Wednesday 13 March 2024

REVIEW - Once Touched (Silver Creek #3) by Laura Moore

The Book
Release Date: 24 November 2015

For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Diana Palmer comes Laura Moore’s breathtaking final installment in her Silver Creek contemporary romance series.

The youngest of the three Knowles siblings, Quinn has in her blood the love of the land and its beautiful creatures. Raising enough money to build an animal sanctuary is a dream Quinn lives every day—while fending off her family’s well-intentioned matchmaking schemes. Though harboring secret fears about intimacy, Quinn soon realizes she cannot fight her growing attraction to a man who has suddenly entered her life.

Scarred by his months in Afghanistan and the violence he witnessed there through his camera lens, photojournalist Ethan Saunders throws himself into hard ranching work as a prescription for healing. But falling for Quinn has given him the one thing he thought he’d lost forever: hope. Ethan discovers that Quinn, like the innocent animals she rescues, is shy, and afraid of entrusting her heart to a man. Passion soon awakens Ethan’s strength, and his tender seduction may be just what Quinn needs to believe in herself—and in his love.

My Review   4 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Quinn loves her animals and very much has the heart to help in rescuing animals like her horse Tucker who is skittish around men and with Quinns soft touch responds only to her.

Ethan having been in an accident in Afghanistan needs to recover in a place that is not around his concerned parents and chooses to go back to Whisper Creek, a place he loved as a child.  Here he meets bubbly and sunny Quinn who with her special ways reaches Ethan in a way no other can.

But is is only Ethan who is able to help Quinn with a problem she has wanted to get over, being a 24 year old virgin is hard and she finds it hard to get near doing the deed with any other man.  But Ethan has a soft sure way about him that not only turns Quinn on, but that she trusts him.

The supporting family is strong, the friendships Quinn has formed is strong and ultimately, Quinn gives Ethan the biggest push in order to recover and he in turn shows her that she is the only one he could ever want.

Monday 11 March 2024

REVIEW - Meant to Be (Whisper Creek #5) by Maggie McGinnis

The Book
Release Date: 14 March 2017

At twenty-five, Shelby Quinn is a has-been, and she’s more relieved than devastated. The one-time pop sensation’s latest album just debuted with a whimper, and her tour’s cancellation means she has her first chance to relax since . . . well, ever. But when her beloved father passes away, Shelby’s vacation suddenly becomes a time for soul searching. Alone and broken-hearted, she certainly doesn’t expect to meet a man who understands her in a way no one else ever has. 

Gabe Sullivan was one of the NYPD’s top detectives—until his partner made off with his wife and his reputation. Now he’s wrangling horses and guests at Whisper Creek Ranch, while keeping one eye firmly on a super-secret VIP holed up in a private cabin—a beautiful, soulful singer who knows what it’s like to lose everything. Gabe and Shelby both have ample reason to guard their hearts. But if they can learn to trust each other, something magical waits for them under the big skies and bright stars.

My Review   4 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Pop sensation Tara aka Shelby has recently lost her father and after the funeral is sent off to Whisper Creek for a month in order to decompress as the waining poster is a little on the edge and struggling with her grief.

Cooper is spending time at Whisper Creek after being on trial after having blown the whistle on some shady cop colleagues and one was a relative.  Cooper is put on look after the special VIP task and finds that it is not as bad as he thought it would be, and his spicy senses soon ferret out her secrets and he finds himself wanting to help the star, meanwhile falling for the woman.

But the past catches up to our characters, for Cooper he faces morbid press as the case is reopened after new information is found and Shelbys management bring her back after someone has posted her and Cooper together and she has to deny knowing him.

But three weeks was enough for this couple to have a strong connection, for Shelby to have made real friends and for Cooper sister to help him realise that it is Shelby that her really wants now.

I enjoyed this book and the sweet coming together of two people who make each others lives whole.

Wednesday 6 March 2024

REVIEW - Kind of a Hot Mess (The McGuire Brothers #5) by Lili Valente

The Book
Release Date: 5 February 2024

She's a hot mess single mom with no time for players…or anything else.

He's a wounded NHL star stuck in the home town he's fought to escape.

