Brian Longo

Eva Ashwood’s Vicious Kings, the first book in The Dark Elite series, is an electrifying start to a dark mafia reverse harem romance that grabs you from the opening scene and doesn’t let go. With its blend of high-stakes drama, steamy chemistry, and complex characters, this book is a must-read for fans of gritty romance with a side of danger. Ashwood masterfully weaves a tale of betrayal, second chances, and forbidden connections, making Vicious Kings a standout in the genre. A Gripping Premise That Hooks You Instantly The story kicks off with a bang—literally. Grace, the fierce and relatable heroine, is on the verge of a new chapter, about to marry a man she somewhat loves, when her wedding day is shattered by gunfire. Four dangerous men—Hale, Ciro, Zaid, and Lucas—storm in and kidnap her, dragging her back into a past she thought she’d escaped. These aren’t strangers, though; they’re men she grew up with, boys she once cared for deeply, now hardened by the brutal world of the Chi...

Fight Dirty, the first book in Eva Ashwood’s Black Rose Kisses series, is a pulse-pounding, emotionally charged dive into the gritty world of reverse harem romance that will leave readers breathless and craving more. With its fierce heroine, complex alpha males, and a plot brimming with suspense, betrayal, and sizzling chemistry, this novel is a masterclass in balancing raw intensity with heartfelt character development. Ashwood proves once again why she’s a standout in the new adult romance genre, delivering a story that’s equal parts dangerous, seductive, and impossible to put down. A Badass Heroine Who Steals the Show At the heart of Fight Dirty is Mercy, a protagonist who redefines what it means to be a strong female lead. She’s not just tough—she’s a fighter in every sense of the word, forged by a life of hardship and a father who taught her to never back down. Mercy’s strength isn’t just physical; her mental resilience and sharp wit make her a force to be reckoned with, even ...

Twisted Game, the first installment in Eva Ashwood’s Filthy Wicked Psychos series, is a pulse-pounding, unapologetically intense new adult dark romance that grabs you from the first page and refuses to let go. With its gripping premise, complex characters, and a perfect blend of suspense, spice, and emotional depth, this book is a must-read for fans of reverse harem, enemies-to-lovers, and mafia-themed stories. Ashwood’s storytelling prowess shines through, delivering a narrative that is as addictive as it is provocative, making Twisted Game a standout in the genre. A Compelling and Gritty Premise The story follows Willow, a young woman who has faced relentless hardship—orphaned, raised by an addict, and mocked for her scars, she’s a survivor who’s never had anyone in her corner. When financial desperation pushes her to make a dangerous choice, her life collides with three enigmatic and dangerous brothers who pull her into their dark, criminal world. The premise is electrifying: a ...

C.M. Stunich’s The Witchwood Boys Are Trending, the first installment in the Witchwood Boys series, is nothing short of a magical tour de force. This reverse harem paranormal romance weaves a tantalizing blend of cozy urban fantasy, dark horror, and sizzling chemistry that hooks you from the first page and refuses to let go. With its unforgettable characters, immersive world-building, and a plot that dances between whimsical and wicked, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre and newcomers alike. The story follows Kate, a spunky and relatable heroine who runs a business painting vintage houses but feels an unshakable void in her life. On a whim, she tests a local urban legend: touch the Witch’s Tree on a moonless night to discover magic. What she finds instead is a plunge into the eerie, dangerous Witchwoods, where she encounters Brooks, Tanner, and Marlowe—the enigmatic and alluring Witchwood Boys. These three witches, clad in witch hats, leather pants, and iron masks, are as...

C.M. Stunich’s Kings of Underland: A Bride for Beasts is a mesmerizing continuation of the fantastical world introduced in the Harem of Hearts trilogy, delivering a spellbinding blend of reverse harem romance, dark fantasy, and a reimagined Alice in Wonderland aesthetic that captivates from the first page. This novel, the first in the Kings of Underland series, is a triumph of creative world-building, complex character dynamics, and a narrative that balances humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure. It’s a book that not only lives up to the expectations set by its predecessor but elevates the stakes with a fresh perspective and a tantalizing cliffhanger that leaves readers aching for more. A World Both Familiar and Fantastically New For fans of the Harem of Hearts trilogy, Kings of Underland feels like a homecoming to the delightfully twisted realm of Underland, a place where magic crackles in the air, and danger lurks behind every whimsical facade. Stunich masterfully expands on th...

