readinginwatercolor

Lovely War

Synopsis:

They are Hazel, James, Aubrey, and Colette. A classical pianist from London, a British would-be architect turned soldier, a Harlem-born ragtime genius in the US Army, and a Belgian orphan with a gorgeous voice and a devastating past. Their story, as told by goddess Aphrodite, who must spin the tale or face judgment on Mount Olympus, is filled with hope and heartbreak, prejudice and passion, and reveals that, though war is a formidable force, it’s no match for the transcendent power of love.

Hailed by critics, Lovely War has received seven starred reviews and is an indie best seller. Author Julie Berry has been called “a modern master of historical fiction” by Bookpage and “a celestially inspired storyteller” by The New York Times, and Lovely War is truly her masterwork.

My Review:

Can you recall your first kiss? All that rushed upward from your feet to your face, all that awoke in you that you hadn’t realized was sleeping?
There nothing like the rightness of it. Nothing like its wonder. If I see it a trillion more times before this world spirals into the sun, I’ll still be an awed spectator right to the last, drinking in its nectar in holy jealousy.

Lovely War has sat on my shelves for some time now, and I thought 2022 was the perfect time to pick it up.

So what makes Lovely War different from other war romances you ask?

Julie Berry not only ties real historic events into a timeline of characters you will cherish, but also envelopes greek mythology to help you understand the struggles of war, the blessing of love, and the gift of music and talent.

Aphrodite is held by judgement from her husband Hephaestus as he finds her in the arms of the god of war.
She agrees to stand trial for her transgressions, but only with the intention of sharing her story of 2 couples who found love against all odds.

Hazel and James
Young, Beautiful, and vibrant…. until war steals away so much of what they deserve.
James is sent to fight at the front of the war and Hazel is willing to wait for him, and play her own part in the war.

Collette.
A young woman who has suffered the greatest as a survivor of “The Rape of Belgium”, she vows to give her time to helping those at war against the Germans as a volunteer at the YMCA.
Here she treats many, finds friendship and even maybe a spark of love, thanks to Aphrodite, where you would least expect it.

Aubrey is the king of jazz… as a black man from the city, what says “the American Dream” like playing a little soul music and serving your country for pay.
Aubrey’s timeline was my favorite to follow.
Bringing light to a young man with a gift who was pushed aside for the color of his skin.

Read if you love:
-a twist of fantasy in true history
-linear timeline love stories
-topics of race and gender equality during WWI
-poetic and lyrical writing
-to swoon the old fashion way… letters, words of affection, and promises of forever
-crying…. lots of it

TW: war scenes, loss, bigotry, racism

I couldn’t recommend this book enough. It will go down as a favorite for me this year.

Rating:
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Categories: Best of 2021

Best of 2021- Fantasy

| Top 5 Fantasy (Romantasy) of 2021

And I read 46 fantasy books this year, so you can imagine how unforgettable these were. Here we go!!!!!

1. 𝑨 𝑭𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝑾𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒉 & 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆

KA Tucker delivers extraordinary world building for her first time in this genre. I wanted to live in Islor with the Mortals and Immortals alike. I wanted to be a caster and see what type of elemental power I would have. I wanted to wear a beautiful gown and fall for a king who wore a heavy crown.
I was consumed and completed immersed in AFoW&F.

Synopsis:

She would know the world of vengeful gods and monsters, and the lengths one would go for love. And nothing would ever be the same for her again.

Gifted thief Romeria has flourished from her days as a street kid pilfering wallets to survive. Now she thrives, stealing jewels from the rich under the involuntary employ of New York City’s most notorious crime boss. But when an enigmatic woman secures her services at swordpoint, Romeria is plunged into a startling realm of opposing thrones, warring elven, and elemental magic she cannot begin to fathom.

Her quest is straightforward: Steal a stone from Islor’s sacred garden without anyone discovering her true identity, which would earn her certain death. But the identity she has inexplicably assumed is that of the captured Ybarisan princess—an enemy to Islor after she poisoned their beloved king and queen on the day she was to marry the prince.

Her betrothed, the newly crowned King Zander, detests her with every grain of his handsome being. Fortunately for Romeria, she is more valuable to him alive than dead. Zander gives her a choice: life in a cell, or an acquittal of all charges in exchange for her help in exposing the growing plot against him.

Romeria sees no other option and embraces the tricky role of smitten queen-to-be until she can escape, a ruse that brings her far closer to the king than she anticipated and threatens more than her safety. As she digs deeper into this sacred garden and the ancient feud between Ybaris and Islor, she discovers monstrous truths that could spell ruin for all.

My Review:

“It would be a lot easier if you didn’t react the way you do to me.”
“I can’t help it.”
“Neither can I anymore, it would seem.”

I was scrolling instagram a few months back and thought “Could it be?? KA.T. writing a FANTASY ROMANCE?!?”
Oh and it was true.
The woman who brought us Jonah has now decided we need to have a minor heart attack.

There are two heroines we follow, Sofie being still a mystery, and Romeria, a thief in one alternate universe and a princess in her current, will have to choose her path wisely as she deals with the Fates, the politics of a kingdom not yet her own, and possibly her heart.

And beware… Zander is all consuming. There are moments in this book that will forever live rent free in my brain as I listen to my playlist. #zelousforzander

Read if you love:
-Rhen from A curse so dark and lonely, but oozing sex appeal
-Royalty, Castles, Court, and Corruption
-a heroine who you actually want to BE!
-a bit of mystery & intrigue
– Elemental Magic
– 🧛‍♀️
-friendships just as good as the OTP
-your next obsession in a series
-a little sweat & sword play anyone?
– FBAA

Rating:
It’s almost June and I’m naming it my favorite book of 2021-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters- here’s my bag of stars… I dont need them anymore
Trope- arranged marriage? enemies to lovers? fake relationship? that’s right you get them all
Steam- Just Zander leaning on a wall makes my knees weak… someone get this girl a wheelchair!🥵Actually… just pour me a bath, I’ll wait there.

Buy Now on Amazon

2. 𝑨 𝑪𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑺𝒊𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑭𝒍𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒔

SJM has a super power when it comes to writing incredible worlds, magic systems and love stories you can’t get enough of, but what she delivered in Silver Flames is so much more.

Synopsis:

Nesta Archeron has always been prickly-proud, swift to anger, and slow to forgive. And ever since being forced into the Cauldron and becoming High Fae against her will, she’s struggled to find a place for herself within the strange, deadly world she inhabits. Worse, she can’t seem to move past the horrors of the war with Hybern and all she lost in it.

The one person who ignites her temper more than any other is Cassian, the battle-scarred warrior whose position in Rhysand and Feyre’s Night Court keeps him constantly in Nesta’s orbit. But her temper isn’t the only thing Cassian ignites. The fire between them is undeniable, and only burns hotter as they are forced into close quarters with each other.

Meanwhile, the treacherous human queens who returned to the Continent during the last war have forged a dangerous new alliance, threatening the fragile peace that has settled over the realms. And the key to halting them might very well rely on Cassian and Nesta facing their haunting pasts.

Against the sweeping backdrop of a world seared by war and plagued with uncertainty, Nesta and Cassian battle monsters from within and without as they search for acceptance-and healing-in each other’s arms.

My Review:

Every hated enemy, every moment she’d been powerless against them simmered to the surface. And with each movement of the sword, each breath, a thought formed. It echoed with every inhale, every thrust and block. Never again. Never again would she be weak.

I knew being back into this world, into Velaris, would be everything I needed. ACOTAR was my intro into fantasy and it stole my heart.
I wasn’t ready for this book.

SJM has a super power when it comes to writing incredible worlds, magic systems and love stories you can’t get enough of, but what she delivered in Silver Flames is so much more.

It’s the reality of the voices in our head. Of not being good enough, of wishing for something different.
It’s the demons we’ve faced, held on to and harbored so no one would know how broken we really are.
It’s being a woman in a world of men… being looked over, forgotten or used.
It’s love… felt often but not easily given.
It’s the patiences that your family and loved ones have when you are not your best.
It’s the breaking to be made… made into something that is not perfect, but worthy.
It’s sex… raw, enjoyable and freely given to the one you love and the beauty of it.
It’s friendship and the power of unity.

It’s everything.

Nesta was probably the most hated character in FANTASY history with her poor attitude, rude comments, and how she treated Cassian, but now you will know WHY.
The power of the voices in our own heads is shown through Nesta and you can’t help but relate or finally understand. The shell that hides her is hard and relentless… but inside she is broken, afraid, and unkind to herself. Unworthy of love or forgiveness. Alone.

