A Kingdom of Stars and Shadows by Holly Renee

 

Synopsis:

Destiny or desire?

Where does your allegiance lie?

I am told my union to the crowned prince will determine the fate of the kingdom, but it isn’t my betrothed who haunts my dreams. It’s the half-breed prince who stands at his side.

He is darkness and sin, and when he whispers promises of wickedness in my ear, I crave a man who I can’t have.

Every thought I have is treasonous. The way my hands ache to touch him deceitful.

Even my dreams make me a traitor to the kingdom I am sworn to protect.

But when the kingdom is attacked, I am forced to make choices I’m not prepared for. Our lies and deception are entangled in the shadows and stars, and as they unravel so shall my fate. Betray a kingdom or betray my heart.

Thoughts:

I was supposed to read a different book when I started this, but it pulled me right in and I inhaled this one in about a day. It's on the shorter side, at only 259 pages so it's a quick fun read.

Adara was born Starblessed, and is supposed to marry Prince Gavriel, and become Queen of the fae. When she comes of age, she is collected and whisked away to a castle. She quickly realizes not everything is as they seem. The prince's half brother, Evren is a darker presence, but one she feels pulled to.

Adara seems to have almost no choice in her life, she is directed by her mother, and prophecy. She seems unhappy to go with the flow, but also helpless to get herself out of this situation. There is a lot of room for character development here, but we don't really see it in this book. Instead we get the fate she doesn't want, and a grumpy alpha male to whisk her away from it.

I'm not usually a big fan of a weaker female lead being lead by a alpha male, but the book moved so quickly I still couldn't set it down. The slow burn is satisfying, the forbidden love aspect brings it to another level..and bonus there's lots of spicey spice.

Overall, an enjoyable, fast paced, spicey, fantasy romance. I'm looking forward to book two.

A Kingdom of Stars is available on Amazon and Bookshop.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book myself for review.  There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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The Catch by Jenna Miles

 

Contributor post by Kaylee Hunt

The Catch by Jenna Miles

Synopsis:

Julia Dunphy’s husband just left her for the second time, her thirteen-year-old won’t stop swearing in public, and to top it all off, her four-year-old just asked to buy condoms. Needless to say, this isn’t how she expected her life to pan out.

Then, Julia’s new work in an aquarium shop washes up old memories of a whale-watching business she once imagined — and of William Quinn, the man she imagined it with. William walked into her life with striking blue eyes and constant surprises. Before she knew it, she was head-over-heels in love. However, the realities of life eventually pulled them apart. When Julia and William’s paths cross again, despite their baggage, an undeniable spark remains.

When she learns that William has made a success of their ideas, she wonders if it’s too late to finally make a success of their relationship. But Julia has already blown her first two chances at happiness with William, so a third one seems like wishful thinking. Is another chance with him possible, after all?

Rating: 3.5 Stars

TW: depression, drug abuse, sickness

My Thoughts: 

I first want to preface that every reader is different, so a rating should not completely define the success of a book. With that being said, I did enjoy this book. It had humor, I liked the immediate connection between Julia and William, and I thought their story was very unique.

Julia is very blunt, she knows what she wants and she goes for it. William is perfect at almost everything, but does not think highly of himself. He is shy and not as outspoken as Julia. However, they make a cute pair. 

We jump back and forth between 2012, where Julia finds herself abandoned by her husband for the second time, and 1993, where Julia and William first meet. The story progresses, jumping from past to present. Jenna Miles shares a unique story of not only a second chance, but maybe a third? 

There were a few twists I did not expect coming (that I obviously can’t share, or I’d spoil it for you). These twists were creative. Usually I can see twists like these from the beginning, but Miles created a well-thought out plot that single-handedly distracted me from the “obvious,” which doesn’t happen often.

As mentioned, there are depictions of drug abuse, sickness, and depression. These are heavy topics Jenna Miles used to help develop their characters. While they are sad, they were used to share the story between Julia and William, and she did it well. 

Why I gave this book a 3.5 stars: As mentioned above, every reader is different. Not only do we take that into account, but we take the time the book was read into account. I really started reading The Catch during a very busy season for work. I also realized I’m a mood reader and really wanted fantasy instead of just romance. However, I did finish reading this book through audiobook. I found that finishing this book was easier, especially since the chapters were long, much longer than I’m used to. 

