Throne of the Fallen by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Throne of the Fallen

Author: Kerri Maniscalco

Format: ebook (own)

Pages: 627

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Categories: Fantasy, Romance, Romantasy, Adult

Sinner. Villain. Wicked.

The Prince of Envy has never claimed to be a saint. But when a cryptic note arrives, signaling the beginning of a deadly game, he knows it will take more than a hint of sin to win and save his falling demon court. Riddles, hexed objects, anonymous players, nothing will stand in his way, though none of his meticulous plans prepare him for her, the frustrating artist who ignites his sin like no other…

Virtuous. Darling. Liar.

The trouble with scoundrels and blackguards is that they haven’t a modicum of honor, a fact Miss Camilla Antonius learns after one desperate mistake allows Waverly Green’s most notorious rake to blackmail her. To avoid a ruinous scandal, Camilla is forced to enter a devil’s bargain with Envy, little expecting his game will awaken her true nature . . .

Together, Envy and Camilla must embark on a perilous journey through the Underworld—from glittering demon courts to the sultry vampire realm and beyond—while trying to avoid the most dangerous trap of all: falling in love.

Content Warning: violence, blood drinking (vampires)

We return to the Underworld and the domain of a few familiar naughty demon princes. This is Prince Envy’s story and it’s quite a story.

+ I like being back in this world that we were introduced to in Kingdom of the Wicked. I feel we get a better feel for kingdoms outside of Hell. In this story we get to venture to Faerie and even the domain of the vampires (which was kind of my favorite part of the book). I felt like the world building was much more rich in this book which I enjoyed. It was interesting how the book sort of read like a regency romance! It mentioned the gossip papers (very Bridgerton) but I think it worked for this story.

+ I’m so glad this book is in the adult genre – which I think KOTW should have been as well, at least New Adult. But I think it sits perfectly in the adult genre because now the author can write as many sex scenes as she wants without shocking her audience.

+ Camilla is a woman with lots of secrets. What is she? That was my question throughout the whole book but I think I figured it out halfway through since it only made sense. Camilla and Envy were quite a match. She was strong when she needed to be, but you could always kind of tell her secret meant she had hidden powers. Envy was interesting but oh so stubborn. I like how he cared for his people and his interactions with his brothers are always funny. I did like how Camilla and Envy were always testing one another and trying to push the other’s buttons when it came to their attraction, it brought heightened tension between them but I really was annoyed with Envy’s one night rule. As if he could stick to that rule with Camilla. Ha! This one has the spicy scenes that the KOTW was missing but it definitely builds up to it.

+ This story was centered on a game that was being played and Envy had to win to save his people. Camilla is also pulled into the game and you don’t quite know who the other players are until something happens to reveal them. But it did keep me reading to see how everything would play out.

~ This book was long and it took me 3 or 4 days to finish which was fine. I don’t mind reading a book slowly but I think because it was a story about a high stake game, I wanted it tighter and a faster paced. But this reads more like a mystery (which isn’t my favorite genre because of the slowness) so if you like mysteries you will enjoy this one.

~ I adore Camilla and Envy together but something was missing for me. Maybe because Envy’s sin is just jealousy which is fine…but hello Price Sloth! A house full of books? He’s the prince I want! Anyway no hate towards Envy I did like how he cared for his people.

My Final Thoughts:

This is a great edition to the world of KOTW and I wonder who’s book we will get next. I think Prince Lust and Sloth are the ones that intrigue me a lot but looks like Pride’s story would be next?

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Kingdom of the Wicked | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kingdom of the Cursed by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Kingdom of the Feared by. Kerri Maniscalco | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Vows & Ruins by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Vows & Ruins (The Legends of Thezmarr #2)

Author: Helen Scheuerer

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 501

Publication Date: 9/21/23

Categories: Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Romantasy

Against all odds, Althea Zoltaire emerged from her trials as a champion. Now, she must train even harder and prepare herself to become a true warrior of Thezmarr.