Cassian… although our sexy bruiting bat boy is imperfect, I wasn’t ready to fall in love with him and his amazing bleeding heart.
The Prince of Bastards is now the Prince of Underdogs… and he will give all of himself to help those who need him… especially someone he loves, the ones who need to be free from their shackles.
also….. my cheeks were REEEEEDDDD with these WIDE OPEN door scenes. There was no DEBT unpaid.

Silver Flames was more than was expected but everything I needed. It has officially taken first place in my heart and I feel bad for any book that follows here after. Sorry 2021 TBR pile.
Thank you SJM for your rawness and sharing your voice through your characters. I felt it. I Stand with you.

TW: talks of rape, abuse, depression, suicide

Rating:
story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (all the stars I could ever give)
characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (the inner court will forever be my tribe)
cry meter: 😭😭😭😭 (in an almost 800 page book I cried 5 times)
steam: Bridgerton is the new vanilla my friends. Cassian….. BOOOOOOOY🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Is that what those smutty books teach you? That it’s only at night?”
“It could be anytime—dawn’s first light, or when I’m bathing, or even after a long, hard day of practice.”

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3.𝑨 𝑺𝒉𝒂𝒅𝒐𝒘 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑬𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓
JLA gets better and better and her ability to warp and build these worlds is incredible.
I also learned I have a favorite trope. It’s “I can’t love you so I’ll just be in denial of my feelings” trope.

Synopsis:

Born shrouded in the veil of the Primals, a Maiden as the Fates promised, Seraphena Mierel’s future has never been hers. Chosen before birth to uphold the desperate deal her ancestor struck to save his people, Sera must leave behind her life and offer herself to the Primal of Death as his Consort.

However, Sera’s real destiny is the most closely guarded secret in all of Lasania—she’s not the well protected Maiden but an assassin with one mission—one target. Make the Primal of Death fall in love, become his weakness, and then…end him. If she fails, she dooms her kingdom to a slow demise at the hands of the Rot.

Sera has always known what she is. Chosen. Consort. Assassin. Weapon. A specter never fully formed yet drenched in blood. A monster. Until him. Until the Primal of Death’s unexpected words and deeds chase away the darkness gathering inside her. And his seductive touch ignites a passion she’s never allowed herself to feel and cannot feel for him. But Sera has never had a choice. Either way, her life is forfeit—it always has been, as she has been forever touched by Life and Death.

My Review:

If you know my love for From Blood and Ash it’s no surprise to hear that this is one of my favorite books of 2021.

Honestly this spin off series was one I was afraid to start… nothing could even touch my love for Hawke….

Ooooh oooh ooooooh I was wrong.

Death take me.

“Were all kisses from a god as dangerously intoxicating as this one?”

ASITE gives us the back story on the history of FBAA, along with a new couple to ship.
JLA gets better and better and her ability to warp and build these worlds is incredible.

I also have learned I have a favorite trope. It’s “I can’t love you so I’ll just be in denial of my feelings” trope.

“You are trouble.”

I’m sorry to any and all books that follow this one. Let’s just call it a year and give out the award.

Read if you like:
-hades and Persephone
-fantasy and a series that builds with each book
-attraction so undeniable yet absolutely denied
-dragons, monsters, gods and more
-WAAAAAAAAAAAR
-good boys that live in the shadows

My only complaint:
The more slang was a bit off putting for being so “ancient” of a story. So take that into consideration and then blow it off and enjoy the ride.

Rating:
Story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I love Sera and Ash SO MUCH)
Steam- OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH IIISSSSSSSSS SSPPPPIIIICCCYYYYYY 😝
Song: where are you now by lost frequencies

Buy Now on Amazon

4. 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒔
This book is full of everything you need. Clues around every corner to unfold the myths and mysteries, a world you can smell the air, taste the Italian cuisine, and feel the caresses of Wrath.

Synopsis:

After selling her soul to become Queen of the Wicked, Emilia travels to the Seven Circles with the enigmatic Prince of Wrath, where she’s introduced to a seductive world of vice.

She vows to do whatever it takes to avenge her beloved sister, Vittoria… even if that means accepting the hand of the Prince of Pride, the king of demons.

The first rule in the court of the Wicked? Trust no one. With back-stabbing princes, luxurious palaces, mysterious party invitations, and conflicting clues about who really killed her twin, Emilia finds herself more alone than ever before. Can she even trust Wrath, her one-time ally in the mortal world… or is he keeping dangerous secrets about his true nature?