I feel as if this book is a literary fiction book, which I have not read often. This book is very character-driven. Sometimes it’s hard for me to get into these types of books, where the characters are the main focus instead of the plot. However, I did enjoy this book and watching the character development. 

With that all being said, I recommend this book. Not because of the rating, but because I want you to make a decision for yourself. 

Thank you to Jenna Miles, who sent me a copy of The Catch for an honest review. I hope to one day read it again and see if my opinions change over time. And that’s simply what these are: opinions. It takes so much effort to create a whole world, a whole scenario from beginning to end and publish it. Thank you for your story and I hope to read more from you. by Jenna Miles

Keep up to date with my book and game reviews by signing up for my once a month newsletter.

Contributor:

Hi! I'm Kaylee, a twenty-something-year-old book and word lover! When I'm not working as a B&N bookseller, you'll find me with a good book and lots of coffee. In my free time, I also love to write and hope to one day publish something. Until then, I'll happily immerse myself into a new world created by others. You can find me on Instagram @kayhwrites and my blog kayhwrites.com.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Frost by CN Crawford

 

Synopsis:

On the worst birthday of my life, I come home to find my boyfriend in bed with another woman. Within hours, I’m drunk, homeless, and pledging to stay single forever. And that is when the dangerously sexy Seelie King rolls through town, looking for fae like me.

Every generation, the king holds a competition for Seelie queen. But for reasons he won’t explain, Torin is looking for a charade, not a real marriage. So when I drunkenly sling insults his way, I have his attention.

When Torin offers me fifty million to participate, I think, “What have I got to lose?” The answer turns out to be “my life,” because my competition will literally kill for the crown.

And the more time I spend with the seductive king, the harder it becomes to remember it’s all supposed to be fake. Now, my life—and my heart—are on the line.

Thoughts:

This is the kind of romantasy book that is my all time favorite... we have a broody male fae king with a secret curse he can't tell anyone, and a tough independent female lead with a secret past we don't know much about. Combine this with a "Hunger Games" style contest to win a crown, and it's all win for me.

This book could easily have been read in one sitting. I really felt there was never a dull moment, or wordy explanations that take too long. We start right off with the heart break that is mentioned in the synopsis. Andrew is absolutely hated from the start, and of course while at her most vulnerable she meets Torin.

Because of his secret curse, Torin wants to marry someone he can't love, and he thinks he's found that in Ava. However, this is when the slow burn, forbidden romance slowly evolves...and we never really get much satisfaction in this book. The story leaves off here with a bit of a cliffhanger, and completely unresolved. As much as I usually don't like this in books, it actually worked for me, however I'm really glad book two comes out in less than two weeks.

I hope book two in this series keeps up the great momentum that was developed in book one.

Frost by CN Crawford is available on Amazon. Ambrosia, book two of her Frost and Nectar series releases February 20th. 

To learn more about CN Crawford head over to her website here.

Keep up to date with my book and game reviews by signing up for my once a month newsletter.

Disclaimer: I purchased a copy of this book myself for review.  There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Body Washes Ashore by Bradley Pay

A Body Washes Ashore is the heart-racing sequel to The Killings Begin and Death in a Dark Alley that you've been waiting for! Bradley Pay's signature blend of contemporary romance and psychological suspense will sweep you off your feet and into the thick of mortal danger.

Blurb:

Tracey's new group of friends seems perfect. For as long as he could remember he felt lik ean outsider, struggling to make connections, and living as an unknown serial killer certainly didn't help. Now he has discovered a circle of friends that begins to fill his need for close relationships. He's one step closer to living a "normal" life despite the cold-case investigators on his tail.

Remy Marin, one of Tracey's new friends, also bears scars on her damaged heart. She has vowed to only sleep with married men to protect herself from heartbreak. However, the stakes rise when she breaks her biggest rule and takes things too far. Now, she must deal with the consequences of her affair, whatever the cost.

My Thoughts:

A continuation of the Spectrum Series and a wonderful adventure. I love all the original characters.

Beginning with Jane’s dissertation proposal, I love the exploration of cheating and the potential of collateral damage as a theme throughout the book. Are the characters good or bad? Or are they just experiencing the collateral effects of the people and relationships around them?

