readinginwatercolor

Emmie and the Tudor King

Synopsis:

One moment, Emmie is writing her high school history paper; the next, she’s sitting with a gorgeous 16th century king who vacillates from kissing her to ordering her execution.
Able to travel back to her own time, but intensely drawn to King Nick and the mysterious death of his sister, Emmie finds herself solving the murder of a young princess and unraveling court secrets while trying to keep her head on her shoulders, literally.
With everything to lose, Emmie finds herself facing her biggest battle of all: How to cheat the path of history and keep her irresistible king, or lose him—and her heart—forever

My Review:

“But what if being near you is what makes it harder for me to breathe?”

Emmie and the Tudor king is the perfect mix of history and make believe.

Emmie finds herself in quite the predicamen as she wakes up somewhere else… and 400 years in the past.
Can Emmie change the coarse of history to save the beautiful man who has stolen glances, time, and her heart?
Or will the sweet king end up the way the history books write him?

The Tudors may be a baaaad news in history, but Natalie writes Nicholas as the king of your dreams. I mean I like my men strong and in control but… wow… the death threats of the monarchy…

Who knew stares across a room, hand holding and stolen kisses could ignite something so fierce in my wanton heart.

What I loved:

-appropriate for all
-the time period SWOON
-the Tudor Dynasty

-Outlander but YA
-the sweet romance
-a quick one day read that left me smiling
-a little bit of “how dun it”

What was missing:
-honestly, nothing… it wasn’t difficult to read and I found myself doing chores with my nose in my book….. I think I just left wanting MORE, so I cannot wait for book 2!

Thank you Natalie Murray for my gifted copy I will cherish it always.

Rating:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
trope- written in history
steam-if kissing does it for ya you’re in for a REEEEEAAAAAL treat

Categories: Romance

To Love and to Loathe

” For all you know, you’ve never left a woman truly satisfied in all your years of raking? Rakedom? Rakehood? Is there a proper word to use to describe this activity?”

First off thank you to Simon and Schuster for my ARC of TLATL.

Martha Waters does an amazing job writing regency romance with a dash of a few modern topics.

Diana and Jeremy are ready to strike a deal. 1oo pounds he is married within the year and he pays up.
But neither of these bullheaded individuals expected their own arrangement come to fruition.

By my chosen quote you can presume that Jeremy is… oh how would we modern women say?… A
PLAYA
With his nice jawline, gorgeous hair and insufferable confidence, Diana rolls her eyes more often than night at his side smirks.
We all know what makes a good Regency Romance is the “I’m a man with baggage who cannot give you all of himself outside of my body” theme and MW nailed it.
Well… until she gets to be the women to set Jeremy straight and show him what it is to truly “care” for a woman.

Also I’ve always wanted to use this GIF in a review…. and now is the TIME TO SHINE

What I Loved:
-the BANTER, enemies to lovers… that’s all you need
-the side characters and “girl talks”
-the time period
-easy, quick and full and smiles
– Diana thinks feelings are icky… therefore Diana is me.

What was missing:
-ummmm more 🔥🔥🔥

Rating:
Trope- enemies to lovers
Characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam level- I would call it educational… 🔥🔥/5

Categories: Romance

The Spanish Love Deception

Central defender, huh?” I nodded. He didn’t need to know the truth. Aaron dipped his head, his voice dropping too. “Are you trying to impress me with sports lingo, Catalina?” The way he had said my name was new. I couldn’t explain how, but it had been different from any other time he had voiced those four syllables. And it sent a shiver dancing down my arms. “It’s sexy, but don’t ever feel like you need to impress me. I already am.”

Welcome to my review. Where I will spend the next however many words gushing over Aaron Blackford and using an unnecessary amount of Henry Cavill gifs.
Shall we?

Catalina is dreading heading back to Spain to see her family for her sister’s wedding… mainly because her ex who stomped on her heart is the best man…. also because she experienced brief word vomit and said she has a boyfriend… which she doesn’t.

Until she strike a deal with the work devil himself. With his greek god bod, bruiting face, and Clark Kent looks… he will either be perfect OR everyone will know what a liar Lina really is.

THAT nerd is about to carry your heart across a soccer field and pin your heart to a wall…
“Keeping my eyes on his lips for a few intense seconds, I was sure something had just popped in the vicinity of my female reproductive parts.”