But Thea’s world is turned upside down as she struggles to navigate her newfound magic and uncover the secrets of her past. Slowly, she begins to untangle the truth about her family, her powers and the evil that threatens to engulf the kingdom.

When Wilder Hawthorne returns to be her official mentor, everything changes. Dark forces are gathering, and he will stop at nothing to prepare her for the challenges to come, even if it means breaking her.

As war looms and their quest for answers leads master and apprentice deeper into danger, the undeniable connection between them intensifies – defying all odds, but also threatening to tear them apart.

With secrets unravelling and evil closing in, Thea and Wilder fight to save the world, and each other. The fate of the realms rests in their hands – will they emerge victorious, or will the darkness consume them both?

Full of action, adventure and steamy romance, Vows & Ruins is the second book in the spellbinding epic romantic fantasy series, The Legends of Thezmarr and is perfect for fans of The Bridge Kingdom, From Blood and Ash and The Witcher.

Content Warning: violence

This is book two in The Legends of Thezmarr series and though it’s filled with everything I usually like in a romantasy.

+ After the events in book one, Thea, has to deal with a few things. She is a lost princess and her sister has been keeping that a secret and Thea is angry with her for that. Wilder has left her after them sharing a very passionate moment so yes, she is going through it. But she has to face both of them eventually but she’s forced to be around Wilder since he is her mentor. Thea does a better job at avoiding her sister.

+ Thea is a more powerful character now because she’s training harder with Wilder and she’s learning more about her powers and her past.

+ This book is full of steam and spice! So if you think it was missing in book one, well it’s all here. Thea and Wilder are hot for one another but also have to try and stay away from each other because she’s training to be a warrior of Thezmarr. But it doesn’t work no matter how much they try, they can’t keep their hands off one another.

~ Book one was already such a slow burn, that I was kind of tired of the continuous push and pull between them in this book. It did allow them for a moment to grow as friends which I liked but it was a lot of work to get them to finally say okay, we’re going to be all in and try it out.

~ The book is a little too long and it took me a few days to push through this one. I don’t know if it’s because of my mood but I thought I would devour this and I didn’t. I think the back and forth about their relationship took too much time to figure out and I wanted the story to move forward (which it did in the end).

My Final Thoughts:

I did like that there was more spice in this one but I also wish the story didn’t take until the ending to move forward since it’s a long book. I think I liked book one more but it will be interesting to see what happens in book three after the twist in this ending.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Blood & Steel by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A Lair of Bones (Curse of the Cyren Queen #1) by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

With Dagger and Song by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Fabric of Chaos by. Helen Scheuerer | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Six Scorched Roses by. Carissa Broadbent | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: Six Scorched Roses (Crowns of Nyaxia #1.5)

Author: Carissa Broadbent

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 187

Publication Date: 3/21/23

Categories: Novella, Fantasy, Romance, Vampires, Series

Six roses. Six vials of blood. Six visits to a vampire who could be her salvation… or her damnation.

Lilith has been dying since the day she was born. But while she long ago came to terms with her own imminent death, the deaths of everyone she loves is an entirely different matter. As her town slowly withers in the clutches of a mysterious god-cursed illness, she takes matters into her own hands.

Desperate to find a cure, Lilith strikes a bargain with the only thing the gods hate even more than her village: a vampire, Vale. She offers him six roses in exchange for six vials of vampire blood–the one hope for her town’s salvation.

But when what begins as a simple transaction gradually becomes something more, Lilith is faced with a terrifying realization: It’s dangerous to wander into the clutches of a vampire… and in a place already suffering a god’s wrath, more dangerous still to fall in love with one.

Six Scorched Roses is a standalone fantasy romance novella set in the world of the Crowns of Nyaxia series, perfect for those who love dark, romantic tales with bite and fans of Sarah J. Maas or Jennifer L. Armentrout.

Content Warning: violence, illness

I don’t read novellas because they novellas always feel they are too short and sometimes doesn’t feel complete or has me wanting more. But I was craving a book about vampires and miss the Nyaxia world so I took a chance on this one.

