Category: Review (Page 5 of 278)

BOOK REVIEW: The Exiled Queen, The Gray Wolf Throne & The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms 2, 3 & 4) by Cinda Williams Chima

October 22, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, Han Alister journeys south to begin his schooling at Mystwerk House in Oden's Ford. But leaving the Fells doesn't mean that danger isn't far behind. Han is hunted every step of the way by the Bayars, a powerful wizarding family set on reclaiming the amulet Han stole from them. And Mystwerk House has dangers of its own. There, Han meets Crow, a mysterious wizard who agrees to tutor Han in the darker parts of sorcery—but the bargain they make is one Han may regret.

Meanwhile, Princess Raisa ana'Marianna runs from a forced marriage in the Fells, accompanied by her friend Amon and his triple of cadets. Now, the safest place for Raisa is Wein House, the military academy at Oden's Ford. If Raisa can pass as a regular student, Wein House will offer both sanctuary and the education Raisa needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

Everything changes when Han and Raisa's paths cross, in this epic tale of uncertain friendships, cut-throat politics, and the irresistible power of attraction.

Review:

I didn’t even realize The Exiled Queen had the academy trope and I absolutely ate it up! With treachery, secrets, lies, and friendships I loved the second installment of this series. But my favorite thing was how Princess Raisa made me so proud of her! I loved how grown-up she has become, and the choices she made! She was what anyone would want as a true queen! Han is still my top favorite, and I couldn’t wait to see what he got into and learned next! Micah, I still want an anvil to fall on his head haha. And my heart bled for Amon and his duty. This is a fabulous YA fantasy that I can’t recommend enough!

The Gray Wolf Throne (Seven Realms #3)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Han Alister thought he had already lost everyone he loved. But when he finds his friend Rebecca Morley near death in the Spirit Mountains, Han knows that nothing matters more than saving her. The costs of his efforts are steep, but nothing can prepare him for what he soon discovers: the beautiful, mysterious girl he knew as Rebecca is none other than Raisa ana'Marianna, heir to the Queendom of the Fells. Han is hurt and betrayed. He knows he has no future with a blueblood. And, as far as he's concerned, the princess's family as good as killed his own mother and sister. But if Han is to fulfill his end of an old bargain, he must do everything in his power to see Raisa crowned queen.

Meanwhile, some people will stop at nothing to prevent Raisa from ascending. With each attempt on her life, she wonders how long it will be before her enemies succeed. Her heart tells her that the thief-turned-wizard Han Alister can be trusted. She wants to believe it—he's saved her life more than once. But with danger coming at her from every direction, Raisa can only rely on her wits and her iron-hard will to survive—and even that might not be enough.

Review:

In The Gray Wolf Throne, so many secrets came out! I was floored with not only all that we learned, but what the characters finally got to learn too. Especially since they realized that truths could cut just as deep as a sword! With plenty of action, the characters we have come to love were put through the ringer. I truly couldn’t figure out how everyone was going to get their HEA, and that made me listen to this story so quickly! This book was so much fun and a great addition to this series. Han, Raisa, Amon, Dancer and Kat are everything!

The Crimson Crown (Seven Realms #4)
by Cinda Williams Chima
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
A thousand years ago, two young lovers were betrayed Alger Waterlow to his death, and Hanalea, Queen of the Fells, to a life without love.

Now, once again, the Queendom of the Fells seems likely to shatter apart. For young queen Raisa ana’Marianna, maintaining peace even within her own castle walls is nearly impossible; tension between wizards and Clan has reached a fevered pitch. With surrounding kingdoms seeking to prey on the Fells’ inner turmoil, Raisa’s best hope is to unite her people against a common enemy. But that enemy might be the person with whom she's falling in love.

Through a complicated web of lies and unholy alliances, former streetlord Han Alister has become a member of the Wizard Council of the Fells. Navigating the cut-throat world of blue blood politics has never been more dangerous, and Han seems to inspire hostility among Clan and wizards alike. His only ally is the queen, and despite the perils involved, Han finds it impossible to ignore his feelings for Raisa. Before long, Han finds himself in possession of a secret believed to be lost to history, a discovery powerful enough to unite the people of the Fells. But will the secret die with him before he can use it?

A simple, devastating truth concealed by a thousand-year-old lie at last comes to light in this stunning conclusion to the Seven Realms series.

