I love this world so much and loved returning to it and my beloved characters. So much has changed since the beginning of book one. For one thing, we I love this world so much and loved returning to it and my beloved characters. So much has changed since the beginning of book one. For one thing, we now have the Neverseen King's POV, which I love so much! I absolutely adored seeing him and Nadira slowly growing closer together as they figured out their brand new marriage and how to work as a team. And it is absolutely imperative that they work as a team, because between the portals, the city, and the treacherous Fae, they need each other or else everything will crumple.
Personally, I could read about Nadira and the Neverseen King bantering for hours and love this book so much for giving me that. But it came at a cost, and now my heart is broken and I'm left with a cliffhanger, so there's that to. But you should definitely read it because I know the third book will be worth it.
Note to more sensitive readers: on-page violence, tragic deaths, and exploration of trauma and its consequences.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, I laughed, I cried, and fell in love with the Neverseen King all over again....more
I really enjoy this series and watching each prince find his happily ever after with a young lady discovering her magic. One of my favorite aspects ofI really enjoy this series and watching each prince find his happily ever after with a young lady discovering her magic. One of my favorite aspects of this series is the way the villainess has her own role in each fairy-tale.
This story is a Little Mermaid retelling, but the twist is that the heroine isn't a mermaid, but a pirate. Another twist is that even though the hero is a prince, he's a monk. They are each other's opposite, and they certainly get in enough arguments because of that giving it an enemies to lovers vibe which is always fun.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This is the perfect story for fairy-tale lovers who enjoy unique fantasy worlds. ...more
This was such a great conclusion to the Ribbons & Claws trilogy! It gave a satisfying climax to Caroline's story while hinting at all the tales yet toThis was such a great conclusion to the Ribbons & Claws trilogy! It gave a satisfying climax to Caroline's story while hinting at all the tales yet to come from the Shifter Alliance. I love the grumpy-sunshine dynamic between Caroline and Morgan as well as the power team they make now that they're both on the same page. Also loved seeing all my favorite characters including the mayor and a certain dark elf- really hope to get more of their stories.
Note to more sensitive readers: There was some light course language and a lot of flirting with innuendos.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
Anyway, if you want to dive into a unique urban fantasy world with all kinds of paranormal creatures to meet and romances to witness, definitely start here!...more
I saw this cover and knew I couldn't walk away. I'm obsessed with Greek myths, but the legend of the first queen of the Amazons is vaguer to me, and II saw this cover and knew I couldn't walk away. I'm obsessed with Greek myths, but the legend of the first queen of the Amazons is vaguer to me, and I had to read this version of it.
This story is the tale of a mortal woman caught up in the whims of gods and men as she tries to find a way to survive. It is an adventure, with an ever growing cast of women as Otera tries to figure out her quest in an ancient Greek landscape. Well I would have enjoyed the story significantly more and been better immersed if it was closer to PG-13 than R, I did enjoy the exploration of women's roles in ancient society and Otera seeking a better life for herself and those who joined her journey. I also very much enjoyed the romance, which is slow burn and not resolved by the end of the book, but I am compelled to continue the series to see where that goes. I would recommend not brushing up on the myth until you're halfway through this book like I did so you can have a chance to guess who the love interest for Otera truly is.
Note to more sensitive readers: As mentioned in the blurb, there are several triggering things. There are several instances of strong language scattered throughout. There is violence and death shown on-screen and off, including the death of children.There is a SA attempt and the horror leading to it. There are women of a certain profession who are not shy about pursuing that profession and their relationships with each other graphically as well as explaining things to the heroine who is beginning to regret her vow to Artemis. There is one scene I had to skip completely when the heroine was alone. The ending is also especially emotional and I am still processing it.
I received a copy of this novel from the author via Book Sirens. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you love Greek myths and legends of old, this book is for you....more
This book is nonstop. Poor Clara never gets a chance to catch her breath, and neither did I. There is a lot to process as the stakes climb higher and This book is nonstop. Poor Clara never gets a chance to catch her breath, and neither did I. There is a lot to process as the stakes climb higher and the sacrifices to stave off the end of everything pile up. The epic-scale of everything cannot be undermined, but in order to help others, Clara first needs to learn how to defeat her own demons once and for all.
The book was heartbreaking, and I will need a while to recover from all that has come to pass. But I absolutely loved not only the theme of how to face trauma in a healthy way, but also of motherhood itself. I love exploring the concept of motherhood in fantasy, and this book celebrates that so much. And, of course, this book features a certain Prince who is one of my favorite fantasy characters, so there's that too.
Note to more sensitive readers: There is one spice scene in the middle of the book that can be easily skipped. There is also horror elements and violence including a tragic number of character deaths, onscreen and off. Also, there are discussions of parental abuse and neglect, alcoholism, drug addiction and attempted infanticide. And a character is taken advantage of by another character (the same one who got him involved with drugs).
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you love to read about tricky fae, not-your-average librarians, and learning to overcome your nightmares, this is the series for you!...more
Obviously, if there is a combination of Jane Austen and fae, I have to be there. I adored the first book, and was really excited to see what the authoObviously, if there is a combination of Jane Austen and fae, I have to be there. I adored the first book, and was really excited to see what the author would do with this installment (it's going to be hard to beat Pride & Prejudice, after all), and I was not disappointed! Now, I actually haven't read Mansfield Park (yet- it and Northanger Abbey are the only Jane Austen novels I haven't read at least once), but I knew enough about it that the villains are siblings. And the siblings in this book are absolutely villainous! They are among the most horrifying villains I have ever read- probably two of the top three, actually. Because of them, this book seems darker than the first installment, but that darkness makes the forbidden romance shine so much brighter, as well as the heroine's selflessness.
I have to say it again: the romance was so beautiful. If you, like me, love a couple that seems doomed to tragedy and fight it tooth and claw, this is the book for you! I cannot stop thinking about the bittersweet longing these two shared and all the obstacles in their way. This was absolutely everything I look for in my romantasy books and I cannot recommend it enough.
Note to more sensitive readers: this book contains extreme violence and gore with on-screen killings and torture, darker themes, demons, and zombies.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
If you're looking for dark fantasy combined with swoony romance, this is the book for you!...more
I read and enjoyed the first book in this series of interconnected standalones, so I was excited to get the chance to read this one, too- especially sI read and enjoyed the first book in this series of interconnected standalones, so I was excited to get the chance to read this one, too- especially since it's about monster hunters, which I enjoy. But I was not prepared to utterly love this book as much as I do! It is one of my top 5 reads of 2023 and I recommend it wholeheartedly.
I absolutely loved being in Danika's head and the idea of a brother and sister monster hunting duo. The moral conundrums Dani faced were so compelling. And then is Velislav, a dark fae with the ability to feed off fear. He's the type to slay his enemies first and ask questions later if there's time. With the exception of one sibling duo who are hunting him down. The character dynamics are impeccable and I just couldn't get enough. And this is a very long book, so one would think that I could, but no. If only it could have been longer.
Do yourself a favor and grab this book. The cover is gorgeous and the story is somehow even more beautiful.
Note to more sensitive readers: violence and on-screen killing; a fade-to-black scene.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This is PEAK fantasy with just the right amount of romance to fall in love and never want the story to end....more
I enjoyed book one and was glad to see all the characters again. This series is perfect as a comfort read. Lots of romance and action, but also so mucI enjoyed book one and was glad to see all the characters again. This series is perfect as a comfort read. Lots of romance and action, but also so much banter and humor, and the books are long enough to get comfortable.
Of course, the dynamic between Morgan and Caroline was so precious, with Morgan trying to figure out their bond and Caroline having no idea. That seemed like the only secret anyone could keep, since the characters were always tell the others to anyone new on the team they decided they could trust. Must be a shifter intuition thing. But no one seemed to like the newest addition to the household except me. He was hilarious and added another fun dynamic to the shifter subculture.
Anyway, I'm super excited to conclude the trilogy AND read the companion novel.
Note to more sensitive readers: some innuendos and flippant comments.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
This is the perfect quirky and sweet paranormal romance you've been looking for....more
Kristian is at it again. Originally included in The Bachelor Missions, this new edition includes six pages of comic strip of from the great Darcy rescKristian is at it again. Originally included in The Bachelor Missions, this new edition includes six pages of comic strip of from the great Darcy rescue....more
I have been looking forward to reading this book for a while, and when I finally snagged my copy, I was not let down! If you're looking for a no-spiceI have been looking forward to reading this book for a while, and when I finally snagged my copy, I was not let down! If you're looking for a no-spice romantasy, this book delivers! It's more than just a beautiful cover.
I loved the characters and I loved their connections with each other. Of course, Riona and the prince had such fun chemistry, throwing her plans to kill him into turmoil. But I also loved her relationship to Uncle Kent and the hero's friendship with Liam. And the snarkiness between Liam and Riona was perfection.
Anyway, I love secret identities, complicated vengeance plots, and noble heroes, and this book delivers all that. I can't wait for the sequel with Liam's story!
Note to more sensitive readers: There was action/fantasy violence and death on-screen.
This book is perfect for YA and adult lovers of romantic fantasy!...more
I cannot describe to you the level of excitement I had getting this book, which released just after I finished reading the first three for the second I cannot describe to you the level of excitement I had getting this book, which released just after I finished reading the first three for the second time (I started reading them again almost immediately after the first time).
