I love this world so much and loved returning to it and my beloved characters. So much has changed since the beginning of book one. For one thing, we I love this world so much and loved returning to it and my beloved characters. So much has changed since the beginning of book one. For one thing, we now have the Neverseen King's POV, which I love so much! I absolutely adored seeing him and Nadira slowly growing closer together as they figured out their brand new marriage and how to work as a team. And it is absolutely imperative that they work as a team, because between the portals, the city, and the treacherous Fae, they need each other or else everything will crumple.
Personally, I could read about Nadira and the Neverseen King bantering for hours and love this book so much for giving me that. But it came at a cost, and now my heart is broken and I'm left with a cliffhanger, so there's that to. But you should definitely read it because I know the third book will be worth it.
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence, tragic deaths, and exploration of trauma and its consequences.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with the Neverseen King all over again....more
Love is a beautiful entity- and racism is a hideous monster. When Tori and Jeb meet at an art show, they start on a path that shows them the truth of Love is a beautiful entity- and racism is a hideous monster. When Tori and Jeb meet at an art show, they start on a path that shows them the truth of both realities. The readers share their dual path, as we witness the whirlwind love story between two graduate students, one a white American girl struggling with feeling unwanted, and the other a black Ghanian boy who is struggling with guilt. But we also witness the terrible racism they face as complete strangers take offense at their relationship, and their own families disapprove. Will love surmount all? Will he still be able to become chief of his village if he marries an outsider? And will they both be able to earn the degrees they worked so hard to earn? Read to find out, but be ready for a rollercoaster.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and the opinions are my own.
Love is a beautiful entity- and racism is a hideous monster. When Tori and Jeb meet at an art show, they start on a path that shows them the truth of both realities. The readers share their dual path, as we witness the whirlwind love story between two graduate students, one a white American girl struggling with feeling unwanted, and the other a black Ghanian boy who is struggling with guilt. But we also witness the terrible racism they face as complete strangers take offense at their relationship, and their own families disapprove. Will love surmount all? Will he still be able to become chief of his village if he marries an outsider? And will they both be able to earn the degrees they worked so hard to earn? Read to find out, but be ready for a rollercoaster.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, and the opinions are my own.
I love a good case of mistaken identity, and that's what this book is all about. If you're looking for a fun, sweet rom-com about a girl with anxiety I love a good case of mistaken identity, and that's what this book is all about. If you're looking for a fun, sweet rom-com about a girl with anxiety and the handsome celebrity who falls for her, this is the perfect poolside read for you.
Note to sensitive readers: Nothing that I can think of. It's squeaky clean as far as romances go....more
I really enjoy this series and watching each prince find his happily ever after with a young lady discovering her magic. One of my favorite aspects ofI really enjoy this series and watching each prince find his happily ever after with a young lady discovering her magic. One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way the villainess has her own role in each fairy-tale.
This story is a Little Mermaid retelling, but the twist is that the heroine isn't a mermaid, but a pirate. Another twist is that even though the hero is a prince, he's a monk. They are each other's opposite, and they certainly get in enough arguments because of that giving it an enemies to lovers vibe which is always fun.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This is the perfect story for fairy-tale lovers who enjoy unique fantasy worlds. ...more
I love this ancient Roman style fantasy world and am so excited to return to it with a new series. The next thing I love after the world is the dynamiI love this ancient Roman style fantasy world and am so excited to return to it with a new series. The next thing I love after the world is the dynamic between the characters. It was hate at first sight when Nadiya and Lateo meet, but everyone else is concerned about the underlying chemistry that can never be realized by law.
This book is perfect to get lost in, with the perfect blend of my favorite tropes (bodyguard, training together, he falls first) and a unique world, complicated characters, and a fun magic system with its own chosen one.
Note to more sensitive readers: A tragic death (and my favorite character too- my only complaint).
This book is perfect for YA audiences on up interested intricate world building and complicated characters....more
This is my favorite arranged marriage fae romance and it is my comfort read. I read it as a Vella, read it again as an ARC, and I fully intend to readThis is my favorite arranged marriage fae romance and it is my comfort read. I read it as a Vella, read it again as an ARC, and I fully intend to read it once again when it is a gorgeous hardback.
Stella is relatable heroine, trained to be demure and trapped by a stutter, but a secret spitfire waiting to spread her wings. Ash is a swoony hero, on one hand cunning and cutthroat in a dangerous game of chess, but on the other flirty and funny. They are well suited to each other in their arranged marriage is a character all its own.
The world is immersive, the High King is creepy and Evil with a capital E, and the stakes are high. But there is so much romance and even humor mixed into the tension as the perfect blend.
Note to more sensitive readers: On-screen death; past childhood abuse; married couple flirting (fade-to-black).
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This book is peak romantasy and is pretty much as perfect as books can be....more
I read this book in one day. It was a fun, fresh take on Greek mythology. I loved being in Medusa's head and watching her discover what it's like to bI read this book in one day. It was a fun, fresh take on Greek mythology. I loved being in Medusa's head and watching her discover what it's like to be a mortal instead of monster. The intrigues of the Greek gods controlling the lives of mortals and monsters alike was also fun. I can't wait to see more of this word, and especially more of Medusa. It does have an open ending sort of cliffhanger, so I need the sequel as much as I want it.
There were a couple parts where I was confused by why characters made the decisions they did, and I wish a different choice had been made for the cover. But otherwise, this was a fun book and I stayed up way too late to finish. The dynamic between Medusa, Perseus, and Andromeda was so fun.
Note to more sensitive readers: On screen death (by petrification).
This book is perfect for YA audiences on up interested in a fresh take on Greek mythology.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. ...more
This was such a great conclusion to the Ribbons & Claws trilogy! It gave a satisfying climax to Caroline's story while hinting at all the tales yet toThis was such a great conclusion to the Ribbons & Claws trilogy! It gave a satisfying climax to Caroline's story while hinting at all the tales yet to come from the Shifter Alliance. I love the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Caroline and Morgan as well as the power team they make now that they're both on the same page. Also loved seeing all my favorite characters including the mayor and a certain dark elf- really hope to get more of their stories.
Note to more sensitive readers: There was some light course language and a lot of flirting with innuendos.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, if you want to dive into a unique urban fantasy world with all kinds of paranormal creatures to meet and romances to witness, definitely start here!...more
This is my comfort series even though it causes me such pain.
This installment is my favorite (except for the ending), and I love seeing what Clara andThis is my comfort series even though it causes me such pain.
This installment is my favorite (except for the ending), and I love seeing what Clara and Prince think of the other having someone come calling for them.
We get to see more of Clara's past, and boy, is it something. I also loved all the time we got to spend with the other librarians. Would love to see more of their stories.
Most of all, though, these intense staring contests between Clara and the Prince are KILLING me. The tension is real. And poor Clara cannot figure out why the Prince keeps summoning her to dinner even though he clearly resents it. I'm not sure the Prince can figure it out himself.
My one sadness: The ending had a very heartbreaking scene I was not ready for.
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely (there is more of that in the latter books than the earlier). There are also horror elements.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
This is a Wild Swans retelling complete with marriage of convenience, childhood sweethearts, and strong sibling bonds that releases MAY 8TH.
It is parThis is a Wild Swans retelling complete with marriage of convenience, childhood sweethearts, and strong sibling bonds that releases MAY 8TH.
It is part of the Hope Ever After multi-author series collab that is raising awareness and funds for Operation Underground Railroad to help fight human trafficking. ...more
I saw this cover and knew I couldn't walk away. I'm obsessed with Greek myths, but the legend of the first queen of the Amazons is vaguer to me, and II saw this cover and knew I couldn't walk away. I'm obsessed with Greek myths, but the legend of the first queen of the Amazons is vaguer to me, and I had to read this version of it.
This story is the tale of a mortal woman caught up in the whims of gods and men as she tries to find a way to survive. It is an adventure, with an ever growing cast of women as Otera tries to figure out her quest in an ancient Greek landscape. Well I would have enjoyed the story significantly more and been better immersed if it was closer to PG-13 than R, I did enjoy the exploration of women's roles in ancient society and Otera seeking a better life for herself and those who joined her journey. I also very much enjoyed the romance, which is slow burn and not resolved by the end of the book, but I am compelled to continue the series to see where that goes. I would recommend not brushing up on the myth until you're halfway through this book like I did so you can have a chance to guess who the love interest for Otera truly is.
Note to more sensitive readers: As mentioned in the blurb, there are several triggering things. There are several instances of strong language scattered throughout. There is violence and death shown on-screen and off, including the death of children.There is a SA attempt and the horror leading to it. There are women of a certain profession who are not shy about pursuing that profession and their relationships with each other graphically as well as explaining things to the heroine who is beginning to regret her vow to Artemis. There is one scene I had to skip completely when the heroine was alone. The ending is also especially emotional and I am still processing it.
I received a copy of this novel from the author via Book Sirens. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you love Greek myths and legends of old, this book is for you....more
I absolutely loved the chemistry between Theo and Aria. After a couple years of attraction on his part and antagonism on hers, they are finally forcedI absolutely loved the chemistry between Theo and Aria. After a couple years of attraction on his part and antagonism on hers, they are finally forced together to save the Christmas festival for the town. I loved getting to read about them individually dealing with their family issues, job stresses, and dreams. But I enjoyed even more watching them discover what a great team they made. Also, their communicating through the shared wall was adorable.
Note to more sensitive readers: nothing notable.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you're looking for something a Christmas rom-com sweeter than cheesecake, this one is for you!...more
If you're looking for something short and sweet to help with the holiday stress, look no further. I loved being able to get Mila's story after seeing If you're looking for something short and sweet to help with the holiday stress, look no further. I loved being able to get Mila's story after seeing her and Landon in Best Friends, Backups & Something More.
These two had great chemistry, and Landon especially was so sweet, taking care of her while she was sick. I especially loved the way Mila wanted to make sure her feelings weren't fleeting like her previous projects. Also loved that it was a complete story in under ten chapters.
Note to more sensitive readers: nothing notable.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you're looking for something sweet and brief this Christmas, this is for you....more
This book is nonstop. Poor Clara never gets a chance to catch her breath, and neither did I. There is a lot to process as the stakes climb higher and This book is nonstop. Poor Clara never gets a chance to catch her breath, and neither did I. There is a lot to process as the stakes climb higher and the sacrifices to stave off the end of everything pile up. The epic-scale of everything cannot be undermined, but in order to help others, Clara first needs to learn how to defeat her own demons once and for all.
The book was heartbreaking, and I will need a while to recover from all that has come to pass. But I absolutely loved not only the theme of how to face trauma in a healthy way, but also of motherhood itself. I love exploring the concept of motherhood in fantasy, and this book celebrates that so much. And, of course, this book features a certain Prince who is one of my favorite fantasy characters, so there's that too.
Note to more sensitive readers: There is one spice scene in the middle of the book that can be easily skipped. There is also horror elements and violence including a tragic number of character deaths, onscreen and off. Also, there are discussions of parental abuse and neglect, alcoholism, drug addiction and attempted infanticide. And a character is taken advantage of by another character (the same one who got him involved with drugs).
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you love to read about tricky fae, not-your-average librarians, and learning to overcome your nightmares, this is the series for you!...more
So, I saw this book and knew I had to pre-order. Not only that, I was counting down to my chance to dive into the story. And it was worth the wait! I So, I saw this book and knew I had to pre-order. Not only that, I was counting down to my chance to dive into the story. And it was worth the wait! I love marriage of convenience and vengeance schemes, and this book combined both so perfectly. It also combined both the romance and the comedy and was just honestly such a fun book in a stressful season. The friendship chemistry between these two was such a great foundation for the rest of their relationship.
Note to more sensitive readers: there were a few scattered instances of foul language (PG-13, I think) and innuendo between a married couple.
Definitely one of my favorite Christmas books and going into the seasonal traditions!...more