Category: series

Foul Lady Fortune by. Chloe Gong | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Foul Lady Fortune

Author: Chloe Gong

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 528

Publication Date: 9/26/22

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Categories: Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Romance, Mystery, Series Spin-Off

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Margaret K. McElderry Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

It’s 1931 in Shanghai, and the stage is set for a new decade of intrigue.

Four years ago, Rosalind Lang was brought back from the brink of death, but the strange experiment that saved her also stopped her from sleeping and aging—and allows her to heal from any wound. In short, Rosalind cannot die. Now, desperate for redemption from her traitorous past, she uses her abilities as an assassin for her country.

Code name: Fortune.

But when the Japanese Imperial Army begins its invasion march, Rosalind’s mission pivots. A series of murders is causing unrest in Shanghai, and the Japanese are under suspicion. Rosalind’s new orders are to infiltrate foreign society and identify the culprits behind the terror plot before more of her people are killed.

To reduce suspicion, however, she must pose as the wife of another Nationalist spy, Orion Hong, and though Rosalind finds Orion’s cavalier attitude and playboy demeanor infuriating, she is willing to work with him for the greater good. But Orion has an agenda of his own, and Rosalind has secrets that she wants to keep buried. As they both attempt to unravel the conspiracy, the two spies soon find that there are deeper and more horrifying layers to this mystery than they ever imagined.

Content Warning: violence

I have to be honest and say I struggled with the beginning of this book because of the mystery and spying going on but wow does it pick up at the ending! Here’s what did and didn’t work for me:

+ We are back in Shanghai but way after Roma and Juliette are gone. This time we are in the thrall of Rosalind’s story – if you remember from the first series and how it ends, things didn’t go so well for Rosalind. This time though she has a chance to do more with what she is left with. And Aliza is in this story, she’s older now and a spy in her own right.

+ The new cast of Orion, Oliver, Phoebe and Silas is wonderful! I was more interested in Orion and Phoebe though since Oliver was on the other team with Celia (Rosalind’s sister).

+ Rosalind and Orion really grew on me. They are assigned together on a mission and have to be in a fake marriage. I love how their relationship grew and by the end I was emotional about what was happening to them.

+ The story gets good at the end! Like that alone makes me want to read book two asap. I’d say more of the action starts midway into this book and into the second half.

~ The beginning is slow – because it starts off like a mystery and moves at a mystery pace. A lot of the politics, which I was interested in during the first series, was lost to me in this book. Now there are communists, Nationalists and the Japanese trying to fight over Shanghai and a lot of that stuff went over my head. I

Tropes: fake marriage, spy romance

Spice Level:

Why you should read it:

  • if you loved These Violent Delights and want to return back into that world
  • sweet relationship between partners Rosalind and Orion
  • the second half of the book is suspenseful and action packed – it was the best part of the story in my opinion

Why you might not want to read it:

  • beginning of the book is slow and it was hard for me to get into
  • all the politics made it hard to follow who was on which side

My Thoughts:

I’m sad I struggled through the first part of this one since this is one of my highly anticipated reads – it was a two and a half/three star read until the 50% mark came into play. The ending was what I was hoping most of the book would be like…well, maybe not most haha, but it is a long book and the beginning was promising and then went into slow, mystery mode. I enjoyed seeing old characters and meeting new ones. The romance that is growing between Rosalind and Orion was fun to see because they were in a fake marriage but by the end I was totally invested and only want the best for them. I look forward to reading book two!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Ballad of Never After by. Stephanie Garber | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Ballad of Never After (Once Upon a Broken Heart, #2)

Author: Stephanie Garber

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 9/12/22

Publisher: Flatiron Books

Categories: Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy, Series

Not every love is meant to be.

After Jacks, the Prince of Hearts, betrays her, Evangeline Fox swears she’ll never trust him again. Now that she’s discovered her own magic, Evangeline believes she can use it to restore the chance at happily ever after that Jacks stole away.

But when a new terrifying curse is revealed, Evangeline finds herself entering into a tenuous partnership with the Prince of Hearts again. Only this time, the rules have changed. Jacks isn’t the only force Evangeline needs to be wary of. In fact, he might be the only one she can trust, despite her desire to despise him.

Instead of a love spell wreaking havoc on Evangeline’s life, a murderous spell has been cast. To break it, Evangeline and Jacks will have to do battle with old friends, new foes, and a magic that plays with heads and hearts. Evangeline has always trusted her heart, but this time she’s not sure she can. . . .

Content Warning: violence

I’ll just get this off my chest – but I’m mostly here for Jacks lol…

+ Jacks wants the stones, Chaos and Lala wants Eva to open the Valory Arch, and Eva wants the curse on Apollo and her to be lifted. EVERYONE wants something in this book and it’s about getting what you wish for but having consequences. The consequences are big in this sequel.