Emilia will be tested in every way as she seeks a series of magical objects that will unlock the clues of her past and the answers she craves…

One sister.
Two sinful princes.
Infinite deception with a side of revenge… Welcome to Hell.

My Review:

“He took my bottom lip between his teeth and bit down gently. Then I remembered: he was no angel. And I was suddenly all to willing to be damned.”

KOTC picks up right where we left off in KOTW, Emilia on her way to hell to meet her betrothed.

This book is full of everything you need. Clues around every corner to unfold the myths and mysteries, a world you can smell the air, taste the Italian cuisine, and feel the caresses of Wrath.

As a book annotator, my book is full of underlined quotes and tabs to help me remember all the detail that will lead into book 3.

Kerri does an incredible job writing characters I either want to be, love to hate, or want to fall in love with and she out did herself writing Wrath and Emilia.

Although this book is NA, it was fast paced, easy to consume and all around not as steamtastic as I thought it would be.

If you haven’t visited the seven circles of hell yet, what are you waiting for?

Read if you like:
-writing and quotes so good you want to tattoo them on your body
-heroines that are fierce and feisty
-the villain you want to sell your soul to
-fantasy with a beautiful world that’s not to complicated to digest
-cuisine written so good you can taste it or make it yourself
-romance, all though slow and torturous, is ALL CONSUMING
-dresses so beautiful you want to raid her closet
-mystery to keep you guessing

(Beware of the cliffhanger)
Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam-🔥🔥🔥 (if words were hands, these would be deadly)

Buy Now on Amazon

5. 𝑨 𝑪𝒖𝒓𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝑲𝒊𝒔𝒔
A Cursed Kiss is your next NA romantasy obsession. From Irish folklore to being seduced by the bad boys, I could not put it down.

Synopsis:

Living on an island plagued by magic and mythical monsters isn’t a fairy tale… it’s a nightmare.

After Keelynn witnesses her sister’s murder at the hands of the legendary Gancanagh, an immortal creature who seduces women and kills them with a cursed kiss, she realizes there’s nothing she wouldn’t do to get her back. With the help of a vengeful witch, she’s given everything she needs to resurrect the person she loves most.

But first, she must slay the Gancanagh.

Tadhg, a devilishly handsome half-fae who has no patience for high society—or propriety—would rather spend his time in the company of loose women and dark creatures than help a human kill one of his own.

That is until Keelynn makes him an offer he can’t refuse.

Together, they embark on a cross-country curse-breaking mission that promises life but ends in death.

Perfect for fans of Holly Black’s Folk of the Air series and The Falconer, A Cursed Kiss is the first book in a series of interconnected novels and novellas set on the mythical island of Airren.

My Review:

“When you get annoyed, you do this.— And it’s a shame because you have a lovely mouth.”
“No you > have a lovely mouth.—Whereas I have a wicked mouth that does terribly wicked things.”

And that my friends is when my heart turned to a gooey mess for others to slip on.

A Cursed Kiss is your next NA romantasy obsession. From Irish folklore to being seduced by the bad boys, I could not put it down.

After witnessing the death of her sister from Gancanagh (the prince of seduction with a deadly kiss), Keelynn will do all it takes to slay Gancanagh and retrieve her sister’s life once again.

But the journey may not be what it seems.
By chance, Keelynn finds a half fae who agrees to make the journey to Tearmann with her, in exchange for something he needs.

Tadhg is my new book boyfriend and no I dont share.
Morally grey, half fae, alot of sarcasm and even more flirt.
check.
Check,
CHECK.

Read if you like:
-only one bed
-magical creatures with Irish folklore
-strong feminine lead
-fantasy with a whole lot of seduction
-morally grey characters ERRRRWHEEEERRRRR
-a book you could read in one sitting

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam- Jenny took her intro into New Adult seriously! If you’re worried about who to share this one with start here: If you say the word “oral” and their response is immediately hygiene or something to do with dental work, move along, this is not for Cindy…. Veronica on the other hand, the one that goes by “V” and chooses wine over afternoon tea, this is more her speed.
Sexy and satisfying 🔥

Here’s a lie J, I hated it 😘.

Buy Now on Amazon

Hope you enjoyed My Top 5 from 2021 in the fantasy genre. Stay tuned. More to come.

xo,

Aundreya

Categories: Uncategorized

A Shadow in the Ember

If you know my love for From Blood and Ash it’s no surprise to hear that this is one of my favorite books of 2021.

Synopsis:

My Review:

Honestly this spin off series was one I was afraid to start… nothing could even touch my love for Hawke….