C.M. Stunich’s Allison’s Adventures in Underland, the first book in the Harem of Hearts series, is a breathtaking and audacious reimagining of Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. This dark, steamy reverse harem novel is a masterful blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure, delivering a gripping narrative that is as provocative as it is enchanting. With its vivid world-building, compelling characters, and a bold, unapologetic heroine, this book is a must-read for fans of dark romance and retellings that push boundaries. From the very first page, Stunich hooks readers with a gripping and disorienting setup. The story opens with Allison, a feisty and relatable protagonist who prefers books and jeans over dresses and parties, being dragged to a dance by her sister. Her ordinary world is shattered when she witnesses a shocking murder—her crush, Brandon, is gunned down by a mysterious man wearing rabbit ears. In a moment of reckless bravery, Allison chases the killer ...

Deal with the Demon, the first book in The Mate Games: Pestilence series by Meg Anne and K. Loraine, is an electrifying, steamy, and utterly addictive paranormal romance that sets the stage for an unforgettable journey. From the very first page, this book grabs you by the heart (and maybe a few other places) and doesn’t let go until the jaw-dropping cliffhanger that leaves you desperate for more. With its vibrant cast of characters, sizzling chemistry, and a plot that weaves humor, suspense, and spice into a seamless tapestry, this novel is a masterclass in why we love reverse harem romances. At the center of the story is Roslyn “Rosie” Blackthorne, a half-vampire princess who fakes her own death to escape a loveless marriage to the cold and calculating vampire duke, Gavin Donoghue. Rosie’s determination to protect her family drives her to take drastic measures, and her journey to reinvent herself in the remote town of Aurora Springs, Alaska, is both thrilling and inspiring. Rosie is...

Haunting Beauty, the first book in The Mate Games: Death series by USA Today bestselling authors Meg Anne and K. Loraine, is an electrifying plunge into a dark, sultry, and utterly captivating paranormal romance universe. From its hauntingly vivid setting to its richly drawn characters and pulse-pounding plot, this novel is a masterclass in balancing steamy romance, supernatural intrigue, and emotional depth. Fans of Supernatural and American Horror Story will find themselves enthralled by this spicy, morally gray tale that redefines what it means to be a hero—or a villain. A World That Grips You From Page One The story unfolds in the eerie Blackwood Asylum, a Scottish Highlands retreat that’s anything but the wellness center it claims to be. This atmospheric setting is a character in its own right, teeming with supernatural outcasts, power-hungry madmen, and an unsettling aura that keeps you on edge. Meg Anne and K. Loraine excel at world-building, crafting a universe where every ...

Lauren Wolk’s Beyond the Bright Sea is a radiant gem of a novel, a story that weaves together mystery, adventure, and heartfelt emotion with the deft hand of a master storyteller. Set in the 1920s on the starkly beautiful Elizabeth Islands off the coast of Massachusetts, this middle-grade historical fiction novel captures the imagination and tugs at the heartstrings, offering readers a journey that is as thrilling as it is profound. Through the eyes of its unforgettable protagonist, twelve-year-old Crow, Wolk explores timeless questions of identity, belonging, and the meaning of family, all while painting a vivid portrait of a windswept, sea-soaked world that feels both intimate and boundless. From the opening pages, Wolk’s lyrical prose sets the tone for a story that is as much about the inner life of its characters as it is about the external adventures they undertake. Crow, abandoned as a newborn and set adrift in a small boat, is rescued by Osh, a solitary painter with a mysterio...

Kelly Barnhill’s The Girl Who Drank the Moon, a 2016 children’s fantasy novel and winner of the 2017 Newbery Medal, is a breathtaking masterpiece that weaves together magic, love, and the power of stories into an unforgettable tapestry. This enchanting middle-grade novel captures the hearts of readers young and old with its poetic prose, richly drawn characters, and a world that feels as vibrant as it is mysterious. From its opening pages to its deeply satisfying conclusion, Barnhill crafts a story that is both a whimsical fairy tale and a profound exploration of family, sacrifice, and the resilience of the human spirit. A Spellbinding Premise The story unfolds in the Protectorate, a town shrouded in fear and sorrow, where each year the elders sacrifice a baby to appease a supposed evil witch in the forest. Unbeknownst to the townsfolk, the witch, Xan, is kind and compassionate, rescuing these abandoned infants and delivering them to loving families in the Free Cities, nourishing t...

The Crowns of Croswald by D.E. Night is a spellbinding middle-grade fantasy that whisks readers away to a vibrant, enchanting world brimming with magic, mystery, and heart. As the first installment in the four-book Croswald series, this novel introduces us to Ivy Lovely, a sixteen-year-old scaldrony maid whose life takes a fantastical turn when she crosses a magical boundary and discovers her hidden powers. What follows is a delightful coming-of-age tale that blends the nostalgic charm of Harry Potter, the whimsical wonder of Alice in Wonderland, and the adventurous spirit of Percy Jackson, while carving out its own unique identity. With its imaginative world-building, lovable characters, and a magic system that celebrates creativity, this book is a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts of all ages. A Captivating Premise and Relatable Heroine From the opening pages, The Crowns of Croswald hooks readers with its intriguing premise. Ivy Lovely, our protagonist, has spent her life in the ...