Due to that excitement, I read this book late at night. That was a very amateur move, and I would warn you to at least try to fight that temptation. There is a higher volume of norswraiths running around in this book and the very nightmare realm itself.
The dynamic between Clara and the Prince has changed, and I am here for it. Clara's trauma is also here for it, and not in a good way.
Also, the scene that is illustrated on the new cover is one of my favorites in the entire series. All this tension and banter distracts me from the pain this series also inflicts.
I read this book too fast and found myself sadly waiting for the next installment with many questions. Is my theory correct? Is there another way to stop the norswraiths? Who's going to combust from the tension first- Clara, the Prince, or me (probably me)? Had to reread the series again after finishing this, as you do.
My one sadness: There was a tragic funeral that I'm not okay with.
Note to more sensitive readers: I think there may be some bad language, but I don't recall completely. There are also horror elements.
The perfect series for all lovers of romantic fantasy.
It shattered my heart, but not in the way it broke everyone else's. I'm going to have two controversial paragraphs lower in this review thatThis book.
It shattered my heart, but not in the way it broke everyone else's. I'm going to have two controversial paragraphs lower in this review that I'll begin with "Unpopular Opinion" that will be spoiler free, but might hint at things if you want to skip those paragraphs for now.
This book was my most anticipated release of the year, and it delivered what I was looking for: forced proximity between the Prince and Darling. As antagonistic as these two are, and as much as Clara insists that they are enemies, they make great allies, and there is a connection between them that they cannot shake. I have a job, so I couldn't stay up all night, but I stayed up half-nights joining them on their adventures that took them deeper and deeper into danger. Seeing more of the fae realm was so fun, and revisiting the Haunted Isles was great.
These two.
The Prince opened up some of his backstory, and Clara began to face her trauma. And the push-pull between them as their chemistry drew them closer, and their pride tore them apart: absolute perfection. These two; just wow. I wish I could give the names of two names that are stuck in my psyche forever (in a good way), but the spoilers would be so great (but one of them is the scene depicted on the new painted cover). Sadly, though the near-the-end stole a whole night of sleep after all . . .
Unpopular Opinion #1: The author added "spice" to this book. I knew that going in, but I was not aware to what degree. It was to a greater degree, I think, than Vow of the Shadow King. I had to skip it- except for one spot where there a lot of quotation marks together- and I honestly felt kind of sick for it. I lost some sleep previously reading it from the sheer draw of the story, but that was nothing compared to the night after skipping this part; I tossed and turned all night until I just gave up trying to sleep. I am not opposed to closed-door things happening between characters if certain conditions are met, but I very much do not like open-door. In this case, conditions were met, and I skipped, but I still felt so humiliated for the characters involved (which is dumb, I know) because I feel, in my very prudish soul, that such things are private to the couple. It also changed the whole tone of the book and the series because it just seemed like the point could have gotten across with less information, and the romance would still be there along with the charm. As for the quotation marks, I knew in my soul that a theory of mine would be either confirmed or denied in the course of that scene, and final answer concerning my theory was indeed there. Which upset my silly sensibilities more to think I almost missed what I'd been waiting four books for. But I digress.
Unpopular Opinion #2: If you've read the blurb, you know the ending is going to be heartbreaking. At the point I read it, my heart was already broke from Unpopular Opinion #1. But I do want to say this in Clara's defense: it's not her fault. And I'm not saying that just because her trauma made her do it. I believe she would have had the same reaction even if she was in a perfectly healthy relationship with the person involved, and that she would have been vindicated (maybe she would have reacted a little less, but still). And if she had not reacted, then it would be clear she was in an unhealthy relationship with the other person involved to just be okay with that kind of stunt. The ending falls almost squarely at the feet of the individual who did not communicate important things before other things escalated.
To conclude, I loved this book dearly until it destroyed me, and it will make you love it as well before it destroys you too. It remains up to you what will be the cause of your destruction. However, I do not think any of us have a choice to not read the final installment.
Note to more sensitive readers: This book has some bad language, more than the previous books, but maybe just because it's longer. There is also horror elements, a bad guy trying to do very bad things, and some nudity. The main thing you should be aware of, though, is an on-screen "love" scene. It's in only one section, so it can be skipped, but be aware that it's there.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own. ...more
The most fun I ever had writing a book was this one. Otello fell in love with Elspeth too early. I fell in love with Otello too fast. And now here we The most fun I ever had writing a book was this one. Otello fell in love with Elspeth too early. I fell in love with Otello too fast. And now here we are....more
This was my first book by the author, but the cover was so gorgeous I had to read it, and I'm so glad I did. This brought me back to the sweet romantiThis was my first book by the author, but the cover was so gorgeous I had to read it, and I'm so glad I did. This brought me back to the sweet romantic fantasy adventures I read in high school, but it covers some deeper themes.
