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The Book Reader
What if this time, she’s powerful enough to stop them all. What if this time, they don’t destroy her?
Arianna Jay is born into a life of magic, she’s a low level witch in a world where daemons and other supernatural beings walk the earth. She thinks she’s destined to a life as a nightclub owner while doing the occasional spell, until one fateful meeting with the man that has been haunting her dreams changes everything.
Gaelan Illis has spent thousands of years reliving the pain and devastation of losing his soul mate. He’s cursed to find her and lose her over and over again, but this time when he finds her, she’s not the same.
Could this be the life he’s always wished for? One where he gets to keep her forever?
As dark secrets start to unfold and the purest of evil after them - can true love really conquer all?
Arianna Jay is born into a life of magic, she’s a low level witch in a world where daemons and other supernatural beings walk the earth. She thinks she’s destined to a life as a nightclub owner while doing the occasional spell, until one fateful meeting with the man that has been haunting her dreams changes everything.
Gaelan Illis has spent thousands of years reliving the pain and devastation of losing his soul mate. He’s cursed to find her and lose her over and over again, but this time when he finds her, she’s not the same.
Could this be the life he’s always wished for? One where he gets to keep her forever?
As dark secrets start to unfold and the purest of evil after them - can true love really conquer all?
665 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 20, 2025
26 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 24, 2025
The plot was gripping, the spice was spicing, and the supernaturals were, well, scary as hell!
Rating 3.5, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am beyond honored and thrilled to have gotten a chance to get an advanced reader copy of The Book Reader. I was sucked in right from the get go! That plot is addictive and always keep me guessing.
This was my first ever ARC that I've gotten a chance to read. I understand that this isn't the final edit and the book can be subject to change.
That being said, I know I'm not the target audience for this novel. I've read a few supernatural romances but they're not typically what I gravitate towards. There was .... a LOT of smut. So much so that I found myself skimming the spicy scenes because it was just so repetitive and I was in it for the plot 😅
Air is a witch in the human world, running a nightclub with her two best friends. Having dreams about this hot man for 5 years and tells no one about it. When she finally meets him they're instantly attracted and the chemistry is there but it didn't feel like Ari falling in love, she just thought he was hot as hell. But did get that feeling that she's known him forever.
Gaelan is a 1,000 year old daemon who has been forced to watch his soulmate die repeatedly throughout the years every time she's reincarnated. For him, he loves Ari deeply from all the lifetimes they've spent together.
Ari's POV was pure lust. I get it, he's hot, but good lord girl I wouldn't be able to walk 😭 Not to mention there's literal daemons trying to kill you but all you can think about is pound town! Ask this man questions about the book!
The pacing was really good, it could have just used a little less spice (unpopular opinion I'm sure 😆). The storyline was unique, I liked the supernatural world and the different daemons. I anticipated something with the twist but it did surprise me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'd be curious to see the final, published version. It has so much potential and with a little tweaking it could be 5 stars!
Rating 3.5, ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I am beyond honored and thrilled to have gotten a chance to get an advanced reader copy of The Book Reader. I was sucked in right from the get go! That plot is addictive and always keep me guessing.
This was my first ever ARC that I've gotten a chance to read. I understand that this isn't the final edit and the book can be subject to change.
That being said, I know I'm not the target audience for this novel. I've read a few supernatural romances but they're not typically what I gravitate towards. There was .... a LOT of smut. So much so that I found myself skimming the spicy scenes because it was just so repetitive and I was in it for the plot 😅
Air is a witch in the human world, running a nightclub with her two best friends. Having dreams about this hot man for 5 years and tells no one about it. When she finally meets him they're instantly attracted and the chemistry is there but it didn't feel like Ari falling in love, she just thought he was hot as hell. But did get that feeling that she's known him forever.
Gaelan is a 1,000 year old daemon who has been forced to watch his soulmate die repeatedly throughout the years every time she's reincarnated. For him, he loves Ari deeply from all the lifetimes they've spent together.
Ari's POV was pure lust. I get it, he's hot, but good lord girl I wouldn't be able to walk 😭 Not to mention there's literal daemons trying to kill you but all you can think about is pound town! Ask this man questions about the book!
The pacing was really good, it could have just used a little less spice (unpopular opinion I'm sure 😆). The storyline was unique, I liked the supernatural world and the different daemons. I anticipated something with the twist but it did surprise me.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and I'd be curious to see the final, published version. It has so much potential and with a little tweaking it could be 5 stars!
September 13, 2025
3.5 star arc review!!
This book has so much potential. The plot was very interesting but i felt like there was a lot added that could’ve been shortened or not included. The “twist” at the end was a bit disappointing as I figured it out almost immediately. The spice was definitely spicy 🌶️.
This book has so much potential. The plot was very interesting but i felt like there was a lot added that could’ve been shortened or not included. The “twist” at the end was a bit disappointing as I figured it out almost immediately. The spice was definitely spicy 🌶️.
September 13, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
Thank you Astrid Rose for letting me be an ARC reader for this book, I can’t wait to read the second book! 📕
Ughhhhh the ENDING, come on why you gotta do me like that!!!!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Daemons, witches, hell, magic, mates, twists and turns… it’s got in all and more😩
Go read it, it comes out September 30th 2025🤌🏻🤌🏻
Thank you Astrid Rose for letting me be an ARC reader for this book, I can’t wait to read the second book! 📕
Ughhhhh the ENDING, come on why you gotta do me like that!!!!