+ Jacks, Jacks, Jacks…you most awful of bad boys. I’m here to see him protect Evangeline and entice her and break her heart all over again…just because I know his heart is breaking too. 😅 They both suffer! He’s so toxic and yet addicting – poor Evangeline falling for a bad boy like Jacks. And Jacks for falling for someone who isn’t the “right” one for him. We get a good moment with Jacks and Evangeline when they sort of put down their walls…it’s a lovely moment too. But nothing happy seems to last forever in this series!

+ Chaos…the other bad boy but he isn’t as cold as Jacks! I swear this book has all the kinds of bad boys I like – the cold and calculating kind (Jacks) and the vampire kind (Chaos). I liked his storyline and learning more about the Valors. Speaking of vampires, I thought Luc was so funny.

+ The ending twist is very interesting and unexpected and makes me wonder what in heck is going to happen in book three. As if Evangeline and Jacks need to be tortured enough…

~ Evangeline, our heroine, gets on my nerves. She is so naive and I get she is Jack’s opposite. She’s the dreamer…he’s the one that is blunt and cuts to the chase. They are attracted to each other because of it…but she is hunting for love. And every guy who shows her attention is a potential for this great love she is searching for (since Jacks is bad news and she should…really should not even go there….not that she can help herself). But she’s still married to Apollo, and obviously she wants Jacks. 😅 Like girl…pick someone! Whenever Jacks comes into play he makes the girls look both ways! lol…

~ I want more. I get that this series is staying fairly clean but it’s Jacks – give me some sexy scenes with him! This is a slow burn but Jacks is the personified broody, snarky, sexy, bad boy. I like the almost kisses and there is some touching but they need to fight and make up or something. Like I need an intense scene between him and Evangeline because I want to see how wicked he can get without killing her. 😅 They don’t have to go all the way, but half the time I was thinking nah, Evangeline is so wrong for him – he needs someone with a little more fight in her. Maybe I’m comparing her to Tella? I don’t know…but maybe I’m wrong and it’s the naive girl that is perfect for Jacks. I’m not totally convinced though.

~ I have some questions about Apollo at the end….

Tropes: slow burn, naive heroine, good girl/bad boy, pining/longing, a kiss would kill, curses

Spice Level: 🌶 (some heated glances, some touching, almost kisses)

Why you should read it:

  • some good twists in the story
  • Jacks
  • more information about the Valors

Why you might not want to read it:

  • Evangeline to me is the weakest link in this book – she’s naive and frustrating at times

My Thoughts:

I think this was a solid sequel and we get more of Jacks and some moments when he lets down his guard. ❤️ I liked getting to know more about the history of the Valory Arch and the cursed books were interesting. There is always a mystery and it’s never one that’s easy to figure out. The clues include stories, ballads, and never all the information given at once. What I love about the series is Jacks – he is such a dark, cold, mysterious character. He shouldn’t be likable but just like Evangeline, we all can’t stay away from him. I don’t blame her for the attraction but that girl is a little too naive for my taste. The ending was not what I was expecting and makes me eager to see what will happen in book three. Will Evangeline get her dream happy life? Will Jacks ever find the love he can’t kill? I think we all want to see Jacks in love with someone that won’t die because of him…and happy.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by. Carissa Broadbent | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Serpent and the Wings of Night (#1)

Author: Carissa Broadbent

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 532

Publication Date: 8/29/22

Publisher:

Categories: Romance, Young Adult, Fantasy, Romantasy

Human or vampire, the rules of survival are the same: never trust, never yield, and always – always – guard your heart.

The adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, Oraya carved her place in a world designed to kill her. Her only chance to become something more than prey is entering the Kejari: a legendary tournament held by the goddess of death herself.

But winning won’t be easy amongst the most vicious warriors from all three vampire houses. To survive, Oraya is forced to make an alliance with a mysterious rival.

Everything about Raihn is dangerous. He is a ruthless vampire, an efficient killer, an enemy to her father’s crown… and her greatest competition. Yet, what terrifies Oraya most of all is that she finds herself oddly drawn to him.

But there’s no room for compassion in the Kejari. War for the House of Night brews, shattering everything that Oraya thought she knew about her home. And Raihn may understand her more than anyone – but their blossoming attraction could be her downfall, in a kingdom where nothing is more deadly than love.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night is the first book in a new series of heart-wrenching romance, dark magic, and bloodthirsty intrigue, perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash and A Court of Thorns and Roses.

