The ARCs I Read in the Second Half of Oct'24: Romance, Fantasy, and Unforgettable Adventures

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Welcome back to Mes Curls Reads! 

Missed the first half of my October ARC reviews? You can catch up on my early October favourites by clicking here.

October was a rollercoaster of emotions and swoon-worthy reads! The latter half of the month brought me some incredible ARCs across romance, fantasy, and adventure. Here’s a deep dive into my thoughts on each of them.

The Desire Variable

Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Desire Variable by Ana D'Arcy was everything I could want in an office romance and more. Ana Darcy masterfully captured the sizzling tension between Andy, a smart, driven programmer, and her infuriatingly attractive boss, Lex. Their chemistry is off the charts, and their witty banter added a spark to the workplace dynamic that had me hooked from start to finish.

What stood out most? The way the story balanced romance with Lex’s and Andy’s emotional journeys. I genuinely felt for Lex, who struggled to stay professional around the strong-willed Andy. And the cliffhanger? Absolutely devastating—in the best way possible. This one’s a solid 5 stars for me! If you love a perfect mix of romance, plot, and steam, The Desire Variable will not disappoint.


Billion Dollar Revenge

Rating: 3.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐✨

Billion Dollar Revenge by Sharon Woods was a fun, steamy escape with all the right elements for a fake-dating billionaire romance! Chelsea’s heartbreak leads to a daring revenge plan, and her ex’s boss, the broody billionaire Evan, is the perfect partner for the job. Their chemistry is instant, and you can’t help but root for Evan, who’s totally smitten from the start (big fan of "he falls first" over here!).

The story delivers the drama and tension you'd expect, but I found myself wanting a bit more depth in a few scenes as things shifted from fake to real. Still, if you’re in the mood for something light with a mix of spice, drama, and that delicious "billionaire boss" vibe, Billion Dollar Revenge does not disappoint!


A Tribute of Fire

Rating: 5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This fantasy blew me away! In A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson, Princess Lia finds herself as one of the "tributes" to a powerful goddess, setting off a survival journey like no other. Her battle isn’t just against her adversaries but against centuries of cultural tension and the fate of her people. The survival stakes reminded me of The Hunger Games, yet the story is uniquely grounded in rich mythology and adventure.

Lia’s growth throughout the novel was a joy to witness, and I loved how the story combined empowerment and suspense. The romance with the mysterious Jason added the perfect touch, making this book such an addictive read. And the cliffhanger—let’s just say I’m beyond ready for Book 2! An incredible 5-star journey filled with grit, magic, and power.


Snow Stuck 

Rating: 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐

Snow Stuck by Elle Rivers is a cute, snowy romance with the “brother’s best friend” and “forced proximity” tropes that was so fitting for the season! Stella and Alden find themselves snowed in together, rekindling a romance that had been left unresolved for seven years. The forced proximity brought back memories, tension, and plenty of chemistry.

I loved Alden’s protective side and Stella’s determination to set boundaries. While the story was sweet, I felt it could have benefited from a bit more depth in character development. However, for those looking for a cozy, holiday-themed read with a good mix of romance and nostalgia, Snow Stuck hits the mark! A solid 3.5 stars from me.

That wraps up the ARCs I devoured this October! Each book brought something unique, from high-stakes fantasy and sweet revenge romance to emotional office dynamics and snowy second chances. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for November!

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Until next time, happy reading! 📚✨