As with the previous books, the settings are rich with the beauty and details of the various locations. The scents, flavors and scenery are visceral! Midway through my reading, I joined a friend for dinner who had just returned from a river cruise. As she described her travels, I realized that I was currently reading about the same route, and I longed to join the adventure.

And the ending!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series! The authors have done it again. I highly recommend this book!

Contirbuting Reviewer:

My name is Lissa I am a wife, mom aspiring author and new Florida transplant who loves all things books and coffee! Self proclaimed nerd who refuses to stop believing in Fairytales! If you want to follow along on my book review journey you can follow me on Instagram at @reviewsonwheels.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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The Poison Season by Mara Rutherford

Outsiders are always given a choice: the Forest or the lake.

 Either way, they’re never heard from again.

Synopsis:

Leelo has spent her entire life on Endla, coexisting with the bloodthirsty Forest and respecting the poisonous lake that protects her island from outsiders who seek to destroy it. But as much as Leelo cares for her community, she struggles to accept that her younger brother will be exiled by his next birthday, unless he gains the magic of enchanted song so vital to Endla.

When Leelo sees a young outsider on the verge of drowning in the lake, she knows exactly what she’s supposed to do. But in a moment that will change everything, Leelo betrays her family, her best friend, and Endla by making an unthinkable choice.

Discovery could lead to devastating consequences for both Leelo and the outsider, Jaren, but as they grow closer, Leelo realizes that not all danger comes from beyond the lake—and they can only survive if Leelo is willing to question the very fabric of her society, her people, and herself.

Rating:

Thoughts:

Things that grab my attention...when the antagonist is an ancient forest that requires blood to survive. This book was not what I expected.

The atmosphere of Endla is almost like religious zealotry when it comes to their thoughts and feelings of the Wandering Forest. Protect the forest, and the forest will protect them is what they believe. For some, the sacrifices they make to live the life they are used to becomes too much.  Leelo's emotional struggle was so raw when her brother is sent across the poisonous lake to the mainland because he doesn't have magic. Then followed by moral decision when she finds an outsider on the island shortly after.  Does she do what she's been taught to do, and kill him, or does she listen to her heart and help him survive? What I don't think she expects, is the very sweet, and slow way both her and Jaren fall for each other. 

If you're looking for a sweet, emotional fantasy read with a clean slow burn romance be sure to add this one to your list! 

The Poison Season is available on Amazon and Bookshop beginning December 6th!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Shadow and Crystal Thorns by Kay L. Moody

 Shadow and Crystal Thorns is book 2 in Kay L. Moody's Fae of Crystal Thorn series. If you haven't read book one stop and check out my review for book one here.

Synopsis: 

War would be easier if she could tell who was right and who was wrong.

Chloe remains in Faerie, but she's only supposed to stay long enough to defeat the bloodthirsty mortals who are trying to claim the land for themselves. But now she's not so sure she wants to return to the mortal realm, especially when the devastatingly handsome fae, Quintus, keeps asking her to stay.

Even worse, defeating the mortals becomes more difficult by the day while their numbers continuously grow. She also learns exactly why they want the land. As a mortal herself, it's hard to disagree with them. But they can't take Faerie unless they steal it from the fae.

Alliances blur when Chloe realizes both sides deserve what they seek. But only one of them can win.

Rating

Thoughts:

Shadow and Crystal Thorns picks right up where book one left off, so if you haven't read book one you should absolutely start there.  Chloe, Quintus and crew are still working to make Faerie safe by cleansing the land of the iron the mortals brought over. The mortals, lead by Julius and Portia wage war against all the immortal fae, but even still Chloe tries hard to see the good in them and hopes to find a solution that will bring everyone peace...except maybe Julius and Portia. 

I love the sweet love story between Chloe and Quintus. It's so much different than the first series...the story between Brannick and Elora. I actually really didn't care for either one of those characters, and I specially didn't like Brannick...but I really do like Chloe and Quintus together.  I love how Chloe brings out the best in him, and I love how fiercly protective he is of her. 

