‘Nameless Queen’ by Rebecca McLaughlin

4 coins / stars

Book Blurb:

“One girl must make a name for herself--or die trying --in this royal fantasy where an unknown peasant becomes the ultimate ruler. But how long can she keep the crown if everyone wants her dead? Perfect for fans of Furyborn, Red Queen, and Everless.

Everyone expected the king's daughter would inherit the throne. No one expected me.

It shouldn't even be possible. I'm Nameless, a class of citizens so disrespected, we don't even get names. Heck, dozens of us have been going missing for months and no one seems to care.

But there's no denying the tattoo emblazoned on my arm. I am queen. In a palace where the corridors are more dangerous the streets, though, how could I possibly rule? And what will become of the Nameless if I don't?”

Review:

Our main character, who goes by ‘Coin,’ is truly a Nameless Queen; the three classes of people in Rebecca McLaughlin’s fantasy novel are Royals, Legals, and the Nameless.  Upon the death of the current ruler, she inherits a magical tattoo which puts her in a dangerous position.  As one of the Nameless, she has no rights, no job, no possessions, and no family.  Being identified as the next ruler, she is the envy and target of every Royal who believes the crown should have gone to someone else, and even those who want the crown for themselves.

This is a clean YA fantasy with a small amount of magic.  Available on January 7, 2020.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  #NamelessQueen #NetGalley

‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ by Kevin van Whye

Five stars - Wonderful #ownvoices novel:

Book Blurb:

“What If It's Us meets To All the Boys I've Loved Before in this upbeat and heartfelt boy-meets-boy romance that feels like a modern twist on a '90s rom-com!

Everyone knows about the dare: Each week, Bryson Keller must date someone new--the first person to ask him out on Monday morning. Few think Bryson can do it. He may be the king of Fairvale Academy, but he's never really dated before.

Until a boy asks him out, and everything changes.

Kai Sheridan didn't expect Bryson to say yes. So when Bryson agrees to secretly go out with him, Kai is thrown for a loop. But as the days go by, he discovers there's more to Bryson beneath the surface, and dating him begins to feel less like an act and more like the real thing. Kai knows how the story of a gay boy liking someone straight ends. With his heart on the line, he's awkwardly trying to navigate senior year at school, at home, and in the closet, all while grappling with the fact that this "relationship" will last only five days. After all, Bryson Keller is popular, good-looking, and straight . . . right?

Kevin van Whye delivers an uplifting and poignant coming-out love story that will have readers rooting for these two teens to share their hearts with the world--and with each other.”

Review:

‘Date Me, Bryson Keller’ has a charming PG-rated slow burn romance, but is first and foremost a coming-out story.  Kai and Bryson are both relatable teens who are easy to root for, and feel for, as they go through ups and downs.

Highly recommended YA reading!  Grab your copy on May 19, 2020!

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  #DateMeBrysonKeller #NetGalley

‘Only Mostly Devastated’ by Sophie Gonzales

Five fabulous stars (for the book as a whole, and for Ollie's narration.)

Book Blurb:

“Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda meets Clueless, inspired by Grease.

When Ollie meets his dream guy, Will, over summer break, he thinks he’s found his Happily Ever After. But once summer’s ended, Will stops texting him back, and Ollie finds himself one prince short of a fairytale ending. To complicate the fairytale further, a family emergency sees Ollie uprooted and enrolled at a new school across the country—Will’s school—where Ollie finds that the sweet, affectionate and comfortably queer guy he knew from summer isn’t the same one attending Collinswood High. This Will is a class clown, closeted—and, to be honest, a bit of a jerk.

Ollie has no intention of pining after a guy who clearly isn’t ready for a relationship. But as Will starts ‘coincidentally’ popping up in every area of Ollie’s life, from music class to the lunch table, Ollie finds his resolve weakening.

The last time he gave Will his heart, Will handed it back to him trampled and battered. Ollie would have to be an idiot to trust him with it again.

Right?

Right.”

Review:

‘Only Mostly Devastated’ is a realistic and relatable story of teenagers going through what most kids in high school experience; friendships, crushes, dating, jealousy, misunderstandings, spite, and a whole lot of sarcasm.  Added to which is the completely normal part of the crushes and dating process, the possibility of ‘coming out’ as not entirely cisgender or straight. 