She needs a babysitter.

He needs a safe place to heal away from his overbearing family.

The problem?

They hate each other (and lust after each other) in equal measure.

Being roomies is going to be…interesting.

AARON and MELISSA'S story arrives winter 2024!

My Review    5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Mel is a single mum with a busy business and not enough time in her life.  Her ex-husband is happily shacked up with his boyfriend and Mel hates having to give up her child and is lonely.

Aaron is an older Rookie in the NHL and after just three games gets a nasty injury that means he needs to sit out until he heals fully after having been sent to the hospital.

With his elderly aunt and her boyfriend having relations that strain his want to live there, Mel offers to let him recover at hers if he helps her with her son every now and then.

Mel was teased by Aaron when they were teenagers, but Aaron gets to show Mel that he is not that boy anymore.

I really enjoyed the chemistry between this pair and the relationship moves at a fast pace all while Aaron proves that he is solid, dependable and will do anything for the people that he loves.

Tuesday 5 March 2024

REVIEW - Once Upon a Cowboy (Whisper Creek #3) by Maggie McGinnis

The Book
Release Date: 30 June 2015

In this sexy Whisper Creek romance for readers of Kristan HigginsSusan Mallery, and Molly O’Keefe, a red-hot cowboy uses some Montana magic to give a reclusive beauty her happily ever after.

Yoga instructor Jessalyn Alcott radiates peace, calm, and serenity—on the outside. Inside, she still feels like the broken, desperate girl from the trailer park. She’s got dark secrets she can’t share, which is why she never lets her relationships go beyond the third date. But when she travels to the Whisper Creek dude ranch for a friend’s wedding, Jess is enchanted by a cowboy whose deep blue eyes, dimpled smile, and rock-hard body make it tough to remember why she keeps running scared.

Cole Driscoll has struggled to find his place on a family ranch where he’s always played second fiddle. His future might be uncertain, but he’s sure of one thing: He wants Jess by his side. Easier said than done. When it comes to getting close, she’s full of excuses, and he longs to fix the hurt he sees in her eyes. Now that she’s at Whisper Creek, there’s nothing he wants more than to break down the walls around her heart and heal her pain with the power of love.

My Review    4 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

Jess has been going to Whisper Creek for two years and is back again for the wedding of her friend and the second wedding at Whisper Creek for her friend group of three.  She and one of the owners Cole have both fancied each other but done nothing with the attraction.

Jess has a secret that she has told no-one, not even her best friend, but when a letter arrives from her past, not only does this spook her, she is very much reminded of a past she has tried so hard to put behind her.

Cole is good at reading horses, children and adults.  When he sees Jess back at Whisper Creek, he knows that she is different, afraid of something.  He knows that he needs to tread carefully with her.

Both find themselves getting closer to each other, but it is not before another blast from her past spooks her even further that everything changes for Jess.  Not only does her past blast wide open, but Not only does her friendship with her two friends get closer, but Cole really finds out that Jess is the woman for him.

This is more of a slow burn, but well worth the read.

Sunday 11 February 2024

REVIEW - A Single Kiss (Sweetest Kisses #1) by Grace Burrowes

The Book
Release Date: 6 January 2015

A single kiss can change everything...

In the first novel of the Sweetest Kisses series, Hannah Stark has set her sights on corporate law to assure her a career of paperwork, predictability, and conservative suits. Contracts, finance, and the art of the deal sing to her, while the mess and misery of the courtroom do not. But her daughter needs to eat, so when Hannah is offered a temporary position in a small town firm's domestic relations department, she reluctantly accepts.

Trent Knightley is mightily drawn to his newest associate, though Hannah is as protective of her privacy as she is competent. When their friendship and attraction heat up, Hannah's secrets put her heart and Trent's hopes in double jeopardy.

My Review   2.5 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I understand that this is her first contemporary romance from an author that has typically written historical romance.

This was an ok book, but the writing fell a little flat for me.  There is a lot of lawyer talk which seemed to be more of the story than the romance between Family Lawyer Trent Knightley and the new hire Hannah Stark.

Hannah is a single mum who grew up in the foster care system and has moved to a new area where her friend lives and is starting her first full time job as a Lawyer.