I LOVED LOVED LOVED IT ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Daemons, witches, hell, magic, mates, twists and turns… it’s got in all and more😩
Go read it, it comes out September 30th 2025🤌🏻🤌🏻
September 8, 2025
The Book Reader by Astrid Rose
This book was such a fun read! I love anything and everything to do with supernatural/paranormal reads and this one was no different! I absolutely devoured this read! We have faded mates, touch, and die, he falls first, and so many wonderful tropes and many of my personal favorites honestly!
This book has spice, adventure, it has a dark tone, and so many more absolute fun aspects that will leave you reeling as you start and finish the book! I was completely enamored by this read and it’s definitely a great fall read and it’s just cause the weather is starting to change and it’s the perfect kind of spooky paranormal weather!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2🌶️🌶️
This book was such a fun read! I love anything and everything to do with supernatural/paranormal reads and this one was no different! I absolutely devoured this read! We have faded mates, touch, and die, he falls first, and so many wonderful tropes and many of my personal favorites honestly!
This book has spice, adventure, it has a dark tone, and so many more absolute fun aspects that will leave you reeling as you start and finish the book! I was completely enamored by this read and it’s definitely a great fall read and it’s just cause the weather is starting to change and it’s the perfect kind of spooky paranormal weather!
4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2🌶️🌶️
September 3, 2025
Low-level witch Arianna Jay was born into a supernatural world where daemons and several other supernatural beings walk the earth. She settles for owning a nightclub where humans and supernaturals can come together in peace. That is, until she comes face to face with the beautiful man with bright blue eyes that haunts her dreams. She soon discovers that not everything is as it seems and begins to wonder who even is she.
Ari is a fantastic MC. She's strong, focused, and determined, and this shines through in her quest to find the Book. Despite going through so much as a young girl, her spirit doesn't waver if anything, and this makes he seek the truth even more. She's immediately drawn to Gaelan for reasons she doesn't know yet. Gaelan our MMC is a daemon who has had the trauma of living through multiple deaths of his soulmate, when he comes face to face with Ari he wants nothing more to protect her however hes been here before and knows he has to let her discover the truth for herself. Their relationship is pure fire, sparks fly, its hot, spicy, and pure sexy.
The story was a full-on adventure from beginning to end with a few twists added in, and a lot of mystery this really captured my attention.
Many of my favourite tropes are within these pages, such as he fell first, fated mates, touch her and die and of course, a strong FMC. There are a whole bunch more, too.
It's dark, adventurous, and a bloody good read! I definitely highly recommend it.
Thanks to Lunette PR and the author for gifting me a digital ARC.
Ari is a fantastic MC. She's strong, focused, and determined, and this shines through in her quest to find the Book. Despite going through so much as a young girl, her spirit doesn't waver if anything, and this makes he seek the truth even more. She's immediately drawn to Gaelan for reasons she doesn't know yet. Gaelan our MMC is a daemon who has had the trauma of living through multiple deaths of his soulmate, when he comes face to face with Ari he wants nothing more to protect her however hes been here before and knows he has to let her discover the truth for herself. Their relationship is pure fire, sparks fly, its hot, spicy, and pure sexy.
The story was a full-on adventure from beginning to end with a few twists added in, and a lot of mystery this really captured my attention.
Many of my favourite tropes are within these pages, such as he fell first, fated mates, touch her and die and of course, a strong FMC. There are a whole bunch more, too.
It's dark, adventurous, and a bloody good read! I definitely highly recommend it.
Thanks to Lunette PR and the author for gifting me a digital ARC.
October 7, 2025
I received an eARC of the book, in exchange for an honest review
The book reader is the first book in the Daemon Romance series. This book is not for the faint of heart. You may love reading romantasy or dark romance, but this right here, is much darker than anything you have ever read.
I sooo loved how Arianna - a young woman, descendant from a witch family - has shifted in just a matter of chapters, from : shy, unsure of herself, into a full on raging woman, with a k!ller attitude, sassy but still the same reckless girl from the beginning of the story. Some of us may not ever learn from our previous mistakes, no matter how many lives we get to live. :-))
Then, we have Gaelan, her true love, a Dream Daemon, who rules in the Underworld and is desperately searching for his long lost mate.
The suspense in the book is set real high, so is the spice once the fated mates are reunited, and there are tons of unexpected surprises inside the story, which makes it TOP LEVEL ROMANTASY.
The book reader is the first book in the Daemon Romance series. This book is not for the faint of heart. You may love reading romantasy or dark romance, but this right here, is much darker than anything you have ever read.
I sooo loved how Arianna - a young woman, descendant from a witch family - has shifted in just a matter of chapters, from : shy, unsure of herself, into a full on raging woman, with a k!ller attitude, sassy but still the same reckless girl from the beginning of the story. Some of us may not ever learn from our previous mistakes, no matter how many lives we get to live. :-))
Then, we have Gaelan, her true love, a Dream Daemon, who rules in the Underworld and is desperately searching for his long lost mate.
The suspense in the book is set real high, so is the spice once the fated mates are reunited, and there are tons of unexpected surprises inside the story, which makes it TOP LEVEL ROMANTASY.
September 3, 2025
I have never really been big on supernatural romances but this book opened my eyes and now I am love. The love and dedication this man has for his soulmate is amazing and truly a goal in life. Get you a man like him. I first started this book in the mind set of giving it a try and when I finished it, I knew I needed more. The spice is fantastic and the storyline is even better. It stuck a hook in me from the very first chapter. I can’t wait to read more!
September 6, 2025
✨ARC REVIEW✨
The Book Reader ~ Astrid Rose
Release date 📅 30.09.2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
✅ 📱 🔴 📖 🔴 🎧
Goodreads/fable: 5/5
T/W’s: spicy (inc consensual non consent, non consensual, dubious consent), death, gore/blood, mentions/portrayal of baby loss, strong language, kidnap
Tropes:
~ Pitch black content
~ Paranormal/ fantasy romance
~ Fated mates
~ He falls first
~ Special peen
~ Daemon love
~ Strong FMC
~ Magic
~ Spice
~ Daemon Shifter
~ Charmed vibes
~ Touch her and die
~ Blood Play
~ knotting
~ Primal
It’s 5 ⭐️’s from me!