Ooooh oooh ooooooh I was wrong.

Death take me.

“Were all kisses from a god as dangerously intoxicating as this one?”

ASITE gives us the back story on the history of FBAA, along with a new couple to ship.
JLA gets better and better and her ability to warp and build these worlds is incredible.

I also have learned I have a favorite trope. It’s “I can’t love you so I’ll just be in denial of my feelings” trope.

“You are trouble.”

I’m sorry to any and all books that follow this one. Let’s just call it a year and give out the award.

My only complaint:
The more slang was a bit off putting for being so “ancient” of a story. So take that into consideration and then blow it off and enjoy the ride.

Rating:
Story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (I love Sera and Ash SO MUCH)
Steam- OOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHH IIISSSSSSSSS SSPPPPIIIICCCYYYYYY 😝

Categories: Fantasy

The Nature of Witches

Synopsis:

In a world where witches control the climate and are losing control, only one witch can save earth from destruction. But as her power grows, it hurts those closest to her, and when she falls in love with her training partner she’s forced to choose between her power, her love, and saving the earth.

For centuries, witches have maintained the climate, but now their control is faltering as the atmosphere becomes more erratic; the storms, more destructive. All hope lies with Clara, a once-in-a-generation Everwitch whose magic is tied to every season.

In Autumn, Clara wants nothing to do with her power. It’s wild and volatile, and the price of her magic―losing the ones she loves―is too high, despite the need to control the increasingly dangerous weather.

In Winter, the world is on the precipice of disaster. Fires burn, storms rage, and Clara accepts that she’s the only one who can make a difference.

In Spring, she falls for Sang, the witch training her. As her magic grows, so do her feelings, until she’s terrified Sang will be the next one she loses.

In Summer, Clara must choose between her power and her happiness, her duty and the people she loves…before she loses Sang, her magic, and thrusts the world into chaos.

My Review

“Autumn is its own kind of magic; it reminds us of the beauty in letting go.”

In The Nature of Witches, RG does an incredible job of writing a storm you feel you are standing in. She went above and beyond to do research of our weather system so that every detail rang true and believable.

This is by far one of the best lyrically written books I’ve read since The Wicked Deep and Hollow Heathens.

With each season change you will break and mold with Clara as she embarks on her journey as an Everwitch.

You may even wonder “if I was a witch, what season would I be?”

I would be a winter ❄️

I can’t recommend this become enough.

I had a mild disconnect with the main characters till the end was my only complaint. But she is youthful and finding her way on a path that was set for her before she was even born.

A book that’s sweet, romantic, and about self discovery, this is one you won’t want to miss this season.

Have you read it?

Rating:
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Characters- ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (Sang was the MVP)
Steam- Like a bouquet of flowers… romantic but far from scandalous

Wanting to join a bookclub? make sure to check out @thebookclubwasbetter on instagram to join new friends sharing something we love, books.

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult

Kingdom of the Wickwd

Synopsis

Two sisters.

One brutal murder.

A quest for vengeance that will unleash Hell itself…

And an intoxicating romance.

Emilia and her twin sister Vittoria are streghe – witches who live secretly among humans, avoiding notice and persecution. One night, Vittoria misses dinner service at the family’s renowned Sicilian restaurant. Emilia soon finds the body of her beloved twin…desecrated beyond belief. Devastated, Emilia sets out to find her sister’s killer and to seek vengeance at any cost-even if it means using dark magic that’s been long forbidden.

Then Emilia meets Wrath, one of the Wicked-princes of Hell she has been warned against in tales since she was a child. Wrath claims to be on Emilia’s side, tasked by his master with solving the series of women’s murders on the island. But when it comes to the Wicked, nothing is as it seems…

My Review

“I wanted him to devour me. Or maybe I wanted to devour him.”

Friends: OMGOSH KOTW is so good you have to read it!!!! But the ending… AAAAAAH.!
Me: waits an entire year so I’m less crushed when book 2 arrives.
Also me: You dummy… this is going to be a large series and now you’re hooked.

Kingdom of the Wicked is far from what I expected it to be. I went in with a blind eye and was greeted with a new world unlike any in fantasy.

As a huge fan of Stalking Jack the Ripper, I loved seeing her authentic writing style flow into fantasy. With her incredible ability to build a scene you can visualize, add a dash of mystery, and a pinch of romance… you have a well rounded novel.