I loved every single minute of this book and wish I could put a bid in for my favorite guy.
I’m still waiting for my friend to get to my house and mop me off the floor since I am straight GOO.
I’m starting a new hashtag. #gooforaaron…
[image error]

TSLD has taken the cake for favorite romance of 2021 so far.

It is available on Kindle Unlimited but I promise, you will be ordering your physical copy long before you even get half way.

Now excuse me as I go reread it….

Read if you like:
-The Hating Game
-The wedding date
-Henry cavill
-Henry cavill
-big family tela novella drama
-laugh out loud comedies
-unforgettable love story
-HEAs
-a slow burn that’s worth it
-nice pectorals

Rating:
character-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
trope- enemies to lovers
steam- Aaron could wipe food off your face and it counts as four play. Bring a cold drink and a fan.

(okay that was the last one I promise

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult

Chain of Iron

Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor demons, not principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, shall be able to seperate us. Do you understand? Keep hold of me, Daisy. Keep hold of me, and don’t let go.”

What a wild ride.
Chain of Iron was an exciting second installment I the Last Hours series and it was soooooooo good.

We are back together with the Merry Thieves and our favorite couple as they go through their “fake marriage” to save Cordelia’s reputation after she lied for James. Except we all know this love is THE REAL THING! But that scene that included some ROPES! WHOOOOOOWEEEEEE. I read that three times.

CC definitely upped her romance and 🔥🔥🔥 in this one. Still tasteful but everything I wanted.

Every moment with James and Daisy was my absolute favorite. I think I could have read about them reading and kissing in the drawing room for 600 pages.

All of the characters in this story are very strong. Matthew, Lucie, Jesse, Grace, Kit, Thomas, Alastair and Anna… I want to be all their friends and I want them all to find an HEA.

Read if you like:
-being a sleuth and catching the killer
-Jane Austen’s era of writing with angels and demons (put them in fancy dresses but make it spicy… but noooooot Bridgerton level😂)
-kids that are way too smart for their own good
-multiple love interests and couples in one story
-action!
-want to join the Jamie Herondale fan club (im accepting new member)
-🏳️‍🌈 and love interests
-beautifully written diverse characters

What I docked a star:
-PERSONAL OPINION…. I am oooooooover love triangles. I think this book could have been way more powerful and 100 pages shorter without forcing that to happen. Its been done by CC and I loved it in TID but I just can’t… again.

I’m hoping that this is an opening to help Matthew heal and not anything else because I love him and want him to be happy so badly, just not messing with my OTP. It feels redundant at this point.
– I smidge predictable… and I am the world’s worst detective

Rating:
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Steam- Cassandra:”oh you’re thirsty? have some water!” (hands water over, takes small sips. Cassandra aggressively grabs glass after one sip.) Cassandra:”THATS ENOUGH…..for now.”

Featured in photo is the lit joy crate exclusive book, case, letter and artwork! check them out on instagram! https://www.instagram.com/litjoycrate/

Categories: Sci-fi

Red Rising

You do not follow me because I am the strongest, Pax is. You do not follow me because I am the brightest, Mustang is. You follow me because you do not know where you are going. I do.

Whoa…..

Red Rising has been a series that has been raved about and well known all over the book community.
So why did it take me so long to read?
Sci-fi…. not my normal thing.
Romance… I know its a lacking component.
Nevertheless, I knew it was time to give RR a go.

Red Rising starts off strong and heartbreaking right out of the gate. With Darrow losing the only love and happiness he’s ever known and being thrown into a part of his world he didn’t know even existed…. its his turn to have his revenge on the colors that have walked on his people for so long… and who took away his happiness.

RR is brutal with a bit of nostalgia of the hunger games and the dystopian feel many love to read in series.
You will cry.
You will get mad.
You may just cry some more.
But in the end you will give a big ole’ fist bump to the sky for Darrow as breaks and is mended as a new man in an impossible situation. A man fueled by anger but also willing to recognize the good even in the corrupt.

And no… this is not romance at all… however the writing is so good I didn’t miss it. Also this whole book is a love story and a tribute that I found so beautiful even when I wasn’t getting the “warm and fuzzies.”
Darrow’s journey from start to finish is unforgettable.

I cannot wait to continue this series and learn more about some of my favorite characters ( Mustang girl I’m looking at you!)

read if you like:
– loved hunger games or divergent
– something new and different
-sci-fi
-dystopian
-mythology
– brutality of the vikings with a bunch of space suits
-BA & unforgettable characters
-books about loyalty and friendship

What was missing:
honestly… nothing… I think there were a few points I was a bit confused but by the end it tied up so well. I would highly recommend starting this series with a group or a friend so you can chat!