Ollie’s tale gave me all the feels and I can’t recommend it highly enough.  Grab your copy on March 3, 2020!

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Sick Kids in Love’ by Hannah Moskowitz

Book Blurb:

“Isabel has one rule: no dating.

It's easier—

It's safer—

It's better—

--for the other person.

She's got issues. She's got secrets. She's got rheumatoid arthritis.

But then she meets another sick kid.

He's got a chronic illness Isabel's never heard of, something she can't even pronounce. He understands what it means to be sick. He understands her more than her healthy friends. He understands her more than her own father who's a doctor.

He's gorgeous, fun, and foul-mouthed. And totally into her. Isabel has one rule: no dating.

It's complicated—

It's dangerous—

It's never felt better--

--to consider breaking that rule for him.”

Review:

Love, LOVE, LOOOOOOVE this book!!!!

Author Hannah Moskowitz brings snarky, realistic teenagers to life while accurately representing chronic illness, physical disability, and family interactions in a way that is a joy to read, and kept me wanting to know what happens next.

This tale of sick kids being allowed to be sick, versus having to hide it and pretend things are fine, really resonated with me.  This is something everyone should read and be aware of; everyone who has someone in their life who is chronically ill or disabled to some degree.  The whole idea that well-meaning acquaintances, or even close family members, may affect the way a chronically ill person views themselves and their abilities.  Those around us may wield unknown influence over a person’s way of thinking; disappointment when they can’t do something; often or all the time, or ever, versus it’s okay to not be able to do that thing sometimes, or often, or ever.  These are really important concepts and Moskowitz completely gets it, and portrays it accurately, in a fun way.

#SickKidsInLove #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  

'Sick Kids in Love' will be available on November 5, 2019 

‘Something Wicked’ (Something Wicked Book 1) by Nicole M. Rubino

4 magical stars

Book Blurb:

“A breakup and a car accident are no way to start your seventeenth birthday.

For Theo Montgomery, that is exactly how it began. Her bad luck turns worse when she returns home from a school dance to find her house on fire--with her parents still inside.

Following their deaths, Theo is sent to live with her estranged aunt in Salem, Massachusetts. If a new home and a new school aren’t enough to deal with, Theo discovers her aunt has a secret: she is a witch. And so is Theo.

Theo must learn keep her magic in check, lest the Town’s notorious witch hunters discover that magic has returned to the world after more than three hundred years. But how can she navigate a new school, new magical powers and avoid the witch hunters, when she finds herself enjoying the company of one?

Trystan de Lancre is a dangerous witch hunter, but that doesn’t keep Theo from wanting to discover more about him. Harboring secrets of his own, Trystan isn’t the only perilous force in Salem. Something has returned to the village; something that the witches believed to have been dead and buried long ago.

Salem’s dark past rises to haunt Theo and the present-day witches, unraveling a shocking revelation: the real cause of the Salem Witch Trials.”

Review:

In her debut novel, author Nicole M. Rubino delivers a magical tale of family, friendships, young love, and self-discovery.  The teenagers are relatable and believable and their budding romance is kept clean.  I really enjoyed the dual points of view.  We follow Theo for most of the book, but for a few chapters, we are privy to the private thoughts and conversations of the leading guy, and it helps to flesh out a more complete story.  Definitely forward to continuing this series.

‘Something Wicked’ will be available on November 19, 2019.  This is the perfect Salem-based witchy story to get readers in a spooky mood this Fall, highly recommended.

#SomethingWicked #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Glow of the Fireflies’ by Lindsey Duga

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“Briony never planned to go back to the place she lost everything.

Firefly Valley, nestled deep within the Smoky Mountains, is better kept in her past. After an unexplained fire gave Briony amnesia, her mother disappeared and her dad moved them to Knoxville.

But now her grandmother needs a caretaker and Briony's dad volunteers her to help. The moment she returns, her whole world shifts. She feels a magical connection to this valley, as if it's literally part of her somehow.

And when she meets a hot guy who claims he was her childhood friend but now mysteriously keeps his distance, Briony starts piecing together her missing past... and discovers her mother didn't leave to start a new life somewhere. She's trapped in the hidden world within the valley.

Now, Briony will do whatever it takes to rescue her, even if it means standing up against dangerously powerful nature spirits. Even if it means giving up her first love.”

Review:

Scenic, imaginative writing. This clean, wholesome fantasy novel featuring a strong female lead coming to terms with her emotions and coming home again is best directed towards a a younger YA audience.

#GlowOfTheFireflies  #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'Glow of the Fireflies' is available now.

‘Realm of Knights’ (Knights of the Realm #1) by Jennifer Anne Davis

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“Reid has spent her whole life pretending to be a man so she can inherit her father’s estate, but when a chance encounter threatens to expose her lie, she is forced to risk everything.

In the kingdom of Marsden, women are subservient to men and land can only pass from father to son. So when Reid Ellington is born, the fifth daughter to one of the wealthiest landholders in the kingdom, it’s announced that Reid is a boy.

Eighteen years later, Reid struggles to conceal the fact she’s actually a young woman. Every day, her secret becomes harder to keep. When one of Marsden’s princes sees her sparring with a sword, she is forced to accept his offer and lead her father’s soldiers to the border. Along the way, she discovers a covert organization within the army known as the Knights of the Realm. If Reid wants to save her family from being arrested for treason and robbed of their inheritance, she will have to join the Knights and become a weapon for the crown.

To protect her family, Reid must fight like a man. To do that, she’ll need the courage of a woman.”

Review:

As with all series by Jennifer Anne Davis, I enjoyed this well-written YA fantasy.  Reid is an easy character to relate to and root for.  The tale begins on her eighteenth birthday, as she is biding her time until one of her sisters gives birth to a boy, so that Reid can finally be known as a Lady and stop pretending to be the Lord and heir to her father’s dukedom.  Instead, two royal princes make a surprise visit to her father’s castle, discover her secret almost immediately, and insist that she join them as her father’s troops are led towards the border to prevent war.  Though the princes insist upon her presence and treat her well, she is left to ponder the mystery of what they could possibly use her help with.

Reid goes through much of this tale without knowing who to fully place her trust in, which translates to the reader also not knowing which members of the royal family to trust.  Not necessarily in a malicious way, but everyone has secrets, and this intrigue was one of my favorite things about this book.

Read quickly over 1.5 days, I found it difficult to put this book down, and even harder to reach the end and realize I’d have to wait until December for its sequel.  Very much looking forward to continuing this trilogy.

#RealmOfKnights #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

‘Realm of Knights’ will be available on September 10, 2019.

‘Mirror Bound’ (The Witchling Academy #2) by Monica Sanz

10 enchanting stars out of 5. Extraordinary sequel!

Book Blurb:

“Conspirator. Failure. Murderer.

Seraphina Dovetail is used to being called all these things. As the seventh-born daughter to a witch, and the cause of her mother losing both her powers and her life, Sera has always felt isolated. Until Nikolai Barrington.

The young professor not only took an interest in Sera—he took her into his home, hired her for his moonlighting detective agency, and gave her the one thing she’d always dreamed of: a chance. Under Barrington’s tutelage, Sera can finally take the School of Continuing Magic entrance exam to become an inspector and find her family. Now if only she could stop her growing attraction to her maddening boss—which is about as easy as this fiery elementalist quitting setting things on fire.

But when ghosts start dragging Sera into possessions so deep she can barely escape, and then the souls of lost witches and wizards appear trapped in mirrors, these two opposites will have to work together to uncover a much deeper secret that could destroy the Witchling world…”

Review:

It has been absolutely lovely to be back in the magical world of Seraphina Dovetail and Professor Barrington, as well as the magical community in which they live.  The story picks up some months after the events of the series opener.  It is a pleasure to see the growth in Sera’s abilities, advancement of her training, and how well she and Barrington work together.

Author Monica Sanz is quite skilled at crafting words; driving the plot forward at a steady pace while our leads remain as engaging and relatable as they did in the first book, never feeling like they are being forced into situations merely for the sake of advancing the plot.  Readers get to see more of Sera’s clever, on-the-spot thinking and witty remarks as she prepares for the School of Continuing Magic entrance exam while following leads on a new case.  We are also treated to a closer look at Nikolai Barrington, as Sera learns more of his family’s history and his own connections.  The dynamic between Sera and Barrington slowly shifts as they grow closer together, especially now that she is no longer a student at the Academy where he teaches.

#MirrorBound #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

I adore this charming, clean YA magical series and recommend it highly.  Though no mention is made of this series continuing, I hope with all my heart that it does.  I’d love to continue to see these characters interact and grow.

The Witchling Academy series is best enjoyed in order:

Book #1 – Seventh Born – my review

Book #2 – Mirror Bound – available September 10, 2019

‘Ella and Ash’ (Happily Ever After #1) by K.A. Last

4.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“Three years after her mother’s death, Ella is left with an absent father, a cruel stepmother, and a magical pendant so powerful she must keep it hidden. The pendant is the only connection Ella has with her mother, and she will do anything to protect it—even if it means becoming a servant in her own home.

To escape her wicked stepfamily, Ella finds solace under the branches of the weeping willow beside her mother’s grave. Ella thought she could practice her magic there in secret, but when she is caught by Ashwin, the son of the richest lord in the county, Ella fears she may lose her pendant after all.

Ashwin gains Ella’s trust by promising not to tell anyone about the pendant, but Ella knows they are from different worlds, and she is reluctant to open up to him too much. When Ashwin invites Ella to a masquerade ball, she sees it as a chance to escape her life, even if it is for just one night.

But her pendant isn’t the only secret Ella has been keeping. If Ashwin learns who she really is, will the truth ruin her chance of happiness with him, or will it set her free?

Find out in this sweet and magical re-imagining of Cinderella. “

Review:

Interesting spin on 'Cinderella' in which each character has magic within them, and some have access to very powerful artifacts handed down within families.  In this re-telling, the son of the most powerful family in the land sees past circumstances and befriends our leading lady.  This is an enjoyable quick-read novella, recommended for fairy-tale fans.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

‘Ella and Ash’ will be available on September 9, 2019 through Amazon's Kindle Unlimited program. 

‘Noble Thief’ (Fantasy and Fairytales #6) by M. Lynn

5 enchanting stars!

Book Blurb:

“A new story in the Fantasy and Fairytales series, this can be read without first reading books 1-5.

A prince of two kingdoms, yet belonging to none.
Tyson Durand once knew exactly where he fit in life. As the son of the Gaulean queen and brother to the Belaen ruler, his loyalty was always divided.

Except when it came to her.

Amalie Leroy was his home - until she pushed him out of her life.

When Tyson’s mother summons him to Gaule, she sends him on a mission for the crown: find the outlaw terrorizing the kingdom.

He never imagined his search for the criminal would bring him face to face with everything he’d lost.

When he learns the truth of the mysterious hooded figure, how far will he go to save a woman who deceived him?
---------------------------------
Like father, like daughter.
Amalie Leroy could never escape the legacy of her traitorous father. But maybe they weren’t as different as they seemed.

She once had everything she thought she wanted, but it wasn’t enough - not when her people suffered under the thumb of the crown.

So, she gave it up. She let her prince go, choosing the life of an outlaw over him.

And now he’s coming for her. No, not as the boy who loved her, but as an agent of the crown to hunt her down.

Only, he doesn’t know the truth of their past.

Amalie thought pushing Tyson away meant he could never destroy her.

She was wrong.
Inspired by Robin Hood, this is the archer as you've never seen her before.”

Review:

Wonderful re-imagining of 'Robin Hood' encompassing all the main characters from Lynn's 'Fantasy and Fairytales' series as well as some new faces, loyal to The Hood. This entire series is highly recommended.

Highly recommended for YA readers and fairy-tale fans.  The entire series is currently available as part of the Kindle Unlimited program! 

Fantasy and Fairytales series:

‘Golden Curse’ - ‘Golden Chains’ - ‘Golden Crown’ - review

‘Glass Kingdom’ – ‘Glass Princess’ 

‘Noble Thief’

‘Cursed Beauty’ - review

‘Summoned’ by M.A. Guglielmo

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“The wrong jinn at the right time, Zahara’s a force to be reckless with.

Zahara, party girl of the paranormal, floats up out of a lamp in Daniel Goldstein‘s apartment ready to trick a sorcerer into giving up his soul. But Daniel, whose Moroccan grandmother has reached out from beyond the grave to command him to raise a jinn, wants to do good—by stopping a vengeful fallen angel.

The nymphomaniacal, shopping-obsessed Zahara isn’t the otherworldly ally Daniel had in mind. A do-gooder with a dangerous quest isn’t what Zahara’s looking for, either.

Stuck in a magical contract with each other, the two travel to Morocco, where Zahara’s handsome friend Zaid, a jinn who’s converted to Islam, reluctantly joins their quest. As Daniel and Zaid struggle against jinn-hunting mercenaries and their attraction to one other, Zahara is forced to join forces with the fallen angel’s gorgeous but infuriating brother to stop a cataclysmic war between the human and jinn worlds.”

Review:

Upper YA and mature readers will enjoy this supernatural wild ride as one human and two jinn race to save the world from fallen angels with questionable motives.  This was a quick, fun read full of sarcasm-laced dialog and humorously inappropriate antics.

‘Summoned’ will be available on September 24, 2019.

#Summoned #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s. 

‘The Lady Rogue’ by Jenn Bennett

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“The Last Magician meets A Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue in this thrilling tale filled with magic and set in the mysterious Carpathian Mountains where a girl must hunt down Vlad the Impaler’s cursed ring in order to save her father.

Some legends never die…

Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.

Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.

Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.”

Review:

This YA historical fiction novel is narrated entirely by the spunky and relatable teenaged Theodora Fox, granting us access to her thoughts and reactions as her adventure progresses.  Though the narration is quite comical at times, and her witty banter with Huck is a joy to read, this is a treasure-hunting, action-adventure mystery novel through and through.  Buckle up and enjoy the ride!

‘The Lady Rogue’ will be available on September 3, 2019.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

'A Heart So Fierce and Broken' Preorder Promotion

Don't miss out on this amazing 'A Heart So Fierce and Broken' Preorder Promotion!

 #Cursebreakers

‘The Last Hope’ (The Raging Ones #2) by Krista Ritchie and Becca Ritchie

4.5 stars - Futuristic, sci-fi YA novel with amazing friendships/relationships.

Book Blurb:

“A stunning conclusion to the sci-fi romance duology by writing duo Krista & Becca Ritchie, The Last Hope is filled with twists and turns you'll never see coming.

Sacrifice all you have to survive.

Imprisoned for weeks on an enemy starcraft, Franny, Court, and Mykal have sat with an unfathomable revelation. But as they fight to stay alive, escaping prison means trusting a young mysterious stranger. He knows everything about their lost histories, and when answers aren’t given freely, the bonded trio are forced to join a mission. One that will determine the fate of humanity.

Legend says, a baby—the first of her species—has the power to cloak and teleport planets. Tasked with retrieving the infant, Court fears the baby is just a myth, and if they fail, they’ll never find the truth about their origins.

As Court and Mykal grow closer, their linked bond becomes harder to hide, and dynamics change when Franny begins to fall for someone new. Vulnerable and with no choice, the hunt for the baby sends the trio on a dangerous path to Saltare-1: a water world where their enemies can’t die and survival comes at a high cost.”

Review:

‘The Last Hope’ is the brilliant conclusion to Franny, Court, and Mykal’s story, started in ‘The Raging Ones.’  A proper, full review would include spoiling plot points, so if you generally trust and agree with my taste in books, please run – don’t walk – towards this duology and enjoy!  ‘The Last Hope’ releases on August 13, 2019.

#TheRagingOnes #NetGalley

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  

‘Crown of Coral and Pearl’ by Mara Rutherford

4 stars

Book Blurb:

“For generations, the princes of Ilara have married the most beautiful maidens from the ocean village of Varenia. But though every girl longs to be chosen as the next princess, the cost of becoming royalty is higher than any of them could ever imagine…

Nor once dreamed of seeing the wondrous wealth and beauty of Ilara, the kingdom that’s ruled her village for as long as anyone can remember. But when a childhood accident left her with a permanent scar, it became clear that her identical twin sister, Zadie, would likely be chosen to marry the Crown Prince—while Nor remained behind, unable to ever set foot on land.

Then Zadie is gravely injured, and Nor is sent to Ilara in her place. To Nor’s dismay, her future husband, Prince Ceren, is as forbidding and cold as his home—a castle carved into a mountain and devoid of sunlight. And as she grows closer to Ceren’s brother, the charming Prince Talin, Nor uncovers startling truths about a failing royal bloodline, a murdered queen… and a plot to destroy the home she was once so eager to leave.

In order to save her people, Nor must learn to negotiate the treacherous protocols of a court where lies reign and obsession rules. But discovering her own formidable strength may be the one move that costs her everything: the crown, Varenia and Zadie.”

Review:

Enjoyable fantasy stand-alone about a village at sea and the nearby kingdom with a castle literally carved into a mountain. Though the twin sisters at the center of this book have a healthy and loving relationship, the two half-brother princes are as different as night and day.

‘Crown of Coral and Pearl’ will be available on August 27^th.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Mimic’ (The Prodigy Chronicles #2) by C.L. Denault

4.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“In 2012, one cycle of an ancient calendar system came to a close. Humanity predicted its downfall, but it wasn't the end of their evolutionary climb. It was the beginning.

Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core's game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there's more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.

But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?”

Review:

Wonderful follow-up to 'Gambit.'  Just as with the series opener, the complex and developed characters were the best part of this book; their motives, their secrets, their interactions.  Author C.L. Denault’s characters kept me guessing right until the new cliff-hanger ending; not a bit was predictable. The plot moved forward at a comfortably steady pace, never a dull moment, and nothing felt rushed or forced.

‘Mimic’ is available now; a must-read for fans of well-written YA romance, adventure, or dystopia with developed characters and settings.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘Striking Midnight: A Reimagining of Cinderella as an Assassin’ by Jennifer Ellision

‘Striking Midnight: A Reimagining of Cinderella as an Assassin’ by Jennifer Ellision

 (Fairy Tale Lies, Spies, and Assassins Book 1)

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“Dawn will break. And she will rise...

When the Noctisian King passed, the Daylight Accord crumbled. Now, the Kingdom of Noctis exists in darkness and unending night, while their neighbors slowly roast.

The sun never sets on Sol.

The former prince of Noctis refuses to honor the bargain his father made with the Solian rulers and both kingdoms suffer without the balance the other brings. But when the time comes for King Knox to choose a bride, Sol sends forth their best contender: Princess Cyndria.

Cyn is beautiful. Poised. Demure… and deadly. Trained by Solian assassins since she was old enough to grasp a knife, she knows exactly how she’ll enchant the King.

And, once she’s queen… How she’ll end him.”

Review:

Brilliant writing, wonderful twist on Cinderella!  I’m very excited for Cyn and Knox’s story to continue later this year in ‘Slipping Glass.’  Author Jennifer Ellision has created a unique and magical tale of her own.

This is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-imagining that I highly recommend, especially for fans of Brigid Kemmerer’s ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely,’ A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series, and Marissa Meyer’s ‘The Lunar Chronicles.’

‘Striking Midnight’ is available now!

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘The Beast and the Beauty’ (Reversed Retellings Book 2) by Aya Ling

3.5 stars

Book Blurb:

“How can a woman cursed to look like a beast make a handsome prince propose marriage?

Sybil de la Roche was once the belle of the court. Now she is more hideous than any woman in the kingdom. To restore her beauty, she must receive a marriage proposal. Forty years and twenty-eight rejections later, she decides to break the curse on her own. But when a personable young man arrives, she is torn between hope and dread.

Prince Gerald is widely renowned as the best-looking man in Savony. On a quest to find a mage who has disappeared for years, he is stranded at a remote manor in a snowstorm. His interest is piqued by the mysterious woman in the manor, but his desire to get to know her is foiled by her determination to avoid him.

For maximum enjoyment, it is recommended that you read Book 1, Till Midnight, prior to The Beast and the Beauty.”

Review:

Clever gender-swapped re-telling of 'Beauty and the Beast' where Gerald, the best looking of the 12 princes from 'Till Midnight' (gender-swapped '12 Dancing Princesses') becomes trapped at a large manner in the middle of a snow storm.  Lady Sybil was so beautiful before her curse, that her picture hangs on a wall in Gerald's castle because his grandfather fell in love with her beauty.  Cursed to appear as a beast, she has searched for someone to propose for the last 42 years.

We see a few characters from 'Till Midnight' but 'The Beast and the Beauty' offers mostly its own cast, drawing readers further into the connected stories of this series and setting up the next book, which I look forward to reading.

‘The Beast and the Beauty’ will be available on March 30, 2019.

I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.

‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ (A Curse So Dark and Lonely #1) by Brigid Kemmerer

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“Fall in love, break the curse.

It once seemed so easy to Prince Rhen, the heir to Emberfall. Cursed by a powerful enchantress to repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year over and over, he knew he could be saved if a girl fell for him. But that was before he learned that at the end of each autumn, he would turn into a vicious beast hell-bent on destruction. That was before he destroyed his castle, his family, and every last shred of hope.

Nothing has ever been easy for Harper Lacy. With her father long gone, her mother dying, and her brother barely holding their family together while constantly underestimating her because of her cerebral palsy, she learned to be tough enough to survive. But when she tries to save someone else on the streets of Washington, DC, she's instead somehow sucked into Rhen's cursed world.

Break the curse, save the kingdom.

A prince? A monster? A curse? Harper doesn't know where she is or what to believe. But as she spends time with Rhen in this enchanted land, she begins to understand what's at stake. And as Rhen realizes Harper is not just another girl to charm, his hope comes flooding back. But powerful forces are standing against Emberfall . . . and it will take more than a broken curse to save Harper, Rhen, and his people from utter ruin.”

Review:

Excellent re-imagining of Beauty and the Beast with original content and characters.  I’m very excited for the sequel to release next year: ‘A Heart So Fierce and Broken’ though I do not know if this series will be a duology, I hope it continues on past book two!

This is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-telling that I highly recommend, especially for fans of A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series.

Borrow ‘A Curse So Dark and Lonely’ from your local library or purchase from your preferred book seller, you won’t be disappointed!

Cover Reveal: ‘Mimic’ by C.L. Denault

‘Mimic’ by C.L. Denault 

(The Prodigy Chronicles #2)
Publication date: March 22nd 2019
Genres: Dystopian, Romance, Science Fiction,Young Adult

Synopsis:

In 2012, one cycle of an ancient calendar system came to a close. Humanity predicted its downfall, but it wasn’t the end of their evolutionary climb. It was the beginning.

Willow Kent is discovering that life as a second-phase prodigy comes at a price. Trapped in the London Core, her choices are limited, made difficult by her forbidden romance with Reece and the presence of a new commanding officer who establishes harsh rules. With unpredictable skills and a growing distrust in her birth parents, she is struggling to play the Core’s game. But when opportunity arises in the form of a mysterious shapeshifter, Willow realizes there’s more to her own evolution than meets the eye. She soon learns that keeping secrets is a key move, and the more dangerous they are, the greater her need to evolve into the powerful prodigy nature intended her to become.

But those closest to her have their own secrets, and her status has made her an easy target for betrayal. Who will she turn to, when nothing is as it seems?

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About the Author:

C.L. Denault is a speculative fiction writer who loves dreaming up tales of adventure and intrigue. A former systems analyst, she gave up her nerdy code-writing skills to care for her family (including a son with special needs), and currently lives among the vast stretches of cornfields in Illinois. 

Writing and working out are her biggest passions, along with drinking coffee and watching sci-fi. When she’s not hanging out with her husband and kids, she can usually be found at a library or tucked away in the shadowy corner of a hip coffeehouse. She’s also been glimpsed sneaking into her garage, late at night, to work on her time machine.

She enjoys connecting with people—especially those from other planets, nearby dimensions, and the future. To find her, just visit her website or social media pages. Or use a Stargate. Whichever is easiest. 

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‘House of Salt and Sorrows’ by Erin A. Craig

5 stars!

Book Blurb:

“In a manor by the sea, twelve sisters are cursed.

