March 2026 reading wrap up

This is very much a slow burn enemies-to-lovers romance. And I do mean slow burn.

The tension is built carefully over time, and when it lands, it works.  But it’s a very long waiting game.

You can see exactly what the book is trying to do emotionally, and for the most part, it succeeds. But there were definitely moments where I felt the pacing stretching just a little too far, like it was holding onto the tension longer than it strictly needed to.

Structurally, it also feels like one story split into two books rather than a true duology, which impacts how satisfying this instalment feels on its own. It’s not that the story doesn’t work. It’s just that it doesn’t feel complete yet. And not in a cliffhanger book 1 is over way. More like in a there’s pages missing from my book way.

That said, I’m always going to be biased towards enemies-to-lovers, and the character dynamics here are strong enough that I was happy to stay in the tension. If you love a drawn-out emotional payoff, this will absolutely hit.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

This was where the accidental vampire spiral began. And it’s not my fault. It’s Sam’s fault. (Not really, but I have to blame someone. Else.)

I’ll get to the book in a moment, but this is how the month went down. The next book on my list was the Romance Revelry Book Club’s March read. And it’s the second book in the series. So, of course, I had to read this one first. It’s how physics works. Or something. Anyway, moving on…

The premise of My Roommate is a Vampire is doing a lot of the heavy lifting here — and to be fair, you know exactly what you’re getting into. It’s right in the title of the book. Except for the curse part and the kind of odd ‘believe in yourself’ artist moment.

There are some genuinely funny moments, and the tone is light enough that it’s very easy to read in a couple of sittings.

Look, it’s not a deep literary classic. It’s not even a deep romance. It’s more of a kiddy paddling-pool romance. The book feels a little surface-level, and the world-building doesn’t fully lean into the potential of the concept.

It’s fun, it’s quick, and it knows what it is. I just wanted a little bit more from it, but that’s on me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

My Vampire Plus-One sits very comfortably next to My Roommate Is a Vampire. It’s very Reggie (IYKYK). A bit chaotic, a bit ridiculous, and very easy to read. It definitely leans into the absurdity of its premise in a way that’s actually quite charming.

I’m really glad I read book one first, despite these being marketed as standalones. There are elements that felt under-explained to me, and having that context made the story land better.

It’s far-fetched, but in a weirdly relatable way. Not a standout, but an enjoyable enough read.

To be confirmed if I will read book 3.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)

(This was The Romance Revelry Society’s Book Club read for March)

Yes, the vampire streak continues. Although, to be fair, I didn’t know that Bound was a vampire book when I read it.

I also wasn’t intending on reading the remainder of my Ali Hazelwood unread books in 2026, but here we are.

Ali is just incredibly readable for me. There’s something about the way she writes character dynamics that makes it very easy to settle into her stories, and Bound is no exception.

The characters are engaging, the relationship builds in a way that feels satisfying, and the plot keeps things moving. It’s not quite a five-star, but it’s a very solid read that I had a genuinely good time with.

TBH, I would have loved to read this as an ebook — I think it would have suited me better. But I appreciate what she’s trying to do with showcasing different reading tools, and I respect the choice even if it’s not my personal preference.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

You know those books where everyone ever has read it and tells you how emotionally devastating it is? But you don’t believe them. Because you read HUNDREDS of books. You’re emotionally sound.

Yeah, it turns out I’m not emotionally sound. Nor am I emotionally ok after reading this.

Game Changer is the kind of romance that feels soft and gentle on the surface, and then suddenly you realise you’re crying because everything just hurts in a very specific, yet very good way.

There’s a real tenderness to this story in the way the relationship develops, in the vulnerability of the characters, and in the quiet emotional beats that are given space to land. It doesn’t rush anything, but it also never feels like it’s dragging.

It’s so sweet it almost feels like a toothache. And I mean that as the highest possible compliment.

This is exactly the kind of romance that reminds me why I keep coming back over and over again.

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 (5/5 stars)

(The Game Changer series is a monthly side quest for The Romance Revelry Society’s book club where we read one book per month)

Do you want to know how good this book is? It made me want to drink bourbon. And I don’t even like dark spirits. Or any spirits.

But seriously, this was so close to tipping into five-star territory for me.

What really stood out was the depth of the story. There’s so much more going on here, emotionally and plot-wise, than I expected. The story takes the time to explore themes in a way that feels meaningful rather than surface-level.

The characters felt real, the stakes felt real, and I found myself genuinely invested in where things were going. Even at 2am when I was supposed to be sleeping.

It didn’t quite hit that final for me, but it’s close enough that I’m very keen to continue with the series.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Ending the month almost exactly where it started: with vampires.

Six Scorched Roses is book 1.5 in the Crowns of Nyaxia series. And for a novella, it had a pretty good emotional atmosphere. Carissa Broadbent is incredibly good at creating that slightly dark, romantic tension that just pulls you in immediately.

While I really like the characters (and apparently we will see more of them from book 2 onwards), I could really feel the constraints of the novella length here. The relationship, the world, the emotional beats all felt like it needed just a little more space to fully develop.

In saying that, what’s on the page is compelling, and I enjoyed it, but it left me wanting more in a way that felt more structural than intentional. Which is excellent news because I’d really like to finish this series in 2026!

⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5 stars)