Month: January 2026

Undead Oaths by Caitlyn Battelle

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Undead Oaths (Undead Gods #2)Undead Oaths by Caitlyn Battelle

Tracy’s Rating: 3.5/4 of 5 stars

Series: Undead Gods #2

Release Date: January 5, 2026

Elysia Parker, the fierce and determined heroine, continues her struggle after striking a dangerous bargain with Aidan, the god of the dead. Her journey is fueled not only by her own survival but by the desperate need to save her sister and her kingdom from the encroaching soot plague. Elysia’s emotional turmoil and stubborn resolve make her relatable and compelling, while Aidan is portrayed with a unique vulnerability—his brooding nature and possessiveness are balanced by guilt and a desperate need for connection.

This installment of the Undead Gods trilogy is fast-paced and brimming with tension. The stakes are enormous, as Elysia races against time to defy the meddling fates and locate the elusive talisman that could save her world. The world building is vivid and atmospheric, immersing readers in a realm where necromancy, underworld chaos, and prophecies collide. Twists and revelations are deftly woven throughout the narrative, maintaining a sense of trepidation as the romance between Elysia and Aidan slow burning, tangled with distrust, longing, and fate that keeps readers invested in their journey. The book’s pacing is a little off at times, but still delivers an intriguing and captivating read. Overall, I enjoyed this story more than the first installment and will be impatiently waiting for the final installment!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Remember That Day by Mary Balogh

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Part of a Series, Series Crossover, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Remember That Day (A Ravenswood Novel)Remember That Day by Mary Balogh

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Ravenswood #5

Release Date: January 6, 2026

While visiting London with her adopted father, Winifred “Winnie” Cunningham, she attends the Trooping the Colour parade for the King’s birthday with her “uncle” Bertrand, the Viscount Watley and her friend Owen Ware, the youngest brother of the Earl of Stratton (and the man she secretly hopes to marry). She is introduced to his older brother; Col. Nicholas Ware and she is shocked at the instant attraction she feels to the man. But they clash almost immediately when she practically insults him by saying being a soldier is the same as being a murderer. She is mortified by her actions and tries to make amends by agreeing to grant him a dance at the upcoming ball. But after an uncomfortable interaction at the ball, where she learns he is courting the beautiful and poised Miss Grace Haviland, she has to remind herself that they have nothing in common and she wants to marry his brother. But when the Earl invites her family to visit Ravenswood and to stay for the village fete, she realizes her feelings for Nick are deeper than she thought and it is hopeless as they are both almost betrothed to others. So why can’t she stop wanting what she knows she could never have?

Nicholas “Nick” Ware has decided at the ripe old age of 34, it is time for him to marry, and he has decided that the lovely daughter of his commanding officer is the perfect choice for a bride. He isn’t in love with her, but she will be a wonderful wife and mother. He asks his brother to invite her and her parents to Ravenswood for the fete and plans to propose to her and make the announcement at the ball. But he finds himself drawn to Winnie, which is ridiculous, she is much too young for him, has no connections, isn’t a beauty and she dislikes him, besides he is almost betrothed. So why can’t he shake the feeling that he is making a huge mistake?

In this installment of the Ravenswood series, the author treats readers to a crossover story, Nicholas from the Ravenswood series and Winifred from the Westcott series. I enjoyed this gentle romance, but having read the other books in both series, I will agree with other reviewers that noted that there was a lot of repetition and the story did move slowly. I appreciate that the author was trying to give the reader plenty of backstory, but I think it was a little much, especially for those who have read the previous books. I loved Nick and was happy that he found his HEA, but I found Winnie a bit harder to like at first, she is abrasive and borders on rude, but she does have a good heart and is loyal to her family, so in the end, she won me over. I can’t say when these two fell in love, but by the end of the book, I did believe they were perfect for each other. Overall, this was a good story, but not my favorite of the series. This is the fifth book in the Ravenswood series, but the author gives more than enough backstory to read this book as a standalone.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *