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Item: This Vicious Grace
Rating: 5
Author: Cassie

BOOK REVIEW: This Vicious Grace by Emily Thiede (The Last Finestra #1)

January 5, 2022 / Cassie / 0 Comments

This Vicious Grace (The Last Finestra #1)
by Emily Thiede
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Three weddings. Three funerals. Alessa’s gift from the gods is supposed to magnify a partner’s magic, not kill every suitor she touches.

Now, with only weeks left until a hungry swarm of demons devours everything on her island home, Alessa is running out of time to find a partner and stop the invasion. When a powerful priest convinces the faithful that killing Alessa is the island’s only hope, her own soldiers try to assassinate her.

Desperate to survive, Alessa hires Dante, a cynical outcast marked as a killer, to become her personal bodyguard. But as rebellion explodes outside the gates, Dante’s dark secrets may be the biggest betrayal. He holds the key to her survival and her heart, but is he the one person who can help her master her gift or destroy her once and for all?

Emily Thiede's exciting fantasy debut, This Vicious Grace, will keep readers turning the pages until the devastating conclusion and leave them primed for more!

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Choose a Fonte.
Do not kill them.
Aplify their magic to save everyone and everything on Saverio—or become the first to die.

Forgive me if this review is a wonky, as I’m trying to shake off the rust. It’s been a minute since I wrote a review (family life and work really suck up all of my time and energy), but as soon as I finished this book I knew it was time to get back at it.

This Vicious Grace was the first book finished book of the year for me and what I imagine will be one of my favorites. It was a breath of fresh air in the YA fantasy realm, where I feel I’ve gotten much more picky and have a hard time being impressed. The fact that was by a debut author makes it even more surprising (and better)!

From the very first lines, I knew there was something about this book. The Finestra, Alessa, was mourning her third Fonte, who she had accidentally killed with her powers. As a chosen Finestra, her calling is to amplify a Fonte’s (partner) powers, in so to ward off a deadly attack on their country. Alessa’s touch is deadly to almost everyone else, and because of this, she is incredibly lonely. She is essentially royalty, but she is not respected or loved, and with a third Fonte’s death, support is waning for her.

She’d give anything for a hand to hold. Or a hug. She would kill for a hug. Literally.

After an attempt is made on her life and her guards help her attacker escape, Alessa decides to make some changes. It is during a trip out of to the seedier parts of her city that she meets Dante. Dante, with his tough exterior and slightly less tough interior, eventually agrees to be Alessa’s bodyguard until it’s time for her to take her next Fonte and face the evils headed to test them.

And for the first time in an incredibly long time, Alessa is no longer lonely. She is making connections and remembering how to feel again. Slowly, her personality comes out and she grows into her role as Finestra. Alessa’s growth as a character was really lovely to read. Her struggles, her vulnerabilities further solidified just how strong and caring she is. This really shines as we meet a host of side characters and I couldn’t believe how much I came to enjoy them as I got to know them.

“I can’t blame anyone for keeping their distance.”

He gave her a level stare. “Then let them walk around you.”

There’s some twists and turns as the final battle nears and I found myself desperate to get to the end. I needed to know who was going to be OK and who wouldn’t be so lucky. It honestly reminded me a lot of Mockingjay – a battle leaves a lot of scars (physically and emotionally) and sacrifices can have a lot of unintended consequences. I think the author really scraped the surface of the fallout from the main battle and set up the next book quite well.

“You’re the hero. I’m just asking a girl to hold my hand.”

Sorry I’m getting vague here, but I don’t want to spoil anything. But if you’re looking for a unique world, a slow-ish burn romance, a soft yet fierce MC, a snarky and tortured main boy, lovable side characters and a found family trope, then you’re in the right place. I’m super excited to see what happens next. I truly hope this isn’t another series where I loved the first book and am totally disappointed by the sequel. I know only time will tell. But overall I was a huge fan of Alessa, Dante, all their friends and of this book as a whole. I know I’m writing this book review in January and it doesn’t even come out until June, but don’t sleep on this book.

BOOK REVIEW: Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne

January 4, 2022 / Jen / 8 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne Made in Manhattan by Lauren Layne
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Violet Townsend has always been a people pleaser. Raised in the privileged world of Upper East Side Manhattan, she always says the right things, wears the right clothes, and never rocks the boat. Violet would do anything for the people closest to her, especially her beloved grandmother. So when she asks Violet to teach the newly-discovered grandson of her friend how to fit in with New York City’s elite, Violet immediately agrees. Her goal? To get Cain Stone ready to take his place as heir to his family company…but to say he’s not exactly an eager student is an understatement.