Literally spent my last couple of evenings devouring this book! I was hooked from the beginning! The characters, the plot, everything about this book was *chefs kiss*
Can we just talk about the ending (without any spoilers tho 🤫) what an ending!!! The book ended on a big cliffhanger!!
I NEED to know what happens next, like yesterday!
Thank you Astrid for an amazing read!
The Book Reader ~ Astrid Rose
Release date 📅 30.09.2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Characters: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ending: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ 🌶️
✅ 📱 🔴 📖 🔴 🎧
Goodreads/fable: 5/5
T/W’s: spicy (inc consensual non consent, non consensual, dubious consent), death, gore/blood, mentions/portrayal of baby loss, strong language, kidnap
Tropes:
~ Pitch black content
~ Paranormal/ fantasy romance
~ Fated mates
~ He falls first
~ Special peen
~ Daemon love
~ Strong FMC
~ Magic
~ Spice
~ Daemon Shifter
~ Charmed vibes
~ Touch her and die
~ Blood Play
~ knotting
~ Primal
It’s 5 ⭐️’s from me!
Literally spent my last couple of evenings devouring this book! I was hooked from the beginning! The characters, the plot, everything about this book was *chefs kiss*
Can we just talk about the ending (without any spoilers tho 🤫) what an ending!!! The book ended on a big cliffhanger!!
I NEED to know what happens next, like yesterday!
Thank you Astrid for an amazing read!
September 16, 2025
*I was given this book as an eArc but my review is based solely on my own thoughts and opinions*
You got me in the first line alone lol.
“One thing being alive for as long as I have has taught me is that life is a bitch and destiny is an even bigger c*nt.”
Idk how I feel about the town being called Darkville though haha kinda cheesy, something you’d name a town in a kids program.
Too much use of the word moan, I swear it was used like 20 times in one chapter haha.
Personally, the flow felt off at times, jumps from one thing to another without giving us enough time.
I do love the story of fated mates throughout all time and through death. Like yes! What I don’t like so much is the insta lust. I would have liked more love than lust.
It was hard to get attached to some of the characters.
Overall, it was alright, I didn’t hate it or love it. There were some aspects I enjoyed and some I found difficult reading past. I’m so happy to see other people loving this book. That’s what I love about books, they are objective, we all like different things :)
2.5-3 stars
You got me in the first line alone lol.
“One thing being alive for as long as I have has taught me is that life is a bitch and destiny is an even bigger c*nt.”
Idk how I feel about the town being called Darkville though haha kinda cheesy, something you’d name a town in a kids program.
Too much use of the word moan, I swear it was used like 20 times in one chapter haha.
Personally, the flow felt off at times, jumps from one thing to another without giving us enough time.
I do love the story of fated mates throughout all time and through death. Like yes! What I don’t like so much is the insta lust. I would have liked more love than lust.
It was hard to get attached to some of the characters.
Overall, it was alright, I didn’t hate it or love it. There were some aspects I enjoyed and some I found difficult reading past. I’m so happy to see other people loving this book. That’s what I love about books, they are objective, we all like different things :)
2.5-3 stars
September 6, 2025
What a read!! I love supernatural romance. If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would!! I could not imagine waiting so long for your lover. The waiting would kill me. Chemistry between the two is amazing. I needed more.
October 21, 2025
this was so different from what I normally read but in the best way!!! this story was gripping and made me wanna keep on reading! my first read by Astrid and I know it won't be my last. this story was amazing!!!!
October 28, 2025
This book was amazing! The characters felt so fresh and unique, and I couldn’t get enough of them. Gaelan’s love for Ari is everything—honestly the kind of love every girl dreams of, with that forever devotion and always finding each other no matter what. I also loved Rex and Shadow; they were such fun and original additions to the story. The little glimpses into their past love stories made it even better. The whole book kept me hooked the entire time, and I didn’t want it to end. I was so sad when I finished and really hope there’s more to come!
October 5, 2025
DNF at 19%. For a 600 page book I expected things to actually happen throughout the course of the story. 12 chapters in and one, maybe two significant events have occurred, and there is a time jump. Normally I don’t mind a time jump but this one felt underdeveloped and left a lot of questions that maybe got answered later but it was a struggle to try and get there. The writing wasn’t bad but did need some polishing and showed a lot of potential.
Might be for you just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Might be for you just wasn't for me.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
September 8, 2025
We follow Arianna, a low level witch in a supernatural world. She has had more tragedy in one lifetime than one person should ever have, which leads her to have many questions about her heritage. She meets a gorgeous daemon, Gaelan, who has spent his entire immortal existence trying and failing to protect his soul mate, ‘The Book Reader’, over many different lifetimes. Gaelan thinks he’s found her again, and something is different this time, could he finally have the life he’s wished for after thousand of years of misery? Or will dark and evil forces cruelly take his soul mate again?
This book has me in a chokehold!! The premise of the story is so unique and unlike anything I’ve read before and I absolutely ate it up. I felt the pacing of the book was great, the author took care to really detail past history at all the right times to ensure we have the necessary information and background needed on the characters, whilst having us discover it at the same time as the FMC.
I love our girl Arianna, she is the sweetest! But don’t mess with her loved ones because you will probably die😂 I really liked that we got to come along with her on her self discovery journey. I thought her character development was brilliant and she went from strength to strength.
