maart 2025 – silkesbooknook

This month, we read this book with Book Talk, our book club. I really enjoyed it—it reminded me of ACOTAR, the series that first sparked my love for romantasy books.

The story follows Oraya, a human girl who grew up among vampires, raised by the very man who once saved her from death: Vincent, the Vampire King of the House of Night. Her only chance to survive in this ruthless world is to compete in the Kejari, a deadly tournament where only one person can emerge victorious. The winner is granted a single wish.

One of the fiercest competitors is Raihn. Knowing that winning alone won’t be easy, Oraya and Raihn form an alliance to increase their chances of survival. As they fight side by side, they slowly grow closer, letting down their guards. But in the back of their minds, one truth remains: only one can win.

The romance is definitely a slow burn. If, like me, you enjoy the romance more than the fantasy elements, you might find yourself waiting—because nothing truly significant happens until the very end of the book. However, the tension and suspense are well-crafted, leaving plenty of room for your imagination to run wild.

I always find Elle Kennedy’s books so entertaining. They pull me away from the real world and transport me straight into the Briar community. The fake dating trope? It never gets old for me. Maybe it helps that I already know exactly how it’s going to turn out… but that’s part of the charm.

This story follows Gigi, daughter of hockey legend Garrett Graham. (You can read his story in The Deal.) Although she’s constantly being compared to her famous father, Gigi is determined to carve out her own path and step out of his shadow. She dreams of joining the USA women’s hockey team, but could use a little help to get there. That’s when she sets her sights on Ryder.

Ryder is a skilled hockey player, but also incredibly closed off. Due to circumstances, he and a few other guys end up joining Briar’s men’s hockey team. When he spots the gorgeous brunette he once briefly met in the past, he’s immediately intrigued. And as it turns out, he could use her help too—to stay on her father’s good side.

This lighthearted romcom also carries a bit of emotional weight, as Ryder’s past slowly unfolds piece by piece. It doesn’t get too heavy or overly deep, but it gives insight into why Ryder is so guarded compared to Gigi. I also love how characters from Elle’s previous books pop up throughout the story. It’s always fun to see them continue to grow and be part of the world, even as new stories unfold.

Date Archives maart 2025

The Serpent and The Wings of Night – Carissa Broadbent

The Graham Effect – Elle Kennedy