Born and raised in rural Louisiana and now making his own way in New Orleans, Cain Stone is only playing along for the paycheck at the end. He has no use for the grandmother he didn’t know existed and no patience for the uppity Violet’s attempts to turn him into a suit-wearing, museum-attending gentleman.

But somewhere amidst antagonistic dinner parties and tortured tux fittings, Cain and Violet come to a begrudging understanding—and the uptight Violet realizes she’s not the only one doing the teaching. As she and Cain begin to find mutual respect for one another (and maybe even something more), Violet learns that blindly following society’s rules doesn’t lead to happiness…and that sometimes the best things in life come from the most unexpected places.

Review:

Romance lovers will passionately fall in love with Made in Manhattan! It had a fun and flirty vibe, while also pulling on my emotions. The story was impossible to put down and easily became an instant favorite! If you love an opposites attract adult romance then I can’t recommend this book enough!

Could she take this angry, uncouth man and turn him into someone who held his own in a boardroom? Who could navigate the sticky intricacies of the New York social set?
Who could not only tie a tie, but look good in it?
Suddenly she wanted to try, rather desperately.

Cain Stones learned that he had a grandmother he never knew about, along with a billion dollar company that she wanted him to take over. Coming from the South, he needed to learn the city, dress the part and work on getting voted in as CEO. And Violet Townsend was to help Cain achieve that goal. Their grandmothers were best friends and there was nothing Violet wouldn’t do to help Edith, Cain’s grandma.

Violet had the sudden urge to tell him he was wrong.
She didn’t always get what she wanted.
She didn’t even know what that was.

Violet Victoria Townsend lived on the upper east side and I absolutely loved her. She was kind, helpful and held herself in almost a regal way. She dressed the part, had impeccable manners, was a thoughtful hostesses and always seemed to say the right thing. She definitely gave me Charlotte from Sex and the City vibes, who I adored. Violet could be seen with Keith, who was a blue blood like her, except I thought he was beyond pretentious. So when Cain stepped into her life, Violet’s seemingly perfect world completely changed.

Cain shrugged and bent down to gently rub Coco’s head with a knuckle. Violet ordered her heart not to melt. Or to think about the fact that Keith barely tolerated her dog’s existence, much less pet the little Yorkie.

Cain was the ultimate book boyfriend. Yes he was a little rough around the edges and had no filter on his mouth sometimes, but oh my goodness was the man swoon worthy. Not only in the way he held himself and talked, but his actions literally melted my heart into a puddle. Whether he was being thoughtful of Violet’s dog Coco, who he called Toto, or remembering details from what Violet said, Cain was most definitely more then others in Violet’s world would see at first glance. Cain was sexy, seductive, charismatic, and I was obsessed.

His smile was slow. Predatory. He moved even closer until she could feel his body heat. “Careful, Duchess. Look at me that way again, and you’ll be the one who’s handled, and not the least bit gently.”

Violet and Cain started out rough. Yes there was an instant attraction and chemistry between them, but Violet was trying to change who Cain was. And he fought her every step of the way. It started with a clothing makeover and went from there. But Cain wasn’t the only one who started to change. Violet found herself changing too. She kept her emotions guarded and always came across as composed and together. But Cain pushed her time and again and invoked emotions from her that had me clinging to every single word between them!

“Keith can be . . .” She sighed. “He’s struggling. He’s put a lot of himself into the company, and it’s hard for him to have an outsider come in and take a position he thinks should be his.”
Cain’s eyes flicked up for the briefest of moments. “That’s not what he should be possessive of.”
Violet didn’t reply. Couldn’t. But neither did she look away.

Their moments together brimmed with delicious sexual tension and banter. Whether it was a look, a touch or a barbed word, everything had an undercurrent of electricity running through it. And there were so many moments that held such powerful emotions. Like the piano scene. I didn’t know whether to laugh and smile or cry tears of heartache. This book toyed with my emotions in the best ways possible! There was some steam in the pages and by the end of this story I found myself with tears in my eyes.

“You deserve it.”
“What, to learn piano?” she joked.
He didn’t smile back. “All of it. You deserve to have everything you want, Duchess.”

Made in Manhattan was beautifully emotional and seductive. It had characters that were larger then life, a story-line that I devoured way too quickly and even side characters that constantly made me feel. This book became a top favorite so easily and I can’t wait to read it again and again in the future!