R.V. Bowman’s Hook’s Daughter: The Untold Tale of a Pirate Princess, the first installment in The Pirate Princess Chronicles, is a dazzling reimagining of the Peter Pan universe that captivates from the very first page. This middle-grade fantasy adventure is a masterful blend of fairytale twists, high-stakes action, and a spunky heroine whose courage and determination will leave readers of all ages cheering. With its richly crafted world, unforgettable characters, and a narrative that pulses with magic and heart, Hook’s Daughter is a must-read for anyone who loves a good swashbuckler or a story that turns familiar tropes on their head. The story follows Andromeda “Rommy” Cavendish, a 12-year-old girl who feels like she’s biding her time at an exclusive boarding school in Edwardian London. Rommy’s mother is gone, and her seafaring father, whom she idolizes, only visits twice a year—on her birthday and Christmas. Each year, Rommy hopes he’ll take her along on his adventures, but he alw...

Child of the Wolves by Elizabeth Hall is a captivating and emotionally resonant tale that transports readers to the wild, unforgiving landscapes of the Alaskan forest. Published in 1996, this middle-grade novel follows Granite, a Siberian husky puppy, as he escapes his kennel and embarks on a journey of survival, identity, and belonging. Hall’s storytelling, grounded in meticulous research and a deep love for animals, crafts a narrative that is both thrilling and tender, making it a must-read for young readers, animal enthusiasts, and anyone who cherishes stories of resilience and connection. The story begins with Granite, a spirited husky pup born to his mother, Seppala, in a kennel in Alaska. Unlike his siblings—Digger, Cricket, and Nugget—Granite resists the life of a sled dog, yearning for something beyond the confines of his human-imposed world. When faced with the prospect of being sold and separated from his family, Granite flees into the wilderness, a decision that sets the s...

Katherine Rundell’s The Wolf Wilder is a mesmerizing blend of fairy tale and historical fiction, a novel that sweeps readers into a snowy, revolutionary Russia with prose so vivid it feels like you’re trudging through the frost alongside its fierce young heroine, Feodora. Published in 2015, this middle-grade masterpiece is a testament to Rundell’s unparalleled ability to craft stories that are both enchanting and deeply human, appealing to readers of all ages. From its unforgettable characters to its breathtaking setting, The Wolf Wilder is a literary gem that lingers long after the final page. The story opens with a line that sets the tone for its magical, almost mythic quality: “Once upon a time, a hundred years ago, there was a dark and stormy girl.” Feo, the “dark and stormy girl,” lives with her mother, Marina, in the snowbound woods of Russia, where they work as wolf wilders. Unlike animal tamers, wolf wilders teach domesticated wolves—once kept as status symbols by the Russian...

Katherine Rundell’s The Good Thieves is a dazzling, heart-pounding masterpiece that sweeps readers into the gritty, glittering world of 1920s New York City. This middle-grade novel, brimming with adventure, loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of its young protagonists, is a testament to Rundell’s unparalleled storytelling prowess. From its opening line—“Vita set her jaw and nodded at the city in greeting, as a boxer greets an opponent before a fight”—the book grabs hold of you and refuses to let go until the final, triumphant page. It’s a heist story, a tale of family and friendship, and a celebration of courage in the face of overwhelming odds, all woven together with Rundell’s signature lyrical prose and vivid imagination. The story follows Vita Marlowe, a fierce and determined young girl who arrives in New York from England with her mother to help her ailing grandfather, Jack. Devastated by the recent loss of his wife and swindled out of his ancestral home, Hudson Castle, by the s...

Katherine Rundell’s Rooftoppers is a breathtaking middle-grade novel that sweeps readers into a world where courage, imagination, and the belief in “never ignoring a possible” reign supreme. Published in 2013, this lyrical tale follows Sophie, a spirited young girl with hair “the color of lightning,” who embarks on a daring quest to find her mother, believed to have perished in a shipwreck. From the cobblestone streets of Victorian London to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, Rundell crafts a story that feels both timeless and utterly original, blending the charm of a classic fairy tale with the gritty resilience of its unforgettable characters. This is a book that not only captivates young readers but also enchants adults with its poetic prose, vibrant imagery, and heartfelt exploration of family, freedom, and hope. A Magical Premise Rooted in Whimsy From the opening pages, Rooftoppers establishes itself as a story that revels in the extraordinary. Sophie, discovered as a baby floatin...