Content Warning: violence, sexual assault

I love it when I pick a book I know nothing about – I chose it because of the cover and interesting synopsis and the book turns out to be everything I’m craving for at the moment. I wanted vampires…and I got it! Here’s what did and didn’t work for me:

+ I wanted a book about vampires and I got it! I thought this world building of different vampire houses living among humans was very fascinating. Different types of vampires had characteristic to show what kind of vampires they were – and some of them have wings, which is great. I love me a vampire with wings! There is some good world building and would love to learn more about the other Houses. The action in the trials are so good too. I also love the twist in the end.

+ I like Oraya. She’s human, but raised by the ruthless vampire king Vincent. She’s been protected by him but also is aware at how human and vulnerable she is. Oraya never forgets she is human but she longs for vampire powers just so she can stop feeling so powerless. Oraya has gone through some trauma in her life and have learned to survive in her own way. I also like Raihn who is protective, always wears a smirk and at odds with Oraya most times but he loves it.

+ Raihn and Oraya are everything I want in a romantasy couple. They meet and have secrets, they can’t trust one another but Raihn has a way of befriending Oraya and getting under her walls. It’s a slow burn but not too slow – which I love. I don’t have to wait for book two for some steamy scenes – I felt like it came in the right time for Raihn and Oraya. I like how they become allies and partners to pass these trials, they learn more about one another and soon their attraction is undeniable.

+ The side characters like Mische did a lot to help show Oraya there were different kinds of vampires out there. There are the ones who are born and the ones who are Turned. She only grew up vampires who barely showed expression except when fueled by blood. Mische and Raihn were turned and still have a bit of their humanity to them which helps Oraya come to terms with her humanness.

~ Vincent! He was a character you didn’t to love or what until the end. I hope we learn more about Oraya’s background because it was quite a mystery.

Tropes: slow burn, survive the trials, rivals, vampire and human romance

Spice Level: 🌶 🌶🌶

Why you should read it:

  • slow burn romantasy ~ I love Raihn and Oraya together
  • lots of action, and some good twists
  • nice flow to the story, I read it in one day even though it was over 500 pages

Why you might not want to read it:

  • you don’t like romantasy
  • maybe you should wait to binge the series

My Thoughts:

This has everything I wanted in a book right now. It’s a romantasy so we get the fantasy, vampires, and we get some steamy romance. I love that nothing was rushed or too slow and it was paced so well it kept my attention. I wanted to read book two right after I read it but I can’t because it’s not out yet! I want to see what happens to Raihn and Oraya and if we find out more about Oraya’s background. I want to see what happens with the House of Night and what the House of Blood has up their sleeve…I can’t wait to read book two and hope the wait isn’t too long.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

A Curse of Queens by. Amanda Bouchet | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: A Curse of Queens (#4)

Author: Amanda Bouchet

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 496

Publication Date: 10/4/22

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Categories: Greek Mythology, Romance, Adventure, Fantasy, Series

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

The queen has been cursed, and no one knows who’s behind the plot to threaten the realm’s fragile peace. Desperate to help, Jocasta hatches a plan to find Circe’s Garden, a fabled island where she hopes to discover an antidote. But she can’t do it alone. She needs the strong arm and unflinching bravery of the warrior she’s loved since childhood—her brother’s right-hand-man and captain of the guard, Flynn of Sinta.

Together they can do the impossible. Yet with treachery brewing on Mount Olympus, one thing is clear: Thalyria and its new royals are still pawns in an epic game of power—one that might end in a War of Gods.

Content Warning:

I read the last Kingmaker Chronicles book when it was published back in 2018 so I advise anyone who hasn’t read them to read it first before this one because you will be very lost. I actually didn’t realize this was a book four of that series. I saw the author’s name, and the cover and requested the book. As I read it I vaguely remembered these characters but not having read the last book in four years meant that I got lost a bunch of times!

What’s fun about this series is the Greek Mythology, plus I loved the series because of the romance. Once more the romance shines here with Jocasta and Flynn. It’s a very slow burn though but they have history. Jocasta has always been in love with Flynn and it’s the same for him but he’s had to deal with some traumatic situations in his life that has scared him off the idea of marrying and having kids.

Jocasta’s character really goes through some challenges and transformation in this book. She starts off as the daughter who is pretty much forgotten since she isn’t much of a warrior. She is a healer and sometimes overlooked in her family. But by the end of this story she is the heroine.

There are a lot of characters in this series and this being book four, it was hard to get situated and remember what happened to certain ones in past books. I had to just push through though. Also there is so much Greek Mythology characters alongside the human ones, there was just many times I wished I had reread the first three books.

The fun parts of the book are the adventures Jocasta and her little crew go on to get to Circe’s island. Carver, Jo’s brother is always arguing with Bellanca. I think their story would be less slow burn and lots of burning haha so I’m excited to see how their story ends up.

Why you should read it:

  • a slow burn romance
  • Greek mythology
  • lots of adventure and battling Greek Gods

Why you might not want to read it:

  • you haven’t read the previous three books in a while or ever…(I recommend you read them!)

My Thoughts:

I would have enjoyed this book more if I had reread the other books in the series. The parts I did enjoy was the adventure to Circe’s island and watching Jocasta and Flynn push and pull towards one another. It’s a slow burn romance but I did like both characters and they deserve their happy ending. I am interested to see what happens to Jo’s brother Carver and if he can get a happy ending as well.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Soul of the Deep by. Natasha Bowen | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Soul of the Deep (Skin of the Sea, #2)

Author: Natasha Bowen

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 304

Publication Date: 9/27/22

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Series

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Random House Books for Young Readers for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

One life.
One choice.
One sacrifice.

To save those closest to her, Simi traded away everything: her freedom, her family, and the boy she loves. Now she is sworn to serve a new god, watching over the Land of the Dead at the bottom of the ocean.

But when signs of demons begin to appear, it’s clear there are deeper consequences of Simi’s trade. These demons spell the world’s ruin . . . and because of Simi, they now have a way into the human realm.

With the fate of the world at stake, Simi must break her promise and team up with a scheming trickster of a god. And if they succeed, perhaps Simi can also unbreak her heart along the way, and find herself again.

Content Warning: violence, slavery, death

When I saw Skin of the Sea had a sequel I needed to read it. I will say this duology has the most beautiful book covers – take a look at this one! Here is what did and didn’t work for me:

+ I loved Simidele in book one and I love her here again in book two. I love her bravery, her grace, and she’s always giving of herself to do the right thing. She loves taking care of people. Here in book two she tries to help an imprisoned orisha, the trickster, Esu and in turn he would help her. The sequel has a few beautiful, emotional scenes and once again, I really appreciate how we are shown how the dead are respected and sent off in this story. It really touches me especially knowing that many of the dead in the sea are due to the slave ships. This author has a way with words that can break through to my emotions.

+ The story is rich in West African mythology – there are a lot of orishas (gods/goddesses) involved in the life of people.

+ It’s filled with so much action. There is a quest, there is the problem with the other tribes and just a lot going on and makes it a quick read. Simi is a fighter in this sequel.

+ I love how Simi and Kola has a slow burn romance but one that is left open ended. It’s not rushed at all and it shows Simi has to do a few things before being with Kola. But I think it’s safe to say that they love one another – I mean Simi did sacrifice a lot for him. So I’m glad she’s going to take some time for herself!

~ The one thing I do wish this book had, is a glossary. There are so many words I didn’t know and had to guess at their meaning. Also a list of the orishas would be fantastic too! There are so many characters in this book, it can be hard to follow.

~ The beginning was slow but once the action kicks in the story moves faster.

Tropes:

Why you should read it:

  • story filled with West African mythology and lots of action/fighting scenes
  • you enjoyed the first book
  • the emotional aspects of the story when it comes to death, sacrifice, and love

Why you might not want to read it:

  • you didn’t enjoy the first book

My Thoughts:

I didn’t re-read the first book so I jumped into this one right away trying to get acclimated with all the names of the orishas, and the big cast of characters. Once I started remembering a few things, the story moved quicker for me – plus there is a lot of action in this book so that also made the story move along. What I love about this book and the series in general is Simidele who was human and turned into a mermaid, but she never forgets her humanity and caring for others. I love that about her and I’m glad there was a good ending for her. This is a solid conclusion to the series and I look forward to reading more from this author.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Here are other books by this author that I have read or reviewed on this blog:

Skin of the Sea by. Natasha Bowen | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Defend the Dawn by. Brigid Kemmerer | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Defend the Dawn (Defy the Night, #2)

Author: Brigid Kemmerer

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 448

Publication Date: 9/13/22

Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books

Categories: Young Adult, Fantasy, Romance, Politics

Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

Thank you to Bloomsbury USA Children’s Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

To save their kingdom, they must embark on a dangerous journey…

The kingdom of Kandala narrowly avoided catastrophe, but the embers of revolution still simmer. While King Harristan seeks a new way to lead, Tessa and Prince Corrick attempt to foster unity between rebels and royals.

But the consuls who control the Moonflower will not back down, and Corrick realizes he must find a new source for the lifesaving Elixir.

When an emissary from the neighboring kingdom of Ostriary arrives with an intriguing offer, Tessa and Corrick set out on an uncertain journey as they attempt to mend their own fractured relationship.

This could be their only chance to keep the peace and bring relief to the people of Kandala, but danger strikes during the journey to Ostriary, and no one is who they seemed to be. . .