Emilia experiences tragic loss and is out for vengeance on the killer. She’s spent her entire life hiding her identity as a witch, so the most obvious answer is that with hunters have struck.
But the gates of Hell may be open, and the prophecy is in movement.
Emilia may have caught herself a prince of hell and a man of war to help her find his killer… if only she can stop doubting his role in the matter.

There is a certain scene with orange blossoms that may have led my heart on a silver platter to Wrath (IYKYK)

What I loved:
-the old magic setting in Sicily
-food… now I want pasta and cannolis
-enemies to lovers… always my favorite!
-a heroine learning her identity
-Princes of Hell… seven to be exact, oh well of COURSE they are beauitful
-a world well build and magic easy to devour and believe
-sarcasm and wit… even some of the flirty kind
-sleuthing… can you solve a crime? (I GUESSED THIS ONE!)

I cannot wait to read Book 2 as KM ventures for YA to NA.

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (not surprised as Audrey & Thomas are eternal faves for me too)
steam- comparative to when you want to light your fire place, but its 90 degrees out still, so you opt for the fireplace feature on your tv. Satisfying, yet just doesn’t warm you up, if you know what I mean.

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult

Defy the Night

Synopsis

A fantasy series about a kingdom divided by corruption, the prince desperately holding it together, and the girl who will risk everything to bring it crashing down.

The kingdom of Kandala is on the brink of disaster. Rifts between sectors have only worsened since a sickness began ravaging the land, and within the Royal Palace, the king holds a tenuous peace with a ruthless hand.

King Harristan was thrust into power after his parents’ shocking assassination, leaving the younger Prince Corrick to take on the brutal role of the King’s Justice. The brothers have learned to react mercilessly to any sign of rebellion–it’s the only way to maintain order when the sickness can strike anywhere, and the only known cure, an elixir made from delicate Moonflower petals, is severely limited.

Out in the Wilds, apothecary apprentice Tessa Cade is tired of seeing her neighbors die, their suffering ignored by the unyielding royals. Every night, she and her best friend Wes risk their lives to steal Moonflower petals and distribute the elixir to those who need it most–but it’s still not enough.

My Review

Mind your mettle, Tessa.

After Finishing Vow by BK… I’m going to be honest… I was heartbroken and afraid to read anything by her again.

BUT, as a fan of her writing I thought I would give Defy the Night a go, and it was worth every minute and page turn.

Robin Hood meets the pandemic and it feels a little too close to home, you may just be praying to see your own sexy bandit in the night saving you a bit of moonflower to rid the fever.

Read if you like:
-masked rebels with a cause
-treason
-no lines between good and bad
-a sickness that continues to spread like COVID
-romance… the slow burn mushy kind you can’t get enough of.
-brothers… and not just any brothers, royal ones (wiggle brows)
-a new YA series that will automatically sit in your FAVES

My rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam- like a sexy tango with no touching… you see it don’t you?

Categories: Romance

Isn’t it Bromantic

Synopsis:

With his passion for romance novels, it was only a matter of time before Vlad wrote one.

Elena Konnikova has lived her entire adult life in the shadows. As the daughter of a Russian journalist who mysteriously disappeared, she escaped danger the only way she knew how: She married her childhood friend, Vladimir, and moved to the United States, where he is a professional hockey player in Nashville.

Vlad, aka the Russian, thought he could be content with his marriage of convenience. But it’s become too difficult to continue in a one-sided relationship. He joined the Bromance Book Club to learn how to make his wife love him, but all he’s learned is that he deserves more. He’s ready to create his own sweeping romance—both on and off the page.

The bros are unwilling to let Vlad forgo true love—and this time they’re not operating solo. They join forces with Vlad’s neighbors, a group of meddling widows who call themselves the Loners. But just when things finally look promising, Elena’s past life intrudes and their happily ever after is cast into doubt.

My Review:

“Wakey, wakey, hands off snakey.”

Thats right, we are BACK LADIES! And better than ever.

Isn’t it Bromantic follows Vlad and his wife Elena. The mystery woman many thought was a figment of the imagination, well, until she shows up asking for a divorce.

But was that request a mistake?
Are the feelings both have ignored so long mutual and stronger than ever?

All Elena knows is right now, Vlad needs her, and she will need to earn the respect and spot among Vlad’s people.
First the bookclub… Vlad’s best friends that seem to know more than she does with their plotting and “I seeeeee’s.”
The Loners, a bunch of widowed or divorced women who have taken Vlad under their wing in his time of loneliness. And some of these ladies will put a hex on you.