+ Even though this is a novella clocking in at 187 pages, this feels like a full complete story! I remember mentions of Lord Vale and Lilith in the series so I love that this is their story.

+ I love how Lilith is a scientist and she’s trying to help her people who are dying from the plague. She does this by experimenting with vampire blood but first she needs to get it. She’s a brave woman who is not afraid to go to Lord Vale’s home and ask for his blood. Vale is a grumpy vampire who is kind of a recluse but only because he is trying to stay away from the turmoil in his homeland. I like how he and Lilith share a common love of knowledge.

+ It’s a novella so the romance has to happen quick but I love how she only interacts with him once a month to get his blood. During their interactions they come together to do the research together. When there is a steamy scene between them it’s really good and heartfelt which I was not expecting. I ended up falling in love with them.

~ My only complaint was that this is a novella and I could have read a full length novel about them because the characters are so intriguing.

My Final Thoughts:

I’m glad I finally gave this one a chance! It fulfilled my craving for a vampire, romantasy and plus it’s a book from a series I love. It felt complete as a novella.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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

The Ashes and the Star-Cursed King by. Carissa Broadbent | Book Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

What the River Knows by. Isabel Ibañez | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: What the River Knows

Author: Isabel Ibañez

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 10/31/23

Publisher: Wednesday Books

Categories: Historical Fantasy, Magical Realism, Historical Fiction, Series, Young Adult, Adventure, Romance

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

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

Bolivian-Argentinian Inez Olivera belongs to the glittering upper society of nineteenth century Buenos Aires, and like the rest of the world, the town is steeped in old world magic that’s been largely left behind or forgotten. Inez has everything a girl might want, except for the one thing she yearns the most: her globetrotting parents—who frequently leave her behind.

When she receives word of their tragic deaths, Inez inherits their massive fortune and a mysterious guardian, an archeologist in partnership with his Egyptian brother-in-law. Yearning for answers, Inez sails to Cairo, bringing her sketch pads and an ancient golden ring her father sent to her for safekeeping before he died. But upon her arrival, the old world magic tethered to the ring pulls her down a path where she soon discovers there’s more to her parent’s disappearance than what her guardian led her to believe.

With her guardian’s infuriatingly handsome assistant thwarting her at every turn, Inez must rely on ancient magic to uncover the truth about her parent’s disappearance—or risk becoming a pawn in a larger game that will kill her.

The Mummy meets Death on the Nile in this lush, immersive historical fantasy set in Egypt filled with adventure, a rivals-to-lovers romance, and a dangerous race.

Content Warning: violence, alcohol use, kidnapping, profanity

This book has a little bit of everything and I read it in one sitting. It’s quite an adventure and takes the reader from Argentina to Egypt! Inez gets news that her parents are dead, thing is she barely saw her parents. They left her in Argentina and spent half of the year in Egypt without her – that already made me suspicious, because who could leave their child for that long is they didn’t have to? Inez wants the truth and she travels to Egypt to find it.

Inez is a stubborn character or as she puts it, “persistent”. She is also beautiful, resourceful, and very brave! When she gets to Egypt her guardian, her uncle, wants her back on a ship to Argentina but she does an amazing job evading his order. Whit, is her uncle’s right hand man, or that’s what it seems and he’s been entrusted to take care of Inez and get her on that ship but he realizes right away that Inez doesn’t follow orders. I love their banter, their antics and their growing romance. But we still don’t know everything about Whit – as evident with the cliffhanger ending!

The writing sucked me into this adventure. I was transported to late 1800’s Egypt when Britain occupied the country and basically loots Egypt. I loved the history and I also loved the magical realism. I could totally believe magic imprinted itself on ancient items and people that touch them can transfer the magic to them! But not only is there history, magic, archaeology, and romance in this story, there is also a mystery to solve – what happened to Inez’s parents? Who can Inez trust?

The only thing about the book that I had the tiniest issue with was the mystery (because mysteries feel so slow to me-it’s a personal thing!), I just wanted some parts to move faster but I know it was to build a situation full of intrigue and question the motives of some characters, which the book succeeded in doing. I would have liked more magic too!