Content Warning: violence

I have to say this series is addictive! I loved book one and getting to know Corrick and Tessa – there was so much political intrigue in that one. It continues here in book two:

+ I didn’t mean to finish this book in one night, but I did. The writing is tight and flows well, it moves quickly even though parts of the book feel more like a filler. It doesn’t matter because I think there was enough new elements to make this feel like the story was moving – I was hooked!

+ The story picks up right after events in book one but I love that we have new characters, and one very intriguing Captain Blackmore/Rian. I was like, move aside Corrick…Rian is confident, he is a leader, and patient, which I love. I need more of Rian. I also love the twists in this story.

+ With the new characters come a new set of problems and political intrigue/suspicions for Harristan and Corrick. Can they trust this Rian who claims to have enough Moonflower to trade with them for Kandala steel. I love the way Rian questioned how Kandala’s people were being treated, making Corrick and Tessa do some inner reflection on a few things. The story also moves to sea, on Rian’s ship heading to Ostriary which for me was so much fun. Harristan has his own problems back in Kandala though.

+~ Tessa and Corrick are so frustrating. They are hot and cold! I understand his desire to put Kandala first and I understand how she feels like there is no future for them if it’s always first. Most of this book was Tessa questioning Corrick and trying to find out if he is the person she fell in love with before. But Corrick was also coming off as a jerk at times, especially when dealing with Rian. I did like all the suspicion though, it kept me on my toes! The tension throughout the story is fantastic.

~ Tessa – I liked the suspicions because it kept me engaged but I could not stand Tessa’s back and forth about Corrick. They have some issues to resolve. And it’s a slow burn, they only get as far as kissing. There was almost a love triangle brewing and honestly I was into Rian more than Corrick. I was even hoping something with Tessa and Rian would happen. BUT…then I realized Corrick and Tessa deserved each other haha. Let them have their hot/cold relationship ugh…those two. Give Rian a stronger woman please! Tessa is a good person, but I think Rian needs someone with more of a backbone. She just came off naive at times and

~ + It has a cliffhanger ending…of course! 😆 Looking forward to book three.

Why you should read it:

  • this series is addictive! Tessa and Corrick has to deal with a lot of problems in their relationship but I like how they aren’t perfect
  • Rian, the new character
  • having most of this story be on a ship was fun, plus there are some great twists!

Why you might not want to read it:

  • the back and forth between Tessa and Corrick can be a little frustrating but that’s their relationship

My Thoughts:

Brigid Kemmerer is a must read author for me, even though I didn’t care for how Rhen changed in the Cursebreaker series but I will say this author really does a great job with writing about complicated relationships. I think that’s why I’m so drawn to her books, the characters aren’t perfect but readers can relate in some way. I was scared Corrick was going to be another Rhen situation but Corrick at least was always morally gray. We get to see all the imperfect sides of him and try to decide, like Tessa – if we like what we know and see. Defend the Dawn has lots of tension, which I love in a story, because there are trust issues everywhere! Harristan and Corrick can’t trust Rian, Tessa doesn’t know who to trust (which was the most frustrating), Karri and Lochland don’t trust Corrick but the twists are wonderful. I love the addition of Rian and want to see if finally Corrick and his brother can get some help with their own kingdom. The story was fast moving and I want the next book in the series! It’s a great series so far and I hope it ends on a high note!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Forging Silver into Stars by. Brigid Kemmerer – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Defy the Night by. Brigid Kemmerer – ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Vow So Bold and Deadly by. Brigid Kemmerer – ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

The Final Gambit by. Jennifer Lynn Barnes | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Final Gambit (The Inheritance Games, #3)

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Format: ebook (borrowed)

Pages: 400

Publication Date: 8/29/22

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Categories: Series, Suspense, Mystery, Romance, Family, Games, Young Adult, Contemporary

Avery’s fortune, life, and loves are on the line in the game that everyone will be talking about.

To inherit billions, all Avery Kylie Grambs has to do is survive a few more weeks living in Hawthorne House. The paparazzi are dogging her every step. Financial pressures are building. Danger is a fact of life. And the only thing getting Avery through it all is the Hawthorne brothers. Her life is intertwined with theirs. She knows their secrets, and they know her.

But as the clock ticks down to the moment when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help—and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player.

Secrets upon secrets. Riddles upon riddles. In this game, there are hearts and lives at stake—and there is nothing more Hawthorne than winning.

Content Warning: violence, mention of assault

Well, I did it! I finally read the last book of this trilogy and what an ending it is! Here is what did and didn’t work out for me: *I’ll try my best but there may be SPOILERS*

+ The games, riddles and secrets are back. It’s the reason this story moves so fast paced – it’s the cat and mouse chase, the secrets to unlock the puzzles to figure out. It’s so much fun!