“You’re still waiting on your knight in shining armor who will make you all giddy and sparkly for the rest of your life. What you should be looking for is someone you’re still willing to have sex with after they make you look at their colonoscopy.”

This book was by far my favorite in the series since book 1. It has the strong element of comedic relief, serious underlying topics, and of course… romance.

Read if you love:
-the perfect rom-com
-russian inspiration so good you can taste it
-friends to lovers
-a big furry cinnamon roll you can’t help cheer on
-friends… the weirdest and the best of them all
-a bit of crime action

Rating:
genre- rom com, can be read as a standalone but wouldn’t recommend
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam- He’s romantic… not easy, calm down….

Thank you to the publisher for gifting me an EARC for this incredible book.

Categories: Young Adult

Emmie & the Tudor Queen (book 2)

Synopsis:

True love has never been more deadly in this lush sequel to the best-selling Emmie and the Tudor King.

For an extraordinary love, Emmie Grace has given up her life in the modern world to move to the sixteenth century and marry the Tudor king she bravely saved from a dreadful fate. However, not everyone is pleased to see the glorious King Nick betrothed to the unknown and uncultured Emmie—especially the noblemen commanded to protect her.

As Emmie is drawn deeper into Nick’s sumptuous and savage world—where beheadings are way more popular than time travelers—the Tudor court heads on progress across the country, and a growing rebellion against the promised queen looms.

With life and love at stake, Emmie must face the cost of changing the path of history and realize that her greatest sacrifice is yet to come.

My Review:

” Your dear betrothed may have the heart of a king, my lady, but he also bears the heart of a man.”

After a crazy ending in book one, I wasn’t sure where EATTQ would go.
Turns out everywhere I wanted it!

After Nick’s proposal, Emmie must now navigate the Tudor time period and find where she belongs, other than the owner of Nick’s heart.

With so many swoon worthy moments and writing so beautiful you feel as if you are wearing gorgeous gowns and jewels yourself, I highly recommend this series to people of all ages.

Read if you love:
-the Tudor dynasty and time period
-a king with anger issues but a huge heart
-a modern day girl living in a whole ‘other world
-is it really old England if there isn’t a bit of betrayal and beheading?
-Outlander for Young Adults
-a bit of magic
-a love worth traveling time for
-friendships and side characters to find just as interesting as the OTP
-quick and easy escape of a book

The ending had my gasping and racing to the last page, with a cliffhanger I didn’t see coming. I am on pins and needles waiting for book 3!

“No matter where we shall travel, my lady- to the future or to God in heaven, I wish to be by your side. For I shall be a king no more, but merely a man, and I will worship and love yours such until the last breath of my immortal soul. Can you love me not as a king, Emmie, but as a man?”

Rating:
Story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre- YA romance/time travel/historical fiction
Steam- although the men on Nicholas’s council was called to watch and verify the consummation of marriage… you my friend…. are not invited.

Thank you Natalie Murray for gifting me an ARC to share my love for this story with others ❤️.

Emmie and the Tudor King is avaiable July 28th! Preorder now by clicking on my the picture above!

Categories: Romance

Exodus

Synopsis

Can you live a lie?

It’s a ghost town, this place that haunts me, the one that made me.
It’s clear to me that I’ll never outgrow Triple Falls or outlive the time I spent
here.
I can still feel them all, my boys of summer.
Even when I’d sensed the danger, I gave in.
I didn’t heed a single warning. I let my sickness, my love, both rule and ruin
me. I played my part, eyes wide open, tempting fate until it delivered.
There was never going to be an escape.
All of us are to blame for what happened. All of us serving our own
sentences. We were careless and reckless, thinking our youth made us
indestructible, exempt from our sins, and it cost us all.
I’m done pretending I didn’t leave the largest part of me between these
hills and valleys, between the sea of trees that hold my secrets.
It’s the reason I’m back. To make peace with my fate.
And if I can’t grieve enough to cure myself in my time here, I’ll remain sick.
That will be my curse.
But it’s time to confess, to myself more so than any other, that I’d hindered
my chances because of the way I was built, and because of the men who built me.
At this point, I just want to make peace with who I am, no matter what
ending I get.

Because I can no longer live a lie.

My Review

““I didn’t know how f****** possessed I was until I saw the way they loved you.”