RATING:
story-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam- Pierce… I’m just saying… there could have been more kissing…

Categories: Romance

The Idea of You

He was quiet, weighing the moment. And then he smiled, wide. “What took you so long?” I laughed. “I was just making sure it was you, and not the idea of you.”

At first when my friend said “hey Aundreya you have to read this book, it will be your new obsession.” I thought… “I don’t have time for that.”
But then she gave me the inside scoop…. oh I could make time.

Starting The Idea of You, I thought… did I write this that week I was so sick and lived on NyQuil? Are these my words and fantasies played out in a Harry Styles fan fiction novel?

The only signs that showed me that statement was NOT true was that my dreams consist of a 4 year age gap instead of a 20, no children that are ALSO obsessed with my 20 year old Harry Styles aaaaand a happy ending where he writes a love song about me but under the alias “Ashley” not because he’s hiding his love for me, but because nothing rhymes with Aundreya.

With a talk of TIY on its way to the big screen its a must read!
The setting of being in the spotlight felt real and exciting, and the romance was SIZZLIN.
Romance lovers, Harry Lovers, or someone who needs a change just read it PLEEAAAASE.
It’s like 8 hours of all your favorite HS scenes on PAPER…. and its the long hair BAD harry 😂🔥❤️.

Noted: The characters of this story are Hayes Campbell & Solene Marchand … I realize this far in the review I haven’t mentioned that.

Solene takes her daughter to the band Autumn Moon concert (cough cough) and meets the band and Hayes where their aged gap affair takes flight.

What I love:
-the pop culture references
-the chemistry… OFF THE DANG CHARTS. I honestly forgot the age difference
-the Hollywood glam and misfortunes
-the fuel that was dumped on my Harry obsession
-the fact that I have an excuse to put really good Harry gifs in a review

What didn’t work for me:
-S…. girl…. you’re flying around the world for this boy…. you’ve dedicated… quit throwing the “but you’re 20” out there.
-Sometimes I thought he was 40 and her 20….
-the ending… again… not holding it against her in my review… probably bc its not the ending I would want for ME.

Rating:
story- ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (but will read it over again)
romance trope- Stella got her groove back with a young British hottie
steam- Here my friends you will learn what the true meaning of Watermelon sugar is…many times.

Categories: Fantasy, Uncategorized, Young Adult

The Stolen Kingdom Review

“I’d fallen for her from the moment she’d first stepped out of a carriage in the courtyard, and I didn’t feel capable of unfailing. Every word poised on my tongue felt like it would lumber forth with a clumsiness that would let the world know that this girl unraveled me.”

The Stolen Kingdom is a remarkable approach to YA Fantasy and a stand alone.
Two royal blooded lines hold magic.

One given freely, pure and good…. one stolen, dark and wicked.
Maralyth Graylaern has always known she hold a power unlike anyone else as she brings life the the nature around her family’s vineyard. Until one day she is kidnapped and held against her will to take hold of her blood right… to be queen of Perin Faye.

Alac Thungrave, second son to the crown, hates the dark magic that consumes his father and refuses to accept it. Until he meets a beautiful woman in court visiting for his brother’s wedding, and realizes she may be the key to saving his family… and his future.

Jillian Bohme has a unique writing style that is fun for all.

Read if you like:
-sweet romance
-“clean” regency romance
-a twist of magic and the fight of good vs. evil.
-a curse so dark and lonely
-the midnight bargain

What was missing:
I found the story very easy which was nice, but I think I just missed a bit of a PUNCH. ACTION!.
The ending had potential but it sped through the climax rather quickly and by the end I just felt it left the pacing a bit off.
I could have tapped 20 pages and still known exactly what was going on… heavy inner dialogue.

Rating:
story:⭐️⭐️⭐️
romance: sweet regency feeling romance
steam: got me about as excited as looking at my 7th grade picture

Thank you to the author and Tor Teen for my gifted copy

Categories: Fantasy, Romance

A Court of Silver Flames

“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.“

What’s the last book that brought you to tears?

TW: talks of rape, abuse, depression, suicide, language and sexual content

I knew being back into Velaris would be everything I needed. ACOTAR was my intro into fantasy and I was ready to fall in love in, to read about romance.
I wasn’t ready for this book.