Review:

I’m so happy I read this young adult fantasy; it was so easy to fall for! With tensions running high and so many moving parts, there was so much happening in this final book! And while the politics of court, along with the wants and needs of other groups of people played such a large role in this book, what I adored most was how the characters carried out the story. It was so easy to become invested in their lives. I loved how they pulled us along on their journeys and we watched as love, betrayal and friendship laced through the pages. This is definitely a series I will always remember, and I loved how it wrapped up!

BOOK REVIEW: The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin

October 21, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Broken Heart Playlist by Lara Martin
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Perfect for fans of Katherine Center, The Broken Heart Playlist is a single-parent, slow-burn, emotional romance.

Kate Miller is an extraordinary food stylist. She employs a whole host of tricks to make food look deliciously perfect, from painting grill lines on a steak to using mashed potatoes for an ice cream shoot.

But Kate is also living an extraordinary lie. The survivor of a brutal marriage, she’s stylized her life to present a perfect facade, hiding her brokenness and loneliness from everyone around her. The only love in her life? Her eight-year-old daughter. There’s no room for anyone else.

Until a handsome stranger with his own set of tricks moves onto her street. Suddenly, Gideon Walker and his therapy dog are everywhere, charming her family, winning over her daughter, and taking an unwelcome interest in her life.

The man who seems to know too much about her has invaded her small town. Against all odds, he also seems intent on breaking down her walls and invading her heart.

But Gideon is not without his own secrets. And if Kate gives in to their undeniable attraction, the truth could bring them together or tear them apart forever.

Review:

The Broken Heart Playlist was an emotional, slow burn, grumpy sunshine, single parent romance. With a storyline that kept me hooked, characters that were multi-faceted, and a fabulous happily ever after, I enjoyed this book so much! With joy, heartache, secrets, friendship, and love laced through the pages, I devoured this book so quickly!

I’m not a fan of tall, powerfully built men. I know what damage they can do. With their words. And their hands.

Jenna had a new neighbor, and she was nervous because of her past. She was someone who loved to be well prepared, organized, and tried her best to know everything about those that surrounded her. As someone who had survived a physical and emotionally abusive relationship, she liked to have all her ducks in a row. So, while she could be prickly and closed off at times, she was so easy to like. Her love for her daughter, family and job made her so easy to connect with.

Gideon’s thoughtfulness is stirring inside me the tiniest flicker of hope. Which I need to snuff out immediately. The last thing I need in my life is a man who stirs up that emotion. Hope carves out a hole for vulnerability and I can no longer afford to be vulnerable.

While Gideon was a mystery, I loved him and his therapy dog Uno! He didn’t seem daunted by Jenna and her weary and skeptical ways. With a slow and steady hand, he started to build a rapport with Jenna. Uno did too! And I loved watching that progression! Add in his compassion towards Jenna’s daughter, whelp I was a goner. Gideon had a calm presence, and he was so thoughtful, caring, and saw so more than what’s on the surface. It will be impossible for everyone not to fall for this man and his kindhearted dog!

“Go on a date with me,” he says.
“No.”
He lets out a humorless laugh. “I thought that would be your answer.”
“Then why did you ask?”
“In the hope that one day you’ll say yes.”

With rich and emotional moments, like in the coffee shop, sitting on his porch drinking coffee, Toto, and so much more, this story held me in the palm of its hand. I loved watching the thoughtfulness of scenes. And I loved watching Gideon and Uno’s ability to weave into Jenna and her daughter Lisset’s life. Especially with how Lisset influenced how things proceeded. Getting Uno ready was one of my favorites! These characters are truly everything!

“She’s so unbelievably stubborn,” I say in disbelief. “It’s so frustrating she won’t accept help.”
He smiles at me for a second too long. “She sounds exactly like someone I know.”
And then he ambles away into the fading evening light, leaving me standing open- mouthed on my porch staring after him.

Rounding out this story were relationships with her grandma, parents, Aaron, and her sister Tess. My favorite was the sisterly love between Jenna and Tess. I loved how much the sisters trusted one another, how they could confide in each other. Even though it wasn’t perfect. Jenna and Tess could fight or bicker in the blink of an eye, but it felt so real. So, while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I can’t recommend also reading Tess’ story, Phishing for Love! It’s one of my top favorites of this year! The romance from that book, along with some quirks like grandma and google, carry through to this book.

“I don’t like the person I was in my marriage.” My fingers twist. “I don’t even know if I like myself much now.”
“Fortunately, I like you enough for the both of us.” Gideon says it so firmly, so unwaveringly, a lump forms in my throat.