+ Xander and Nash are the sweethearts of the brothers and I love that they were chill. Grayson is my favorite because he’s handsome and broken – the type I want to fix. Jameson is the wild one that I wouldn’t want to try and tame lol…but yeah Xander and Nash have heart. This series is so amazing because of these half siblings, and their bond.

+ We finally get all the big reveals. There’s a moment in the end when Avery goes all Mackenzie Bezos with her inheritance which I thought was funny but cool. Avery had a lot to figure out in this one but she does it because it’s Avery.

~ I’m happy for Avery and Jameson, really I AM. But Grayson always had my heart and I’m so sad he’s so broken in this one. He needs his own series – that boy was done so wrong in this book. 🥺

~ I did like how high the stakes are raised in the final “game” Avery has to play…but also, I thought she won in an anti-climactic way. Also…I felt like Avery was just so focus on the game, there was nothing emotional about her or nothing new to her character or development to her? And what was with her internally waffling feelings about Grayson – like girl you chose Jameson, so stick with him and stop trying to create a love triangle! LOL…okay I’m just mad because Grayson was so sad. In the end I was even saying stuff like Avery didn’t deserve him anyway! 😂 But even the romance between Avery and Jameson – there wasn’t a lot of it. It was all about the GAME.

~ The end felt a bit open ended to me…at least with what happened in the chess game and afterwards. Like I don’t even wanna say this out loud but it almost felt like there could be a Grayson story later on….involving Eve? A spin-off series? Like I hope to hell not because she was untrustworthy and evil but….it felt that way. Am I the only one reading something into this, when he tells Eve he saw something in her? Is it because I want Grayson to be redeemed?! 😅 But not with her…ugh…but I can definitely see a storyline where they delve into the Blake family.

Tropes: love triangle, poor girl becomes rich girl, family secrets

Spice Level: 🌶 (barely any)

Why you should read it:

  • you are a fan of the series and need to read how it ends
  • to see who Avery finally chooses
  • twists, turns, secrets, riddles, puzzles, chess, everything that made this series amazing in the first place

Why you might not want to read it:

  • you might not like who Avery chooses lol

My Thoughts:

Overall, did I get my chosen love story? NOPE and that made me sad. I love Grayson and he was done so dirty in this book, not because of Avery but just everything overall, poor guy. But as an end to a captivating trilogy this was such a good ending and the loose ends were tied up nicely. I read the book in two days, the puzzles and riddles were engaging as always and I can say I love this series! I would have loved it even more if…..ya know…if Grayson had some happiness in his life. Give him a spin-off, he deserves on! And that’s all I’m saying about that!😅

Book Links:

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A Duel with the Vampire Lord by. Elise Kova | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: A Duel with the Vampire Lord (Married to Magic, #3)

Author: Elise Kova

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 536

Publication Date: 8/17/22

Publisher: Silver Wing Press

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Series

On the night of the blood moon, the Vampire Lord must die.

Floriane’s position as the forge maiden of Hunter’s Hamlet is one of reverence, for it is her skill that arms and protects the vampire hunters. She knows her place and is a faithful servant to the Master Hunter and her community… until the night of the blood moon. Until her brother is dying at the hands of the Vampire Lord Ruvan.

Wanting to defend her home at all costs, Floriane fights the vampire lord, ready to give her life if it means taking his. But Ruvan doesn’t want to take her life… he wants her.

Kidnapped and brought to the vampire castle, Floriane is now blood sworn to the vampire lord. She is bound in mind and body to her worst enemy. But Ruvan isn’t the fiend she thought he was. She learns the truth of the vampires: They are not mindless monsters, but a proud people, twisted and tortured by an ancient curse.

Ruvan believes that Floriane might be the key to ending his people’s suffering. All Floriane wants is to defend her home. Loyalties are tested and the lines between truth and lie, hate and passion, are blurred.

When her dagger is at his chest, will she be able to take the heart of the man who has claimed hers?

Content Warning: violence, self harm

I’ve read all the other books in this series and this one has to be my least favorite, yet my most highly anticipated, so my expectations were high because – vampires! I love vampires. Let’s see what did and didn’t work for me:

+ I love that Floriane is a smithy. She’s got a stubborn personality to match but I feel like that matches for someone who takes molten metal and shapes it into what they want. I thought she matched up with Ruvan wonderfully since he is a powerful vampire lord. There was a lot of action fighting vampires and Floriane really held up her own!

+ Once again I like that it connects to the other stories within this series even though it’s a standalone. The secondary characters are great too – we get a good sense of the Vampir people, their history and the curse that binds them.