Silver Flames is the reality of the voices in our heads. 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 the words we lashed out to someone we loved because the pain and feeling of being undeserving over powered rationality.
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 and sometimes what’s given is below what your partner deserves.
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. Finally finding validation in yourself… not because someone gave it to you.
It’s the toxic relationship you have with yourself where 90% of the words you hear in your head are in fact fiction.
It’s sex… raw, enjoyable and freely given to the one you love and the beauty of it…. not romanticizing the act but seeing it as pleasure.
It’s friendship and the power of unity…. the power of having four quarters that are equivalent to 100 pennies.
It’s beautiful and heartbreaking and it hit me HARD.

Here is a playlist I made for this lovely book. I may add some… I may take some away… either way…. I hope you enjoy it.

❤️,

Aundreya

Categories: Fantasy, Young Adult

Wicked Saints

Dazzle the Monsters, Nadya. You’ve already charmed the worst of the lot; the rest should be easy.”

This month I decided to tag along with a group to read Wicked Saints because I’ve read so many mixed reviews on this one… mainly with people ending with confusion.

WS follows two POVs.

Nadya a girl sheltered from the world growing up in a monastery, she holds onto the only the relationships she has.. the main ones being the gods she speaks to through her divine magic.
Until one day she hears the cannons and everything changes… all that she has known may be questioned on her journey to save her people.

Serefin – High Prince to Tranavia, he is on the hunt for the girl that could be the weapon to his country’s destruction. Until he is pulled away from the battle field to participate in a custom that may result in Serefin finding his betrothal… or his death.

TW: alot of blood, gore, and self harm.

What I loved:
– the writing is so interesting and different! With a Russian Inspo I found the world Emily created to be dark and fascinating
-the love story was a bit pieced apart BUT I loved where it was heading. It gave me Darkling and Alina vibes from Shadow & Bones and that is one of my faves.
– Malachiasz… dark…. mysterious and broken. He is the definition of a perfect morally grey character. You don’t know whether to hug or stab him.
-the friendships.
-Serefin and his awkward yet handsome prince ways…. I might love him the most.

What I struggled with:
– I wish there was a guide for all the gods
-some of the riddles and dream states had me completely lost. I felt like she wanted to make those moments very poetic but for me it felt a bit… over done….
-the magic… I looooooved the unique concept. the blood magic made sense but Nadya’s power and connection with the God’s was confusing… and then it got even harder to understand.

Overall it was a solid first book to a trilogy. The end has me wanting to start Ruthless Gods right away.
All the characters were interesting and likable, and for them I will work through my confusion.

Rating:
Story-⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
characters-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
romance- enemies to lovers… back to enemies
steam- there is curiosity and stolen kisses

Categories: Romance, Young Adult

London Prep- The Key

“Being here is even worse if I don’t have you,”
” You have me.”
“Not really.”

If you have made it to this review you know LP3 left us on a rather STRONG cliffhanger… Mallory maliciously made her first kiss with Noah public…. and it was GASP worthy.

It’s hard to write a review on this one without giving away spoilers, so here is my confession.
Of all the series I’ve ever read I’ve never been so consumed by love and also destroyed at the same time.
JD is the queen of cliffhangers and dragging your heart on a string for a long while before you get your happy ending…. (mean mean woman.)

Book 1 we fell in love with Harry, Book 2 we were torn between two boys, and book 3 we were back in high school ourselves trying to crawl into Noah’s sweatpants… but book 4 is 100% about Mallory, her struggle to let go… oh and Mohammad!

Yes I said Mohammad! He was the real MVP who made me smile and enjoy small moments before returning to my wallowing. (show me those sultry eyes)

If you haven’t read this series yet here are the reasons you should:
-whats better than high school drama?
-love triangles…. the strongest teams since team Jacob and team Edward
-London… where the fashion is great and the boys have accents

-a reason to scream and yell at something other than your significant other
-you like the CW gossip girl and need to read it

What was missing for me in this book:
kissing…. kissing…. and kissing.
As a total romantic who dives into these books for the SWOON worthy moments… I feel like I left my high school prom and my date left with someone else

As head cheerleader for the #teamnoah fan club… I will have to listen to some TSWIFT and ED SHEERAN until I get my HEA… because if you don’t believe… you won’t achieve.

Cheers to nights of healing, hallways, and hotels!

Rating:
story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
romance: love triangle/HS love
character⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
steam-about as dirty as a Kids Bop song

Song:

Buy Black on Amazon

Subscribe to Blog via Email