Gaelan, what an absolute babe!🫶🏻 I’m sorry but what other man can say they’ve spent their immortal life trying to find your reincarnation because he loves you that much? No one? I rest my case. He is just goals. No notes.
If you like spice, with some demons thrown in to it, you’ve come to the right place. This book has more than enough to go around! 🥵🌶️
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The revelations at the end with that cliffhanger?! Excuse me!! Can’t wait for book 2!!👏👏
This book comes out on the 30th September! Please check it out!
Thank you so much to Astrid Rose for the ARC copy. I have read this voluntarily and this is my honest review💜
This book has me in a chokehold!! The premise of the story is so unique and unlike anything I’ve read before and I absolutely ate it up. I felt the pacing of the book was great, the author took care to really detail past history at all the right times to ensure we have the necessary information and background needed on the characters, whilst having us discover it at the same time as the FMC.
I love our girl Arianna, she is the sweetest! But don’t mess with her loved ones because you will probably die😂 I really liked that we got to come along with her on her self discovery journey. I thought her character development was brilliant and she went from strength to strength.
Gaelan, what an absolute babe!🫶🏻 I’m sorry but what other man can say they’ve spent their immortal life trying to find your reincarnation because he loves you that much? No one? I rest my case. He is just goals. No notes.
If you like spice, with some demons thrown in to it, you’ve come to the right place. This book has more than enough to go around! 🥵🌶️
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The revelations at the end with that cliffhanger?! Excuse me!! Can’t wait for book 2!!👏👏
This book comes out on the 30th September! Please check it out!
Thank you so much to Astrid Rose for the ARC copy. I have read this voluntarily and this is my honest review💜
September 26, 2025
Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5 stars)
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
one thing about me is i love love love supernatural romance books and i’m an even bigger lover & an absolute sucker for the reincarnation / one person for the character in each of their lifetime trope so when i found out this book had that trope it was an immediate yes for me! i really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to other fellow romantasy readers that are looking for something new & unique to get hooked into!
The Book Reader follows Ari, a young witch living a quiet life running a nightclub with her best friend, until her world is turned upside down by vividly strange dreams and powerful forces she never saw coming. as she’s pulled deeper into a hidden supernatural world, Ari discovers she has a unique role, a past she’s unbeknown to her and untapped abilities that could change everything. all at the same time, she’s drawn to a mysterious man with glowing blue eyes with ties to her past, forcing her to question who she really is—and what she’s meant to truly become.
the pacing felt perfect for the amount of pages this book has, at no point did i feel slowed down, confused or everything just fell right into place when it was needed! th worldbuilding was immersive and atmospheric, and played just like a teen tv show where i’d give anything to switch places with the fmc. a must read for those who love a good paranormal romance with all the plot twists and cliffhangers!!
what to expect in the book reader:
🤍 fated mates
🤍 he falls first
🤍 touch her & die
🤍 pitch black ** check content warnings!!
🤍 daemons & magic
🤍 hidden identity
🤍 paranormal romance
🤍 reincarnation
the book reader releases september 30th, 2025!
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ (3/5)
one thing about me is i love love love supernatural romance books and i’m an even bigger lover & an absolute sucker for the reincarnation / one person for the character in each of their lifetime trope so when i found out this book had that trope it was an immediate yes for me! i really enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it to other fellow romantasy readers that are looking for something new & unique to get hooked into!
The Book Reader follows Ari, a young witch living a quiet life running a nightclub with her best friend, until her world is turned upside down by vividly strange dreams and powerful forces she never saw coming. as she’s pulled deeper into a hidden supernatural world, Ari discovers she has a unique role, a past she’s unbeknown to her and untapped abilities that could change everything. all at the same time, she’s drawn to a mysterious man with glowing blue eyes with ties to her past, forcing her to question who she really is—and what she’s meant to truly become.
the pacing felt perfect for the amount of pages this book has, at no point did i feel slowed down, confused or everything just fell right into place when it was needed! th worldbuilding was immersive and atmospheric, and played just like a teen tv show where i’d give anything to switch places with the fmc. a must read for those who love a good paranormal romance with all the plot twists and cliffhangers!!
what to expect in the book reader:
🤍 fated mates
🤍 he falls first
🤍 touch her & die
🤍 pitch black ** check content warnings!!
🤍 daemons & magic
🤍 hidden identity
🤍 paranormal romance
🤍 reincarnation
the book reader releases september 30th, 2025!
September 19, 2025
Astrid Rose's The Book Reader offers a fascinating plunge into a hidden world where daemons and supernatural politics reign. The story follows Arianna Jay, who believes she is nothing more than a low-level witch in a world shared by humans and supernaturals. Her life is upended when she discovers her true heritage as a powerful daemon and her destined role as the Book Reader, a position granting her immense magical power.
The plot is a compelling blend of past and present, expertly weaving together the secrets of Ari’s forgotten lives, the magnetic role of Gaelen throughout her history, and a looming threat that could destroy everything. The world-building is exceptional, creating a rich and believable universe. I was particularly impressed by the intricate magic system, the diverse cast of characters, and the ferocious, well-choreographed battle scenes.
My one significant critique lies with the spice elements. While I understand that physical intimacy is a key part of the supernatural bonding process in this world, the sheer volume of explicit "spice" began to detract from the otherwise excellent plot. What was initially engaging became repetitive and ultimately slowed the momentum of the central story.
Despite this, I was thoroughly captivated by Ari’s journey. The strengths of the world, the intrigue of the prophecy, and the tension of the central conflict far outweighed my personal preferences regarding the spice. I finished the book eager to continue the series and discover how Ari will wield her newfound power in the fights to come.
September 17, 2025
Probably the best opening line to a book ever.
Every part of the first chapter screams at you to keep reading, it holds you like a captive audience. The hook, the emotion, the punchy lines. Absolutely perfect. I'd actually listen to a seminar from this author on how to write like this, because I knew from that very point that I wouldn't be dnfing, I'd be reviewing & rating highly and would be following this author & reading their future releases. Sadly, this same impact and tone doesn't carry on into the rest of the book, as POV changes and the story builds the raw power is lost a little, but not in a way that makes this a bad read by any means. Up until about 50% I was really struggling, there's been so much back story and very little action, at this point it felt like the smut takes over from plot development. There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. The second half book definitely picked up in pace & action and was easier to read through.
The gay best friend trope is very dated, i think a sensitivity reader would have been great here. Gay men are much more than shopping besties. As a gay girly, this didn't sit right with me and I hope the author does some research into why this isn't necessarily okay.
in the authors note, there is thanks to the editors. However, the book is riddled with errors, I'd recommend the author get a new editor and get their money back from the ones they've used. They have missed far too many errors, and it feels like they've taken advantage of the author.
Every part of the first chapter screams at you to keep reading, it holds you like a captive audience. The hook, the emotion, the punchy lines. Absolutely perfect. I'd actually listen to a seminar from this author on how to write like this, because I knew from that very point that I wouldn't be dnfing, I'd be reviewing & rating highly and would be following this author & reading their future releases. Sadly, this same impact and tone doesn't carry on into the rest of the book, as POV changes and the story builds the raw power is lost a little, but not in a way that makes this a bad read by any means. Up until about 50% I was really struggling, there's been so much back story and very little action, at this point it felt like the smut takes over from plot development. There was a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. The second half book definitely picked up in pace & action and was easier to read through.
The gay best friend trope is very dated, i think a sensitivity reader would have been great here. Gay men are much more than shopping besties. As a gay girly, this didn't sit right with me and I hope the author does some research into why this isn't necessarily okay.
in the authors note, there is thanks to the editors. However, the book is riddled with errors, I'd recommend the author get a new editor and get their money back from the ones they've used. They have missed far too many errors, and it feels like they've taken advantage of the author.
October 2, 2025
A spicy and well woven story.
I loved the discovery within this story, the way her past and their history and the conflict are all revealed slowly and in pieces. I enjoyed putting it together. There was a lot of background and context in the beginning, so it felt a bit slow at times, but the thread of the story was interesting when it picked up.
The concept of the book reader is a cool one, and I enjoyed the way it was used, though I wish there was more to the book (maybe there’s another book to come?)
Ari is an interesting character, and I enjoyed her positivity and goodness - it played nicely with the deamon elements and her fire when provoked and what she loved was threatened was fun to read.
This book is definitely spicy, and honestly maybe a bit too spicy for my tastes. I found myself skimming or skipping through some pieces as I just wanted to get back to the story. But if you’re looking for lots of spice and demon spice… this book has it in spades.
Overall, a good spicy romantasy.
I loved the discovery within this story, the way her past and their history and the conflict are all revealed slowly and in pieces. I enjoyed putting it together. There was a lot of background and context in the beginning, so it felt a bit slow at times, but the thread of the story was interesting when it picked up.
The concept of the book reader is a cool one, and I enjoyed the way it was used, though I wish there was more to the book (maybe there’s another book to come?)
Ari is an interesting character, and I enjoyed her positivity and goodness - it played nicely with the deamon elements and her fire when provoked and what she loved was threatened was fun to read.
This book is definitely spicy, and honestly maybe a bit too spicy for my tastes. I found myself skimming or skipping through some pieces as I just wanted to get back to the story. But if you’re looking for lots of spice and demon spice… this book has it in spades.
Overall, a good spicy romantasy.
October 29, 2025
**This is an ARC review and I was not compensated in anyway for my review on this book**
Holy freakin moly this book truly had me in a chokehold!! I knew from the minute I saw the playlist that was made for the book, that this was going to be a GREAT read. Thankfully that truly panned out and was amazing!
This book centers around two characters Arianna and Gaelan. Gaelan is the daemon Lord of the Dreamland and Arianna is a witch (or so she thinks) that lives topside working as a bartender in an all inclusive nightclub.
The magic system that is created by this author for this book is like no other system I have experienced in fantasy or romantasy. It was truly a breathe of fresh air to experience something so new and captivating. It kept me interested in how things worked between the different beings and their magic/powers.
The systems, the plot, the world is so beautiful and truly unique.
The plot throughout this story is amazing. It is clear and concise. There are times where in the plot you experience massive time jumps with the different characters, and you never find yourself lost in what is happening during the jumps. Everything is clear and makes sense as it is lain out in front of you on the page. The author is also so descriptive it creates such imagery in your mind. It was so easy for me to visualize the characters, the landscapes, the homes, the gardens, the cozy cabin with the eclectic furniture, the friends, the lovers..... everything. You truly feel like you are standing in the background watching everything unfold vs just reading another romantasy.
The spice is DEFINITELY spicing! However, the scenes make sense. They are cohesive. They are intimate. They are primal. They are feral at times. They are sensual. You can FEEL the chemistry between Arianna and Gaelan radiating off the pages. Now, there are some noncon scenes in this book so make sure that you read your triggers if that is a thing for you. I prefer to go in blind as I have yet to find something that gives me the ick enough to not read. In those scenes, you can feel the devastation. You can feel the trauma. You can feel the pain. You can feel the emotion and the connection between Arianna and Gaelan as well as their individual emotions felt in those moments.
The world building. Now.... listen, I am not a fan of intricate world building. I absolutely can not stand having to keep track of some crazy landscape while also keeping track of the plot of a story. That being said, Ms. Rose does a phenomenal job of describing the world(s) that the characters are residing in, the political landscapes of those worlds over time, as well as bullet points of important historical things that occur in those said world(s). She not only describes them flawlessly to again create a clear vision in your mind of the situation, but they are described so clearly and with only the important details so it is easy to follow and keep track of throughout the story. I never felt lost. I never felt like I had to back track (at least for world issues)
The twists.... the turns.... the WHAT THE F*** moments were REAL! These characters experience so much pain, so much love, so much passion, so much life.... and they just keep getting back up and going no matter what. Even in their darkest of dark moments.. they find a way.
A new trope was introduced to me for the romantasy genre in this book. The multiple lives trope. Arianna is 'The Book Reader' (unbeknownst to her). This particular being is reborn over and over again over time. She has her fated soul mate, Gaelan, who must find her in every life and try his damndest to keep her from being taken from him by the lords of the underworld because they fear the greatness that she is capable of. Sometimes she is reborn quickly. Sometimes, Gaelan waits 100's of years! ugh MY HEART!
IF you love romantasy
IF you love fated mates
IF you love touch her and be ended
IF you love magic
IF you love found family
IF you love unique storytelling
IF you love Spice
IF you love to be sucked into a book and held there captive as you both can't wait and also dread the end.....
Then on September 30, 2025 ---- Go READ THIS BOOK!!! You absolutely will NOT regret it AT ALL!
Holy freakin moly this book truly had me in a chokehold!! I knew from the minute I saw the playlist that was made for the book, that this was going to be a GREAT read. Thankfully that truly panned out and was amazing!
This book centers around two characters Arianna and Gaelan. Gaelan is the daemon Lord of the Dreamland and Arianna is a witch (or so she thinks) that lives topside working as a bartender in an all inclusive nightclub.
The magic system that is created by this author for this book is like no other system I have experienced in fantasy or romantasy. It was truly a breathe of fresh air to experience something so new and captivating. It kept me interested in how things worked between the different beings and their magic/powers.
The systems, the plot, the world is so beautiful and truly unique.
The plot throughout this story is amazing. It is clear and concise. There are times where in the plot you experience massive time jumps with the different characters, and you never find yourself lost in what is happening during the jumps. Everything is clear and makes sense as it is lain out in front of you on the page. The author is also so descriptive it creates such imagery in your mind. It was so easy for me to visualize the characters, the landscapes, the homes, the gardens, the cozy cabin with the eclectic furniture, the friends, the lovers..... everything. You truly feel like you are standing in the background watching everything unfold vs just reading another romantasy.
The spice is DEFINITELY spicing! However, the scenes make sense. They are cohesive. They are intimate. They are primal. They are feral at times. They are sensual. You can FEEL the chemistry between Arianna and Gaelan radiating off the pages. Now, there are some noncon scenes in this book so make sure that you read your triggers if that is a thing for you. I prefer to go in blind as I have yet to find something that gives me the ick enough to not read. In those scenes, you can feel the devastation. You can feel the trauma. You can feel the pain. You can feel the emotion and the connection between Arianna and Gaelan as well as their individual emotions felt in those moments.
The world building. Now.... listen, I am not a fan of intricate world building. I absolutely can not stand having to keep track of some crazy landscape while also keeping track of the plot of a story. That being said, Ms. Rose does a phenomenal job of describing the world(s) that the characters are residing in, the political landscapes of those worlds over time, as well as bullet points of important historical things that occur in those said world(s). She not only describes them flawlessly to again create a clear vision in your mind of the situation, but they are described so clearly and with only the important details so it is easy to follow and keep track of throughout the story. I never felt lost. I never felt like I had to back track (at least for world issues)
The twists.... the turns.... the WHAT THE F*** moments were REAL! These characters experience so much pain, so much love, so much passion, so much life.... and they just keep getting back up and going no matter what. Even in their darkest of dark moments.. they find a way.
A new trope was introduced to me for the romantasy genre in this book. The multiple lives trope. Arianna is 'The Book Reader' (unbeknownst to her). This particular being is reborn over and over again over time. She has her fated soul mate, Gaelan, who must find her in every life and try his damndest to keep her from being taken from him by the lords of the underworld because they fear the greatness that she is capable of. Sometimes she is reborn quickly. Sometimes, Gaelan waits 100's of years! ugh MY HEART!
IF you love romantasy
IF you love fated mates
IF you love touch her and be ended
IF you love magic
IF you love found family
IF you love unique storytelling
IF you love Spice
IF you love to be sucked into a book and held there captive as you both can't wait and also dread the end.....
Then on September 30, 2025 ---- Go READ THIS BOOK!!! You absolutely will NOT regret it AT ALL!
October 16, 2025
The Book Reader READ THE TW's!!!
OMG this is one of the best books I've read all year! This is a dark paranormal romantacy. Read the TW's!! DO NOT Read this book without reading the TW's and saying you didn't know it was DR. This is a pitch black, spicy, fated mates, daemon shifter book filled with magic and romance. This book had me hooked from page one and it just kept getting better! The author did an amazing job with the character development, as well as the progression of the story. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author!! If you are a fan of dark paranormal romantacy, he falls first, touch her an die books with charmed vibes then I would recommend adding this to your TBR!
I would like to thank @lunette_pr and @author_astridrose for giving me a ARC Copy to read. I was ask to leave a review but it was not required. All thoughts, opinions, and star ranking are solely mine, and have not be influenced in any way.