Trent works in a firm with his brothers, each working in their specialist area, he is also a single dad.  Trent works in Family Law and with a colleague off for early maternity leave.  Hannah is moved from the area she was going to work in to the family law side, which has bad memories for her.

The way Hannah speaks made me feel like she was cut off from relating from other people, almost as if she were Autistic.  Her responses seemed almost robotic and cold, but that could be by trying to cope and grow up in a system where she felt unwanted.

There are no great surprises in this book, you can practically see everything coming, but the general story is good, even with the baddie making waves for Hannah.

Wednesday 7 February 2024

REVIEW - Vampires, Whiskey, and Southern Charm by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff

The Book
Release Date: 28 January 2024

From New York Times bestseller Mimi Jean Pamfiloff comes a standalone story filled with Southern vibes, way too many cuss words, and a woman determined to defeat the local vampire. 

HE’S NEVER GIVING UP, AND SHE’S NEVER GIVING IN.

My name is Masie Kicklighter, and I work at my family’s local bar in the heart of Tennessee, slinging whiskey and living a quiet life. 

I can’t say my life was perfect, but when a local vampire started stalking me and sayin’ all sorts of crazy things (I was not his. Nor would I ever be), my first instinct was to run. 

But Leiper’s Fork was my home. This was my town. And no one was gonna run me out. Even if he was hotter than a Sunday BBQ in July. 

So I came up with a plan to run him off. 

The only problem? He was one stubborn man. And crafty, too. 

Then something terrible happened. A whole lot of terrible somethings. And they would change everything for us both.

My Review   5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

There are so many twists and turns in this book that you are never really sure of what is about to happen, and I love that with one of Mimi Jeans books.

We have two strong characters who both do not want to back down, however will there be a winner or a loser and what exactly is Maisie willing to do for those she loves.

Lots of humour, sass and family sticking up for one another along with some hot chemistry between our main characters.  Both have growth as people and Maisie finds out what is most important to her.

I really enjoyed this book and hope that there are more books with Maisie and Stark.

Monday 5 February 2024

REVIEW - Jingle Bell Harbor (Bell Harbor #3.5) by Tracy Brogan

The Book
Release Date: 20 October 2015

As assistant buyer for the world’s second-largest Christmas store, Kelsey Parker feels like a holiday harlot. She’s contractually obligated to promote the yuletide season. All. Year. Long. And it’s taking a toll on her spirit. But when her clueless, self-absorbed boyfriend goes on their long-anticipated romantic vacation—without her!—Kelsey is beyond disappointed to find herself tromping through the Bell Harbor snow instead of lounging on a tropical beach.

Drew Hampton is considered quite a catch among the Bell Harbor bachelorettes, but when his high school dream girl, Kelsey Parker, shows up at his grandfather’s Christmas tree lot complaining about her love life, he decides it’s long past time to get her under the mistletoe himself.

As things heat up between the two, a surprise visitor arrives, making Kelsey an offer she can’t quite believe. Now she must decide what matters most, and she just may discover the key to her happiness.

My Review    3 STARS
This is a short and sweet novella set around Christmas and the only characters in it that we have seen before is Dody and Kelseys grandma Anita Parker, Dodys best friend.

Kelsey has come back to Bell Harbor to help look after her grandmother who is recovering from a hip operation.  She had to cancel her trip to Hawaii, the trip her boyfriend still went on.

However back in Bell Harbor, Kelsey is reacquainted with Drew Hampton and this leads to her reevaluating her life and the relationship that she currently has.

Drew has always wanted Kelsey, with her being back in town and saying her relationship is ending Drew makes his move.  

Kelsey has a supportive sister and a brother in law who gives her an idea that sparks her interest for the first time in ages.

This relationship moves fast and is both sweet and a little bit naughty.

Thursday 1 February 2024

REVIEW - Crazy Little Thing (Bell Harbor #1) by Tracy Brogan

The Book
Release Date: 27 August 2012
Goodreads Link

Sadie Turner can organize just about anything — except her own life. When her cheating spouse topples Sadie’s impeccably tidy world, she packs up her kids for a summer vacation at her aunt’s lake house, hoping to relax, reboot, and formulate a new plan — one that does not include men. 