Annaleigh lives a sheltered life at Highmoor, a manor by the sea, with her sisters, their father, and stepmother. Once they were twelve, but loneliness fills the grand halls now that four of the girls' lives have been cut short. Each death was more tragic than the last—the plague, a plummeting fall, a drowning, a slippery plunge—and there are whispers throughout the surrounding villages that the family is cursed by the gods.

Disturbed by a series of ghostly visions, Annaleigh becomes increasingly suspicious that the deaths were no accidents. Her sisters have been sneaking out every night to attend glittering balls, dancing until dawn in silk gowns and shimmering slippers, and Annaleigh isn't sure whether to try to stop them or to join their forbidden trysts. Because who—or what—are they really dancing with?

When Annaleigh's involvement with a mysterious stranger who has secrets of his own intensifies, it's a race to unravel the darkness that has fallen over her family—before it claims her next.”

Review:

A lovely and original take of “The Twelve Dancing Princesses,” though beware; this is a dark fairy tale retelling.  While not quite ‘horror,’ there are more than a few moments which may lead to using a nightlight.

Author Erin A. Craig has accomplished the most challenging part aspect of re-telling this particular fairy tale; readers learn something unique and memorable about all twelve sisters.  Though four are departed before we begin to follow Annaleigh’s narration, they are mentioned just enough to provide us with a window into their personalities.  Even more detail is given to the eight living sisters; their hobbies, personalities, and their place within the family dynamics.

Craig created her own mythology and lore of deities for this tale; Gods of the Sea, the Night, Tricks, Nightmares, and others.  Though this is a complete story with an ending, I hope Craig continues to write of characters in this world, as there are several other kingdoms.  Perhaps one day we’ll read other fairy tale re-tellings set in this magical place.

  

This is a skillfully written YA fantasy / fairy tale re-telling that I highly recommend, especially for fans of A.G. Howard’s ‘Splintered’ series.

‘House of Salt and Sorrows’ will be available on August 6, 2019.

#HouseOfSaltAndSorrows #NetGalley - I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book.  All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else’s.  

Cover Reveal: 'Book of the Dead' by Nadine Nightingale

‘Book of the Dead’ by Nadine Nightingale

(Gods of Egypt, #2)
Publication date: February 7th 2019
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Nisha
They called me Angel of Death, but I am something else. Someone else. That is, if you believe the Egyptian desert god, Seth, who haunted my dreams since I can think. Sounds crazy, huh?

I, too, thought I was insane.
Broken beyond repair.
But—

When Seth’s followers—the Black Flags—invaded our annual Halloween ball and slaughtered half the town, my nightmares became reality. Those crazy bastards think I’m the reincarnation of Nebt-Het, the Egyptian goddess of protection, that I can help Seth get his immortality back. It’s why they pushed my cousin, Izzy, through a portal to the Underworld, knowing I had no choice but to follow her.

Now, I’m trapped in this godforsaken place, forced to conquer all twelve caverns, with Seth by my side.

Blaze
I was born into a Traveler clan. Grew up with tales of warriors and magic. I thought it was all bullshit. Fairytales. Until—

Nisha Blake, the girl of my dreams, caused an earth quake.
And an Egyptian God sent his crazy disciples to kill half the town.

I failed to protect Nisha. Couldn’t stop her from going after her cousin, from walking right into hell. Now, she’s in Seth’s world, bound to do what he wishes.

Our only chance, to get the girls back, is to find The Book of the Dead—some long lost magic tome, no one has seen or heard of in ages.

Wish us luck.
We’ll need it. 

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About the Author:

Nadine aka Dini is a traveler at heart. She considers the world her home and practically lives out of her suitcases. When she's not glaring at a blank page or abusing her poor keyboard, she spends her time reading, watching movies (preferably horror), pretends to work out, and hangs out with friends and family. Poor girl also suffers from a serious Marvel superhero addiction. So, if you run into her at night, wearing black, know she's secretly dreaming of being the infamous Black Widow.

Her love for writing started in the sixth grade where she annoyed her classmates with a short story featuring Sailor Moon characters, a cemetery, and creepy ghosts. Yes, she's always been addicted to the dark side. Nadine writes paranormal romance. Her debut novel "Karma" the first book in her paranormal romance series Drag.Me.To.Hell. is published by the Wild Rose Press.

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Cover Reveal Organized By:

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