Chloe and Quintus, along with Mishti and Ludo...and a dragon (!!!), work together to save all the courts of Faerie. Each person in the group brings their own strength, and Chloe strives to find her voice and make her ideas heard. She works passed most people underestimating her, proving to everyone that she is capable.

Overall, this book was a quick paced read. If you like a clean fantasy romance, definitely suitable for a younger audience be sure to add this to your TBR. 

Shadow and Cyrstal Thorns is available on Amazon and Bookshop beginning October 18, 2022.

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Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Wings in Captivity by C. Soto

 

Blurb:

Grimm is an assassin, a ghost in the night, coming to gift souls for the Reaper!

Once he sets his eyes on Tara, his spirited butterfly, he knows he must capture her and put her in his own cage.

While Tara is on the run from one monster, she catches the eye of another.

With the games they play, in the end, who will have captured who?

WARNING: This is a Dark Romance, captive story. Trigger warnings include but are not limited to: dubious consent, strong language, violence. Intended audience 18+ only.

You are warned....get your fans ready, clutch your pearls, this is a steamy review.

Wings in Captivity by C. Soto is a quick smutty read.  To read this book you'll need to be ok with reading about kidnapping, bondage, torture...fair warning.  As smutty reads go, we get into the thick of it quite quickly.  Grimm is home on an assignment, living in his small town where he gets some privacy and reprieve from his demanding job as an assassin. As a general rule, women in his small town are off limits...however when he sees Tara he recognizes many things in her.  She isn't from this town, and she's hiding from someone. He kidnaps her and begins to play his own games...and as she learns to live by his rules, she sees his more gentle side.

Thoughts: Overall this was a well paced quick dark read that kept the pages turning. There was an interesting storyline between the sex scenes that kept things interesting, and I specially enjoyed the overall character development.  If you're looking for a quick steamy read and are ok with all the warnings then go grab this book.

Rating: 4 stars

Steam: Max! 10+ 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Kingdom of Flame and Fury by Whitney Dean

 

Blurb: 

At ten years old, Raven was mysteriously willed to be the next ruler of Seolia, a kingdom nestled within the realm of The Four Kingdoms.

Orphaned as a baby, she has spent fifteen years ruling over a kingdom she believes she did not earn all while hiding secrets: she possesses dark magic and she thirsts for blood.

Now at almost twenty-five years old and with a sudden addiction to stealing life, Raven must fight through her new procured darkness to save her soul, but when a mysterious stranger arrives in her kingdom, she starts experiencing vivid dreams that detail who she truly is. As she slowly starts to unravel her story, what she uncovers at the end of the spool will change the course of her life and her kingdom forever.

Thoughts:

There's some good things, and some bad things in this novel, and I think I have a love/hate relationship with it. 

The good...this was a well paced book, with great world building. Raven's character and history I felt was fairly original, her not knowing her past or even why she had magic. We gradually get into her history...but I won't ruin it for you.  It unfolds nicely. Also...I love a good romance triangle.  We definitely get that, except...we always kind of know who is right for her.  Missed opportunity...the beauty of an achingly good triangle is that both could be really good for our MC.  Instead the author makes both of them kinda lame choices for her.

Queen...you don't need a man.

Things I didn't like. I am not a fan of insta-love.  There could have been any way to go about this, but they hardly knew each other and there were crazy sex scenes and love proclamations and they barely knew each other's names.  I also got annoyed at the scene repeats, the author would replay scenes from a different person's perspective. It seemed to slow the book down, and I didn't need to see what happened twice, and she did it A LOT.  The sex scenes dominated the book at the beginning making me think initially this was just some light smut...but there was a story there. Also...the book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger with lots of things being left unresolved. Brace yourself.

Overall this book just barely scrapes by with three stars for me. I just was not that into it. 

Steam factor 10/10.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Possession: A Review

 Possession by Andrea Hagan is book one of her Memphis Magic Series, is a fun paranormal "who dunnit" with a side of romance.

Blurb: 

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. I’m learning that lesson the hard way. My name’s Aubry Brooks, and here’s the thing—I’ve got myself a little possession problem.

Yes, I lead a séance I had no business leading in the first place. No, I’m not a channeler of spirit, but let me explain. I was only trying to help a mother find her missing daughter, and then a cocky half-incubus had the nerve to possess me! You’d think a clairvoyant kitchen witch would have seen this coming.