If you look up “Exodus” in the dictionary… you will see it as the book that will fuel your soul and then absolutely crush it.

Flock leaves us with a bit of a hanger as we are finally introduced to The Frenchman and all the darkness that follows him.

Cecelia wants nothing more than to be reunited with the two mysteries that stole her heart, but fate has other plans.

Exodus is a rollercoaster and feels like two books smashed into one.

Expect to fall in love, to fan yourself from the HEAT, and to sob as you try to retrieve the pieces after the explosion that hits your heart.

I’m naming Exodus in my top 10 reads of 2021.. all consuming and completely destructive.

I also have a special place for this book from the Thorn Birds references… which is my all time favorite book.

Come take a ride in Dom’s black Camaro, learn how to love insatiably, and unravel the mysteries and confusion created by the men that changed you and made you.

Read if you love:
-A heroine with the strength of an army
-messy love
-fated love
-SHOCK AND AWE… the ties only intertwine more and more
-unabashed ravishing
-the good guys who have to do bad things
-KILLER music references
-a good cleansing cry
-a series that will ruin everything else for you

Rating:
story:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
characters:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (Dom is everything)
steam: if this is how the French do it… ya’ll are diiiiirty

Categories: Romance

Flock ( The Ravenhood Series)

Synopsis:

I grew up sick.⁣
⁣
Let me clarify.⁣
⁣
I grew up believing that real love stories include a martyr or demand great sacrifice to be worthy.⁣
⁣
Because of that, I believed it, because I made myself believe it, and I bred the most masochistic of romantic hearts, which resulted in my illness.⁣
⁣
When I lived this story, my own twisted fairy tale, it was unbeknownst to me at the time because I was young and naïve. I gave into temptation and fed the beating beast, which grew thirstier with every slash, every strike, every blow.⁣
⁣
Triple Falls wasn’t at all what it seemed, nor were the men that swept me under their wing. But in order to keep them, I had to be in on their secrets.⁣
⁣
Secrets that cost us everything to keep.⁣
⁣
That’s the novelty of fiction versus reality. You can’t re-live your own love story, because by the time you’ve realized you’re living it, it’s over. At least that was the case for me and the men I trusted my foolish heart to.⁣
⁣
Looking back, I’m convinced I willed my story into existence due to my illness.⁣
⁣
And all were punished.

Both books in The Ravenhood Duet are now available and must be read in order.
Duet Reading Order
Book #1 Flock
Book #2 Exodus

This is an angsty, unconventional love story with high steam, loaded with suspense, a little action, and ALL OF THE FEELS!

My Review:

“The truth is, I do expect a lot out of my love story and the man I’ll share it with. I expect passion and butterflies, and one or two fairy tale moments. When we fight, I want it to hurt. When we f***, I want to feel it with every fiber of my being. When a man confesses his love to me, I expect him to mean it. I don’t want to question the words’ authenticity. I want to be claimed and owned and ruled and possessed by love.”

Cecilia:
moves in with her father for one reason and one reason only. To take her fortune and hand it over to her mother. The mother who was left broken, damaged and an addict. All because of unrequited love.

In this town no one is who they seem… so, can you keep a secret?

The mystery boys with fast cars, egos and raven wings tattooed on their skin have Cecilia curious as to what is behind the masks they wear.
Meet these boys:

Alfred Sean Roberts
The giver with the hazel eyes. The man who lives in the moment and demands all of your attention.
The one with the knee weakening smile.

Jean Dominic King
Black hair and silver eyes that hold you wear you stand.
Defender with a temper and a man of little words… but he WILL be your undoing.
Dominic. is. my. weakness
Fast cars and nasty words are his specialty.

The love Cecelia read about and expected may not be what she finds.
It’s going to be messy.
It’s going to be painful.
And its going to be a secret many will never know or understand.

Welcome to your summer obsession, and the one when someone says “what’s your book about?” you have no idea how to give an answer… you just instantly download it for them.

All I know is I think I did my early 20s wrong. Anyone have a redo card?

Read if you love:
-a bit of mystery packed in two beautiful men
-a corrupt small town
-fast cars
-conspiracies
– a love… knot? not necessarily a triangle… yes… ill say knot.
-young protagonist with daddy issues… and even though you don’t have them yourself… you get it.

Rating:
story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ AND IM OBSESSED
characters- just take my whole bag… no one else will compete with these boys
steam- I’m day 3 of my ice bath after how HOT that was.

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