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

BOOK REVIEW: The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson

December 31, 2021 / Jen / 6 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson The Paid Bridesmaid by Sariah Wilson
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From Sariah Wilson, the bestselling author of Roommaid, comes a captivating romantic comedy about what happens when a wedding party mixes business with romance.

Rachel Vinson is a bridesmaid for hire: part confidante, part wedding planner, and one hundred percent pretend BFF. Discretion guaranteed. Her next gig is a destination wedding—livestreamed and sponsored—for an Instagram influencer. That means a paradise of new contacts, which could be a boon to her already booming business. If Rachel can keep the very handsome and slightly too interested best man at bay, that is.

High-tech entrepreneur Camden Lewis must know: Who is this gorgeous, intelligent, and mysterious woman? Too good to be real. Convinced she’s a corporate spy out to tank his company, Camden’s not letting her out of his sight. But the constant surveillance is also opening his eyes to things about Rachel that he likes. If she’s a spy, she’s certainly the cutest one he’s ever seen.

As the week’s worth of wedding events march along, Rachel and Camden are learning almost everything there is to know about each other. Rachel’s made a career out of always a bridesmaid…but perhaps there’s a chance for her own trip down the aisle?

Review:

The Paid Bridesmaid was a story filled with humor, romance and charm, and I was obsessed. With a unique story-line and characters that were easy to connect with, I devoured this book in no time at all. It you’re a fan of adult romance that has some angst and heart in the pages, then you definitely need this book in your life!

Why did I want something so badly that I knew I couldn’t have?

Rachel Vinson owned her company, which provided bridesmaids for weddings. With signed NDA’s and bridesmaids that wouldn’t create drama and help the day unfold seamlessly; her business was a huge hit! Her latest client was Sadie, who was an Instagram influencer. Her destination wedding in Hawaii was going to be not only sponsored but live streamed too. And Rachel would be acting as maid of honor and bff. But the best man was highly suspicious of Rachel and I loved watching everything unfold!

Camden gave me a playful smile when we approached. Krista let out a low whistle. “Do you see how he’s looking at you? That boy has impure thoughts about you.”
I shouldn’t want that to be true.

Rachel was driven, focused and thoughtful. She was passionate about her business and all of her energy went into her job. With a no dating guest rule, it had been a long time since she ever did anything for herself. That is until Camden Lewis entered the picture. Not only was he the best man, but he was business partners with the groom. And he had dealt with people trying to steal information from their high tech company multiple times. With Rachel being pegged as a possible spy, it led to wonderful angst and a slow burn romance.

Camden took a step back, his hand still around my wrist. “Do you know what happens whenever I draw a line in the sand? The tide always washes it away.”

I adored Camden from page one. He was kind, thoughtful, charming, smart and yet a tad overly suspicious. But that didn’t stop the instant attraction the both of them felt. Or the spark that was between them, anytime they were together. And the more time they spent with each other, the harder it was to ignore. Yet Rachel was nervous. Was Camden only interested in her because he was trying to find out if she was going to steal from their tech company? Or did he truly like her? But regardless, she was lying to him. She could never tell him why she was there. Rachel’s heart was torn with what to do.

“Tell me that you feel it, too. That something’s changed.”
“It can’t.” I felt silly saying it. Like a kid sticking their thumb into a dam, trying to hold back the oncoming flood.
“But it did.”

This story was so much fun! I loved all of the wedding festivities! I loved that Rachel and Sadie started to actually form a friendship. I loved Rachel’s employee, Krista who was also a bridesmaid, who pushed Rachel to get together with Camden. But most of all I loved the tension between Rachel and Camden! They were a very slow burn romance that never went spicy, but was a ton of fun. And while there was definitely some family drama, and Rachel had some of her own too, all in all this was a very heartfelt story.

“Do you know why I thought there were vibes? Or why I thought that I could guess what you’re feeling?”
My stupid face was an open book? I shook my head.
“I imagine that your heart beats faster when you’re close to me. That your mouth might go dry while you feel like your knees are going to give way. That you can’t wait to see me again. I can guess how you’re feeling because those same things happen to me.”

The Paid Bridesmaid was an adorably unique story that had a lot of heart and was a ton of fun. And somehow my emotions sneaked up on me because I found myself with happy tears in my eyes towards the end of this book. So if you’re looking for a sweet and cute romance story, that ends with an epilogue and fabulous happily ever after, this is definitely you’re book! This was another huge win by Sarah Wilson and I’m looking forward to her next release!

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

The Christmas Pact & Scrooged by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward

December 31, 2021 / Jen / 4 Comments

The Christmas Pact & Scrooged by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward The Christmas Pact by Vi Keeland, Penelope Ward
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

From New York Times Bestselling authors Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward comes a standalone holiday novella.

Eggnog. Check. Roaring fire. Check. Hot romance book. Check!

Riley Kennedy’s emails keep getting crossed with her male colleague, Kennedy Riley. The infuriating man forwards them along with his annoying commentary and unsolicited advice. At least she never has to see him in person, since they work in different locations…until they come face to face at the office holiday party.

As luck would have it, Kennedy turns out to be outrageously handsome…though still a jerk. Yet somehow he’s able to charm her out on the dance floor—and convince her to participate in his crazy scheme: he’ll go home with Riley for a Christmas party and pretend to be her boyfriend, if Riley agrees to be his date to a wedding. It sounds easy enough. Little by little, however, the act they’re putting on starts to feel like so much more than a Christmas pact—and Riley’s about to learn there’s more to Kennedy than she ever imagined.

Review:

The Christmas Pact was a fabulous, quick story that was oh so adorable. With wonderful chemistry, adorable situations and characters that were so much more then meets the eyes, I fell in love with this novella. If you’re looking for a heartwarming story that also has fake dating in the pages, you definitely need this book in your life!

“My apologies. Let’s start over. I’m Kennedy Riley. Pleasure to meet you. Um, what’s your name again?”
Smartass.
I glanced over his shoulder and pretended to wave at someone. “Oh gosh, I see someone I actually like over there who I need to speak to. I’d say it was lovely meeting you, but I’m a terrible liar. So instead, I’ll just say Merry Freaking Christmas.”

With similar names, and their work emails keep getting mixed up, there was no way Riley Kennedy could get away from Kennedy Riley. Especially when Kennedy would forward Riley her emails, while also letting her know all of his thoughts on her life. Even if they were infuriating to her. So when their paths crossed in person at a Christmas work party, sparks flew! And it led them pretending to be each others significant others over the holidays, around each others families. What started out in jest ended up turning into so much more.

Kennedy looked into my eyes and I couldn’t look away. It was like he was seeing me for the first time, like he’d finally found the missing piece of my puzzle and things suddenly made sense.

While I thought Riley needed to live a little and Kennedy needed to pause sometimes, they both exceeded my expectations. Their back stories, as we got to know them, made them leap off of the pages. And while I liked them both individually, together they were so much fun. I loved their antics and make believe around Riley’s family. I laughed out loud and loved the chemistry between them! But by the time they got to Kennedy’s family, it felt like there was so much more between them. Because what happens when fake dating doesn’t start to feel fake anymore? I’ll say that I got tears in my eyes and loved these characters. The Christmas Pact ended with a fabulous happily ever after and left a smile on my face. I’ll definitely be picking up more books from these two authors!

The Christmas Pact & Scrooged by Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward Scrooged by Penelope Ward, Vi Keeland
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
New York Times Bestselling Authors, Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward bring you three sexy short stories to heat up your holidays!

Sexy Scrooge

The last thing I needed was to share an Uber with Scrooge—a cocky lawyer on a snowy Christmas Eve. It was bad enough I was on my way to court for the gift of eviction.Although maybe today wouldn’t turn out so bad after all.The Sexy Scrooge and I started to connect as we trudged our way through a storm. Our ride was about to end. But would I ever see him again?

The Merry Mistake

Note to self: Ask Santa for glasses this year. When I accidentally mistook a gorgeous man resting outside my building for a homeless person in need of lunch, we got into it. I’d only been trying to do a good deed around the holidays, but he called me righteous. I called him something far worse. If only I didn’t have to see him again. But fate had other plans.

Kissmas in New York

It was just supposed to be a simple kiss with a stranger. I'd done it to prove a point—that I hadn't lost my sense of adventure. But you know what they say about the best laid plans. Maybe I'd get something in my stocking after all this holiday season...

Reviews:

Sexy Scrooge: 5/5 Stars

Sexy Scrooge was absolutely adorable and lots of fun! I couldn’t stop smiling and it was a cute story about finding luck and having a little faith. I easily could have read more! But as super quick Christmas stories go, this is one of the best!

It just goes to show that with a little luck, fairy tales can come true, despite Ebenezer Scrooge.

The Merry Mistake: 4/5 Stars

The Merry Mistake was a cute story about mistakes and good deeds! This one had a heartwarming aspect with an ailing father. And I loved how even though there was a little hate going on between the couple, there was no denying that they definitely wanted each other! While Piper was a little obnoxious and assumes in the beginning and Mason could be kind of a jerk, we got to see exactly who they were and it made so much sense. I ended up really liking the both of them and hoping for them to end up together!

She leaned in. “Can I tell you a secret?”
“Yeah.”
Her breath brushed against my cheek as she said, “I still sort of think you’re an asshole.”
Shaking my head, I laughed. “You’re nothing if not honest, Piper.” I lifted my brow. “And you might be right.”

Kissmass in New York: 3/5 Stars

Kissmass in New York was the possibilities of taking risks and changing your life. While this was my least favorite of the three stories, it still had a lot of heart. I just wasn’t as okay with everything ending with a HFN since so much was still left up in the air.

Within seconds, it became demanding as something inexplicable ignited between us. Soon, our tongues were colliding. We might have just met, but this just felt right—like I was made to do this.

If you’re looking for something that’s quick and will give you some romance cheer around the holidays, then definitely give these quick little stories a try! They all end in happily for nows and I’m glad I picked up this book!

BOOK REVIEW: Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis

December 30, 2021 / Jen / 4 Comments

BOOK REVIEW: Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis Eight Perfect Hours by Lia Louis
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

On a snowy evening in March, thirty-something Noelle Butterby is on her way back from an event at her old college when disaster strikes. With a blizzard closing off roads, she finds herself stranded, alone in her car, without food, drink, or a working charger for her phone.

All seems lost until Sam Attwood, a handsome American stranger also trapped in a nearby car, knocks on her window and offers assistance. What follows is eight perfect hours together, until morning arrives and the roads finally clear. The two strangers part, positive they’ll never see each other again but fate, it seems, has a different plan. As the two keep serendipitously bumping into one another, they begin to realize that perhaps there truly is no such thing as coincidence.

Review:

Eight Perfect Hours was unfortunately not for me. With a very different writing style and characters I couldn’t ever connect with, this book and I never meshed. It felt like this should have been a powerful story. One that I deeply resonated with. And I kept trying till that very last page, but it just wasn’t meant to be.

“What?” Sam says, a smile at the corner of his mouth. I realize I’ve stopped talking and I’m just looking at him.
“Just—you’re here. Don’t you think this is so… mad?”
“Mad.” Sam laughs. “Seems to be our thing.”

Noelle Butterby was on her way home from an event at her old college, when she got stuck on the road during a snowstorm. Thankfully fate had her parked next to a kind stranger, Sam Attwood. Not only did he allow her to charge her phone and stay warm in his car, but they had a wonderful time chatting and just being with one another. I enjoyed their interactions; it felt like they were instant friends and possibly soul mates. But when the roads cleared, they both went their separate ways. Until fate had them running into each another again and again.

“Destiny,” I say with a laugh, although I’m not sure the laugh was real enough to convince anyone, because destiny is exactly what I was thinking about when I saw Sam push through those double doors.

I have to say that Goodreads fooled me. Many readers had this marked as a holiday/Christmas story and it is not. The beautiful cover on the front has a wintery vibe and that’s because we start this story in March. This is not set around Christmas time. Bad on my part for not researching more, whoops.

“You said you’re never there,” I say into the darkness. “But you’re there for your dad. And you’re here now. Aren’t you?”
“Yeah,” he says thoughtfully. “And I always seem to be. When it comes to you.”

I went into this book loving the idea that you are meant to meet someone. I never believed that until my husband and I ran into each other three times in one day at college. Everywhere we turned, the other one was there. And it kept happening for the next week. It was like fate was trying to push us together. So the premise of this story fascinated me! And I absolutely loved how that played into this story. As we watch Noelle and Sam’s lives unfold, they kept running into one another. Even though they were both from different countries. And sometimes it was during the hardest moments of their lives. They were there for each other. They formed a friendship and a bond. I hoped it all would eventually it would lead to more.

“I knew there was a reason I kept bumping into you,” I say, tears sliding down my cheeks. “I know you didn’t. But I did. I think I knew deep down, all along.”

But ultimately, I couldn’t ever feel anything for Noelle and Sam. Not only was the writing very different and distinct, which I struggled reading, but I also couldn’t connect with any of the characters. It didn’t help that the both of them seemed to be with someone else during the book, which I’m not a fan of at all. So I hope if you pick this one up, that you end up enjoying it way more than I did.