The Broken Heart Playlist was a heartwarming, slow burn, emotional, feel-good story! I even cried three times when reading. It was impossible not to feel everything Jenna felt. There was a twist at the end, that was a shocker. And I wish it would have played out differently. But The Broken Heart Playlist was a memorable story, and I can’t wait to read whatever Lara Martin writes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: The Witch’s Consorts Series by Eva Chase

October 9, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

The Witch's Consorts (The Witch's Consorts Series)
by Eva Chase
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Every witch knows the rules: Stick to your own kind. Never reveal your powers to outsiders. Take a consort from the witching families or kiss your magic good-bye forever.

For years I've been quiet, obedient Rose Hallowell. I accepted the man my stepmother chose for me. But I never stopped missing my childhood friends: brilliant Kyler, stoic Seth, passionate Jin, daredevil Damon, and Gabriel, whose self-assured warmth brought us all together.

Now I’m back in town, and the boys I grew up with? Damn if they haven't grown up well.

They've got no magic, no place in my life. Even friendship with them is forbidden, let alone more. But they're charming and sweet and infuriatingly hot, and I can't seem to stay away. The more I try to resist, the more secrets I uncover about my family, my betrothal, and everything I thought was true about the witching world.

I've been lied to. I've been betrayed. So to claim my magic and my happiness, I'll break every rule there is—and then some.

Don't mess with this witch. Every rose has thorns.

*The Witch's Consorts is a spicy paranormal romance series with a dollop of gothic atmosphere and a heaping of romantic angst. This complete series set contains all five books in the Witch’s Consorts series—Consort of Secrets, Consort of Thorns, Consort of Pain, Consort of Fire, and Consort of Light—as well as the follow-up novella, Mark of Damon. Enjoy over 1500 pages of paranormal goodness!*

Review:

I definitely recommend The Witch’s Consorts Series if you’re looking for a witchy paranormal romance that has magic running through the pages! This was my first reverse harem series, and I was hooked! From that first book to the last I came to care for these characters so deeply. Rose was a heroine I could root and cheer for, she was smart, caring and made me feel everything she did. So as we were introduced to the men in her life, it was impossible not to fall for every single one of them. Their friendship spanned years, to when they were younger, and they were such a tight-knit group. I got why everything proceeded the way it did, it magically made sense to me.

What we had here, what we’d made together, it was right. It was good. And I couldn’t imagine ever feeling lost or lonely again, not while I had my consorts by my side.

We slowly got introduced to their world and by that third book it was non-stop action and kept you on the edge of your seat. I was always wondering what was going to happen next. And that fourth book even made me cry, the found family was everything! Also I loved how the series wrapped up, it left me feeling so happy! I listened to the first 5 books, and read the final one, and absolutely loved the narrators. They made the characters come alive! It was so effortless to listen and read these books! And as someone who was nervous that I would only be rooting for just one guy, because that’s what I have always done in the past, I had no problems loving every single one of them. And wanting them all to live happily ever after together. I can’t recommend this series enough!

BOOK REVIEW: Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor #5) by Melanie Harlow

October 8, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

Slap Shot Surprise (Cherry Tree Harbor #5)
by Melanie Harlow
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
In my defense, I thought the plane was going to crash.

Otherwise, I never would have blurted out those embarrassing things to a perfect stranger.

Did I mention he turned out to be a scorching hot superstar of professional hockey?

But wait, there’s more.

When the plane lands safely, I rush off, praying I’ll never have to face him again. My luck holds out for less than twenty-four hours, when I realize he’s a groomsman at the wedding I’m attending.

We end up having a drink and a good laugh about my panicked confessions, and when he invites me up to his room for some no-strings-attached fun, I say yes. After all, a headboard rattling one-night stand with a guy who knows how to put the puck in deep isn’t something a bookworm like me ever thought she’d experience.

Neither are those two little pink lines.

Now what’s crashing are all the plans Joe Lupo and I had for our lives–separately.

After all, we’re totally wrong for each other. He’s commitment-phobic and completely focused on his career. And I want to plant roots in my small town–with someone who chooses me.

Love? It’s out of the question.

Until Joe Lupo lines up his shot and aims straight for my heart.

Review:

Slap Shot Surprise was an opposites attract, hockey romance that was heartwarming and swept me away. With an accidental pregnancy, this steamy adult romance kept me turning the pages to see what happened next. I absolutely loved how this series wrapped up and that Mabel got a beautiful ending! This is a must read if you love sports romance, spicy books, and happily ever afters.

I’d never imagined it was possible to feel so close to another human being, let alone a stranger.
If the stars behind my eyes had been real, I might have made a wish.

I had already fallen for Mabel in the previous books about her brothers. She was kindhearted, thoughtful, logical, and so easy to click with. Her meet cute with hockey player Joe Lupo was memorable and hilarious! After confessing her deepest, darkest secrets…. since she thought the plane was going to crash, she hoped to never see him again. But a chance run in at a wedding led to the steamiest one-night stand. And Mabel became pregnant with his baby.

He kissed each inner thigh. “From the moment I saw you by the window, all I could think about was getting your legs over my shoulders and fucking you with my tongue.”

Joe was charming and sensual without even trying. Even though this wasn’t the future he planned, I loved that he was kind, caring, and oh so thoughtful to Mabel. While it took him a while to work through his thoughts and life, I was cheering him on every step of the way. So, when he would show up or do considerate things for Mabel, I was swooning!

He dropped his chin to his chest, rubbing the back of his neck. “Mabel, I know we didn’t ask for this. But I just want to say that if I have to go through this with someone, I’m glad it’s with you—if that makes sense.”

As Joe and Mabel took the adult approach of being friends, so they would have a healthy relationship raising their child, it felt so real and natural. They were both trying so hard to be respectful of each other’s dreams. And as someone who is not a fan of the pregnancy trope, this book completely made me change my tune! I loved how it added an additional layer of emotions. I found myself with tears in my eyes multiple times!

She smiled, and I had that urge again to pull her close. Bury my face in her hair and breathe her in. Lay my cheek on her stomach and listen. Put my lips on her skin.
Reimagine my future.

But as time proceeded, it was hard to not cross lines. And not become deeper emotionally attached to each other. From text conversations to other events that I’m keeping my lips zipped about, I loved every moment they were together. The chemistry between them was intense. And the steam in his book was done beautifully! It was scorching hot!

“What?” I asked, as if she’d accused me of something.
Meow.
“I’m just emotional.”
Meow.
“I don’t really love him. Not like that.”
Meow.
“I’m not allowed to love him like that, Cleo.” I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. “Don’t let me.”

Slap Shot Surprise was an adult romance that was fun, steamy and ended with the most fabulous happily ever after! I loved, loved, loved that we got to catch up with the other siblings and their spouses from the previous books! And that Mabel had her bestie Ari by her side every step of the way. To see little surprises, like who was pregnant eeps. It made me so happy! So, I can’t recommend this series enough. I have loved each book and can’t recommend starting back with Runaway Love enough!

It was time to take the shot.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

BOOK REVIEW: All Signs Point to Malibu by Jennifer Snow

October 7, 2024 / Jen / 0 Comments

All Signs Point to Malibu by Jennifer Snow
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Hailey Harris can’t stop messing with fate. A successful life coach, Hailey uses her ability to glimpse the future to guide her clients down the right path. But her gift has made her own life lonely. After all, having a real friend would mean asking someone to believe the unbelievable.

The one person she might have confided in—her ex, Liam Jensen—is newly engaged to a beautiful, sweet, thoughtful heiress. But when Hailey has a vision predicting a not-so-happy ending for the couple, her mission is clear: help Liam and his fiancée avoid the biggest mistake of their lives.

Stopping the wedding while planning Liam’s engagement party is no easy feat. And Warren Mitchell—Liam’s sexy, irritating best man and Hailey’s nemesis—is suspicious of Hailey’s motivations. Between sleeping with her frenemy and watching her careful plans spiral out of control, Hailey discovers the real cause of Liam’s future heartbreak. But now that she knows the truth, will Hailey keep on fighting fate or trust in the love she never saw coming?

Review:

All Signs Point to Malibu was an enemies to lovers adult romance that was so easy to visualize. With some magic realism laced into this story, everything played out like a movie in my head. Whether it was Hailey walking in her heels and spilling her coffee, or the scene in the restaurant with her lipstick…it was just so easy to visualize and read this story. There were some steamy moments too and it ended with a wonderful happily ever after. My hiccup was that I wasn’t able to connect to a single character, and that greatly influences my enjoyment of a book. So, I’ll definitely give another one of her books a try, and hope that I’m able to connect with it better!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*