Category: Reviews

Book review across the vanishing sky

Catherine Cowles has done it again, bringing life to small town romances with twists and spice for everyone!

Across the Vanishing Sky (Starlight Grove, #1)Across the Vanishing Sky by Catherine Cowles
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Across the Vanishing Sky is one of those rare reads that completely pulls you in and refuses to let go—and honestly, I’m still thinking about it long after turning the final page. This was an easy five stars for me.

From the very beginning, the story has this quiet intensity that builds and builds, layering tension, emotion, and intrigue in a way that feels effortless. It’s the kind of book where you tell yourself “just one more chapter,” and suddenly it’s 2am and you’re still not ready to stop.

Let’s start with the MMC, because wow—he is everything I want in a brooding, morally grey hero. There’s something so compelling about the way he walks that fine line between right and wrong, constantly keeping you guessing about his true motivations. He’s intense, guarded, and carries that weight of unspoken history that makes every interaction feel loaded. And yet, beneath all that darkness, there are glimpses of something softer… something dangerous in a completely different way. The kind of character who doesn’t just steal scenes—he owns them.

And then there’s the FMC, who is just as strong in her own right. She’s sassy, sharp, and refreshingly unapologetic, with a voice that leaps off the page. What I loved most is that her strength never feels forced—she’s clever, reactive, and emotionally real, making her incredibly easy to root for. She doesn’t get overshadowed by the MMC’s presence—instead, she challenges him, matches him, and at times completely disarms him.

Together? Absolute magic. The banter between them is one of the standout elements of this book. It’s witty, charged, and perfectly timed, adding both levity and tension exactly where it’s needed. Their dynamic is layered with push and pull, distrust and curiosity, and that simmering undercurrent of attraction that never feels rushed.

And speaking of that slow burn… it is perfectly done. The romance unfolds gradually, built on tension, stolen moments, and emotional shifts that feel earned rather than forced. Every glance, every line of dialogue, every almost-touch adds to that delicious anticipation. When things finally start to shift, it hits so much harder because of how carefully everything has been built.

But what really elevates this story is the mystery woven throughout. It’s not just a backdrop—it’s a driving force that keeps the plot moving and the reader constantly questioning. The clues are layered in a way that feels intentional and clever, and just when you think you’ve figured things out, the story twists again. I genuinely loved how it kept me guessing right up until the big reveal, which landed in a way that felt both surprising and satisfying.

The world itself feels immersive without being overwhelming, striking that perfect balance between atmosphere and clarity. There’s a sense of wonder threaded through the story, but also an undercurrent of danger that keeps everything grounded. It creates the perfect stage for both the romance and the mystery to unfold.

Overall, Across the Vanishing Skies is a beautifully crafted blend of tension, intrigue, and slow-burning romance. It delivers on every level—characters you can’t stop thinking about, a relationship that keeps you invested, and a plot that refuses to let you look away.

Another one straight out of the park. I absolutely cannot wait to see what comes next.

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ARC Review: Below the Breath of the World Series — A Slow-Burn Underwater Monster Romance

I recently had the pleasure of reading ARC copies of the first two books in the Below the Breath of the World series by H. L. Dawson. This haunting underwater sci-fi blends rich worldbuilding with a slow-burn under-the-sea monster romance. Here are my thoughts on Deeper Than Black and Darker Than Blue.

I was delighted to receive advance review copies of the first two books in the Below the Breath of the World series by H. L. Dawson. There’s always something special about being able to step into a new world before release, and this series offers a particularly atmospheric one—set beneath the ocean’s surface in a haunting, crumbling future where survival, mystery, and identity collide.

Blending rich worldbuilding with a slow-burn under-the-sea monster romance, the series explores not only the dangers lurking in the depths but also the complicated relationships that grow between its characters. As the story unfolds, secrets rise from the deep along with questions of heritage, belonging, and what it truly means to be human.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring this drowned world and getting to know Mizu and the characters around her. Below you’ll find my reviews for the first two books, Deeper Than Black and Darker Than Blue, which dive into the world, characters, and twists that make this series such a compelling read.

I hope you enjoy the reviews—and perhaps discover a new series to add to your reading list.

Deeper than Black (Below the Breath of the World #1)Deeper than Black by H.L. Dawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Deeper Than Black immediately pulled me in with its immersive setting and the quiet resilience of its protagonist. The story follows Mizu, a scrap diver living in the decaying domed city of Boba 7, where survival depends on what can be salvaged from the dark, crushing depths outside the city’s walls. It’s a world built from rusting technology, fragile ecosystems, and people who have learned to survive in a place that feels like it’s slowly falling apart.

One of the strongest elements of this book is the worldbuilding. The underwater environment feels tangible and dangerous, from the claustrophobic domed city to the eerie silence of the abyss where Mizu works. The details about diving, salvage work, and the technology used to survive underwater add a layer of realism that makes the setting feel lived-in. The Oxyphyte helmet, which acts as Mizu’s lifeline while she explores the depths, is a particularly effective detail that reinforces the constant tension of her profession.

Mizu herself is a compelling protagonist. At thirty-two, she isn’t the typical wide-eyed hero discovering the world for the first time. Instead, she’s someone shaped by hardship and survival, cautious and observant, with good reason to keep looking over her shoulder. Her physical strength and diving skills make her capable, but it’s her resilience and adaptability that truly define her character. Watching her navigate the dangers of her world—and the complicated relationships around her—makes for an engaging journey.

The supporting characters also add intriguing layers to the story. Fin, who has a complicated history with Mizu, brings tension and ambiguity to their interactions. Meanwhile, Mako, the clever ally with a mysterious past, adds another dimension of uncertainty. The relationships between these characters shift and evolve as the story progresses, which keeps the narrative interesting and unpredictable.
What surprised me most about this book was the direction the story eventually takes. Without giving spoilers, the plot introduces twists that challenge both Mizu’s understanding of her world and the reader’s expectations. The story starts as a gritty survival narrative but gradually expands into something much larger and stranger, which I found both fascinating and refreshing.

The sense of mystery is also part of what gives the book its distinctive atmosphere.

Overall, Deeper Than Black is a compelling read with strong worldbuilding, an interesting protagonist, and a story that isn’t afraid to take unexpected turns. Readers who enjoy atmospheric science fiction, underwater settings, and character-driven narratives will likely find a lot to appreciate here.

Darker than Blue (Below the Breath of the World #2)Darker than Blue by H.L. Dawson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A powerful sequel that deepens the world and the relationships

Darker Than Blue takes everything that worked in the first book and expands it in meaningful and emotional ways. Returning to Mizu’s drowned world feels both familiar and more dangerous, as the story dives deeper into the mysteries surrounding the Sirhunue, their origins, and Mizu’s own place among them.

One of the things I loved in the first book was the worldbuilding, and that continues to shine here. The underwater setting still feels vivid and haunting, filled with crumbling domes, lost technology, and secrets buried beneath the ocean floor. The journey to Boba 3 in particular adds a darker, almost mythic atmosphere to the story. The idea of the Iron Womb—an ancient machine once responsible for creating the Sirhunue but now corrupted and producing terrifying abominations—is both eerie and fascinating. It adds another layer of depth to the already rich setting.

But what really makes this sequel stand out is how much the relationships develop. The bonds between Mizu, Fin, and Mako become far more complicated as the story progresses. The tensions between them feel natural and believable, shaped by secrets, loyalty, and feelings that aren’t always easy to confront. Watching those relationships evolve—sometimes strengthening, sometimes straining under pressure—adds a strong emotional core to the story.

Mizu herself continues to be a compelling protagonist. As she begins to uncover the truth of her heritage and her connection to the Sirhunue, the story explores themes of identity and belonging in thoughtful ways. Being caught between two bloodlines and two possible destinies forces her to question everything she thought she knew about herself and her world. Those internal conflicts give the story a lot of weight, especially as the stakes continue to rise.

Another element that stood out to me was the reappearance of Mizu’s mother. Their fractured relationship adds a deeply personal dimension to the narrative. After years of silence and grief, being forced to confront that history and rebuild trust is no easy task. The emotional tension in those moments helps ground the larger, more epic elements of the plot.

As the story unfolds, the boundaries between human and Sirhunue begin to blur, and the ocean itself seems to be shifting in response to the choices being made. The sense that everything is building toward something larger—something that could reshape the fate of Mizu’s people—keeps the tension high throughout the book.

Overall, Darker Than Blue is a fantastic sequel that deepens the mythology of the series while strengthening the emotional connections between the characters. Readers who enjoyed the first book will likely appreciate how the story expands here, exploring identity, loyalty, and the complicated ties that bind people together.

A gripping continuation of Mizu’s journey, and one that leaves me eager to see where the story goes next.

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Frostbird Reborn Book Launch: A Dark Fae Romantasy of Phoenix Fire, Prophecy, and Enemies to Lovers

Frostbird Reborn is a dark fae romantasy featuring phoenix rulers, enemies to lovers tension, and a prophecy twist. Read in KU with bonus story.

Frostbird Reborn is officially live.

If you’ve been searching for a dark fae romantasy with enemies-to-lovers tension, immortal phoenix rulers, divided courts, and a prophecy that isn’t what it seems — this is your next read.

This is Book One in The Phoenix Reborn trilogy: a new adult fantasy romance filled with political manipulation, slow-burn heat, betrayal, and a heroine who refuses to remain broken.

❄️ Enter the world of frost and fire here:

Frostborne.kal-locksley.com

What Is Frostbird Reborn About?

Lyra Vale has died before.

In another life, she was Isolde Frostborne — a name the fae courts tried to erase.

Now the prophecy whispers that the Frost Bird has returned.

One phoenix ruler believes she will unite the realms.


One believes she must destroy the dark.


Neither knows the full truth.

As memories resurface and ancient power awakens, Lyra is forced to decide who she is — and who she is willing to burn for.

If you love:

  • Fae court politics
  • Morally grey immortal love interests
  • Reincarnation and hidden past lives
  • Prophecy-driven fantasy romance
  • Touch her and die vibes
  • Addult romantasy with rising spice

The Frostbird Reborn was written for you.

Your Heading

The Kindle Unlimited edition of Frostbird Reborn includes an exclusive short story introducing characters who will play a major role in Book Three.

You won’t meet them fully yet.

But the seeds are planted here.

If you’re reading in KU, you’re getting early access to threads that will matter later in the trilogy.

🔥 Start reading in Kindle Unlimited or choose your preferred retailer here:

Frostborne.kal-locksley.com

Social proof matters — and early reviews are already highlighting the tension, emotional stakes, and slow-burn chemistry at the heart of this story. If you’ve read Frostbird Reborn, leaving a short review on Goodreads or Amazon helps more than you know. Word of mouth remains the most powerful force in book marketing.

Kiss me like you Hate Me

Kiss Me Like You Hate Me: An Enemies-to-Lovers Forbidden Romance (The Angelica Crane Series Book 1)Kiss Me Like You Hate Me: An Enemies-to-Lovers Forbidden Romance by Rue Wilde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Kiss Me Like You Hate Me by Rue Wilde delivers exactly what it promises: heat, tension, and that delicious enemies-to-lovers burn we all secretly live for.
Rue starts off engaged to a much older man — her father’s best friend, no less — and the dynamic is uncomfortable in all the ways it’s meant to be. Enter Tristan Thompson: British, brooding, emotionally unavailable, and hired as her bodyguard. From their very first interaction, the tension is sharp enough to cut glass.
I’ll admit, the FMC came across as a little petulant at times. But honestly? I sort of got it. She’s trapped, controlled, and desperate for autonomy — and that frustration bleeds into her personality. It made her feel flawed rather than flat.
Was the suspense arc a teeny bit predictable? Maybe. But that’s not really why you’re here. You’re here for the romance — the heated banter, the reluctant longing, the “I shouldn’t want you but I do” moments — and this book absolutely delivers on that front. I found myself rooting for them from the very beginning.

If you love:
Enemies-to-lovers
Forbidden romance
Broody British bodyguards
Possessive tension
Swoony, emotionally charged moments
Then this one will hit the spot.

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