Any men. 

But eccentric Aunt Dody has other plans; she’s determined to see Sadie have a little fun—with Desmond, the sexy new neighbor. Tall, tanned, muscular—and even great with her kids, Desmond is Sadie’s worst nightmare. He must have a flaw—he’s a man, after all—so Sadie vows to keep her distance. But as summer blazes on, their attraction ignites, and the life Sadie is trying so hard to simplify only gets more complicated. But maybe a little chaos is just what she needs to get her future, and her dreams of love, back in order.

My Review   3 STARS
Ok, so I am not reading these books in order, but you really don't need too in order to enjoy them.

This is another book that showcases the authors humour, however I did find Sadie whining about her divorce a little too much and I would have loved a little more spice.

Sadie is a divorced mother of two and she has moved down to Bell Harbour for the summer with the kids and is going to be living with her aunt Dodie.  She expects it to be just them, only to find that Dodie's sons Japser and Fontaine will be living there for a while too.

Sadie had forgotten what being in Bell Harbour is like and you really warm to Aunt Dodie and her strange ways.  Jasper is sweet and obviously sweet on his girlfriend and Fontaine is the best gay friend.

Desmond is only in Bell Harbour as a locus as the current doctor is on vacation.  When Dodie has an accident as home and sends Sadie almost right next door for the doctor, Sadie meets face to face a man that her and Fontaine has been boggling on the beach running for a while.

Des is constantly in their lives after that and has an obvious interest in the family and gets on well with her children.

I did enjoy this book and it was nice seeing so much of Dodie as I had read about her in the other books.  Certainly worth going back for.

Saturday 27 January 2024

REVIEW - Love Me Sweet (Bell Harbor #3) by Tracy Brogan

The Book
Release Date: 20 January 2015

Delaney Masterson isn’t looking for fame.

Yes, she has famous parents and a reality TV show, but she’s not the wild-child celebrity the paparazzi have painted her to be. Until…The Scandal. When an old boyfriend releases a private video, Delaney’s name becomes every comedian’s favorite punch line. To escape the media, she sneaks away to Bell Harbor, Michigan—during the worst winter in fifty years.

Adventure show cameraman Grant Connelly has stayed away from Bell Harbor—mostly by choice—but when a family obligation converges with a spontaneous career decision, it’s time to return home.

When bad weather, missing money, honky-tonk musicians, and Elvis impersonators throw Grant and Delaney together on an unexpected road trip, emotions get all shook up. They know only fools fall in love, but they can’t help falling. Still, Delaney has a secret that could tear them apart forever.

Can they weather the storm? Or will this romantic ride end at the Heartbreak Hotel?

My Review.   4 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Montlake Romance, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

What would you do if an old boyfriend leaked a sex tape of you and him to the world?  In Delaneys world, you run away from the media while humiliated and don't tell your famous family you are running. Having looked on photos, Bell Harbour looks like the perfect escape, however, what she did not think about is the weather.

Grant Connolly is a Cameraman, but he has become jaded with the person that he currently works with.  After getting a wedding invitation from his brother, he quits his job and decides to head back home to Bell Harbour for a while.

Both do not get what they expect in Bell Harbour however.  Delaney uses a fake name of Elaine Masters and rents a house, however it is not long before Grant gets home and Delaney finds him in the shower of her rental.

Having to share accommodation, attending a wedding and finding that Delany's back has been stolen by Grants mother, both get in more close proximity  chances that has the heat between them turning up even further.

But the path to true love is never smooth and it is not long before the reason Delany ran from home is exposed and Grant reacts badly.

The chemistry between the pair is hot, we get good supporting characters and we certainly get a happy ever after.  I am certainly loving this series.

Tuesday 23 January 2024

REVIEW - Craving Dr. Silver Fox by Judy Hale

The Book
Release Date: 25 January 2024

He was my secret fantasy. A silver fox billionaire with a heart of stone.
And my father’s worst enemy.

He’s everything I should avoid but I can’t.
I once stole a taste of the forbidden fruit and swore to high heaven it would be my last.
But fate had other plans.