This is an amazing story with some twists and a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to read book two.

Tropes: rivals to lovers

Why you should read it:

it’s got adventure, history, magic, mystery, intrigue, romance
I love the banter between Inez and Whit, she is not one to back down, which I love

Why you might not want to read it:

not into archaeology, Egyptology

My Thoughts:

This book was quite the adventure! I was swept away in the details, the magic, the story of Cleopatra, the sights of Egypt, the mystery and intrigue. I love the banter between Inez and Whit and can’t wait to see what’s in store for them in book two after that cliffhanger ending.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Hunting Moon by. Susan Dennard | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hunting Moon (#2)

Author: Susan Dennard

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 272

Publication Date: 11/07/23

Publisher: Tor Teen

Categories: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance, Series, Mystery, Contemporary

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

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

The highly anticipated sequel to The Luminaries by New York Times bestselling author Susan Dennard.

Winnie Wednesday has gotten everything she thought she wanted. She passed the deadly hunter trials, her family has been welcomed back into the Luminaries, and overnight, she has become a local celebrity.

The Girl Who Jumped. The Girl Who Got Bitten.

Unfortunately, it all feels wrong. For one, nobody will believe her about the new nightmare called the Whisperer that’s killing hunters each night. Everyone blames the werewolf, even though Winnie is certain the wolf is innocent.

On top of that, following her dad’s convoluted clues about the Dianas, their magic, and what happened in Hemlock Falls four years ago is leaving her with more questions than answers.

Then to complicate it all, there is still only one person who can help her: Jay Friday, the boy with plenty of problems all his own.

As bodies and secrets pile up around town, Winnie finds herself questioning what it means to be a true Wednesday and a true Luminary—and also where her fierce-hearted loyalties might ultimately have to lie.

Content Warning: violence

I loved the first book of The Luminaries because Winnie’s test to become a luminary made this book exciting. This sequel felt slower and a little more like a filler.

I did love that Jay and Winnie’s relationship gets somewhat resolved, but it’s slow to get there. There is some complicated feelings between them and some things that has to be said out loud but I was happy that there was progress between them because I just want them together.

Winnie is trying to figure out clues maybe her dad has left her but it’s a challenge for her. And the community is still looking for the werewolf, while Winnie still is insisting there is a Whisperer creature on the loose. Her family has now earned their right to come back into the fold and she doesn’t want to jeopardize anything but when she finds out something about Jay, she puts everything on the line.

The first half is slow, but the second half picks up and just as I was invested in the story it ends abruptly. I was actually shocked that it was over. But I did enjoy the second half of the book more than the first.

I probably went in with high expectations because I loved book one. I did enjoy some parts of it but it does slow down and becomes more of a mystery with Winnie trying to put all the clues together.

Tropes: slow burn romance, friends to lovers

Why you should read it:

you enjoyed book one, but this one is more of a mystery and slower
Winnie and Jay’s angsty romance
a few things happen, but at the end

Why you might not want to read it:

abrupt ending and shorter than I expected, wanted more

My Thoughts:

I had high expectations which this sequel didn’t quite meet mostly because mysteries are too slow for me and this becomes a mystery that Winnie is trying to solve. It’s definitely not a high stakes challenge anymore for her. I did love that FINALLY she and Jay make some headway into their slow burn romance, because it was frustrating seeing these two not being able to communicate. I’ll definitely read book three after that ending – but I do wish the ending wasn’t so abrupt and the book was longer.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Luminaries by.Susan Dennard | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Night of the Witch by. Sara Raasch and Beth Revis | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Night of the Witch (#1)

Author: Sara Raasch and Beth Revis

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Categories: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, New Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Witches, Witch Hunters, 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 Fire for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

A witch and a hunter. Vengeance is their mission. Love is their destiny.

Fritzi is a witch. A survivor of a brutal attack on her coven, she’s determined to find her only surviving family member and bring the hexenjägers—zealot witch hunters—to justice for the lives they ended. To do this, she will need to take down their leader—Kommandant Dieter Kirch.

Otto is a hexenjäger and a captain, the second in command to Dieter Kirch—but that’s just his cover. Years ago, the hexenjagers burned his innocent mother alive and since then, he has been planning a move against the witch hunters that tore his family apart. And now the time has come for them to pay for what they’ve done.

When Fritzi and Otto are unexpectedly thrown together, neither is sure they can trust the other, despite their common enemy. But all they have is one another, and they both crave revenge. As truths come to light and trust shifts, Fritzi and Otto uncover a far more horrifying plot at the center of the hexenjäger attacks . . . but their own growing feelings for each other may be the most powerful magic of all.

Content Warning: violence, burning at the stake, oppression

I love this book cover and I like how the story started off with jägers (witch hunters) destroying a coven of witches belonging to Fritzi and her family. She and her cousin are the only survivors. Otto is a kapitan, a high ranking jäger who hasn’t yet lit a pyre of witches but his time is coming to prove himself. The story definitely throws you right into the conflict.

Of course Otto is not who he seems and instead he is trying to help the witches, but he has to convince Fritzi of his plan. I really liked the setting and history about this town in Germany which had Roman rule for awhile and is deeply Catholic. The historical note even indicates that the Trier witch trials in 1581 Germany are real and lasted about 12 years! I liked that I learned something new. In the story, these jägers are brutal and witch hunting and burning/killing as many witches as they can find. There is a twist in the story that I wasn’t expecting but it made the villain much more villainous. It’s been awhile since I’ve hated a character for being evil and Dieter takes the cake. He is a vile character. But it becomes a fight between the witches versus Dieter and his jägers.

The romance between Fritzi and Otto happens quick! To think Fritzi hated him on the first day she met him but by day two she’s wildly attracted to him and it’s basically insta-love from then on out. They have some steamy scenes together but it’s fairly quick, not very detailed and fade to black.

It was a very quick, fast-paced read. I think some parts were rushed, like the romance and I would have loved if there were more magic in it. There are some spells that Fritzi does but I wish there was more. I did love that the Three: Maiden, Mother and Crone were involved in the story.

Tropes: insta-love, enemies to lovers, witch and witch hunter falling in love

Why you should read it:

witches and witch hunters
a good twist in the story that I wasn’t expecting
quick read and some good historical world-building

Why you might not want to read it:

insta-love, and story feels a bit rushed

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed this story because it was quick and had some historical notes that I found very fascinating. There is the typical witch and witch hunter falling for one another trope but it was a bit too insta-love for me. I think the villain was written very well though, since I grew to really dislike him! I wish there was more magic and spells but overall this was a fairly entertaining read.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Hurricane Wars by. Thea Guanzon | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Hurricane Wars

Author: Thea Guanzon

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 480

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Harper Voyager

Categories: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, New Adult, Romance

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

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

The fates of two bitter enemies with opposing magical abilities are swept together in The Hurricane Wars, the spellbinding debut in a fantasy romance trilogy set in a Southeast Asia-inspired world ravaged by storms, perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and R. F. Kuang.

The heart is a battlefield.

All Talasyn has ever known is the Hurricane Wars. Growing up an orphan in a nation under siege by the ruthless Night Emperor, Talasyn has found her family among the soldiers who fight for freedom. But she is hiding a deadly secret: light magic courses through her veins, a blazing power believed to have been wiped out years ago that can cut through the Night Empire’s shadows.

Prince Alaric, the emperor’s only son and heir, has been forged into a weapon by his father. Tasked with obliterating any threats to the Night Empire’s rule with the strength of his armies and mighty Shadow magic, Alaric has never been bested. That is until he sees Talasyn burning brightly on the battlefield with the magic that killed his grandfather, turned his father into a monster, and ignited the Hurricane Wars. In a clash of light and dark, their powers merge and create a force the likes of which has never been seen.

Talasyn and Alaric both know this war can only end with them. But a greater threat is coming, and the strange new magic they can create together could be the only way to overcome it. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, they will confront the secrets at the heart of the war and find, in each other, a searing passion–one that could save their world…or destroy it.

An exquisite fantasy brimming with unforgettable characters, sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance, and richly drawn worlds, The Hurricane Wars marks the breathtaking debut of an extraordinary new writer.

Content Warning: violence, war

I wanted to read this book because how it is inspired by Southeast Asia, especially that the author is a Filipina and I wanted to see how my culture would look in this fantasy setting. Thing is it’s not only fantasy but fantasy/sci-fi which I thought was very interesting.

Talasyn is a soldier fighting to keep Sardovia from falling into the hands of the Kesath Empire, but it’s a losing battle because these Kesathese are relentless in their vengeance and desire to rule all. Prince Alaric is as formidable a fighter as Talasyn and when these two clash, my goodness, there are sparks, violence and a great start to an enemies to lovers romance. I loved the romance and it’s push and pull but it’s also a frustrating dance between them. There is one steamy scene between them and I was hoping there to be more but it really is a slow burn. I like Talasyn’s feistiness and I’m still hesitant to trust Alaric since his father really has a big influence on him but I do love all the tension and passion between them.

I did like Talasyn’s story. She’s an orphan with Lightweaver powers and she stumbles upon some information that reveals her past and the path for her future. I love the themes of family in the story also, which I think I relate to as a Filipina as well. I loved the mentions of the foods and culture and even the climate of the islands which reminded me of the Philippines.

Some parts that maybe I struggled with was the sci-fi elements and mostly because I wasn’t quite expecting it. I thought this was going to be pure fantasy, so even thought I thought the stormships and wasps (smaller ships) was cool – I couldn’t quite imagine what this world looked like at first. Also some names would throw me off like Allfold or the Voidfell. Also the story starts off with lots action and it does die down in the middle of the story but I think the tension between Alaric and Talasyn saved it from getting dull. I did like the different magic that Talasyn and Alaric could wield though. I also enjoyed the politics in the story which makes me wonder how long will it take Alaric to push away from his father’s rule. It will definitely be interesting to see what happens in book two.

Tropes: enemies to lovers, enemies teaming up together, slow burn, marriage of convenience

Why you should read it:

enemies to lovers romance
fighting scenes
interesting sci-fi/fantasy world and world building

Why you might not want to read it:

not into sci-fi/fantasy

My Thoughts:

After getting my bearings with the world building, I did find this story to be entertaining. This one grew on me the further I got into the story and I really think it’s because of the push and pull, enemies to lovers storyline between Talasyn and Alaric. I can’t resist an enemies to lovers trope. I like all the fighting that they do so I’ll definitely be reading book two just to see how Talasyn does in Alaric’s domain.

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

The Scarlet Alchemist by. Kylie Lee Baker | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Title: The Scarlet Alchemist (#1)

Author: Kylie Lee Baker

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 416

Publication Date: 10/3/23

Publisher: Inkyard Press

Categories: Young Adult, Romance, Fantasy, Dark Magic, Family, Historical Fantasy

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

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

Zilan dreams of becoming a royal alchemist, of providing for her family by making alchemical gold and gems for the wealthy to eat in order to stay young forever. But for now, she’s trapped in her impoverished village in southern China, practicing an illegal form of alchemy to keep food on the table—resurrecting the dead, for a price.

When Zilan finally has the chance to complete her imperial exams, she ventures to the capital to compete against the best alchemists in the country in tasks she’ll be lucky to survive, let alone pass. On top of that, her reputation for raising the dead has followed her to the capital, and the Crown Prince himself seeks out her help, suspecting a coming assassination attempt.

The more Zilan succeeds in her alchemy, the more she gets caught in the dangerous political games of the royal family. There are monsters lurking within the palace walls, and it’s only a matter of time before they—and secrets of Zilan’s past—catch up with her.

Content Warning: violence, death

Kylie Lee Baker is becoming one of my must-read authors. I just love how dark she goes into her writing, not being afraid of making her main character do questionable things, but there is always a reason.

