talked-about dark romances currently making waves in the book community. From masked stalkers and serial killers to mafia antiheroes and fractured fairytales, my June TBR is filled with dangerous men, complicated heroines, and stories that promise to blur the line between love and obsession.
🔦 Lights Out by Navessa Allen
This might be the book I’m most curious about. A masked internet sensation, a trauma nurse with unconventional fantasies, and a dark romance filled with humor, obsession, and tension? I’ve heard readers describe this one as equal parts hilarious and wildly addictive, and I’m eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
🖤 Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
A dark romantic comedy about two rival serial killers who hunt other killers wasn’t on my bingo card a few years ago, but here we are. The combination of pitch-black humor, friends-to-lovers romance, and chaotic energy has me incredibly intrigued. This is one of the most recommended books in the dark romance community right now, and I can’t wait to finally experience it for myself.
🔥 Make Me Sin by J.T. Geissinger
Dark mafia romance with fantasy elements, obsession, betrayal, and a devil-descended antihero? This book sounds tailor-made for readers who enjoy stories drenched in darkness and temptation. I’m expecting high emotional stakes, intense chemistry, and plenty of morally questionable decisions.
🪝 Hooked by Emily McIntire
As someone who loves twisted retellings, this fractured take on Peter Pan immediately caught my attention. A revenge-driven villain, a sheltered heroine, and a romance built on manipulation and desire sounds like the perfect recipe for a dark and addictive read. I’ve been wanting to start the Never After series for a while, and June feels like the perfect time.
My June Reading Goals
This month, I’m leaning heavily into dark romance and villain-love-interest stories. I’m especially interested in seeing how different authors balance obsession, danger, humor, and emotional depth while creating compelling romances readers can’t look away from.
If all goes according to plan, June should be filled with antiheroes, questionable life choices, dark secrets, and plenty of late-night reading sessions where I promise myself “just one more chapter” and somehow end up finishing half the book.
If you’ve read any of these books, let me know which one should move to the top of my reading pile!
Final Thoughts & Reader Question
Looking back, May was a month filled with dragons, dark magic, dangerous romances, and characters willing to risk everything for the people they love. From the twisted fairytale world of Of Candy & Betrayal to the dragon-filled adventures of the Curse of the Dragons series, every book offered a chance to escape into worlds where nothing came easy and every choice carried consequences.
One thing I love about reading is discovering how different authors approach similar themes. Whether it’s overcoming impossible odds, confronting prejudice, navigating obsession, or finding family in unexpected places, each story brought something unique to the table. As both a reader and a writer, I always find myself paying attention to the moments that linger long after I’ve turned the final page—the characters I can’t stop thinking about, the emotional twists that catch me off guard, and the worlds that feel real enough to step into.
Now I’m ready to trade dragons and fairytale forests for stalkers, antiheroes, serial killers, and morally gray villains as I tackle my June TBR. If these books are half as addictive as everyone claims, next month’s wrap-up should be an interesting one.
Until then, my reading list is full, my Kindle is loaded, and my sleep schedule is already in danger.
What was your favorite book this month? Have you read any of the books on my June TBR? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for my next obsession.
Happy reading,
Harper Belle
📚 Author • Reader • Lover of Dark Romance & Twisted Tales
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