We’re soon thrown together again on a project at his hospital.
And our ward rounds often end with me moaning against the wall.
Until our mounting desire explodes in a shower of ecstasy unlike anything I’ve ever known.

The more my father loathes him, the more I spread my legs for him.
But lurking behind his rapidly thawing wall of ice are clues to an ancient unspeakable secret.
Which explains why he and my father are enemies.

And why I should not be craving his touch, let alone getting pregnant.
But little do I know, those shocking clues will soon be saving my life.

My Review     5 STARS
**My thanks to Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was almost surprised at how invested I became with the characters.

Tessa Blackwell is a strong character, but has lived with growing up an orphan, then being adopted, but trying hard to fit in with her new parent, but never really fitting in, especially once her new mother dies.

Nathan Kng is a 40 something oncologist and has known Tessa since she was about 16 and he first met her.  He encouraged her passion for helping others and became the object of Tessa's fantasies, however when in her early twenties she is rebuffed by Dr King when she lets it known she wants him, she runs.

Five years later and Tessa is doing well for herself.  She pays her own way, is at college and is in a Guardian Angels company and is making a name for herself.  She has changed major from medicine to helping others and is blossoming.  However it is when she goes to LA and sees Dr Kings again that things change, especially when she goes home and is rescued by Nathan.

Nathan, who has no want of a relationship suddenly cannot keep his mind off the younger womankind she has him distracted.  It is he who stays as Tessa rock, while also letting her know that he wants her.

There is some mystery and suspense going on as we follow along with Tessa as she gets involved with finding out why the police has reopened her mother death, and again it is Nathan who is there when she needs him. He is also able to read what she actually needs and lets her know in no uncertain terms that she is his.

I really enjoyed this book and read it within a day.  I shall certainly be reading more from this author.

Monday 22 January 2024

REVIEW - The Best Medicine Bell Harbor #2 by Tracy Brogan

The Book
Release Date: 30 May 2014

Bell Harbor is a one-million copy bestselling series.

Everyone in Bell Harbor thinks career-minded plastic surgeon Evelyn Rhoades needs a husband. Everyone, that is, except for Evelyn…sort of. Even if she did want a husband (which she doesn’t…most of the time), she’d never let something as intangible as fate determine who she marries. No, if she’s going to find someone to spend her life with, she’ll do it with a carefully crafted list of criteria and an Internet dating site.

But when intoxicated, law-breaking Tyler Connelly crashes into her life by way of a stolen Jet Ski, unruly emotions defy common sense. Sure, he’s sexy, charming, and determined to win Evelyn’s affection, but all evidence points to him being the worst possible choice. He’s too young for her. Too irresponsible. Too underemployed. And, oh yeah, he’s her patient.

But Tyler knows firsthand how the best-laid plans can crumble under the weight of destiny. Now all he needs to do is to teach Evelyn that, in matters of the heart, love often supersedes logic.

My Review     4 STARS
This is the first book that I have read by this author and can certainly be read as a stand alone story.

Evelyn has only fairly recently moved to Bell Harbour and has concentrated on her education then her career.  But now she finds that her parents who have been warinn since they divorced twenty years ago are getting married again, she has been thrown into a spin, especially when her mother says its about time she got married  and had a little fun.

Tyler is 6 years younger than Evie, however when they first meet it is not in the best of circumstances, however she is immediately attracted to him.  
  
Tyler is a man who helps his family in more ways than one.  He is a dependable man who has taken on more than his fair share of making sure that his family does not fall apart.  He has a massive heart and when he sees Evelyn wants something for himself.

I really enjoyed this couple come together, grow as individuals, have people behind them and in some cases re-evaluate what it is they really want in life and who they want in life to be happy.

I will certainly be reading more by this author in the future.

REVIEW - Sanctuary Kindled #6 by Claire Kent

The Book
Release Date: 29 December 2023

Ever since civilization fell apart eight years ago, I've used my body in any way necessary to protect my younger sister and stay alive. Now she's safe and settled, I'm free to travel my own path, never again confined by walls or the demands of any man. Everyone says a woman isn't safe by herself in the dangerous wilderness the world has become, but I'm doing just fine on my own.

