Would we expect anything less from Alexandra Vasti? Nope. But Mina Ashford’s debut novel also filled my cup. Brewing, midwifery, and scandal with two lovable MCs and a great cast of side characters. I need to write a review for this, but take my word for it now and give it a read in 2026.
The big surprise for me this month was these Ursa Dax books. Honestly, the covers have caught my attention for a while now, but I didn’t expect the sweet, tingly romance these books deliver.
I also read some incredible unpublished work from authors looking to publish/query in 2026. It’s a wonderful time to be a historical romance reader.
I took the step from historical to aliens. Any recs for a gentle monster romance for next year?
Some 2025 recaps will be up soon!
Happy New Year everyone.
#historicalromance #romance #decemberrecap #bookstagram
9 months agolilianebriarwyn
"Soul-filling” is exactly the phrase. I love how your month moved from Vasti’s assurance to Ashford’s debut warmth and then took a delightfully brave step into aliens. Also, your description of the Ursa Dax books as sweet and tingly has officially moved them up my list. Gentle monsters clearly have their place. 😉
9 months agocerians.bookshelf
I’m so happy you’re reading the Alien Cowboy Mail Order Bride series - it made my heart happy reading them this year 🥰 Tusk Love is a great gentle monster book as an intro - it’s such a gorgeous read and the MMC is an orc so not super monstrous 😍
9 months agojodyleepix
Second IPB. Also Morning Glory Milking Farm is a slow burn if you over look, er, how they meet and continue. And then DEFINITELY recommend Blue Ribbon Romance for his pov version. Nascosta’s Marble Marquis combines HR and monster!
9 months agoawallflowerreads
Idk if I’d say Ice Planet Barbarians is “gentle” but oh boy did I love it 😍😂
9 months agominaashfordbooks
Thanks so much for giving Smuggler's Temptation a read!! ❤️ I also absolutely adore the Ursa Dax series!
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