No need to panic. I can figure out a way to exorcise Damion Blackmon, assuming I can withstand his seduction in the meantime. Oh, and he’s agreed to help me find out who killed my best friend. Deals with devils. I'm not sure if it's my soul or my heart that's at risk.

But don’t worry, my grandma was a voyeur in a past life and she'll catch you up to speed. In extremely graphic detail. A word of warning—do not let my aunt talk you into a juice cleanse. Nothing magic about that, I promise.

Welcome to the metaphysical shop Memphis Magic.

Thoughts:

Ya'll...there were lots of little stories weaved into this book, and I thought it was brilliantly laid out. The possession here is just one part of it. Aubrey gets herself possessed in a séance she realizes she really had no business leading to begin with.  We learn she is possessed by a half demon, and everyone is confused because the demon should be able to just...let himself out, but he can't seem to.  So we have this mystery. They try all kinds of spells, rituals, even Damion's demon father is now involved to try to separate them.  

We also have the mystery of her friend being murdered. Who did it? Where? This book is a murder mystery with a side of half demon possessed romance.  Aubrey is independent, sarcastic, and of her own mind, and how in the world you could develop a budding romance with a GUY IN YOUR OWN HEAD is beyond me but Andrea Hagan manages brilliantly.

Possession by Andrea Hagan is available for purchase now and is on KU!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Jagged Harts: A Review

 

Jagged Harts by Katelyn Taylor follows the story of Aubrey and Dax.  Aubrey has traveled from California to Alabama on scholarship to the university.  She's broke, and on her own, but quickly lands a job at the local pub as a waitress. Aubrey however keeps everyone at arm's length, she's sassy, independent and a trained MMA fighter. She also has a dark past that she doesn't want to talk about. 

Dax is a good looking, womanizing MMA fighter that every girl on campus wants to be with and he knows it. He meets Aubrey one evening when she's walking alone and gets mugged.  He comes to her rescue, however she wasn't happy about it.  She quickly told him off, let him know she could have handled it on her own...and it completely baffled him. He was used to women falling all over themselves for him, and she was less than impressed.

Thoughts:

Things that I love in this story:

1. Strong Independent female lead.
2. Protective, dark and broody male lead.
3. Characters that I really related with.
4. Slow burn romance.

Ya'll, I'm going to be honest with you, this isn't normally my type of book. However, I really really related to the MFC. Aubrey was practically me in my late teens early twenties, minus the touch of literary drama (the only kind of drama I like!). I was an angry young adult, and I kept the world at arms length, and ya'll...I also did martial arts and MMA.  I also hated it when someone felt like they had to rescue me...maybe I should rename myself Aubrey. 

via GIPHY

I loved the pacing and the slow build of the romance and the storyline. Both Aubrey and Dax came off as nasty and aggressive but it was relatable, specially because of their difficult pasts.  They had been hurt and had built a protective hard shell around themselves, and both Aubrey and Dax recognized that in each other. I felt the ending was a bit predictable, but it still didn't away from it.  Overall I think this was a bit different from the other types of romance novels that involved fighters because Aubrey was just as much of a badass. So if you like badass romances with tough guys that are actually softies, you'll enjoy this book.

Jagged Harts releases June 30, 2022 and will be on Kindle Unlimited! 

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Review: A Court of Bitter Thorn

When I read Kay L Moody's Flame and Crystal Thorns I was pulled in, and really wanted to go back and read the series that it was spun off of. This is an cute fae series, not too dissimilar to SJM's A Court of Thorns and Roses.

A Court of Bitter Thorn is book one of her series Fae of Bitter Thorn.

Summary:

Elora, engaged to be married and recently orphaned is tricked by the fae prince Brannick to come back to Faerie and help him become the High King. She is unable to go home to the mortal world until Prince Bannick becomes King.  She feels betrayed by his trickery and ends up turning against him aligning herself with his competition. She finds herself trapped, controlled and lied to by the prince, but she can't help that she's developing feelings for the attractive fae.

Thoughts:

The world building was beautiful, and I love how scenes were described. The bedroom Elora stayed in at the castle is my dream bedroom, ya'll. This book lacked lots of the depth that I was hoping for. Elora is tough...but only kinda? She is the daughter of the best swordsman in the area, and he has taught her how to swordfight. She can hold her own in a fight, but still lives in a man's world where she must set that aside and marry to secure a home for both herself and her sisters.  Bummer.

While gathering apples, Brannick tricks her into a bargain and then traps her in his castle.  He immediately begins manipulating her, trapping her in her room, tricking her so she can't tell people about their deal. This whole relationship between these two is so unhealthy. He's constantly rejecting her, feigning disgust when she's around because she's human. I felt sad for her most of the book, and was annoyed that this person who's supposed to be so strong is attracted to this toxic guy. I don't mind the tough person who's a softy on the inside, but a tough person who is attracted to someone who's constantly putting her down and gas lighting her, no thanks.

The world though is interesting, and having seen her other work I'm going to keep going with the second book. 

A Court of Bitter Thorn is available for purchase here.

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: A Court of Thorns and Roses

 

I finally got a chance to read through Sarah J. Mass's A Court of Thorns and Roses.  If you need a book to just take you somewhere else for a bit, this is it.

Summary: 

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a terrifying creature arrives to demand retribution. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she knows about only from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not truly a beast, but one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled her world.

At least, he’s not a beast all the time.

As she adapts to her new home, her feelings for the faerie, Tamlin, transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie she’s been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But something is not right in the faerie lands. An ancient, wicked shadow is growing, and Feyre must find a way to stop it, or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Tamlin in his shape shift form.

Art Credit: BlogTealDeal on Tumbler

Thoughts:

I absolutely loved this book.  I couldn't set it down.  It was a wonderful escape, and a story that captivated me from the start. The book flowed well, the world building was easy to follow and slowly unfolding throughout the story. The romance between Feyre and Tamlin developed slowly, and in a way that I could relate to, even in a fantasy type sense.  

I really love Feyre, she is intelligent, innovative and doesn't wait for someone to rescue her.  When her family hit rock bottom she taught herself to shoot a bow and arrow, and to track and hunt for food. She was not the eldest sister, but she took care of her father and her sisters. When she moved in with Tamlin, she challenged him.  She wasn't an easy guest initially, often disobeying rules that he established for her.

If you were curious about fantasy books, but haven't ever felt pulled towards high fantasy (think D&D), then this world may be a good starting place for you.

Spice Rating 4/10: There is sex, it's mildly graphic.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is available for purchase here.

Disclaimer: I purchased this book on my own, and reviewed it all on my own. If you appreciate the review and would like to purchase please consider using one of the links here as I get a small monetary kick back that helps keep this blog going. 

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A Review: Curse and Craving

 

Finally...I was beginning to lose hope.  A book that made me neglect life.  Ya'll...put this one on your list.

Summary: 

Curse & Craving by Jill Ramsower begins by introducing us to Rebecca who just accepted a job in Ireland as a museum curator. When she arrives in Belfast with her best friend Ashley, life seems to instantly get weird. She sees creatures she's never seen before, some are small and cute...some are absolutely terrifying.  She ends up discovering Fae creatures living under cover in the city, and meets Lochlan who is in charge of keeping the city safe and the Fae out of town. While getting to the root of the problem Rebecca does her very best to keep her relationship with Lochlan professional, but she can't help but feel the intensely attracted to him.

Heat index: 7/10 There is some heat to this slow burn love story, and when the act happens it is detailed. The heat is relevant to the story telling.  ***Trigger warning*** there is some questionable consent laid out in a betrayal type way.  I don't want to give spoilers, but I want to help readers to make informed choices. 

Thoughts:

Absolutely loved this book.  It was the kind of book that made me briefly neglect life, stay up too late, and wake up too early. The world building was artfully laid out.  She beautifully weaves Norse Mythology, with Celtic Mythology, and Arthurian legends and more to give us a deeper understanding of this mysterious world that most people can't see.  The slow burn romance always keeps the pages turning for me, with twists and turns that I did not expect. If you enjoy fantasy romance, strong independent heroines, beautiful world building be sure to add this one to your TBR list.

Curse & Craving is available for purchase 4/4/22!

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: Isle of the Immortal

I'm in post-amazing book recovery. I don't know if I was ranking all the books I've read so far this year, but I am now, and this one sits as the very best one that I've read so far this year.  Ya'll..go put Isle of Immortal on your to read list right now. 

Summary: 

Shailin lives in a remote Scottish village with her mother and younger brother.  Her brother Hendron has always been ill since birth, and at 15 years old doctors say he will likely not last much longer. In one last desperate effort to save him, Shailin's mother sends her on a journey to the Immortal Isle to see the Vampire King, who she claims owes her a life debt. Early in her journey she meets Axton, who is also heading towards the Vampire King's castle. Not knowing her way, she reluctantly follows him and together they make their way to the castle.

Heat Index: 3/10 - There is some heat to this love story. It is somewhat detailed, but not overly so, and is complimentary to the story.

Thoughts: 

I really loved this book. I stayed up way too late last night with the whole -- just one more chapter....ok just one more chapter.  I couldn't put it down. When I had to function in actual real life my mind kept going back to the book.

This had a fairy-tale-ish type of storyline that I'm genuinely always a sucker for.  I loved Axton and Shai's chemistry. I love how they tease each other, and also how their personalities compliment each other.  She was just the right amount of independence and strength, and he was just the right amount of protectiveness with out being overbearing.  The pace was just right, the world building was artfully laid out and easy to understand. The mysteries of the who's and the what's were not at all what I thought they would be. I'm looking forward to more from this author. Until then, I'm off to go read this again so I can find all the clues I missed the first time through.

I also want to point out that this is Stephani Estrada's first publication of a Fantasy Romance. She is a young indie author, so I encourage everyone to follow her on her Instagram Page.

Isle of the Immortal is available for purchase 3/22/22!! 

Disclaimer: I received an advanced e-copy of this book free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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A Review: The Oceanography of the Moon by Glendy Vanderah

When I first started Oceanography of the Moon by Glendy Vanderah I needed to lean on an old rule suggested by my dad when I was a kid. Give it four chapters before I set it down for good. This book had a slow, and confusing start.  I'm glad I stuck it through because by the fourth chapter I was pulled in.

Summary:

This story features Vaughn, a young author struggling with writer's block after lots of early and quick success.  He travels to Wisconsin and meets a lovely family by chance, and finding a strong connection to one member of that family in particular... Riley. Riley and Vaughn both have troubled pasts that make connection difficult, and Glendy Vanderah beautifully unpacks their trauma making everything that I found confusing at the beginning fit in neatly. 

My thoughts: 

This book left me swooning. It was absolutely perfect for these last few cold winter's nights, bundled up with my dog and a cup of tea. It was very much a relaxing and thoughtful read. This is the first novel of Vanderah's that I've had the pleasure of reading.  She has two other novels that have been highly rated as well and are now on my to-read list. To learn more about Glendy Vanderah please check out her website here. 

Oceanography of the Moon is available for purchase March 22, 2022.

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for free for review.  This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking on these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Review: After the Plague by Imogen Keeper

Ya'll what a ride.  First of all, I would like to thank dear Imogen Keeper for the last three very very late nights that I couldn't put this book down. When I started reading After the Plague by Imogen Keeper, it felt very similar to the beginnings of covid which was an eerie connection for me. The book quickly became much much more.  The world in a few short weeks overcome with a flu strain with an insane death ratio, that ends up wiping out almost everyone.  It has an 80% death rate, but not everyone is susceptible.  A small population never got sick at all, and these survivors built their new post-plague world.

One of our main character's Frankie seems immune to the flu variant, but gets through it with a deep heavy loss.  She finds a boy, Auden, and his sweet collie named Beast. (The pupper in the photo is my own sweet collie boy, Benny!)  The boy and his dog give her a reason to continue living. After settling in with Auden and his dog, she meets Yorke, and together they form a tight family-like unit.  They begin looking for people like them in hopes to be a part of a bigger community.

If you're looking for a fast paced, slow burn post-apocalyptic romance that doesn't revolve around sex then I highly suggest this book.   I'm looking forward to reading her next installment, safe.

To learn more about Imogen Keeper please check out her website!

Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book for free for review. This however does not affect my opinions, as I do not leave a review for each book I receive. There are links to Amazon, clicking on these links won't cost you anything, but any purchase you make helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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