Weekly Reads: August 4 to 10, 2025

The Dragon Wakes with Thunder by K.X. Song (2025)

Fantasy. Book 2 of the Dragon Spirit duology. This book will only make sense if you’ve read the first one. Our heroine, Meilin, is a prisoner after being outed as a female sword-wielder, which apparently is illegal in their kingdom. Luckily, her beau Sky is a prince who wants to marry her. We get a whole bunch of political backstabbing and intrigue, along with a magical threat that needs to be dealt with. Plus, Meilin has waffly feelings towards Sky and/or the prisoner-prince from another kingdom, Lei. It’s messy and adventurous and loads of action.

Advance ebook provided by Penguin Random House via NetGalley. Advance audiobook provided by Penguin Random House Audio. Final print book provided by Penguin Random House.

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The Ward by Caroline Lee (2025)

Historical erotic novella. Book 1 of the Dirty Little Harlots series. Such a short little novella, I didn’t bother to learn anyone’s name. We have a gentle lady who is the ward of a duke and she’s been sent a dirty little book to learn about how to please a man. The older duke brings her into his study to confirm that she’s studied well.

Advance ebook provided by Caroline Lee.

The Show by Caroline Lee (2025)

Historical erotic novella. Book 3 of the Dirty Little Harlots series. Another quick and dirty novella. A woman is working at a brothel and a whole group of men are there to seek her services. She’s not terribly enthused about the job until the brothel madam joins her.

Advance ebook provided by Caroline Lee.

An Unforeseen Kiss by Alexa Aston (2025)

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 4 of the Captivating Kisses series. Tragic backstory for Eden who’s mother is paralyzed after a horse riding incident when she was young, plus the sudden death of her father when she is on the cusp of making her debut. She ends up as a governess to two young ladies, but definitely wary of her circumstances. Val is the newly inherited duke who is learning his responsibilities after the sudden death of his father. His aunt is keeping his mother company during her mourning period and sends for her daughter and their governess to stay. Val is instantly smitten with Eden, but she wants to maintain her distance due to their stations. Lucky for her, he’s only got honorable intentions. Loved this romance.

Advance ebook provided by Dragonblade Books via NetGalley.