I love the China alternate history in this story with fantasy elements. Zilan is studying to be a royal alchemist and not just for the honor of it, though it’s part of it. But she’s poor and an orphan so this is about survival. She’s not alone in her quest for success and survival, her cousins. I loved her interactions with them and as someone who grew up with cousins, it was relatable. I love Zilan’s feelings and questions about family and worth. Zilan is also half Chinese and half Scotian, and she receives some backlash over that which was interesting to see because she thought she was ugly because of it.

Zilan is a headstrong character. She’s impulsive but I liked her strength. She and the Prince, Li Hong were so different in temperament, I loved them together. He was timid for a royal and she is full of passion. The secondary cast was wonderful and full of personality.

I thought the story moved quickly as Zilan and her cousins try to pass their tests to advance. There is something mysterious happening at the palace though and it has to do with something monstrous. There is political intrique also. I loved all the alchemy and magic which is surprising because sometimes stories about alchemy leave me underwhelmed. But the way Zilan uses alchemy was very cool. I liked that the magic had consequences and there was always a strive for balance but Zilan pushed limits because of love. I loved the twist and the ending. I can’t wait to read book two!

Why you should read it:

alternate Chinese historical fantasy fiction
Zilan and her interactions with her cousins (which were funny) and her growing romance with Li Hong
alchemy magic

Why you might not want to read it:

not into dark magic and necromancy

My Thoughts:

This was a very entertaining book and I devoured it in one sitting. I love Zilan, her cousins and the Prince. The magic and alchemy was very cool and I thought the twist in the story was shocking. I loved this one and I’m looking forward to book two!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

BLOG TOUR } The Keeper of Night by. Kylie Lee Baker | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

BLOG TOUR} The Empress of Time by. Kylie Lee Baker | ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️

King of Wrath by. Ana Huang | Book Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: King of Wrath (Kings of Sins, #1)

Author: Ana Huang

Format: ebook (kindle unlimited)

Pages: 398

Publication Date: 10/18/22

Categories: Adult, Series, Contemporary, Romance, Arranged Marriage

She’s the wife he never wanted…and the weakness he never saw coming.

Ruthless. Meticulous. Arrogant.

Dante Russo thrives on control, both personally and professionally.

The billionaire CEO never planned to marry—
until the threat of blackmail forces him into an engagement with a woman he barely knows.

Vivian Lau, jewelry heiress and daughter of his newest enemy.

It doesn’t matter how beautiful or charming she is. He’ll do everything in his power to destroy the evidence and their betrothal.

There’s only one problem: now that he has her…he can’t bring himself to let her go.

***
Elegant. Ambitious. Well-mannered.

Vivian Lau is the perfect daughter and her family’s ticket into the highest echelons of high society.

Marrying a blue-blooded Russo means opening doors that would otherwise remain closed to her new-money family.

While the rude, elusive Dante isn’t her idea of a dream partner, she agrees to their arranged marriage out of duty.

Craving his touch was never part of the plan.

Neither was the worst thing she could possibly do: fall in love with her future husband.

King of Wrath is a steamy billionaire/arranged marriage romance. It contains explicit sexual content, profanity, and mild violence. Recommended for mature readers only.

Content Warning: violence, robbery

I have seen this book everywhere, even at the salon where my son was getting his haircut – the receptionist was reading this so I thought it was time I pick it up too. And I can see why this book is addictive!

What’s so addicting? Well the tension between Dante, a hot, billionaire, alpha male who is possessive and Vivian, a beautiful, successful, dutiful young woman is electric. They have some good spicy scenes between them. I felt there was a nice balance though between the spicy scenes and the actual relationship part of their story which spans the time they are engaged which is about a year. They go from strangers, to fake dating, and then to growing feelings for one another. So it was nice to see the affection building between them after being instantly attracted to one another at first.

As for Vivian, I related to her sense of duty towards her family. But I really can’t stand how his dad treated her. I think it was nice to see Dante put him in his place though and protect Vivian the best he could. Families are complicated and there are many examples of it in this story alone. I feel like Vivian and Dante had some difference but were alike in many ways as well in how they loved their jobs, love their families and and had a good group of friends.

It’s not an original story but these tropes are usual the type I have fun reading when I am reading a billionaire romance.

Tropes: arranged marriage, forced proximity, age gap, billionaire/heiress, interracial romance, alpha male

My Final Thoughts:

I can see why this book is popular in the romance world. It has all the billionaire romance tropes I enjoy and it’s actually nice to see Dante and Vivian’s relationship actually evolve in the story even though they were forced together into an arranged marriage. It has a nice balance between spicy scenes and actually dealing with relationship issues and it ends with a happy ending. I’ll definitely be reading King of Pride next, because I think Kai and Isabella would be an intriguing match!

Book Links:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Foul Heart Huntsman by. Chloe Gong | ARC Review

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Title: Foul Heart Huntsman (Foul Lady Fortune, #2)

Author: Chloe Gong

Format: eBook (NetGalley)

Pages: 560

Publication Date: 9/26/23

Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Categories: Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Young Adult, Romance, 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 Margaret K. McElderry Books for giving me a chance to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

Rosalind Lang has suffered the worst possible fate for a national spy: she’s been exposed. With the media storm camped outside her apartment for the infamous Lady Fortune, she’s barely left her bedroom in weeks, plotting her next course of action after Orion was taken and his memories of Rosalind wiped. Though their marriage might have been a sham, his absence hurts her more than any physical wound. She won’t rest until she gets him back.

But with her identity in the open, the task is near impossible. The only way to leave the city and rescue Orion is under the guise of a national tour. It’s easy to convince her superiors that the countryside needs unity more than ever, and who better than an immortal girl to stir pride and strength into the people?

When the tour goes wrong, however, everything Rosalind once knew is thrown up in the air. Taking refuge outside Shanghai, old ghosts come into the open and adversaries turn to allies. To save Orion, they must find a cure to his mother’s traitorous invention and take this dangerous chemical weapon away from impending foreign invasion—but the clock is ticking, and if Rosalind fails, it’s not only Orion she loses, but her nation itself.

Content Warning: violence, medical experiments

Here we are back in Shanghai on the edge of turmoil! And can I say I love the book covers of ALL her books. I have to admit it took me about 10% into the book to get situated again in this world, and I was confusing Oliver for Orion and vice versa. THEN I got my bearings, and it was smooth sailing from then on out. I think it’s easy to get confused because there are a few romantic couples in this series. We have Rosalind/Orion, Celia/Oliver, and the one that’s not fully established yet, Phoebe/Silas. So, I was trying to keep them organized in my head. Is Alisa ever going to meet someone?

If you like spies and assassins , with some historical fiction happening in the background (Japan is threatening to invade Shanghai) then you will love this series. It’s got action, mysterious players, covert operations, sinister medical experiments, exciting get-aways and romance. There are also some surprises which I loved.

As for the romance, I love Rosalind and Orion who are too funny and cute with one another. There is actually a lot of love in this book between them and then the love struggles going on with the other couples. I feel like Celia and Oliver are okay but the other one I thought was a good development was between Phoebe and Silas. But I wanted more for them. I honestly didn’t realize this was a duology while reading it and felt like a third book could have happened just for Phoebe and Silas, but I think the story was tied up nicely. I still think this series could continue with another duology maybe for Alisa? And I love the found family between all of them.

Tropes: found family

Why you should read it:

you love this series (These Violent Delights) and enjoyed Foul Lady Fortune
lots of action
lots of romance during all the tension and chaos in the city

Why you might not want to read it:

not into the series

My Thoughts:

Even though it took me a little while to get my bearings in the story, I locked in and enjoy the ride that is a Chloe Gong book! I think I’m starting to get used to the wild finishes of her books – it’s exciting and makes me want to read the next book from her. I love Rosalind and Orion’s romance, they can be so silly together which was fun. And I love the themes of family and friendship in the book. Great conclusion to this duology and I hope Alisa gets her own duology too.