OMG this is one of the best books I've read all year! This is a dark paranormal romantacy. Read the TW's!! DO NOT Read this book without reading the TW's and saying you didn't know it was DR. This is a pitch black, spicy, fated mates, daemon shifter book filled with magic and romance. This book had me hooked from page one and it just kept getting better! The author did an amazing job with the character development, as well as the progression of the story. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author!! If you are a fan of dark paranormal romantacy, he falls first, touch her an die books with charmed vibes then I would recommend adding this to your TBR!
I would like to thank @lunette_pr and @author_astridrose for giving me a ARC Copy to read. I was ask to leave a review but it was not required. All thoughts, opinions, and star ranking are solely mine, and have not be influenced in any way.
September 20, 2025
A Gripping Twist on Dark Romance — I’m Still Reeling!
Where do I even begin? ❤️❤️❤️ This book delivers a refreshingly unique take on dark romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The storyline is intense, unpredictable, and emotionally charged — I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world that was both haunting and mesmerizing.
The author’s approach to the genre is bold and original, with twists that left me absolutely stunned. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would shift in ways I never saw coming. By the end, I was in complete shock — in the best way possible.
I devoured the entire book and now I’m left with only one burning question: Where is book two?! I need answers, closure, and more of this incredible story. Highly recommend to anyone who loves dark romance with a twist.
Where do I even begin? ❤️❤️❤️ This book delivers a refreshingly unique take on dark romance that had me hooked from the very first page. The storyline is intense, unpredictable, and emotionally charged — I couldn’t put it down. Every chapter pulled me deeper into a world that was both haunting and mesmerizing.
The author’s approach to the genre is bold and original, with twists that left me absolutely stunned. Just when I thought I had things figured out, the plot would shift in ways I never saw coming. By the end, I was in complete shock — in the best way possible.
I devoured the entire book and now I’m left with only one burning question: Where is book two?! I need answers, closure, and more of this incredible story. Highly recommend to anyone who loves dark romance with a twist.
October 4, 2025
THIS BOOK! When I signed up for a chance to read it as an arc I didn't really know what I was getting myself into, but thought, hey I'll give it a chance. Now I can't wait for the next chapter in the series and to see what other drama and spice can unfold.
It was twists and turns, love and devotion, spice and fierce protection. It was demons and witches, humans and underworlds, reincarnations and immortals.
Just reading the synopsis I was worried that it would be too much world building or too much fantasy, but it was just the right amount.
The smut and spice was borderline too much, but still well worth the read.
The characters were amazing and the plot was brilliant. I really just can't say enough.
It was twists and turns, love and devotion, spice and fierce protection. It was demons and witches, humans and underworlds, reincarnations and immortals.
Just reading the synopsis I was worried that it would be too much world building or too much fantasy, but it was just the right amount.
The smut and spice was borderline too much, but still well worth the read.
The characters were amazing and the plot was brilliant. I really just can't say enough.
September 17, 2025
Frist I would just like to say a huge thank you to Astrid Rose for letting me be an ARC reader for this book ❤️
Omg this book is absolutely amazing, It got me hooked from the frist chapter.
From the get go it had my heart breaking for Gaelan reading how he lost 'Rose' (his mate) every time and was unfortunately to late to save her every time broke my heart 💔
And oh my, I am living for these spicy scenes 🥵🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 between Garlan and Arianna.
The twists and turns had me in a chokehold, you think it would go one way but something else happens and draws you in more.
And what a cliffhanger it ends on, Astrid I need more 😭 i have so many questions.
This book had a spell on me, it is so good, I could not stop reading it and I want to go back in time and re-read it for the frist time again, it is that good 🖤
I am so in love with both Arianna and Gaelan 😍❤️
If you are a lover of a pitch-romantacy with spice (and I mean spicy 🥵) then I highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not regret reading this book.
Omg this book is absolutely amazing, It got me hooked from the frist chapter.
From the get go it had my heart breaking for Gaelan reading how he lost 'Rose' (his mate) every time and was unfortunately to late to save her every time broke my heart 💔
And oh my, I am living for these spicy scenes 🥵🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 between Garlan and Arianna.
The twists and turns had me in a chokehold, you think it would go one way but something else happens and draws you in more.
And what a cliffhanger it ends on, Astrid I need more 😭 i have so many questions.
This book had a spell on me, it is so good, I could not stop reading it and I want to go back in time and re-read it for the frist time again, it is that good 🖤
I am so in love with both Arianna and Gaelan 😍❤️
If you are a lover of a pitch-romantacy with spice (and I mean spicy 🥵) then I highly recommend this book ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not regret reading this book.
September 24, 2025
[ARC Review]
I was lucky to have been picked to read this arc, which I was so excited for! The synopsis really gripped me and, to be honest, the cover called to me. However, much to my dismay, it fell short to all of my expectations.
I felt like the fantasy portion of the plot in this romantasy was completely washed out by the romance - which is not necessarily bad, per se, but it does ruin your experience when the romance is just the two of them lusting over each other in the worst possible moments. It was an overall disappointing read to me, and one that made me progressively sadder the more I would read because it just felt like "oh, they're doing it again... and again. oh! plot development? nope, they're at it again". A great plot sadly quickly turned into PWP, which is definitely not what this book promised, and much less even what I expected it to deliver.
Altogether, this book wouldn't have been bad with half of its size (honestly 600 pages with mostly just fucking seems like a stretch to me), and had the plot been better developed and the characters fornicated a little less, the book would have been pristine at just 350 pages, tops.
All in all, The Book Reader was still catchy enough (for better or for worse) to make me finish it in two days, and if you prefer spice over plot, and romance over fantasy, this books delivers right to your alley. You might just have to get through some cringy, grammatically incorrect demon dialogues (which also didn't make sense, because all the other demons spoke perfect English, except Trelor and Lexus, who spoke like "Me like you").
I was lucky to have been picked to read this arc, which I was so excited for! The synopsis really gripped me and, to be honest, the cover called to me. However, much to my dismay, it fell short to all of my expectations.
I felt like the fantasy portion of the plot in this romantasy was completely washed out by the romance - which is not necessarily bad, per se, but it does ruin your experience when the romance is just the two of them lusting over each other in the worst possible moments. It was an overall disappointing read to me, and one that made me progressively sadder the more I would read because it just felt like "oh, they're doing it again... and again. oh! plot development? nope, they're at it again". A great plot sadly quickly turned into PWP, which is definitely not what this book promised, and much less even what I expected it to deliver.
Altogether, this book wouldn't have been bad with half of its size (honestly 600 pages with mostly just fucking seems like a stretch to me), and had the plot been better developed and the characters fornicated a little less, the book would have been pristine at just 350 pages, tops.
All in all, The Book Reader was still catchy enough (for better or for worse) to make me finish it in two days, and if you prefer spice over plot, and romance over fantasy, this books delivers right to your alley. You might just have to get through some cringy, grammatically incorrect demon dialogues (which also didn't make sense, because all the other demons spoke perfect English, except Trelor and Lexus, who spoke like "Me like you").
October 24, 2025
he plot was gripping, the spice was spicing, and the supernaturals part was good. The pacing was great, the world felt dark and magical, and there was always something happening to keep me turning the pages.
Ari’s a witch running a nightclub with her best friends, having these wild dreams about a man she’s never met. When Gaelan , a thousand-year-old daemon actually shows up, things get real intense, real fast. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
The storyline itself was really interesting though! The daemon world, the danger, the mystery, the twist near the end surprised me.
Overall, it’s a dark, spicy supernatural romance.
Ari’s a witch running a nightclub with her best friends, having these wild dreams about a man she’s never met. When Gaelan , a thousand-year-old daemon actually shows up, things get real intense, real fast. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
The storyline itself was really interesting though! The daemon world, the danger, the mystery, the twist near the end surprised me.
Overall, it’s a dark, spicy supernatural romance.
December 21, 2025
This was such an amazing book. Ari and Gaelan had me melting repeatedly throughout this book. The whole idea of this was so original. Ari being reborn over and over and Gaelan trying his hardest to keep her safe and failing repeatedly made the stakes extremely high for this reincarnation. I loved Ari’s friendship with Mekhi, he was absolutely hilarious and I loved every second he was on the page. Ari coming into her powers and becoming so unbelievably strong was completely riveting and she was so impressive. I loved how fiercely protective Gaelan and Ari were of each other and I loved the way they became closer and stronger as time went on. The spicy scenes were scandalously hot and the battle scenes were entirely amazing. The cliffhanger/twist at the end has me desperate for the next book
September 27, 2025
✨️ARC REVIEW ✨️
Really enjoyed this one! The plot was super interesting and had a lot going for it, but most of the time it took a back seat to the spicy scenes (Which isn’t a bad thing at all.) The heat level is definitely a full five chilis, so if that’s what you’re here for, you’ll be very happy.
Personally, I would’ve liked a bit more balance between the story and the spice, just to let the plot shine a little more. Still, it was a great read and I’m excited to see where the next book goes!
Really enjoyed this one! The plot was super interesting and had a lot going for it, but most of the time it took a back seat to the spicy scenes (Which isn’t a bad thing at all.) The heat level is definitely a full five chilis, so if that’s what you’re here for, you’ll be very happy.
Personally, I would’ve liked a bit more balance between the story and the spice, just to let the plot shine a little more. Still, it was a great read and I’m excited to see where the next book goes!
October 6, 2025
The first half of the book was very good, with a good storyline and interesting plot. Then the FMC and MMC is replaced by two very horny teenagers, and everything can be resolved by having sex. In addition, the inner daemons baby-talk really put me off. Are they babies, cave-men or lesser beings? They are portrayed as simple but powerful "kill first, no questions" kind of beings.
The premise of the story is great, and this could have been so much better if the plot was not thrown out and replaced by sex, but rather the sex incorporated as an important part of the storyline. This link is missing for half the story, and I wish it were not.
The premise of the story is great, and this could have been so much better if the plot was not thrown out and replaced by sex, but rather the sex incorporated as an important part of the storyline. This link is missing for half the story, and I wish it were not.
December 24, 2025
ARC FOR HONEST REVIEW;
WOW OH WOW OH WOW! I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!!! First of all the uniqueness of this story had me reeling! I’ve read A LOT of books but nothing compared to this bad boy! For once I could care less for the spice because I was EATING THE PLOT UP!!!
I enjoyed reading the back and forth and learning about Ari and Gaelan in past and present. The book reader was so interesting to me and cool and learning about THAT was incredible. I honest to god couldn’t put this book down. The spice was an added bonus to this story!
Astrid you did a phenomenal job!
WOW OH WOW OH WOW! I ATE THIS BOOK UP!!!! First of all the uniqueness of this story had me reeling! I’ve read A LOT of books but nothing compared to this bad boy! For once I could care less for the spice because I was EATING THE PLOT UP!!!
I enjoyed reading the back and forth and learning about Ari and Gaelan in past and present. The book reader was so interesting to me and cool and learning about THAT was incredible. I honest to god couldn’t put this book down. The spice was an added bonus to this story!
Astrid you did a phenomenal job!
September 23, 2025
The Book Reader is a captivating dive into a supernatural world full of daemons, witches, and hidden dangers. Arianna’s journey kept me hooked, and her chemistry with Gaelan was beautifully intense. The worldbuilding was vivid, and the tension between human and supernatural politics added great depth. While there were a few moments that felt a bit drawn out, overall it was a gripping, romantic, and magical read.
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