The heroine is a killer, a vigilante of justice, a widow, and a warrior in the waters. The hero is the perfect combination of grouchy and smirky. And the world they live in with a combination of magical beings- like her- and mere mortals- like him is very well thought out.
If you are looking for a clean but profound fantasy with romance and adventure- not to mention a siren heroine- you've come to the right place.
Note to more sensitive readers: there is some fantasy violence and death, including the death of a child.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own....more
It's been great returning to the characters of my past, and especially seeing them all together on such a beautiful cover. So excited to share with yoIt's been great returning to the characters of my past, and especially seeing them all together on such a beautiful cover. So excited to share with you!...more
I know I'm only two books in, but I love this series so much!
Elora is now firmly on Prince Brannick's side against the evil queen who wants all of FaeI know I'm only two books in, but I love this series so much!
Elora is now firmly on Prince Brannick's side against the evil queen who wants all of Faerie to herself. They just don't know quite what to do with each other after he was forced to confess his feelings at the end of book one and is none to happy about it. Elora is convinced she would never do something so dumb as fall in love back, though.
Five great things about this book:
1. The dynamic. Brannick's doing his best to be his normal aloof self, but Elora and I have already seen his cards on the table.
2. The chemistry. Especially since they cannot touch.
3. The bargains, enchantments, vows, and rules that control the Faerie and its residents.
4. Much out-clevering based on the above.
5. Learning more about the side-characters and just how evil the villains are.
Note to more sensitive readers: there really isn't anything bad in here that would have traumatized younger me. It is a delightfully innocent series so far. Some fantasy violence.
If you like fae, fantasy, slow burn romance, and YA that actually feels like YA, this one is for you!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Once again, I have been lucky enough to score an ARC of a great book. I'm going through a slow burn fae romance kick right now, and Kay L. Moody delivOnce again, I have been lucky enough to score an ARC of a great book. I'm going through a slow burn fae romance kick right now, and Kay L. Moody delivers. We have our heroine, the eldest of three girls, who accidentally makes a bargain with someone who turns out to be a fae prince. Next thing she knows, she's whisked away to Faerie where she must teach the fae prince how to sword fight in order for him to win the contest for the high throne.
Five great things about this book:
1. The world building. I loved the fae and their abhorrence of emotions and how that plays into everything. I also loved all the cute fae creatures (and have you seen the author's cute pictures of the side characters?!)
2. Espionage.
3. The chemistry between our fae prince and his mortal girl. Slow burn to the max; I'm so ready to settle in for the long run with this series.
4. The fae prince period.
5. The things that come out at the end! What a twist!!! I can't wait to read both the prequel short story and the rest of the series once I get a few more ARCs read.
Note to more sensitive readers: there really isn't anything bad in here that would have traumatized younger me. It is a delightfully innocent book.
If you like fae, fantasy, slow burn romance, and YA that actually feels like YA, this one is for you!
Sometimes you choose the ARC; sometimes the ARC chooses you. Or, wait, that's supposed to be destiny. Sometimes destiny will choose you even when you Sometimes you choose the ARC; sometimes the ARC chooses you. Or, wait, that's supposed to be destiny. Sometimes destiny will choose you even when you run screaming the opposite direction as these four found when they all woke up on a prison ship. But none of them remember why they're there, or even how. Or why there's an undead kraken- or how, since that kind of thing isn't exactly normal.
Thus begins the fantasy epic as four out of five chosen ones are brought together- and then disperse as quickly as possible because they have lives to live even if the world is- allegedly- falling apart around their ears. Which means we get to join them on four different journeys.
Eirik is the only male POV, and he is determined to win back the hand of his lady love who despises thievery . . . via thievery ala Robin Hood style. He's my favorite.
Meruna is my other favorite, the noblewoman who is determined to learn at the magical Academy before her parents marry her off, or the world gets saved- whichever comes first. She also has a spunky bodyguard here to keep her alive until she's ready to save the world, and maybe push her toward her fellow/rival student.
Dagmy is a mercenary in search of honor . . . along with her sidekick, another mercenary who is the best.
Thyre single-handedly gets enlisted by both an assassin clan and a werewolf pack.
Anyway, there's a ton going on, so get ready to be invested. Perfect if you love high fantasy, epic fantasy, romantic fantasy, dark fantasy, fantasy, etc.
Note to more sensitive readers: there is a lot of fantasy violence, and the characters are not all good and noble.
I received a copy from the author but was not required to leave a favorable review....more
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