+ I like that this is an enemies to lovers romance where they really are enemies and are conflicted about it. Vampires and humans have been killing one another for ages and I love that they are trying to break the curse so maybe the killing can stop. But Ruvan and Floriane really have to work through generational teachings about one another, they have to break this wheel of fear and hate. I’m glad it didn’t go away just because they started having feelings for one another. When they finally admit their love, it’s sweet and touching.

~ I felt like there was a lot of info-dumping in this one, and it is 536 pages where the others were in the mid 300’s or a little bit over. There is a while mystery about the curse and finding the source and how to break it was quite interesting but like I said – a bit of info dumping at times.

~ Because this is a vampire and human couple I wanted heat, but this slow burn was way too slow for me. It was a little too tame for me. Ruvan is this frightening vampire lord on the outside but a cinnamon roll on the inside, which is cute, but I wanted more spice between them. There is a lot of confusion about their feelings, and some back and forth because of their enemies to lovers status.

Tropes: breaking curses, sacrifice, enemies to lovers, slow burn, found family

Spice Level: 🌶🌶

Why you should read it:

  • you love a sweet, slow burn vampire and human love story
  • it’s a great addition to the Married to Magic series
  • lots of action, story kept me guessing about the mystery of the curse

Why you might not want to read it:

  • wanted more heat between Ruvan and Floriane, because I expect my vampire stories to be a bit spicy lol but this one is a sweet slow burn

My Thoughts:

I think overall this story was entertaining and I did think Ruvan and Floriane’s romance is sweet. It was a little bit too much of a slow burn for me though because I like my vampire stories with lots of spice. I did love how Floriane was a female forger and she really did keep up with the vampires (with the help of some elixir, but still!). If you love the books in the Married to Magic series, you will enjoy this one as well! I look forward to reading the next one.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Here are other books by this author that I have reviewed on this blog and/or books I have read but never reviewed:

The Cruelest Mercy by. Natalie Mae | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: The Cruelest Mercy (The Kinder Poison, #2)

Author: Natalie Mae

Format: hardcover (own)

Pages: 384

Publication Date: 6/14/21

Publisher: Razorbill

Categories: Fantasy, Series, Romance, Young Adult

The magical kingdom of Orkena is on the brink of war, and the only person who can save it is Zahru, the girl they once doomed for death.

After surviving the Crossing, Zahru has sworn off adventures. While crown prince Jet navigates the looming threat of war, she’s content to simply figure out what the future holds for them. But they’re dealt a devastating blow when prince Kasta returns with a shocking claim: he’s the true winner of the Crossing and the rightful heir, and he bears the gods’ mark as proof. Even more surprising–he’s not the only one.

Somehow, Zahru possesses the very same mark, giving her equal right to the throne. The last thing she wants is to rule beside her would-be executioner, but she can’t let Orkena fall into his merciless hands. So Zahru, Jet, and their allies must race against the clock to find a way to stop Kasta, because once he’s crowned, there’s no telling what horrors he’ll unleash to win the war.

Zahru will do whatever it takes to keep Kasta from taking the throne…but to stop a villain, is she willing to become one herself?

Content Warning: violence

Let me first say that I thought this was a duology so I wasn’t sure why this book wasn’t moving “faster” and then I came to the ending and thought WHAT IS HAPPENING?! lol…I was mistaken – there is definitely a book three. And there better be after THAT ending! This is what I thought:

+ I love, love, love the book covers in this series. It’s simple, classy and the bold colors are just everything.

+ I haven’t re-read The Kinder Poison so I vaguely had an idea of what the story was about but when I started reading it, I didn’t feel lost at all. I jumped right in and I remember why I liked the characters so much. Zahru is by Jet’s side now but of course before he can rule, surprise, surprise Kasta shows up – he is clearly not dead, but that doesn’t mean he becomes the ruler either. Zahru has an opportunity to thwart any evil plans Kasta has – because…he is evil right?

+ This story made me suspicious of Kasta, but also made me wonder if Zahru was jumping to conclusions about him. Clearly she should be on her guard with him, but can he change? That’s what was driving me crazy about the story. I don’t know if he was playing her or not. And what about her feelings about him? That was madness…but it was kinda awesome how they were distrustful and yet attracted to one another. So toxic…but kinda fun…also what about Zahru? Is she about to stoop to his level? Does having power corrupt? We shall see…I don’t know if I’m supposed to hate or love Kasta! I feel Zahru’s pain lol..he’s that complex villain you find yourself obsessed with.

+ The epilogue…what?! 😅 That was unexpected and give me book three NOW.

~ This one is a little slower than book one because Zahru has to unravel Kasta’s motives, she has to figure out how to stay a step of him and she can’t trust him. You know who I was also suspicious of? Jet. So book three will be very interesting!