My job as a messenger and courier offers me freedom and the means to provide for the people I love. No one is going to take it away from me--especially not clever, cynical Aidan, who insists I'm moving in on his territory. He's starting to compete with me for jobs, but I've never backed down to a challenge. Not when I was young and helpless, and certainly not now that I'm not. If he wants a war, he'll get one.

I'll never back down to a man again, even one I'm starting to want.

My Review    5 STARS
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is another brilliant book in this series.

This author writes the grittier stuff well and does not shy away from the hard topics that can be hard to write about, let alone sometimes read about.  However this author talks about the subject matter and the feelings of those involved so well that you get so invested in the characters and really hope that they get the happiness that they deserve.

Breanna has always done what she had to in order to keep her and her sister safe.  Now that Del is in a safe community and has a man to keep her safe, Breanna feels like the third wheel and wants to be out and about and delivering messages.

Aiden, the British messenger does not want Breanna on his turf, but his guff demeanour hides what he is truly feeling.  Its is only when they agree to a competition do things finally change between the warring pair.

Breanna and Aidan are both tested and find that they are better working together and also find solace in each other.  It is not long before they find more than what they were missing and both of them are tested.

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait ti see what happens next in the series.

Tuesday 16 January 2024

REVIEW - Thrown Down (Made in Jersey #2) by Tessa Bailey

The Book
Release Date: 4 April 2016
Goodreads Link

He has one last chance to deserve the girl of his dreams...

Overachiever River Purcell was never supposed to be a struggling single mom, working double shifts just to make ends meet. Nor was she supposed to be abandoned by her high school sweetheart, breaking her heart into a thousand jagged pieces. Now Vaughn De Matteo is back in town, his sights set on her...and River is in danger of drowning a second time.

No one believed Hook's resident bad boy was good enough for River. Not even Vaughn himself. But he'll fight like hell to win back the woman he never stopped loving, to keep the daughter he never expected, and convince himself he's worth their love in the process--even if he has to rely on their fierce and undeniable sexual chemistry.

But even as River's body arches under his hungered touch, the demons of the past lurk in the shadows. Waiting for Vaughn to repeat his mistakes one last time...

My Review    4 STARS
**My thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing LLC, for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

I always enjoy a book by this author.  We get good rounded characters, lots of passion and a mix of emotions and some stress thrown into the mix.

River is a single mum, left behind when the man she loves with all her heart walked out on her after being together for 4 years and after getting back from the military.  However her brother has finally managed to track him down and let him know that he has a daughter.

Vaughn has always thought badly of himself and having very little support growing up he only had himself and choosing how others saw him.  He has only ever really loved River and has never forgotten her, however now he is back home and he wants to see his daughter.

One look at River and all the feelings crash back on him, however he will do whatever it takes to be a part of her and his daughters life.  The chemistry is still very much there, but both of them are stronger than before and this time, River fights back for what she wants and will not accept Vaugh pulling back.

Both characters have some good support behind them, however when the past comes back and tries to tare them apart, they both fight to stay together to get their happy ending.

REVIEW - The Girl Who Broke the Dark: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (Royal Mages #1) by Evelyn Puerto

The Book
Release Date: 14 November 2023

Sometimes, breaking the curse is only the beginning…Princess Eliana of Ymittos has long anticipated the day she gets to make the rules — and use her magic without fear of penalty. 

But until she ascends the throne, Eliana’s days are devoted to practicing diplomacy on inconsiderate guests and weighing the merits of her latest string of suitors.Then, on her 18th birthday, Eliana’s parents reveal her true she alone must wake a sleeping prince from his hundred-year curse, deep in the monster-infested underworld of Malkh. 

Terrified, Eliana refuses. But the terms of the curse are only the heir of Ymittos can break its spell. If she fails, the entire continent will be easy prey for the evil sorcerer Cetus.Banished and stripped of his power a millennium ago, Cetus has lain dormant, rebuilding his strength and amassing his armies. 

Now, his carefully laid trap is about to spring destruction on the first realms in his path. Only Eliana stands in his way.A Sleeping Beauty retelling with a deadly twist, The Girl Who Broke the Dark is the first volume of the Royal Mages series.

My Review.   5 STARS
**My thanks to Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This was the first book that I have read by this author and I was certainly impressed by the world building and the strength of the characters in this twisted re-telling of sleeping beauty.

Eliana is about to turn eighteen and is the only child of Royalty set to inherit her kingdom and knows her duties.  With her having to entertain a visiting princess they both end up making friends only after Eilana breaks the rules and uses her magic to help safe som of her people, much to the chagrin of her parents when they find out.

Eliana is pushed into making a marriage match the day she turns eighteen and things spiral from there.

Is the man who turns up as captivating and nice as he seems, or are her maid and her friend right that something does not add up with him.

Eliana also finds out that she has to break a curse soon after, but for a kingdom that was sent under the earth nearly one hundred years ago.  She sets off with her fiancé, her maid and her body guard.  Her friend also goes along with them as far as she can.

From there we get a bit of a split in the story.  We mainly stay with Eliana and follow her as she enters the underground, meets new people, scary creatures and find that she is no longer sure if she can trust her fiancé.  We also follow her friend, the other princess, as she makes her way back home, with trouble along the way.

The book does end not so much on a cliff hanger, but with a lot of questions unanswered and you looking forward to seeing what happens next.

Looking forward to seeing what happens next in this series.

Monday 15 January 2024

REVIEW - A Court of Discovery (Unseelie Fee Academy #1) by Ember-Raine Winters

The Book
Release Date: January 2024

She thought the human realm was dangerous, but it has nothing on Unseelie Fae Academy.

After being kidnapped by the Seelie and taken to the Fae realm, suddenly, Erica's soon discovers she may never be able to return to her former life of hell on earth. Because. according to the king and queen, as the lost princess of the Seelie Court, Erica must attend the Unseelie Academy to foster relations between the Seelie and the Unseelie.

So what's worse than being forced to attend a hostile academy that hates you for belonging to the "wrong" court? Being stuck in a coed dorm with an Unseelie prince who wants to destroy you. Which is exactly what Erica faces as the brooding enemy prince bullies her along with the rest of the Unseelie fae at the school.

They share a common secret, though, that could put them both in far worse danger than any school, magical or not. Because as much as they hate each other, they're starting to fall for each other too.

And even if Erica does learn to use her magic quickly enough to survive the torment of her bullies, there's little hope her heart will survive Maddox's loyalty to the Unseelie court.

Fans of Sarah J Maas and Jennifer L Armentrout will love this spicy enemies to lovers fantasy romance. 

Scroll up and preorder A Court of Discovery today!

CONTENT ADVISORY: This book is for readers who love dark themes such as bullying, attempted assault, and violence. The consent between characters in these books is not explicitly stated, but the FMC secretly loves it! If you enjoy that kind of fictional fantasy, this series is for you!

My Review    5 STARS
**My thanks to Hidden Gems and the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I was greatly impressed.

This book does contain dark themes an may well have some triggers for some readers, but I enjoyed all of this as things we worded and described in such a way that it felt required.

Maddox is the Unseelie Prince and he has a sadistic father.  He is tasked at finding out why the Seelie royals agreed to send their teenagers to the Unseelie Academy for schooling.  But Maddox puts in place some very unsavoury tricks at the school that will only affect the Seelie Fee.

Erica was kidnapped as a young infant and abandoned in the Human realm.  She grew up in foster care and at 18 aged out and has been on her own since.  She is kidnapped from the human realm when found and finds out that she is the missing Fat Princess and now have to go to the Unseelie Academy, however, someone or more than someone wants her dead.

Both Maddox and Erica have to share accommodation, but they find each other annoying, but are yet drawn to each other.  Erica has a dark side and likes the bad boys, and Maddox finds that Erica becomes something that he craves, but he is always so twisted up that he can never tell if he like her or trusts her or not.

Erica does have someone looking out for her in Professor Locke, but we don't truly know if he is helping her or if there are other reasons for his help.

The book ends with lots of unanswered questions and a bit of a cliff hanger, but I really can't wait to see what happens in the next book.

If you like a darker themed book, this is definitely worth a read.