Droplets of Magic: A Review

 Book 4 of the Unstable Magic Series by Emily Bybee

Blurb:

Kira’s spells always end the same—rain and violent storms. She’s what’s called a Defect, and that means one of two things in the witch world—losing your magic or death. After faking her demise, Kira is in hiding. She risks exposure and travels the world, making the Defective magic that would get her killed into a gift by bringing rains to places that most need water.

The witch world has changed in the ten years Kira’s been gone. Kira doesn’t know that she has a much bigger part to play against an ancient danger that threatens the entire world. But the witches want her for their own greedy plans. Her only chance to escape the witch council is to hide in areas where her storms go unnoticed. After one last stop in Africa, she plans to disappear again.

But Kira’s past catches up with her and a decade old blood debt comes due. As if being prey to the witch world isn’t enough, her family’s history with the Russian Mafia causes an enemy who was once her childhood friend to hunt her down. She and her only ally Alex—a naïve American—team up to escape the underworld warlord. As Kira’s feelings for Alex grow, she fears he will be caught in the crossfire. To settle this debt, someone will have to die.

Thoughts:

This is book 4 in a series, and I wish I had read the other books first. Having said that, I still was able to understand the world well enough and many reviews say each book in this series could be read as a stand alone. I love the idea behind of intermixing a bit of science in the magic. Kira's gift is water, and she can manipulate water and even turn oxygen and hydrogen molecules in the air into water. Even with such a strong power, she is considered a defect.

This was a very much a cat and mouse type of book. Kira is being chased by the Russian Witch Mofia and her childhood friend and former betrothed Rurik. Rurik tracks her and hopes to use her for his own political gain. There are lots of tense moments and the story is well paced. I wish the relationships had been given more depth. We learn why Rurik despises Kira, and there's a secondary romance story between Alex and Kira that I just couldn't get into. It almost felt like instant love and I didn't see any thing that would make them attracted to each other beyond physical looks and proximity. This lack of connection between what I think is supposed to be a fantasy romance book is what brought my score down for this one. Even with a lower than normal score I felt it was a good book overall.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Droplets of Magic is available for purchase now and is available on Kindle Unlimited!! Click 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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Mother of Pearl by Blankah Madow: A Review

 Ya'll this adorable story I think is going to stick with me for a bit.  It was the absolute perfect escape. Read on.

Blurb:

Lured to a mystical land, Valeri must learn to harness a power deep within her.

Orphaned at a young age, sisters Valeri and Amelia shouldered the household responsibilities in their small village of Noor. Valeri was the hunter; Amelia the gatherer. While fishing one day, Valeri follows her instinct into the depths of the ocean despite a raging storm. She discovers the Mother of Pearl shell - which unbeknownst to her, unlocks the secrets of her ancestral power.

Knocked unconscious by the storm and washed ashore in a foreign land, she soon realizes she is thousands of miles from her sister, and there are wicked plans afoot. As she struggles to find a way to return home to her sister, Valeri befriends Prince Rulin at the magical court. In each other, they find purpose. But she must harness the newfound power within her blood first.

Valeri: Art Credit @siyana__art 

Thoughts:

Honestly, this blurb doesn't do this book justice. What I think I loved the most about this book was the MC secretly wishes she lived in a fairytale where a prince would save her.  Don't we all honey! She continuously digs deep and saves herself. And character development you guys. Valeri begins this book kinda lost and walking through the paces of every day, to finding her own direction making choices for herself and making changes for the betterment of her own life.The world building is gentle with out the dreaded info-dump and there were so many plots and twists. I love how the author pulls you in to read the next book with out a stressful cliffhanger.  Overall, well done! I can't wait for book 2!

Rating -- 4.5 stars!

Steam: 1 -- there was sex, but it was not described

Mother of Pearl by Blankah Madow releases August 23, 2022!

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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Queentide: A Review

Queentide is a fictitious dystopian novel that hits very close to home.

Blurb:

Australia in 2026 is not an easy place to be a woman.

Authoritarianism has crept into the country and women have lost their rights and voices. But Bodie and her militant granddaughter, Insley, are gambling everything to return them. They have set up a radical feminist group, Queentide, to steal the upcoming election and make Aboriginal politician, Kathleen, the next Prime Minister of an all-women Government. The ex-wife of a senior Minister, Lilith, vows to help them by sharing explosive secrets that will guarantee Queentide's success.

But two things might stop them. A state-backed, violent men's rights group and a bitter power struggle that threatens to tear Queentide apart. Can the women harness the storm and smash the patriarchy?Or will Queentide wreck itself?

Thoughts: 

I want to preface this review by letting you know, I am absolutely a feminist.  The last few weeks in the US with the court rulings has tipped me further towards the radical feminist side. So when I read books like this it just ignites my fury. So having said that.... I found this to be a difficult read.

 

In 2026 in Australia women had no voice, no control over their bodies, their lives, or their children. Poor behavior from men was often overlooked or excused and women were perceived guilty unless proven innocent.  When a woman left her marriage she very likely lost her children. Lilith bravely left her husband, and only seeing her children when he allowed her to. Bravely..she secretly began attending meetings with Queentide.  Where she met Brodie, an older woman with experience leading groups for women.

I personally read books that pull me out of reality so I can get a break however this book immersed me into a reality that was not far from where we are.   Women had no voice, men's poor behavior was excused.  Women were perceived guilty unless proven innocent, and when a woman left her marriage she very likely lost her children. Ya'll...we are only four years away from the reality in this book...and I know a lot of women fear the world this book built may be our not so distant future. 

I would have liked to have seen more intersectionalism in the book. There were lots of strong independent women in this book, with lots of tense moments.  Would Queentide be successful and get Kathleen elected, dispite all the odds stacked against her? Well I'm not going to tell you, go get the book. If you enjoy feminists books, or need a book to ignite your fury then this book is for you.

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 bookshop here, 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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A Castle of Bitter Thorn: A Review

Warning...Stop!!

Before you read on, if you haven't read my review of Book 1: A Court of Bitter Thorn do not proceed unless you're ok with spoilers! A Castle of Bittern Thorn is Book Two, of the Court of Bitter Thorn series.

Blurb: 

Fae Bargains are not easily broken.

Elora has decided to stay in Faerie to help Prince Brannick become High King. With the element of surprise on their side, they only have to hide their sword training lessons until the last phase of testing.

But Brannick is ruled by a bargain that could ruin everything. Queen Alessandra is beginning to remember her history with the prince. With one word, she could force him to lose the testing and give up his freedom forever.

With a growing reputation, Elora’s anonymity in Faerie is shrinking fast. Her sisters are safe in the mortal realm, but she is desperate to help Brannick win the throne.

If he doesn’t, any number of fae could capture Elora. Or even worse… her sisters.

Thoughts:

First of all, I love a book that takes me someplace else.  The world Kay L Moody creates is beautiful, vast and dangerous. In the first book Brannick irritated me.  He kept Elora under lock and key (Did we not learn anything from Tamlin's mistake ya'll??). Her bedroom was magically sealed to keep her in, and she wasn't "allowed to leave" with out an escort, but Elora still managed to swoon over him. I'm still having issues with this one. 

Spoiler alter: she doesn't dump him. Instead we have a slow burn type of romance, and if you remember from the first book...Brannick and Elora cannot touch each other. Through out the book he slowly stops acting disgusted in her presence and begins to act somewhat proud of her. Other than Brannick seeming to be her weakness, Elora is quite badass and she shows off not only her sword skills in this book again, but she also rescues herself. 
Brannick...I'm disappointed in you, she is far more than you're worth.  I would have also liked to know more about Queen Alessandra, what's her story? The book ends on another cliffhanger and it doesn't seem we are finished with Queen Alessandra yet, so perhaps we'll find more in book three.
Overall, I've given this book 4.5 stars, despite not liking Brannick, it was a page turner and I really enjoyed it.  Onward to book three!
A Castle of Bittern 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 my new bookshop, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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Windsong: A Review

A beautiful blend of Beauty and the Beast, the Golden Compass and Norwegian Fairytales

You guys, I'm absolutely enchanted with Windsong.  It's possibly the best book I've read all month. Let me just lay it all out right now:

Full on five stars ya'll...no hesitation.

Blurb: 

Life doesn’t wait for tears to finish.

Eighteen-year-old Roxana Welhaven has lived her life by this motto. When her mother is diagnosed with terminal cancer, Roxana swallows her tears and vows to do whatever is necessary to save her.

Even if it means making a deal with a talking polar bear.

The bear offers to cure her mother, but only if Roxana lives with him for one year. When she agrees, the bear whisks Roxana through a portal to another world and gives her lavish accommodations in an enchanted castle. Although she’s determined to serve her year and return home, the impatient and high-strung Roxana finds her heart drawn to the bear’s tranquil nature. He’s compassionate, clumsy and utterly adorable.

He's also a cursed man, trapped inside a bear’s body.

True love won’t be enough to break his enchantment. To save him, Roxana must embark on a treacherous quest to find his captor, a journey that will lead her east of the sun and west of the moon.


A retelling of the Norwegian fairy tale East of the Sun and West of the Moon.

Artist Credit: Kayshasiemens

Thoughts:

First I want to warn you all, this book made me cry multiple times. I almost feel like you can't fail when you have fairy tale retellings, and this one feels like it has so many aspects of stories we already know.  Like beauty and the beast, and of course the Norwegian Fairytale, East of the Sun, West of the Moon. Roxana is a tough young lady, which if you know me you know I already like her. She's put in a difficult situation and makes difficult choices for the betterment of her family.  Along the way she slowly opens her heart to the bear and his meat eating horse friend, Vidar.

The book is broken up into four parts, which help with the organization of the story. My neurodiverse brain loves organization, ya'll. Part one was Roxana and the bear getting to know each other, and this bear...you guys.  He is an absolute clumsy, adorable sweetheart.  The book starts to take a darker turn, but you really aren't told why. Part two the darkness really creeps in, and Roxana is given an out, but she refuses to take it. Part three is where the difficulty really reigns in and Vidar and Roxanna become inseparable on their journey. How am I supposed to adore a frightening meat eating horse...but I do. Every girl needs a scary horse. Part four ties the story up, but I won't tell you more than that.

I found it easy to get pulled into this book.  Stephanie Donahue is brilliant at playing with reader's emotions and making us feel deep connections with her characters.  Get ready to fall in love with all the characters, and maybe even feel a little bad for the villain in the story too. This is a book that I will likely reread when I need to get away from life, and my re-read list is very very small.

Windsong by Sephanie Donohue is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase June 29, 2022!

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 bookshop here, clicking these links won't cost you anything but any purchase helps support this blog.  Thanks!

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With Fangs and Claws: A Review

I'm deep in my arcs at the moment, and when I finished one I grabbed this book as a quick read before I jumped into another ARC.  I saw things like...reverse harem, and wolf knotting, and I thought ok...a fun quick smutty read.  No. It was not smut, ya'll. 

Summary: 

Darcy is the daughter of the Duke of Elverston, and is a trained fight and hunter.  She lives in a world where women are subjugated and often beaten by their father's or husband's.  She meets the four young princes of Stralae while out on a hunt, and they immediately recognize her as their mate and future queen.  Darcy wasn't even sure if she was about the reverse harem that fell into her lap, and could she leave behind the only home she'd ever known, specially when she didn't realize how much better life might be for her if she left this very patriarchal society.

Thoughts: 

I jumped into this book with out reading the reviews, thinking maybe it would be a quick easy smutty read.  It was definitely way more than that.  I really enjoyed the plot, the character development and the contrast between the "heathen warg country" and the "patriarchal human country." The author makes it clear that this is a separate made up world, but I can't help but to see the similarities to our world. Overall I really enjoyed this book, and if you're looking for a different kind of romance book with lots of depth and growth, be sure to grab it! Be ware...she leaves us on a bit of a cliffhanger, I'll keep an eye out for book two!

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ 4.5

Spice: 🍆🍆🍆🍆 - Graphic, but not a whole lot of it, and was well fitting with the story.

Trigger Warnings: Family Violence, physical abuse, and subjugated women.

With Fangs and Claws  is available now and is available on KU! 

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The Fool and the Sparrow by Dana Fox: A Book Review

 

The Fool and the Sparrow by Dana Fox is the first book in her Arcana of the Tarot series.  It's a bit of fantasy romance, with a touch of Ruby Dixon style heat...this series is NOT for younger readers.

Summary:

Kit the Fool feels restless in his life, and worries he may be in for a reversal...think, when the tarot cards are flipped and their meaning is reversed.  To do some soul searching, and to ease his own restlessness he decides to return to earth to search for answers.  He immediately finds Thea, but it isn't their first time meeting each other. Roughly twenty years prior, Kit found her abandoned and alone, and turned her in to the authorities. 

Thea, is a member of a secretive group called  "The Order." Having been abandoned by her family at a young age, Thea was raised and trained by the Order to be a spy, and assassin, but after many years serving this organization she looks for a way out. She finds a file that will expose the group, and is determined to get it to a whistle blower who will broadcast this information to the world.

Kit feels called to accompany Thea on her journey, and while she initially doesn't want him to join her, she eventually allows him to come. With his good looks, blond curls, and beautiful purple eyes she finds herself attracted to him.

Thoughts:

This book peaked my interest because of the unique setting of bringing the tarot card deck to life. The world building was very light with some mystery still left as to how the living arcana came to be. The pacing of the book was quick and easy. I initially found the beginning of the book to be a bit challenging to read.  The unique way the Arcana spoke to each other I found it initially difficult to follow, however once we got to Thea things were much easier.  

Thea reminded me a lot of Natasha Romanoff, the Black Widow from the Marvel Comic book, but Kit was a weird combination of aloofness, spontaneity, and recklessness.  The author tries to embody the meaning of the tarot card in his personality, and I feel she does a good job in this, however I didn't really care for him as a character. I felt their initial meeting was awkward and I practically yelled at the book when Thea decided Kit could go with her..

While it was a fun, sexy read, I wish the relationship between Thea and Kit was deeper. It seemed like they were a partnership of circumstance. I love that she mentions lots of today's social issues in her book, and a strong female lead is always ALWAYS a win for me. If you're looking for a quick, steamy read be sure to grab this book.

Heat factor: 

7/10 -- this book plays with being smut, however the storyline is developed enough to keep it out of that category for me. The sex scenes are very intense, but all consensual. 

The Fool and the Sparrow is available for pre-order now, and will be released June 15, 2022.  It will be available on kindle unlimited!!

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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Of Cages and Crowns: A Book Review

If you liked Hunger Games, you'll love Of Cages and Crowns

Summary:

Of Cages and Crowns by Brianna Joy Crump is book one of a two book series.   Monroe Benson, a young woman who is "goddess touched" and has the ability to use and manipulate fire. Every generation 10 young goddess touched women, each with their own unique ability come together to compete in a contest called the Culling. They compete with each other,  killing each other to become the next queen of Erydia. Monroe doesn't want this future that seems laid out for her.  Her "goddess touched" mark was on her hand when she was born, family moved to a remote part of the country, and hid her entire life from authorities.  Her family though is split on opinions; her brother Kace wants to become a royal guard and tries to encourage Monroe that her gift is an honor and to fight for the crown would elevate their family. Her other brother, Ambrose joins a resistance group called the Culled, and tries to get Monroe out of the country before she is caught and sent to the capital for the Culling.

Thoughts:

Ya'll what a wild ride. For starters, the book was well paced, and it was tough to set down.    The world building was laced beautifully throughout the story, with an introduction in the beginning that helps give the world depth.  **Don't skip the intro**  It's short and helps set the stage. I liked Monroe, she was tough, independent, not whiney, or needy.  There is a sweet but complicated blossoming relationship between Monroe and Cohen, the queen's son.  I love how Monroe was vulnerable, initially depending on her brother to get her to safety, but in the end she really came into her own making tough choices to get herself and those she loved to safety. If you enjoyed the Hunger Games, or the Divergent series you'll enjoy Of Cages and Crowns.  I can't wait for the next book to be available!

Heat Index: Zero

Triggers: Death, Violence, Betrayal

Of Cages and Crowns is available for pre-order now, and will be available for purchase November 22, 2022. 

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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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