Tropes: slow burn, enemies to lovers, love triangle, peasant becomes a ruler, morally gray characters

Spice Level: 🌶

Why you should read it:

  • for the Zahru and Kasta moments, especially the last one 😳
  • fascinating to see how Zahru deals and changes with power – will she be having a villain era?
  • you liked the first book

Why you might not want to read it:

  • a little slower than the first one but I think it’s worth it to push through, it sets up book three for what I hope is an amazing ending to this series

My Thoughts:

My mistake was thinking this was a duology and wondering why Kasta was coming in too late into this book. The story is just way more interesting with him in it because it throws Zahru off kilter. He makes her feel complicated emotions and I want to see what is going to happen with these two. It really could go either way, will Zahru embrace all of Kasta’s flaws? Will Kasta really learn to have mercy and not let the trauma of his past dictate his actions? Will these two meet half way and fall passionately in love with one another?! Or will they kill one another? 😅 I can’t wait to find out!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Here are other books by this author that I have reviewed on this blog and books I have read but never reviewed:

A Cursed Heart by. Jenny Hickman | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: A Cursed Heart (Myths of Airren, #2)

Author: Jenny Hickman

Format: ebook (KU)

Pages: 429

Publication Date: 5/10/22

Publisher: Midnight Tide Publishing

Categories: Fantasy, Mythology, Romance, Series

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

Aveen is the perfect lady, placid and well-mannered, concealing her discontentment beneath false smiles and gentle nods. As the eldest, her duty has always been to her family legacy and her sister’s happiness. But when she finds herself forced into betrothal to a man she loathes, she swears she’ll do anything to escape. Even if it means bargaining with a wicked fae prince.

Rían is a devious half-fae with a dark secret, concealing his true nature beneath glamours and lies. When a fascinating human accidentally catches his eye, it’s clear he’ll do anything to take her for himself. Including making promises he can’t-or won’t-keep.

Confronting hidden dangers and haunting pasts, the two reluctantly come to rely on each other to survive a world where nothing is what it seems and darkness encroaches from all sides.

Will their tangled web of lies bring freedom they crave . . . or will it unravel them both?

A Cursed Heart is the second book in the Myths of Airren, a series of inter-connected standalone fantasy romances set on the magical island of Airren.

Content Warning: violence, sexual assault

Here is book two in the Myths of Airren series and it’s about Aveen and Rian. I didn’t think anyone could have more chemistry than Tadhg and Keelyn but I was wrong, because here is Aveen and Rian who have a love/hate relationship going on. Here’s what I thought:

+ Aveen took the role of Keelynn’s big sister but also her mother since their own died. She is the oldest and has the responsibility of making a good marriage. Keelynn is her whole world but all Aveen wants is a life where no one tells her what to do, especially where men are concerned. Rian is Tadhg’s brother which means he has the same arrogance and sex appeal as his brother – these boys are such rascals! When Aveen and Rian meet, it’s fireworks…not so much a love at first sight, but oh so much bickering. Their relationship made me laugh!

+ This was an interesting story because it gives a backstory – so it starts before Keelynn and Tadhg story, but also becomes parallel it for some time. So basically this is Aveen’s perspective of what was going on. I found her story fascinating because we barely met her in book one. Here we realize how much earlier she and Rian met.

+ I feel like Aveen and Rian got more time to be friends, compared to Keelynn and Tadhg. I love both romances but Aveen and Rian definitely had more ups and downs and time together. Aveen is supposed to be the more proper of the sisters, the responsible one, so maybe it makes she gets the wilder one of the brothers! She does not fall for his beauty, Aveen is pretty much over men and their demands when she meets Rian, which was fun to see Rian and her fall for one another. And Aveen and Rian had hotter scenes too!

~ I think because we got the story in full from before Keelynn’s story starts…the ending when Aveen and Rian deals with his curse feels rushed. And I wish they had more time to expand on his curse, but the story had to cover so much.

Tropes: falling in love with a monster, breaking curses, sacrifice

Spice Level: 🌶🌶🌶

Why you should read it:

  • Aveen and Rian have so much spark between them, I love how they hate one another haha…makes them falling in love much sweeter
  • Ruairi is back and I love him!
  • we get a very full story from beginning to end

Why you might not want to read it:

  • Finding out about Rian’s curse and fixing it feels rushed at the end because we had the full story of Aveen and Keelynn’s timeline in this one.

My Thoughts:

I’m going to say I love this one as equally as the first book, just in different ways. I still love Tadhg more because he’s softer than Rian, which is surprising because I like the bad bad boys. Aveen and Rian are perfect for one another – she isn’t scared off by him and he needs that. I’m looking forward to reading book three!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble